Hua Hin Today, November 2021

HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

ISSUE 232 • NOVEMBER 2021

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PRACHUAP GOVERNOR

PT PRACHUAP GRAND PRIX 2021 Exciting Grand Prix event set for Prachuap city and beach p.8

SETS CLEAR ROADMAP

TO RECOVERY

Plans announced to uphold standards, prioritise safety, and improve quality of life.

Environment and climate considerations also planned. p.2

STANDARD HOTEL TO OPEN IN HUA HIN New York, London, Los Angeles, Miami, The Maldives……Hua Hin! p.31

Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort is one of the most unique golf courses in Thailand since there is a 27 -hole gem, lying in the beautiful undulating countryside close to the mountains separating Myanmar from Thailand and only 25 minutes outside the Royal town of Hua Hin. There will be a very warm welcome for you here at the Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort and we look forward to seeing you soon.

MAJESTIC CREEK GOLF CLUB & RESORT 164 Moo 4,Tab Tai, Hua Hin 77110, Thailan Tel: +66 (0) 3251 0672 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 942 3619 Email: bookings@majesticcreekcc.com www.majesticcreekcc.com

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ISSUE 232 • NOVEMBER 2021

Cover Story

Dr. Sathien Charoenruen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan province

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r. Sathien Charoenruen convened a conference of the chiefs of province and district government departments shortly after taking office as governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. To deliver policies and operational guidelines for understanding and acceptance of operational guidelines in order to drive work in accordance with government policies, important missions, and provincial policies in order to achieve the goals of various projects for the greatest benefit to the people.

There are eight primary policies that are given to the heads of government agencies at the province and district levels to adopt when it comes to operational guidelines: 1. Following and upholding the nation’s main institutions (nation, religion, monarchy), the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State, continuing the resolution, expanding and extending various royal initiatives in the province, expanding the sufficiency economy philosophy, the Royal Volunteer Project, and continuing the project/activity in His Majesty the King’s honor.

2. Maintain peace and safety in people’s lives and property, and have the appropriate agencies closely monitor and operate.

3. In the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic, conduct an understanding campaign to communicate with the people and entrepreneurs in the province,

THE NEW GOVERNOR OF PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN HAS HANDED THE HEADS OF PROVINCE AND DISTRICT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES EIGHT POLICIES AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES TO STEER GOVERNMENT POLICIES. implement the DMHTT measures, universal infection prevention measures (UNIVERSAL PREVENTION), Safety Measures for Organizations (COVID-FREE SETTING), including preparing for the upcoming situation in tourism and school openings.

4. Economic recovery after the epidemic of COVID-19 by asking all sectors to come together to think of projects that are beneficial to the people and to be prepared in the future, there will be budgets from many sources to support projects to restore the economy, development projects. and strengthening the fundamental economy, developing goods, tourism, services and trade, along with improving efficiency and creating added value in agriculture, promoting, improving labor skills, developing infrastructure to support recovery and developing community economic activities in order to support the opening of the country and Prachuap Khiri Khan as a tourism pilot area.

5. Committed to developing Prachuap Khiri Khan Province by focusing on the happiness of the people and have good infrastructure, people have better income and quality of life by making a provincial development plan in the short term in the year 2022 and a long-term provincial development plan in the year 66-70, focusing on 5 areas: - Increasing tourism prominence on the basis of provincial identity in international markets.

- Increasing innovation in agricultural product production, processing, and marketing-quality industry, - Enhancing the Singkhon checkpoint’s potential growing trade and investment opportunities open up travel and connecting countries in the region, - Increasing societal stability and quality in accordance with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

- Improve comprehensive management of natural resources and the environment to achieve ecosystem balance and sustainability through collaboration between government sectors, private and public, and a heavy emphasis on tourism to increase tourism revenue.

Which will develop orderliness, beauty, attractions, the safety of tourists, creating an impression by telling the story of each attraction. as well as public relations through modern technology for easy access to information. In addition, creating added value for agricultural products in the form of safe agriculture and creating provincial branding, research and development, production and processing systems, as well as improving product quality and logistics systems, are all part of the research and development process. while creating a balance between conservation and industrial development, as well as increasing the capacity of fisheries properly in both local and commercial and industrial fisheries, 6. Preparedness for disasters, floods, windstorms, droughts, and pests by providing and improving plans, taking lessons, defining risky areas, and defining the preparation period for each disaster. Inform relevant people to prevent and mitigate trouble and damage to the people: 7. Manage waste management effectively by preliminary preparation of both short-term and long-term plans. In the short term, there must be a campaign to segregate waste at the source before disposing of it, which is 40-60% of household organic waste and in the long run, to jointly provide space for the establishment of a comprehensive waste disposal center by allowing local administrative organisations in that province to collaborate in order to support and comply with the 2021 Community Solid Waste Management Action Plan “Clean Province” objectives.

8. Emphasize the professional, professional performance of government officials. Dedicated. Dedicated to working, having a good service mind (service mind) to people, giving advice, giving assistance to the best of our ability, being transparent, verifiable, performing official duties with prudence, correctness, fairness and in accordance with the rules and regulations, and ready to accept changes in technology, society, culture, and different opinions of each generation to open an open mind and communicate with people with government and provincial work with good results and benefits for the people in order to create an understanding between government officials and the general public.

From the Editor

HUA HIN TODAY

MANAGEMENT Honorary Chairman: Dr Thanachai Theerapattanavong Chairwoman: kittikorn Theerapattanavong CEO: Titikorn Theerapattanavong CFO: Duangsuda Pirompin EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Visa Chimdee Sub-Editor: Martin Cooke Art Director: SUWIT PODWARAPORN

HUA HIN TODAY 19TH ANNIVERSARY

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ovember is a very important and meaningful month for all of us here at Hua Hin Today, as this is the month we celebrate our anniversary. This will be the 19th year of Hua Hin Today and I find it hard to believe as it seems to have passed so quickly. I recall the days in 2003 when I had to drive from Pattaya to Hua Hin twice a week in order to make a respectable newspaper for Hua Hin City, it was a long 5 hour journey, (woman driver), I never seemed to feel tired in those days though, it’s in my genes to be a newspaper producer, and I adore it.

At that time, there were no modern applications like we have these days, we had to submit the manuscript on the CD and take it to the printing house. Nowadays we do not have to visit the printing house at all, we can send the manuscript via various application platforms, and we don’t have to sit in the same office, we can communicate with each other accurately and remotely thanks to new technologies that make our lives easier.

Throughout the past 18 years, Hua Hin Today has worked hard to be a fair medium and disseminate news that has happened in Hua Hin for both the people that live here and outsiders. You are always able to contact us by sending a message to the Hua Hin Today facebook page, from the messages we receive 10 people will be selected and will receive a golf voucher at Black Mountain depending on what they send.

Before I wrap up this piece, I’d like to address the concerns that we Hua Hin residents are currently experiencing with the number of infected people still so high each day, there is a fear for some that as we open up our city to welcome International tourists this month, that this will cause a further rise in infections. The general trend of the infection situation in Thailand is better than last month, but not in our province of Prachuap where the number of infections is still quite high, with an average daily rate of 100 cases. In fact, I would like to say that tourists who enter are relatively safe as they have to undergo a number of checks before entering our country. We still have to live with this villain for so long that we can’t wait until it’s totally gone from our world, and the only thing we can do is to adjust and take care of ourselves as best we can to live with it. If you strictly follow the measures, you can be sure that you will stay far away from it. Finally, I wish all of us the best of luck and hope that the situation will get better soon so that we can celebrate Christmas and New Year with as much fun as we have been longing for 2 years!

ADVERTISING Visa Chimdee Tel: 086 3693 604 e-mail: visa@huahintoday.com MARKETING Digital Marketing: Kayes Nihon PRODUCTION Production Manager: Lamai Wongwanakul JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Hua Hin) Address: 87/3 Soi Hua Thanon 19, KhaoTakiab Road, Nong kae, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110 Website: huahintoday.com Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday Tel: 086 3693 604, 032 900 150 Email: visa@huahintoday.com

Yours truly, Ms Visa Chimdee (Editor-in-Chief)

JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Head Office) Address: 194 Soi Pridi Banomyong 46 (Soi Chit Wari), Sukhumvit 71 Road, Klong Tan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 391 9595

Letter to Editor Hi, Five years ago, when I bought my first condo in Hua Hin there were no motorized traffic on Hua Hin beach. About 3 or 4 years ago a couple of food sellers started driving their motorbikes on the beach.

The last two years more and more motorized vehicles made the beach noisy and even dangerous for people taking a bath as personal watercraft were driving so close to the beach. If the authorities mean something targeting rich foreigners, motorized vehicles business on the beach is not the right way. This is not allowed in Pattaya or European beaches. Can you write an article asking the local police or other local authority about their opinion?

Kjell Ringnes Dear Kjell

Dear editors, in terms of vaccination dates, I miss the Pfizer vaccinations carried out on us residents of the Hua Hin Hospital and the Bangkok Hospital. We have already been vaccinated ourselves and we know many foreigners who have been vaccinated there.

Best regards Jürgen and Ulrike Harder

Thank you for contacting us. You raise a valid point about the increased presence of motorised vehicles, such as motorcycles and sometimes even pick up trucks, being driven on various local beaches.

We understand the need for vendors to be able to access the beach but the use of vehicles should be off limits. We will contact the local municipality for comment.

Thank you for getting in touch.

After the initial delays in the rollout of the vaccine to foreigners in Thailand, credit should be given to the Thai authorities for the acceleration in which vaccines have been administered to foreigners. We understand that in Hua Hin, most target groups, which includes foreigners, have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with many others now being fully vaccinated. For anyone who is not yet vaccinated but wishes to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, expats are advised to register via the https://expatvac. consular.go.th/ website.

In Hua Hin, people who registered on Expatvac were given the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccines were administered at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin. The process was efficient, well organised and free of charge.

Kind regards Visa Chimdee

Kind regards Visa Chimdee

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ISSUE 232 • NOVEMBER 2021

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PIG SLAUGHTER MUST TAKE PLACE

IN A LICENSED ENVIRONMENT

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he Department of Livestock Development insists that people can slaughter their own pigs for sale, but must do so at slaughterhouses that are legally licensed under the 2016 Meat Slaughter Control Act. Animals must be treated in slaughterhouses only, therefore, it is illegal to slaughter pigs for sale at home, whether they are self-raised pigs or farm pigs.

The Slaughter Control Act for Meat Sales B.E. 2559 (2016), is a law established to supervise the slaughterhouse for the safety of consumers. However, slaughterhouses are places where meat is produced before being sold to consumers, so it is necessary to supervise and verify the source of live animals, cleanliness in the production process, and animal welfare. And it is important to have a health examination of animals before slaughter, and meat after slaughter in order to prevent zoonosis.

Meat that comes from unauthorised slaughterhouses is of unknown origin, has not been inspected, has not been tested for disease, and may have undergone unsanitary slaughter processes.

The risk is that unauthorised meat sold to consumers could be highly contaminated with pathogens which can be harmful, this can also be a major source of infectious disease outbreaks caused by residues such as catalysts, red meat, hormones, antibiotics, etc. Killing animals outside the slaughterhouse is an offence punishable by imprisonment of not more than 3 years, or a fine of not more than THB 200,000, or both. There is also a penalty for killing animals without notifying local officials, which has a fine of according to each pig, of not more than THB 20,000.

The provincial livestock authority is asking people to buy meat that comes from licensed slaughterhouses for the safety of consuming clean meat, and also promotes slaughterhouses that are licensed by law. You can notice the logo Livestock OK’, which is the logo that the Department of Livestock Development has certified meat shops that bring meat from a slaughterhouse that is permitted by law.

THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE CONTINUES TO CREATE SAFETY MEASURES FOR COMMUNITIES AND SOCIETY FROM THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ACQUITTED OF SERIOUS CRIMES.

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ast month, the head of the Justice and Legal Affairs Group at the Office of ustice, Mr. Piyachat Haikong, revealed the initiative of supervising serious offenders by driving the actions of the oint Special Operations Command, ( SOC). The plan is to track inmates who are about to be released from prison who were convicted of seven types of serious crime Rape or murder of a child, psychotic murder, serial murder, robbery and murder, mass murder, and major drug dealing cases.

The aim is to prevent those who have been detained from returning to commit the same crime again by bringing in the public sector, such as probation volunteers and volunteers in the areas involved, to take part in surveillance, this is considered an important factor to see these prisoners who have previously had terrible behaviour to return to normal life.

In addition, the Department of Probation has also implemented probation measures for those who are on probation with electronic tracking devices, (EM), for behaviour monitoring. People can participate by giving information via the Department of Probation hotline 1111 press 78

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 232 • NOVEMBER 2021

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COCONUT BROOMS - A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE

IN SAM ROI YOT DISTRICT

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ua Hin Todays reporters visited Ban Phu Yai in Sam Roi Yot sub-district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, where we discovered the Ban Phu Yai Broom Group’, a community entrepreneurial group set up to make a coconut brooms. Mrs Bang-on Kampanwong, the chairman of the group, explained to us that previously people were coming from Prachinburi province to buy their coconut stalks, convert them into brooms, and ship them back to the markets in the Prachuap Khiri Khan area and local people were asking “Why do we have no notion to accomplish it on our own ” They went to the village’s old folks to learn how to make the brooms, and they encouraged all of their brothers and sisters to come together and help each other.

Coconut trees are to be found in abundance in the Sam Roi Yot sub-district so they had plentiful free raw material. At first they exclusively sold in their own village, but it was discovered to have excellent quality and good sales potential, therefore sales outlets were expanded. Customers trust the product because it is durable and strong, and they can now produce brooms for sale throughout the country and also export to Panama This sales growth has generated significant income for group members and they have been produced for sale since 2001, almost 20 years, the brooms come in three sizes and two types, made up of a bundle and a handle.

Today, most of the brooms sold in the markets of Prachuap province come from this community, and wholesale customers come to the area

to pick up their brooms to sell in many provinces throughout the country.

These include Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Sakhon, where the products sell so well that sometimes they can’t supply enough to keep up with demand A Thai exporting company contacted the group two years ago and requested the product for export to Panama, to date their organisation has been very successful.

Ms Kanchana Suwat, 38, one of the members, said that before coming to create brooms, she was a housewife caring for her children at home, but as the children grew older and went to school, she had more free time and decided to join a broom group community as a side job. Such is the success and high demand the broom making has now become her primary career because she earns money every day, with a monthly income of at least 4,0005,000 baht without having to work far away from the house. The flexibility is great for women like Kanchana as they can finish their homework first, then come to manufacture a broom, and people can quit at any moment, and currently she makes at least 300 baht for each day she works. Whenever there is a rush order they will work extra hours, even through the night, and earn even more income for the week. “Now I feel very proud of my career,” said Kanchana. Now in 2021 the district has supported the group’s registration as a community enterprise group’, and the brooms are specified as an OTOP product to boost sales further, the district is also ready to assist with marketing in digital media as well.

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ONE OF THAILAND’S LEADING HOTELIERS HAS CALLED ON THE THAI GOVERNMENT TO EASE RESTRICTIONS REGARDING THE SALE OF ALCOHOL BY NOVEMBER 1, AS THE COUNTRY PLANS TO WELCOME THE RETURN OF FOREIGN TOURISTS.

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n an open letter to Bangkok Governor Asawin Kwanmuang, Bill Heinecke, founder and chairman of the Minor Group, has called for the “prompt resumption of alcohol sales to tourists in metropolitan Bangkok”.

Mr Heinecke says that at the very least, alcohol sales should be permitted in restaurants and hotels or in settings where alcohol is generally consumed responsibly.

“As one of Thailand’s largest providers of hospitality to foreign visitors, we are keenly

familiar with the expectations and needs of travelers to Thailand,” Heinecke writes.

“For both business and leisure travelers, alcohol plays a central role in the enjoyment of their visits. It also makes a significant contribution in sales to restaurants and hotels, thus boosting the earnings of Thai businesses and the millions of staff that they employ.

“I recognize that public officials may have concerns about the impact of alcohol sales on COVID transmission rates. However, a distinction should be made in the conditions and environments in which alcohol is present.

“Those who consume alcohol in proper restaurant and hotel settings typically do so responsibly.

“Such environments rarely exhibit the crowded conditions within bars, pubs, clubs, etc.

“To that end, I humbly request that restrictions on alcohol sales in Bangkok be lifted by November I, if not entirely, then selectively to establishments that serve the needs of foreign tourists to Thailand.

“At the very least, businesses that are approved by the Safety and Health Administration (SHA ) should be allowed to resume serving customers with the complete suite of services that patrons expect from November onwards”.

Mr Heinecke also calls on vaccination efforts to be stepped up in a “prime tourism destination such as Bangkok, Phuket and Samui”.

Negative PCR/ATK tests should also be required for “all travellers entering Bangkok or any major tourist destinations from all cities in Thailand”.

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PT PRACHUAP GRAND PRIX 2021 IS ON - IT IS EXPECTED TO TURN OVER MORE THAN THB 100 MILLION.

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n October 25th, Dr. Sathien Charoenruen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, presided over a meeting to discuss the prospect of a road racing event - PT PRACHUAP GRANDPRI 2021’. The meeting was held by oom and was attended by all the relevant and necessary people. The race will be held on a specially adapted track along the Khao Chong Krachok and the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan Bay and is planned to take place between 24th-28th November.

Mr. Sarawut Prachamphob, who is a representative from PTG Energy Public Company Limited submitted the plan to host the race and to use the route along Ao Prachuap and Khao Chong Krachok, which will cover a disatnce of roughly 2.3 Km, races will run from November 24th-28th, from 07.30-18.30. Throughout the competition lanes will be blocked to allow motorcycles and motorcycle trailers to travel at all times. For cars there will be a temporary bypass route for traffic, and in the event that it is required races would be suspended to allow ambulances to take potential patients to hospital through a new channel created.

At this event, there will also be a mini motor show at the Provincial Stadium, there will be exhibits from various car companies, and there will be a sale of OTOP products, which are community products of traders and entrepreneurs in Prachuap province, this section of the event will run between 25th-28th November from 11.00-21.00. The organisers of the event are hoping it will generate more than THB 100 million in cash flow for the region, with more than 300 cars participating in the competition and more than 300 shops on site, it is estimated that there will be more than 20,000 people attending the event.

Mr. Phromphiriya Kitnuson, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, has asked the competition organisers to present the matter to the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee for permission to approve the staging, in order that it is carried out appropriately within Covid-19 guidelines. “Each activity must be clearly detailed, including measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and the effects that may occur in various fields. And most importantly, a list of people who will come to attend the event should be sent to the provincial public health office to check if they have received the full dose of the Covid vaccine within the specified period or not”, Phromphiriya said.

Dr. Sathien, the Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, said the province is ready to support such activities but wants the organisers to have

clear measures to support the least impact on the people in the area, such as Regarding the creation of loud noise and traffic planning, by asking the organisers to find preventive measures to reduce the impact which should be made publicly available to the public clearly in advance. In addition, it is necessary to expedite the preparation of a detailed competition plan before submitting it to the provincial communicable disease committee meeting next week in order to have time to make improvements to ensure its safety and acceptance from the local residents before the tournament starts.

The governor emphasised the importance that spectators must not be heavily congested as this would increase the risk of the potential spread of disease. Covid-19 continues to be a significant factor in daily life in Prachuap province with high numbers of people testing positive daily, he asked relevant agencies to help expedite the approval letter so that the competition could be held in accordance with government regulations.

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SUMMARY OF OCTOBER COVID-19 SITUATION

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REPORT; PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN

ccording to the latest data released on October 28th, Prachuap province has accumulated a total of 14,753 positive cases and 96 deaths, elderly people accounted for 56.4 of deaths and those with underlying diseases accounted for 10.4 . Of the 14,753 cumulative total cases in the province, 2,776 are currently receiving treatment in hospital or are staying in quarantine, while a total of 12,506 have made a full recovery and have already been discharged. Health officials reported a total of 607,727 vaccine doses have been administered in the province, of those, 330,630 people have received one dose, and 261,430 people have received two doses, while 15,667 people have received three doses.

There were 17 clusters in Prachuap province and the clusters that must be closely monitored are (On October 28, the data from Prachuap’s public health were reported) as follows - Siam Aloe Vera which has accumulated 96 cases.

- Canned fruit industrial factory at Pran Buri which has accumulated 82 cases.

Agricultural Industry factory which has accumulated 88 cases.

- Natural Fruit Factory, which has a cumulative total of 199 cases.

-Chatchai Market which has accumulated 139 cases.

-Wang Phong Construction Camp which has accumulated 266 cases.

-Chatkeaw Cluster which has accumulated 309 cases - Nong Ta Taem worker housing community which has cumulated 465 cases.

The whole province has had 330,630 people who have received the first dose of the vaccine, (76.78 ), 261,430 people have received the second dose (60.71 ), 15,667 people have received the third dose, of which 54,668 are aged 60 and over, (62.14 ). 23,462 people with 7 Chronic Diseases have received the first dose of vaccination, (55.22 ).

The whole Hua Hin area has had 94,483 people who have received the first dose of vaccine, (104.33 ), and 79,162 people have received the second dose, (87.41 ) Public Health has also informed that the province still has 88,991 tablets of favipiravir in its inventory. In the new wave of outbreaks since April, the death toll has tended to be higher. The risk factors data for those infected that later died, found 50 (52.1 ) of them contracted through contact with relatives/ family members, 26 (27.1 ) has physical contact with friends at work The daily number of Covid-19 infected people continues to be high in Prachuap province, on average more than a hundred positive test are recorded per day. The consistently high numbers in the area continue to be linked to clusters of new cases, especially in canning factories and construction worker camps where migrant workers are among those infected. A team of public health officials has coordinated with relevant agencies to expedite the investigation and control of the disease by bringing infected people to be treated and quarantined among high-risk contacts, it also undertakes proactive searches in order to contain the virus’s transmission as soon as possible. In the Pranburi district, it is currently necessary to establish a field hospital in order to increase the number of beds available to accept patients after there has been an increase in the number of infected patients there.

Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries in Prachuap, Mr Wirat Piyaphonpaiboon, has come out to clarify that the Covid-19 cluster found in 4 fruit processing factories in the Pranburi district has had no impact on production for export. He also said that the health authorities had been able to control the outbreak clusters and that the overall situation is nothing to worry about and will not affect the people who live around the factory.

Also, the operators still buy pineapples and aloe vera from local farmers to produce products for export as usual and there is no impact on the price of the product, although all factories have slightly reduced their raw material purchases compared to normal times. The number of employees in the four factories is over 1,500 and all employees have received 2 injections of vaccination, the reason for the infection of the factory workers he says, was due to external factors and force majeure, currently more than 300 workers have been infected. As for preventive measures after this, Myanmar workers working in the factory will now be allowed to live in the factory dormitory where the factory will provide 3 full meals per day, and from now on workers in all departments will take weekly ATK tests.

In the past month, tourism to Cha-Am and Hua Hin, especially during the long weekend was very high, there was an average hotel room booking over the 4 days of about 85 , with most of the customers being Thais who took advantage of phase 3 of the government funded We travel together’ project, where tourists will actually pay only 60 of the room price with the government paying the remaining 40 . Direct flights between Hua HinChiang Mai have also seen very high passenger numbers. However, the provincial department of public health has asked tour operators to ensure that they strictly comply with public health measures.

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NOVEMBER 18TH - MOROCCO

NOVEMBER 3RD - DOMINICA

Independence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Dominica officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island country in the Caribbean.

The capital, Roseau, is located on the Western side of the island. It is geographically situated as part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The island is surrounded by French islands with Guadeloupe to the North-west and Martinique to the South/South-east. Its area is 750 km2, (290 sq mi), and the highest point is Morne Diablotins at 1,447m, (4,747 ft). The population was 71,293 at the 2011 census.

Dominica has been nicknamed the Nature Island of the Caribbean’ for its natural environment and is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, and in fact it is still being formed by geothermal -volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world’s second-largest hot spring, called Boiling Lake. The island has lush mountainous rainforests, and it is the home of many rare plants, animals, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the Western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall occurs inland. The Sisserou parrot is found only on Dominica, is the National bird and is featured on the National flag, which is one of only two national flags containing the colour purple, (the other being Nicaragua). The country is a member of the UK Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of American States, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Officially the Kingdom of Morocco, it is the North-western most country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the West, and has land borders with Algeria to the East, and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the South. Morocco also claims the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta, Melilla and Pe n de V lez de la Gomera, and several small Spanish-controlled islands off its coast. It spans an area of 446,550 km2, (172,410 square miles), with a population of roughly 37 million. Its official and predominant religion is Islam, and the official languages are Arabic and Berber the Moroccan dialect of Arabic and French are also widely spoken. Moroccan identity and culture is a vibrant mix of Berber, Arab, and European cultures. Its capital is Rabat, while its largest city is Casablanca.

NOVEMBER 22ND - LEBANON

NOVEMBER 9TH - CAMBODIA

Independence from France in 1953. Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in South-east Asia. It is 181,035 km2, (69,898 square miles), in area, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the South-west. Phnom Penh is the nation’s capital and largest city.

Lebanese Independence Day is the national day of Lebanon, celebrated on the 22nd November in commemoration of the end of the French Mandate over Lebanon in 1943, after 23 years of Mandatory rule. It was also formerly part of the Ottoman Empire.

Officially known as the Lebanese Republic, it is a country in Western Asia, (Middle East). It is bordered by Syria to the North and East and Israel to the South, while Cyprus lies to its West across the Mediterranean Sea. Its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has contributed to its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of religious diversity.

Lebanon is home to roughly six million people and covers an area of 10,452 km2, (4,036 square miles). The official language of the state is Arabic, while French is also formally recognised the Lebanese dialect of Arabic is used alongside Modern Standard Arabic throughout the country. It has a very high literacy rate and has been a refuge for the regions minorities for centuries.

Lebanons richest man, Naji Mikati returned in September 2021 to head the government ending mon the of political paralysis.

NOVEMBER 30TH - SCOTLAND

St Andrew’s Day is celebrated on November 30th and is the official National Day. Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the Nation known as Great Britain. Mainland Scotland has a 96 mile, (154 km), border with England to the South and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the North and West, the North Sea to the North and East and the Irish Sea to the South-West. The country contains more than 790 islands, principally in the archipelagos of the Hebrides and the Northern Isles. Most of the population, including Glasgow and the capital Edinburgh, is concentrated in the central belt. The Kingdom of Scotland emerged as an independent sovereign state in the early middle ages and existed as such until 1707. Scotland subsequently entered into a political union with the Kingdom of England on the 1st May 1707 to create the new Kingdom of Great Britain.

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ISSUE 232 • NOVEMBER 2021

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LOY KRATHONG

IN SUKHOTHAI

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his year Loy Krathong day falls on November 18th, the festival is a ceremony that takes place on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month each year.

People arrange blossoms, incense and candles, which along with other articles are placed in krathongs, boats, rafts, lotus flowers, and other non-drowned relics and floated along waterways.

THE HISTORY OF LOY KRATHONG DAY:

Loy Krathong is an important Hindu day in Thailand and South-east Asia that falls on the 15th day of the 12th lunar month according to the Thai lunar calendar.

According to the Lanna lunar calendar it usually falls in November however some years it may fall in October. The Loy Krathong tradition was set up to take away bad luck and ask for forgiveness from Phra Mae Ganga, (River Ganges).

FESTIVAL OF LOY KRATHONG:

The Loy Krathong ritual stretches back to ancient times, however there is no definitive evidence as to exactly when it began but it appears since the Sukhothai period. His Majesty King Chulalongkorn believes it was originally a Brahmin ceremony to worship the three gods, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, and that it was later followed in accordance with Buddhist guidelines. Lanterns being hoisted to worship the relics of Phra Chula Mani at the second heaven where Indra dwells and floating lanterns to worship the Buddha’s footprints, which are enshrined at the Nammatha River beach. (The Nammatha River is a river in Western India that runs parallel to the Vinthai Ranges).

Mrs. Noppamas or Thao Si Chulalak, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, is said to have been the first to invent the krathong, which was originally known as the eong Pariang ceremony, in which Mrs. Noppamas brought Ko Thom flowers, a lotus that blooms only on the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month, to make a floating lantern in the shape of a lotus, which has been adhered to ever since.

However, there is evidence that the Loy Krathong tradition is not older than the early Rattanakosin period, citing evidence from murals in the construction of various krathongs during the reigns of King Rama I and King Rama 2. The design changed from a lotus flower to a banana tree because lotuses are rare and few, the banana tree doesn’t look as nice though, so later they used banana leaves instead. The Loy Krathong custom is observed in Thailand throughout the country, particularly in communities near rivers, canals, and other bodies of water, each place has its own distinct and intriguing characteristics.

Other countries also hold Loy Krathong celebrations such as Laos, which floats krathongs in the Laos fire flow event on the day of Buddhist Lent’s end, (the 15th waxing moon of the 11th lunar month). The festival is held twice a year in Cambodia for the first Loy Krathong event in the middle of the 11th month, people will make a small krathong and stuff it with food, and for the second event in the middle of the 12th month, there will be a large krathong luang, (provided by the royal family), with food packed into it.

On Loy Krathong Day in Burma, people create krathongs in the shape of blooming lotuses, fill them with incense sticks and candles, then cut their nails, hair, or insert cash into the krathong before floating it in the river. Floating krathongs on the seaside is also popular in coastal areas, it is believed that it floats a misfortune away.

Loy Krathong is again worshipped to pray for forgiveness from the goddess Ganga.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOY KRATHONG DAY FOR THAILAND:

Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most important customs, which is observed according to local beliefs. The custom promotes values and importance by honouring and praising water that is helpful to human existence, as well as asking for forgiveness for water that humans have exploited or destroyed, such as tossing rubbish into the water or floating to pick up bad luck, the Loy Krathong tradition

creates values and importance in many ways -There is value to the family which allows family members to do activities together, such as making and floating krathong to show appreciation for the water that has benefited us.

-It is beneficial to the community because it fosters community solidarity.

-It is beneficial to society and the environment to teach people to be thoughtful of one another and to assist maintaining clean rivers, canals, and other water sources.

-It contributes to religion by assisting in the preservation and transmission of ancient Thailand’s positive customs. There is also a merit-making ritual, as well as listening to sermons and following local traditions.

-In addition, rivers, canals and other water sources are cleaned before and after the Loy Krathong festival, such as digging out canals, collecting garbage or sewage in the water source, then when floating the krathong in the canal a ritual is performed to honour the value of the river and making a promise to keep the water supply clean. An initiative is currently underway to develop a krathong out of biodegradable natural materials for aquatic animal food.

EACH REGION HAS ITS OWN LOY KRATHONG TRADITIONS AS FOLLOWS:

The North Making floating lanterns, also known as wind kites or light kites, which are made of thin cloth, is popular here, then, with the smoke beneath them, hoist them up into the air like a balloon. This Northern ritual is known as Yi Peng, (meaning making merit on the full moon day of the Yi month, which corresponds to the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month in Thai style). Or floating lanterns on the water in various designs, both of which are practiced in Chiang Mai, every year, a huge and dramatic event takes place in which lanterns are released into the sky to fill the sky. Some will be floated in Tak province.

THE NORTH-EAST:

Here it was previously known as Sipsong Peng’, which refers to the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. Roi Et province is believed to be the representative of the North-eastern Loy Krathong festival. In Samanam Khunpeng Seng Prateep’, which means “praying for forgiveness from the goddess Ganga on the full moon night of the twelfth month”. The event’s highlight is a light and sound spectacle based on the legend of Roi Et. In Sakon Nakhon Province it is similar to making an ancient bee castle and krathongs were once floated from the leaf sheaf of banana tree,

CENTRAL REGION:

Loy Krathong is celebrated in every province in the central region, with Bangkok hosting the Golden Mountain Fair which is staged in the style of a temple and begins 7-10 days before, and finishes after Loy Krathong day. A large festival event in the Central region is hosted in the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. There is a fantastic light and sound spectacle at the occasion.

THE SOUTH:

In the Southern region, in Hat Yai District, Songkhla has a great event, and in other provinces, Loy Krathong is held as well. In addition, each locality may have different traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

In Hua Hin, the municipality hosts a Loy Krathong event every year to keep the custom alive and encourage visitors to appreciate Thai culture and traditions according to the belief in asking for forgiveness from Phra Mae Ganga, the river of life. The nigh time activity is considered the highlight of the Hua Hin event, most popular is at Khao Tao Reservoir the royal initiative, Hua Don and Takiab communities are also popular as there are always a lot of visiting tourists there. Throughout Hua Hin city there are throngs of visitors and residents celebrating the festival wherever there is water.

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FOOD INTOLERANCE

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ood intolerance is a type of food allergy implicated with a reaction caused by an Immunoglobulin G, (IgG), a type of antibody produced by our body. This type of allergy usually takes years to develop therefore it is more commonly found in adults than in young children because adults have been eating similar foods for years.

The common symptoms of food intolerance are enteritis, inflammation, acne, migraine, chronic skin rashes, bloating, indigestion, gassy stomach, and weight gaining with no reason, these symptoms are primarily chronic and cannot be treated by medicines. The only remedy is to stop eating the food that your body reacts to, causing these symptoms. Food intolerance usually starts from leaky gut progression that could occur from many factors, some examples include a reaction to food, accumulated stress, various types of poison, certain medicines, germs, bacteria, and organ malfunction. This is when a body has a gastrointestinal inflammation, (GI inflammation), especially at the small intestine area, allowing food and other factors mentioned above to leak through or affect the intestine leading to many other problems.

Food intolerance and immune system issues are usually the first to occur following the IgG abnormal reaction in the body, the leaking is an issue because food must be processed through our digestive system whereby the nutrients would be absorbed into our body, not leak into other areas. Once the leak happens, the autoimmunity would start because IgG is not a type of antibody built to fight germs or bacteria, hence, it starts to malfunction or work ineffectively and damage itself instead. Once this unfortunate process starts, it is not just a minor health issue anymore. Among the foods that are found to commonly cause food intolerance are: - Eggs - Gluten: proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley - Milk and dairy products produced from mammals, such as cows milk If you suffer a reaction from food intolerance we suggest avoiding different types of food for 2 weeks to identify exactly which type of food you are intolerant to, and then once identified abstain from that food for 1-6 months, depending on the severity or the allergy reaction, to allow the body to restore itself. Once the body stops getting food it is allergic to, it could function as usual. Nothing would prevent it from returning to normal again. www.healthlabclinic.com

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HUA HIN TODAY

HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE

HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING?

Dr. Kate B oonya ki at, L A c. DA O M

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– T erra Cl inic

ave you been trying to stop smoking but are having a hard time quitting? You know that quitting smoking will improve your overall health and longevity, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Tobacco contains a natural chemical called nicotine which is a highly addictive substance, it acts upon the neurotransmitters in the brain that release dopamine; the “feel-good” chemical. When you inhale tobacco smoke, nicotine goes directly to your brain, and you get an immediate ‘reward’ in the form of dopamine, once your brain gets used to this reaction, it wants more of it. Even when you know, you should stop smoking and want to quit, a part of your brain signals you not to stop.

Acupuncture relies on stimulating specific points on the body, most often with needles.

There’s a particular type of acupuncture, called auricular acupuncture, involves inserting needles in the outer part of the ear to help subtle symptoms of withdrawal; this will help by: 1) Reducing cravings: Acupuncture slows down the body’s stress response, which can help curb your cravings for nicotine, especially in the earliest stages of withdrawal when you’re also battling fatigue and irritability.

2) Releasing feel-good hormones: Acupuncture helps release endorphins, replacing the familiar dopamine hit with a different sense of relaxation.

Endorphins promote a sense of wellbeing and relieve pain. Dopamine works on the brain’s reward center, causing a mental and emotional reaction that leads to addiction.

3) Enhancing overall health and wellbeing: When you start eliminating unhealthy habits, you feel physically better. And when you feel physically better, you may feel empowered to pick up other healthy habits.

If you smoke, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to support your health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to help someone who smokes stop for good. But several tools can help you stop smoking, including counselling, education, nutrition, support groups, medications, and especially acupuncture.

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MAJESTIC REPORT T

he last 4 weeks we have been able to play our weekly competitions without any disruption caused by the COVID PANDEMIC and have had an average of 24 players taking part each week.

As mentioned in last months’ report, all our staff and caddies have been double vaccinated and are tested each week with ATK antigen kits. This process will continue every week until further notice.

We are still playing courses C and B and work has commenced on course A to re-open in the near future.

Anybody wishing to take part in our weekly competition can register either at the Pro-shop or by email at, bookings@majesticcreekcc.com All the results can be seen by logging on to, www.masterscoreboard. co.uk, log on to societies, Password “putter” The results can also be seen on the large scoreboard on the patio in front of the clubhouse Majestic Creek Resort and Country Club, Hua Hin, offers privileges for ALL GOLFERS, who have been vaccinated against Covid 19 as follows; With your PROOF OF VACCINATION, you are offered a free round of golf which is limited to one round of golf for each dose and limited to a maximum of 3 rounds of golf until 31st December 2021.

This privilege is free only for Green Fee, Caddies and Golf Carts are extra.

Please show your proof of vaccination at the Pro Shop when you register to play.

This privilege cannot be used with any other privileges at our Golf Course. Please make your bookings 7 days in advance.

RESULTS 30TH SEPTEMBER 1st Maem Marungreung, 43 points, playing off 16 2nd Jean Paul Capbern, 42 points, playing off 15 3rd Frank Ullrich, 38 points, playing off 7 Nearest The Pin Prizes.

Hole C2 Georges Santin Hole C5 Ian Wooldridge Hole B12 Olivier Pinard Hole B17 Pam Thomson

Mrs.Maem Marungrong

RESULTS 7TH OCTOBER 1st Frank Ullrich, 39 points, playing off 7 2nd Olivier Pinard, 39 points, playing off 9 3rd Jean Paul Capbern, 37 points, playing off 14 Nearest The Pin Prizes.

Hole C2 Pam Thomson Hole C5 Trevor Grange Hole B12 Richard Gaskell Hole B 17 Olivier Pinard

RESULYS FOR THE COMPETITIONS PLAYED OVER THE LAST 4 WEEKS AS FOLLOWS, 23Rd September 1st Ayyub Mian, 40 points, playing off 25 2nd Olivier Pinard, 37 points, playing off 9 3rd Jean Paul Capbern, 36 points, playing off 15 Nearest The Pin Prizes.

Hole C2 Pau Morris Hole C5 Pam Thomson Hole B12 Richard Gaskell Hole B17 Georges Santin

Mr.Frank Ullrich

RESULS 14TH OCTOBER 1st Robert Jones, 40 points, playing off 18 2nd Jean Paul Capbern, 37 points, playing off 14 3rd Trevor Grange, 37 point, playing off 18 Nearest The Pin Prizes.

Hole C2 David Crawford Hole C5 Dave Hammond Hole B12 Paul Bell Hole B17 Robert Luns Mr Robert Jones

Mr.Ayyub Mian

COME AND ENJOY YOUR GOLF DAYS AT MAJESTIC CREEK

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LAW ON COUGHING, SNEEZING AND SPITTING IN PUBLIC T

he Covid-19 pandemic has made us wary of contact with others. Under section 34 of Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, it is illegal to perform any act which may cause unhygienic conditions that may result in the transmission of a dangerous communicable disease or epidemic. Therefore, for the act of intentionally spitting, sneezing, and coughing on another person or medical staff, the perpetrator shall be fined not less than THB 20,000.

Section 389 of the Criminal Code provides whoever acts in a manner likely to dirty others or their properties shall be liable to imprisonment for not more than one month, or a fine not exceeding THB 10,000 or both.

Under section 295 of the Criminal Code, if medical staff, nurses, and others are exposed to illness due to the act of coughing or spitting of the perpetrator, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding THB 40,000 or both. Plus, according to section 297 of the Criminal Code, if the victims get a severe illness from such incident, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to ten years or fined not exceeding THB 10,000 – 200,000 baht.

Source: PR Ministry of Justice.

NINE WAYS TO PREVENT ADVERSE POSSESSION confirm your own land with Department of Land.

4) If the stakes are missing you should report to the police, and bring the document given by the police to the Department of Land so that they can proceed further in this matter.

5) If you have land near rivers, you should conduct land surveys every five years for checking changes to your property lines.

6) If there is a person living on your land you should make an agreement with them, whether they would like to rent the land or buy it. Also, your contract for the sale or rent of the land must be in writing. If that person disagrees to make a contract, you should evict them from your land.

7) Fence the boundaries of your land.

8) Install private property signs on your land to keep trespassers away.

9) Observe whether there is any car passing on your land for people may misunderstand that your land is a public road.

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ection 1382 of the Civil and Commercial Code provides a basis for the concept of obtaining ownership of a property, which is not consented by the previous owner or the so called, ‘Adverse possession.’ If the land has been abandoned by the land owner for over 10 years, the person who has openly and peacefully resided at that land will possess the property belonging to another with the intention of being its owner.

Here are nine ways to prevent losing ownership of the land: 1) Visit your land at least once a year.

2) Talk to your neighbours and ask whether there is any person trespassing on your land.

3) Check the stakes that are used to mark the boundary of your land, whether they have been moved or removed, (the stakes are also used to

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INTERNATIONAL & THAI SPORTS NEWS Definitely, the Olympic Games is the largest sporting event in the world.

Of course, there are many other sport games of mayor importance. Such as single sport events and nothing beats the FIFA World Cup Soccer.

Unfortunately, the world health situation has forced many sport events to be postponed and moved to different dates as not all participating countries were open to send or receive competitors.

Here is a roundup of Major Planned International and Thai Sport events and subject to final approvement.

2022 WINTER OLYMPICS IN BEIJING – CHINA

THE 2021 FINA WORLD

SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2021 FINA World Swimming Championships will be held from 16 to 21 December 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Originally scheduled to be held in 2020, the championships were pushed rescheduled.

In The 2019 World Aquatics Championships were held in Gwangju, South Korea. Although China won 16 Gold medals, the USA won 36 medals in total. 191 nations participated in the championships.

For the first time, the Winter Olympics will be hosted by a city that previously hosted the Summer Olympics.

Beijing was selected as the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics after beating Almaty by four votes on 31 July 2015.

The world pandemic resulted in the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics to 2021, this will mark the first time since 1992 in which the Winter and Summer Olympics will be held less than six months apart from each other The IOC announced that only residents of the People’s Republic of China will be permitted to attend the Games as spectators.

The world Rowing Championship to be held in Shanghai in October was cancelled until further notice depending on the world health situation.

The 2021 World Table Tennis Championships, an upcoming table tennis tournament is scheduled to be held in Houston Texas, USA from 23 to 29 November.

In the earlier days of the tournament, Hungary’s men’s team won the championships 12 times. This was followed by a short period of dominance

by Japan in the 1950s. From the 1960s onwards, China emerged as the new dominant power in this tournament and, with the exception of 1989–2000, when Sweden won four times, China continues to dominate the sport.

China’s men’s team holds a record 20 world team championship titles.

THE 2021 IHF WORLD WOMEN’S HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, WILL BE HELD IN SPAIN FROM 1 TO 19 DECEMBER 2021. THE NETHERLANDS WILL BE THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS AFTER WINNING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2019.

2021 Club World Cup Football was relocated from originally planned Japan to the United Arab Emirates in “early 2022”. The Middle Eastern country had been selected as the replacement for original host nation Japan. owing to the possibility of restrictions on fan attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

Bayern Munich are the defending champions, but cannot defend their title after being eliminated in the 2020 21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

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At Black Mountain Golf Club, a very special and exciting new dining experience has arrived. Hua Hin town’s renowned Prime Steakhouse restaurant has come to Black Mountain, serving probably the best steaks in Thailand.

Everything from Wagyu rib eye, fresh fish, pasta, salad, desserts & European specialty dishes are exquisitly prepared by Anders and his master team.

A warm welcome to Prime Steakhouse awaits you at Black Mountain.

Restaurant open from 6am to 9pm

To book a table: Email: restaurant@bmghuahin.com Phone: 032 618 620 Mobile: 089 028 3547

Free shuttle from Hua Hin for groups Tel: 089 028 3547

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THE BANK OF THAILAND HAS ISSUED GUIDELINES IN ORDER TO PREPARE

FOR THE FUTURE EXPANSION OF DIGITAL MONEY.

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he Bank of Thailand is developing the country’s financial ecosystem by balancing financial stability and technology development to carry the financial sector into the digital era. Previously the central bank paid attention mainly to maintaining financial stability to build up a strong foundation for the local financial sector. As digital technology has been developing rapidly and disrupting traditional financial services, all related parties,

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including the BoT, need to adjust in line with the change said governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput. As a regulator, the central bank needs to support financial institutions to develop new innovative financial services and products to better respond to consumers’ and businesses’ demands in accordance with the digital age.

The BoT will also open all types of financial institutions including banks, non-banks and FinTech companies to do business and grow businesses under the central bank’s fair treatment. At the same time, the regulator needs to supervise them to prevent financial risk in the digital era. Amid fast changing digital technology and the entry of new players in the financial market, the BoT would balance more between financial stability and the digital technology development of financial institutions. The central bank would also increase flexibility of financial system supervision, Mr Sethaput said.

For the financial stability, the regulator will pay more attention to financial institutions’ resiliency to handle risks. The local financial system has been developing digital infrastructure positively, in particular via the payment platform PromptPay with 60 million registrants, and transactions per day rising to 85 billion baht. Mr

Sethaput said that the digital banking development would also allow consumers and businesses to access financial services more easily and support economic expansion in the longer term.

Speaking at a separate event, Chayawadee Chai-Anant, the BoT’s senior director for the economic and policy department, said the central bank assesses that the Thai economy would gradually recover after bottoming out in the third quarter this year. The central bank forecast GDP growth rate for 2022 would be 3.9%, picking up from its predicted 0.7% in 2021. Economic expansion for next year will mainly stem from domestic consumption, hence the central bank has forecast the growth of domestic consumption at 3.4% this year and 5.7% next year.

The government’s latest announcement to relax containment measures of Covid-19 and the country’s reopening plan on Nov 1st would support domestic consumption next year, Ms Chayawadee added. At the same time, the central bank will monitor the government’s implementation of economic stimulus packages in the fourth quarter to see how it contributes to economic activities and domestic consumption.

The development of the digital baht or CBDC will also be one of the infrastructures for our financial system in the future to provide more options for citizens and businesses to access secure digital currency, reduce transaction costs, and open up opportunities for a wide range of service provider types that can be used to develop more innovations and also have digital infrastructures that the BoT has pushed forward, such as digital ID under the NDID platform. This is used to verify an individual’s identity for transactions in the business, banking, and government sectors. It is gratifying that nearly 2 million customers have signed up for the NDID. In the future, the BoT will work with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency to push for more widespread use of digital ID, as well as promote the development of digital ID for juristic persons in the next phase.

An open environment will be created to provide a competitive environment for innovation from all types of players, it will improve the rules to not hinder both the adaptation of the existing players and the market entry of the new players, and supervision is proportional to the risk of the entrepreneur or risk proportionality. This includes improving the BoT’s regulatory sandbox to be more flexible, accepting more innovations for new players, and expanding cooperation with other regulators so that innovative operators can take the test. This reduces the burden of entrepreneurs having to deal with multiple regulators.

Then there is open data, which is the development of a large, interconnected database for the circulation of information, which is the direction that all countries are moving towards. In Thailand’s financial sector, data linking between financial service providers will increase efficiency and accuracy in policy-making, risk management and product development that meets customer needs.

Finally, it is inevitable to mention the risks that come with developing technology, both cyber threats and scams, with the increasing number and variety of forms, the BoT continues to focus on upgrading financial operators’ ability to prevent and cope with cyber threats according to international standards as well as educating people and service users on how to protect themselves.

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PHUKET KINGดS CUP REGATTA

THAILAND NATIONAL EVENTS AND SPORT EVENTS ARE USUALLY DOMINATED BY MUSIC FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, FOOD FESTIVALS AND MULTI EXHIBITIONS. The sixth edition of 24 sporting competitions is expected to welcome 9,000 foreign athletes and staff, bringing in tourism receipts of 1 billion baht to the local economy.

The Thai people have a special place in their heart for sports. Sports are such an integral part of the Thai culture that it goes way back in their history. Thailand is most well-known to their contribution to the martial arts through their national sport, Muay Thai.

But there are other interesting sport events such as the Phuket International Rugby 10. Teams from around the world have come to compete in this years Phuket Heineken International Rugby 10’s Competition. For the past 8 years, this event has been raising money for the Asia Centre Foundation supporting unprivileged children.

The planned tournament date is February 2022.

MOTOR SPORTS IN THAILAND.

On 10-12 October, the 2021 MotoGP is expected to take place in Buriram, Korat with a budget of B300 million. Thailand holds the license for the event until 2025, attracting more than 1,000 international participants per event.

On September 24th, 2014 Chang International Circuit at Buriram, was certified by the FIA as an international standard track Grade 1 (FIA Grade 1) on which a Formula One race is allowed to take place.

Meanwhile, the 2021 MotoGP will be held in Buri Ram with a 300-million-baht budget during Oct 10-12, after the race was postponed from this year because of the pandemic.

This race normally draws 1,000 international participants to Thailand, including organisers, athletes and team staff.

is a one-week event held annually in Phuket, Thailand. The regatta was inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of the King of Thailand.

The event has been held every year since during the first week of December. The 35th PKCR is expected to take place between December 4th to 12th, 2021

BADMINTON Badminton - Thailand was chosen by the Badminton World Federation to host three major tournaments throughout January at Impact Muang Thong Thani Centre. Virus prevention measures accommodated only 5,000 people, down from 10,000 spectators usually.

Martial Arts - In May, the country is scheduled to host the 2021 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Aimag) in Bangkok and Chon Buri, with a budget of 1.2 billion baht.

The 2021 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, known as the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games was to be held from 10 to 20 March 2022 in Bangkok but was rescheduled to November 17 and 26 in 2023.

2030 SUMMER YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES.

2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games. Bangkok and Chonburi Province have applied for hosting the 2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games. This edition is most notable for being the first games to include badminton, BM cycling, cheerleading, floorball, indoor rowing, netball, shooting and volleyball; as well as having the highest number of sports in the history of the games, at a total of 29. The application has not been approved yet.

HUA HIN TODAY

THE THEORY

OF BLAH BLAH

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have a theory! How many times did we hear that one? Especially when it comes to politics, the news channels or, late nights, when you and your mates are slightly three sheets to the wind to put it in proper English, theories are flowing out the mouth like projectile vomit. Thus, there are actually people who have become experts in Blah Blah and we know a few of them….hehehe.

You know what they say about theories: everybody’s got one…In fact, some people have a theory about pretty much everything. That’s one hell of a “Master Theory of Everything”, they know every little thing wherever, however, whatever and whoever. So, it makes you wonder, what makes a theory a theory?

Is it a story that you can make up about something or somebody, being as fanciful and creative as you like and depending on your mood? Or must a theory seem truthful and gullible? Even more stringently, is a theory something that has to be rendered in terms of logical and mathematical symbols, quantum paradox and described in plain language? Yeah, a theory is all of these things.

A theory can be good or bad, fanciful or plausible, true or false and can be subjected to various tests for truth and internal consistency before persuading a reader, a listener to believe your theory or an at least fractions of it. Now, to have a Master Theory, you have to be able to tie all those little theories together... and you know what you actually notice, there is a fine line between a Master of Theory and a Master of Bullshit! And the funny side of this, it seems it is a growing trend, the bigger the theory, the more people believe it’s true, just switch on your TV and tune into the US electi My theory if I may share this with everyone, is, the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much bullshit and so many theories out there, it’s not even funny. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes his share. But we tend to take the situation for granted. Most people are rather confident of their ability to recognize bullshit from the truth and to avoid being taken in by it.

So, in consequence, we have no clear understanding between truth and bullshit and why there is so much of it, or what functions it serves. And we lack a conscientiously developed appreciation of what it means to us. In other words, we have no theory.

Yours in Bullshit theory/JM on, it’s madness!!! and they want to lead the world, seriously?

Jack Mairoo

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28 ISSUE 232 • NOVEMBER 2021

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CONGRATULATIONS AND VISIT

TO THE LEARNING CENTER UNDERGROUND POWER

CABLE PLAN DISCUSSED

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eputy Mayor, Ms Pailin Kongpan, along with the Director of the Social Welfare Division, Mrs Rumpa Chamlongraj and her staff, joined to congratulate Dr. Rasmee Pholchan, the chairman of the Sila-ek community.

He was selected by the Department of Community Development to be a role model to bring the royal initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn into the 90-day food security project. They also visited the Sila-ek Community Learning Center, which participated in the project to drive the prototype area according to the theory.

At the same time, they planted a vegetable garden to create food security under the design of His Majesty King Rama I and applied it to the Kok Nong Na Model,’ which was implemented by the Hua Hin District Community Development Office. The Khok Nong Na model is a combination of new agricultural theory and folk wisdom that is in harmony with nature in that area.

ayor of Hua Hin, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, presided over a meeting with representatives of Mida Prime Group, the Director of Strategy and budget division of Provincial Electricity Authority s working group, and all relevant officials, to discuss the requirements to relocate electric power cables underground in some areas of Hua Hin city. The meeting wanted to determine the best areas to begin the work to bury the cables that would have the greatest effect of enhancement of the environment.

The areas at Naebkehart Road and Damnoen Kasem Road were highlighted as good starting points.

The policy for laying underground electrical cables is one of the policies of the "HUA HIN WOW" project, which has been included in the municipal development plan for the fiscal year 2023. The mayor has assigned the relevant government agencies to discuss ways to use the budget to comply with government regulations.

If this is done, it will be very good for the image of Hua Hin, but even better would be to bring all the power lines throughout Hua Hin and Nong Kae underground. The major travel routes to the beaches are currently an eyesore due to the large number of cables suspended in a disorderly manner, this not only gives a bad impression to visitors but is also a cause of regular blackout during rainstorms.

CO-OPERATION AGREED

ON ‘ZERO-WASTE SCHOOL’ PROJECT

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ast month the Mayor of Hua Hin, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, was honorary chairman of the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU), on the waste-free school for sustainability project between the municipal schools at Ban Bo Fai and Ban Khao Tao at the Hua Hin municipality office. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin, Ms Busaba Choksuchart, and other related dignitaries and persons who also witnessed it.

The Memorandum of Understanding has been created for the following purposes: - To create a change in waste management at the source using the 3Rs principle to be realised in schools affiliated with the ero-waste school’ network - To encourage students, teachers, parents, and communities to participate in waste management in order to improve quality of life.

- To create a working relationship on waste management together for a strong development towards sustainability.

There were already guidelines for co-operation to exchange learning in the development of waste management at source by using the coaching and mentoring process. To improve the quality of life of students, teachers, parents and communities to be effective as well as to use technology as a medium to exchange learning, communicate, collaborate in various activities.

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HUA HIN TODAY

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THE SO SOFITEL HUA HIN LAUNCHED THEIR GUEST CHEF SERIES BY TEAMING UP WITH CHET ADKINS, EXECUTIVE CHEF AND CO-OWNER OF JUA RESTAURANT BANGKOK, FOR A 5-DAY COLLABORATION.

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hef Chet, has traveled and worked in many countries around the world. He has a passion for apanese, Korean and Asian flavours in general however his cooking style is highly influenced by other countries’ flavours and techniques. This is evident in the dish, Diver Scallop Ceviche Hokkaido Diver Scallops with apanese Sweet Potato, Avocado, Yuzu with Nori Chips. Ceviche originates from Peru in South America however Chef Chet combined that style with apanese ingredients and flavours.

The menu had over 17 options. One of the highlight dishes was the

Pork Belly Skewers with a Korean spicy paste called Gochujang and shaved Negi, which is like spring onions. Another great dish was the Yellowfin Tuna Tataki which was seared perfectly and served with Hon Shimeji Mushrooms and Tosazu Sauce.

The standout dish on the menu, was the Uni Pasta. This was truly amazing. This dish combined the softness of Orecchiette Pasta with apanese flavours and textures from Ikura (Salmon Caviar) with fresh Uni or commonly called Sea Urchins and finished with a Sake cream and thinly sliced Nori.

The dessert option was a Matcha Ice Cream Sando. Matcha Icecream was wedged between Dorayaki, which is a Japanese- style pancake, to make a sando or sandwich. A crumble red bean paste added another texture and flavour to the dessert. A Match a made in heaven!

The SO Sofitels’ Beach Society Restaurant, headed by Executive Chef Tobias Schwarzendorfer, has an amazing location right beside the beach, already boasts a great “all-day dining” menu. Adding guest chefs like Chet Adkins to the mix, gives diners another avenue and reason to try contemporary, stylish dining in this area.

CHIVA-SOM VOTED ‘TOP DESTINATION SPA RESORT IN THE WORLD’ IN CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER’S 2021 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

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ore than 800,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences around the world, a healthy indicator of the places they long to return to in the coming months.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are the longestrunning and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

For 26 years, Chiva-Som has built an enviable reputation as a world leader in inspiring optimal health and wellbeing. With its unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness, Chiva-Som partners with guests on highly personalised journeys focused on complete lifestyle transformation.

Mr. Krip Rojanastien, Chairman and CEO of Chiva-Som, says of the award, “We are honoured to have been recognised once again by the Condé Nast Traveler audience, and are grateful for the ongoing support of our loyal guests and readers of the magazine.

We are delighted our pioneering work is appreciated by such a prestigious audience. We have always evolved in response to our guests’ needs, whilst remaining committed to our core principles of delivering holistic, sustainable wellness programmes which provide lasting transformation of mind, body and spirit. It is due to the hard work and dedication of our valued staff that Chiva-Som has remained one of the world’s favourite wellness resorts, so I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them.”

The 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website, and celebrated in the November issue.

M r. Krip R oj anast ien, Chairm an and CE O of Chiva- Som

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THUNG PRADU COMMUNITY TOURISM;

LEARN ABOUT THE COMMUNITY'S WAY OF LIFE. B y L eon Knox

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ua Hin is a resort well known to both Thais and foreigners, there is the gorgeous sea and wonderful food, and it is home to the Klai Kangwon Palace, the Royal family’s summer palace. Pak Nam Pran in Pranburi district is a must-see for environment lovers, and although overlooked by many Thap Sakae district is definitely a place to visit, it s not simply a coconut plantation area, there are hidden natural attractions there, whether it's the beauty of the sand, the purity of nature, or the beauty of the gardener's way of life. The coconuts and the fishermen have a long history together.

Today I will take you on a trip to Ban Pradu Community’, tourism in Ban Thung Pradu is community based and managed and designed by the entire community of villagers, where you will experience community tourism that is a new trend in this era. Ban Thung Pradu is located at Thap Sakae district and has two main occupational lines, due to the beautiful coastline the villagers will of course fish using local wisdom passed down through the generations, net crabs, and sail small boats. But in addition to local fisheries, villagers also make seafood that has been processed into dried seafood, which can be observed along the way in coastal communities.

Away from the seashore, another occupation of the people of Ban Thung Pradu are the coconut plantations, this area is the source of many of the coconuts to be processed in Prachuap Khiri Khan and has become a learning centre that attracts people who are interested in this way of life and interested in the way of life of the community.

On the first point, we made an appointment with community interpreters, Uncle Nan, and Uncle Toi at Wat Thung Pradu, which is a temple that the villagers of Thung Pradu believe in and highly respect, here they keep and maintain the body of Luang Por Neai for his disciples and people in the community to pay their respects. After paying respect to the sacred blessings we then went to the village pavilion where there is a fish house made with ropes, or in the local language Sang Pla’, a buoy which looks like seaweed to float in the water, and when left the fish houses in the sea, it appears that there are a lot of fish, allowing fishermen to catch more fish, thus becoming the source of fish houses Thung Pradu Then, using ’Saleng’, three-wheeled village taxis that can accommodate 2-3 people per car, the uncles took us to the community centre to do DIY activities such as stringing beads from coconut shells, making tie-dye from burnt coconut residue, and making coconut oil soap,

the drivers of the taxi’s will be community members who will also take tourists to go to sample the sea breeze along the beach. In Khanom ewel Nok Khum, which is the only place in Thailand that brings a special species of coconut, Nok Khum Coconut’ which has a small, slender shape and has sweeter water than normal coconuts. One takes the flesh of the young Nok Khum coconut, cut and soak in herbal water to create a beautiful colour, then mix with 3 colours of flour, red, white and blue, representing ruby, diamond and sapphire, to eat one must put in ice and top with coconut milk, it tastes sweet and very refreshing and is perfect on a hot day. As for lunch, there is a signature menu of Ban Thung Pradu with Matcha Pa Lui Suan, which combines fishery and agriculture perfectly, followed by grilled steamed seafood with curry paste and shrimp paste chilli sauce, which is a local ingredient that is a must-try for anyone who has been there. I can guarantee deliciousness.

People who love adventure can continue with sailing activities with the coaches from the youth national team who live in the community and are ready to teach you sailing skills, this is another activity that caters to tourists who come with their whole families.

Throughout the journey around Ban Thung Pradu, we have discovered that what attracts people to be fascinated here is not what the villagers have built, but rather what the villagers have naturally.

So, it's like getting to know new friends, getting to know your true self, being fascinated, getting absorbed in nature and the people of Ban Thung Pradu here.

Furthermore, the community has encouraged tourism to experience the way of life of fishermen and coconut plantation farmers when tourists visiting the community can take a community taxi or motorcycle trailers that will take us around the community to absorb and feel the atmosphere on both sides of the road with a friendly welcome from the villagers. Another highlight that should not be missed is the sand spa at Haad Son. If anyone has come to do a sand spa at Thung Pradu community, they will notice that the sand here is coarse grained and doesn't stick on the body, the sand spa activities are a cure for stress and fatigue. The sand at this beach has been researched by Thai traditional medicine as crystal sand, it has the power to attract and absorb minerals from the sea, the best time for sand spa treatments depends on the condition, in the morning when the sand is cool it is most suitable for people with internal heat, while in the evening, the sand is warm it is more suitable for those who want to relax or relieve aches and pains. The minerals aid the blood circulation throughout the body.

To visit Ban Thung Pradu to experience the way of life of the community, you should contact the community in advance on 08-15729665, (Khun Pin), at any time to agree on the arrangements of the day program trip or longer according to the needs of the tourists, they can accommodate from small groups of 3-4 people to visiting groups of 30-40 people. Mr. Witaya Santisuk Paiboon who is the chairman of Ban Thung Pradu Community Tourism Enterprise told us that the reason for arranging the activities of the trip in advance is because they don't want to focus only on selling products but want tourists who come to absorb the identity of the traditional community's way of life.

Since the beginning of 2020, the tourism situation has changed due to the impact of Covid-19, they have been locked down causing tourism to stop. But with the potential of the community and DASTA 8, Baan Thung Pradu Community’ is a model community of Thailand that can return to open a new way of tourism in a sustainable way, fully with the standard of the DASTA Awards 2020 and will rise to a Grade A community.

HUA HIN TODAY

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CHIC HOTEL BRAND WILL OPEN IN HUA HIN ON DECEMBER 1ST The Standard is one of the most powerful brands in the boutique hotels industry, it focuses on providing a unique hospitality experience through its guest rooms, public spaces, nightlife, and restaurants. Standard International was created in 1999 and is known for its taste-making clientele, its pioneering design, and its unrelenting un-standard-ness. its Asian flagship The Standard Bangkok, planned to open in 2022, and now the upcoming The Standard, Hua Hin, opening on Dec 1st. The goal of every Standard project, be it a hotel, a rooftop discoth que, or a magazine, is to defy convention, raise the aesthetic stakes, and deliver an experience that can only be had at The Standard.

This is a real coup for Hua Hin to join such an elite list of destinations, New York, London, LA, Miami, The Maldives, and now Hua Hin. Our wonderful city is surely on the up. Learn more about our upcoming expansion into Bangkok and Hua Hin, and plan your visit to The Standard, Hua Hin now, with a special opening offer. Stay tuned for a special offer for The Standard, Hua Hin via https://www.standardhotels.com/hua-hin/properties/hua-hin Find The Standard Hua Hin at: www.standardhotels.com 032 535 999 E-mail: SHH.Reservations@standardhotels.com LINE: https://lin.ee/4Ggq0fs https://bit.ly/3jsY82J (Google Map)

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he Standard International will make its official debut in Hua Hin on December 1st. Widely known as an innovative lifestyle brand, The Standard is an American hotel brand that stands out in the travel industry as it combines fashion, art and music with leisure. The Standard, Hua Hin is a replica of one of the brand's most popular hip hotels, The Standard, Miami.

In addition to the accommodation, visitors will enjoy the charm of the destination in terms of aesthetics. The Standard, Hua Hin with its 178 guest rooms and 21 pool villas with beachfront access will be a timeless destination for the Thai creative class and their global network of devoted clients.

Hua Hin has been a popular vacation spot since 1911, when the construction of the railroad connecting Bangkok and the South arrived at what was a lovely little beach town, by the mid-1920s it had become the nobility's preferred vacation spot. With the passage of time, the tranquil fishing village has evolved into a popular beach resort while maintaining much of its old charm. Hua Hin is already a popular weekend getaway for Bangkok locals who have been waiting for The Standard to provide precisely what it promises: A sophisticated and dynamic beachside resort for those who admire Hua Hin's understated Thai elegance, appreciate the history and setting, and mixes it with global awareness and a sense of humour.

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