Hua Hin Today August 2020

Long Live Her Majesty Queen Sirikit On the auspicious occasion of the 88th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother on 12 August 2020 The executive board and staff of Hua Hin Today Newspaper

HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

HUA HIN READY

ISSUE 216 • AUGUST 2020

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FOR REOPENING

NEW DISTRICT CHIEF MEETS MUNICIPAL TEAM The new district chief of Hua Hin recently met with municipal officials to discuss ways to improve living and doing business in the city. p. 4

It’s official: The city of Hua Hin reopens on 1 August! With poll after poll putting it among the top choices of domestic tourists, the city has been working hard to be ready for their return.

And two big events on the beach this month will likely bring an influx of visitors from out of town.p. 2

APPLYING CORONAVIRUS VIGILANCE TO ROAD SAFETY Many lives could be saved if the determination, vigilance and action applied to the threat of coronavirus infections were applied to road safety. p. 10

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

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

Local News

HUA HIN READY FOR REOPENING Poll after poll has put Hua Hin among the best positioned to benefit from the post-lockdown shift to domestic tourism. With this in mind, the city has been doing everything it can to be ready for full reopening.

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our months after the government imposed n a t i o n w i d e c o ro n a v i r u s l o c k d o w n restrictions, most sectors have at least partially reopened. And although the country is still closed to most international flights, domestic tourism has started to pick up and is expected to play a leading role in post-lockdown recovery.

Hua Hin is frequently mentioned as one of the top choices of domestic tourists, and with reopening set to begin on 1 August, local authorities and those in the tourism sector have been working hard to prepare for their return.

On 15 July, local officials met with a group of tourism operators led by Ms Wassana Srikanchana, president of Cha-Am Hua Hin Tourism Business Association, to discuss Hua Hin’s future. Mr Prayong Chanteng, the new District Chief, said: “Although we, too, have had to comply with the government’s Covid-19 restrictions, Hua Hin is one of the destinations many visitors would like to visit. Happily, Governor Pallop Singhaseni has announced that Hua Hin city will be officially open on 1 August.”

At an earlier meeting, the district chief urged municipal officials to meet with public- and private-sector stakeholders to discuss ideas for large-scale events on Hua Hin beach to help

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revive local tourism.

“If these events are publicised broadly across the nation, I’m confident that they will bring in more domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.

“Hua Hin should promote itself as a safe, clean and attractive resort town with many exciting activities. Subsequently, more revenue will be generated for all businesses.”

This month the city is set to host two such events. The first is the annual Hua Hin Food Fest on the Beach, to be held 7-8 August on the beach fronting Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. Locals and visitors can look forward to a funfilled weekend featuring local and international foods, from street bites to dishes from top hotels.

Then from 22-31 August, Hua Hin of Yesteryear 2020 will take place behind the Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall to promote tourism and local culture.

It will feature a variety of highlights including social dancing, Thai silk fashion shows and live music performances.

These events will be the first public mass gatherings in Hua Hin since the beginning of the lockdown in March, and the city is fully prepared to host them. Several weeks ago, the provincial health agency joined forces with Hua Hin Hospital and Hua Hin Municipality to train local businesses, including beauty salons, spas,

restaurants, markets and convenience stores, on how best to keep the city Covid-free.

The municipality also has a team of inspectors regularly check on local business establishments to ensure strict compliance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines and increase confidence among locals and visitors.

So we can say with certainty that when the first domestic flights to Hua Hin resume on 7 August, the city will be ready to extend a hearty welcome!

The first scheduled flights to resume operating this month are as follows: FD3910 Hua Hin - Udon Thani | departure time: 11.30 | arrival: 12.55 (Friday, Sunday) FD3911 Udon Thani - Hua Hin | departure time: 13.25 | arrival: 14.40 (Friday, Sunday) FD3900 Chiang Mai - Hua Hin | departure time: 10.00 | arrival: 11.00 (Friday, Sunday) FD3901 Hua Hin - Chiang Mai | departure time: 15.10 | arrival: 13.10 (Friday, Sunday)

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From the Editor

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HUA HIN TODAY

MANAGEMENT Honorary Chairman: Dr Thanachai Theerapattanavong Chairman: kittikorn Theerapattanavong CEO: Titikorn Theerapattanavong CFO: Duangsuda Pirompin

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he challenges we’re facing today have been both unexpected and devastating.

The new surge of coronavirus cases around the world alone has changed the way we live, work and manage our businesses. Nevertheless, we at Hua Hin Today have been trying our best to keep you informed and up to date on current events amidst the crisis.

Looking back over the last couple of months, I believe that we, the people of Hua Hin, locals and expats alike, have lived up to the standards required by the government. We have all adhered strictly to government measures, and the result is very satisfying – Thailand has indeed been able to handle the pandemic crisis very well.

We can see from the efforts of various local agencies that Hua Hin has set a high standard of disease control and prevention in order to restore tourist confidence and draw them back to visit our city again.

The good cooperation between Hua Hin Municipality, Prachuap tourism, and Hua Hin entrepreneurs has resulted in the launch of numerous special tours and promotions starting two months ago.

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Visa Chimdee Sub-Editor: Wiriya Sungkhaniyom Art Director: Panyaporn Panyachote Something to look forward to this month is the annual “Hua Hin Food Festival,” to be held 7-8 August on the beachfront of Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. Locals and visitors are welcome to enjoy a fun-filled weekend featuring local and international cuisines prepared by top hotels in the region.

From 22-31 August, “Hua Hin of Yesteryear 2020” will take place at the Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall to promote tourism and local culture. It promises to be a spectacular event, with highlights including ballroom dancing, Thai silk fashion shows, and live music performances.

I would like to invite all to join in supporting our local businesses by chilling out with your family and friends at these events. As for me, I can’t wait to catch the excitement and hopefully to see you there.

On a closing note, we always welcome your comments, story suggestions, and letters to the editor. We’re here to continue to make improvements to suit your preferences and interests.

Yours truly, Visa Chimdee - Editor-in-Chief

ADVERTISING Visa Chimdee Tel: 086 3693 604 e-mail: visa@huahintoday.com PRODUCTION Production Manager: Lamai Wongwanakul JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Hua Hin) Address: 87/3 Soi Hua Thanon 19, KhaoTakiab Road, Nong kae, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110 Website: huahintoday.com Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday Tel: 086 3693 604, 032 900 150 Email: visa@huahintoday.com JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Head Office) Address: 94 Soi Pridi Banomyong 46 (Soi Chit Wari), Sukhumvit 71 Road, Klong Tan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 391 9595

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

Local News

NEW DISTRICT CHIEF MEETS WITH MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS M

r Prayong Chanteng, Hua Hin’s new District Chief, met last month with municipal administrators to discuss future plans and policies involving the two agencies.

As the top government administrator in Hua Hin, Mr Prayong is in charge of coordinating plans and projects with the mayor and local authorities.

During the meeting, he emphasised the safety and security of people and properties as well as the importance of maintaining cleanliness and orderliness around town. He also suggested that the national flag and the ing’s emblem be displayed more widely as the city is the second home of the oyal Family.

On the subject of public services, he urged that the municipality ensure public convenience by streamlining the processes of approving new building plans and modifications to e isting ones as well as construction permit issuance.

The fact that municipal approval of building plans and construction takes a large amount of time has resulted in works being delayed and investors having to endure long waits before they can commence on their hospitality, residential and other projects. The chief made clear, however, that relevant rules and regulations still need to be strictly followed.

On the subject of the local economy, r rayong suggested that the municipality meet with public and private-sector stakeholders to discuss ideas for large-scale events on Hua Hin beach to help revive the local tourism sector.

Over the last two months, local businesses have gradually reopened and domestic tourists, especially Bangkokians, have started coming to Hua Hin on weekends.

“It may seem to be a slow start for the economy, but it shows that we are going in the right direction, r rayong said.

MEETING TACKLES HUA HIN BEACH ORGANISATION

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ua Hin Deputy Mayor Busaba Choksuchat chaired a meeting between the Marine Department, Hua Hin police, and the Municipal Police and Sanitation and Environment departments to find ways to keep Hua Hin beach organised.

The key concern was that some 40-50 shops and restaurants along Hua Hin Beach and all the way to Khao Takiab beach are operating without permission from the relevant authorities.

The representative from the Marine Department suggested that the municipality officially re uest permission from his agency, which has jurisdiction over the beach areas, to use specific areas for commercial purposes. Once the re uest is granted, the municipality can take action against operators who fail to comply with municipal regulation. rior to the meeting, municipal staff and Hua Hin traffic police had made attempts to impose order on beach areas by asking business operators not to set up stalls on public pavements or park vehicles on the walkway down to the beach. Free parking is provided in municipal parking lots to ensure visitors’ convenience.

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

Local News

MAJOR ONLINE GAMBLING RING RAIDED IN HUA HIN

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July 1st sting operation against a major online gambling ring based in Hua Hin resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects and led to criminal and money-laundering investigations.

Deputy Police Commissioner-General Suwat Jangyodsuk ordered the operation following the arrest of a government employee accused of embezzling government funds to pay for her gambling habit. A team led by ol aj en

Phantana Nutchanat, Intelligence Commander for the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, conducted a raid at 11/128 Chonprathan Road in Samorprong illage, which is registered as the office of a website design company called RICHIDEA Huahin. olice arrested people, confiscated desktop computers and discovered links to 43 gambling sites fre uented by a large number of domestic and international users. The network’s monthly turnover was estimated to be hundreds of millions of baht. All suspects were charged and taken to Hua Hin olice Station for uestioning.

Ten days later, Likit Khiewkhum, 25, and Athit Pong-Akkasira, 28, presented themselves to police. They were charged with operating an illegal online gambling business but were later released on bail of , baht each. rachuap Khiri Khan Police Chief Surasak Suksang said the two denied all charges.

Investigating officers discovered from sei ed documents that more people were involved in the network and called for further investigation.

Pol Col Damrongsak Thongngamtrakul, Deputy Chief of Prachuap Khiri Khan Police, is leading an investigation into the ring’s finances following the discovery of several bank accounts linked to it. The Anti- oney Laundering Office is said to have opened a parallel investigation into possible money-laundering violations.

The crackdown on the online gambling ring followed the arrest of Ms Khanittha Hoithong, 28, a finance and accounting officer at rachuap hiri han rovincial Office. She confessed to stealing nearly 40 million baht in government funds and spending most of it on gambling including online football gambling. Subse uently, police launched an investigation into online gambling networks believed to operate out of Hua Hin. Khanittha is said to have embezzled the money by forging signatures on government che ues, starting in June 2019, and making multiple online money transfers from government accounts into her personal accounts.

In June 2018, Hua Hin Today reported a similar case that led to the arrest of 18 people and the confiscation of large amounts of computer e uipment and financial documents. A task force led by then-Deputy Chief of Tourist Police Maj Gen Surachet Hakpal raided two houses in Samorprong Village where online gambling operations were based.

The suspects arrested in that case and the ones caught in the July 1st sting operation are members of the same ring, according to police.

The houses raided in 1 were listed as offices of an advertising company, but like RICHIDEA Huahin, that business was only a cover for the gambling operation.

FIRST ROUND OF MONKEY STERILISATION

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n 1 July, r anchai Singto, director of ildlife and lant onservation Office Area , and veterinarians from the epartment of ational arks, ildlife and lant onservation rounded up maca ues in hao Takiab and sterilised them as part of the hao Takiab onkey opulation ontrol roject.

The objective of this project is to curb the rapid growth of the area’s monkey population, which has been a grave concern for residents and nearby communities. ore than , monkeys are believed to live in the area. They have been a source of nuisance, destroying properties and scattering trash as they go in search of food and sometimes even snatching food from local people and visitors.

The monkey population control scheme is a collaboration between Hua Hin unicipality and the local office of the epartment of ational arks, ildlife and lant onservation and has been in operation for four years.

The second round of sterilisation operations will be conducted in August, targeting monkeys in the hao Hin Lek Fai area. The agencies in charge have reassured the public that the sterilisation procedure is carried out in accordance with standard veterinary guidelines and does not harm the monkeys.

phan t e , or of of the itoring eputy usaba of the

new ing of ctions, ers of al area on the ensure ipality capes

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HUA HIN ROTARY CLUB ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT O

Ms Nicharee Subma, the new president of Hua Hin Rotary Club

n July 2nd, members of the Rotary Club of Hua Hin, led by outgoing president Chayanisa Raksaeviang, gathered in the ballroom of the Hua Hin rand Hotel to elect a new president. s Nicharee Subma won the most votes to become the club’s president for 1.

During her acceptance speech, Ms Nicharee said she would uphold the club’s service commitment and adhere to its principles and standards in order to ensure that otary Hua Hin achieve its goals. She also vowed to work to the best of her ability as past presidents of the club had done.

“There must be a clear policy in line with the work of otary in the new normal’ era. A 5-year strategic plan must be drafted with clarity and certainty. urrently, Rotary is setting a goal to accept donations for Patients Suffering from Polio, an international Rotary programme pursued by clubs in every region across the country,” she said.

The Rotary Club strives to select, recruit and introduce new members from different generations and professional backgrounds in order to enhance the organisation’s work unity and provide aid to the community.

For the years since its founding, Hua Hin otary lub has contributed to several social work causes.

It has built roadside shelters and school restrooms, provided basic necessities to people in need and distributed gifts to children on Children’s Day, among other endeavors. As club president, s icharee will continue the many projects initiated by her predecessors to serve the community.

Miss Nicharee, a graduate of Kasem Bundit niversity, angkok and oyal Thai Air Force Senior ecutive elations evelopment rogramme, is married to angkok-based businessman achira Sirithienthong with one daughter. She is the niece of famed golf pro rayad aksang.

Kittiphong Siripetchakasem, seated, centre

LIONS CLUB HUA HIN WELCOMES NEW LEADER

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n July th, the Lions Club of Hua Hin 310D welcomed their new president, Mr Kittiphong Siripetchkasem, along with the new board of e ecutives and new members during an inaugural ceremony at Hua Hin ae ai estaurant.

The club conducts activities in accordance with the policies of Lions Club International. Over the years it has organised numerous projects benefitting the local community, including the Eye Care project for the elderly, Cancer are for oung omen, iabetes are rogramme, the heelchair roject, nvironmental articipation project and many others.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the club has taken part in disease prevention and relief distribution activities to help less fortunate people in the district.

Mr Kittiphong said he was honoured and grateful to be entrusted with the presidency by the club’s 7 members. As the head of a charity organisation with a commitment to help society’s less fortunate, he vowed to perform his tasks with integrity and transparency.

“I’m asking for cooperation from all the members to work together in order to achieve our common goal of success, he said.

He added that he would work according to the standards of the club and continue to uphold its policy as the club’s past presidents had done.

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HUA HIN ORGANIC MARKET

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he Hua Hin Agricultural tension Office is working to support and encourage local farmers to adopt organic farming in accordance with the inistry of Agriculture and ooperatives’ policy. urrently, a number of Hua Hin-area farmers’ groups are growing organic produce and selling them directly to consumers without going through retailers or middlemen.

The objective of the organic farming initiative is to make healthy, chemical-free agricultural produce available to Hua Hin residents and tourists while at the same time providing farmers with a sustainable way to make a living.

To support this initiative, Hua Hin OTO entre allows more than farmers to set up produce stalls in front of the OTO building, located right in the heart of town, every Thursday and Saturday from 5. -1 . am.

Hua Hin Today would like to invite all, especially vegetarians and vegans, to visit Hua Hin Organic arket and help support the producers of these nutritious, good- uality and chemical-free produce. arking is available at the side of the OTO building.

For more information, please call Hua Hin Agriculture entre -51 - 5 .

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MUNICIPAL COMMITTEE ADDRESSES URGENT ISSUES AROUND CITY O

n 29 June, Mr Siraphan Kamonpramote, advisor to the Mayor of Hua Hin, chaired a meeting of the municipal coordination and monitoring committee attended by Deputy Mayors Pailin Kongpan and usaba hoksuchat and members of the municipal e ecutive board.

The meeting discussed new developments following the lifting of more Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, particularly the growing numbers of tourists visiting Hua Hin municipal area and the positive effect this had on the city’s tourism and economy. To ensure visitors’ confidence, the municipality had improved roadside landscapes and increased hygiene monitoring to prevent a new wave of infections.

Mr Siraphan relayed a message from the mayor that a working committee had been set up to monitor tap water production in the city with a view to improve production efficiency, ensure continuous availability of clean water supply and prevent tap water shortages.

On July, the coordination and monitoring committee met with the heads of the waterworks and public works divisions and other municipal officials to lay down guidelines for ensuring ade uate tap water supply in Hua Hin. embers of the tap water committee were divided into five teams to monitor, advise and support the work of the waterworks division. The public works division was tapped to help improve landscaping at the waterworks plant.

In addition to the water issues, the meeting was updated on the scheme to provide free rice to the elderly, disabled and bedridden in municipal area during June and July. The scheme was supported by the ae haluay Foundation, led by Agriculture inister r halermchai Srion, and former emocrat party list r Jakrapanth iyapornpaiboon.

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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APPLYING CORONAVIRUS VIGILANCE TO THE NATION’S GREATEST EPIDEMIC Imagine what Thailand could achieve if the determination, vigilance and action applied to the threat of coronavirus infections were applied to the nation’s greatest epidemic, the road-related death toll that continues to plague the country.

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hailand averages around killed on the road per day, according to a report by the orld Health Organisation last ecember.

HO ranked Thailand as the th worst nation on earth when it comes to road-related deaths. The total coronavirus death was officially 5 after five months of it spreading. onsider how many lives could be saved if road deaths were managed with the same sense of purpose that has been applied to the coronavirus.

Coronavirus updates have been published daily, with a constant message about preventive methods, including distancing, personal hygiene and wearing face masks. urfews, alcohol restrictions, crowd and border controls were also part of the national strategy, with significant penalties for those who flouted the rules.

Eagerly awaited national broadcasts from Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for the Covid-19 Situation Administration, and media attention were instrumental in securing community compliance to government measures.

The nation’s success in reducing the impact of this pandemic continues to be a source of pride throughout the community with international recognition.

Contrast that approach with the response to the calamity of the road toll. After years of unrealistic goals such as the ‘zero road-related

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death’ campaigns during New Year and Songkran festivals, acceptance of the shockingly high numbers continues. A very visible sign of the difference in ‘corona rules’ compared to ‘road rules’ compliance is the host of motorcycle riders obediently wearing face masks but not wearing helmets!

A revised and revitalised strategy really is needed. Imagine Taweesin convincing the public to take all necessary precautions to reduce road-related fatalities. That may include a daily report on how many died on the road the day before, details to e plain how these fatalities occurred with analysis of the locations, the causes of death and the driver behaviours. as drink driving or driver fatigue involved ere the vehicles small motorcycles, pick-ups or other vehicles ere seatbelts or helmets being worn ere the drivers and the vehicles licensed roadworthy here are the black spots’ and what road design changes are needed hich provinces have the most fatalities and what measures are proposed and have been introduced by government and police Daily road toll statistics and descriptions are already available at a provincial and district level.

They are reported by the organisation Thai Road Safety ulture Thai S with stark details given of the latest crashes. For e ample, ick-up truck collided with motorcycle, 2 dead at U-turn point in ha-Am istrict, hetchaburi rovince occurred on at appro imately 1 .5 hrs . There are many more tragic and catastrophic e amples to be seen.

Imagine the measures that could be taken to address the severity of the problem. adly performing provinces or districts could have driving curfews imposed, alcohol restrictions,

Statistics from www.thairsc.com

events cancelled and speed limits imposed.

But most importantly, a dramatic increase in police deployment needs to enforce the rules with ‘speed traps’ and ‘booze buses’ as part of a new normal’. angerous driving must be enforced, seen to be enforced and seen to have real conse uences.

‘The Decade of Action for Road Safety’ was declared by the nited ations for 11.

Many governments responded including Chile re uiring those travelling on inter-city buses to wear seatbelts; China criminalised drinking and driving; New Zealand introduced stricter controls on alcohol for younger drivers. olice in ra il are now much stricter on drinking and driving, seatbelt use in Turkey has increased from 8 to 50 per cent, and in Vietnam motorcycle helmet use has tripled from to per cent.

This new normal’ includes a clear message “If you break the rules, you will be caught and suffer the conse uence . ultural change was necessary and has been achieved in many countries, particularly with regard to drink-driving.

It wasn’t so long ago that driving home blind drunk in many western countries was something to snigger about the ne t day. These days such behaviour will be greeted with contempt by even your best friend. The slogan rink and rive, Bloody Idiot” features at many Australian sporting venues to echo that sentiment.

Many commend Thailand for defying the odds and beating the coronavirus. ow let’s move on to the road toll epidemic with the same sense of gravity to achieve a cultural shift and an even greater life-saving result.

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY

16th AUGUST: TELL A JOKE DAY 1st AUGUST: NATIONAL DISC GOLF DAY The first Saturday in August is ational isc Golf Day in the US. Disc golf is a sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf, the object being to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.

Disc golf originated in the late 1960s and became a formalised sport in the 1970s. In the beginning, targets were nothing more than tree trunks or wooden posts cemented into the ground. As the game progressed, courses replaced trees and posts with metal baskets with chains.

On 16 August, make people around you laugh by telling them a joke. Jokes can be verbal, as in the case of a one-liner, a whole story, or in the form a question and answer. Jokes can also be physical, such as in the case of a prank or a practical joke. Either way, the main purpose of a joke is to entertain. Try out a few jokes in preparation for the day, or go to a joke site and pick some to share with your loved ones.

1st AUGUST: SWITZERLAND Switzerland is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern. It is a landlocked country bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The Swiss celebrate their National Day on 1 August.

The founding of the Swiss onfederacy was first celebrated on this date in 1891 and annually since 1899, but it has only been an official holiday since 1 .

9th AUGUST: SINGAPORE Singapore is a sovereign island city-state officially known as the Republic of Singapore. National Day is celebrated annually on 9 August in commemoration of Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. This holiday features a National Day Parade, an address by the Prime Minister of Singapore, and fireworks celebrations.

28th AUGUST: NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

5th AUGUST: WORK LIKE A DOG DAY Work Like a Dog Day is inspired by the strong work ethics of dogs. Service dogs, military and rescue dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs all receive vigorous training and provide a lot of value. So on this day, get productive and take time to appreciate those (humans and canines) who work hard and inspire others!

In the US, there is a national holiday for every kind of activity. And 28 August is set aside for celebrating red wine, a beverage long said to be good for your heart, helpful in reducing cholesterol and risk of stroke, and even beneficial for cancer prevention. So when the day comes around, join the Americans in celebrating this wonder drink (preferably by pouring your favourite glass of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port or Syrah!)

15th AUGUST: INDIA India Independence Day is celebrated on 15 August in commemoration of the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947. India is the world’s second most populous country, the seventh-largest country by area, and the most populous democracy.

30th AUGUST: NATIONAL BEACH DAY 10th AUGUST: NATIONAL LAZY DAY In today’s world, many of us would appreciate having a day when we didn’t have to do anything. In the US, there’s a day set aside for being lazy, and even though we are half a world away, there’s no reason we can’t adopt this amazing holiday. If you want to just sit back, relax and do nothing, you can do that with a clear conscience come 10 August!

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Americans celebrate National Beach Day at the end of summer on 30 August. Here in Hua Hin we can take advantage of the day to help keep our beaches clean, so that we can continue to enjoy them long into the future. Mobilise a group of friends and neighbours to clean up Hua Hin beach, for example, or take up donations for supplies to keep the beach even cleaner next year!

31st AUGUST: MALAYSIA Malaysia gained independence from the British on 31 August 1957. The annual observation of 31 August as alaysia’s ational ay is defined in the constitution, but there have been calls from some quarters to prioritise the celebration of Malaysia Day, the anniversary of the establishment of the Malaysian Federation on 16 September 1963.

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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THE SUNSCREEN CONUNDRUM

The Greeks used olive oil to protect their skin against the sun.

The Egyptians used pastes of rice and jasmine. Sunscreen has come along way since then, but its evolution hasn’t been without controversy.

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he first suntan lotion was developed around 1 by a Swiss chemistry student named Fran reiter, who got sunburned as he climbed ount i uin in the Alps. Then in 1 , pharmacist enjamin reen, who was serving as an airman in orld ar II, used red veterinary petrolatum as a physical barrier to prevent ultraviolet rays from hitting his skin.

Sunscreens have come a long way since then, and in recent years the average consumer has been constantly bombarded with different and conflicting information about them. ou might read from one source that the higher the S F number, the better protection you’ll get, then saw somewhere else that high S F isn’t really that useful. And in the last few years there’s been a growing concern that sunscreens contain all kinds of chemicals that harm coral reefs.

If all this leaves you confused, we are here to help. Here are some of your sunscreen uestions, answered Is higher SPF better? ou’ve probably heard that sunscreens with an S F over 5 only provide a negligible increase in protection. This is mostly true, because S F 5 already blocks percent of radiation. oing over 5 can only give you another percent

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or so of protection. ut this idea is based on principle, not on actual e periments. The only randomised, double-blinded study that has been conducted on S F efficacy in preventing sunburn found that S F 1 did prevent burns more effectively than S F 5 .

Are spray-on sunscreens better or worse?

Sprayed sunscreen often ends up in the wind, and more could end up on the sand than on your skin. ven discounting the possibility that inhaling the mist could be bad for your lungs, it’s worth remembering that a fine mist is less likely to provide ade uate coverage than a lotion or cream.

Can I just take a sunscreen pill? o. In 1 the S Food rug Administration sent warning letters to three manufacturers of supplements claiming to protect you from radiation, telling them to stop falsely advertising the benefits of their pills. The SF A noted that there’s no pill or capsule that can replace your sunscreen and to instead opt for one of the traditional forms available in the market.

Which ingredients harm coral reefs?

In recent years there’s been an increasing awareness of how much our sunscreen can potentially harm coral reefs. esearch shows that o yben one, a common chemical in sunscreen, along with a few others, uickly bleach the coral and damage its A, and it only takes a single drop in . million gallons of water to do the damage. In an effort to protect coral reefs, the S state of Hawaii has banned o yben one altogether. And not swimming in the ocean doesn’t help you avoid the problem entirely, because when you get home, you’ll wash that sunscreen down the drain and it can still end up in the ocean all the same.

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H

ealth

WHY TAKE A VITAMIN D TEST?

HUA HIN TODAY

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• Screen for or monitor bone disorders. The test is sometimes administered to check mineral levels that could be a red flag for vitamin deficiency or e cesses. An excessive level of vitamin D could lead to high calcium in the blood, which in turn could cause severe conditions such as renal failure or arrhythmia leading to a coma or even death.

• Track treatment progress after receiving supplemental vitamin D and other minerals eg calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg).

• Help with disease diagnosis by tracking the symptoms of parathyroid disorder, since parathyroid hormones and vitamins need to work together.

• Help to assess complications in patients with fat-related diseases or those that have had gastric surgery. As vitamin is soluble only in fat, an inability to absorb fat can lead to vitamin deficiency.

• Help track treatment progress after vitamin D supplementation. www.healthlabclinic.com

Taking a vitamin D test is not something most people would consider or even think about, because most of us feel certain that we receive an adequate amount of vitamin D. That, however, is not something you can know for sure unless you take a test.

But why do we need to take a vitamin D test? How could knowing whether you have inadequate or excessive levels of it help? Well, the fact is that having too much or too little of an essential nutrient can be harmful for your body, and vitamin is definitely an essential nutrient with multiple functions in the body including bone health, regulation of serum calcium and phosphate levels, as well as roles in immune function, cell proliferation and more.

Taking a vitamin D test would: Let you know whether you are at risk of vitamin deficiency, especially if you are in a vulnerable group. We all know that vitamin D deficiency could lead to brittle bones or bone softness, but research also shows links between vitamin deficiency and diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, dementia, asthma, and immune deficiency.

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ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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‘BINTABAHT’ A HAPPENING THING EARLY IN THE MORNING S

oi Bintabaht is once again one of the liveliest nighttime sois in Hua Hin after the prolonged lockdown. This is the location of the city’s many bars and pubs, now able to ply their trade once again.

‘Bintabaht’ may be considered a curious name for this vibrant and boisterous centre of the city’s late-night bar scene, sometimes referred to as Hua Hin’s ‘Walking Street’. However, as the western end of the soi is adjacent to Wat Hua Hin, the origins of the name become clearer.

It’s difficult to directly translate the Thai word ‘bintabaht’, but essentially it refers to the collection of alms, including food for the morning meal of Buddhist monks each morning.

Alms giving is a daily ritual in the Kingdom. Monks will leave their wat (temple), each morning at around 6 am, having risen at 4 am, meditated for one hour, followed by one hour of chanting. They travel barefooted and silently through the streets of

Thailand’s cities, towns and villages During their alms rounds, they will carry their alms bowl ( บาตร Pali patta; Sanksrit patra) with both hands held close to the stomach. The bowl is seen as the monk’s emblem and according to Buddhist rules, it is the only dish that monks can possess. The bowl is usually stored and carried in a cloth or crocheted bag, both for protection and ease of carrying. hen there are many monks, the first monk moves on a few paces and the other monks follow the same path a few paces behind. The monks walk in order of seniority – not age, but length of continuous service.

The monk does not expose the bowl unless someone has food to give. The bowl is then displayed and the lid removed. Most of the food is given by women who drop the food into the bowl. This is literally ‘drop’, not ‘place’, as a female must not touch a monk or an object that a monk holds. The lid is then placed back on the bowl and the robe is once more draped over the bowl.

This is not charity as perceived by western people.

Buddhists believe the giving of alms is a way of connecting the giver to the monk or nun and to show humbleness and respect to the religion that they represent.

There’s probably many a tale that the monks of Wat Hua Hin could tell about walking through Soi Bintabaht in the early hours, but that’s another story!

PAMPERED POOCHES

AT ‘PET TIME’ ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND HOTEL Even the most caring pet owner occasionally needs to arrange for their furry friend (or friends) to be looked after when travelling away from home.

S (From left): Veterinarians Dr Chidchanok (Bow), Dr Wipawee (Peace), and Dr Orawee (Pu)

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ome may have a trusted human friend or relative ‘pet-sit’ or provide board, but that’s a big ask.

An alternative was an unhappy stay for the pooch or puss in a caged boarding facility delivering uncertain standards of hygiene and attention. However, peace of mind for an absent pet owner means being confident that the care and health of their ‘best friend’ will always be a priority.

A ‘new breed’ of animal hotel is now the solution providing much higher standards of pet accommodation that can be for days, weeks or even months. In Hua Hin, PET TIME is one such hotel, but also one with an animal hospital on site. This is a three-year-old facility with Dr Orawee and two other veterinarians on staff providing the necessary daily care and managing the health of some very contented hotel guests.

How Does a Pet Hotel Ensure the Well-being of Guests?

• Air-conditioned suites designed for one pet or can be shared with a familiar ‘partner’.

• Staff-supervised exercise and play on spacious grassed areas four times daily.

• Continual cleaning and attention to hygiene to eliminate ‘doggy smells’ and risk of infection.

• Attention to nutritional needs and eating habits, with food provided by the owner or within house.

• After-hours security and complete property fencing.

• Pick-up and return of pets to their usual home available.

• Feedback to owners with vision of their happy and healthy pets forwarded daily.

Beyond the modest hospital reception area, a full range of veterinary services is available including vaccinations, sterilisations, dental treatments, modern diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound equipment, blood test, soft tissue surgery, in-patient department and international dog and cat transport. PET TIME really is all about pet health and happiness.

About PET TIME Animal Hospital and Hotel Where: Phetchakasem Road (inland side) 16 km south of downtown Hua Hin near Soi 144, near Khao Tao PTT gas station Open: 9 am to 8 pm everyday Capacity: 20 dogs and 10 cats in separate accommodation Contact Phone: 094 934 2233/032 900 454 Email: pettime.vet@gmail.com Facebook: pettimehuahin

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HUA HIN TODAY

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HUAHIN TODAY MAGAZINE

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PROPERTY & SPORTS

ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

AUGUST 2020

LAWS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A HOUSE A

number of laws exist to provide consumer protection against unscrupulous and predatory businesses. One of these is the Land Development Act, BE 2543 (AD 2000), which stipulates that real estate developers offering more than 9 sub-lots for sale must provide homebuyers with access to public utilities and common facilities.

A housing project must provide at least the minimum basic utilities and facilities that the law requires for a project of its size. For example, a small housing estate of less than 19 rai (30,400 sqm) must provide an entrance and exit road of at least 9 metres in total width and at least 6 metres in road surface width. A medium-si e housing project, defined as 19-50 rai (30,400-80,000 sqm) in size, must provide an entrance and exit road of no less than 12 metres in total width and no less than 8 metres in road surface width.

In addition, the developer must provide every sub-lot in the housing project with water and electricity supplies. If the project is located within the service area of the

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Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, Provincial Waterworks Authority, or a local waterworks authority, the developer is required to secure the services of the relevant agency. If it is located outside these agencies’ service areas, the developer must provide tap water or clean water supply as well as drainage and wastewater treatment systems that meet engineering standards in order prevent flooding in the housing project.

The developer must also provide a park or children’s playground accounting for no less than 5 percent of the total amount of land allocated for sale.

Developers tend to highlight things like swimming pools, fitness centres and health parks in their advertisements rather than the basic utilities and facilities that the law requires. Homebuyers are therefore advised to keep advertisements put out by the developer, such as handbills, brochures and photos depicting the housing project, as these can be used as evidence should they need to file a complaint with the Office of the onsumer Protection Board against the developer.

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olf

News

GREAT GOLF GAMES WITH A TWIST

Our suggestions for fun games to play with friends during your next round.

If you are feeling a little stale and are looking for some variation and a change from the usual stroke or Stableford format, here are our favourite fun alternatives.

BISQUE PERFECT FOR: Golfers who routinely struggle with a specific hole DESCRIPTION: In a Stableford game, instead of the scorecard mandating where handicap strokes are given, a player can use his or her handicap strokes on any hole until they run out. A maximum of two strokes can be used on any one hole. The handicap stroke (or two) may need to be declared before the tee shot on that hole or after completion, up to you! The player with the low-net score wins. This game is great because if there are holes on your course where you routinely struggle, you can use your strokes on those holes to avoid a big score.

5-3-1 PERFECT FOR: Threesomes DESCRIPTION: It’s tough to find good games for three players, but this one might be the best. There are

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a total of nine points available on each hole. The player with the low score on a hole gets five points. The player with the second-lowest score gets three. And the worst score on a hole gets one. If there are ties, you simply divide the points by the number of players tied. For example, if two players tie for the best score on a hole, they split the first- and second-place points, 5+3/2 = 4 apiece. Or if two tie for second, 3+1/2 = 2 apiece.

If all three players have an equal score, 3 points each.

QUOTA PERFECT FOR: A group of any size with legitimate Handicap Indexes DESCRIPTION: Each player takes his or her course handicap then subtracts that number from 36, and that becomes the point quota they have to make during a round. Typical scoring for a mid-handicap group would be 1 point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 4 for a birdie and 8 for an eagle (points can be adjusted in any way). The player with the most points above their quota wins. I’ve always liked this game because pars and birdies are worth so much more to average golfers than just being one shot better than a bogey.

STRIKE THREE PERFECT FOR: Mid-to-high handicap groups DESCRIPTION: At the end of a round, each player gets to throw out his or her score on three holes and then the best 15-hole score wins. This is a great game

for mid-to-high handicappers because it keeps everyone involved much deeper into the round, especially if a player or two had a couple of “blow-up” holes along the way.

BOUNCE BACK PERFECT FOR: Shaking off bad holes DESCRIPTION: This one is my favourite because it rewards players who don’t give up. Essentially, any time a player follows up a double bogey or worse with a par or better on the next hole, they win a point determined in advance by your group. Any time a player makes back-to-back double bogeys or worse, they lose a point.

PICK-UP STICKS (BAG RAID) PERFECT FOR: Twosomes or foursomes looking to break up the monotony of their usual games DESCRIPTION: This is a standard match-play competition with a little twist. When a golfer or team wins a hole, they “remove” a club from the opponent or opponents’ bags. That means the other team can’t use that club for the rest of the round. This continues until the match is decided. A variation of this game allows a team to reinstall clubs to their set if someone on the team makes net birdie or better to win a hole.

Things can get really creative and shotmaking becomes a bigger part of the round when certain clubs are eliminated. The putter is usually exempt from this process.

TROUBLE PERFECT FOR: Improving shot selection and course strategy DESCRIPTION: Instead of rewarding players for good play, golfers are given points for their mistakes.

A common point allocation: Hitting a ball in a bunker (1); Hitting into the water (2); Hitting out-of-bounds . Three-putting 1 . Four-putting . uffing a tee shot (1). Points can also be subtracted for stellar play such as making birdies, holing long putts or stiffing shots from off the green, etc. This is a great game to learn course management and how to stop taking unnecessary risks.

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22 ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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olf

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MAJESTIC CREEK REOPENS TO ‘NEW NORMAL’

After months of closure, Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort has reopened with the necessary adjustments in place to ensure the health and well-being of members, guests and staff.

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020 golf came to a sudden halt throughout Thailand during March because of the Covid-19 crisis.

Majestic reopened its doors during the last week of June, but no competitions were allowed to be played.

In order to maintain our members’ handicaps, we arranged a weekly Handicap lassification ame each Thursday commencing 7th May until 18th June inclusive. We recommenced the Weekly Competition on 25th June with many members taking part. We were still not allowed to give out prizes after the competition. The winners were announced in the Restaurant/Bar and the prizes were made available to collect from the Pro Shop after the announcement.

• Nearest the Pin Winners A4: Maem Marungrueng A6: David Gibson C2: Paul Unthank C5: William Sulman • Thursday 9th July Stableford Competition 1st Pam Thompson, 41 points 2nd Xavier Diana, 39 points 3rd Nick Holloway, 39 points Maem Marungrueng

Pam Thomson

Pao and David Morris

Results for the Competitions • Thursday 25th June Stableford Competition 1st Maem Marungrueng, 37 points 2nd Georges Santin, 36 points 3rd Pao Morris, 36 points • Nearest the Pin Winners A4: Ian Harker A6: Jean Paul Capbern C2: Mark Helsby C5: William Sulman • Thursday 2 July Stableford Competition 1st Alan Harris, 39 points 2nd Xavier Diana, 37 points 3rd David Gibson, 37 points There were two other players with 37 points but David beat them with a better score on the back 9. nd

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• Nearest the Pin Winners A4: Paul Bell A6: Colin Sansom B12: Maem Marungrueng B17: David Baker • Thursday 16th July Team Game 1st David and Pao Morris, 48 points 2nd Xavier Diana and Somjet Chuapookhong, 46 points 3rd Alan Harris and Paul Unthank, 46 points (losing on a countback) Anyone wishing to take part in our weekly Thursday competition can email to: mjccompetition@gmail.com by Tuesday evening and your Tee Time will be sent to you on Wednesday morning. njoy your golfing at ajestic reek and STAY SAFE!

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24 ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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olf

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GOLF’S DISTANCE DILEMMA: IS ‘BALL BIFURCATION’ THE ANSWER? Bifurcation, where professionals use different equipment to amateurs, is always a big topic in golf. It is once again in the spotlight.

The PGA Tour returned in June and one of the biggest stories was the staggering distance Bryson DeChambeau was hitting it off the tee. The beefed-up US pro put on 20 pounds of muscle over the Covid-19 break and averaged over 340 yards off the tee at the Charles Schwab Challenge to lead the tour in driving this season at 323 yards, 20 yards longer than last year.

Then on July 5th he again muscled his driver in the Rocket Mortgage lassic. He is the first A player to average over 350 yards from the nominated tees, even managing to hit an eight iron over 230 yards from the rough. DeChambeau blitzed the field, winning the tournament by strokes and finishing at under.

In the aftermath, eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie says the time has now come to introduce a tournament professional ball.

“When Bryson played with Dustin Johnson, he was giving him 25 yards off the tee – and Dustin is no slouch… extraordinary, he is huge,” he said.

“It’s great to see athleticism in the game, but to see him carrying 330 yards in the air and with the bounce you are up to 350, 360?

This is getting unreal, something we haven’t seen before, a whole new game we are beginning to witness.

Something has to be done or these classic courses cannot be used.”

Montgomerie added that on 6 July, DeChambeau had 10 holes on which he was within 100 yards of the green for his approach. With four par-threes, that means there were only four holes on which he was more

than 100 yards away for his approach.

“The game has changed dramatically. It’s now brute force and a sand wedge,” the Scottish veteran said.

Montgomerie is an advocate of what Jack Nicklaus proposes: Tournament balls for professionals that go only 80-85 percent as far.

“The time has come, because we can’t be building courses at 10,000 yards. We haven’t the money or the space and there are the obvious

ecological reasons,” he said.

Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley recently said he is also a believer in bifurcation.

“Personally, I would absolutely make it stringent so they can’t go any further in terms of technology, but at the same time I would open up the doors for the technology companies to create different, new ways, new golf clubs and new balls that will help the amateur play a game that is incredibly difficult.

“I like it a lot. I never want to use a pencil and a scorecard again. It’s simple and seems to operate logically, at least for me. Don’t make it too complicated if you make changes.

I don’t have any recommendations.”

Club staff and management committees alike have been overwhelmingly supportive of the recent changes, not only in assisting to reduce physical ‘touchpoints’ around the club but with the immediacy, speed, and efficiency of the digital platform greatly assisting in daily competition management. The pending addition of a full interactive Pace of Play module in the coming months has also generated considerable interest.

The portability and immediate availability of digital scoring have also appealed to golf organisers who move from course to course, with

inquiries to utilise digital scoring for many events outside the standard club competition format rapidly increasing. Public courses are also coming on board as they embrace the opportunity to make significant savings on scorecards and provide value-added services to clients.

While some clubs have noted concerns over the misuse of phones on course as a reason to not move forward in adopting the app platforms, clubs with previously strict mobile phone policies have not reported significant issues with the relaxation of the phone use for scoring.

As the CEO of a leading Australian club stated, “Once you give members digital scoring, there is no way you can take it away from them”.

IS DIGITAL SCORING THE WAY OF THE FUTURE? T

he Covid-19 pandemic is likely to leave a lasting impression on the way clubs manage their operations, not least in the area of competition and social scoring.

Digital scoring apps look set to become the scoring method of choice as both club management and golfers alike warm to the benefits of a digital platform over the traditional paper scorecard. Golf’s governing bodies – the R&A and the USGA – encouraged the move to digital scoring in 2019 as they set about making golf more appealing to the younger generations.

The introduction of digital scoring pre-Covid turned out to be very fortunate in its timing. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in online timesheet bookings and a growing number of clubs worldwide have seen scorecard use drop significantly.

Furthermore, the uptake of digital scoring has been prevalent across all age groups, further dispelling the myth that new technologies aren’t being embraced by older-generation club members.

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Will digital scoring continue post-Covid?

It certainly appears that digital scoring will overtake traditional scorecards post-pandemic. A high percentage of clubs have reported between 80-95 percent of scores being submitted digitally, surprising many in the industry given that it is still optional for members to use paper scorecards.

Feedback in the form of over 1,600 survey forms, emails and phone calls has been overwhelmingly positive.

The often-cited concern of older membership demographics has again been shown not to be a significant issue, with 80 percent of survey respondents being over 55 years of age. To quote two enthusiasts of digital scoring: “Very easy to use once one gets used to the system. Will try the distance features next game as has been concentrating on using it correctly. At my age of 7 I find it very helpful. My various playing partners have also found it great & prefer it to cards. Some did both for a couple of games but now digitally only.”

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26 ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2020

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THAILAND MOTOGP SET TO CONTINUE UNTIL 2025

recent cabinet meeting approved a proposal from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to host the annual Grand Prix motorcycle racing (MotoGP) until 2025 and greenlighted a 900-million-baht budget to help pay for the event’s licence fee.

Thailand currently holds the right to host MotoGP for three years, ending this year.

Hosting the race for five years will cost . billion baht, including the 1.8-billion-baht licence fee. The cabinet approved the Ministry’s proposal to pay 50 percent of the fee.

The 2018 and 2019 Thailand Motorcycle Grand Prix competitions, held at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, were very successful. In 2018, the Thai GP was the best attended and was named the season’s best by MotoGP. The event generated 3 billion baht in economic value and helped increase income distribution, particularly in Buriram and nearby provinces.

This year’s event is expected to be rescheduled to 21-22 November, but with the Covid-19 pandemic still raging in many parts of the world, the organisers need to check with the various teams before making the final decision.

The Ministry of Public Health has prepared measures to prevent the spread of the disease should the race be allowed to go ahead.

GREAT MOTORCYCLE FUN WITH A GENTLEMAN’S SPIRIT ON A PRIVATE RACETRACK

T

rack Time Thailand’s major concept for track sessions is to promote road safety in general, especially for motorbike riders. We all know that roads here are not that safe and defensive driving needs practice.

Riders could choose to ride in one of three categories: Green for novice riders, Yellow for intermediate and Red for professionals.

The best place to do so is on a closed racetrack with no obstructions, traffic lights or -turns and only a one-way traffic direction. So, to get all these parameters into perspective, we rented a racetrack in Kaeng Krachan for a day and imposed safety rules to ensure that the ride went smoothly.

It’s a gentleman’s agreement to a great day.

No racing or overtaking is allowed, meaning it’s not a competition, there are neither firsts nor lasts but you can go fast.

The track rental was paid by the riders and some sponsors. It was just a matter of organising the riders on the track to have a go and learn what their bikes can actually do and what lean-angle their tyres can take on each bend.

All kinds of motorcycles were allowed on the track as long as they were roadworthy. The gates opened at 7.00 am and after a technical inspection and the signing of the liability waiver, the riders settled in their own paddock for the day.

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A safety briefing was conducted by the hief arshal to explain some important Track Time rules.

The groups rode in 20-minute sessions. The Green group started first led by an instructor in blue vest, followed by the Yellow and Red groups. The riders had done a few laps of walking and track inspection in the early morning in order to understand the layout of the circuit.

The Kaeng Krachan racetrack has a distance of about 3,000 metres and walking through it gave the riders sufficient time to configure the ape of the track.

Normal lap times were under 2 minutes for the Green Group riders, so they were able to do approximately 10 rounds in their sessions. After the last Green rider

exited the track, the Yellow Group was on standby at their starting positions, waiting for the ‘all-clear’ signal from the Start Grid Marshal. The track sessions ended around 4.00 pm.

An ambulance and medical staff were standing by at the circuit during the session. This emergency team was provided by Hua Hin Property Search.

Trophies and vouchers were given to ualified riders of the three groups in the final session.

There was also a Moto Swap Meet during the day with various booths selling second-hand motorcycles.

“In the future, we plan to recruit and create a group of marshals, teaching them the international FIM regulations,” said one of the organisers.

It was a great day for visitors as well as the riders who participated in this spectacular event.

For more information, visit www.tracktimethailand. org or email drive@tracktimethailand.org https://www.facebook.comevents/306864763804405/

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27

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Thai Property Group Co.,Ltd (Headquarter) - 395/70 Pratamnak soi 4, C-VIEW Residence BangLamung, Chonburi 20 150, THAILAND www.thai-property-group.com

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HAMILTON WINS IN HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATER DIES Lewis Hamilton slides into the world AT 20 championship lead for the first time this E k a t e r i n a A l e x a n d ro v s k a y a , an Australian Olympic pairs figure skater, has died at age 20, according to the International Skating Union.

Alexandrovskaya together with her then-partner Harley Windsor won the 2017 World Junior pairs title.

“Words cannot describe how I feel right now. I am devastated and sick to my core about the sad and sudden passing of Katia.” Windsor posted on social media.

“The amount we had achieved during our partnership is something I can never forget and will always hold close to my heart.

This news is something you can never prepare for. Rest In Peace Katia.”

Alexandrovskaya applied for and was granted Australian citizenship in October 2017, four months before the Winter Games. She and Windsor became the first Australian Olympic pairs skaters in 20 years. Windsor became the first indigenous Australian to compete in a Winter Olympics.

Alexandrovskaya died in her birthplace, Moscow. No details about what causes her death were revealed.

season with a prevailing victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver pulled out an eight-second lead in three wet laps at the start of the race before switching to dry tyres.

From then on, he dominated the race.

Hamilton even had enough time to swing by the pit stop to change tyres with three more laps to go, gaining an extra point for fastest lap.

Valtteri Bottas failed an attempt to overtake Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the second placer, giving Hamilton a five-point lead over his team-mate after three races.

Verstappen’s second place was surprising, however, for he had crashed on the laps to the grid, damaging both his front wing and suspension.

Hamilton’s win was never in doubt the moment he dashed away from the field at the start, while Bottas may be considered lucky to get away with an apparent jumped start.

Hungarian Grand Prix Results 1. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes 2. Max Verstappen – Red Bull 3. Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes

orts News

LEICESTER TIGERS SIGN FIVE NEW PLAYERS Fiji winger Kini Murimurivalu and Argentina back Matias Morini are among the five new players recruited by Leicester.

Murimurivalu, 31, moves to Welford Road after eight seasons at La Rochelle and has played in three World Cups.

Morini, 25, joins the club after being with the Jaguares Super Rugby franchise and has played at the last two World Cups for Argentina.

Tigers have also signed Kobus Van Wyk, 28, and Guy Porter, 23, from the Super Rugby-based backs and ex-Harlequins forward Luke Wallace, 29.

The club did not disclose the length of any of the contracts.

Murimurivalu, Wallace and Porter will all be available when the Premiership resumes this month after being postponed since March due to the coronavirus crisis.

SOME PLAYERS WILL OPT OUT OF US OPEN: KVITOVA Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova says some players will not attend the US Open if current coronavirus restrictions continue.

The US Open is due to be played without fans in New York starting 31 August.

The country is still reporting tens of thousands of new coronavirus cases daily and possible quarantine rules for players are unclear.

I know a few players will definitely not go if the restrictions are like they are now,” Kvitova told BBC 5 Live.

The 30-year-old Czech added: “I’m still thinking of what everything will look like, what the restrictions will be, how many people we can take and if they quarantine us.”

World number one Novak Djokovic said he is not yet sure whether he will play, while defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal has also expressed the same uncertainty.

Kvitova has played behind closed doors in the past and describes the experience as “weird”, adding that she cannot visualise playing a major tournament in those conditions.

“Playing without the fans in Grand Slams, I can’t really see it. If that happens and everything is OK, I will go for sure to compete. But there’s still a chance I will not go. I will decide when I know everything,” she said.

HAMILTON CRITICISES DRIVERS, F1 FOR LACK OF ANTI-RACISM SUPPORT Lewis Hamilton has criticised his fellow drivers and Formula 1 for not doing enough to fight racism.

His comments came after a second consecutive race in which an anti-racism demonstration by the drivers was disfigured by confusion and lack of unity.

The ercedes driver said There is definitely not enough support for it. It’s lacking leadership.

“From a drivers’ point of view, many seem to be of the opinion they’ve done it and they’re not doing it again.”

Before the starting of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the drivers wore T-shirts bearing an anti-racism message, and the majority took the knee alongside Hamilton, a gesture that has come to symbolise the fight against racism.

Unfortunately, most of the drivers turned up late and the protest had to break up hurriedly when the national anthem began playing.

Hamilton said: “Ultimately, I think it is still individuals thinking it’s not important.

“I want to encourage them, but it shouldn’t be me who has to get on the call and say: ‘Hey, what are you doing, what’s your plan?’ That should be announced or discussed from the top down, the powers that control and pull the strings.”

A spokesperson for F1 said: “Ending racism and increasing diversity and inclusion in F1 is a clear priority.”

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RONALDO IS FIRST PLAYER TO SCORE 50 GOALS IN 3 LEAGUES

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ristiano onaldo became the first player to score 5 goals in Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League as his double against Lazio put Juventus on the brink of the Serie A title.

Juventus is 8 points clear of Inter Milan and needs 4 more points to settle for a ninth consecutive title.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a penalty and tapped in a second from Paulo Dybala’s pass.

Ciro Immobile scored a penalty to pull one back for fourth-placed Lazio.

Ronaldo and Immobile are joint top scorers in Serie A with 30 goals each. The Portugal captain is bidding to become the first Juve player to win the Serie A olden oot award since Alessandro del Piero in 2007-08.

Ronaldo is the fastest player to score 50 goals in Serie A this century, with 61 appearances.

CRYSTAL PALACE MANAGER: ‘I DON’T KNOW WHAT MORE WE CAN DO’

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oy Hodgson pointed to Crystal Palace’s lack of options and said he does not know “what more we can do” after the team sank into a seventh consecutive Premier League defeat.

Defender Mamadou Sakho walked off injured in 2-0 loss at Wolves, the seventh man who is now unavailable for the Eagles. efeat at

olineu means rystal alace cannot finish higher than 1 th place.

Manager Hodgson said “an awful lot of things” have not gone his side’s way.

The former England boss told BBC Sport: “We just have to get on with it and make certain not to allow what has happened in this period to affect next season.”

On-loan striker Cenk Tosun returned to Everton early after suffering a knee injury, while Palace has been without Martin Kelly since January.

Since the restart, they have lost captain Luka Milivojevic and defenders Gary Cahill, Patrick van Aanholt and James Tomkins to injury, while Christian Benteke was ruled out for the remainder of the season for a decisive red card.

MAN CITY STAR ON QUARANTINE, HER ‘HUMBLING’ EXPERIENCE Manchester City’s Janine Beckie spent lockdown on a different continent and had to endure a two-week uarantine on her return to ngland before finally being reunited with her teammates.

The Canadian international was in Colorado when it was announced that Chelsea had been crowned Women’s Super League champions on a points-per-game basis despite Man City’s top position in the league when it was suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis.

TROY DEENEY DENIES FIGHT AT WEST HAM

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atford captain Troy Deeney has denied reports of a fight in the Hornets’ dressing room during half-time in last month’s defeat at West Ham.

The Hornets sacked Nigel Pearson and are one place and three points above the relegation zone before hosting Manchester City.

“The gaffer didn’t put his hands on anybody, he was just frustrated and had a firm talking to us, Deeney said.

Beckie spoke to BBC Sport about the emotions she felt during that “daunting” time.

o one was fighting, no one was punched. There were no hands thrown.”

The lockdown made her “incredibly humbled by the situation,” which she described as “a little bit freaky” and was something “nobody in the world knows how to deal with”.

Deeney, 32, said he was not expecting the decision to sack Pearson – Watford’s third permanent manager of the campaign after Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores.

“It brought me back to my humanity in that we’re not super-human beings. We can be affected by things out of our control.

“The hardest thing for me was getting on phone calls and consistently hearing people say ‘we just don’t know’ or ‘there’s no new information’. You kind of got yourself excited for these things,” she said.

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“You get to a point in football where you are not surprised any more, but I would say this one surprised me and took me back a bit,” the striker told beIN Sports.

Hayden Mullins and head of goalkeeping Graham Stack will take charge of Watford against City. Deeney denied he will have any involvement in team selection.

REAL MADRID STAR BALE IS GOING NOWHERE: AGENT

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areth Bale is going nowhere despite his increasingly marginal status at Real Madrid, says his agent Jonathan Barnett.

Bale was obviously frustrated as he was left on the bench for most of Real’s La Liga title triumph this season. And although other clubs are interested in signing the 31-year-old, his agent says he will not leave on loan or on any permanent transfer. areth is fine. He has two years left on his contract, Barnett told BBC Sport.

“He likes living in Madrid and he is going nowhere.

He is still as good as anyone else in the team. It’s up to the manager, Zinedine Zidane.

“Of course, there’s been interest but there’s hardly a club in the world which can afford him. It’s a great loss that he’s not in the Real Madrid team at the moment, but he will not leave.

“Gareth is not looking to outlast Zinedine Zidane.

Mr Zidane has been very successful,” Barnett said.

“There’s no hatred. Mr Zidane just does not want to play him.”

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KEEP GUARD UP AGAINST VIRUS REBOUND: CCSA

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eeks into the fifth phase of coronavirus lockdown relaxation, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reiterated that members of the public should keep their guard up against a possible second-wave outbreak. CCSA also asked for public cooperation in reporting mass gatherings and other activities that flout anti-coronavirus guidelines imposed by the government.

To report a violation, call the Emergency Operation Centre Hotline: 1138 or the Royal Thai Police: 191.

PEA DONATES B10 MILLION MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO PRACHUAP HOSPITAL

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n 16 July, Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Pallop Singhaseni presided over a ceremony marking the Provincial Electricity Authority’s donation of medical equipment worth 10 million baht to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital. Present at the ceremony were the hospital’s director Dr Supachai Supaprueksakul and the executive board of PEA Area 1, Phetchaburi Province, led by the agency’s director Mr Paitoon Rattanakorn.

Part of PEA’s 770-million-baht scheme to provide medical equipment to 77 hospitals around the country in honour of HM the King’s coronation, the donation to Prachuap Hospital comprised an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, a colonoscopy machine, a high-frequency advanced bipolar device, a high-power laser therapy device and an advanced bipolar electrosurgical instrument.

SENIOR, DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE REGISTRATION

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“GREEN AND CLEAN HOSPITAL” EXHIBITION OPENING

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o mark World Environment Day (June 5th), Hua Hin Hospital Director Dr Niran Chantrakul presided over the opening of an exhibition titled “Green and Clean Hospital” in the facility’s activity court.

A delegation from Hua Hin Municipality led by Deputy Mayor Montri Chuphu, Deputy Municipal Clerk Siwat Boonkerd and Municipal Health and Environment Chief Teerapan Jadpol attended the event.

“Green and Clean Hospital” had the objective to promote sustainable sanitation solutions, disseminate information about global warming among hospital staff and Hua Hin residents in order to increase awareness and action on this important issue, and encourage the public to choose more environmentally-friendly products.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA SITE INSPECTION

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n 3 July, Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul, Municipal Clerk Jeerawat Prammanee and members of the municipal procurement inspection committee conducted an inspection visit to the chosen sites for surveillance camera installations around the city. Joining them were officials from the rovincial lectricity Authority Hua Hin istrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan Highway and the Royal Irrigation Department.

A total of 463 cameras of three different types are to be installed at 11 different spots, including outdoor fi ed I network cameras, 1 movable camera and 14 licence plate detection cameras. Digital First and Service Network Co Ltd is responsible for the installations.

enior citizens and people with disabilities in Hua Hin municipal area who have never registered to receive monthly living allowances from the local government are urged to do so before the registration deadline on 30 September 2020.

To be eligible to receive senior living allowance through Hua Hin Municipality’s Social Welfare Department, you need to meet all of the following criteria: 1. Be a Thai citizen aged 60 or above (born before 2 September 1961).

2. Be a member of a household in Hua Hin municipal area (your name must be in the House Registration Document).

3. Currently receive no government pension or government welfare benefits.

The following documents are required: 1. A copy of your Citizen ID card 2. A copy of your House Registration Document

showing the page with your name listed as a resident and with an address in Hua Hin or Nong Kae Subdistrict 3. A copy of your bank account passbook showing your account name and account number (only savings accounts with Krungthai Bank, Government Savings Bank or the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives are accepted).

To apply for disability living allowance, you need to provide a copy of your Disabled Person ID card along with a copy of your House Registration Document and bank account passbook, as above.

If you are unable to apply on your own, you can appoint any person you trust to apply on your behalf by granting them a power of attorney.

For more information, please contact Hua Hin Municipality Social Welfare Department (Building 2, 3rd Floor) in person or call 032-511-047 ext 221, 219 during government working hours (Monday-Friday, 8.30 am-4.30 pm).

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SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH MILLION-DOLLAR VIEWS

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ana Nava Sky at the Holiday Inn Hua Hin is known for offering breathtaking dining experiences. Now it also offers Sunday brunch with views to die for. As soon as you step out onto the 27th floor, you will feel an upbeat vibe as your eyes take in the coastline of Hua Hin and beyond. Venturing onto the glass-bottom observation deck offers not only exciting views 11 metres straight down but also spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, the sea and the city of Hua Hin. As you sit down to peruse the a la carte menu, you will be served with a three-tier harcuterie Tower along with fresh seafood. You may also order whatever you desire from the menu – traditional Sunday ork oast with all the trimmings, or perhaps oasted uck with otato ratin, or the e tremely popular hao Soi ai as many times as you wish. The dessert platter is ama ing, so don’t forget to leave room for it. There are additional packages for free-flow drinks or rafted ocktails to make your brunch even more memorable. roup discounts are available, as well as special prices for kids. runch hours are 11. am-2.00 pm.

EFFORTLESS ELEVATION, THE AROMA-SENSORY WAY

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hroughout the month of August, enjoy the kind of pampering that empowers mind and body equally at Aroma-Sensory Spa at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Your senses will be awakened and enhanced by 90 minutes of pure spa indulgence that treats outer and inner layers equally effectively.

The -minute elight Skin Toning ody Scrub with benchmark-raising Pevonia products e foliates and polishes your skin, leaving it soft and glowing. Then follows the 60-minute Aroma Relaxing Oil Massage to smoothen out the creases in mind and body, resetting deep feelings to their prime condition.

The package is priced at aht 1,5 and available from 9 am-9 pm daily (the offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotional offer). Reserve in advance by calling 032 708 000 ext 6201.

WELLNESS WITHOUT LIMITS AT DUSIT HUA HIN

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einforcing its reputation as a wellnessoriented resort, usit Thani Hua Hin hosted ellness ithout Limits, the second event in its new series of complimentary health-focused activities, on the full moon night of the eighth lunar month. uests enjoyed a variety of reinvigorating holistic activities for the whole family, from energising yogic dance to sunset yoga sessions on the shoreline to a sound-bath healing session with calming sound waves produced by crystal singing bowls.

The event was opened by visiting executives from the resort’s parent company, usit International, including roup O Suphajee Suthumpun, rachoom Tantiprasertsuk, ice resident Sales, orporate irector of ellness aul Hawco, and usit Thani Hua Hin General Manager Pipat Patthananusorn.

Tel: 086 3693 604, 032 900 150 Email: visa@huahintoday.com

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HAPPY FEAST AT` ZAITHONG CAFE

nown as ‘a friendly place in a friendly neighbourhood,’ the recently reopened aithong af in hao Tao is serving up better dining experiences than ever. The restaurant serves all-day breakfast from 9.00 am-11. pm, including their distinctive erman breakfast for only 1 baht, and is open for lunch and dinner from 12 noon–9.00 pm.

Their ever-changing Special of the eek’ menus will not disappoint. njoy cold cuts, cheese platter or the grand mix platter. If you go there on a Sunday, try their Sunday Special “Pinsa Romana” with 18 different toppings to choose from. Also available are a wide variety of Italian treats burrata, mo arella, bocconcini, salami, tiramisu, cream ricotta and more. very Friday evening, enjoy live music featuring guest musicians and performers from all over town from 7. pm onwards. For reservations, call 15 or email aithongcafe gmail.com

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SIVANA HIDEAWAY: Soi HuaHin 126, Phetkasem Road, Nongkae, HuaHin, Prachuabkirikhan Thailand 77110

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Golf Experience of the Year

Thailand

IAGTO, the world’s largest Golf Travel Association, comprising 700+ golf tour operators worldwide voted for best golf resort and hotel experience worldwide.

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