Hua Hin Today June 2020 by Hua Hin Today

HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

HUA HIN TIPPED TO LEAD THAILAND’S TOURISM REVIVAL

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

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Free Covid-19 Testing for High-Risk Groups The government provides free testing to those considered at a higher risk of exposure to the new coronavirus. To see if you are eligible, turn to p. 4

As travel restrictions nationwide begin to ease, a report names Hua Hin as a favourite to capture pent-up domestic travel demand thanks to its location and reputation as a family-friendly destination with a diverse and sustainable range of attractions. p. 2

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

Hua Hin Tops List of Dream Destinations Outside Bangkok After two months of lockdown, people all over Thailand are looking forward to travelling again and Hua Hin is their most preferred destination outside Bangkok, according to a survey by Booking.com p. 6

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

News

Hua Hin Tipped to Lead Thailand’s Tourism Revival As Thailand starts to look at a purposive resumption of domestic travel, Hua Hin is a favourite to capture pent-up demand due to the old adage ‘location, location, location’.

he above is one of the observations of the newly released C9Hotelworks report, ‘Hua Hin Hotel Market Update’. With the Covid-19 crisis moving forward and tourism remaining on the cusp, destinations within an easy drive from Bangkok appear to have a clear-cut advantage in seeing travel reopening. Both overnight stays and day trips look to be the agents of change in the short-term. Hua Hin has escaped the gloomy predictions that have featured in reports about the tourism future of Pattaya and Phuket. As a family-friendly destination with a diverse and sustainable range of attractions, Hua Hin has not seen the exodus of the population witnessed in these two beachside rivals. Post Covid-19, Hua Hin is expected to recover faster than other tourist destinations in the country,

with the domestic sector being the dominant source market accounting for 74 percent of the demand. The market-wide average room rate has held over the past few years and surpassed the 4,000-baht level in 2019. In many other Thai resort destinations, rates have been flat – or in some cases retreated – in the face of mass tourism and appreciation of the Thai baht. The domestic sector is mostly direct FITs or booked through OTAs, and there is a strong MICE element given the close proximity to Greater Bangkok. Domestic visitors have longer stays on public and school holidays. The C9Hotelworks report describes Hua Hin’s international tourism ambitions as linked to the current airport expansion plan.Two crucial parts of the plan come into focus: The runway extension and additional apron space that will accommodate larger intra-regional

aircraft, and the development of the airport terminal that will take two to three years to complete. Once the expansion is completed, more low-cost carriers are expected with direct routes from regional markets such as mainland China, India and ASEAN countries. Foreign demand can be split into two significant segments: European ‘snowbirds’ who winter holiday in Asia and Chinese tour groups.The impact of AirAsia’s direct flights between Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur emerged as a factor. In 2019, passenger arrivals tallied at 44,613 and the airlift is creating a new profile for Hua Hin as a destination. Emerging international markets from Asian countries were led by Taiwan (23 percent), Hong Kong (19 percent), and Japan (19 percent). (continue read page 3)

Fully furnished 2-bedroom pool villa for sale in Khao Tao, Hua Hin – Manora Village 1

Large 2-story 4-bedroom pool villa for sale in Khao Tao, Hua Hin – 2 km from beach!

Fully furnished 2 Bedroom Condo For Sale at Jamchuree III, Khao Takiab

Bedrooms: 2 / Bathrooms: 2 / Living area: 146 Sqm / Land area: 500 Sqm / Fully Furnished / Leasehold Ownership / Swiss management / 2 km from Beach / Price: 9,900,000 THB

Bedrooms: 4 / Bathrooms: 4 / Living area: 326 Sqm / Land area: 826 Sqm / No maintenance fee / 10 x 4 m Pool / Freehold Ownership / Price: 10,900,000 THB

Bedrooms: 2 / Bathrooms: 2 / Living area: 85 Sqm / 5th floor (7-story building) 400 m from Beach / Fully furnished / Freehold Ownership / Price: 4,500,000 THB

Beautiful plot of land for sale in Khao Tao, Hua Hin – 1 km from Beach!

bedroom pool villa for sal in soi 114, Hua Hin – 3 km to Beach and City center!

Large land plot for sale near Black Mountain Golf Course and Waterpark – Cheap price!!

Land size: 0-2-93 Rai (1,175.2 Sqm) / Freehold Ownership / Land title deed: Chanote / 13 km from Hua Hin center / Price: 3,900,000 THB

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3 / Living area: 250 Sqm / Land area: 942 Sqm / Freehold Ownership / Furnished / 12 m x 5 m pool / Price: 8,900,000 THB

Land plot size: 2-2-20 Rai (4,080 Sqm) / Freehold Ownership / Land title deed: Chanote / Price: 3,000,000 THB (For the whole plot)

From the Editor

HUA HIN TODAY

Dear Reader,

ver the past month, we have witnessed two stages of Covid-19 lockdown easing. The total number of new infections has dropped significantly across the country. In Hua Hin, the last infection was reported on 8 April, and we have now been ‘virus-free’ for nearly two months. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone – foreign expats, tourists, as well as local residents – for doing your utmost to comply with the anti-virus measures imposed by the local government during these long months. Many in Hua Hin, foreigners as well as Thais, have also been generous in helping the underprivileged through donations and food distributions, the latter now taking place almost daily. My sincere gratitude goes to all of these donors and volunteers. I guess that the worst of the pandemic is almost behind us now. More and more businesses have reopened in recent weeks, and life is slowly going back to normal…or should I say, to the ‘new normal’. Although Hua Hin’s nightlife venues remain closed and a number of locals are still jobless, let’s hope that all establishments will be allowed to reopen during the fourth stage of the lockdown easing, to begin in just two weeks. No matter what else is in store for us in the near future, we will definitely have to adopt the ‘new normal’ way of life. It might be complex in the beginning, but as we go along, I believe that we will all get used to it and succeed. Hua Hin is a place full of fun and laughter. A place where foreigners can spend their golden years in peace and comfort. A place where people keep on smiling and are disciplined no matter what the situation is. Stay safe everyone… And keep up the good work! Yours truly, Visa Chimdee - Editor-in-Chief (continue from page 2) C9’s report also highlights five new hotels in the pipeline with 1,627 keys, with most of these in the midscale segment. The growth in long-stay visitor numbers amplifies demand for villa rentals, with many seasonal travellers w h o a re w i n t e r visitors from Europe. The wellness and retirement markets are also poised to grow. C9Hotelworks is an internationally recognised consulting firm with extensive experience in the Asia Pacific region. It is based in Phuket and led by managing director Bill Barnett, who has 30 years of experience in Asia Pacific.The full C9 report can be found at www.c9hotelworks.com/ wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hua-hin-market-update-2020-05.pdf

MANAGEMENT Honorary Chairman: Dr Thanachai Theerapattanavong Chairman: kittikorn Theerapattanavong CEO: Titikorn Theerapattanavong CFO: Duangsuda Pirompin EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Visa Chimdee Sub-Editor: Wiriya Sungkhaniyom Art Director: Panyaporn Panyachote 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

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Local News

CHARITY DRIVE HELPS FEED PEOPLE HIT BY PANDEMIC T

he plight of people hit by the economic effects of the coronavirus lockdown has prompted a foundation set up to raise awareness about plastic waste to turn its energies towards raising funds to help feed them. The Sang Foundation’s Covid-19 Charity Drive raised nearly half a million baht in less than one month via a crowd funding campaign to help families that have lost their livelihoods due to the lockdown. From 13 April to 11 May, they provided food to more than 1,700 families – a total of 8,000 people – in Cha-Am, Hua Hin and Pranburi areas. “Poor families contact us via Facebook to ask

for food,” a representative of the foundation said. “Many of them could not receive government aid.” By the foundation’s estimate, there are more than 3,000 families in need of food across the two provinces. Although the government has set up food and care package distribution points to help these people, some of them have not been able to receive this aid because they are disabled, cannot afford transportation, or for other reasons. The foundation aims to provide families in need with rice, instant noodles, fish sauce and cooking oil every two weeks. “We want to make sure we are able to help

and reach everyone, especially those in remote countryside areas who don’t have access to the current aid provided by the government,” said the foundation’s representative. Although some lockdown measures have been relaxed, employment outlook remains bleak and the poorest in society will continue to need help for the foreseeable future. The Sang Foundation needs additional funding to keep its charitable drive going and is soliciting donations from the public. • If you are in Thailand, you can donate directly via internet banking: Bank: K Bank Account name: Sang Foundation Account number: 016-2-97347-9 • To donate from overseas, send an email to: Info@sangfoundation.org • To learn more about the foundation’s work, visit: www.sangfoundation.org

FREE COVID-19 TESTING FOR HIGH-RISK GROUPS T

he government provides free testing for individuals considered at higher risk of having contracted the new coronavirus disease. You are entitled to a free test if you are a member of one of these groups: 1) Those with a recent travel history to a foreign country who show symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing and temperature exceeding 37.3°C. 2) Patients in medical facilities who show symptoms of respiratory distress, have temperature exceeding 37.5°C, and fit one of the following criteria: Have been in contact with many people through their work, have been to crowded areas, have had contact with a confirmed Covid-19 patient. 3) Medical personnel with a history of contact with infected cases who show symptoms of respiratory distress and have temperature exceeding 37.5°C. 4) A cluster of three or more medical workers or five or more individuals from the same area who show symptoms of respiratory infection yet test negative for all flu viruses. In addition to these four groups, holders of Universal Health Insurance gold card, social security card or civil servant ID card who have a history that puts them at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 and also show symptoms of the disease are eligible to free testing and treatment at their in-network hospitals. If you are in one of the higher-risk groups, please seek medical consultation at a hospital or call the Department of Disease Control Hotline 1422. Foreigners may contact the OICDDC Hotline 096-847-8209 or 092-726-0474 (hours: 8 am-8 pm).

HUA HIN TODAY

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Local News

HUA HIN TOPS LIST OF DREAM DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE BANGKOK H

ua Hin placed second only after Bangkok on the list of “Thailand’s Top Ten Dream Destinations,” according to a survey by travel booking site Booking.com. An additional recognition for the region is the appearance of Cha-Am at No 8. The influential travel and lifestyle publication BLT Bangkok has also featured this information. Data from the survey, conducted during the two months since March, show that many around the country are looking forward to the day they can travel again. Places in Thailand top the list of dream destinations, garnering a 72 percent preference, compared to 54 percent in 2019. Survey respondents gave preference to destinations that are vibrant and cultured, and beach towns also scored well. Night markets and a wide variety of food and outdoor activities figured high on the list of what Thais looked forward to during their stay-at-home period. One conclusion that can be drawn from this survey is that destinations that are far from Bangkok, with air travel being the usual means of transportation, may have lost much of their appeal because of the

CHA-AM’S NEW BEACH PROFILE TAKES SHAPE

t’s been some eight months since construction commenced on a new sea wall and beachside promenade, promising a different look to the southern end of the main Cha-Am beach. Passers-by can now get a better idea of what the project will deliver with the new beach profile beginning to take shape. Looking beyond reclaimed land, long sections of eight concrete stairs now descend to the high tide mark below the (almost) finished parts of the sea wall. The project has a provincial government budget of 103 million baht for over 1.5 kilometres of beach south from the central viewpoint. This is intended to prevent future storm damage, erosion and loss of coastal land. There’s still plenty of work to be done, including the paved walkway alongside tree-shaded areas, with a mooted completion date of October 2021. During our visit last month, Covid-19 restrictions included closure to the public of the full length of Cha-Am beach, with watchful municipal “officers on patrol to warn any potential miscreants of the penalties available for ignoring the beach closure. That’s a restriction local beach-goers, beach road food stall operators as well as visitors to Cha-Am were finding increasingly hard to understand. They say that with some six kilometres of open beach available, separating beach-goers to meet distancing requirements should not be too hard. This is happening at many other Thai beaches, including in Hua Hin. They are all hoping that these rules will change beginning this month.

increased restrictions that air travellers will likely face post-lockdown. The uncertainty involved in cross-provincial travel – to Phuket, for example – may also be a disincentive for would-be travellers. Thailand’s Top Ten Dream Destinations According to Booking.com 1. Bangkok 2. Hua Hin 3. Chiang Mai 4. Koh Chang 5. Jomtien Beach 6. Pattaya City 7. Patong Beach 8. Cha-Am 9. South Pattaya 10. Ao Nang Beach (Krabi)

MEETING ON REOPENING PREPARATIONS

meeting was held on 18 May at Hua Hin Municipal Office to inform local business owners about the preparations required to reopen following the relaxation of Covid-19 lockdown measures. About 200 people attended the meeting, conducted by Mr Thanaheep Perathornich, Director of the Department of Health Operations Centre, Mrs Siripan Kleebchan, Deputy Provincial Chief of Public Health for Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Hua Hin Mayor Mr Nopporn Wuttikul. Businesses allowed to reopen during this phase of lockdown relaxation, including shopping malls and hotels, are required to submit to authorities a management plan in accordance with a detailed guideline. A committee will then conduct an inspection of the business and if everything is found to be in order, it will be issued with the Thai Chana certification. “Entertainment venues, bars, massage shops and spas will remain closed for the time being,” Mr Perathornich said. The mayor said local businesses have contributed to Hua Hin’s success as an international tourism destination and the government wants the city to serve as a model for adjusting to the new normal. Businesses that are not yet allowed to reopen should make preparations based on available government guidelines, while those that can now reopen should comply strictly with anti-coronavirus measures including screening incoming customers, limiting the number of patrons inside their establishment and ensuring physical distancing, he added.

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HUA HIN TODAY

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Local News

FOOD RELIEF DISTRIBUTION IN HUA HIN CITY

or several weeks, Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul and municipal staff have been conducting a food distribution drive to help people affected by the Covid-19 crisis in all three municipal areas. The drive has enjoyed the support of the public and private sectors. Recently, Mae Chaluay Foundation, led by Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr Chalermchai Srion, and former Democrat party list MP Mr Jakrapanth Piyapornpaiboon made a donation of 2,100 food relief kits. Hua Hin District Chief Mr Prayong Chanteng was on hand to witness the donation and also to accept a 10,000 baht cash contribution in support of food relief production from the Foundation for the Improvement of Hua Hin Hospital. To access a food relief distribution point, members of the public are required to go through a temperature screening checkpoint manned by staff members from the municipality’s Division of Public Health and Environment. Municipal police staff members are always present to ensure that physical distancing guidelines are followed. In order to ensure that Hua Hin stays Covid-free, the municipality regularly cleans public roads, tourist attractions and community areas under its jurisdiction, distributes information to educate the public about Covid-19 prevention in daily life, and hands out face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

MAJESTIC CREEK WELCOMES INSPECTION VISIT AFTER LOCKDOWN EASING

n 17 May, representatives of the Internal Security Operations Command and Prachuap Khiri Khan provincial public health office paid an inspection visit to The Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort following the easing of lockdown measures allowing golf courses to reopen. The inspection was assisted by the local village headman, public health volunteers and representatives of the local administrative organisation. The visiting public health officials offered advice on keeping the facilities free of coronavirus during this phase of lockdown relaxation. Majestic Creek reopened on 3 May after more than a month of closing due to the pandemic. To support the course’s caddies during this time of economic hardship, members of Saen Suk Golf Society, led by Jim Havay, Lars Olbert, David Morris, Hans Engbrink and Freddie Larsson, recently presented them with packs of staple food.

BEACH MERCHANTS URGED TO COMPLY WITH ANTI-VIRUS MEASURES

n 22 May, Hua Hin Municipal Clerk Jeerawat Prammanee and Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Chief Wariya Yuyen conducted an inspection of the Hua Hin beach area, during which they reminded beach merchants of the need to follow precautionary measures against the spread of Covid-19. The provincial council of Prachuap Khiri Khan announced on 18 May that hotels and resorts are allowed to reopen on the condition that they implement certain measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Per the announcement, members of the public are allowed to visit the beach and engage in some water sports activities as long as they follow social distancing rules. However, alcohol consumption in beach restaurants remains prohibited and face-mask wearing is recommended. Mass gatherings and group activities in public places remains forbidden and a curfew is still in effect. To prevent a ‘second wave’ outbreak of the virus, Hua Hin Municipality requests that residents and tourists comply with hygiene and social distancing measures, especially in public places.

GROUND BREAKING HELD FOR INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCES

roud Real Estate recently held a ground-breaking ceremony for InterContinental Residences Hua Hin after receiving the greenlight from the Environmental Impact Assessment Division. The beachside luxury condominium project, located on 7 rai of land adjacent to Soi Hua Hin 71, is worth 3.5 billion baht and has made 1 billion baht in sales so far. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company has strengthened health and safety measurements within the construction site and also plans to include features that will accommodate the “new normal” lifestyle and social distancing in the project. The company’s management and members of the board of directors participated in the ground-breaking ceremony. Photo shows (from left): Ms Budsabong Pansawadi, Chief Financial Officer; Mr Chuntorn Chuntratip, Chief Development Officer; Mr Pasu Liptapanlop, Executive Director; Mr Anuwat Maytheewibulwut, Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee; Dr Verapong Chaiperm, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Ms Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director; and Mr Paisit Kaenchan, Managing Director.

HUA HIN TODAY

PRACHUAP HOSPITAL P OPENS COVID-19 TESTING LAB

rachuap Khiri Khan Hospital recently opened a molecular diagnostics laboratory capable of delivering Covid-19 detection results in 4-6 hours. The 5-million-baht funding for the lab was provided by Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administration Organisation. The lab’s opening on 5 May was jointly officiated by Deputy Governor Komsan Charoen-art and provincial Deputy Chief of Public Health Khomson Chaiyawan and was also attended by Prachuap Hospital Director Dr Supachai Suphaphreuk and staff. Located on the 3rd floor of the hospital’s 36th Anniversary Memorial Building, the lab can run a maximum of 180 test samples per day. The service fee for the test is 2,000 baht for the general public including foreigners. For those who are suspected of having Covid-19 or who have just returned from a ‘high-risk’ place, the test will be conducted free of charge. Dr Supachai stated that given the nature of the epidemic, infection screening and especially proactive screening is vital for curbing its spread. The lab’s real-time PCR molecular diagnostics is effective in determining infection, and once results are known, the confirmed patients can proceed to quarantine and receive the necessary treatment. Prior to the lab’s opening, a total of 81 people in the province were suspected of having contracted the virus. Test samples from these suspected cases had to be sent to the medical science centre in Samut Songkhram, and as a result the treatment process was delayed. The molecular diagnostics lab can help in the early detection of other dangerous diseases such as dengue fever and tuberculosis as well as help detect emerging diseases in the future. More importantly, it helps medical personnel to work more efficiently. Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administration Organisation president Throngkiat Lim Arunrak said his organisation had been focusing on public health measures including the prevention, control and treatment of communicable diseases. Prachuap Hospital has reaffirmed its intention to improve the province’s health care system for the benefit of local residents. For more information about Covid-19 prevention measures in Prachuap Khiri Khan, please call 032-601060-4 ext. 208

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Opinion

‘RETAIL QUEEN’ OFFERS STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC REJUVENATION Thailand as a ‘Golden Route’ for cruise liners in Southeast Asia

Thailand as a world food destination

nown as Thailand’s ‘Queen of Retail,” Supaluck Umpujh is the chairwoman of The Mall Group, which operates The Mall, The Emporium, The EmQuartier and Bluport Hua Hin. She is also one of 20 billionaires tapped by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to advise on how to shore up the economy and revitalise it post-pandemic. In response to the PM’s overture, the shopping mall magnate proposed 10 strategies for ensuring job creation and career opportunities for Thais as well as the generation of new revenue for the economy. Ms Umpujh estimates that her proposed strategies, if properly executed, could generate upwards of 100 billion baht for the country. They include: 1. Thailand as a world-class shopping paradise 2. Thailand as a world food destination 3. Thailand as a world-class hub of entertainment and attractions in Southeast Asia 4. Thailand as Southeast Asia’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) hub

5. Thailand as a cultural and arts centre in Southeast Asia 6. Thailand as a centre of festivals, leisure and fun 7. Turning the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea into the ‘Golden Route’ for cruise liners in Southeast Asia 8. Thailand as Asia’s health, wellness and spa hub 9. Thailand as a hub for “O2O” (onlineto-offline) entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups 10. Thailand as a centre for eco-tourism and environmental sustainability Ms Umpujh envisions the creation of new jobs and opportunities in all sectors, benefitting workers, farmers, SMEs, entrepreneurs, w h i t e - c o l l a r p ro f e s s i o n a l s a n d l a rg e organisations. She cautions, however, that three factors need to be taken into account in order to extract maximum benefits from her proposed strategies. These are: 1. Globalisation: Making Thailand No 1 in Southeast Asia.

2. Digitalisation: Applying modern technology to facilitate the ‘new normal’ in business and life. 3. Tourism as the driver of swift economic recovery and contributor, through a ‘chain reaction,’ to other sectors’ recovery. The tycoon believes that the tourism sector can be a main engine in Thailand’s economic rejuvenation, as the country is a popular global tourist destination, with Bangkok ranking as the world’s No 1 travel destination for four consecutive years and Phuket and Pattaya listed among the top 10 tourist destinations in Asia. “The Covid-19 crisis has caused severe impact to humanity and economy not only in our country but globally as well. We need to find an immediate solution and recuperate both our economy and society,” she says. “One way or another, [the pandemic] will lead to a huge reduction in reserve funds as countries try to get back on their feet. Worldwide unemployment will increase, especially in countries where controlling the spread of the Covid-19 virus is a complex process. “Thailand has all the means and resources available in order to get back on the right track economically. With proper planning and cooperation from various sectors, [the country] will regain stability in no time.”

Supaluck Umpujh, chairman of The Mall Group Thailand as a cultural and arts centre in Southeast Asia

HUA HIN TODAY

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Offbeat News

YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY

1st JUNE: GO BAREFOOT DAY

13th JUNE: WEED YOUR GARDEN DAY

This unofficial holiday has been observed annually since 2005. Launched by the global charity Soles4Souls, it has the purpose of encouraging people to donate shoes, both new and used, to victims of natural disasters and underprivileged children around the world. Having done your part to help provide footwear to those in need, you can celebrate the day some more by kicking off your shoes and running barefoot through the grass!

One of the best gardening tips is to stay in control of your garden. Weeds grow fast and can crowd out plant roots and steal the nutrients that are needed for the plants to grow. On Weed Your Garden Day, 13 June, gardeners are encouraged to take a few extra minutes weeding to reduce the number of weeds in their gardens and make them healthier places for plants to grow.

6th JUNE: SWEDEN The National Day of Sweden is observed annually on 6 June. The country started celebrating National Day (called Flag Day) in 1916, and 6 June was chosen in honour of King Gustav Vasa, who was crowned king on this day in 1523 and went on to lay the foundation of modern Sweden. National Day only became an official public holiday in Sweden in 2005.

3rd JUNE: EGG DAY Eggs are among the unsung heroes of the food world. Scientists and nutritionists have gone back and forth over the decades as to how many eggs are too many for a healthy diet. However, the fact is that one egg provides an excellent source of protein and vitamin D. At 75 calories and 5 grams of fat, it’s an easy choice to satisfy hunger, too. So on 3 June, honour this wonder food by creating a new recipe featuring eggs, or just enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

12th JUNE: THE PHILIPPINES th

17 JUNE: EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY Observed annually on 17 June, Eat Your Vegetables Day is all about getting people to eat their veggies and spreading awareness about the need for a healthy diet. To celebrate this holiday, set a goal to have a vegetable with every meal and also to have a vegetable as a snack during the day. Your body will thank you for it!

Independence Day, 12 June, commemorates the Philippine declaration of independence from Spain. The Philippines became part of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. A struggle for independence began in 1896 and gained the support of the United States during the Spanish-American War. On 12 June 1898, the islands declared independence from Spain, only to have the US gain control over them under the Treaty of Paris. The Philippines finally gained independence from America in 1946.

8th JUNE: BEST FRIENDS DAY It is said that the relationship between best friends is often fierce and can withstand distance, storms, and silence. And although many people don’t know about it, there is a day set aside for celebrating these remarkable bonds. Back in 1935, the US Congress decided to devote one day to pay tribute to close-knit friendships. Since then, millions of people have marked this special day each year by celebrating with their nearest and dearest. So come 8 June, don’t forget to call your bestie and let them know how much you love and appreciate them.

21st JUNE: FATHER’S DAY Father’s Day is set aside to honour the role that fathers play in the family structure and society. In the United States, Father’s Day is observed annually on the third Sunday of June, which falls on the 21st this year. The tradition is said to have started from a memorial service held for a large group of men who died in a mining accident in West Virginia in 1907.

30th JUNE: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as DR Congo or the Congo, is a country in Central Africa. Formerly called Zaire, it is the largest country by area in sub-Saharan Africa and the world’s most populous Francophone, or French-speaking, country. Independence Day is DR Congo’s National Day. It commemorates the day the country gained independence from Belgium, on 30 June 1960.

HUA HIN TODAY

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Health

TUNING UP YOUR BODY WITH BIO-RESONANCE As a metaphor for the guiding principle behind bio-resonance therapy, two tuning forks feature at the reception desk of the Hua Hin Bio-Resonance and TCM Clinic. The vibrations caused by tapping one fork cause an audible sympathetic resonance or vibration in the other, indicating a harmonic likeness – that’s a resonance that bio-resonance aims to achieve with your body’s cells.

i o - r e s o n a n c e i s t h e fi e l d o f alternative medicine that works with electromagnetic frequency information generated by your own body for the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of diseases. Founder and director of the Hua Hin Bio-Resonance Clinic, Wim Van den Toorn, can offer a more

complete description of this alternative therapy. Wim says “body cells generate electrical impulses that interact with neighbouring cells. These signals are oscillations and the oscillation pattern has been found to differ between a healthy cell (harmonic) and an unhealthy cell (disharmonic). In therapy, disharmonic oscillations are returned to the body to correct and stimulate the cells to oscillate in the correct way.” That’s something like tuning a guitar by correcting each string’s frequency so that the notes are in harmony. Last month, many Hua Hin residents took advantage of a special offer for a free body scan and written diagnosis at the clinic. Typically, these potential clients presented with a generalised ‘malaise’; that is, an uneasiness that “something was not quite right” with their health. Long-term blood pressure issues, concerns about diabetic conditions or suffering from allergies were also common presenting problems. The diagnostic body scan process is described as non-invasive and painless. To give a first-hand account, we agreed to undertake this ‘tune-up’ diagnosis. First, an introduction from Wim set the scene with a clear explanation aided by explanatory charts and examples of how the diagnosis will be presented. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor, Dr Suvijak Boonsorn (OMD, LAc), then took over taking blood pressure and pulse measurements with a discussion about my medical history and current health concerns. This was a low-key and relaxed conversation before joining therapist Woraseth (Sonny) Thanasakwong upstairs where the diagnostic scan took place. You’ll be seated in a comfortable high-back chair complete with a padded foot stool with your palms placed on metallic electrodes connected to the bio-resonance machine which begins to assess the energy wavelengths coming from your body. There are also headphones required, from which strange, but somehow reassuring, electronic sounds may be heard. Unfortunately for me, this was a reminder of the sounds experienced during a past MRI scan, but this time not that scary claustrophobic experience! The 40-minute diagnosis is completely pain-free and relaxing. It’s also very visual,

with a constant parade of colourful computer graphics on the screen for you to see the body zones being scanned with coded indicators displayed. It certainly looks like a very scientific investigation is going on, or as the clinic says – “we make visible what is invisible”. The next stage involves a return visit to the clinic a day or two later. This includes an explanation from Dr Suvijak of your three-page report, the ‘LifeStream Results Protocol’. This shows where the scan has identified areas which are rated as below the norm, or where there are disharmonic cells. In my case, there were no weak system or organ disorders identified; however there were some areas of concern. This led to a conclusion that follow-up therapy was indicated. This typically involves 10 one-hour sessions over a period of 2-3 weeks. There’s no pressure to undertake your ‘tune-up’; however, there’s probably little point in knowing what is needed if you ignore the diagnosis. Bio-resonance remains a controversial subject in the scientific world; however, perusing the posts on a variety of websites, a long list of positive personal testaments can be found. For the bio-resonance sceptics, this is an indication that people worldwide believe that bio-resonance therapy has been a game-changer for themselves and their families. Bio-resonance and TCM are alternative forms of medical therapy and not intended to replace mainstream medical treatment.

• The offer of a free body scan and written diagnosis was only for the month of May; however, presenting a Hua Hin Today VIP card will extend that offer during June. Contact our office for your card to take advantage of this special offer! Telephone: 084-9193546, 098-5529828 Email: clinicbioresonance@gmail.com Address: 136/465 Soi 102, Hua Hin, opposite Nadpob dentist. Website: www.bio-resonance-hua-hin.com

Health

HUA HIN TODAY

NEGLECTED HIGH BLOOD SUGAR: A PATHWAY TO FATTY LIVER abdomen, nausea, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may seem mild and harmless and you may barely take notice of them, but they could be signs of liver damage. Little by little, the damage builds up until liver function is affected. Reduced liver fuction also impacts other systems of the body. High blood sugar and triglyceride levels can also be indications of fatty liver disease. Once the fat builds up to a toxic level, the liver will became inflamed and scarring will form. The more fat is accumulated, the more often liver inflammation will occur. This process causes liver lesion and scarring to grow, from a small spot into fascia that blocks blood circulation to the liver, resulting in cirrhosis and liver cancer.

he liver is connected to many systems of our body and has functions that cannot be replaced by any other organ. Hence, it is one of our most vital organs. Unfortunately, diseases related to the liver can occur rather easily but are difficult to cure. Fatty liver, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis can all lead to fatal cirrhosis and liver cancer. But what is the most common disease of the liver? The answer is fatty liver, which is also the easiest to occur. It only requires poor eating habit for the condition to start. Today, more than 40 percent of Thais are experiencing this condition, but most of them are unaware of it. The most common causes of fatty liver are: • Frequent alcohol intake – Once alcohol enters the body, the liver takes on the role of removing it. This function creates fatty acids, which eventually turn into fat and accumulate to the point where it is toxic to the liver. • Diabetes – Diabetics are at a higher risk of fatty liver, because excess blood sugar will turn into excess fat that builds up in the organ. The more frequently excess blood sugar occurs, the higher the risk the person faces. If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not ignore it: Frequent feeling of fatigue, tiring easily, feeling burnout, excess gas and flatulence, indigestion with possible discomfort in the upper right

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

PROPERTY & SPORTS HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

JUNE 2020

THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE ENTERPRISES AFTER THE CRISIS

hen the Covid-19 crisis subsides and the ‘new normal’ has been adopted by many, real estate enterprises will have to shift progressively towards a different approach as far as the buyers-sellers are concerned. One of the new trends as well as an important element in business operation that will occur in the near future is telepresence, a technology similar to videoconferencing but in a wider scope. Business meetings, marketing and purchasing, or even consultations with your developer can all be done through telepresence without leaving your home or meeting in person. In the past, prices of Bangkok properties that have easier access to public transport such as the BTS Skytrain were often higher than in other locations. But during the Covid-19 outbreak, large numbers of people started to work from home instead of commuting to work. Thus, prices of properties in these locations need not be higher than other places. On the other hand, Thailand’s property market in the second half of 2020 will see dumping of existing properties, especially those priced at over 3 million baht, which

currently represent 75 percent of the total market supply. This will lead to a decline of real estate developers as well as price depreciation in properties. As a result, this will be a complex year for real estate entrepreneurs and especially for small businesses, and as this sector continues to suffer from the present crisis, it will see small developers close down and taken over by larger developers. According to the DDproperty Thailand Property Market Index report, in the first quarter of this year markets dropped in terms of price and supply. The housing price index in Bangkok plunged 9 percent whilst the supply index fell 3 percent compared to the same period last year. It is expected that in the third quarter, small and medium property developers will continue to postpone the launch of new projects. Subsequently, the reduced supply will have to change its course under the ‘new normal’ circumstances. In the near future, consumers will certainly be spending more time working from home; this could be a possibility for developers to redesign residences to suit the consumer’s new lifestyle.

In the face of the Covid-19 situation, the overall picture of property trading has not decreased, but the needs and behaviour of consumers are likely to change under the ‘new normal’. Meanwhile, one Hua Hin property developer hasn’t seen any serious drop in sales during the crisis. “Although many foreign clients have

gone back to their countries, more Thais are turning to investing in property at this moment,” says Mr Chuchat Kongpraphat, developer of iBreeze View Hua Hin, a housing project on Soi 112. “In the past two months, we have already sold four units of quality single house, and all of the clients were influential Thai buyers,” he added.

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HUA HIN TODAY

Property

ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL’S Q1 SALES TOP EXPECTATIONS D

espite the Covid-19 outbreak, which has crippled many tourism-related businesses in Hua Hin, retirement residence developer Sunshine International’s first quarter sales exceeded all expectations. The remarkable results were mainly due to their architect’s exceptional design, which was meant to give a rebirth to the authentic Thai building design tradition. “I’m truly sad to see how new buildings in Thailand have slowly slipped away from the Thai-style architecture in recent years. But now we have revived a unique Thai-style villa from the 1700s, and the sales success has proved us right,” says Mr Andrew Stocks, CEO of Sunshine International. “This year we had a very difficult time because of the coronavirus, but now I am sure that the worst is behind us. All our projects except in Pattaya and Chiang Mai are on schedule and our sales are still on the right track,” he adds. Recently, the Sunshine Maleesa Place, a ‘budget hotel’ located right at the centre of Hua Hin, reopened

after being closed for almost two months due to the pandemic. As for other properties under the company’s umbrella, Sunshine Hills will still push through their grand opening in August while the Sunshine International Retirement Residences has reported a 70 percent occupancy rate even during the Covid-19 crisis. Mr Stocks says he is grateful that the company has well survived the difficult times. Due to the coronavirus lockdown measures, Sunshine International has had to postpone the development of their hotels and residences in Pattaya and Chiang Mai until the ‘all-clear’ is announced by the Thai government. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Children’s Home is currently running into some minor financial difficulties due to the pandemic, as most of the tourists and foreigners had to return home to their countries. All are welcome to support and contribute to helping these children. • For more information about the children’s home, visit: www.polohelp.com

HUA HIN TODAY

Golf News

20 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

REGIONAL GOLF COURSES TEE-OFF WITH A ‘NEW NORMAL’ Following the reduction of restrictions to address the Covid-19 situation, all golf courses in Hua Hin and Cha-Am are now open for business, much to the relief of golfers and golf course management.

ust before the reopening, the Prachuapkhirikhan Petchaburi Golf Association met at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course to establish new protocols for all golfers and staff. A consistent approach with agreed safety measures for all regional golf courses is an important initiative for the ‘new normal’ way of playing golf, at least for now. Golf course access is currently only open to local residents who have remained in Thailand for at least the past 14 days. This may require proof that you are a local (for example, a driver’s licence) to be produced. The ‘New Normal’ Requirements for Golfers • Tee time bookings must be made in advance; electronic payments will be encouraged. • Wearing a face mask at the golf course is compulsory.

• Undergo a temperature check on arrival; you want your putter to be running, not your body! • Hand washing with alcohol gel before entering the club house. • Names and phone numbers of all players must be provided. • Maintaining a 1.5-metre distance from others, including the caddie, and in the restaurant and club house. • Golf club selection should be made by the player rather than the caddie. • Golf buggies will be for only one player who drives, with the caddie standing behind. • Golfers’ registrations will be at an outside location with shower facilities not open and alcohol sales not permitted; no parties! • Tournament play is not allowed, with a maximum of 100 players on course per day and 15-minute intervals between groups starting from 6 am.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

All golf course staff will be required to complete a temperature check on arrival, golf carts and buggies will be sanitised before and after use, and caddies will wear a face mask and gloves, with alcohol gel provided at course kiosks. There will also be some modifications to practice and range facilities. In addition to these requirements, we suggest that golfers, rather than caddies, remove the golf ball from the hole, and if you are wayward, from the bushes. Courses are likely to have a marked ‘give’ zone around the hole. You should be forgiven if you forego the traditional handshake at the completion of a round. A Thai ‘wai’ or an elbow ‘bump’ will satisfy that part of golfing etiquette. Distancing from other golfers during the game makes good sense anytime. Being too close to another player who makes an unexpected practice swing is a major cause of golfing accidents. Being out of that range will satisfy the distancing requirements. It is important that all golfers keep to these rules for the safety and health of other players, course staff and the wider community. The opening of golf courses and further reductions in restrictions could be put in jeopardy because of non-compliance. Playing golf is a great way to escape home confinement. An early rush of bookings has already shown how much golfers have been missing the great game and the great outdoors! The message from the golf association is “have a great time and safe play”. Finally, despite caddie duties being reduced, after suffering a big loss of income lately, a generous tip would certainly be appreciated. FOOTNOTE: The Prachuapkhirikhan Petchaburi Golf Association has advised that the annual Hua Hin & Cha-Am Golf Festival (August and September) remains on the drawing board but is dependent on the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

HUA HIN TODAY

22 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

“THE LAST DANCE” LOOKS BACK ON JORDAN’S GOLDEN ERA Considered by many to be the world’s greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan is a cultural icon adored by millions around the world. If you can remember the era when the Chicago Bulls were winning six NBA titles in 14 years, those were the most remarkable years of his career. Jordan’s golden era began when he joined the Bulls in 1984 and ended when he left the team for the second time in 1998. “The Last Dance,” a 10-hour docu-series about the Bulls’ championship run, aired its final episode on ESPN last month in the US and is now streaming internationally on Netflix. The series takes basketball fans on an incredible ride, featuring extraordinary access to the sixth championship run in 1997-98 as well as interviews with Jordan and his team-mates. “The world saw the ups and downs and the behind-the-scenes drama play out, and many of us who were fans of the team remember where we were and how we felt when these moments happened,” John Lynch, co-producer of the series, shared on the CNN Sports website.

World Sports News

BUNDESLIGA RETURNS TO EMPTY STADIUMS On the third weekend of May, football fans around the world had their eyes on the German Bundesliga as it became the first major European soccer league to resume competition amid the Covid-19 pandemic – behind closed doors and with strict hygiene and physical distancing measures in place. The reopening weekend was an experiment that involved no spectators, the element that provides the sport with excitement and passion. Germany’s top division normally attracts an average of 43,300 people per game, but no more than 322 are allowed to attend matches until the end of the season. Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert told the BBC that matches without fans would feel different but insisted it was “crucial to resume play”. The first match after the lockdown, between Fortuna Dusseldorf and Paderborn on 16 May, ended in a goal-less tie. Only 98 people (including players, coaches and referees) were allowed around the field during the match and 115 others, including emergency services, hygiene staff and journalists, were on the stands. Another 109, mainly security personnel, were stationed outside the stadium.

Experience what Shape magazine, Men's Fitness, Nationnal Geographic and the LA Times are all talking about.

MAYWEATHER-MCGREGOR REMATCH: WILL IT ACTUALLY HAPPEN? Irish UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) star Conor McGregor seems optimistic about a rematch with legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr after being complimented by former world champion Mike Tyson on his boxing skills. McGregor said via Twitter that “a rematch with Mayweather is inevitable, and this time there will be a different outcome”. McGregor was knocked out in the 10th round during his first fight with Mayweather, which took place in Las Vegas in August 2017 and is considered one of the richest bouts in boxing history. The match was also Mayweather’s last professional fight, having retired from the ring twice before. He said, however, that he’d keep the door open for a rematch with McGregor, describing it as “entertainment and business” rather than boxing. The question is whether McGregor could stand even the slightest chance against Mayweather in a rematch. But whether or not one ever occurs, both fighters are superstars and have already carved their names in boxing history.

SCOTLAND INTERNATIONAL JACKSON RETIRES Glasgow Warriors full-back Ruaridh Jackson has quit rugby to focus on a new career in the beverage industry. Jackson first joined Glasgow in 2008 and has also played in the English Premiership. He made his international debut in 2010. “I have played with some amazing clubs: Wasps, Harlequins and, of course, two stints at Glasgow Warriors, which will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “The supporters will be one of the things I will miss most.” Calling himself “fortunate to live out my childhood dream of playing rugby,” he said: “It is not the fairytale ending I may have dreamt about, but I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed and it is now time to embrace a new challenge.”

THAI BOXING PRESENTER, WIFE NAMED “HEROES OF HUMANITY”

he World Boxing Council (WBC) recently honoured Thai boxing presenter Matthew Deane Chanthavanij and his wife, Lydia Saranrat, with the “Heroes of Humanity” award in appreciation of their courage in going public about their Covid-19 infection. WBC also honoured the couple’s doctor, Dr Wichai Taechasatit of Bumrungrad Hospital, with the same award. The “Heroes of Humanity” award is given by the WBC to those who lead by setting a good example for the community as well as the world. Saying he and his wife were proud to be recipients of the award, Matthew thanked local boxing fans, friends and family members for their support during his and Lydia’s month-long hospital stay. He also expressed gratitude to the hospital’s medical team and all medical personnel working to fight the new coronavirus disease. “I am not a hero; the true heroes are the teams of doctors and nurses who have sacrificed and dedicated themselves to treating patients,” he said. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of medical personnel and other front-liners nationwide, the Covid-19 death toll in Thailand has remained low compared to other countries.

HUA HIN TODAY

Golf News

24 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

THE GOLF COURSE DRESS CODE DEBATE

“Grow the game, reach a younger audience and make golf accessible to everyone.” This is the call from industry leaders, players and golf executives worldwide. They are now considering calls for golf courses to abandon their dress codes. Here is some background in considering the golf course dress code debate.

olf attire has changed hugely over time. We no longer play (or watch) in tweed jackets or a dress shirt and tie as worn by the likes of golfing legend Harry Vardon at the commencement of the 20th century. Ironically, the full button dress shirts worn in those days would not meet most current dress codes. Golf course used to be a cosseted world where morals, manners and gentlemanly sporting conduct were thought to be class-related. Elitism was not just accepted but fostered. Commoners may have been good enough to condition the greens, but not to play on them Trainers or sneakers were a complete no-no in golf clubs, on or off the course, but the latest golf shoes are now close enough to that style. Rules such as wearing knee-length socks are gone and exposed ankles with short length socks are tolerated…just! We’ve all heard perplexing stories of those breaching the ‘sock rules’ suffering the indignity of needing to buy a new pair at the pro shop before being permitted to play. But most dress codes still don’t recognise denim and T-shirts as popular high-fashion items, rather than just workmen’s clothing.

The days of ‘exclusive membership’ and invitation-only play are not generally part of the golf scene in Thailand. Around Hua Hin, all golf courses offer public access without qualification, that is, apart from the dress code. The code may, or may not, appear on golf course websites and may be enforced with varying degrees of consistency. Here are some of the requirements of a typical Dress Code: • No collarless shirts, T-shirts, fully buttoned or dress shirts. Shirts must be tucked in at the waist. • No denim, jeans or cargo pants. • No poolwear, beachwear or athletic attire (including football/soccer shirts) Those who commit the sin of leaving their shirt out (as it may be designed to be worn) or wear the latest fashion jeans or shorts with an external pocket can look good, but that won’t be good enough! With the encouragement of their sponsors, professional golfers (for example, John Daley) have made a point of demonstrating how futile the dress code is by testing the limits. Wearing mini-collars, extravagant patterns, fluorescent colours and other attention-seek-

ing clothing raises eyebrows but still passes the dress code test. It’s impossible to code for cleanliness, neatness or good taste, let alone fashion sense! Correct dress does not guarantee good manners, correct golfing etiquette or even honesty during play – one of the most valued traditions of the game. It is important for golf to promote the right image, but a dress code just doesn’t meet that need. Those new to the game, especially the younger brigade, will continue to be turned off if they can’t wear what makes them feel comfortable. They don’t want to be told to buy a special outfit; instead they’ll just stay away. Golf wants to reach a wider audience and promote the game to the next generation. Keep the norm as neat and clean with rules to protect the course conditions, but that doesn’t mean an irrelevant code that can never keep up with the times. Dress codes may be defended as a tradition of the game, but history shows that traditions constantly evolve. In this case, some say it’s a tradition that is just discouraging the next generation of golfers, and perhaps it’s time for dress codes to go.

HUA HIN TODAY

26 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Property

OPTIMISM PREVAILS AS CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

ON INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCES HUA HIN P

roud Real Estate recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its luxury residential project, InterContinental Residences Hua Hin. The InterContinental Hotel Group’s first such undertaking in Thailand, the 3.5-billion-baht project is located on the last piece of beachfront land in the heart of Hua Hin, adjacent to Soi 71. It has already secured 1 billion baht in sales even before the official launch. Proud Real Estate managing director Mr Paisit Kaenchan says the project has enjoyed even better reception than expected thanks to its many attractive features. With only 238 units on 7 rai of land, with 70 percent (7,000 sqm) being open space that includes gardens, a private beach, 7 swimming pools, a hidden gym under a pool, and a beach pavilion, InterContinental Residences Hua Hin is designed to accommodate the “new normal” lifestyle with maximised privacy. During a situation where quarantine is required, or if residents simply feel the urge to get away from city bustle, the development offers facilities and features that enable efficient work from home. The common areas feature high-speed Internet connection, wireless charging and USB ports, plus working and relaxing corners with garden and ocean views. Other features that fit well with the ‘new normal’ include lobby seating assignment according to social distancing guidelines, a touchless security system, facial recognition technology, and CCTV that also measures body temperature. InterContinental Residences Hua Hin offers service at five-star hotel standards, including concierge service, in-room dining, grocery shopping service and more. Buyers also enjoy world-class privileges through IHG Spire Elite

membership and lifestyle exclusivity from Proud Privileges. According to Mr Kaenchan, the project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022. Proud Real Estate believes that the project will do even better postpandemic thanks to its core strengths and other complementary features including quality living potential and the standing of Hua Hin as Thailand’s most beloved vacation beach town and a beneficiary of the government’s policy to boost tourism on the eastern coast, dubbed the ‘Thai Riviera,’ which entails raising tourism standards to international levels. Looking beyond the pandemic, it is expected that the real estate market in tourism destinations will see great potential to grow as buyers look for a second home in a vacation town not only to keep as a family vacation home but also as a sanctuary in unexpected situations. Interested buyers can now experience the luxury living of InterContinental Residences Hua Hin at the sales gallery and showroom.

• For more information, visit www.intercontinentalresidenceshuahin.com or call 02-026-8999.

HUA HIN TODAY

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YOUR CONTACT IN HUA HIN Guntimon Dumphupha (Khun Goi), Hua Hin representative huahin@thai-property-group.com +66(0) 828 587 456 testt

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

28 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

City Brief

ADVICE NEEDED AS LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS EASE

rachuap Khiri Khan Governor Panlop Singhaseni announced in early May the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions for six types of businesses and activities, all of which are still required to follow the Ministry of Public Health’s guidelines including compulsory face mask wearing, physical distancing and hand sanitisation. The first stage of lockdown easing went into effect on 3 May. An informal survey that day showed that local businesses and residents were willing to comply with the government’s orders, but some restaurant owners were unclear about the physical distancing rules they are required to follow. The governor subsequently instructed district-level officials to visit local businesses and make sure they are able to follow public health guidelines including installation of partitions and seat spacing of at least 1.5 metres between dining customers. Businesses considered ‘high risk’ for virus spread, including bars and event venues, will remain closed until 31 May at the earliest. If you need more information about the restrictions now in place, call the provincial Covid-19 Information Centre on 063-9041737 or 085-6619972.

Source: Prachuap Khiri Khan Radio

ANTI-CORONAVIRUS HYGIENE ADVICE FOR GROCERY STORES

ven as social distancing has become a new normal, grocery shopping remains a necessity for most people and households. To ensure the health and safety of employees and customers of supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores, Hua Hin Municipality recently issued a reminder urging operators to follow the Ministry of Public Health’s recommendations on hygiene practices. These include: 1) Make alcohol-based (at least 70%) hand sanitisers available to employees and customers by placing them at the entrance/exit door; 2) Clean the floor and sanitise cash registers twice a day; 3) Sanitise or wash shopping carts and shopping baskets before each use; 4) Use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for stock control; 5) Ensure physical distancing of 1-2 metres inside the store, including between store employees; 6) Ensure that customers and employees wear face coverings or face masks in the store; 7) Ensure that employees wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds upon first arriving for work and after using the restroom; 8) Screen employees daily for Covid-19 symptoms (fever, shortness of breath or cough). The Ministry of Public Health has rolled out the “Stopcovid-19” application for grocery store self-assessment, location pinning and complaint filing. More information can be obtained from the Department of Disease Control’s Emergency Operations Hotline 1422.

CITY TAKES DELIVERY OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

ast year, Hua Hin Municipality launched a project to install surveillance cameras around the city. The project hit a snag when it was found that the specifications of the ordered cameras diverged from those set by a supervisory governmental body, leading to the cancellation of the orders. Persisting with the plan to install 463 cameras at 116 different spots, which requires a budget of 52 million baht, Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul subsequently placed an order for surveillance cameras that meet the standard set by the relevant government body. The first lot of orders arrived recently and the mayor was present during delivery to make sure that everything was in order. Municipal Clerk Jeerawat Prammanee, as chairman of the Procurement Inspection Committee, was also on hand to ensure that the order delivery was in accordance with the Government Procurement and Supplies Management Act of 2017

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30 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

Travel

CASCADES OF JOY

After weeks of lockdown and stay-at-home, you’ll be forgiven to feel a little antsy! To keep boredom at bay, we recommend leisure trips within Prachuap Khiri Khan. Huai Yang Waterfall National Park in Thap Sakae District is especially worth a visit as summer draws to a close.

uai Yang Waterfall National Park is a small protected area along Tanao Sri Mountain Range on the border with Myanmar. Only 36 km from Prachaup Khiri Khan town, the park is mountainous, with elevations ranging from 200 to 800 metres above sea level, and is an important watershed for the region’s rivers. Covered with evergreen and dry evergreen forest, it is home to many mammal species including the Indochinese serow, wild boar, leopard, barking deer, porcupine, langur and gibbon.

Visitor Overview

Waterfalls are the park’s main attractions. There are five in all: Huai Yang, which gives the park its name, Kha On, Khao Lan, Bua Sawan and Huai Hin Dat. The park offers two bungalows for rent; the fee is 1,800 baht and 2,500 baht per night (a significant discount applies when booked for Monday-Thursday). For bookings, go to the Department of National Parks’ website: http://nps.dnp. go.th/parks.php You need to make payment within two days of booking date, either through a bank or over the counter at 7- Eleven convenience store. The park is open from 8 am to 4.30 pm. The entrance fee is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. There is also a charge for bringing a vehicle: 10 baht per bike, 20 baht per motorcycle and 30 baht per car.

Getting There

There is no public transportation to the park. The only options are taking your own car or motorcycle, or hiring a vehicle with guide/driver from Prachuap Khiri Khan town. By car/motorcycle: From Prachuap Khiri Khan town, drive south on Route 4. The park is signposted some 29 km south of the town. Turn off the road to the right and drive another 7 km following the signposts. By private transport: Most local hotels have contact with drivers or guides. Ask the reception team to book one for you.

Top Attractions

• Huai Yang Waterfall This small waterfall by the main visitor centre area is accessible by a well-maintained circular trail. The trail takes you to the first five tiers; park ranger guidance is needed to visit the steep two tiers further upstream (a few hours of ranger guidance can cost up to 300 baht). Some of the tiers contain ponds full of fish. If you plan to feed them, you can buy fish food near the park’s restaurant before setting off on the trail. • Khao Lan Waterfall Worth visiting only during the rainy season, when it is possible to swim on the top level, Khao Lan Waterfall is located south from the main visitor centre area in Thap Sakae, some 14 km from Highway 14. There is a visitor centre and camping site near the fall but no tents

available for rent and no restaurants nearby. • Kha On Waterfall This small, 9-tier waterfall is 44 km south of the main visitor centre in Bang Saphan. The trail leading up to it is cool and pleasant, but years ago when local officials were surveying the area for the first time, the way was so rugged that the district chief said his legs were already tired (“kha on”) and yet the fall was still not within sight. • Khao Luang Mountain The mountain is accessible only to visitors guided by park rangers. It takes nearly five hours to reach the peak and an overnight stay at the summit is required. Views from the summit are impressive and during your hike up you may see animals that are not common around the visitor centre area. Note that hikers need to carry their own equipment.

HUA HIN TODAY

32 ISSUE 215 • JUNE 2020

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 in 25 leading golf destinations worldwide.

Tel: 032 618 666 • Email: proshop@bmghuahin.com • www.blackmountainhuahin.com