Hua Hin Today October 2020 by Hua Hin Today

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CAN HUA HINGET BE SET READY CANDIDATES IN ELECTION MAYOR TO GOVERNFORITSELF?

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020 2020 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

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Is Hua Hin now ready to become a self-governing independent administrative district, in the same way as Pattaya and Bangkok?

CCTV CAMERAS ARE NOW ON

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ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Local News

Continue from page 1 Chairman of the Decentralisation of Local Governance Commission Sugarno Matha believes that Hua Hin is ready to be a self-governing city. His decentralisation commission is now drafting guidelines for decentralising Hua Hin’s local governance as well as making the city more self-reliant in functioning as a community. Mr Sugarno led a forum of local public administrators, municipal council members and some 400 members of the public, held at the Hua Hin Grand Hotel and Plaza on August 29. Spokesman for the commission Pornthep Wisutwattanasak said the meeting was held to gather opinion from the public and related government agencies on the proposal to devolve local governance to enable Hua Hin to be a self-governing district. Discussions included this proposed administrative reform’s positive advantages and disadvantages for Hua Hin, as well as the role of the commission in the House of Representatives. Chairman Sugarno said the Thai system of governance is not as decentralised as Malaysia and Indonesia, in which state and local government have greater autonomy. Presently Thailand has only two independent administrative districts of Bangkok and Pattaya. The change in central political powers following the coup d’état in 2014 had also affected local government, he said. There are many other criteria to be considered in this administrative process such as setting up agencies to monitor the local economy, education system, tourism industry, health and welfare, security and crisis management, he said. Chiang Mai is likely to be the next pilot province that is capable of selfgovernlng. The commission is considering that city’s status and readiness. “Hua Hin can be a self-reliant city but it will also depend on the supervision of local administrators,”

Mr Sargano said. “Budget management is key in driving Hua Hin to become independent.” Outline of local governance There are six forms of local governance in Thailand: provincial administrative organisations, municipalities, sanitation districts, subdistrict administrative organisations and independent cities of Bangkok and Pattaya.

Hua Hin currently has its own municipality, numerous communities with a population of more than 50,000 residents, and generates reasonable income to function as a self-reliant city, as required by the Ministry of Interior. The Hua Hin Municipality is a structure divided into 2 sections: 1. Municipal Council: A structure of the legislative branch that has the

duties to enforce ordinances, approve the annual budget and administer the city. The council consists of 18 members, elected by residents, and holds an official term of four years. If Hua Hin becomes an independent self-governing local government, there would be 24 council members. 2. Mayor: The Office of the Mayor serves as the administrative department of the municipality and consists of the Mayor and the Alderman. The office works with the Municipal Council. As in Bangkok and Pattaya, special administrative regions are governed by a Council, a Governor and/or a Mayor. These more autonomous local administrations can make their own ordinances relating to local public services and also allows residents to take more direct part in decisions of municipal affairs. Previously local provincial administrations had to wait for decision approvals from the central government in Bangkok which was a timeconsuming process.

From the Editor

HUA HIN TODAY

MANAGEMENT

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

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Visa Chimdee Sub-Editor: Norachai Thavisin Art Director: Panyaporn Panyachote Dear readers,

elcome to the month of October… especially to all our friends from abroad who have arrived in Hua Hin recently. As Thailand has begun opening its gateways for tourists and foreign residents, we know that things are going to get better, slowly and surely. Meanwhile, in this issue, I would like to share my thoughts on ‘the art of advertising’. As a businesswoman, it always makes me think from a client’s perspective that they know what they want for their business in order to profit, and it’s been proven that advertising is vital in all businesses. Being in the newspaper advertising business for more than 20 years, I can easily strike a balance between print media and digital media. But it also reminds me that we’re living in an ever-changing world, so we need to evolve accordingly. People tend to think that digital media will kill its traditional counterpart… I don’t think so. Not in Hua Hin.

We have hundreds of subscribers from 12 years ago who still knock on our door and asked for our monthly newspaper. For me, print media is another form of tangible art that can be reread whilst the real-time advantage of online media may however, put more pressure on newspapers. At the same time, we are much aware of the growth of digital media. So we do it in parallel, both in print and online media. Our Facebook page and Twitter have become more popular over the past 2 years with an increased number in followers. Our video clip section on our page has gained popularity amongst clients and local entrepreneurs as well. Hua Hin Today has been trying its best to adapt with the latest trend as well as preserving the ‘old school’ form of advertisement. As for now, sit back and enjoy reading the ‘real’ newspaper, or you can simply surf us on the Net. Whatever platform you choose, we’ll be there. Yours truly, Ms Visa Chimdee (Editor-in-Chief)

ADVERTISING

Visa Chimdee Tel: 086 3693 604 e-mail: visa@huahintoday.com

MARKETING

Digital Marketing: Natcha Poohpumake

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

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear khun Visa,

ood article on monkey sterilisation, but what about the thousands of stray dogs? I cannot exercise outdoors, e.g. walking, running, biking, without being attacked by these very dangerous dogs every 50m. Those dogs get food from neighbours but nobody cares about them! Continuous inbreeding is seen everywhere. So why not a sterilisation program for those dangerous dogs! I am 100% sure also you and most citizens of Hua Hin encounter these same problems. All the best, Ron Note: Thank you for publishing and bringing this at the attention of the citizens of Hua Hin. Dear Ron, Thank you for your letter of concern. For so many years, Hua Hin has been battling with the problem of stray dogs. Although in the past the municipality tried to round up most of the stray dogs and put them in a dog shelter, their population seems to be uncontainable. Due to lack of designated state agencies and funding, I admit that the problem is still evident. Recently, the municipality and local dog foundations have started to sterilize the dogs every 6 months, just to control its population and while finding a larger shelter to house them. Whilst the authorities are aware of the situation, I guess we just have to wait for them tolerantly knowing that they would soon come up with an effective way to eliminate the problem once and for all. We do feel your frustration. Sincerely, Ms Visa Chimdee

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Local News

CITY CCTV CAMERAS ARE NOW ON

or your own safety, if you now have a vague feeling that someone is looking over your shoulder, it may be because 523 closed-circuit TV cameras have now been installed in and around Hua Hin city. The CCTV system started looking at the city since September and municipal police monitors the cameras at all times day and night. Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul, Permanent Secretary Jirawat Prammani and city officials recently inspected the CCTV camera system in the operational room at the municipality. The system was installed by Digital First Surveys Network Co Ltd under the supervision of digital network expert Apisit Tumthong. CCTV covers starts from Hua Hin Airport to the entrance of Khao Tao village and monitors schools and roads. These state-of-the-art CCTV cameras, used in many cities around the world, can detect motion during both day and night, identify and record a passing vehicle’s make, model and plate numbers. Their recording system has storage memory of up to 60 days, so can help police in surveillance, recording accidents, protecting assets and properties and deal with disturbances and crime.

POPULAR NIGHT MARKET GETS GOING

As the central Hua Hin Night Market, popular with tourists and residents alike, swings back into action, sellers and officials met on 28 August to clarify selling rules. Hua Hin Municipality Permanent Secretary Jirawat Prammani led the meeting of health and environment officers, police and business operators to better organise the bustling market and tourist attraction on Dechanuchit Road. Agreed guidelines for sellers are: • The selling area is designated. • Market opens from 4pm to midnight. • Setting up time for the stalls should be completed no later than 6pm and all stalls should be closed and cleared by midnight. • Licensees can only sell their products within the area specified by the municipality. • The licensee must clearly display the operating licence at the stall at all times. Staff must also wear proper ID cards issued by the municipality. • Only products specified in the store agreement contract can be sold. • Stores must maintain cleanliness at all times. Sellers need to submit their applications for license renewal by 30 September.

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Local News

TAT PROMOTES MORE LOCAL TRAVELS IN NATIONWIDE ROAD SHOW

romoting domestic tourism is very much the target of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as it launched its “Travel in Thailand to Help Rebuild the Nation” project. A veritable task force of tourism officials met last month at the Hua Hin Grand Hotel & Plaza to plan their promotional road show. Ms Sangchan Kaewpratumrasmi of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, TAT Chairman Chairat Trirattanacharatporn, Director of Products and Travel Business Boonrapee Damrongrat, TAT Director for Prachuap Khiri Khan Soraya Homchuen and Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association President Wasana Srikanjana pooled their professional experiences to tackle this task. TAT Chairman Chairat said the current project aims to develop a systematic management guideline for entrepreneurs in the tourism industry after the crisis. It would help businesses to operate under the standards of the Hygiene Safety Guidelines (HSG) for the tourism workforce. Mr Chairat said Covid-19 situation has affected the economies of countries around the world and especially the tourism industry. Thailand’s economy depends mostly on tourism and has been suffering severely since the outbreak. But he said that the situation is gradually improving and if an effective

vaccine could be developed by early 2021, Thai tourism can expect to return to a “new normal” status. Although the government has allowed the reopening of businesses, huge unemployment is still of primary concern. TAT and health officials have been working together to build good hygienic standards to gain tourists’ confidence when borders and airports reopen to allow international visitors back in. Already good health measures of wearing masks in public, frequent use of hand sanitisers and social distancing are working. Thailand has started to welcome international tourists under strict health standard protocols by choosing Phuket as the pilot trial province. Prior to their arrival, tourists need a “fit-to-fly” health certificate and a $100,000 health insurance cover. They also need to be self-quarantined for 14 days upon arrival. The think-tank group stressed the significance of more workshop activities to steer the struggling Thai tourism though the Covid-19 crisis. President of the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association, Wasana said that this is a good time for Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan province to present ideas on how business operators can attract local and foreign visitors to again come to their restaurants, water parks, shopping malls and markets.

PRACHUAP CONTROLS BORDERS BETTER

ecause of a surge in Covid-19 infections in neighbouring provinces in Myanmar, Prachuap Khiri Khan province is tightening control of its borders to illegal entrants who may bring in the virus. Prachuap Governor Phallop Singhaseni has ordered the closure of all 47 normal entering and exiting points to the province. He also suspended access along the border at the Singkhon checkpoint and all natural crossings. An annual hilltribe sport event had already been postponed. Prachuap Deputy Governor Chatree Chanthaveerachai met with officials of internal security, provincial public health administration and some 30 local community leaders to discuss greater security at checkpoints, particularly at the Myanmar border. Meanwhile Mr Chatree reassures that Prachuap Khiri Khan is still safe from Covid-19. A new surge of Covid-19 infections, especially in Rakhine State, Sittwe and Tai district in Myanmar, has forced their people to escape across the Thai border to seek medical help. Many of these Myanmar districts had been in lock-down since August 20. With more illegal crossings of the border into Thailand, the First Army Operations Centre has imposed stricter security measures and increased surveillance. Soldiers have also erected barbed wires along the border in eight districts. Border police have also increased their patrols. Security forces are proposing a budget for CCTV cameras and 20 sets of solar cells to be installed in under-exposed areas to improve the ability to detect illegal entries into the province at all times. Security forces have stopped and arrested a number of illegal migrants trying to cross the border and by road. Thailand has 10 provinces adjacent to neighbouring countries and security forces try to monitor these borders.

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Community

KINDNESS COMES BY THE KILOS “A Kilo of Kindness” can go a long way, as Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin is again showing. In fact some 513 kilograms of donated food and other supplies collected were given to Baan-pa-mark Border Patrol Police School on September 9 as part of Mövenpick’s annual global charity program. Running now in its sixth year, the needed welfare campaign also honours the United Nations International Day of Charity and is assisted by National Children’s Day Committee. Resort guests and hotel staff members had donated the collection of food, clothes and educational supplies to support students of the school. This welcomed charity was led by Mr Sven Walter, general manager of the Hua Hin resort of the international Mövenpick hotel chain that runs a global sustainability program called Shine. This program aims to give back to the communities where the company operates, focusing on the three objectives of environment, employees and social sustainability, with education forming the common thread.

HUA HIN TODAY

SPONSORING ‘MAHI’, HUA HIN’S FIRST BABY GIRAFFE IN TRAINING FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDING FIRE

F L

ast Sept 22nd, Martina Grossenbacher, a Swiss expat who was finally granted her lifetime dream when the Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park team presented her an Honourable Sponsorship Certificate for their baby giraffe. Martina named the calf “Mahi”. “This was the best gift I’ve ever had,” says Martina as it was also her 60th birthday. Like many other expats living here, she doesn’t want to leave Thailand. Giraffe is one of Martina’s favourite animals ever since she was a child. She had been travelling for many years to various places just to visit these adorable animals. Mahi was born on 30th January 2020, and he has grown so fast since then. Martina can now visit Mahi at the park anytime she wants. This will surely lead to a special connection between the two. Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park is exceptional in adventure travelling and nature treks. This gives a fun filled entertainment and activities for the whole family such as Polo Riding, Elephant Show, ATV Riding, etc. Apart from scenic views and landscapes, the park is just a few minutes’ drive from Hua Hin town. By Monica Rotach

ire in any of the many high buildings in Hua Hin would be a disaster that the local fire brigade is anticipating and regularly training to combat. District Fire Brigade Chief Prayong Chanteng recently led the training of the local fire brigade, related agencies and selected people at the Hua Hin Hilton Hotel. Hua Hin Permanent Secretary Jirawat Prammanee joined officers from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and relevant officials in the training of Integrated High-rise Building Fire plan at hotel. Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa staff, led by General Manger Phillip Pos, also contributed to the emergency training by using the hotel’s venue to simulate real fire scenario. Fire drill trainings are held annually in Hua Hin to improve tactics and readiness of the local fire brigade. Fire fighting and evacuation of people are carried out in the drills as in real-life emergencies. This is to ensure utmost safety of hotel guests in accordance with the National Fire Safety Development Master Plan of fire prevention and suppression.

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

BUMRUNGRAD CONFIDENT AND PREPARED TO PUT THAILAND ONCE AGAIN IN THE FOREFRONT OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE WORLD’S ARENA OF “NEW NORMAL” MEDICAL PRACTICE POST COVID-19

The COVID-19 situation in Thailand has been eased with the country ranked first in Asia on the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI) among 184 countries based on each country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Known to be one of the world’s most efficient in mitigating the pandemic situation, Thailand has boosted traveler’s confidence. Thus, it is an opportunity to highlight medical and wellness tourism during post COVID-19 to international patients under safe guidelines. As well as to inform Thailand’s medical tourism promotion efforts that are aimed at stimulating the country’s economy while helping those in need.

According to a medical hub meeting report on medical tourism in 2018, 3.4 million visits by international patients generated more than 1.4 billion Baht in revenue for the country. Thailand features as many as 68 health care facilities with JCI quality standard endorsement, the highest number in ASEAN. This of course reflects Thailand’s competitive advantage as a medical hub, a complement to national policy. The top five countries of origin of the international patients seeking medical care in Thailand are the Middle East 12.5%, Myanmar 8.7%, the US 6.2%, the UK 5% and Japan 4.9%, respectively. (Source: Kasikorn Research Center) On the occasion of Bumrungrad’s 40th anniversary, Pharmacist Artirat Charukitpipat, Chief Executive Officer of Bumrungrad Hospital revealed that, since first

commencing operations on 17 September 1980, Thais and people from all over the world have sought care at Bumrungrad Hospital. Over the course of these past 40 years, caring for our patients has been at the heart of the hospital’s mission, and what we focus on always. Though patient-centered care, Bumrungrad delivers care and the best patient experiences – leveraging our high standards of quality and patient safety, along with our best efforts to continuously advance the quality of the treatments. Bumrungrad also focuses on delivering, as well as improving hospital operations and management. Today, this has resulted in Bumrungrad’s recognition as a model and destination for international medical tourism. Bumrungrad is the first hospital to receive Global Healthcare Accreditation’s COVID-19 certification, indicating the hospital’s modern compliance with international health & safety standards in serving medical tourists. With 40 years of experience, Bumrungrad Hospital’s driving focus continues to be delivering world-class patient care. Bumrungrad has raised hospital standards by offering quaternary care, which is the highest level of complex medical care available, involving advanced medical technology. We expect the global trend towards wellness to continue to be popular, and so we work with the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center – the first center for preventative medicine in Asia, with over 20 years of experience in providing complete wellness solutions for all dimensions of health. The VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center approaches wellness holistically by leveraging integrated medicine, conventional medicine, and preventative medicine; along with in-depth genetic analyses, using the latest medical technologies, to help identify future health risks. This enables health care practitioners to create personalized wellness plans, resulting in more efficient treatments delivered in accordance with international quality and safety standards. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taveesin Tanprayoon, Chief Medical Officer of Bumrungrad Hospital, speaking about the background behind the founding of Bumrungrad Hospital in 1980, said that it came about from the thinking of Chin Sophonpanich, founder of Bumrungrad Hospital, who sought to lighten the load of the public sector in providing medical care. We are focused on being a private hospital which gives Thai people the chance to experience worldclass complex medical care – all without needing to leave Thailand. The heart of Bumrungrad Hospital lies in selflessly looking after our patients, no matter what. Bumrungrad Hospital is patient centric which results in the best possible care and treatment outcomes for our patients.

Throughout its four decades, Bumrungrad Hospital has worked in a collaborative manner between our doctors and multidisciplinary specialists because private doctors alone are unable to care for their patients with maximum efficiency. Luckily, we have a most efficient team of specialist doctors, like neurologists, cardiologists, obstetricians, oncologists, and specialist nurses, like ER nurses, neo-natal nurses, cardiac nurses, and orthopedic nurses.. We have over 100 pharmacists who specialize in fields such as oncology or emergency medicine. In addition, we have physical therapists, nutritionists, medical technicians, and other specialists. Another 4,800 people collaborate to rapidly and efficiently care for our patients around the clock. Additionally, Bumrungrad uses the latest technology to increase the efficiency and standard of care delivered to our patients in order to increase our medical specialty capacity and ability to treat complex cases, enabling our patients to experience the best outcomes possible. For example, the Robotic Surgery Center helps surgeons perform intricate surgery of the vital organs in delicate or complex cases. Usually, robotic surgery is called for when traditional instruments would make accessing the surgical site difficult or dangerous. In these cases, robotic arms can help increase the quality of surgical outcomes. Furthermore, Bumrungrad is a leader in the use of advanced medical technology, such as IBM Watson for Oncology, for making targeted case-based treatment plans for cancer patients. Thus, enabling Bumrungrad Hospital to successfully collaborate to selflessly look after our patients and leverage technology as appropriate – giving our more than 1.1 million Thai and international patients the confidence they need to make Bumrungrad their medical destination of choice.

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Offbeat News

YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY

17th OCTOBER: NATIONAL PASTA DAY 2nd OCTOBER: WORLD SMILE DAY World Smile Day is when all of us are encouraged to not only to try to put a smile our faces and on the faces other people but by also treating them with acts of kindness. The first Friday in October each year has been officially designated a smiley day since 1999. Millions of people today can participate by simply smiling at fellow human beings. There are many events held all over the United States and the world to celebrate this day, when hopefully everyone is smiling happily!

4th OCTOBER: NATIONAL GOLF LOVERS’ DAY Exhilarating, dispiriting, and thrilling, embarrassing, joyous and depressing— no activity on earth seems to encompass the full emotional spectrum the game of golf. And that’s why we love it. October 4 celebrates a national day for the countless lovers of this one of the world’s most popular sports. Hit the links, play a round, enjoy a few competitive games and friendly laughs with your fellow players and sufferers. Golf can drive even the greatest players completely bonkers. But then having hit just one or good shots can mean you can’t wait to tee up again. “Just grip it and rip it,” as some say.

10 OCTOBER: NATIONAL HANDBAG DAY This is a day every year to celebrate the versatile and useful handbag. Both handbag collectors and ordinary users can reflect on the versatility of this utility that is so useful for carrying anything that we need. Handbags come in a vast array of styles for different usages or even to be fashionable and show off wealth. But how to celebrate this day? We can take our favorite handbag out for a day on the town. Take a snap photo of your best handbag and post it on social media using the hashtag #NationalHandbagDay. Show everyone that you are carrying the most stylish purse in town. Or admire others on display.

This unofficial holiday celebrates just about our universal food favourite. When we think of pasta, we naturally think of Italy. But pasta can historically be traced back to Asia thousands of years ago, where it may have started off as Chinese noodles. Regardless of where it comes from, we can always rely on pasta as one of the top comfort foods of the world. It is also one of the most versatile foods that can be made into thousands of different glorious dishes. Celebrate this delicious source of carbohydrates. Boil your favourite type of pasta in some salted water and create some familiar comforting magic today.

27th OCTOBER: NATIONAL CAT DAY This day celebrates our ever-present companion pet, in the United States in particular. Today is a chance for us to take time to appreciate the common household cat. After all, this animal has been around humans for the past 12,000 years. So it is a good time to show our felines some love and adoration. Do something nice for your own cat(s), for your neighbour’s cat or help animal welfare organisations that look after cats also. Adopt an unwanted cat from a shelter today? Buy your cat a new toy or some tasty fishy treats, and listen to the meowing appreciation.

1st OCTOBER: CHINA The National Day of the People’s Republic of China is celebrated annually on October 1. The date commemorating the victory in 1949 of communist forces, led by Mao Zedong over the Kuomintang who retreated to the island of Taiwan. In fact six more official holidays are added after October 1 by the State Council to make it all a golden week. Festivities and concerts are held nationwide this week to celebrate the birth of a vibrant new nation.

3rd OCTOBER: GERMANY German Unity Day has become the National Day of Germany. This day celebrates the anniversary of the 1990 national reunification of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) when the wall of war-time political division, created in 1945, was finally pulled down. That day of the formal reunification on October 3 was then chosen to replace the former national holiday of only the Federal Republic of Germany on June 17 that had been held since 1954.

12nd OCTOBER: SPAIN

Kingdom of Spain, that sunny country in Southwestern Europe, celebrates Fiesta Nacional de España on October 12 to commemorate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ landing in the New World. The anniversary of Columbus’ arrival off America on October 12, 1492, is also widely celebrated throughout the Americas. In Spain that discovery day was first feted in 1935 when the first festival was held in the capital of Madrid.

31st OCTOBER: HALLOWEEN Halloween this year looms dark on Saturday October 31. It is believed that on this dark Halloween night departed spirits choose to come back to visit their former earthly homes. To try to fool these ghosts, people, and children in particular, wear scary masks and costumes and go out after dark so that ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. Likewise, house-owners place bowls of sweets and candies outside doors of their homes to appease the ghosts and deter them from entering. “Trick or treat,” says the happy roaming young imposter “ghosts” that knock at your door on Halloween night. “Treats” are the rewards that actually satisfy real or fake spirits very well.

23rd OCTOBER: HUNGARY

Hungary, the ancient country in Central Europe, has its capital and largest city in Budapest. The National Day was declared to be October 23 from the year1989 at the inauguration of the Third Hungarian Republic. The Hungarian Revolution of late 1956 was a nationwide revolt against the government of the former Hungarian People’s Republic with its Soviet-imposed policies. That Hungarian Uprising freed more than 30 years of state repression that was further helped in the international political thaw of the 1980s.

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Health

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC CURCUMIN

urmeric is widely used in supplements nowadays. Its root originates from the Curcuma Longa plant (ginger) usually found in Southeast

Asia. The best turmeric supplements have a combination of curcumin and black pepper to maximize efficacy. Here are 10 of its health benefits:

1. ARTHRITIS & JOINT PAIN

3. WEIGHT LOSS The most common use for turmeric extract is combating joint pain and arthritis. Curcumin slows down inflammation linked to rheumatoid and arthritis. Turmeric reduces arthritis symptoms and serves as a balanced treatment for joint pain.

2. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is the body’s immune system responding to irritants. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health problems. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties help relief key inflammatory markers in the body.

Obesity can lead to several types of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Several trials have shown that curcumin stabilise metabolism and managing weight. Turmeric increases insulin sensitivity and regulates lipid.

4. SKIN HEALTH

Our skin is the outermost protective layer of our body. It keeps us safe from harmful microbes. At times, unwanted skin conditions arise that require treatment for chronic acne (pimples), eczema and psoriasis. Turmeric enhances collagen synthesis and speeds up tissue repair.

5. NATURAL BLOOD THINNER

Curcumin can act as an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) under certain conditions. Turmeric extract impacts several stages of the coagulation process, including thrombosis (blood clotting) and hemostasis (stopping blood flow).

9. LIVER DETOXIFICATION

Liver detoxification is the removal of toxins from the blood and the metabolising of nutrients to ensure our body gets what it needs. During detox, turmeric properties help speed up the metabolising process.

10. HEADACHES & MIGRAINES

6. DISEASES & CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Turmeric has significant antioxidant properties and curcumin has shown ability to boost immune system and protect against disease by directly slowing down cell damage and oxidative stress.

7. ENHANCES BRAIN FUNCTION

Research shows curcumin enhances DHA synthesis, crucial for brain health. Antioxidant improves cognition and increase neuroplasticity. Curcumin have an antidepressant and anxiolytic, the ability to modulate levels of anxiety. It’s a good treatment for depression.

8. ALLERGIES & ASTHMA

Allergy transpires when the immune system mistakenly identifies foreign substances harmful to the body. During an allergic reaction, we produce antibodies that respond to these allergens. The anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric can fight off many allergy-related symptoms and decrease the probability of asthma attacks.

The immense pain and discomfort of headaches and migraines can arise from stress, fatigue, neck tension, etc. Curcumin have shown its potential in treating headaches and migraines through its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric can reduce pain from inflammation and inhibits oxidative stress in the body. Turmeric curcumin is good for ‘almost everything’. It’s not a cure for diseases, but its medicinal properties have shown major health benefits. https://lyfebotanicals.com/health/turmeric-benefits/

HUA HIN TODAY

OUR PROTEIN PROTECTION

hey protein or protein intake have become popular topics that we hear more often nowadays.

What is its benefit? Our body uses protein to build muscles and repair body tissues. Protein strengthens your body immunity, making it healthier. It is an essential building block of the perfect cells, right down to the DNA level. But if our protein intake becomes too high or is higher than what the body needs as a source of energy, it accumulates in our body and even causes the liver and heart to overwork. What are the symptoms of protein deficiency?

This is compared to an earlier time when the discussion was limited to specific groups who were passionate about exercise only. Things have changed as it is not only people who love to exercise who are now more keen on knowing about protein supplements or whey protein. More health-conscious people are wondering whether they are eating enough, are feeling too old, or should they occasionally exercise or do more for at least 3-5 days a week. This first article is an introduction to protein. It will not be at the advanced level for body-builders, athletes or weight-lifters but just to give basic information. What is protein? Protein is one of the five nutrients that are essential for the human body. Our body is composed of up to 80 percent of protein and its sub-units known as amino acids that function as activators.

- Edema This is because the human serum albumin drops to a lower level, causing loss of fluid in blood circulation that leads to swollen and puffy skin. The symptom is most noticeable in legs and feet, according to the rule of gravitation. But this symptom also shows in other diseases. - Emotional instability and mood imbalance This is because protein is the precursor to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or dopamine that our body needs to regulate our moods. Lack of protein can cause instability of being either too alert or depressed.

- Skin, hair and nail problems Weak skin, hair loss, brittle nails indicate that our body lacks elastin, collagen and keratin, which are types of protein. - Feeling feeble with weaken muscles If the body lacks protein for a continuous period, our body loses muscle mass that decreases in strength. - Slow wound recovery This is because the body does not have enough protein for the needed body repair work. - Easily sick and recover harder Because of protein is vital for creating our immunity to diseases. The next article will recommend appropriate amounts of our protein intake. www.healthlabclinic.com

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Throw Back September

MAKE WAY FOR GENTLEMANLY BIKERS

he proud rumble and roar down Petchasem Road already warned you that big motorbikes were on the move. But, wait on, why were these wild Easyriders all spruced up in suits and ties? Hua Hin’s Siam Handlebar motorcycle shop was hosting the inaugural of the international Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) in the city on Sunday September 27. More than 40 very-gentlemanly bikers joined and 40,000THB from registration fees was raised for the DGR Foundation. The ride is to raise public awareness of these gentlemanly bikers as well so the theme is for bikers to wear their best suits and ties. Smiling Hua Hin police escorted the roaring DGR Hua Hin group through the middle of the city then on to the Rajabhakti Park for group photos with the towering seven King statues as backdrop. The bikers then throbbed back to Siam Handlebar this time via Soi Hua Hin 94 and 88.

“We are really happy with the turnout today,“ said DGR Hua Hin organiser Nigel Goode. “It’s a fun way to raise awareness of men’s health issues. And I am really amazed how well us bikers scrubbed up with our suits and ties on.

“It’s also another good way to promote Hua Hin. We intend making this ride an annual event on Hua Hin calendar.” Because of COVID-19, the DGR rides were simultaneously run all around the world on the same day. Thousands of bikers ride solo, spaced apart, rather than in large groups. All proceeds from registration fees and donations go to the international DGR Foundation to support men’s health research. This annual ride was founded in Sydney by Mark Hawwa in September 2012. It was inspired by a photo of TV’s Don Draper astride a classic bike while wearing his finest suit. So Mark decided that a themed ride would be a great way of connecting motorcycle enthusiasts and their communities while also raising funds to support men’s health research.

UBERDESIGN OFFERS INSPIRATION

Last month Uberdesign Furniture showroom held a merit-making ceremony to help bless the relocation to their new shop at Soi 116 on Petchkasem Road. The ceremony was well-attended by close friends and regular clients. Looking for new furniture or unique home décor? Visit Uberdesign Furniture and choose from their wide range of dining sets, sofas, coffee tables,

rugs, mirrors and a huge art collection, all available for immediate delivery. For stunning home decoration of brilliant design, Uberdesign has it all and at great prices. With many existing accommodations and new holiday condominiums busy being erected in our desired sea resort city, prospects for the new furniture store looks very promising. Uberdesign Furniture Tel: 092 789 8092

62/69 Soi116, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

BEFORE AGREEING TO THAT LEASE

equipment in the property. Term of the lease specifying its commencement date and expiration date. Rental fee rates and due dates for payment. Public utility fee rates and due dates for payment. Service fee rates, which must be reasonable and at the actual cost paid for the services, and due dates for payment. • Other fees and expenses (if any), which must be reasonable and at the actual cost paid, and due dates for payment. • Amount of security deposit. An incorrect lease agreement subjects the operators to a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht, imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both. Section 57 of the Consumer Protection Act and Notification of the Contract Committee re: Stipulation of Residential Property Leasing as a Contract-Controlled Business B.E. 2561 (2018) specify the above legal requirements. • • • •

valid residential lease agreement is required by business operators owning properties including accommodation, dormitory, apartment or any residential property leased for residential purposes.

The legal lease document must include the following details written in Thai: • Name and address of the business operator and an authorised person. • Name and address of the lessee. • Name and location of the property. • Details of the property’s physical condition including any items and

BOARD PROTECTS YOUR RIGHTS Our rights as consumers of goods and users of services are legally protected by law. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) reminds us that its function is to protect these rights. Staff of the board ensures our right to: • Receive correct and sufficient information and description as to the quality of goods or services. • Enjoy freedom in selecting goods and services. • Safety in using goods and services. • A fair contract. • Have injury considered and compensated.

But the OCPB cannot act on our behalf if: • Consumers exercise their right to take their complaint to court by themselves. • Complaints and disputes are already before a court. • Consumers take their case to court by themselves but the case may still be enforceable by OCPB, based on the final judgment of the court. • Complaints involve proceedings of bankruptcy. • Complaints involve expired prescription. • Documents or complaints not meeting the requirement of OCPB. • The board seeks further details from complainants but receives no response. • The OCPB accepts disputes between business operators and customers but not disputes between customers and customers. For further detail please contact Office of the Consumer Protection Board on 1166.

20 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

GREAT BRITAIN-IRELAND WINS BANYAN RIDER CUP

This year’s event brings the overall Banyan Rider Cup tally to 5:4 in favour of Rest of the World. Thanks to both captains for putting together such great teams once again this year and to all participating players in a successful Banyan Rider Cup. We can look forward to the 10th anniversary of the Banyan Rider Club in 2021.

n the great spirit of the game of golf, this popular signature team event, played over 27-holes, attracted a full field of players of club members and players from the local golfing community. Resident PGA professional, John Wither, captained the victorious Great Britain & Ireland (GBI) team over Captain Sam Sheriff’s Rest of the World (ROW) team, winning by six points in a close contest in the singles: GBI 37 v ROW 31.

CHARITY GOLF GOES GREEN

PRAYAD WINS SINGHA PGA

he Fourth Singha Thailand PGA Championship Tour played at the Black Mountain Golf Course on August 27, offering total prizes of 1,100,000 baht, and attracting a strong field of 162 golfers to compete. Prayad Marksaeng won the trophy in the exciting final round. The finalists were top-notched golfers Prayad, Thumanoon Sriroj, Boonchu Ruengkit and Thaworn Wiratchan. Representative players from Black Mountain were Jorgen Persson and Lou Saslow (amateur division). In the tense final round, Prayad tied with Thaworn at 16 under par. With a couple of strokes Prayad succeeded to eagle the par-five 18th hole to win the trophy. Black Mountain Golf Course says it looks forward to welcome back the Singha Thailand PGA Championship Tour next year.

f the golfing greens looked particularly greener in the recent Triskele Trophy charity golf tournament, it was likely to be from both the rainy season rains and the Irish sponsorship of it. The very beneficial charity tournament, held at the Banyan Golf Club and at the Black Mountain Golf Course on August 29-30, raised the 210,000 baht as donated to Sister Louise and the Good Shepherd Sisters. Triskele Trophy tournament was supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Irish Community in Thailand, St. Patrick’s Society, Thai-Irish Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Ireland and Thailand GAA Sports Club. Some 80 golfers, mainly from Bangkok, played at the two-day event. President of the Saint Patrick’s Society Robert Dagger said the succesful tournament could return next year given the good support again from Hua Hin’s Irish community.

HUA HIN TODAY

TEEING OFF WELL FOR CHARITIES

he Take 5 Charity Golf Challenge is on again in October, the second of such inspiring annual golf event that raises money for charities in Hua Hin and Bangkok. Beneficiaries this year will be Jungle Air Foundation and the Beaumont Partnership Foundation. Similar charitable golf days last year very successfully raised more than 300,000 baht for the Bright Dawn Foundation. This year’s sporting effort is expected to be even bigger and

better, attracting some 80 golfers from Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. All is happening on the weekend of October 16-18 at the Black Mountain and Banyan golf clubs. There are a raffle, an auction and donations for advertisement spaces at the golf courses for donators and sponsors. There is a Beat-the-Pro competition to raise money for the two charities.

JUNGLE AID

Take 5 Charity Golf Challenge 2020 program is: • Friday October 16: Dinner and free-flow beer from 6.30-8.30 pm at Surf & Sand Resort. • Saturday October 17: Golf at Black Mountain Golf Club with hospitality tent serving food and beer all day, followed by a wine-me-up dinner at Avani+Hua Hin Resort. • Sunday October 18: Golf at Banyan Golf Club also with a hospitality tent serving food and beer all day. The prize-giving dinner with beer and a charity auction follow in the evening. Also included in the weekend price: Green and caddie fees for two plus Fenix tournament logo shirts and hats. Live music plays on all three days and other prizes and trophies will be surprises. Book before the end of September for early-bird prices. To register please visit this link: golfgenius.com/ggid/take52020

Jungle Aid is a Thai-registered charity that has been supporting communities in southern Thailand since 2010. It primarily supports vulnerable and disadvantaged people living in and around Hua Hin and in remote communities on the Thai/Myanmar border. It is a non-religious charity that does not discriminate on any grounds, providing support to people irrespective of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender and residency status. Please visit: jungleaid.org

BEAUMONT PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION

The foundation was established in 2008 by Timothy J. Beaumont and the partners of the Beaumont Partnership with the aim to provide a school for a community in need and introduce meaningful change. For the foundation,“change through education” is a fundamental need in Thailand and quality education should be available at all levels of our society. The Beaumont Ruam Pattana School was opened in May 2013 in Chaiyaphum, in the Northeast. The school has 278 students from kindergarten to Grade 9. Please visit: tbp-foundation.com

22 ISSUE 219 â&#x20AC;¢ OCTOBER 2020

Golf News

MAJESTIC CREEK GOLF RESULTS

he Weekly Competitions at Majestic have continued with success over the past 5 weeks with many players taking part. We still have certain restrictions in place, but we are now able to present the prizes in the Restaurant/Bar area directly to the winners, instead of the players collecting their prizes in the pro-shop. After each competition the club is providing a Buffet of finger food to all the participants. The course is in excellent condition and we are continuing playing courses C and B. Course A is expected to open in the near future. We have a number of members who have returned to Thailand over the past few weeks, who have now completed their 2 weeks quarantine in Bangkok and we look forward to see them taking part in our weekly competitions soon. We have a new Large Scoreboard on the terrace outside the club house where you can see the results from the competition played the previous week along with players already registered for the up-coming competition.

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST STABLEFORD COMPETITION

1st Claude Laramee 41 points 2nd Ian Wooldridge 37 points 3rd Cecilia Harvey 36 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole C2 Cecilia Harvey Hole C5 Colin Sansom Hole B12 Cecila Harvey Hole B17 Maem

RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS AS FOLLOWS: THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST STABLEFORD COMPETITION

1st Derek Townsend 41 points 2nd Rob Henderson 39 points 3rd Ian Wooldridge 37 points Nearest the Pin winners, Hole C2 Manfred Lanter Hole C5 Colin Sansom Hole B12 Tim Mitchell Hole B 17 Rob Henderson

THURSDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER

1st Tim Mitchell 38 points 2nd Jean Paul Capbern 37 points 3rd Derek Townsend 35 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole C2 Xavier Diana Hole C5 Kirsty Mitchell Hole B12 Alan Harris Hole B17 David Dunn

THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER

1st Pau Morris 41 points 2nd Georges Santin 40 points 3rd Eddy Scott 39 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole C2 Nick Evers Hole C5 Kirsty Mitchell Hole B12 Pao Morris Hole B 17 David Dunn

THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 1st Rob Henderson 37 points 2nd Alan Harris 36 points 3rd Pau Morris 35 points

Nearest The Pin Winners Hole C2 Alan Gibson Hole C5 Nick Holloway Hole B12 Georges Santin Hole B 17 Colin Sansom

IF YOU WISH TO TAKE PART IN OUR WEEKLY COMPETITIONS, MAKE YOUR RESERVATION IN THE PRO-SHOP, OR EMAIL TO bookings@majestic creekcc.com Any non member registering, please advise us of your handicap. COME AND ENJOY THE GREAT GOLFING EXPERIENCE AT MAJESTIC CREEK

24 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Golf

GOLF FITNESS PERSPECTIVE STRENGTH & WEAKNESS

The golf swing is an amazingly complex sequence of motion. There’s movement around just about every joint in the body -- from the way your fingers grip the club to the way your toes move as you pivot your back foot. The golf swing will expose your weaknesses. It will show you where you are too tight and it will show you where you are not strong enough. Most of us play to our strengths and try to ignore our weaknesses – and don’t address our poor habits. You may be able to get by with this strategy in your day-to-day life, but once you pick up a golf club, even the most visibly fit looking players will have their weaknesses exposed -- just as clearly as the emperor without any clothes. A sound golf fitness program has to assess your individual Golf Body. It has to determine exactly what is too tight and what is too weak about YOUR Golf Body. We’re all built and shaped differently. We’ve all had injuries and other physical setbacks in our lives. The key to improving your game is to figure out what about your current Golf Body is preventing you from swinging the club correctly. Once the issues have been identified and isolated, it becomes much easier to fix them…and -- as a result -- fix your game. Your game will improve not because of some magical “secret,” but because of logic, the science of biomechanics, and your hard work.

THE GOLF BODY IT’S A GOLF SPECIFIC METHOD You may be able to do 100 pushups, a dozen pull-ups, run a five-minute

By: Coach Joey D

mile, or drag a car with your teeth. Just having what society considers a strong, healthy, and good-looking body, though, doesn’t guarantee success on the golf course. Look at all of the NBA, NFL, and MLB players who spend their offseasons golfing. They’re in spectacular shape, but -- in their wildest dreams -- could they ever play on the PGA Tour? Of course not. They’ve spent their lives developing and optimizing their Basketball Bodies, their Football Bodies, and their Baseball Bodies. If a person hasn’t put in the time to develop and optimize their Golf Body, they simply will not play up to their potential. If you’re constantly slicing the ball or never feel like you’re getting enough power in your swing, the odds are that there’s something not quite right with your Golf Body. If, for example, you’re not able to create enough separation between your upper body and your lower body, you’re probably not going to lose your job or become an outcast from society. You could have a very long and happy life despite not having a lot of separation between your upper body and your lower body. But on the golf course, this lack of ability to properly rotate your upper body while keeping your lower body stable will seriously -- and negatively -- impact your game. It’s a weakness in your Golf Body

26 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

World Sports News

TOUR DE FRANCE: DEFENDING CHAMPION EGAN BERNAL WITHDRAWS BEFORE STAGE 17

gan Bernal has ended his Tour de France defense with a withdrawal before stage 17. The 23-year-old Colombian was trailing behind more than seven minutes leader Primoz Roglic on the Grand Colombier climb. After stage 16, Bernal was 16th in the general classification, just over 19 minutes off the lead. “This is obviously not how I wanted my Tour de France to end, but I agree that it is the right decision for me in the circumstances,” he said in a press conference. Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz is Ineos Grenadiers highest-ranked rider in the GC standings in 14th, 17 minutes and 23 seconds behind Roglic. Team chief Sir Dave Brailsford said: “We have taken this decision with Egan’s best interests at heart. “Egan is a true champion who loves to race, but he is also a young rider, with many Tours ahead of him and at this point, on balance, we feel it is wiser for him to stop racing.”

LOS ANGELES LAKERS DOMINATE DENVER NUGGETS IN WESTERN CONFERENCE ST FINALS 1 GAME

A Lakers overthrown the Nuggets with the final score 126-114, moving 1-0 up in the NBA Western Conference final in Florida. Anthony Davis top-scored with 37 points and 10 rebounds in what was the Lakers’ first conference final series since 2010. The opening quarter was edged by the Nuggets but the Lakers overpowered their opponents in the second period. Power forward Davis’ 33 points by the end of the third quarter brought the Lakers to a safe 23-point lead and one step closer to winning their first NBA title in a decade. “We haven’t done anything special,” Davis said. “We basically took care of home court. We have three more to go.”

ARMAND DUPLANTIS SETS NEW RECORD IN OUTDOOR POLE VAULT, JEMMA REEKIE TOPS WOMEN’S SPRINT

rmand Duplantis produced the highest ever outdoors jump in the pole vault as he cleared 6.15m at the Diamond League meeting in Rome. It was his second time to break his own world pole vault’s record. The 20-year-old Swede set the world record at 6.18m at the Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow earlier this year. Meanwhile, sprinter Jemma Reekie defeated fellow Scot Laura Muir in the 800m in a time of 1 min 59.76 seconds. Muir could not outrun with Reekie’s fast finish and came in third, just behind Norway’s Hedda Hynne. “My aims now are just to train really hard through winter, get stronger and faster,” says Reekie, who is fourth fastest in the world this year over the distance. “I’m not getting too ahead of myself, I know I have a lot of work to do,” she added.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC WRAPS UP HIS 36TH VICTORY AGAINST DIEGO SCHWARTZMAN IN ITALIAN

orld number one Novak Djokovic won a record 36th Masters title by beating Diego Schwartzman in the Italian Open. The Serb, playing in his first tournament since being disqualified from this month’s US Open, won 7-5 6-3 in the final to ensure he goes into last week’s French Open on a high. Djokovic, 33, drew level with Rafael Nadal last month on the all-time list of Masters winners with his Western & Southern Open title. “I’m super pleased,” Djokovic said. “It was a great week, a very challenging week. I don’t think I played my best tennis this week but I think I found my best tennis in the decisive moments. “I’m proud I managed to needed to find that fifth gear when I needed to.”

28 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Sports News

THAILAND’S FIRST F1 PODIUM FINISH Thanks for sticking with me,” Albon said over the team radio; “the team (Red Bull) has supported me since Day One. It’s really good to get a podium, just to show that I can do it.” “For him to get that podium today, he had to really fight for it. He had to do it the hard way.” Asked about the radio message, Team boss Christian Horner suggested Albon could be ‘too nice’, but once he puts the helmet on, you can see there’s a real racer in there. There’s a big difference between thinking you can do it and knowing you can do it. I think this podium for him will just give him a boost of confidence and self-belief. I think he really will build from here quite nicely.”

hai racer Alex Albon took his first Formula One podium finish last month at the Tuscan Grand Prix; he is the second racer to represent Thailand on the F1 grid after Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, or ‘B Bira’, in the 1950s. The 24-year-old finished third behind the Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas to become the first Thai on the podium since the championship started. Thai motor racing fans are now hoping for the first F1 win; maybe next season. Albon was born in London, England, his father Nigel is a former British racing driver who participated in the British Touring Car Championship and Porsche Carrera Cup. His mother, Kankamol, is from Thailand. He cites Michael Schumacher and Valentino Rossi as being inspirational figures when he was younger.

KKS ACADEMY WINS ORCHID PALM HOMES CUP II T

he Orchid Palm Homes Cup II took place at Black Mountain on Sunday. Six academies competed in the 7 a side, Under 11 tournament which ended with a dramatic penalty shoot out. KKS Academy met SS Academy in the final. The former had travelled from Prajuap Kiri Kan and looked to be in complete control after taking a 2-0 lead.

But backed by some raucous supporters SS Academy bounced back to make it 2-1 and then score a leveler in the dying seconds of the game. It meant that the final would go to penalties, as had been the case at the inaugural Orchid Palm Homes Cup earlier this year. SS Academy had lost on penalties on that occasion and history would repeat itself. KKS

Academy’s goalkeeper saved the third spot kick to consign the losers to runner’s up status once again. The third and fourth place playoff pitted Raimai, who won the last Orchid Palm Homes Cup, against Black Mountain. The hosts ran out as 2-0 winners, clinching the third place trophy after scoring the second goal with the last kick of the game. In the fifth and sixth place playoff Nong Hoi Academy met Panda Academy. The game was close and competitive and finished in a 1-1 draw with both teams sharing honours. Stephen Ayling, the owner of Orchid Palm Homes, said, “It was great to see so many children enjoying themselves and to see the matches played in such a good spirit. The final was really exciting, I was on

the edge of my seat, and we at Orchid Palm Homes are proud to be supporting this event.” Former England and Tottenham defender Gary Stevens was also in attendance. The Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy head coach was impressed by the standard of football on display, “This was a valuable experience for all the children involved and we are grateful to Orchid Palm Homes for their fantastic support. The teams are all improving and the level of football that these young players are at is getting better and better.” For more information about Orchid Palm Homes visit: www.orchidpalmhomes.com For more information about football tournaments in Hua Hin visit: www.huahinfootball.com

Green Fee

(à¸¿1,950)

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

30 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020 VILLA SIGN TRAORE FROM LYON IN £17M DEAL

Football News

HAMBURG DEFENDER BANNED AND FINED AFTER ‘ASSAULTING A FAN’

H A

ston Villa has recently signed forward Bertrand Traore from Lyon in a deal worth £17m. 25-year-old Traore returns to the Premier League following three seasons in France. The Burkina Faso international spent three years at Chelsea and joins up with former team mate John Terry, who is now assistant coach at Villa Park. “We’re delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa,” Villa manager Dean Smith said. “He’s a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options.”

SERGIO AGUERO COULD BE OUT FOR TWO MONTHS

amburg defender Toni Leistner has been banned for five games for assaulting a spectator of his former club Dynamo Dresden after his team’s 4-1 defeat in German Cup last month. Two games of his ban are suspended for a year, while he was also fined 8,000 euros (£7,300). The German Football Association (DFB) said Leistner, was insulted several times by a Dresden spectator. The player then rushed into the stands and ‘physically attacked him’. By doing so, Leistner breached the coronavirus protocol in the stadium by going into the stand. “As a result, he has exposed himself and possibly third parties to the risk of infection with the coronavirus,” the DFB added. About ten thousand fans watched the game in Dresden - the biggest attendance in Germany since the coronavirus lockdown. Dynamo Dresden condemned the supporter allegedly involved, saying it is shameful that Leistner had been offended by a fan of his home club.

‘THEIR GOAL IS TO WIN TROPHIES’, SOLSKJAER NEEDS TO START DOING IT – WILL MAN UTD PUSH FOR HONOURS?

anchester City manager Pep Guardiola worries striker Sergio Aguero could miss the first two months of the Premier League season. Aguero suffered a knee injury against Burnley four months ago. It kept the Argentine striker out of the final 10 games of City’s domestic games as well their two Champions League matches in August. Guardiola says he is now uncertain whether City’s 32-year-old record goalscorer will be fit until November. “We knew the injury was difficult, both for him (Sergio) and the team,” said Guardiola. “He still hasn’t had one training session with us and Sergio is not a guy who regains his physical condition quickly. He has been out for a long time, so maybe in one or two months he will be ready.” Aguero’s immediate replacement, Gabriel Jesus, scored five goals in 12 games at the end of last season.

JACYNTA GALABADAARACHCHI JOINS NAPOLI FEMMINILE

est Ham United forward Jacynta Galabadaarachchi has left the Women’s Super League club to join Italian side Napoli Femminile. The 19-year-old Australian joined the Hammers last summer from Perth Glory and made 17 appearances in all competitions, including 11 in the WSL. She joins a Napoli side that won promotion to Serie A last season after finishing top of the second tier. West Ham have taken one point from their first two WSL games this season. They host Reading in their next fixture on Sunday, 4 October, having lost their last match 9-1 at home to Arsenal.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC NAILED 2 GOALS AGAINST BOLOGNA AS AC MILAN GOT OFF TO A WINNING START IN SERIE A

anchester United’s European exploits meant they were granted an extra week before the start of their season, but the intervening period has done little to answer any of the questions hanging around Old Trafford in the build-up to their Premier League opener with Crystal Palace on Saturday. However, Man Utd are a Champions League team again. In his first full season as manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer delivered a third-place finish - something United have bettered only once since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. It took the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes to really turn the team’s fortunes around, but Solskjaer also developed an identifiable style of play, which brought three victories over Manchester City. United finished their Premier League campaign with a 14-match unbeaten run, something they have exceeded only once since Ferguson’s exit.

brahimovic, 38, coached in Theo Hernandez’s curling cross from the left in the first half before making it 2-0 from the spot after the break. The striker had earlier fired inches wide of the left post in an impressive display. He has now scored a double in three of his last five Serie A appearances. There was a debut for former Manchester City forward Brahim Diaz, on loan from Real Madrid, while it was the fourth season in which Ibrahimovic had scored in the opening match round of Serie A.

32 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

City Brief

HERBAL CENTRE HAS NEW SOLAR INCUBATOR

he Herbal Learning Centre of Hua Hin now has a solar incubator to help it grow more herbs for its health and food produce, thanks to the Provincial Energy Office. Hua Hin Deputy Mayor Pailin Kongphan received the 2x2-metre solar incubator from engineer Thanapol Momjomthong of the Provincial Energy Office on September 3. The incubator will be useful for the processing herbs by the centre that is under the supervision of president of the Herbal Learning Centre Narathaphong Suthichatpong.

CITY WINS AWARD

n behalf of the Hua Hin Municipality, Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul received a plaque of appreciation from the National Anti-corruption Commission (NACC) for the municipality becoming an anti-corruption role model. NACC Director General Boonyawat Kruehong handed the Mayor the award in a ceremony also attended by Permanent Secretary Jirawat Pramani, Secretary of the Mayor Atichart Chaisri and the president of Hua Hin STRONG Club, in a ceremony at the Emerald Hotel in Bangkok last month.

MORE TRAINING FOR NEW FINANCE HUB

ua Hin Deputy Mayor Busaba Choksuchart and Permanent Secretary Chirawat Pramani attended a meeting to implement the Government Fiscal Management Information System (GFMIS) to the Hua Hin Municipality. Director-General of Comptroller‘s Department Phumsak Aranyakasemsuk led the meeting at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok. The system hubs the government’s centralised financial database, digitally storing data of different bureaus, departments and municipalities. The pool of financial and funding operations of every government agency would then be available on the network that was started to be used in October 2004. The Bangkok meeting aimed at providing more general information and training for relevant government staff in Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin about the database. The GFMIS central system has improved the efficiency of public financial management, updating new guidelines and data in real-time.

FREE CHECKING FOR HEPATITIS

NACC manages the “Sufficiency Organisation Against Corruption” whose members this year awarded corporate anti-corruption plaques to these agencies: Secretariat of the Senate, Secretariat of the House of Representatives, Central Pattana Public Company, Hua Hin Municipality and NACC Office itself. After the awards, performances of each awarded agency were discussed. Professor Dr Manee Chaiyateeranuwatsiri, advisor to NACC, then gave a special lecture entitled “Sufficiency Organisation Against Corruption to strengthen corporate commitment to be stronger.”

inistry of Public Health and local government are providing nationwide free checking for Hepatitis B and C. Free screening for Hepatitis B and C is now being offered for all and particularly for workers in unclean environment such as garbage collectors, sewage plumbers and also for patients receiving blood transfusions (dialysis), donated organs and those with HIV or a history of using drugs by injection. The test is quick and painless and results are available within 30 minutes. This free health service started on August 10 and will continue until December 31, 2020. Selected provincial hospitals are conducting the tests in all 77 provinces. The service also provides consultation and treatment for Hepatitis B and C that can be transmitted through blood and other fluid secretions by sharing syringes, unprotected sex. In some cases, it can be transmitted from mother to child. Most people infected with hepatitis show no signs of illness and so are unaware that they may need to be treated to prevent possible cirrhosis or cancer of the liver. An effective vaccine is available for Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C can be treated by taking anti-retroviral drugs for a period of 3-4 months. If you suspect any symptoms of hepatitis, visit your local provincial hospital for free check-up and consultation. For more details, contact the Department of Disease Control hotline on 1422.

34 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

Travel

UNFORGETTABLE KOH SINGTO TRIP By: Leon Knox

ecently a couple of my friends and I climbed Khao Lom Muak in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the small mountain that I wrote about in the last Hua Hin Today. I had thought that it was impossible for me to scale that magnificent seaside peak to the top as the last time I went trekking was during my highschool days.

But I decided to make the effort, partly not to be embarrassed by my friends. With perseverance and adrenalin rushing through my veins, step by step I was able to reach the summit by midday. We all made it to the top after a glorious 280-metre climb. On the summit, nothing could describe my feelings as I looked around the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand on one side and thick green mountains on the other. It was well worth our climb. Then the following day, my adventurous friends and I still got the itch to continue our adventure. Not on a mountain this time but to an island in the sea.

“Let’s go fishing,” one of my friends suggested, “on a boating trip to an island.” Without hesitation, we packed all our gear for a trip to one of the most-visited islands in Prachuap province: Koh Singto, or Lion Island. And so our adventure continued. Obviously, the island’s name is from its shape of a lion crouching on the sea horizon as you look at it to seaward from the popular Suan Son Pradipat (Sea Pine) beach, some 800 metres south from Hua Hin beach on the south side of Khao Takiab temple peak. Koh Singto is well-kept, amazingly beautiful and rich in marine life. Thai and foreign visitors frequent this island for snorkelling and fishing.

To visit the island, you can buy a day-trip tour or even charter a long-tail boat from the local fishermen at Khao Takiab and Hua Hin villages for 2,500 baht for five people and 3,500 baht for 6-10 passengers. We took the evening trip so we can witness the golden sunset as well, which was an awesome view straight out of paintings. The boaters provide two evening trips: from 5am-10pm and even an overnight fishing trip from 11 pm to 4am the next day. It’s only a 40-minute boat ride from the shore to the island and, believe me, it’s very safe. On a day-trip you can see close-up the beauty of Mother Nature in the rich marine life of coral reefs,

urchins and colourful fish. The on-board boat service includes free fruits, soft drinks, ice and drinking water. You can also bring your own food and beverages. Life jackets are available and also personal accident insurance. While fishing, try also to catch squid! Prepare them as fresh sashimi or sushi right on the boat and don’t forget to bring the wasabi dip. On an evening tour, the boats are equipped with green fluorescent light for night-time fishing and squid catching. Your local guide will gladly assist and advise throughout the trip. When fishing we see plenty of red snappers, groupers, squid and other small fishes. We brought our seafood catch back to Takiab Beach and grilled them right there, as fresh as can be, for our dinner that same evening! What an awesome trip it was! My friends and I really had a great time on the miniature paradise island. I’m sure nature lovers will definitely enjoy the experience when visiting Lion Island. Ideal period to visit the island is from June to October where there is plenty of squid to catch and the sea is clear – perfect for snorkelling. Strolling along the two kilometres of white sand of Khao Tao Beach is most pleasant also, and swimming is good there. Khao Tao (Turtle mountain) is a small beachside mountain where you can also hike to the top and catch a view of the beautiful coastline to the north and south. My friends and I had the best times of our lives during our three-day tour at Khao Tao. We would definitely come back to this unforgettable place for me. I can highly recommend these boaters to take you to Koh Singto. Their phone numbers are: 086-762-0181, 081 705-9358, 032 536 079.

36 ISSUE 219 • OCTOBER 2020

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