Hua Hin Today September 2020

HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

CANDIDATES GET SET IN ELECTION FOR MAYOR

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So far three candidates are running in the election for Hua Hin Mayor. It looks like a tough contest. We outline the qualifications and experience of each KNOWING YOUR LAND candidate for you. p.2 As it is important to know the exact shape and size of the land you own, it is recommended that you have your land surveyed. p.18

CLIMBING UP KHAO LOM MUAK This breathtaking peak is open for climbing this Songkran long weekend. Are you ready to test your fitness there?. p.34

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

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

RUNNING FOR MAYOR Is it time for Hua Hin to change? What more does Hua Hin need to do to make itself a standout city in the Thai tourism industry?

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ow much can we rely on our elected municipal leaders to boost our economic prosperity and to promote the well-being of residents of our seaside community?

Hua Hin’s mayoral election is coming up soon and it is promising to be a tough battle between three candidates vying to become our next mayor.

Local politics are often based on big politics with big politics dictating and driving local politics.

At the local level, can we work smoothly to be in the same direction that the country is moving to?

Three mayoral candidates, all male, have declared their interest to run: current mayor Nopporn Wuttikul, Mr Udon Olsson and Mr Than Awsuwan. The candidate’s background and qualifications are outlined here. More candidates may also enter field by election time.

The central government has passed a resolution that a municipal election should be held in the Hua Hin by early next year.

Mayor Nopporn already had to remain acting in his position for the last two years, as a new municipal election was delayed by central government political changes and the Covid-19 epidemic.

Nopporn Wuttikul Current mayor Nopporn (นพพร วุฒกิ ลุ ) is of course well known in Hua Hin. He intends to run for re-election to the job that he has been ably doing for some eight years.

Mr Nopporn is an ally of the Democratic Party and he is a member of New Power Group (Palang Mai Group). in June 2012, he won the election a became the mayor for the first time. In his new Hua Hin work, the mayor concentrated

on solving water and traffic problems. One notable achievement of his, popular especially with the more senior community residents, is Wilai Waiwan project, a cultural and educational community centre and school for adults.

Under his leadership, the Hua Hin Municipality swung into effective action to try to soften the social impact of the Covid lockdown. Working with Minister of Agriculture, Dr Chalermchai Sri-an, for example, the municipality handed out bags of rice and served cooked food to residents who could not work during the lockdown.

Udorn Olsson Mayoral candidate Udorn Olsson (อุดร ออนสัน) has Political Science Bachelor Degree from Ramkhamhaeng University and a Master in Business Administration from Stamford International University.

He has been a successful real estate businessman in Hua Hin for more than 30 years. He is chairman of the board of directors of Para Development Ltd and also board chairman of Don Aluminium and Glass and construction materials business. He is also a special lecturer in Business Administration at Stamford.

Udorn is also an advisor to the Ministry of Transport and the senate of Natural Resources and Environment Committee.

Mr Udorn said he was keen to offer himself as mayor with new ideas and different approaches to developing Hua Hin. He said that his policies would be publicised closer to election time.

During the Covid-19 epidemic, he and his team went out to help people by donating goods and food, using the team’s own money.

Mr Udorn has been actively contributing to the promotion of Hua Hin Airport for it to expand its services. Already August saw Air Asia introducing of two more domestic flight routes from Hua Hin to Chiang Mai and Udon.

Mr Udorn feels confident that Hua Hin Airport would become an international one soon, bringing in yet more visitors.

The mayoral candidate sees much potential to develop Hua Hin as a more attractive destination for both tourism and investment. He says that the city already has its own distinctive look and feel as a historical and cultural resort and is especially attractive to visiting families.

The key is to consistently add to this welcoming holiday image, he said.

Mr Udorn has established his own group called ‘Hua Hin Mahanakhon’ and is also a member of the Pracharat Party.

Than Awsuwan The third mayoral candidate Mr Than Awsuwan ( ธั น ว์ ออสุ ว รรณ์ ) is also another contestant to watch.

With more than 10 years of experience in Hua Hin politics, Mr Than had been a member of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administrative Organisation Council for two terms totalling eight years.

He is currently a Senator representing Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and President of the Agricultural Co-operative Community of Thailand.

A native of Hua Hin, Mr Than also holds an Arts bachelor degree plus a master degree in Arts from Ramkhamhaeng University.

Running as a candidate for mayor, Mr Than is not affiliated with any political party.

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From the Editor

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his past month has been an eye-opener for me, as I discovered that our Hua Hin City did a couple of good succesful events. This included the first flight from Chang Mai which brought tourists to visit Hua Hin and also the Food Festival of 2020 on the beach.

What I particularly love about this year’s food festival on the beach is its very nice atmosphere. Although, in my opinion, this year there were not as many entrepreneurs participating but I also saw plenty of tourist satisfaction. If the music would have been lower in volume and chosen to match the atmosphere of the sea, it would have even been better.

For me, this is a good time as you can see that in hotels and golf courses there are many promotions on offer for you to get services at a price that we can touch. If compared with earlier prices during the same period last year, these are now reasonable prices indeed.

HUA HIN TODAY

Now it will take you only two and a half hours to fly to Chang Mai, saving more than four hours of driving in the traffic just to get to Bangkok to fly north. There are also a lot of discount hotels waiting at your destination.

Whether you’re about to travel to take some rest, or simply wish to use of your vacation days this year, climbing Khao Lom Muak it might be an adventure of you and your family. Either go for just a day or staying there for two or three nights is also a good idea. Check on page 34 for guideline and tips for this adventure.

Try making your own list of places to visit and to eat in Hua Hin. Even just thinking about mine already fills me with the kind of endorphin rush you normally only get from exercise!

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

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Yours truly, Visa Chimdee - Editor-in-Chief

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR G

ood Morning Visa, congrats on a good report on the Airport’s reopening last month.

As discussed previously, I am so concerned as to the state of the road on a 100m section on Soi 88 near the Provincial Law Courts and Police Communication Centre, that I am hoping the paper can highlight this before we have a tragic loss of life.

Respectfully, Rob

Our Hua Hin What would the new mayor be responsible for?

According to the 2019 demographic data, Hua Hin has an approximate population of 121,573 including the foreign expats living almost permanently here.

The favourite resort city also welcomes each year some two million Thai and foreign visitors who spend more than six billion baht into the local economy.

For the new mayor and the municipality, good roads, traffic volume control during weekends, waste collection and disposal are essential ongoing tasks.

Formerly known as Ban Samor Rieng or Ban Laem Hin, His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama 7) chose to spend his summer months here and built Klai Kangwon Palace that put Hua Hin well on the Thai holiday map.

Back in 1949 Hua Hin has some 4,000 residents, about 500 houses and 1949, in 2004 the Ministry of Interior established the Hua Hin Municipality.

To Hua Hin permanent residents who love their city, and to also share it with visitors and foreigners, the need of good local systematic management with effective municipal policy and practice is clear.

As the current mayor and mayoral candidates would agree, our beloved seaside city has much potential that have not yet been fully realised.

How best to create permanent wealth and security for Hua Hin in the present very difficult economic times? How best to maintain and improve the city as a premier desired holiday destination in Thailand?

Over to you, Mr Mayor!

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hank you for your concern/complaint. Your setback has been acknowledged and the local municipality has already been approached right after our conversation over the phone. Unfortunately that very same day, the authorities seemed to be fully occupied as it was the opening day of Hua Hin Food Festival – everyone was busy, including the municipal staff.

Anyway, I made a phone call to the municipality and they advised me to go to the municipality and lodge the complaint in person, which will take me few days, but I’ll try to do it ASAP. What I can do for the time being is to post your video on Hua Hin Today Facebook page as well as on the municipality’s FB page and LINE app, just to remind the authorities the urgency of this matter. I also understand that the road has been in bad condition for several years now.

Best Regards, Visa Chimdee.

Editor-In-Chief

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

KUIBURI PLANTS TREES FOR QUEEN MOTHER AND ELEPHANTS K

uiburi District celebrated the 88th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on August 12 by planting trees.

Kuiburi District Chief Anont Prompiang, Director of Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Petchburi) Pichai Watcharawongpaiboon, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Offices for Natural Resources and Environment’s Nitus Chanthong and Superintendent of Kuiburi National Park Suporn Polpan were on hand to plant trees for our national Mum that our elephants can also eat later.

Other officials also joined in the green conservation project as well as members of the World Wildlife Fund Thailand.

The day saw weeds in 100 rai (160,000 sqm) of fields being cut while trees were planted on two rai of that land. An artificial salt lick was also prepared for wild elephants.

August 12 coincided with World Elephant Day dedicated protect the world’s elephants. Queen Sirikit keenly supports projects to protected endangered wildlife species including elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.

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y 2021 there will be more than 13 million elderly people living in Thailand, making it the second country in Southeast Asia with the most senior citizens after Singapore. The Hua Hin Municipality is determined to help its elderly here to live better and happier lives.

To combat inactivity, boredom and to build self-esteem, the municipality has set up projects to support activities and create skills for the elderly at the district’s development centre.

These projects, formed by Director of Social Welfare Division Rumpa Jumlongrach, invite elderly from the community to come to join others in activities such as making handicrafts and artwork.

Last month, older residents were taught by volunteers at the development centre how to make special coins creatively wrapped in ribbons. These special coins are commonly used for ordination, funeral and other traditional temple ceremonies.

Most of the volunteers who come to teach the elderly are librarians at the Royal Wang Klai Kangwon Library and teachers from the Non-Formal and Informal Education Office.

Ambitiously, the elderly are even being introduced to IT. They may be now ‘hands-on’ on how to use the mobile LINE app to sell their finished products online and to join a community group chat with other new computer users.

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

HEALTH VISIT TO CICADA D

irector-General of the Department of Public Health, Dr Phanphimon Wipulakorn, Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul and city officials visited the popular Cicada Market on August 17 to promote public health measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection and to build visitors’ confidence.

Dr Phanphimon said Hua Hin City has recently reopened all businesses while at the same time ensuring that safety health measures are being followed. There is strict monitoring being made by health volunteers and the municipality urges everyone to co-operate for the success of the safe reopening of the city.

Public health officials will continue to visit various tourist spots in the city. Dr Phanphimon said domestic tourism is important for the country at this moment and Hua Hin is an important tourist destination for visits and rediscovery.

Mayor Nopporn spoke of the “HDC” measure that aimed to collect data to improve services and environmental standards. It has three aspects: Hygiene: All business establishments should maintain high level of hygiene.

Distancing: Government’s social distancing guidelines must be followed at all times; Cleanliness: Business premises should regularly be cleaned and sterilised.

Fully supporting the “Thai Stop Covid Campaign,” the municipality is implementing HDC measure as guidelines for everyone so that businesses will be well-prepared to welcome back visitors, the mayor said.

Health Department officers will continue their efficient work to prepare Hua Hin to be ready to reopen as a major resort attracting more tourists and visitors, he said.

The mayor thanked the Public Health Department for helping to make Hua Hin Municipality an effective administrative organisation that can now serve as a prototype in Thailand.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING GUNS

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olice and soldiers on August 5 arrested a Myanmar man on charges of smuggling arms into the country through the border at Khao Chai Rat in Chumphon Province.

Local residents alerted Board Patrol Police that a foreign man was smuggling illegal goods through rubber plantations into the country. Police arrested Yodrak A-you, 30-year-old Mon. Police said they found 407 bullets in his sack during the arrest. Police said Yodrak later admitted that there were guns buried underground and three M1918 automatic rifles were found buried at a ridge.

According to police, Yodrak said he intended to sell those weapons to Kiti Promthong who lives in Bangsaphan District.

Police then tried to entice Kiti to a rendezvous point but they said Kiti rode away to escape and left his sack containing a Colt M16 rifle and bullets.

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Community

SOI DOG NEEDS YOUR FLIGHT

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oi Dog Foundation is appealing for foreign nationals from European and North American destinations who are repatriating soon to come forward as potential flight volunteers to help adopted animals get to their new homes overseas.

Over 100 adopted animals are currently waiting patiently at Soi Dog’s shelter in northern Phuket to fly to homes in Europe, the USA and Canada. But international travel restrictions in response to Covid-19, and a lack of potential flight volunteers travelling in and out of Thailand, have forced them to stay at the shelter.

With adopted animals unable to leave but new animals in need of life-saving care arriving every day, the shelter is experiencing severe overcrowding. To

accommodate the ever-increasing shelter population, which currently stands at close to 1,300, five new dog runs have been constructed.

To make room for more dogs and cats in need, it’s vital that adopted animals leave the shelter as soon as possible. With cargo costs prohibitive, the only way they can currently travel is as a passenger’s extra baggage – a process

which Soi Dog is well-versed in.

“Soi Dog arranges all of the logistics and are even in a position whereby they can partly assist with costs. All you have to do is “accompany” the dogs or cats as your excess baggage,” Simon Humphries of Soi Dog said.

“There is no work or expense on your part. Imagine the satisfaction you will feel when you see an adopted dog or cat meet its new family thanks to your help!” he added.

If you are flying to Europe, the USA or Canada soon, please email logistics@soidog. org or call 098 701 1341.

HUA HIN TODAY

BUSINESSMAN CELEBRATES WITH DONATIONS A

successful Hua Hin businessman and real estate developer donated money and land to temples and schools to make merit and also to celebrate his birthday at a ceremony at Ruam Sub Building on August 15.

Mr Boonruam Lemmuang, a well-known entrepreneur among Thais and foreigners, has developed numerous projects totaling to more than 3,000 accommodation units.

The merit-making ceremony was for his 68th birthday anniversary as well.

Mr Boonruam donated 100 rai of land worth more than 30 million baht at Ban Nong Phlub Temple to Huay Sai Tai Temple to build training centres for students.

He also donated a million baht in cash to finance the start of construction. He also gave 20 scholarships to students at Ban Samor Prong, Bor Fai municipality school.

Mr Boonruam, from Phetchaburi Province, moved to Hua Hin about 1979 and started working pineapple plantations. He supplied pineapples to canning factories, a very profitable enterprise.

When prices of pineapples dropped in 1989, Mr Boonruam entered the real estate business when housing development was beginning to peak. His project included Ban Ruam Suk and Ban Tippawan Village. “In all business transactions, one has to have trust and honesty with clients, friends and business partners. Because those clients are our boss and when we are honest and being trusted by them, that makes our business prosper,� says Mr Boonruam.

With his businesses well-established and providing good returns, the entrepreneur wants to share his prosperity by supporting the Buddhist community and local community schools.

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Opinion

EXPATS IN THAILAND FIND HEALTHIER LIVES DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

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oreign expatriates in Thailand are actively taking control of their physical health while they struggle with their mental health.

• 77 per cent of expats in Thailand admit that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on their mental health.

• Three quarters of expats in Thailand (77%) would rather live in their home country during the Coronavirus pandemic.

This data is shown in the Expat experiences survey, published by the international health benefits provider Aetna International.

The report, which surveyed 1,000 expats in the UK, US, China, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, explores what impact the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown had on expat health and well-being, addressing both their mental and physical health.

Regionally, expats in Thailand appear to be living the most healthy lives during the pandemic: • The highest percentage of expats who are

eating more healthily during the Covid-19 pandemic live in Thailand (80%), which is higher than the national average of 59.9%.

• The highest percentage of expats who are exercising more during the pandemic live in Thailand (57%) which is higher than the national average of 43.4%.

• Expats in Thailand are the least likely to drink more alcohol (9%) which is lower than the national average of 18.2%.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MENTAL HEALTH While many expats in Thailand are taking positive steps to improve their physical health during the pandemic, many are struggling with their mental health: • Thailand shows the largest percentage of people (77%) who feel that their mental health has been affected by the pandemic while just over half (54%) of expats in Thailand suffer from mental health issues.

This figure is also higher than the national average of 63.6%.

Thailand shows the largest percentage of people (29%) who feel that their mental health has been seriously affected by the pandemic. This is much higher than the national average of 16.9%.

EXPAT ATTITUDE DURING COVID-19 Globally, more than half of the expats surveyed (56.3%) say they would rather live in their home country during the coronavirus pandemic.

The regional analysis reveals that the highest percentage of expats (71%) who say they would rather live in their home country, are currently living in Thailand.

A WIDER LOOK While expats in Thailand are taking the lead in pursuing healthier lifestyles and dietary habits, expats across the globe are also actively taking control of their physical health in the pandemic and lockdown: • 59.9% are eating more healthily during the pandemic.

• 43.4% of expats are exercising more during the crisis.

• 37.1% of expats do not drink alcohol and 27.8% are drinking less alcohol.

While most expats have adjusted their lifestyles and dietary habits for the better, the same cannot be said for every country: • Expats in the US and the UK drink more alcohol during the pandemic (26% and 24.4% respectively), • The lowest percentage of expats who are eating more healthily live in the UK (48.8%).

• The lowest percentage of expats who are exercising more live in Singapore (30.7%).

Dr Hemal Desai, Global Medical Director of Aetna International, says: “As a large number of expats across the globe are actively pursuing healthier lives during the Covid-19 crisis, it shows that people understand the importance of achieving good health and well-being, especially during this difficult time.

“While most expats are leading healthier lifestyles and dietary habits, we must acknowledge some expats have struggled to pursue healthier options with about one in five eating less healthily or consuming more alcohol. In addition, over 60% of expats have admitted an impact on their mental health which is important to address.

“This is why it’s essential for expats and the globally-mobile to have convenient access to virtual or digital health support – from digital counselling to self-help apps.

“Taking care of both your physical and mental health is critical which is why health and well-being support systems are so vital during these difficult times.”

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Offbeat News

YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY

4th SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL LAZY MUM’S DAY As the first Friday in September is National Lazy Mum’s Day, mothers can hand their everyday jobs to someone else.

Busy mums know that the work of being a parent is never done. But occasionally even parents need to recharge. The laundry and the dishes will still be there later.

Find someone to mind the kids for a few hours. All a mum needs may just be a nap. It may be a hammock-and-book kind of afternoon on your deserved lazy day.

Help your mum celebrate this holiday. Clean up after yourself for a good change, walk the dog, mow the lawn, put the dishes away and pick up your dirty clothes off the floor.

Massage your mum’s feet as a treat for her?

22nd SEPTEMBER: CAR FREE DAY Motorists around the world are encouraged not to use their vehicles for a day today. Observe instead the World Car Free Day. The best way to do this is simply enough: don’t use the car. If you need to go somewhere, walk or ride a bike. If you have a skateboard or an electric scooter, use those as well.

Ponder on the largely destructive role that our cars will play in our current and future environment.

Think of alternative energy sources for cars.

2nd SEPTEMBER: VIETNAM Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on the Indochina Peninsula, is our good neighbour in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As the 15th most populous country in the world, it has its capital in Hanoi. The country’s most populous city and commercial hub is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.

Its national day marks the country’s declaration of independence from France and Japan in 1945.

9th AUGUST: BRAZIL 26th SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL GHOST HUNTING DAY 12nd SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY On July 25, 1983, Walter Day and the Twin Galaxies Intergalactic Scoreboard out of Ottumwa, Iowa, founded the United States National Video Game Team.

Their early games used interactive electronic devices with various display formats. Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann filed the first patent for an interactive electronic device in 1947. It was called “cathode ray tube amusement device.”

Make sure you have plenty of snacks and favourite video games on hand. Gather your friends for a marathon session. Friends, new games, retro games, munchies and beverages.

The last Saturday in September is part of the World’s Largest Ghost Hunt, an annual international investigation of the paranormal.

Ghosts? You may be still a novice who has not caught the chilling thrill of seeing a restless soul contacting the living for the first time. First haunted journeys in the darkness of the night may still await you.

Remember the spooky ghost stories read by flashlight under the bedsheet. Or that unexplained blur on a snapshot, or the sensation of something lingering nearby. Go for a walk in the dark? This may be your lucky night.

Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South America. With over 211 million people, it is the world’s fifth largest country by area and the sixth most populous.

Its capital is Brasilia and its largest city is São Paulo.

Independence Day, called Sete de Setembro, celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.

23rd SEPTEMBER: SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi National Day marks the renaming of the kingdoms of Nejd and Hejaz to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

Saudi Arabia in Western Asia makes up the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the second largest country in the Arab world, the fifth largest in Asia and the 12th largest in the world.

It has coasts on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Its population is young with 50 per cent of the 33.4 million people being under 25 years old.

28TH SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL DRINK BEER DAY 19th SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL DANCE DAY Break out into a twirl or two-step this day on the third Saturday in September. Nominated as a day to raise awareness and to encourage us to dance in a fun and effective way to good health and combat obesity.

Turn on a favorite song and just dance. Enroll children in dance classes. While you’re at it, sign up yourself and a partner too. You’ll improve your health and your social life. Invite friends to join and learn to dance together as a group.

Annually, toasts are on today for that malty elixir. At the time that the famous Oktoberfest winds down in Munich, this day invites us to enjoy more of this world’s most popular adult beverage.

Around the country and the world, a wide assortment beers, and more beers, offers plenty of celebration, in fact for anytime.

Celebrate with a glass of beer, or two.

As always, celebrations are better surrounded by friends, family or coworkers. Join them at the local tavern or invite them to your home.

25th SEPTEMBER: NEPAL

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in South Asia is in the foothills of the Himalayas and includes parts of the IndoGangetic Plain. It has a diverse geography of fertile plains, subalpine forested hills, and eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains, including the mighty Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city. Nepal is multi-ethnic with Nepali as the official language. Prithivi Narayan Shah unified the country in 1768.

HUA HIN TODAY

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Health

ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

CARING FOR OUR KIDNEYS The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs on either side of your spine. They are located at the back behind your belly and below your ribs. One of our kidneys’ vital functions is to control the sodium balance in our body.

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ut if our salt intake is too high and the kidneys cannot remove enough of it, this results in high level of sodium in the blood (hypernatremia). This causes the body to store more water, increasing the fluid level in the vessels. Kidneys must then work harder to remove sodium, excess fluid and other wastes from the body.

This leads to higher blood pressure in the kidney system that also causes higher pressure in the capillaries of the kidney tissue. As blood pressure increases, it causes the leaking of protein into the urine, triggering kidney failure.

So eating food with high sodium content increases your risk of getting kidney diseases.

Other factors can also cause kidney diseases, such as: • Eating food with strong flavours. Foods that are very sweet increase the sugar level in our bloodstream that causes kidneys have to work harder.

• Not exercising enough. This common lack can lead to many chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure.

These health conditions would also cause the kidneys to work harder, leading to increased risk of kidney failure.

• Drinking too little water. As the kidneys filter waste out of our body and expel it as urine, it requires water as a medium in the filtration to turn water and other waste substances to urine.

If we drink too little water, kidneys may not be able to filter all waste substances, causing that waste to accumulate. If that happens for too long, it will turn into an excess of crystal/ stone-forming substances that become painful kidney stones.

If you have the following symptoms, it is suggested that you take a test to measure your kidney function.

- Swollen feet and legs, feeling easily or more tired, and have less energy - Having back pain, especially below the rib cage that may radiate to other areas, such as the abdomen.

- Abnormalities of urine, such as having blood or foamy or excessive bubbles in urine, or an increased need to urinate particularly at night.

O u r k i d n e y s a re organs that work continuously without pause. We can help take care of them by avoiding lifestyle behaviours that would increase the risk of kidney damage.

For our kidneys, there is no way to turn back the clock so care well for them now while you can.

Health

A GOOD CUP OF TEA

Research says that your morning or evening steaming cup of tea can actually be very good for you.

• Heart health Research has found that drinking tea reduces your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke and also helps lower blood pressure.

New research shows improved cardiovascular health among people who drink tea three or more times a week. These health benefits are attributed to polyphenols, a compound found in black and green tea, along with other foods.

• Diabetes Black, green and oolong teas are found to be beneficial drinks for diabetics as the teas can lower blood sugar levels. The teas all contain polyphenols that health researchers believe have anti-oxidative properties that can help prevent Type2 diabetes and help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Cancer protection More than 50 epidemiologic studies of the association between tea consumption and reduced cancer risk have been published since 2006.

Some results of these studies have been inconsistent but some studies suggest that drinking tea can help protect against cancer occuring in the colon, breast, ovary, prostate and lung.

HUA HIN TODAY

• Bone health Scientific research has shown t h a t c a ff e i n e c o n s u m p t i o n increases the risk of osteoporosis but a new study shows that tea may actually have a protective effect against the disease.

In a British study, women who drank tea had significantly greater bone mineral density when compared to non-tea drinkers.

Some studies suggest that drinking black tea in particular can help improve bone density.

• Mental health Tea can improve cognition and memory. The polyphenols in tea can contribute to better cognitive performance and working memory.

A recent study with elderly participants has shown that green tea helps slow the age-related decline in brain function seen as declining memory, cognitive impairment and dementia.

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ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Throw Back August

HUA HIN AIRPORT REOPENING TO BOOST DOMESTIC TRAVELLING O

n August 7, AirAsia has made its debut flights to Hua Hin from Chiang Mai and Udon Thani.

In coordination with the TAT’s programme in promoting domestic tourism, AirAsia now operates weekend flights to and from Hua Hin with prices so affordable you would not want to miss them.

Although currently foreign tourists are not allowed back in yet due to safety health measures, domestic travelling could be one of the major steps to help revive Hua Hin’s economy and its tourism industry.

HUA HIN ANNUAL FOOD FESTIVAL

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ne of the spectacular events that Hua Hin used to organise yearly is the well-known Food Festival. At long last, after inescapable delays due to the pandemic, the first major event of the year has finally taken place on August 7-8 at the beachfront of Centara Grand.

City officials were present during the opening ceremony to welcome hundreds of local visitors and expats in an extraordinary atmosphere. With so many excellent food, beverages and entertainment that surprised the visitors, the festival had definitely brought back the thrilling ambiance of Hua Hin.

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HUA HIN OF YESTERYEARS

his festival of heritage and pride goes a long way through the decades. Flamboyant Thai traditional costumes, a parade of classic vintage cars and magnificent fashion shows are all thai you would expect from this occasion.

Considered as this year’s second major event, this was a 10-day celebration full of thrill and entertainment. This year’s festival was held at the back of Bluport Mall with plenty of food, beverages, music, dance and special shows that attracted almost everyone from early evening onward. It was a wholesome celebration perfectly organised.

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HUA HIN TODAY

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18

ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Property

KNOWING YOUR LAND This important information is for those who buy or sell land. This is to avoid your being exploited or even unintentionally losing the land that you own.

Nor Sor Sam (NS3)

Importance of cadastral survey It is true that a person who holds the land title deed is the owner of the land.

But it is also important for you to have the land surveyed every 10 years to prevent your losing the land.

Professional surveyors check that the land you own has the dimensions as stated on your title deed. They check the boundary of the land to ensure that your property and adjacent titles are not overlapped.

Advantages of land surveying • To prevent losing ownership of parts of your land when other owners may have intruded on your land.

• To prevent your land from being encroached on by illegal road access.

Nor Sor Sam Kor (NS3K)

• To prevent your land from being overlapped by public domain such as canal and brook.

• To ascertain any changes in the boundary of the land over time.

• To make official any land changes the owner can alter the certificate of utilisation on the green Garuda symbol (NS3K) with the document with red Garuda on top (NS4).

Two types of cadastral survey Dividing the land If landowner wants to divide his/her land for selling or distributing among statutory heirs, they must file the request for cadastral survey at the Department of Lands. The landowner then gets new title deeds showing divided portions.

Amalgamating title deeds If a landowner wishes to amalgamate separate lands into one title deed, he must also file the request for the cadastral survey at the Department of Lands.

Before having your land surveyed, know these three requirements: 1) Land title deeds: Landowners must know what types of utilisation is allowed on their land as stated in an official certificate of utilisation.

There are three different certificates of utilisation: • Nor Sor Sam (NS3), the certificate with the black Garuda symbol on top, is an instrument affirming the land occupier’s

Nor Sor Si Jor (NS4J)

right to use the land without conferring ownership. The land may be sold subject to 30-day notice.

• Nor Sor Sam Kor (NS3K), the certificate of utilisation with the green Garuda, has the same legal basis as the NS3 yet there is no need to publicise legal acts concerning the land such as a sale.

• Nor Sor Si Jor (NS4J), or a chanote, is the certificate of true ownership of land and the land’s title deed. Owners have the right to sell and mortgage the land as well as to transfer ownership.

Documents required for land survey Before requesting a land survey, have these documents in hand: • National Identification card.

• House registration.

• Evidence of your name change.

• Evidence of your marriage.

• Land title deed.

• Certificate of utilisation.

Surveying Four steps to survey land: • Survey and calculate the length and width of the land.

• Determine the boundary of the land.

• Certify the boundary to ensure the shape of the land.

• Calculate mathematically to know the exact size of your land.

Ideally other lands around yours should be surveyed as well so that all owners know exact ownership boundaries.

HUA HIN TODAY

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20 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Golf News

Winged Foot Golf Club New York

THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS;

COVID CONFUSION The men’s major golf championships, also known simply as the majors, are the four most prestigious events in professional golf. The competitions are The Open Championship, the PGA Championship, the US Open and the Masters Tournament, usually contested annually.

S

hould the same golfer win all four majors in a calendar year, this would be recognised as a grand slam. No one has ever achieved this and that’s certainly not going to happen this year as The Open, mistakenly called the British Open by some, and due to have been played in Kent from 12th to 19th July, has been cancelled.

That decision was based on guidance from the UK Government, the health authorities, public services and R&A’s advisers. This is the first time since the Second World War that golf’s original Championship, first played in 1860, has been cancelled.

Originally scheduled for May, the PGA Championship took place at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco from August 6th-9th without fans.

American Collin Morikawa, a 23-year-old, who made his debut as a professional in 2019, claimed the championship with a final round of 64 for a total of 13 under par. He won by 2 shots from Englishman Paul Casey at -11 with a brace of players at -10.

The U.S. Open is still on schedule to be played at Winged Foot Golf Club in suburban New York, September 17th-20th, but will also take place without fans in attendance.

The USGA, which runs the championship, made the decision official in late July in accordance with state and local officials. The championship, originally scheduled for June 18-21 had been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Open trophy will be unclaimed in 2020.

The 2020 Masters at Augusta National has been confirmed.

Collin Morikawa is the first winner of a major this year.

“After months of going through scenario planning from everything to a full U.S. Open, to having no fans, to asking if we can play in Westchester County given that it was the epicenter for a while for COVID-19, to thinking about what other courses we could play and when we might be able to play,” said USGA CEO Mike Davis. “Our whole goal is that we want to conduct a U.S. Open and want to do it in a safe way, and we consider it a bonus that we’re able to still do it at Winged Foot.

If done safely, we see it as something that can be uplifting; we’re elated that we can conduct the U.S. Open.”

There are expected to be approximately 2,000 people in all on the grounds during the tournament, between players, caddies, staff, officials, media and family members of players. That’s compared to what would ordinarily be around 40,000.

“This will not be a typical U.S. Open in several respects,” said John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s senior managing director of championships. “Would it have been easier to simply cancel or even move the 2020 championship rather than play it in what has been the epicenter of the virus in our country? Possibly. But all of us at the USGA know how much the U.S. Open matters, and we weren’t willing to give up on playing it at Winged Foot Golf Club so easily. We are very proud to give our competitors and champions a platform to chase their dreams. Their perseverance motivates us, in a year when such tenacity means so much.”

It has been determined that no fans will be allowed at the Masters, which was rescheduled from April 9-12 to November 12-15.

The Augusta National Club has announced this decision and the new date for the tournament. This is the first time since 1945 a Masters has not been played in April. Back then, it was due to World War II. Now it’s because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that the Australian Open, not a major, but one of the world’s most sought after trophies, won’t be played in 2020. The 105th edition was to have been held in November, but public health considerations have led to that decision.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the following important international golf events being cancelled or remaining uncertain for 2020 after postponements.

RBC Canadian Open, Hero Indian Open, WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Maybank Championship, Volvo China Open, Estrella Damm Andalucia Masters, GolfSixes, Made in Denmark, Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Trophee Hassan II, Scandinavian Mixed, BMW International Open, Open de France, Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, Olympic Games, Real D+D Czech Masters, Omega European Masters, Ryder Cup.

HUA HIN TODAY

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22 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Golf News

MAJESTIC CREEK GOLF RESULTS This 2020 continues to be a very different and difficult year. We are still under great pressure to continue to be very vigilant in order to control the spread of the Coronavirus with many restrictions still in force in all aspects of our lives.

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he Golf Club must still follow the rules as laid down by the Governor of Prachuab Khiri Khan in order to help contain the spread of this dreadful disease and we ask all players to follow these rules as laid down.

During the past four weeks we have held our weekly competitions with many more players taking part than normal at this time of the year.

Many people have decided to stay in Thailand rather than return to their home countries for the European summer, as there is great difficulty in returning to Thailand due to the safety rules regarding foreigners entering the country at the moment.

During the first three of our competitions, the prizes were handed out from the Proshop to comply with social distancing. In the fourth competition we were allowed to hand the prizes to the individual winners and they were presented by Khun Daeng and Khun Tuck.

In addition to the prizes, the club is now providing finger food to all players in the clubhouse after the competition.

Xavier Diana

Didier Marchand

RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS • Thursday 23th July 1st Xavier Diana 40 points 2nd David Morris 39 points 3rd Jim Harvey 37 points There were two other players with 37 points, Jean Berruyer and Lee Pape, both players losing to Jim, with Jim having a better score on the last nine holes.

Nearest the pin winners Hole C2: David Dunn Hole C5: Maem Marungrueng Hole B12: Cecilia Harvey Hole B17: Didier Marchand • Thursday 30th July 1st Didier Marchand 41 points 2nd Jean Paul Capbern 41 points 3rd Cecilia Harvey 39 points Jean Paul came second on a countback on the back nine holes.

Nearest the pin winners Hole C2: Pao Morris Hole C5: Paul Bell Hole B12: Xavier Diana Hole B17: Tellson James

Colin Sansom

Wiliam Sulman

• Thursday 6nd August 1st Colin Sansom 39 points 2nd Didier Marchand 35 points 3rd David Dunn 34 points Nearest the pin winners Hole C2: Lee Pape Hole C5: Colin Sansom Hole B12: David Dunn Hole B 17: Manfred Lanter • Thursday 13th August 1st Wiliam Sulman 41 points 2nd Xavier Diana 38 points 3rd Eddy Scott 37 points Nearest the pin winners Hole C2: Derek Townsend Hole C5: William Sulman Hole B12: Hubert Maldonado Hole B17: Didier Marchand If you wish to take part in any of our future competitions, make your reservation at bookings@majesticcreek.com or register in the Proshop.

Come and enjoy the golfing experience at Majestic Creek.

HUA HIN TODAY

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24 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Golf News

SANDING GOLF GREENS; A NECESSARY EVIL Many golfers may be dismayed when they show up at a golf course expecting to find it in pristine condition, only to discover that the greens have been sanded. But green keepers don’t sand putting surfaces simply to annoy you. They do it for the long-term health of the greens.

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ld Tom Morris was the greenkeeper at St. Andrews after a successful career as a golferlte is credited with accidentally discovering the virtues of routine sand topdressing to improve the density and uniformity of putting turf when he accidentally spilled a wheelbarrow of sand on a green, and the turf thrived.

But what are the benefits of sanding? How, exactly does it work? Jimmy Kidd, former superintendent of Gleneagles, in Scotland and founder of the Scottish Greenkeepers’ Association, offers his explanation.

Kidd says sanding helps break up thatch, a layer of organic material that builds up over time in the upper root zone. Too much is not good; if levels of thatch exceed roughly a half-inch, Kidd says, “the greens will suffer during extremes of drought and wet periods.” The ill effects can vary.

The green might get spongy, or develop brown

spots, or become vulnerable to scalping during mowing. Sanding helps protect against all that.

That’s not all, Kidd says sanding also improves drainage and helps level out the green, creating smooth, consistent putting surfaces, and firm, fast conditions year round. For all of those reasons, Kidd says, superintendents “will lightly apply dustings of sand throughout the season.”

Sanding, and how much sand is used is critically important. Sand too heavily at the wrong time of year, and you risk a range of problems. It’s best to do the work in good weather, Kidd says. In inclement conditions, you might wind up smothering the grass or creating fungus diseases that diminish the quality of the turf.

“You’ve also got to use the right kind of sand. Construction sands, for instance, are a no-no”, Kidd says.

They’re made up of angular particles that are meant “to provide strength and structure.” That’s good for buildings, but bad for grass, as the sand binds together, reducing the air and water flow needed for healthy root growth.

Golf-course sands are different. They are made of round particles “resembling a bucket of balls with large pore spaces between each

Problems at a local golf course; could sanding have helped? ball,” Kidd says. They promote good drainage, and healthy air and water circulation.

Using the wrong sand, Kidd says, can adversely affect the movement of water and nutrients upwards and downwards through the root zone.

As every serious golfer knows, greens are often sanded and punched, or aerated, at the same time. That’s not always necessary, Kidd says. If the goal is merely to level the green, simple topdressing will suffice. Aeration comes in when soils are heavily compacted or the turf is thick with thatch. The greens get punched and sanded, and the sand is worked into each aeration hole to improve air and water flow, giving the roots a better chance to drink and breathe.

Caring for home lawn requires less precision than tending to a green, but many of the same principles apply. Depending on how you use your own yard, you might never want or need to sand it. But if you do, be sure to use the right sand, in the right amounts, at the right time.

If the soil is heavy, you might need to aerate to keep your turf healthy. You might not wind up with a patch of grass as pure as a putting green, but you’ll have a pretty sweet place to chip and pitch.

HUA HIN TODAY

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World Sports News

26 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

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Accordingto research by US business magazine Forbes, the world’s nine highest-earning sportswomen over the past year were all tennis players, Japan’s Naomi Osaka tops the list with earnings of $37.4m (£26.3m), ahead of Serena Williams with $36m (£27.2m).

World number one Ashleigh Barty is third with income of $13.1m (£9.9m).

US international footballer Alex Morgan is the only athlete from outside tennis in the top 10, earning $4.6m (£3.5m).

Morgan, who gave birth to her first child in May, earned $4.2m (£3.2m) of her income through endorsements during the span of Forbes analysis - between 1 June 2019 and 1 June 2020.

Osaka and Williams have both broken the previous record for annual earnings, set at $29.7m (£22.3m) in 2015 by Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova.

In a list of the world’s 100 highest-paid sportspeople published by Forbes in May, Osaka (29th) and Williams (33rd) were the only women.

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The Concorde Agreement was first introduced in 1981 and principally sets out the commercial terms of the sport.

Ferrari, McLaren and Williams announced their support of the revised terms of racing late last month, along with seven other teams who will join the fleet.

However, world champions Mercedes had reached a deadlock with F1 over the new proposals, but eventually had those issues resolved.

The new agreement is intended to put an end to what many considered as ‘unfair revenue system’, whereby the top teams earn excessively more prize money, a system that has created a discrepancy in competitiveness down the grid and locked in an advantage for the top three - Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

“This year has been unprecedented for the world and we are proud that Formula 1 has come together in recent months to return to racing in a safe way,” F1 chairman Chase Carey said in a statement.

“We said earlier in the year that due to the fluid nature of the pandemic, the Concorde Agreement would take additional time to agree and we are pleased that last month (August) we have achieved agreement from all 10 teams on the plans for the long-term future of our sport.”

DUTCH FABIO JAKOBSEN ‘GLAD TO BE ALIVE’ AFTER TOUR OF POLAND CRASH Dutch rider Fabio Jakobsen will require multiple facial surgeries after his crash at the Tour of Poland, but says he is “glad to be alive”. The Deceuninck Quick Step rider was involved in a horrifying crash during a sprint finish earlier last month.

He was pitched through a barrier and into the crowd of spectators following a tangle with Jumbo-Visma’s Dylan Groenewegen.

The 23-year-old was rushed to the hospital where surgeons operated for five hours to give him “a chance to live.”

“It was a difficult, dark period for me in the ICU, where I was afraid of not surviving,” says Jakobsen in a statement released by his team. “Thanks in part to the organisation behind the Tour de Pologne and my team, my family were able to be close to me, which gave me a lot of strength.”

Jakobsen’s fellow national Groenewegen, who caused the crash, was suspended by his Jumbo-Visma team pending the outcome of a disciplinary by the UCI, cycling’s governing body. Jakobsen, who was in an induced coma and spent a week in intensive care, said: “The trauma doctors and nurses at the finish line in Katowice saved my life, for which I am extremely grateful to them. They operated on me for five hours and gave me the chance to live. I am very grateful.”

ENGLAND’S ADAM GEMILI SETS SEASON’S PERSONAL BEST IN HUNGARY Adam Gemili set personal season’s best times in the 100m and 200m at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting in Hungary.

The British sprinter finished second in the 100m to American Noah Lyles in 10.28 seconds, and third over 200m in 20.56 secs behind world champion Lyles and Italian Eseosa Desalu.

“I’ve got to be pleased with that,” Gemili, 26, said on Instagram.

“Not maybe the fastest runs but it’s getting there, it’s getting faster.”

Meanwhile at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial stadium in Budapest, Laviai Nielsen finished third in the women’s 400m while fellow Briton Jessie Knight was fifth.

Andrew Pozzi was sixth in the 110m hurdles and Dai Greene placed fourth over the 400m sprint.

Lawrence Okoye threw an excellent 62.53m to finish seventh in the men’s discus throw, while in the women’s long jump, Abigail Irozuru captured fifth and Shara Proctor at 13th place.

HUA HIN TODAY

27

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28 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Golf News

THE PROS GETTING IT WRONG; DANGEROUS ANIMAL RULE B

ryson DeChambeau hits tee shots farther than anyone else on the PGA Tour, thanks to his suddenly beefed-up physique and protein-heavy diet, but the six-time Tour winner is apparently no match for a few fire ants.

In the last month’s opening round of the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind, DeChambeau hit his tee shot into the trees down the left side of the par-4, 481-yard seventh hole. His tee shot came to rest on a few small sticks near the base of a tree.

He called PGA Tour rules official Ken Tackett to the scene, and then

spent nearly three minutes trying to convince him that he was allowed a free drop under the rules. “It’s a different colour,” DeChambeau told Tackett. “It looks like an ant hole -- or ant area.”

USGA rule 16.2.a, the “Dangerous Animal Condition” rule, would have permitted DeChambeau to take relief.

The rule says, “A ‘dangerous animal condition’ exists when a dangerous animal (such as poisonous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants or bears) near a ball could cause serious physical injury to the player if he or she had to play the ball as it lies.”

Fire Ants, mod-kun-fai in Thai, are one of the most venomous insects in Thailand, and are found in most warm tropical areas of the world, including the Southeast USA. They are small, measuring between one-tenth and one-fourth of an inch in size, and are a reddish brown to orange.

“Yeah, I don’t see any fire ants in a sense that it would be, you know,

a dangerous situation,” Tackett said.

Then DeChambeau tried to convince Tackett that there were two burrowing animal holes behind his ball.

At that point, Tackett asked DeChambeau to take his stance as if he was going to hit his second shot.

“I mean, it doesn’t interfere with your stance anyway,” Tackett said. “It’s not an animal hole.” DeChambeau ended up taking a double-bogey 6 on the hole.

“Bryson is definitely causing some entertainment out there!,” commentator Sir Nick Faldo said after the incident.

DeChambeau was convinced his ball was sitting near a hill of fire ants -- or a burrowing animal hole.

Relief is permitted when a dangerous animal could cause serious injury.

WANG BOST SCHOOL WINS IN SANSARA CUP II T

he Sansara Cup II took place at the Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy on Monday. The three local schools were all in action with teams representing Wang Bost, Nong Hieng and the Hua Hin International School.

The teams all played each other twice in a round robin format. The first match was a closely contested affair with Wang Bost running out as 1-0 winners against the Hua Hin International School.

Nong Hieng won the inaugural Sansara Cup last November. But the defending champions got off to a bad start and were beaten 2-1 by Wang Bost in their opening match.

Wang Bost would go on to draw their final two matches, taking eight points from four games to finish top and win the competition. In the final match of the day Hua Hin International School beat Nong Hieng 1-0 to ensure both sides finished level on four points.

Nong Hieng secured the runners up spot place courtesy of a superior

goal difference. Sariya Boonchin, Guest Relations Executive at Sansara, was on hand to present the trophies to the teams.

She was impressed by the attitude of the players, “These boys and girls really love playing football and you could tell they had been looking forward to this tournament. At Sansara we are committed to supporting the local community and are proud to support events like this.”

The event was hosted by the Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy.

Head Coach Gary Stevens was an interested spectator.

“It is great to see children from different backgrounds coming together to enjoy the sport of football. I’m told that in the past these schools didn’t play against each other very often so it’s fantastic to see Sansara bringing them together for a really enjoyable morning of football.

• For more information about Hua Hin Football visit: www.huahinfootball.com.

• For more information about Sansara visit: www.sansara.asia

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30 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

FRENCH LIGUE 1 RETURNS WITH A BIG ‘NIL’ ON ITS FIRST GAME

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he French Ligue 1 season got under way--167 days after the 2019-20 campaign was held back --as Nantes were detained by 10-man Bordeaux and the match ended up as a first goal-less game.

The game was brought forward after the original season-opener between Marseille and Saint-Etienne was postponed following four positive cases of coronavirus at Marseille.

The 2019-20 campaign was ended in April due to the pandemic.

Paris St-Germain took the Champions League finalist award. The French league has informed teams that has more than three positive cases in a club that they could expect postponement.

During last month’s fixture at Bordeaux--who were among the sides to play on Ligue 1’s final contested round of matches last March 8 was played in an empty stadium.

Football News

EUROPA LEAGUE: JESUS NAVAS DEDICATES SEVILLA TROPHY TO JOSE ANTONIO REYES AND ANTONIO PUERTA

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esus Navas dedicated Sevilla’s 6th Europa League title to former players Jose Antonio Reyes and Antonio Puerta.

Reyes was killed in a car crash last year at the age of 35, while Puerta was 22 when he died in 2007 after a series of cardiac arrests.

After their 3-2 win over Inter Milan, Navas said: “To raise this cup as captain of my Sevilla means so much.

“For friends who are no longer here--for Puerta, for Reyes, and for my godfather who has died,” he added.

Reyes came through the youth system at Sevilla and made 253 appearances in two spells at the club.

He also had a spell in the Premier League with Arsenal from 2004 until 2007.

Puerta also came through the ranks before making his debut in the 2003-04 season and went on to make 88 appearances.

It was also Julen Lopetegui’s first trophy as a manager. “Lopetegui works 24 hours a day for Sevilla, he deserves this,” Navas said.

Lopetegui added: “It is very special. Always it is very special to win one cup. For us, for me, for the fans it is very special. We have a happy end.”

ARSENAL WOMEN OUT OF CHAMPION’S LEAGUE

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rsenal were knocked out of the Women’s Champions League by Paris St-Germain to end British interest at the quarter-final stage of this year’s competition.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s superb near-post volley put PSG ahead early on, before England forward Beth Mead’s curling strike drew Arsenal level.

But Katoto teed up substitute Signe Bruun to poke home and set up a semi-final tie with fellow French club Lyon.

The result also denies Joe Montemurro’s side a place in the 2020-21 Champions League, after Arsenal finished third in the Women’s Super League table on a points-per-game method.

Arsenal, bidding to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2013, failed to create a clear opportunity to level again in the last 10 minutes-although Vivianne Miedema was nearly allowed to tap in at the far post only for Caitlin Foord’s low cross to be diverted behind for a corner.

PSG will now take on Lyon for a place in the final, after England’s Nikita Parris helped the six-time European champions to a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich.

LIVERPOOL TO CONTINUE TRAINING IN AUSTRIA CAMP DESPITE COVID-19 QUARANTINE RULES

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUIZ: “CAN YOU NAME EVERY WINNING TEAM MANAGER?”

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homas Tuchel’s Paris St-Germain and Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich meet in the Champions League final on last month’s game guaranteeing there will be a new name among the list of managers to have won Europe’s marquee title.

But can you name every manager to have won the competition since its rebrand in 1992?

Here’s a test on how instinctively you’ve followed the league and the club’s managers through the years…

CLUE: There are 17 in total and you have plenty of time in the world to get them all. Good luck!

BARCELONA INTERESTED IN MAN CITY FULL-BACK ANGELINO

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arcelona is keen to sign up Manchester City defender Angelino. The 23-year-old Spanish full-back has just returned from a six-month loan spell at RB Leipzig, who was qualified in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Angelino joined Man City in 2014, left for PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and returned to Man City again last summer after they triggered a £5.3m buy-back clause.

Angelino made his 12 first-team appearances for Man City last season before moving to Germany.

The deal with Leipzig was a 30m euro (£27m) option to buy and it is understood that Man City would be looking for a similar figure from Barcelona, who are trying to reform their team under new boss Ronald Koeman following their 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich.

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iverpool will continue with their pre-season training in Austria, despite the country has been added to the United Kingdom’s Covid-19 quarantine list.

An announcement had been made last month that people entering the UK from Austria have to follow the government’s rules and self-isolate for 14 days.

But Liverpool is not affected by the ruling, having applied for an exemption by the Football Association as they will be playing two friendly matches.

“We’re in our own bubble,” Reds manager Jurgen Klopp mentioned in the club’s website.

“We do nothing to bring anybody or ourselves into danger and we just focus on football.

“Wherever we would be – in England, anywhere else or in Austria – we would do absolutely everything possible to make sure we create a safe place.

“We have trained, apart from two days, everyday twice, which makes it really intense. We could do that at home but then the boys have to drive home and from a training point of view, it makes no sense,” says Jurgen Klopp.

HUA HIN TODAY

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32 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

City Brief

FOOD WASTE GIVES TONS OF BENEFITS F

ood waste is a very important consideration because most people do not realise how much of this useful material they throw away every day.

We usually throw our food waste without separating it from non-food rubbish, adding to the huge community waste disposal mountain that affects our environment.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment says that solid waste management is very much on the national agenda. To better manage our solid waste, effective measures have to be applied: reducing, reusing and recycling (or the 3Rs).

Food waste is in fact very valuable as it can be converted to other beneficial uses:

• Animal feed.

• Composting to make fertiliser used to grow vegetables.

• Made into fermented solution to water flowers, increase soil fertility, decrease weeds, help decompose leaves and deodorise toilets.

• Food waste including eggshell can become much-needed macronutrients for the soil.

• Generate biogas to be converted to electricity to heat and power our world.

Simple food waste separation is then a very important first step that we all easily can manage at home.

Follow the 3Rs and we can become a zero-waste nation.

H

ua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul opened a seminar to develop and implement better consumer protection service as offered by local government.

Convened by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) in collaboration with the Hua Hin Municipality, the seminar was held at Wora Wana Hua Hin Hotel and Convention.

Hua Hin district officials, members of the Consumer Protection Committee and some 50 other participants including community leaders attended.

Mr Sarun Rakphao, Director of Consumer Protection Division for Advertising and Service, spoke about local government consumer protection roles and duties and grievance mediation in consumer disputes.

The seminar aimed to improve skills and knowledge of consumer protection practices for workers in the local government. How best to handle complaints from the public, mediate disputes, monitor behaviour of business operators and educate consumers about their rights.

Guidelines were drafted to improve co-operation between central and regional consumer protection agencies in providing their services. Officials discussed how best to educate consumers in their purchasing decision and how business operators can better understand and offer consumer protection for their customers.

Hua Hin Municipality’s Consumer Protection Center reported public satisfaction in its service. It said that it had helped negotiate at times difficult disputes between business and consumers with the aim always to save time and costs of legal disputes for all.

PROJECT HELPS THE DISABLED

M

ayor Nopporn Wuttikul presided over a project meeting aimed to improve the quality of life for disabled persons living in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

The meeting, held on 17th August at the Hua Hin Municipality, was attended by Mr Thanan Thada Thitatat, representing the Disabled Service Center and Social Development and Human Security of Prachuap Khiri Khan, and members of the municipal council.

The current Promotion and Development of the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2007 has set up a fund of 6.2 billion baht, increasing each year, to provide loans and funds for services to the disabled community.

The objective of the fund is to improve the quality of life for the disabled within the current economic situation. Operating from 2017 to 2021, the budget funds needed assistance and services to the disabled in our community.

According to the law, people with disability are fully entitled to their rights and independence in society to live in peace and harmony. The disability act applies the principle of equality empowering the disabled to enjoy the benefit of their rights and welfare as fully-integrated members of our society.

HUA HIN TODAY

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34 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Travel

CLIMBING KHAO LOM MUAK

By: Leon Knox

Greetings to fellow travellers during this difficult Covid time. I would like to promote tourist attractions in our province and nearby such as in Phetchaburi, Kaeng Krachan, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon, that also can be visited as day-trips.

M

y first recommendation is a trip to Khao Lom Muak, a seaside peak in Prachaub Kiri Khan Province, only an hour and a half drive south from Hua Hin. This rugged limestone peak rises 280 metres near the sea within the Royal Thai Air Force Base (Wing 5). The peak is considered sacred, the home of a mountain spirit whose shrine attracts visitors.

Feeling very much secure at home there, and well-protected by the Thai air force, is a big troupe of Dusky Langur monkeys.

Very attractive in their livery of grey and white, with startling white spectacles around their eyes, the gentle monkeys sit in a row on branches, long tails hanging down and taking in the view of the weekend visitors.

They are less busy than the macaque monkeys that we are more used to.

This month’s national long holiday on September 4-7 is a good time to visit as the mountain is only open for special holidays. This one is the delayed Songkran Thai New Year holiday that the Government had to put forward from April in the midst of the Covid-19 infection.

Now that it is safer to move about the country, Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) Prachuab Office has invited you to “conquer the top of Khao Lom Muak” during the Songkran weekend. Here is a real hiking adventure and I recommend that you take this healthy excursion opportunity.

It’s a few days’ break from work and other routines, so don’t just stay home. Take a ride south to explore Prachuab and and perhaps take the chance to just spend some nights in one of the many good hotels in the city.

Be sure to book ahead.

Arriving early at the mountain is a good move when it is cooler and you can be ahead in the queue to register for the climb. Registrations are open only from 6.00 am to 10.00 am on each of the four days. Each group is limited to 25 climbers at a time.

Once registered, your adventure begins in earnest and the 496 steps of stairs are there to truly test your fitness. Then at the top of those steps, the hardest part of the trip actually begins.

Now you scramble further up the hill on a steep rocky trail, holding on to a rope to pull yourself up to the very top. You may be lucky to have strong air force men on hand to give you a pull and a push along the way.

The climb to the top takes 40 minutes to an hour and the view is certainly worth it. The three bays on the coast of Ao Noi, Ao Prachuab and Ao Manao gleam serenely below.

Your own Herculean climbing effort can even now be rewarded with a coffee from the Starbucks at the top.

HANDY TIPS: Bring drinking water, and gloves to protect your hands from rope and sharp rocks. Wear sturdy shoes and boots as thongs are not allowed. Arrive early.

Khao Lom Muak is only open during the long weekend. Contact Prachuap Tourism Office at 032-611017 and 080-3731876. Also click the web site wing5.rtaf.mi.th for further details.

091-819-9810 w w w. s i v a n a v i l l a s . c o m HUA HIN TODAY

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36 ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2020

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