30 minute read
The expat photographer telling the stories of abandoned sites in Thailand…p
ISSUE 241 • AUGUST 2022
Hot THE EXPAT PHOTOGRAPHER TELLING THE STORIES OF ABANDONED STRUCTURES IN THAILAND
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The Abandoned Village of Death in Cha Am. ©Dax Ward An abandoned temple in Pranburi. ©Dax Ward
American photographer Dax Ward spends a large amount of his free time going to places most of us are likely to avoid.
When he isn’t teaching IT at an international school in Bangkok, he is out exploring abandoned buildings and other interesting forgotten sites.
His passion for photography and urban exploration or ‘urbex’ has enabled him to take fascinating photographs of abandoned structures in Thailand and elsewhere.
His photographs have been featured in CNN, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Sun, Lad Bible, the Weather Channel, Lonely Planet and many more.
His journey into photography, which he only started in 2015, was almost by accident.
“I joined the Bangkok Photographers Group and started attending workshops and going on walks with them but before that I knew hardly anything about photography”, Dax told Hua Hin Today.
Then in 2016, again almost by accident, some of the first photographs he shot of an abandoned location in Bangkok came to the attention of a UK based content syndication company.
“I posted some photos on the 500px.com website, a popular photo sharing site similar to Flickr,” Dax said.
“I was then contacted by a British syndicator that asked if they could use my photos and interview me for a story. I didn’t really know much about it or think much of it but then the story ended up going really viral.”
The photos were of the so-called Airplane Graveyard - a field in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district - where two MD-82 jetliners which used to belong to Orient Thai Airlines have been left to rot.
After Dax saw the popularity of his photos from the Airplane Graveyard, he began visiting other locations around Bangkok. sites to explore in the Thai capital, particularly on the outskirts of the city: from condos and office towers to shopping malls and bowling alleys.
Many of the buildings were left abandoned as a result of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, known in Thailand as the Tom Yum Kung crisis, following the collapse of the Thai baht.
Despite the crisis happening 25 years ago, the buildings remain abandoned.
As well in Bangkok, Dax has traveled all over Thailand photographing abandoned buildings.
He says one of his favourite locations was the Petch Siam Cinema in Sukhothai, which had been left almost intact, even with the original seating and projectors, for the last 30 years.
Abandoned sites in Cha Am, Hua Hin and Pranburi
Locally, both Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan are home to several interesting abandoned sites.
Hua Hin Today caught up with Dax after he visited the site of an abandoned temple in Pranburi.
“The temple is in the middle of nowhere but looks like someone at sometime put a lot of money into it”, Dax explained.
“It has a beautiful reclining Buddha and a large statue of a monk. It’s really quite grandiose”.
Dax has also explored the site of a hotel in Cha Am which was left unfinished and never opened. The so-called ‘Cha Am Ghost Hotel’ is the subject of much speculation and rumor.
What actually occurred during the construction of the hotel has been difficult to verify.
Needless to say, according to local legend, the hotel allegedly has somewhat of a dark past involving a foreign man and his Thai girlfriend.
The Ghost Hotel isn’t the only site in Cha Am which is said to have a shadowy past. Village of Death” which is located approximately 15 kilometres from Cha Am beach. He said construction of the village coincided with the Tom Yum Kung crisis and the site has been abandoned ever since.
The village is also said to have been the location for a number of serious crimes, with Dax saying the site left him feeling “uneasy” and was “unsettling”.
In Phetchaburi, Dax has explored the abandoned building of what used to be The Roxy Disco, which was once a buzzing nightclub and the place to go for a night out.
The club, which first opened in the mid-1980s was reportedly the scene of a serious crime, resulting in bad publicity from which it never really recovered. It did reopen for a short time before closing due to a fire in 2007.
Dax, who has shot more than 50 abandoned places in Thailand, says that he normally finds out about a location through word of mouth, with people reaching out to him online and on social media.
He also has a friend who is well established in the ‘urbex’ community in Thailand and is able to help Dax gain permission from the owners or overseers of the site prior to him visiting.
“I don’t take any risks and always gain permission before I enter a site”, Dax said.
“Once I get told about a place, I will do my own research online using Google Maps and Google Street View and I will also try and find out about the history of the building”.
“I do as much research as I can to try and understand what a place once was and what happened there.
“What happened, where is it, how long has it been abandoned and what is planned for the future, those are all types of questions I think people want to know,” Dax explained.
ISSUE 241 • AUGUST 2022 Health
MICROBIOME
www.healthlabclinic.com
Amicrobiome is a community of natural microorganisms or microbes in the human body. It has been with us since we were born, then gradually deteriorates and loses balance with time and lifestyle. The followings are some interesting facts about microorganisms or microbiomes.
• There are more than 10,000 species of microorganisms living in the human body. • More than 95% of microorganisms live in the intestines. • There are 10 times more microorganisms than human genes. • Each person’s microorganisms are different and vary on different body parts.
Current scientific discoveries show a connection between the imbalance of the intestinal microbiome and the occurrence of diseases, both physical and mental illnesses, as follows: 1. Intestinal microbiome and inconspicuous diseases, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, constipation, diarrhea, overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 2. Intestinal microbiome and cancer, associated with thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer 3. Intestinal microbiome and infectious diseases, as 70% of immune cells are in the intestinal microbiome. 4. Intestinal microbiome and mental health, intestines could affect mood through the endocrine, nervous and immune systems, including brain diseases such as autism, memory loss, insomnia, depression
There is a saying that “good health starts with a balanced microbiome” because the intestinal microbiome is linked to metabolism and genes.
The intestinal microbiome can be divided into 3 categories. • Core bacteria: Most of them have neutral properties. That is, if most of the microorganisms are good, they would benefit the body.
However, if there are too many bad microorganisms, it could be harmful. • Bad microorganisms or harmful bacteria: Cause illness • Good microorganisms, commonly known as probiotics:
Keeping you healthy
The intestinal microbiome consists of 50-70% of the core bacteria of all microorganisms. The core bacteria can cause both good and bad effects on health. The most important period to build a balanced microbiome foundation is between the ages of 0.3. It can be built by adequate rest, breastfeeding, and a healthy diet.
Next time, we’ll talk about assessing the quality of your health by measuring your intestinal microbiome. Don’t forget to check out our next article.
Are you struggling to sleep – you might suffer from Insomnia
Sleep is one of the three pillars of good health, besides nutrition and exercise. The World Health Organization recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per day. Nevertheless, every night, hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from insomnia, approximately 10-30% of the world's population. Insomnia can be either acute, lasting one night or even a few weeks, or it can be chronic if it affects a person at least three nights a week over three months. It can be cause by a variety of reasons, such as environment, underlying diseases, certain medication, and caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Insomnia is more common in women than men, attributed to hormonal changes during menstruation, during pregnancy and after menopause. Health conditions such as depression, anxiety, muscle ache, difficulty holding urine, or a cyst of the ovary can also affect sleep. Elderly people (over 60 years of age) who experience physical or environmental change or chronic illnesses can also suffer from insomnia.
How can I prevent insomnia?
Changing sleep hygiene can help you sleep better: • Avoid large meals, or alcoholic or caffeinated beverages before bedtime • Set a routine, go to bed and wake up around the same time every day • Avoid electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime • Sleep in a dark, and quiet environment, with a comfortable temperature • Do physical activities such as exercising during the day • Sleep in a fetal position might help • Get out of bed when you can't sleep • Use the bed for sleeping and sexual activity only
Effects of insomnia:
People tend to think that insomnia is just a nuisance, but chronic insomnia has a negative impact on your health. It can cause physical and mental health problems, such as: • Depression, anxiety, irritability • Memory and cognitive impairment • Behavioral problems such as hyperactivity or aggression • Lack of concentration • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Diabetes • Dementia • Stroke • Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness during the day) • Sexual dysfunction • Weight gain and obesity • Falling asleep during the day, increasing risk for an accident while driving or working Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Comprehensive Sleep Clinic can help you get better sleep. It consists of a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled physicians specialized in Sleep Medicine, from pulmonologists (doctors treating lung and respiratory tract diseases), to otolaryngologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and dentists (maxillofacial surgeons) who work as a team to diagnose and treat insomnia. If you suffer from insomnia or suspect a sleep disorder, our team of specialists is ready to provide diagnosis and treatment to restore your quality of life.
For more details, please contact:
The Comprehensive Sleep Clinic
Bumrungrad International Hospital Tel: 02 011 2988
Email: sleepclinic@bumrungrad.com
Dr. Kate Boonyakiat, DAOM, LAc. – Terra Acupuncture
Have you ever felt “butterflies” in your stomach when you were nervous? Many people know stress can physically affect the digestive tract and the whole body. It can cause chronic nausea or bloat and trigger symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal conditions. But since the signal goes both ways, a troubled gut can cause stress - an imbalanced, damaged or poorly functioning digestive system connected to depression and other mood disorders.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Though the brain-gut axis has recently emerged in medical science, Traditional Chinese Medicine recognized the connection between emotions and digestive health thousands of years earlier. According to Chinese medicine, the Earth element, associated with the Stomach and Spleen, represents the digestive system. It is the foundation of our ability to properly digest and absorb food, converting the nutrients into blood, qi and fluids of the body. It also sees the digestive system as responsible for processing your emotions. It is most affected by chronic worry, anxiety, or overthinking. Excessive or unbalanced emotions and stress weaken the Spleen, Stomach, and gut.
How to optimize your gut-brain axis
Chinese medicine has always embraced a holistic healing approach. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine can support digestion, absorption and elimination, while your dietary decisions can shape, populate, and cultivate beneficial bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health and can be taken as a supplement or found naturally in the foods we eat. A healthy diet rich in fermented foods, omega fatty acids, leafy green vegetables and limited complex carbohydrates will also help to develop a healthy gut microbiome. And let’s not forget that self-care is also essential to supporting the digestive system. Receiving regular acupuncture treatments and taking time for exercise and stress-reducing practices such as yoga will help regulate the nervous and digestive systems.
Understanding the bidirectional interplay of the gut-brain network is key to making decisions to promote total-body, emotional and physical health.
MAJESTIC REPORT
The course continues to be in excellent condition with the manicured fairways and excellent quality greens. Some of the greens have had some maintenance carried out in the past few weeks, but they are now in excellent condition.
The number of players taking part in our weekly competition is still at a low level, but we look forward to the return of players from their home countries following the easing down of Covid restrictions.
All our staff are still being tested each week for signs of COVID and we can assure you that we are doing all we can to ensure their safety, along with the safety of our customers.
Our competition takes place every Thursday and is open to Members and Non Members also. Anyone wishing to take part can either register at the pro shop by Tuesday evening, or by email to: bookings@majesticcreekcc.com and your tee time will be sent to you, by email, on Wednesday morning. The presentation of the prizes will take place in the clubhouse following the competition. The full results can be seen by logging on to masterscoreboard. co.uk, click on Societies, then enter Majestic Creek, a list will appear with our name on, click on this our password is “putter”. The results for the current week will appear, plus all the results for the past 12 months.
PAUL BELL
DAVID MORRIS
RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS FOR JUNE-JULY
ANGIE SOUTHGATE
23rd June Stableford Competition 35 Players participating 1st David Morris 43 points playing off 19 2nd Anong Strong 41 points playing off 21 3rd Angie Southgate 41 points playing off 19 Guest Lee Hughes 40 points playing off 29
NEAREST THE PINS
Hole A4 Angie Southgate Hole A6 Richard Gaskell Hole B12 Kieron Bose Hole B17 Gills Langlois
30th June Stableford Competition 20 Players participating 1st Angie Southgate 41 points playing off 18 2nd David Morris 41 points playing off 18 3rd Jackie Crawford 40 points playing off 28
Guest Prize
Lee Hughes 35 points playing off 28
NEAREST THE PIN PRIZES
Hole A4 Dave Hammond Hole A6 Didier Marchand Hole B12 Angie Southgate Hole B17 Maem Marungrong 7th July No weekly competition this week, as the course was used for a large National Competition with over 150 players participating.
14th July
POWER TEES COMPETITION
1st Paul Bell 55 points 2nd Dave Hammond 55 points 3rd David Morris 51 points
NEAREST THE PIN PRIZES
HOLE A4 Maem Marungrong Hole A6 Angie Southgate Hole B17 Joel Hug
COME AND ENJOY YOUR GOLFING AT MAJESTIC CREEK
SPA MOMENTS FOR MOM
Treat mom to a cute spa moment this August.
Surprise mom with a 90-minute Three Layers massage or 90-minute Crystal Clear massage for only THB 3,800. Did we mention she’ll also get a complimentary 60-minute Feet Treat? That, too.
Hua Hin Ladies meet at Monsoon Valley Wine Bar
Members of the Phoenix Golf Society Hua Hin taking part in a tournament at Grand Prix Golf Club in Kanchanaburi
Popular Thai actor Ananda Everingham was in Hua Hin recently, enjoying Indian food at ATCHA restaurant ค่ณอนัันัดา เอเวอร่ร่ิ�งแฮม นัักแสดงชิ่�อดังชิาวไที่ย เพลุ่ิดเพลุ่นักับอาหัาร่ อนัเด่ยที่่�ร่้านัอาหัาร่ ATCHA หััวหันั เม่�อเร่็ว ๆ นั่
Guests at the Culinary Special event held at Jacky’s Garden. Image: Patrick Jacobs แข้กร่ับเชิิญในังานั Culinary Special ที่่� Jacky’s Garden ภาพ: Patrick Jacobs
Lizzy! Image: Patrick Jacobs
ค่ณลุ่ซ์ซ์่�! ภาพ: Patrick Jacobs
Hua Hin City FC line up before their pre-season match against Port FC. Image: HuaHin City FC 0fficial Page หััวหันั ซ์ิตี้� เอฟซ์่ ถ่ายภาพร่วมกนัในันััดอนัเคร่่�องก�อนัเปิดฤดูกาลุ่กับพอร่ตี้
เอฟซ์่ ภาพ: HuaHin City FC 0fficial Page
Rotarians at the installation ceremony of Phil Lawrence as president of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin. สมาชิิกโร่ตี้าร่่ หััวหันั ในัพิธีสถ่าปนัานัายฟลุ่ ลุ่อว์เร่นัซ์์ เปนัปร่ะธีานัสโมสร่ โร่ตี้าร่่ร่อยลุ่หััวหันั
Miss Patcharajutha Kongkraphan receives a prize of 367,500 baht after winning the THAI WPGA at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. นัางสาวพชิร่จั่ฑา คงกร่ะพนัธี์ ร่ับร่างวลุ่ 367,500 บาที่ หัลุ่ังจัากคว้าแชิมป์ THAI WPGA ที่่�สนัามกอลุ่์ฟร่อยลุ่หััวหันั
Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul at the reopening of the Rimtalay Market
Competitors in the Bartender Hua Hin Competition 2022 at HuaHin Market Village. Image: MarketVillageOfficial ผู้เข้้าแข้�งข้นั Bartender Hua Hin Competition 2022 ณ หััวหันัมาร่์เกตี้ วลุ่เลุ่จั ภาพ: MarketVillageOfficial
InterContinental Hua Hin General Manager Joseph Della Gatta (centre) with golfers at the InterContinental Pairs Classic 2022 by Siam PGA นัาย Joseph Della Gatta (กลุ่าง) ผู้จััดการ่ที่ั�วไปโร่งแร่ม InterContinental Hua Hin พร่้อมนัักกอลุ่์ฟที่่�งานั InterContinental Pairs Classic 2022 โดย Siam PGA
Hua Hin Hospital presented certificates to Artist Village Volunteers who collaborated to paint the walls. โร่งพยาบาลุ่หััวหันั มอบเก่ยร่ตี้บตี้ร่แก�จัตี้อาสาบ้านัศลุ่ปนั ที่่�ร่วมใจักนัวาด ภาพตี้กแตี้�งผู้นััง
ABSOLUTE GOLF SERVICES SELECTED AS THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF BANYAN GOLF CLUB
Absolute Golf Services (AGS) has to announced the signing of a long-term management contract for Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand. Banyan Golf Club is the multi award winning golf course, celebrated for its excellent facilities and memorable hospitality. The signing of the stunning 18-hole par 72 championship golf course has marked the significant success and growth of AGS’s portfolio of managed golf and leisure facilities in Thailand and Asia.
Banyan Golf Club is known to be one of Asia’s best golf courses and a must visit golf course for Thailand’s visitors. The iconic design of the clubhouse which features both Thai and modern architectural features with the stunning views of the surrounding mountains makes Banyan Golf Club the most memorable golf course for all visitors and one that is enjoyed by the many members and residents of Thailand. The spectacular course was designed and built by one of Thailand most most famous golf course architects, Khun Pirapon Namantra.
James Shippey, AGS Managing Director, stated with excitement about the signing of the management contract of Banyan Golf Club, “We are honoured to partner with Banyan Golf Club and the overall Banyan Residence, a facility that is very highly regarded and renowned for the delivery of unrivaled experiences throughout the golf and residential resort. Banyan Golf Club has been providing memorable experiences since its inception 14 years ago, we are enthused at the prospect on further developing the golfing and hospitality experiences for members and guests to enjoy in the years to come. We are supremely confident that Banyan Golf Club will continue to enhance its reputation as the must play golf club in Hua Hin, Thailand. Banyan Golf Club enjoys a very unique social community for its members, which creates special bond to all that experience Hua Hin’ finest golf experience.”
Absolute Golf Services (AGS) provides compelling advantages to property owners, investors and developers. The company offers flexible management and consultancy services that have been developed and tailored to meet owners’ objectives, both operationally and financially. AGS is driven by a dynamic multi-talented team of industry-experienced professionals to ensure sustainability and growth. We are committed to the development of the golf and leisure industry and are perfectly positioned to deliver to owners what it takes to win.
ISSUE 241 • AUGUST 2022
The 3-star Michelin chef Bruno Menard was at the InterContinental Hua Hin for one night only on Friday, July 22.
Chef Bruno presented his culinary delights at the hotel’s Azure restaurant with a spectacular menu which featured Poached Cod with Creamy Clam Sauce and Chives Coulis; Roasted Lamb, Carrot Orange Blossom Mousse, Lemon Cumin Noque, Lemongrass and Lamb Jus, while the Floating Island with Benedictine Vanilla Ice Cream made for an incredible finale.
Chef Bruno, who has been in Asia for more than two decades, was at the helm of L’Osier in Tokyo, owned by renowned Japanese cosmetic company, Shiseido, when it was awarded 3 stars in the first edition of Michelin Guide Tokyo in 2008.
Prior to L’Osier, Chef Bruno was at The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, where he gained the Mobile Guide’s five stars and AAA’s five diamonds (only 14 restaurants in North America have this recognition).
He has also been designated a “Chevalier de L’Ordre du mérite Agricole” by the French government.
Hua Hin Today spoke to Chef Bruno in the run up to his guest appearance at Azure. As soon as I was born I was a chef! I am from a family of pastry chefs, my entire family is in the business and back then it was normal that people would work in the family business. But it was a passion of mine from a very young age to become a chef. I always had a dream to become a chef and I had a dream to have three Michelin stars. I was born and raised in a family where we ate good food and this meant that I got an amazing education of the palette from when I was a young boy. So I will say I have been a chef my entire life and I will be a chef for the rest of my life. It’s my passion, it’s my life.
How would you describe your cuisine and its style?
It’s very French, that’s my education and I have a strong foundation in French cuisine. I first arrived in Asia in 1995 but I also spent five years in America at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta so everywhere I go I try to pick and taste. It is important for any chef to be curious. My journey has enabled me to add on to my pallet of flavors which helps to make my cooking completely unique.
You won three Michelin stars at the first attempt, not many people do that, what kind of pressure does that put on you as a chef?
First of all it was the dream of my life to take the job at L’Osier - to have a restaurant where I could achieve the level I always dreamed of. I knew that Michelin would launch its guide in Tokyo within two or three years so it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to try to get three Michelin stars at the first attempt. It was a lot of pressure.
The restaurant is owned by Shiseido and they ensured we had the best of the best of everything, the best food, the best wine, the best decor and lighting. But after we received the three stars there is more pressure because after you reach the top, the only way is to maintain or go down and if you don’t maintain it’s a failure. The restaurant maintained its three stars for four years and to maintain that level of quality is even more pressure than winning the stars initially.
What is your process like in developing a menu? Where are you looking for inspiration?
How long have you been cooking and when did you become a chef?
I try not to look for inspiration, for me the process is more instinctive. I will think about recipes once I am at the market looking at the different products. It is very difficult for me to sit down and think about what I will do. I need to be in the motion or in the moment.
I have an ability, like many chefs, that I already know the flavour is in my head before I cook. It is a bit like a musician who already knows the melody and he only writes the notes down on paper after he has the melody in his head. That’s exactly how it is with cooking.
Finally, what do Michelin star chefs eat at home, what do you cook on your days off?
Anything and everything! It can be a simple salad, pasta or dessert, things that we would not normally cook in a restaurant, just done in a good way.
When I cook at home, I just keep it really simple, even if I am cooking for friends. At work I am used to having twenty people clean up behind me but at home it does not work like that!
ISSUE 241 • AUGUST 2022
Happening KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: NEW ERA BECKONS FOR HUA HIN ARTIST VILLAGE
Hua Hin Artist Village, the popular art gallery and cultural centre located in Hin Lek, is under new management. After more than two decades, owner Khun Tawee Kesa-ngam, is to hand the day to day running of the Artist Village to his son, Krit. Also known as Baan Sillapin, the Artist Village has been open for 22 years and acts as the central hub for Hua Hin’s creative community. During that time, Khun Tawee, along with his brothers, sisters and other family members, created the Artist Village, which today is recognized as one of the region’s leading cultural attractions.
Khun Tawee said that handing over the management of the Artist Village to his son will help to support the next generation of artists not only in Hua Hin but throughout Thailand.
“I want to give an opportunity to the new generation of artists for the city of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Thailand. My wife and I have already delegated all the daily tasks involved in running the Artist Village to our son. We will simply monitor his progress and ensure the Artist Village continues to develop like it has in the past,” Khun Tawee Kesa-ngam said.
Mr Krit said he will make every effort to continue the good work of his parents and will embark on a new era for the Hua Hin Artist Village.
Mr Krit graduated with a degree in Visual Communication Design from Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Decorative Arts.
After receiving his degree he started working as a writer for advertising journals and eventually started designing logos for numerous public and private organisations in Thailand and overseas.
He gained recognition and commendation from clients around the world for the quality of work and designs he provided to them.
Krit is also an accomplished English speaker, which will help him to communicate with tourists and expats who visit the Artist Village. Outside of work, he is a keen musician and guitar player.
Krit says that his work going forward will be to maintain the heritage of the Artist Village, while at the same time making sure the organisation is modernised for the so-called “IT era”.
He plans to boost public relations and awareness to help inform both Thai and foreign visitors of new developments and upcoming events happening at the Artist Village. He will also implement effective cost-profit management performance measures, as well as managing the internal space for various festival activities.
And that’s just the start.
Later a series of events and initiatives will be held aimed at boosting the profile of the Artist Village among both Thai and foreign visitors.
The events will help to attract visitors including those from Europe, Scandinavia, and ASEAN, to visit and experience firsthand the many different aspects of the Artist Village.
There are also plans to link up with the local administration, including the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, at municipality, district, and provincial levels in order to help showcase not only the Artist Village but also Hua Hin.
Mr. Krit added that Hua Hin’s proximity to Bangkok, which can be reached after a few hours of driving, makes it a popular destination for both Thais and foreigners.
Hua Hin’s beaches, temples, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions are just some of the many reasons why people like to visit Hua Hin, Mr Krit said.
“After graduating from college, I went on a trip to Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I discovered that after the war, the government had adopted a style of life in which the cultures and traditions of the old and the modern were blended to attract tourists, including at historical landmarks, old towns, and bombers erected for visitors to see,” Mr Krit said.
It is this approach of blending old with new that he sees as the concept for the Artist Village going forward.
If you have never been to Hua Hin Artist Village, it really is well worth visiting.
It has undergone significant expansion in recent years and now features an excellent coffee shop, as well as a host of workshops, studios and galleries which showcase pieces from both local and national artists.
At the workshops, guests can take part in a variety of arts and crafts activities, many of which are also suitable for children. facebook.com/artvillagehuahin
ENGINEER TURNED BAKER: DANISH EXPAT SWAPS LUCRATIVE CAREER FOR BAKERY IN HUA HIN
Bakery Cafe 88
Pre-pandemic, life was very different for Danish expat Kjartan Hentze. An experienced engineer of more than 20 years, Kjartan’s career working aboard fishing vessels took him all over the world. A chief engineer with the highest certifications in marine and electrical engineering, he has worked across South America, Africa, Scandinavia and Europe in challenging conditions and environments. Kjartan’s career and shift patterns - he often worked five weeks on and five weeks off - meant he was able to split his time between his work and Thailand.
Over the past decade or so, he has helped to set up home with his wife Fon and their children, traveling back and forth between Hua Hin and his latest work posting.
Life had been going well.
Then Covid happened.
Almost overnight, Kjartan found that his work had come to an abrupt stop.
While there were some stints working overseas, each trip abroad meant that Kjartan was forced to spend time in quarantine both in the country he was entering for work and on his return to Thailand.
“It was after spending too much time in quarantine that I thought I needed a change”, Kjartan told Hua Hin Today.
It was around the same time that wife Fon told Kjartan she was thinking about opening a bakery and together they came up with the concept of Bakery Cafe 88 - a Danish inspired bakery located next to City 88 at the top end of Soi 88.
The bakery, which opens daily from 7.30am, first fired up its ovens in April 2021 and now has six staff members, including trained chef Ice, who Kjartan said has been instrumental in helping to make the business run smoothly.
Despite having no experience of baking, Kjartan and Fon did have one thing very much in their favour.
Kjartan’s brother is a master baker back in his native Denmark and has been a useful source of all manner of baking related information, hints, tips and advice. pastries and desserts, Bakery Cafe 88 also sells a selection of cold cuts, homemade liver pate and Danish style hotdogs.
In fact, ‘hot dog Wednesday’s’ where customers receive a free soft drink with every hotdog order has proved very popular, Kjartan explained.
While Kjartan says he always has his engineering career to fall back on should the need arise, he is more than happy spending his time in Hua Hin supporting his wife in the running of Bakery Cafe 88.
“The lifestyle now compared to before is just so much better as I get to spend more time with my wife and children. There are some things in life that are more important than money or a big salary”, Kjartan said.
In addition to the location on Soi 88, Bakery Cafe 88 sells items from a mobile stall opposite Ban Khun Por market from 7am to 10am every day.
Items can also be ordered via the Bakery Cafe 88 Facebook page.
All images : Patrick Jacobs
“It took about one month of trial and error to get the recipe for the rye bread just right”, Kjartan said.
“There were lots of calls back to my brother and I was able to pass on his advice to my wife and chef Ice,” Kjartan said
It was a similar story with the sourdough bread, taking time to perfect the recipe of what is now one of Bakery Cafe 88’s best sellers.
Other popular items include the korn pepp bread, Danish wiener stang and flodeboller - a sweet Chocolate-coated marshmallow treat that you’d be hard pressed to find at any other bakery in Hua Hin.
It is not only bread,
