Hua Hin Today Newspaper January 2023 by Hua Hin Today

RESTORING FAITH IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN: PLACES OF WORSHIP AND SACRED RELIGIOUS SITES TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN

attractions and far-flung places of worship.

Entitled “365 Days of Miracle Prachuap Khiri Khan - can travel every day”, the campaign will use faith based tourism activities, merit making, alms giving to monks and blessings at sites throughout all eight districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The campaign was formally launched at an event held at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort in December and was attended by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Mr. Sathien Charoenruen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Achawan Kongkanan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, Mr. Wasan Kittikul, President of the Thai Hotels Association Western Chapter, Mr. Udomsuk Nimsian, President of Prachuap Khiri Khan Tourism Business Association, Mrs. Wasana Srikanchana, President of Hua Hin-Chaam Tourism Business Association and Dr. Suthep Aromrak, President of Marketing for Bangkok and the Central Region Thai Tourism Promotion Association.

Some of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s most sacred buildings and religious sites are to take centre stage in the province’s latest tourism campaign, officials have announced.

The new campaign will offer tourists information on places of worship that they can visit and pay their respects to, while at the same time experiencing local cultures and traditions in each district of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The year-long promotional campaign will shine a light on the province’s most spectacular and significant religious sites and centuries-old temples, as well as some little unknown cultural

Also in attendance was famous astrologer Master Pennueng Wongphudorn who is supporting the campaign.

In his opening remarks, Governor Mr. Sathien Charoenreun stated that Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is a popular tourism destination in Thailand.

Throughout all 8 districts, which along with Hua Hin includes Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri, Thap Sakae, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi, there are a wide variety of tourism attractions and activities that can suit a wide range of tourists, particularly those interested faith-based tourism .....p.2 - 3

Thailand tops BBC News travel destination survey…p.17

Hua Hin Today visits Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand…p.24

Phetchaburi: The City of Diamonds is home to a few hidden gems…p.25

Major Thai boxing event to be held in Hua Hin in February …p.28

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

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Headline

365 DAYS OF MIRACLE PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN - CAN TRAVEL EVERY DAY

As well as helping to showcase the province’s best religious and cultural sites, the 365 Days of Miracle Prachuap Khiri Khan will also offer tourists who participate the chance to receive memorabilia and limited edition souvenirs.

In addition, between now and March 31, any visitor who spends 1,000 baht or more during their trip to the province can enter a prize draw to win free accommodation, Governor Sathien said.

Also speaking at the event, Master Pennueng Wongphudorn, an astrology specialist, expressed his happiness and said that it was a privilege to assist in helping to promote tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

“This is a province in the country with great tourism potential”, he said.

Many of the religious sites and places of worship featured in the campaign may only be known to people who are already familiar with the local area.

Helping to showcase the sites with help to broaden their appeal to many more people, Master Pennueng explained.

People can visit the different religious sites based on if they are praying to praying for love, improved job prospects, riches, and so on, he added.

Master Pennueng said that he also helped design a lucky shirt, which includes the number 365.

“The number 3 represents smart decisions, the number 6 represents power and prestige, and the number 5 represents happiness. As a result, whoever wears one of these unique shirts will be considered fortunate in 2023. Wear it, and you’ll be prosperous.” Master Pennueng said.

According to Mr. Achawan Kongkanan, Director of the Tourism Authority

of Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, the 365 Days Miracle Prachuap Khiri Khan will use faith-based tourism to help develop new travel experiences and values for visitors. Because the campaign features sites throughout the province, it will help spread visitors throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Mr. Achawan said the target groups for the campaign are families, senior citizens, and Generation Y tourists, particularly Master Pennueng, as well as those who wish to visit the province for merit making, particularly during the new year.

Also in 2023, the “Hidden Wrap Prachuap” campaign will be launched, which will allow each district to highlight hidden tourism locations and promote them so that people can visit.

The campaign shares some must-visit hidden gems for both first-time visitors and seasoned visitors to the province.

EIGHT RELIGIOUS SITES YOU REALLY NEED TO VISIT IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Prachuap Khiri Khan office has launched a new travel campaign linked to faith-based tourism.

The “365 Days of Miracle Prachuap Khiri Khan - can travel every day” campaign highlights eight religious or sacred sites throughout the province.

Miracle 1: Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin District

The statue of Luang Pu Thuat at Huay Mongkol is the largest statue of its kind in the world.

Buddhists believe Luang Pu Thuat to be revered and is said to have performed miracles.

His movements throughout the southern Thai peninsula, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, represent a path of pilgrimage for many buddhists from the region.

The site also features a three-headed Erawan elephant sculpture where people come to worship and pray and throw coins into the elephant’s mouth.

People typically visit Huay Mongkol Temple to pay respects for prosperity, boost prestige, and ask for blessings for safe travel, free from danger. Merit makers also visit to ask for luck and money. If their desire is granted, they will bring boiled eggs to present to Luang Pu Thuat.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 2

(From the left - Dr. Suthep Aromrak, Mrs. Wasana Srikanchana, Mr. Achawan Kongkanan, Mr. Sathien Charoenruen, Master Pennueng Wongphudorn, Mr. Wasan Kittikul, and Mr. Udomsuk Nimsian)

Phra Phrom Shrine is regarded by many as one of the most sacred places in Prachuap Khiri Khan, especially respected by villagers living in Khao Takiab.

Inside enshrines the statue of 4-faced Phra Phrom turning to 4 different directions. The style of the shrine resembles a garden and is easily accessible, which allows for a pleasant atmosphere, and a cool breeze to flow through the area.

Its structure also symbolizes the didactic concept; 4 pools on 4 sides of the shrine signifies 4 typical elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Believers who visit the shrine do so to ask for wealth and job security.

Headline

Miracle 5 : Yodchai, City Pillar Shrine, Prachuap Khiri Khan - Khlong Wan Temple - Phra Upakhut, Mueang Prachuap District Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan City Pillar Shrine is located on Sala Chip Road, opposite the city hall. It was constructed in the Lopburi style of art during the period when Pol. Sub-Lt. Amnuai Thaiyanon was governor of the province.

His Majesty the King had HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn attend the opening ceremony of this shrine on 20 August, 1994. The shrine is the symbol of auspices and prosperity of the city.

People visit to seek blessings for prosperity and ask for fortune, work, and stability, and when the request is granted, people return with offerings of firecrackers.

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This island located near Sam Roi Yot beach is part of a legend that is told throughout the province. Legend relates to a young woman named Yom Doy, the daughter of “Nang Rumphueng”, “Ta Mong Lai,”.

The story essentially relates to a love triangle and the death of Yom Doy who is said to be buried on the island.

People flock to this location to ask for love and fortune, and when their wishes are granted, they usually bring women’s underwear or Thai dresses as an offering to say thank you.

The

is thought to be a gathering spot for angels.

The former abbot of Huay Luek Temple, ‘Phra Kru Paisarn,’ built a gigantic golden swan in 1971. The objective is to provide a place of support for the deities, and it was completed in 1975.

People who make merit at the temple do so to ask for fortune or money, and when the request is granted, frequently bring bracelets or sculptures of swans to say thank you.

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Wat

special monk who often fasted days at a time.

The former abbot of Wat Kui Buri (Luang Phor Mak or Bun Mak) is highly respected by the people of Kui Buri. In the past, he was known for his strictness in monastic discipline and kindness towards the villagers.

When he was alive and free of the temple’s numerous duties, he would sit and meditate on a regular basis, never leaving his cubicle. For this reason, he is often referred to as “Luang Phor Nai Kuti” (Monk in cubicle).

People normally visit Kuiburi temple to come to pray for blessings for wealth and commerce, and when they are successful, they often bring the Thai flower garland to present to Luang Phor.

This chapel was built from 70-100-year-old palm wood and more than 10,000 sugar palm trees over a 7-year period. Inside the ordination halls is the enshrined of “Luang Pu Sai,” a revered monk who is almost 200 years old and

from banyan wood. Villagers believe that whenever someone becomes ill or suffers from any ailment, they should pay their respects to him and pray for blessings by

Wat Tang Sai is a magnificent temple which was built in 1996 to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 50th year of reign. It has 9 pagodas to represent His Majesty The King Rama IX and it can be seen sitting on top of Thong Chai Mountain just up from the Big Golden Buddha overlooking Baan Grood Beach.

The temple complex has the Thai name, Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakat and has some beautiful gardens, a large Golden Buddha and some demon statues. These demons are not representing evil as they would in the western world but good powers acting as Guardians.

Built in 1996 to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of the accession to the throne of the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, this is a group of beautiful Rattanakosin-style pagodas with elegant and royal details in all its five-storey complex.

HUA HIN TODAY 3

Miracle 6 : Wat Huay Luek, Thap Sakae District “Giant Golden Swan” located on the Bangkok bound side of Petchkasem Road in Thap Sakae Miracle 2: Phra Phrom Shrine, Nong Kae District, Hua Hin Miracle 3: Chao Mae Koh Nom Sao Shrine, Sam Roi Yod District Miracle 4 : Wat Kui Buri, Kui Buri District Kuiburi is the oldest buddhist temple in Kiburi, very much revered by Thais from near and far. The temple grounds comprise the famous temple with a statue of a Miracle 7 : Wat Ang Suwan, Thap Sakae District Admire the splendor of the world’s only sugar palm wood church. carved bringing a flower garland to present. Miracle 8: Tang Sai Temple, Bang Saphan District

facebook.com/Watkuiburee2561/

THAILAND’S NEW 10 YEAR VISA PROGRAM POPULAR WITH AMERICANS, CHINESE AND BRITS

Thailand’s new 10 year visa program is proving most popular among American, Chinese and British nationals, Thai officials have said.

Narit Therdstreerakul, secretary-general of Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), revealed that since its launch on September 1, more than 1,600 people have applied for the new visa, Nikkei Asia reported.

Mr Narit said that most applications had been submitted by Americans, followed by Chinese, British and Germans.

Thailand launched its new Long Term Residence visa program (LTR) as part of efforts designed to help with the post pandemic recovery of its economy.

The visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and offers multiple entries, aims to attract foreigners of “high potential” and investors in order to boost the economy.

The LTR visa is separated into four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals, with the eligibility varying depending on each category

Those who have applied so far are “mostly remote workers and retirees, but highly skilled workers also have a high number” of applications, Narit revealed.

Some of the criteria for the visa includes applicants needing a validated personal income of a minimum of USD 80,000/year for the past two years, holding

USD 1 million in assets and an investment of at least $500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment or Thai property.

Health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand or at least USD 100,000 deposit is also required.

The visa is also open to foreigners aged 50 and over who have an annual pension or regular income or at least USD 80,000/year at the time of application.

The LTR visa includes a number of other benefits including discounted personal income tax rate, the removal of the requirement for employers to hire four Thai citizens per foreigner, fast track at international airports, 1 year reporting to Immigration instead of 90 days, and the overall ease of regulations concerning foreign residents.

Before the pandemic, Chinese nationals accounted for most of the foreign arrivals to Thailand.

In 2019, the total number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand was forecasted at approximately 12 million, a figure that has been gradually increasing over the years.

However, the ongoing restrictions on travel in and out of China, have meant that the Chinese tourists, who often traveled around Thailand in large groups on guided tours, have been missing from the country’s major tourist destinations.

In a bid to travel to Thailand and escape China’s zero COVID policy Chinese nationals have not only been applying for LTR visas but also Elite Cards.

In November, it was revealed that sales of Elite Cards to Chinese nationals have surged 185 per cent in 2022.

According to Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of Thailand Privilege Card, operator of the program, the number of Chinese nationals obtaining Elite Cards has risen from 1,100 in 2021 to 3,100 in 2022.

There are now 7,350 Chinese nationals who hold Elite Cards, which is more than any other country, Mr Yuthasak said.

There are several different types of Elite Card which offer multiple entry stays in Thailand of between 5 and 20 years for one off fees ranging from 600,000 baht to 2 million baht.

Mr Yuthasak said the total sales of Elite Cards had exceeded the target of 4,407, after gaining 5,582 new members.

The program now has a total of 20,844 members, Mr Yuthasak said.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 4

Happening

Happening THAILAND HITS TOURISM GOAL AFTER WELCOMING 10 MILLIONTH TOURIST IN 2022

Thailand has reached its target of welcoming 10 million foreign tourists arrivals in 2022.

At events held at airports across the country, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chano-cha personally welcomed Hetham Almdlj and Njood Alkhuwaiter, who arrived together at Suvarnabhumi Airport on December 10.

Upon their arrival and after being greeted by traditional Thai dancers and drummers, the two lucky tourists were presented a cash prize worth more than 200,000 baht.

“We believe the sky after the rain is always clear. Today the sky is open, and so are our borders,” Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said in a speech at the airport.

“We won’t stop at this success. We will create more confidence that Thailand is still a global destination that’s more than ready to welcome travellers.”

The 10 million foreign arrivals are a drastic contrast to less than half a million overseas visitors in 2021. Foreign tourist receipts should generate more than 500 billion baht in revenue by the end of 2022, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Tourism is a key growth driver and accounts for 12% of Thailand’s economy, which is Southeast Asia’s second-largest but has lagged regional peers. Consumer confidence rose for the sixth straight month in November to the highest level since March last year, supported mainly by higher tourism numbers.

The momentum is expected to continue in 2023, with a target of 20 million overseas arrivals and 1.5 trillion baht in foreign tourist receipts. That would put Thailand halfway to the number of foreign tourists seen in 2019, just before the pandemic, and 80% of the revenue generated by foreign visitors back then.

Thai hotel owners and restauranteurs have breathed a sigh of relief as business has slowly picked up.

“I think next year we will see continuous momentum of growth,” she said, pointing to the return of

from Russia and across the Asia-Pacific region.

But she cautioned against over-optimism -- economic stagnation as well as lingering pandemic threats continue to impact the tourism sector.

Electronic visa for Thailand now available in 38 cities

Thailand now offers an e-Visa service at Royal Thai Embassies and ConsulatesGeneral in 38 cities across 23 countries, facilitating the visa application for those wishing to visit the kingdom.

The Royal Thai Embassies and General Consulates that offer the e-Visa service are located in:

United Kingdom: London

Athens (Greece); Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich (Germany); Bern (Switzerland); Brussels (Belgium); Bucharest (Romania); Budapest (Hungary); Copenhagen (Denmark); Helsinki (Finland); Lisbon (Portugal); Madrid (Spain); Oslo (Norway); Paris (France); Prague (Czech Republic); Rome (Italy); Stockholm (Sweden); The Hague (Netherlands); Vienna (Austria), and Warsaw (Poland)

USA: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C.

Canada: Ottawa and Vancouver

China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kunming, Nanning, Qingdao, Xiamen, and Xian

South Korea: Seoul

Tourist visas, business and investor visas, non-immigrant ED visas (study), non-immigrant O visas (visiting friends and family), transit visas, long-stay visas, smart visas, nonimmigrant F visas (government or diplomatic mission), diplomatic visas/official visas, and long-term resident visas are the visas that can be applied for.

Applicants can apply and pay for their visa on the e-Visa website, and if approved, they will receive their visa via email.

For more information, contact +66 (0) 2572-8442 or visit www.thaievisa.go.th.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 6

Marisa Sukosol, president of the Thai Hotels Association, welcomed the 10 million travellers milestone “after two years and a half of pain”. tourists

Happening

TESLA LAUNCHES IN THAILAND

as over-the-air software updates.

The company is selling its Model 3 Long Range and Performance models. The Model Y will be sold in three versions “to meet the specific demands of the EV lifestyle for every Thai driver,” the company said.

Tesla has launched sales in Thailand, offering its popular Model 3 and Model Y at prices aimed at competing with rivals like China’s BYD.

The company staged a glitzy showcase of its plans at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall. Online purchases have begun, with plans to deliver vehicles to buyers in the first quarter of next year.

Southeast Asia’s market of more than 600 million consumers is increasingly a focus for automakers looking to expand sales, especially of electric vehicles.

Tesla said the vehicles will have the latest satellite navigation systems and other features such

It said prices will range from 1.76 million Thai baht2.5 million baht.

The Model 3 is available across its three trims and starts at 1,759,000 Thai Baht ($50,271), according to Tesla’s Thailand Configurator.

• Rear Wheel Drive Model 3 – 1,759,000 ($50,271)

• Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive Model 3 –1,999,000 ($57,130)

• Performance Model 3 – 2,309,000 ($65,990)

Meanwhile, the Model Y starts at 1,959,000 Thai Baht ($55,987) for its entry-level trim configuration.

• Rear Wheel Drive Model Y – 1,959,000 ($55,987)

• Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive Model Y –2,259,000 ($64,561)

Performance Model Y – 2,509,000 ($71,706)

Tesla said it will open its first Service Center and Supercharger station in Thailand by March and plans to have at least 10 set up in the country in 2023.

Apart from Tesla and BYD, Nissan Motor Co. has made Thailand a regional EV hub. Mercedes says it is due to announce sales of its EQS450+ soon.

Thailand is Asia’s fourth-largest auto assembly and export hub for companies like Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co Ltd. It produces about 1.5 million to 2 million vehicles annually, of which about half are exported.

Fuel-based vehicles, especially made by Japanese brands, still dominate the market and uptake of EVs has gradually gained momentum, with about 7,000 new battery EVs registered in the first ten months of 2022, according to the Thailand Automotive Institute, up from 2,000 last year.

The government wants at least 30% of vehicles produced in the country to be electric by 2030.

Happening

THAILAND’S NEW PENALTY POINT SYSTEM FOR DRIVING OFFENCES

- HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Anew penalty point deduction system for traffic violations will come into force from January 9.

Officials have said that people who lose all points will be banned from driving for up to 90 days.

The new point system will be in place for drivers of cars and motorcycles and is being introduced in an effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of road traffic accidents in Thailand.

Every motorist will begin with 12 points but will gradually lose points for violating traffic rules and/or failing to pay traffic fines, Highway Police Division commander Pol Maj-General Ekkarat Limsangkat has said.

Points will be deducted for a variety of violations, such as breaking the speed limit, failing to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, jumping a red light, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a motorcycle helmet and parking illegally.

“For minor offences, we will deduct one point. For serious offences, we will deduct four points,” Ekkarat said.

Running a red light or intentionally driving on the wrong side of the road would result in the deduction of two penalty points.

For more serious offenses, drivers face losing more penalty points.

For example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs would lose four penalty points.

Anyone who loses all their points will be banned from driving for 90 days. If a driver is banned for a fourth time in three years they face being banned from driving indefinitely.

However, any points that have been deducted will also be credited back to a driver’s total after a period of one year.

If a driver’s points total drops so low that they face being banned from driving, they can take a course on traffic laws and road safety in order to have points reinstated to their total.

“If drivers take a course with the Land

When the penalty point deduction system is in effect, drivers will be able to check how many points they have on the Royal Thai Police e-ticketing system website, which is available at https://ptm.police.go. th/eTicket/#/

“Police and the LTD systems will be linked to ensure smooth implementation,” Ekkarat said.

Meanwhile, Ekkarat also warned motorists that the new point system does not mean that those who break traffic laws would be spared fines or even jail time.

“As well as losing points, they will also be liable to legal action,” he said.

For example, if someone who has already been banned from driving is caught behind the wheel, they

face up to three months in jail and/or a fine of 10,000 THB in accordance with the Traffic Law Act.

Titipat Thaijongrak, director of the Land Transport Safety Bureau said that Thailand is introducing the demerit point system because drivers are a key factor in improving road safety.

“Our upgraded system focuses on fostering conscientiousness, discipline, and road-safety awareness,” he said. “Our training and tests now also cover accident prediction and risk analysis to improve accident prevention.”

Thailand’s roads among the deadliest in the world

The Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department have said the move to introduce the demerit point system will help to improve road safety in Thailand, which is known to have some of the deadliest roads in the world.

According to a 2015 report from the World Health Organisation, Thailand had the world’s second-highest rate of road fatalities per capita, surpassed only by Libya.

When it comes to percapita motorcycle deaths, Thailand ranks number one.

Approximately 20,000 people die in road accidents in Thailand each year, or about 56 deaths a day. The vast majority of deaths involve motorcyclists or pedestrians.

Only 12 percent of Thailand’s road traffic deaths involved occupants of cars or other light vehicles, according to the 2018 W.H.O. Global Status Report on Road Safety.

In May 2022, the Thai government set ambitious goals to slash road fatalities by almost two thirds within five years.

Improving road safety has been prioritized as part of the government’s 20 year national strategy.

The goal is to cut fatalities from traffic accidents to 12 persons per 100,000 population by 2027, from the 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people currently.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 8

Transport Department [LTD], they may get some points restored before the year ends,” Ekkarat added.

Happening

17,000 WORKERS NEEDED IN PHUKET AMID MAJOR LABOUR SHORTAGE

MoUs with various provincial vocational colleges to provide opportunities for students who are ready from other provinces to come to practice vocational training in Phuket with leading enterprises. This expands opportunities for students and helps to alleviate the problem of the labour shortage,” he added.

The news comes as hotel operators called for government intervention in a desperate bid to find workers.

Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association said the government should do more to attract foreign workers to Phuket to help shore up the labour market.

Amid a major labour shortage fuelled by the post pandemic tourism boom, Phuket now has more than 17,000 job vacancies, Governor Narong Woonciew has revealed.

Phuket’s tourism boom saw it welcome approximately 8,000 tourists per day in November and early December. However, thousands of workers are now needed to meet the island’s labour demands.

According to data released by the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, 1,423 local businesses have vacancies for 17,173 workers.

“The problem of labour shortage in the Phuket area is an important problem, and the unemployed need to train for careers that are in demand in Phuket so that the people of Phuket can have sustainable careers to create stability and wealth for Phuket,” the governor said.

People looking for work were urged to travel to Phuket, where the minimum daily wage of 354 THB is among the highest in the country alongside Rayong and Chonburi.

By comparison, the minimum daily wage for workers in Prachuap Khiri Khan is 335 THB.

The office said that hotel businesses had the highest demand for workers, where 8,772 employees are urgently needed across 405 hospitality establishments on the island.

“Receptionists are in highest demand, followed by food and beverage service staff and spa masseurs,” the office said.

The labour shortage on the island is so severe that there is only one worker for every five tourists, Phuket employment officer Pichit Singthongkham said.

In a bid to alleviate the shortage, businesses on the island were urged to employ more part time workers, such as senior citizens and students.

The Phuket Provincial Employment Office said it will also hold job fairs and recruitment events across the island, as well as sharing more information about vacancies on its Facebook page and on Line.

Job seekers were also urged to use the “Thais have work” mobile application to find employment.

“Job seekers can find job information that is most suitable for themselves by matching job positions by area and where they live, as well as matching job positions based on existing knowledge, abilities and skills. And there are also services for employers who want a way to promote their vacancies,” said Pichit Sing-Thongkham of the Phuket Provincial Employment Officer

Meanwhile, Witthaya Ketchu, Director of Phuket Vocational College said that despite the college having a program in place for local businesses to take on graduates who have been educated and trained in line with tourism industry standards, there is still a shortage of workers.

“Each semester, more than 1,000 students are trained at the leading establishments in Phuket, but this is not enough to meet the needs of the establishments in Phuket,” Mr Witthaya said.

“Therefore, Phuket Vocational College has made

Mr Suksit said Phuket’s labour shortage was the result of strong hotel occupancy and the recent and sudden influx of tourists from Russia.

According to Mr Suksit said the occupancy rate of hotels in the South was 57% in October and 67% in November and over 80% in December.

“The high occupancy rate is partially because only half of the hotels are open,” said Mr Suksit.

He said that some hotels are offering a daily wage of between 700-1,000 THB in order to try and attract workers, which was almost double the normal rate of 400-500 THB.

He also said that the number of arrivals from Russia had surged since November due to an increase in both chartered and commercial flights.

Mr Suksit said that the labour shortage had meant that hotels were not able to open all of their rooms as they did not have enough staff.

He said that Thai workers had been reluctant to take jobs in food and beverage, maintenance or in kitchens, where there were major shortages of staff.

Mr Suksit said the government should consider agreeing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with countries such as Indonesia or the Philippines to attract more workers to Phuket’s hospitality sector in order to help solve the problem.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 10

Happening PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN AMONG THE TOP EARNERS FROM TOURISM IN 2022

Prachuap Khiri Khan was among the provinces earning the most money from tourism during the first ten months of the year, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana.

From January through October, Prachuap Khiri Khan generated 854 million baht from tourism, the ninth highest across all provinces in Thailand.

Phuket was the top earner from tourism by some distance, earning over 127 billion baht. This was followed by Chonburi in second place, with 13 billion baht while Surat Thani in third place with 7 billion baht in tourism income.

Phuket also received the highest number of foreign tourists, not including Bangkok, with almost 2.4 million international arrivals to the island from January to October.

This was followed by Chonburi and Surat Thani who received 975,026 and 606,812 visitors, respectively.

It was also revealed that most tourists visiting Thailand in the first ten months of 2022 came from Malaysia, India, Singapore, Laos, and Vietnam.

On December 10, Thailand welcomed its 10 millionth tourist arrival of the year, with Ms Tipanan attributing the boost in tourism both in terms of arrivals and revenue to the gradual and successful reopening of the country and programmes such as the Phuket Sandbox.

“The government has also put in place measures encouraging movie productions to use the country as one of their scouting locations. It has also implemented extension-of-stay measures for expats to assist with the recovery of tourism, similar to the Sandbox scheme,” she said.

The top ten Thai provinces in terms of tourism revenue were:

Phuket – 127.93 billion baht

Chon Buri – 13.28 billion baht

Surat Thani- 7.59 billion baht

Chiang Mai – 4.25 billion baht

Songkhla – 3.60 billion baht

Phang-nga – 2.58 billion baht

Chiang Rai – 1.59 billion baht Krabi – 1.41 billion baht

Prachuap Khiri Khan – 854 million baht Nong Khai – 526 million baht

Thai provinces with most foreing arrivals:

Phuket – 2,329,894

Chon Buri – 975,026 Surat Thani – 606,812 Songkhla – 581,808

Chiang Mai – 496,111 Samut Prakan – 321,390 Phang-nga – 317,353 Nong Khai – 231,243 Krabi – 217,526 Chiang Rai – 148,683

Top ten nationalities to visit Thailand:

Malaysian – 1,291,381 Indian – 698,757 Singaporean – 381,940 Lao – 345,709

Vietnamese – 340,670 South Korean – 316,240 British – 291,753 American – 283,211 Cambodian – 252,862 German – 235,596

The news comes as the Tourism Authority of Thailand said the country is expected to welcome more than 20 million international tourists in 2023.

TAT said that in 2022 more than 11.5 million international tourists visited Thailand as the world and the tourism recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As previously reported, Thailand welcomed its 10 millionth tourist arrival on December 10.

TAT said the 10 million figure was achieved much sooner than expected, with the country welcoming approximately 70,000 arrivals per day.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the TAT now anticipates the number of international visitors next year will reach 20 million, attributing to some 2.38 trillion baht in revenue - approximately 80 percent of what it was before the pandemic.

Following the news the Prime Minister thanked all stakeholders for their contributions towards this success and asked all Thai people for being good hosts.

He said the government has plans to reinstate tourism as the country’s key economic driver, and to warmly welcome all visitors with genuine hospitality.

ASIA’S BIGGEST FIRST-RESPONDER EXERCISE EVENT HELD NEAR HUA HIN

Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore to gather to practice their skills with real-life scenarios.

The training is focused on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense and is considered the biggest of its kind in Asia.

factories, radioactive material detection, explosive removal, and shooting with chemical masks.

The training is provided based on the operational needs of the Royal Thai Police’s special forces and its SWAT units.

One of the world’s biggest first-responder exercises, NCT PRO Challenge Asia Training, took place near Hua Hin between Dec 13-16, with teams from Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore participating in this anti-weapon and explosive training.

NCT PRO Challenge Asia 2022, which was held at the Naresuan Police Camp, allowed firstresponder teams from Thailand, South Korea, the

Thai agencies participating in this event include the Border Patrol Police, the Police Aerial Reinforcement Division, the Patrol and Special Operation Division’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the Office of Police Forensic Science, and the Royal Thai Army’s Counter-Terrorist Operations Center.

The exercise consists of scenario-based training in response to toxic chemical leaks from industrial

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 12

THE STANDARD, HUA HIN CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY AND THANKS LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH VIBRANT PARTY

signature Italian dishes from the executive chef, including fresh crab spaghetti and stone-baked pizzas. The resort’s resident DJ spun deep house, soul and funk tunes as the moon shone over the ocean, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

25th December with fun-filled feasts at Lido and Praça, while a resident DJ spins live sets by the beach.

HUA HIN, THAILAND, 7 th DECEMBER

2022: The Standard, Hua Hin, the Thai resort where chic beach vibes meet mid-century style, has celebrated its first anniversary with an upbeat birthday party at The Lido Bar, filled with fabulous food, sparkling drinks and inspiring entertainment!

On 1st December 2022, one year since the resort first threw open its doors and started to redefine hospitality in Hua Hin, this eclectic seafront retreat invited guests, local residents, executives and VIPs – including Thailand’s leading trend-setters and taste-makers – to mark this important milestone. In the stunning surroundings of The Lido Bar, amid lush-landscaped gardens and next to the iconic pool, guests were able to savor many of the elements that have helped The Standard, Hua Hin become such a popular place to stay and play.

Merrymakers were treated to a selection of colorful cocktails, handcrafted especially for this occasion by talented mixologists, along with

“We are thrilled to celebrate our first anniversary in such great company, alongside so many of our cherished guests, friends, and supporters. In the last 12 months, we have welcomed travelers from all around the world and staged one-of-a-kind events that have enhanced Hua Hin’s social and cultural scene. Hua Hin residents and partners have played such a key role in our success, and we look forward to promoting tourism and community initiatives in Hua Hin for many years to come,” said Mai Timblick, Chief Marketing Officer, The Standard.

The Standard, Hua Hin’s first-anniversary action also included the launch of “Camp Standard” – a full-on holiday camp featuring two days of energizing experiences and fun surprises. From stand-up paddleboard yoga sessions, beachfront boot camps and arts & crafts classes to rooftop picnics, pool parties and campfire shows.

Then, as the holiday season gets into full swing, the resort will switch on the lights – and the style –with a series of fantastic festive events. Starting on 17th December with “Get Lit”, the official Christmas lighting ceremony, the fun ramps up on 24th and

Finally on 31st December, The Standard, Hua Hin will put on the glitz with its sparkling New Year’s Eve celebrations – including an exclusive live performance from Thai superstar Phum Viphurit by the pool side! Guests are welcomed at Praça to “Party in Paradise” with plates of freshly shucked oysters and free-flowing drinks, accompanied by colorful cocktails, uplifting tunes, and live DJs, while Lido will host “A Happy Ending” buffet dinner with a raw bar, sizzling BBQ and more, plus live music from our band, Snoww Mink. Then fling off your shoes and get ready for “The Final Countdown” as the resort stages one of The Standard’s legendary pool parties, with a spectacular LED drum show by Ampper Group, live sets from DJ Pichy and DJ Heartbreakkid, cool cocktails and more at The Lido Bar!

HUA HIN TODAY 13

Happening

Energizing event invites hotel guests, VIPs, trend-setters and tastemakers to come together and mark one year since this unique beachfront retreat first started to redefine Hua Hin’s hospitality and social scene

INSULIN AND DIABETES

Greetings everyone again. Let’s continue the discussion from our last article on insulin and diabetes, which talked about their connection. This article will discuss different tests you can take if you suspect diabetes, which are:

1. Random Blood Sugar Test – This test measures your blood sugar when you’re tested. The name tells it all: you can take this test at any time and don’t need to fast (not eat) first. However, this test has the lowest accuracy. It is done through a blood test. If the result shows a blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher, it indicates you might have diabetes, requiring an additional blood sugar test called FBS.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test – This test measures your blood sugar after six to eight hours of fasting (not eating). It also measures your blood sugar when you’re tested but has more accuracy than the first one. Fasting would help avoid false results, although not entirely, because consuming food with high carbs and/or sugar before the test would increase the blood sugar level. For this test, if the result shows a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher, it indicates you have diabetes. (This test is the most popular as it is not too expensive and more accurate than the first test.)

3. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test - HbA1c is your average blood sugar level for the last two to three months, and this test would measure just that. There is no need to fast before the test as this test examines glucose (sugar) that binds to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Since the lifespan of red blood cells is about 120 days or 3 months, many people refer to it as the 3-month blood sugar level. If your HbA1c level is 6.5% or higher, you have diabetes.

4. Glucose Tolerance Test – This test measures your blood sugar before and after you take a certain amount of sugar (typically around 75 g). There is no need to fast for this test. The process is to take the specified sugar, wait around 2 hours, and have your blood sugar level checked after that. If the result shows a blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher, it indicates you have diabetes.

Q: Which one is better/more accurate, between finger prick tests with a small meter to indicate the blood sugar level and venous tests (using a needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm) and analysed by a bigger medical machine?

A: The venous tests are more accurate. However, venous tests cannot be done as often due to several limitations, such as the requirement of personnel specialized in taking blood and the use of specific machines. This rationale particularly applies to patients with type 1 diabetes, as they need to check their blood sugar levels regularly, typically many times per day. Therefore, they cannot travel to a clinic or hospital every time they take the test (otherwise, they might be shocked). Hence, it is best for them to use the finger prick tests and occasionally get the venous test.

If you notice any abnormality in your body and suspect it might be diabetes, it is best to take the test as soon as possible. If the high blood sugar level is detected early, it could be within the range you could address and lower it yourself. However, if you leave it for too long that it surpasses such a level, there are no other options except getting into treatment.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 14 Health

www.healthlabclinic.com

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS

Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety or apprehension at times. Sometimes people suffer from excessive dread or panic, even when not in immediate danger. In some cases, the complex cascade of emotional and physical sensations encompassed by the term Anxiety is so pervasive that it becomes a chronic mental health condition.

The coronavirus pandemic has understandably created a pervasive worry among the population. The number of people filling prescriptions for anxiety-related medications, antidepressants and sleep aids has increased dramatically.

How TCM Deals with Anxiety Disorders

Stress is the body's natural reaction to perceived dangers in the environment. When something threatens us, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear. The adrenal glands pump out the hormones that flood the body with energy–the "fight or flight." response. Usually,

once the threat has passed, adrenaline will take some time to move through the body and then disappear. A feeling of relaxation is eventually restored. When a person has an anxiety disorder, this hormone release can be triggered by thoughts, and the fear of the physical response becomes a part of the chain reaction.

Acupuncture treatment has been shown to act upon the nervous system, facilitating the release

of serotonin, endorphins and noradrenaline, all of which contribute to relaxation and a sense of well-being. Stimulation of specific points has been clinically proven to reduce perceived feelings of anxiety and patients' heart rate and blood pressure. Auricular acupuncture, using points on the ear, is very effective for anxiety or emotional disorders.

Several Chinese herbal medicines can work wonders for anxiety disorders. Polygonum Root, Jujube Date, Rehmannia Root, Duanwood Reishi, Licorice Root, and Dang Gui Root are the most common herbs. Even though Chinese herbal medicine shares a common usage for anxiety. When prescribed, herbs must be matched with a person's individual constitution while under direct supervision by a licensed acupuncturist.

Traditional Chinese medicine for anxiety or mood disorders has been practiced for thousands of years. It is still popular today in both Eastern and Western societies.

Dr. Kate Boonyakiat, DAOM, LAc. – Terra Acupuncture

GOT SCRAPS? NEW COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PROJECT LAUNCHED IN HUA HIN

Residents of a community in Hua Hin are being encouraged to compost their food waste and cut down on disposing of it in their household trash.

If you're unfamiliar, composting is the act of turning food scraps and other materials into a nutrient soil. It's one of the easiest ways to help the environment.

In December, Ms. Pailin Kongpan, Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin City, Mr. Amorn Pattong, Vice President of the Council, and Mr. Thongchai Petchsongkram, Municipal Council Co-Chair, formally launched the ‘Household Waste Management for Vegetable Fertilizer’ project at an event held at Klai Kangwon Temple in Hua Hin.

The project enables residents of the Klai Kangwon community to dispose of food waste in a compostable basket rather than in the municipal bins along with other trash.

The scraps will then be used to build healthy soils and grow nutritious food rather than send the nutrients to the landfill.

The project is part of the municipality plans to improve the city’s environment and be more sustainable.

The municipality together with the chairman of Wat Klai Kangwon community brought in academics to propose a method for disposing food waste so that it can be reused as fertilizer, which was demonstrated to members of the Klai Kangwon community.

According to agricultural specialist Mr. Sakda Muensawat, who gave the demonstration to resi-

dents, whenever a household has fresh food scraps they are to be placed in the baskets for a period of 15 days.

Thereafter the scraps can be used as organic fertilizer to help grow a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, kale, morning glory, and others that are free of toxic substances.

In addition, the fermented water produced will contain beneficial microorganisms that can be used to water the trees, branches, and petioles of small, medium, and large trees without the use of expensive chemical fertilizers, Mr. Sakda said.

The composting project at the Wat Klai Kangwon Community will serve as a pilot before it is rolled out to 39 other communities throughout the district.

How to make compost to feed your plants and reduce waste

Anyone can start composting. It is an effective and eco-friendly way of disposing of food waste in your kitchen.

By using leftovers and other food waste, you can

convert these smelly items from the kitchen waste into a highly organic product rich in nutrients that you can use to grow vegetables or flowers with it. Things like paper, twigs, and leaves are rich in carbon while grass, coffee, and tea grounds, fruit, and vegetables are rich in nitrogen.

Collect and separate your edible kitchen waste (vegetable peels, fruit peels, small amounts of wasted cooked food) in a container.

• Now collect some dry organic matter like dried leaves, sawdust, and wood ash in a small container

• Take a big container or earthen pot or a bucket and drill 4 or 5 holes around the container at different levels to let air inside.

• Now fill the bottom of the container with a layer of soil.

• Now start adding food waste in layers alternating wet waste (food scraps, vegetable, and fruit peels) with dry waste (straw, sawdust, dried leaves).

• Cover this container with a plastic sheet or a plank of wood to help retain moisture and heat.

• Check the container every few days and if you think the pile is too dry, sprinkle some water so that it is moist.

CARBON CREDIT PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN PHETCHABURI

first community to join the campaign.

The village, which joined the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program in 2015, has around 1,397 rai of land. Residents conserve the local forests with assistance from the Royal Forest Department, Kasetsart University, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation and the independent electricity producer Ratch Group.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has launched a carbon credit program that the government hopes will encourage communities around the country to preserve and expand their forests.

According to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-arch, Ban Khong Taban in Phetchaburi province was the

As demand for carbon credits increases on the world market, particularly among industrialized nations, Varawut said carbon trading systems could also be a substantial source of income for local communities.

Ban Khong Taban in particular has been certified to hold 5,259 tons of carbon dioxide equiva-

lent (CO2E), making it a prime candidate for the project.

Ratch Group has so far committed to purchasing the credits for a minimum of 500 baht for each CO2E ton, with a share of the total revenue earmarked for forest preservation and protection.

Surachai Achalaboon, chief of the Department of Royal Forest, meanwhile said the department would push the carbon credit scheme to over 12,000 other communities around the country.

NNT

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 16

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Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

585 Moo 7, Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin Phone 02 111 6622

*Doctors on duty every weekday from 1pm to 6pm.

THAILAND TOPS BBC NEWS TRAVEL DESTINATION SURVEY

Sales, BBC News, says: “Travel has been in a state of flux since the pandemic and we are seeing a wonderful comeback throughout Southeast Asia currently for travelers and the travel industry as a whole. It is fantastic to see that travelers from across the world are planning on coming to Southeast Asia.”

Asurvey by BBC News has found that Thailand is the most popular destination in Southeast Asia for travelers from Europe and North America.

The survey was conducted with members of BBC Global Minds, an online community, a proprietary panel of international news consumers from around the world, with approximately 19,000 profiled members.

The survey found that 57.4 percent of respondents said they were planning a trip to Southeast Asia and that they would choose to visit Thailand, which was more than any other country in the region.

The survey results found that visitors to Southeast Asia are often experienced world travelers, looking for new and different experiences. They typically plan to stay for between one or two weeks and prefer self planned trips over package deals.

John Williams, Vice President of Advertising

The survey, which had 1,414 respondents, also found that nearly 4 in 5 Europeans who plan to visit Southeast Asia said they plan to embark on their trip within the next six months.

Data showed that travelers are prioritizing cultural and sustainable travel with 91 percent of respondents looking for unique heritage and cultural experiences at their chosen destination. In addition, 72 percent of travelers said they were conscious about minimizing their impact on the local environment.

The news comes as the Tourism Authority of Thailand has revealed that it expects North Americans to lead the resurgence of western visitors to Thailand in 2023.

According to Thitiporn Maneenate, director of the Americas region, arrivals from the United States and Canada had risen steadily during Q4 of 2022, a trend which is expected to continue throughout the winter season in North America.

Thitiporn said the growth was due to people escaping the wintery conditions for a warmer climate, the holiday season and a pent-up desire to travel

following the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Thailand has earned the top spot for having the most award-winning hotel or resort properties, according to the 14th Agoda Gold Circle Awards (GCA).

The award, which evaluates real guest reviews on several factors such as value, price, service and flexibility, is presented to hotels and resorts regarded as the best by their customers.

With tourism markets opening up to international travel worldwide, this year’s Gold Circle Awards were presented to more than 2,000 properties in 41 markets.

With 246 award-winning properties, Thailand has received this accolade for the fourth consecutive year.

Taiwan took second place with 209 properties, followed by Japan with 198. India entered the Top 10 list for the first time, while South Korea, Malaysia, the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam retained their spots in the top 10 rankings.

24/7 House Call Services for Members Be Well Medical Center Family Health Care

General Practitioner Doctors Physiotherapists Acupuncturists Psychologists & Life Coaches Dentists Pharmacy & Laboratory

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Happening THAILAND AIMS TO BECOME DEVELOPED COUNTRY BY 2037

able development so the country can deal with challenges and adjust to global dynamism, with key action plans including creating a low-carbon society, while the third is on the advancement in science, technology, research, and innovation with key action plans, including the targeted S-curve industries, and the fourth is to develop human resources and educational and research institutes as a basis to propel the economy, she stated.

The second draft policy framework is aimed at developing human resources, comprising three strategies, she said.

The Government of Thailand has approved a plan for tertiary education development with an aim to become a developed country by 2037.

The World Bank defines a high-income economy as a nation with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of 12,696 USD or more in 2020. Thailand's GNI per capita in 2021 was 7,260 USD, according to World Bank data.

Last month, the Thai cabinet passed a number of draft policies and strategies to serve as development frameworks for higher education, science, research, and innovation between 2023 and 2027, which were proposed by the Ministry

of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Thai Government Deputy Spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek was quoted by local media as saying that the first policy framework is aimed at developing people's skills and promoting the country's competitiveness and sustainable development so the nation can adjust to constant global changes.

The policy framework comprises four strategies, she said, adding that one involves economic development by promoting a value-driven and creative economy to boost competitiveness and self-reliance. The second strategy is to promote sustain-

The first strategy involves capacity-building by providing education to support the life-long learning process and upgrading the quality of education and creating high-caliber personnel, while the second involves building a research ecosystem through innovative research and technology transfer through developing infrastructure or conductive factors, and the third is to push for the transformation of higher education with good governance practices, developing higher educational institutes based on their own characteristics, promoting financial security in the higher education system and pushing for digital higher education.

There are also three plans for urgent implementation within three years, such as developing high-caliber personnel to respond to BCG development, and promoting local community enterprises, the grassroots economy, SMEs, and startups, she added.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 18

EXPERT TIPS ON BEST PRACTICES TO BUY PROPERTY IN HUA HIN

Real estate is one of the vital industries in Thailand and has played a significant role in generating revenue for the country. To understand and manage the process and transactions, there’s a lot that home buyers need to know to buy and sell property in Thailand and Hua Hin alike. So, keeping these homebuyer tips in mind is essential.

Andy Dyett, Property Expert is our Lazudi expert who will share expert tips on how to buy property in Hua Hin in this article.

To start, one of the first issues that many buyers are often concerned about is location pricing. The reason why some areas seem to cost more than others was due to the fact that some general rules on pricing tend to be based on ‘location, the desirability of the property, the facilities as well as the neighbourhood.’ Generally, the South and North of Hua Hin tend to be 10-20% less costly than in the past. However, it has now changed due to elevated land plots, better roads and upscale developments that provide high-premium design and materials. To keep it simple the beaches are more attractive, also the beach to mountains creates good options for elevated land plots for both potential and existing buyers.

Another focused area is how Hua Hin has always been popular with retirees, so we asked our Property Expert Andy Dyett for his opinions on areas that are popular among retirees as well as expats in general. Both retirees and expats are keen on playing golf and tend to choose a residence that is nearby golf courses. Mr Dyett, also added that retirees favoured areas with great

access to golf courses. Locations such as Banyan Golf Course located in the South and Black Mountain in the North have seen major growth from developers looking to acquire land at reasonable prices. Mr Dyett also added further that for expats even though the South of Hua Hin is higher in price but it has more attractive properties. In addition, buying land plots on a golf course, thus, is still considered one of the best investments due to the aesthetics of the open spaces and the surrounding environment. “Developers are also always looking for cost-effective value in the land so they can sell affordable homes. The individuals are willing to pay more if they get what they were looking for. For those that purchase the land plots, they tend to head 20-30 minutes to the South as the prices are very attractive and it is a great investment opportunity and I agree with that,” said Andy Dyett.

Next, we move to a topic about the condo market in Hua Hin, as this market is growing gradually and steadily as buyers prefer condos with communal facilities as opposed to owning a villa. Villa will require them to maintain not just the villa but the pool and the landscaped garden. The condo pricing is also transparent as buyers know the value of the condo as well as the average cost when compared to villas which are harder to benchmark. Moreover, condos that are situated on the hillside away from the beach are much more difficult to sell even at lower prices. Mr Dyett also stated further that he sees that the airport will become a significant factor in this market. This means that better access to Hua Hin could attract foreign as well as Thai buyers.

Lastly, we ask our expert if there is any advice for first-time buyers of the Hua Hin real estate market. We learned that it is critical for buyers to select a property based on its location value. Also, if the property is with-

in a villa development, it should have good security, services, and communal areas well-maintained as it will add value to the property. Areas that are on the rise with infrastructure and amenities are also something buyers should look out for, as they will add value to the area as well as the property. Mr Dyett added that buyers should not overlook the local law as each provincial area may have slightly different laws. So it is important to speak to the experts first.

We hope that this article has been helpful to you in one way or another. If you would like to explore the property in Hua Hin, please feel free to contact us today at Lazudi. Our highly experienced team will be happy to assist you!

Andy Dyett, Property Expert

THAILAND’S TOP GOOGLE SEARCHES OF 2022

REVEALED - HUA HIN AMONG MOST SEARCHED DESTINATIONS

Curious to find out what other people in Thailand were searching for in 2022? Google has put out its annual report.

December is the time of year when people look back on the past twelve months, and Google has done exactly that with its 2022 Year in Search report.

The tech company released the list to highlight the top trending searches in Thailand and across the world over the previous year.

Google builds its lists by identifying top trending search queries, which are searches that have a high spike in traffic over a sustained period compared to last year.

In Thailand, government aid and stimulus schemes were among the most searched words for the fourth consecutive year.

And while the pandemic is over in most locations and with the COVID-19 situation improving considerably in 2022, the aftermath continues to impact people’s daily lives, which could go someway to explaining why the government’s various financial assistance packages continue to top the searches of people in Thailand.

Ranked first in Thailand’s top-10 searches was “State welfare card”, as people continued to try and deal with the economic impact of COVID-19 and the rise in the cost of living.

Second were searches for the actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, better known by nickname Tangmo, who died in February after falling from a speedboat in the Chao Phraya River. Tangmo’s death dominated news coverage for weeks.

Thai police ruled that no foul play was involved in Tangmo’s death, but pressed charges against six people for “recklessness” and the involvement in her death.

Third place went to another stimulus scheme, the “Khon La Khrueng (Let’s Go Halves) Phase 5”.

Under the scheme, the government covered 50 per cent of bills for food and basic necessities when paid via the Pao Tang app at participating shops. The subsidy was capped at 150 baht per day at a total of 800 baht per person.

“Tai Lar” (The Giver), a popular Thai drama series was the fourth most searched for term in 2022, followed by Indian film “Gangubai Kathiawadi”, which is the story of a young girl sold into sex slavery who rises to own a brothel and procure rights and protections for sex workers in Mumbai, India, in the 1950s and ‘60s.

‘Botnoi Voice’ a web application for creating voice from text (Text to Speech) powered by AI that teachers and students use in teaching and learning, which ranked sixth.

The popular online game Wordle was seventh, while eighth and ninth places went to the Thai drama series “Duay Rak Lae Haklang” (P.S. I Hate Your) and “Khue Thoe” (Bad Romeo).

“Sor Thor 02,” the government’s online platform for vocational education institutes, was in tenth place.

Thai people following news both domestically and internationally News regarding the actress Tangmo was the most searched item in the news category and the second most searched item overall.

In addition, Thais were searching for news related to the mass shooting at the children’s centre in Nong Bua Lam Phu province in October.

Thais also followed news on global events, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and “Itaewon News,” a tragedy that occurred in the heart of Seoul.

Tourism recovery corresponds with Google data

With the improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the country, more Thais started traveling and this corresponded with Google Trends data, the company said.

According to Google, searches for “travel” increased 53% in 2022 compared to the same time a year previously. The most searched for destinations were Bangkok in first place, followed by “Suphanburi”, “Hua Hin”, “Chiang Mai” and “Rayong”, which ranked in second to fifth place, respectively.

Regarding international travel, destinations that are a relatively short flight from Thailand were the most searched for. Ranked first was Singapore, followed by Vietnam and Laos. In fourth and fifth place respectively were Japan and Korea.

Google said Thais used Search to find out about different “methods”. In this category, “ATK test method” was the most popular search, followed by “How to register for a state welfare card” and “Covid treatment method” in second and third, respectively. “How to Play the Rubik’s Cube” and “How to Make Mango Sticky Rice” were also included in the list this year.

Globally, Google’s Year in Search report also found that the popular online game Wordle was the most searched for term overall. Searches for the game were found to have peaked in February, a

short time after it was bought by the New York Times.

The second most searched for term of the year globally was “India v England” after the two countries faced one another in the Cricket World Cup.

The third most searched term was Ukraine, which also topped the most searched for news topics. The death of Queen Elizabeth was the second most searched for news topic, followed by “election results”.

Johnny Depp was the most searched person globally, following his televised defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, who was also the third most searched person of the year.

Other popular and notable search terms were:

WILDLIFE FRIENDS FOUNDATION THAILAND IS LEADING THE FIGHT AT AGAINST ANIMAL EXPLOITATION

years chained up and used to provide photo opportunities to tourists, the rescued tigers and bears have now been fully integrated into the WFFT.

Today, the WFFT is home to 800 animals, including elephants, bears, monkeys, gibbons, otters, hornbills and a puma.

The foundation, which employs 102 staff, including veterinarians, vet nurses and conservationists, also runs Asia’s first completely chainfree elephant sanctuary and Thailand’s first ever dedicated wildlife hospital.

It was a hobby that got out of hand,” says Edwin Wiek, founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).

For more than 20 years Edwin has courageously fought to save abused and exploited animals in Thailand.

He first moved to Thailand in 1989 and in the following years ran a successful business making fashion accessories.

However, following a serious and near fatal road traffic accident, Edwin’s outlook on life changed.

“Back then I was successful but I was working constantly and spent a lot of time on the road,” Edwin told Hua Hin Today.

Edwin says the accident made him reconsider what he wanted to do with his life.

Then aged 35, he sold his fashion business and with the money began setting up what has now become the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).

Founded in 2001, the WFFT is located on a 540 rai plot of land at Wat Khao Luk Chang in the Tha Yang district of Phetchaburi, just a 45 minute drive from Hua Hin.

While he may not have realised it at the time, Edwin’s crusade into animal conservation began when a Scottish expat in Cha Am asked him to take care of a long-tailed macaque he had bought as a present for his wife.

Edwin says that he had tried to find a rescue centre to take care of the animal but said that no such facility existed locally at that time.

The long-tailed macaque, named Kijke, is still alive today and lives at the WFFT.

“Not long after I started taking care of Kijke, I became aware of a tiger that was chained up at a gas station in Cha Am,” Edwin said.

“The tiger was really sick, it couldn’t even stand up by itself. I eventually took it over (never paid money) from the owner of the gas station and nursed it back to health at home.”

“It would sleep on the floor in my bedroom and I would feed it around the clock”.

It took about three months before the tiger

was able to stand up and almost two years before it could walk properly. After being nursed back to health, the tiger would go on to live with Edwin for 13 years.

Edwin says that word started to get out among owners of other exotic animals that lived in the area.

“These people who had bought these animals as pets but quickly discovered that they were unable to look after them started to contact me.”

It was around the same time that the abbot of Wat Khao Look Chang gave Edwin a 20 rai plot of land to open the animal sanctuary and from that the WFFT was born.

Another animal rescued by Edwin and rehomed at the WFFT was a chimpanzee called Canoe who had been locked up in a cage in Bangkok for 32 years.

The steel bar cage measures just 1.4 meters by 2.3 meters and is less than two metres high.

In 2020, Edwin, who also acts as an advisor to the Thai Parliament on animal welfare and law reform, made headlines around the world after spending a week locked in the same cage.

The project was part of an effort to raise money and create awareness for millions of wild animals in cages worldwide kept as pets and for exploitation in tourism. Through being locked in the cage, Edwin raised 25,000 EUR in donations.

As for Canoe, the animal is still alive and well and has the freedom of living in a large open environment at the WFFT.

In December 2021, Edwin and his team carried out the largest tiger rescue in Thailand’s history as the WFFT took custody of 11 tigers and 2 bears from Phuket Zoo.

The rescue took place after the zoo fell into financial trouble during the pandemic. A lack of tourists meant that the zoo didn’t not have the money necessary to care for the animals.

Having previously spent much of the last 15

Set on the forested land around the rescue centre, the sanctuary allows elephants to roam free in near natural surroundings.

The wildlife hospital means WFFT are able to provide emergency medical treatment, and longterm care and rehabilitation for rescue animals.

Edwin says that among the most rewarding aspects of his work is being able to wake up each day and see the animals in freedom, having known the conditions they have lived in and the suffering that have been through before they arrived at WFFT.

By contrast, what remains the biggest challenge for the WFFT is fundraising.

The foundation is entirely dependent on donations and sponsorship and receives no government funding.

“Donations are always welcome,” Edwin says. “But people don’t always have to donate money, they can help in other ways, simply by sharing our story or by volunteering or donating their time to help”.

Anyone interested in visiting the WFFT can do so as part of an organised trip.

The foundation offers both full and half day trips which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the rescued animals that live at the foundation.

The trips are designed in such a way that animals do not suffer in any way nor are they exploited as a result of people visiting the foundation. Scan the QR code for more information the WFFT, including volunteering opportunities and donating

For day trip booking please email daytrips@wfft.org

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 24 Hot

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All images : ©Patrick Jacobs

PHETCHABURI: THE CITY OF DIAMONDS IS HOME TO A FEW HIDDEN GEMS

Borommakot in 1734 and is of Ayutthaya period architecture.

From the outside the windowless temple doesnt look particularly special but inside you will find murals adorning the walls that date back more than 200 years. The murals are in superb condition and are some of the best preserved examples of art from the Ayutthaya period.

You’ve almost certainly driven through it on your way to or from Hua Hin, but have you ever spent a day exploring Phetchaburi?

Well if you haven’t, you really should.

The scenic province is one of the oldest settlements in Thailand and has been mentioned in historical records going back as far as the 8th century.

More recently it was named in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy.

It is the perfect place for a culture rich day trip or overnight stay, where you can explore the picturesque old town centre, which is home to numerous temples, historical sites and a thriving market area.

In fact, Phetchaburi is one of the provinces in Thailand with the greatest concentration of temples.

Probably the most well known and culturally significant site in Phetchaburi is Phra Nakhon Khiri, a royal palace turned museum that sits on top of the Khao Wang mountain.

Located right in the heart of the town, Phra Nakhon Khiri is hard to miss. To get to the summit you can take a cable car from the Light Rail Transit Station. There is also an observatory you can climb up to where you will be able to get a stunning panoramic view of Phetchaburi city and its surrounding landscapes.

Another site you may also be aware of or have even visited is Tham Khao Luang where you can descend into a beautiful limestone cave before you are greeted by a variety of Buddha statues and images. Beams of light pierce down from above and eerily illuminate different sections of the cave, and monks are on hand to provide blessings if you want them. Just watch out for the monkeys!

Koh Kaeo Suttharam Temple (Wat Ko)

But away from the already well known sites are several temples that are well worth seeking out to explore.

One such temple is Koh Kaeo Suttharam Temple, also known as Wat Ko, which is located in Tha Rap in Mueang District, close to the centre of town.

The temple was built during the reign of King

The murals depict the history of Buddha’s life story: On the north wall are represented the “Seven Great Places” where the Buddha stayed for seven weeks after his enlightenment

The south wall depicts the “Eight Great Events” of Buddha’s life, beginning with his birth. There are also paintings of Gandharvas, who represent the first Westerners that came to visit and trade with Phetchaburi. Back then Phetchaburi was one of the most important port cities of the Ayutthaya period.

Wat Koh Ancient Community

Wat Koh is at the centre of the local community which features a number of other interesting sites, which are well worth visiting:

Baan Kru Pranee - This Thai dessert business is housed in a centuries-old Thai teak house that belonged to the Pranee family, who migrated from China to Petchaburi in King Rama IV era.

Since she was a teacher in 1991, Pranee has been making “Allure” (a sort of Thai delicacy influenced by a Portuguese recipe made from wheat flour, sugar, and coconut milk) by following ancient procedures: mixing the dough in the pan, dropping it in the tray, and letting it sun. This produces a sweet and tasty aroma which is a popular choice among many people.

Baan Muen Suk Prasarat, which consists of three cement structures with three levels and a light yellow colour scheme.

The building was home to Muen Sukprasarat, formerly known as Mr. Pan Sukhaphanich, who was another significant historical figure in the Wat Ko neighbourhood.

Previously, the headman was responsible for the happiness and well-being of the inhabitants in this area. “There were no thieves under his reign,” as the tradition goes, therefore he was regarded and revered by the common people as well as the creator of Wat Chantrawat School.

On Saturday evenings, beginning at 5:00 p.m., you can participate in the ‘Walking Street - Arts and Culture Way of Life in Old Town Phetchaburi’ events to learn about Phetchaburi’s past.

Sample traditional Phetchaburi food and learn about the province’s fascinating history and culture.

Ta Lad Na Pa Pleon @ Na Bun Khao Hom market

A new organic farmer’s market has opened in Phetchaburi.

The market takes place every Saturday morning from 6:30am and features goods and other items unique to Phetchaburi.

Enjoy a traditional breakfast and smell the aroma of freshly harvested rice.

Try the aromatic tea brewed from freshly roasted rice leaves and grains. Non-toxic and healthy foods in the Na Boon Khao Hom style, such as Khanom Krok, fresh flour from the mill, and aromatic sesame crackers from the oven.

And if you are feeling active, you can take a cycle tour across the rice paddies of nearby Pa Tan and Rai Kluai.

Along the way you can try fresh palm sugar cut from the trunk and grilled bananas that are fragrant, delicious, and straight from the farm. Take a photo and share your experience with the golden fields along the way.

The cycle trip is approximately 6 kilometres. Cycle trips can be reserved by calling 0955370607.

HUA HIN TODAY 25

The Walking Street will include a wide range of community artworks along Pa nich Charoen Road from Hua Thanon to Ton Pho Intersection in Pratu Mueang.

Travel

FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE: LOCAL FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS INVITE PEOPLE JOIN SPARTAN RACE

Two fitness enthusiasts in Hua Hin who became friends over their passion for Spartan obstacle course racing are hoping to encourage others to reap the benefits of taking part in the grueling but increasingly popular sport.

Derek Russell and Paul Van Slyke first competed in a Spartan race in Pattaya in 2017 and have gone on to form a friendship over their shared love of fitness.

For the uninitiated, Spartan is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty ranging from 5 kilometers to marathon distances.

Racers compete across three groups: Elite, Age Group and Open.

Elite is for the most serious and competitive racers, while Age Group sees racers compete against those in the same age bracket. Open is for all athletes aged 14+ of all skill and fitness levels.

The first Spartan was held in the United States in 2010 but the race is now popular around the world, where more than 250 events take place in more than 40 countries and across six continents.

Regarded as the world’s largest obstacle course race, Spartan attracts more than one million annual participants across all fitness levels, from beginners to elite.

“We first competed in Spartan as part of a team with eight other people, but we didn’t quite know what we were getting into or what to expect,” Derek, 58, told Hua Hin Today.

“We were even part of a group of people in Hua Hin who set up a training area just off the Pala-U road, which included rocks, ropes, spears and sand bags,” Derek added.

Since taking part in that first race back in 2017, Derek says he must have competed in close to sixty Spartan races throughout Southeast Asia.

“I have mainly competed in the Asian Series and have taken part in races in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. The good thing about Spartan is that it has meant I have visited places that I would probably never have gone to otherwise. I even went to Borneo for one race,” Derek said.

In 2018, Derek finished 3rd in Asia in his age group and along with Paul qualified for the World Championships.

In 2019, Derek and Paul competed in the Spartan event which was held in Hua Hin and most recently took part in a race held in Phuket, where they finished in 2nd and 1st place, respectively, for their age groups.

Derek says himself and Paul now hope to create a team made up of people living in Hua Hin to compete in future events in Thailand and maybe even across Southeast Asia.

“I really want people to experience what we have through competing in Spartan,” Derek said.

“The whole experience has been so much fun and I believe that other people could really benefit from that experience too,” he added.

The pair hope to organise the first training sessions in February with the aim of taking a group of people from Hua Hin to take part in the Spartan event which is due to be held in Phuket in November 2023.

According to its website “Spartan obstacles are designed to test every facet of your mental and physical strength.”

Some of the obstacles include carrying an atlas stone, crawling under barbed wire, a rope climb, swinging on along monkey bars, traversing a ‘Z’ wall and leaping over fire. Anyone who is unable to complete one of the obstacles is required to perform thirty burpees as a forfeit before they can move on to the next obstacle.

Derek and Paul, who are also the founders of the popular local running group Hua Hin Trail Runners, will be able to show those interested the techniques needed in order to tackle each obstacle along the race.

While Derek says that anyone who wants to take part should have a reasonable base level of fitness, he says the Spartan training and racing is essentially open to anyone - both men and women, young and old.

“This is more about building friendships and a community with like minded people coming together to exercise and have fun,” Derek said.

Anyone in Hua Hin who is interested in joining Derek and Paul in Spartan training or who would simply like to find out more can follow the Hua Hin Spartans Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/HuaHinSpartans

26 ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 Hot

Derek’s wife On competing in Spartan Phuket Derek competing in the Phuket Spartan event. Paul (left) and Derek (right) at a Spartan event in Phuket.

AMAZING MUAY THAI FESTIVAL: MAJOR THAI BOXING EVENT TO BE HELD IN HUA HIN IN FEBRUARY

The Royal Thai Army will host (with the support of Thailand’s Tourism Authority and the WBC Muay Thai) the inaugural Amazing MuayThai Festival in Hua Hin from February 2-6, 2023.

The event will be held at Rajabhakti Park and the Seapine Recreation Centre.

Global Muay Thai star Buakaw Banchamek will be there on February 6 to lead the most prominent outdoor gathering of the Wai Kru Ceremony to celebrate February 6 as the annual MuayThai Day in the Kingdom of Thailand.

"The highlight will be the world's largest wai-kru ceremony performed by 5,000 Muay Thai boxers on Feb 6, which will set a Guinness World Record," army chief Narongpan Jitkaewthae, who announced the event.

Muay Thai legend Saenchai will lead the

daily morning MuayThai training on the beach (February 2, 3, and 6), where he will be assisted by Sittichai Sitsongpeenong, Kem Sitsongpeenong, Thananchai Sitsongpeenong and Satanfah Sitsongpeenong in a truly unique opportunity to train with Muay Thai superstars on a private Thai beach.

On the evening of February 4, there will be a professional fight show with WBC Muay Thai world titles, WBC Muay Thai Nai Khanom Tom Challenge showdowns, and the first-ever WBC MuayThai Muay Ying contests.

Over two days, February 4 & 5, there will be youth and adult amateur Muay Thai tournaments with prestigious Thailand Cups and medals at stake for those entering the tournaments.

On February 2 & 3 there will be a ring officials workshop for aspiring Muay Thai judges and referees, combined with a MuayThai trainers seminar.

PRO MUAY THAI GYM CURRENTLY THE ONLY

Alocal Muay Thai gym has become the first in Hua Hin to receive a much coveted five star certification in recognition of the professional standards and high level of training it offers to its fighters.

The Pro Muay Thai Gym, which is located on Soi 102, recently received a five star rating from the Office of Boxing Sport Board, Sports Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The ‘Professional Muay Thai Camp Certification’ officially recognises Pro Muay Thai Gym as a five star small sized boxing camp.

The certificate is signed by Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

Pro Muay Thai Gym is run by South African expat Merinda and former pro fighter Kru Wanchana, who has over 15 years training experience and who is regarded by many as one of the top pro fight and Muay Thai trainers in the country.

Prior to receiving the certification, the gym underwent a rigorous assessment by a team of inspectors from Bangkok.

The assessment included interviews with the owners and trainers and also looked at the standard of training offered to fighters and students.

IN HUA HIN TO RECEIVE COVETED FIVE STAR CERTIFICATION

GYM

“They looked at all aspects of the gym. They even studied the meal plans and different nutritional programs and supplements we provide our fighters to making sure our boxing ring was of official size”, Merinda said.

“Even before we applied for the certification, we have worked hard to raise the standards of the gym and the level of training offered to our fighters and students”.

“For example, our trainers are professional Muay Thai C License Accredited & international experienced trainers in Muay Thai & Muay Boran”, Merinda added.

The gym specializes in Muay Thai and fitness training and trains a wide range of fighters and students of various ages and abilities.

“We have 10 active permanent fighters who are training at the gym at the moment and they compete all over Thailand,” said Merinda.

The gym also caters for a large number of locals and expats who train at the facility as a way to keep fit, as well as for groups of tourists who can stay in Hua Hin and train at the gym for several months at a time.

“We have groups from Germany, Sweden, and a lot of different places who come to train with us.

“When they stay with us we like to combine training with sightseeing so that they can get to see as much of Hua Hin as

possible and learn about and support the local area,” Merinda added.

Merinda said she is proud that Pro Muay Thai Gym received the certification and hopes it will have a positive impact on the Muay Thai industry in Hua Hin as a whole.

“People often don’t think of Hua Hin as a destination for Muay Thai, they are more likely to train in somewhere like Phuket.

“But there are many very good trainers and Muay Thai gyms in Hua Hin, hopefully us receiving the certification helps to raise standards of training and raise awareness of Hua Hin as a place where people can receive first class Muay Thai training,” Merinda added.

Pro Muay Thai Gym will be operating a booth at the upcoming and inaugural Amazing Muay Thai Festival, which will be held in Hua Hin next February.

The event will take place at Rajabhakti Park and the Seapine Recreation Centre and will be one the largest Muay Thai events to be held in Thailand.

One of the highlights of the event will take place on Feb 6 and will see the world’s largest wai-kru ceremony performed by 5,000 Muay Thai boxers. The performance is expected to set a new Guinness World Record.

The event will also feature professional Muay Thai fights, tournaments, daily training sessions, seminars and an appearance from global Muay Thai star Buakaw Banchamek.

28 ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023

Sport

MAJESTIC REPORT

The course continues to be in excellent condition. The rain we were having during last month has passed over and the course has had time to recover from the wet conditions. The greens have had work carried out on them over the last few weeks and all have been tined and sanded to help improve the drainage and encourage the growth in preparation for The Club Championships, which will have taken place by the time you have read this article. The results are shown later in this report.

The course is now getting busier with many people returning, both members and guests, who have not been able to come to Thailand over the past few years owing to Covid. Course C will be open very shortly now work has been completed. This will make all three courses in operation making it easier to book tee times in this busier time.

You may have noticed that work is being carried out adjoining the clubhouse where a new air-conditioned restaurant is being constructed. The plan is to have this up and running in the very near future. This will double the size of the current restaurant area.

Our Competition takes place every Thursday and is open to members and non- members also. Anyone wishing to take part can either register with 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 takes place in the clubhouse each week following the entering of the scorecards into the system, where handicaps are adjusted automatically on to Masterscoreboard. 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 that and the password is “putter” The results for this week will appear plus all the results for the past 12 months, where details of the scores and handicaps are available.

RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS DURING DECEMBER

1st DECEMBER

Stableford Competition 33 players

1st. Olivier Pinard 47 points playing off 7

2nd. Paul Unthank 42 points playing off 12

3rd. Jean Paul Capbern 41 points playing off 16 Guest Prize

Sattana Amnuay 40 points playing off 18

Nearest the pins

Hole A4 Nalinee Singhaphant Hole A6 May Bobilob

Hole B12 Amnuay Sattanan Hole B17 Goran Sundin

8th DECEMBER

Stableford Competition 30 players

1st. Paul Bell 40 points playing off 16

2nd. Brian Callihoo 39 points playing off 10

3 rd . Pau Morris 38 points playing off 15 Guest Prize

Sidaras Naniyom 41 points playing off 23 Nearest the pins

Hole A4 Joe Hasler

Hole A6 Sidaras Naniyom Hole B12 Gill Langlois Hole B17 Kanokwan Sonthysud

15th DECEMBER

Texas Scramble 24 players

1st. Pau Morris and David Morris (gross 72, handicap allowance 9) Net 63

2nd. Dave Hammond and Andreas Weck (gross 73, handicap allowance 8) Net 65

3rd. Armand Huttenga and Brian Callihoo (gross 73, handicap allowance 8) net 65 but losing on a countback.

Nearest the pins

Hole A4 Robert Thomas Hole A6 Lee Pape

Hole B12 Ian Shaw Hole B17 Brian Callihoo

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 20th AND 22nd DECEMBER

Our annual club championship, both Scratch and Handicap took place under excellent weather conditions, with 41 players taking part.

Day 1

Handicap Competition leading players after Day 1

1st. Thitima Shaw 95 gross off handicap 29, net 66

2nd. Stefan Foerg 81 gross off handicap 13, net 68

3rd. Harry Ellingsen 82 gross off handicap 14, net 68

4th. Wan Wallberg 82 gross off handicap 14, net 68

Scratch Competition

1st. Brennan Blednick 76

2nd. David Dunn 76

3rd. Stefan Foerg 81

4th. Zavier Diana 81

5th. Tommi Kyla-Kiala 81 Nearest The Pins Hole A4 Andseas Weck

Hole A6 David Morris

Hole B12 Brennan Blednick

Hole 17 Tellson James

Hole B 16, Nearest The Pin in 2 shots Eva Mauritzon

Hole B 18 Nearest The Pin in 3 shots Arvid Oen

DAY 2

Handicap Competition leading players on Day 2

1st. Pau Morris 80 gross off handicap 14 Net 66

2nd. Wan Wallberg 81 gross off handicap 14, net 67

3rd. Andseas Weck 80 gross off handicap 13, net 67 4th. Jan Strandberg 94 gross off handicap 26, net 68

OVERALL WINNER OF HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP

Wan Wallberg 135 net score

Scratch Competition

1st. Tommi Kyla-Kaila net 73

2nd. Brennan Blednick net 76 3rd. David Dunn net 77

OVERALL WINNER CLUB CHAMPION SCRATCH CUP

Brennan Blednick 152 strokes

Nearest the pins

Hole A4 Michael Krause

Hole A6 Xavier Diana

Hole B12 Thitima Shaw

Hole B 17 Xavier Diana

Hole B 16 Nearest The Pin in 2 shots Paul Barnhoorn

Hole B 18 Nearest The Pin in 3 shots Richard Gaskell CONGRATULATIONS

30 ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 MJC Report

Brennan Blednick Wan Wallberg Clubhouse Club Championship Mr.David and Pau Morris Olivier Pinard Paul Bell

TO ALL THE

COME AND ENJOY YOUR GOLF AT MAJESTIC CREEK

WINNERS

LITTLE SPAIN LAUNCHES NEW MUST TRY SUNDAY BRUNCH TAPAS

Mediterranean vibes have been gradually taking over a small corner of Hua Hin, and quite frankly we can’t get enough of it.

Not to be missed specials at

Little

Spain

Outside of its regular menu, Little Spain has some excellent daily and midweek specials that offer excellent value and are well worth taking advantage of.

Tuesday: Paella night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, you can enjoy 2 tapas dishes of your choice, a paella for two people and 1 litre of Sangria for 1,590 THB.

There’s nothing else quite as fantastic as authentic Spanish tapas, but tapas with something great to drink is a strong contender.

Hua Hin’s authentic and traditional Spanish restaurant, Little Spain, recently launched its new Sunday Brunch which pairs delicious food alongside Prosecco or Sangria.

Two people can enjoy the Little Spain Sunday Brunch, which includes six tapas dishes and either a bottle of Prosecco or one litre of Sangria for just 1,590 THB.

The brunch is available every Sunday from 12:30pm meaning you have plenty of time to soak up some bubbles, yummy Sangria and the delicious food.

Dj Ammy Smiley brings the laid back tunes while you relax in Little Spain’s wonderful garden setting.

Feliz brunch!

Live jazz every Thursday

If you are looking to enjoy some midweek live music, head to Little Spain on Thursday’s.

From 9pm enjoy jazz, soul and R&B from the Have a Good Time band.

Expect soulful renditions of your favourite jazz tunes in Little Spain’s intimate garden setting.

Alongside the music, you can enjoy Little Spain’s tantalizing mix of tapas classics - croquetas, padron peppers and garlic prawnsalongside pintxos and larger portions of meat and seafood dishes.

Nestled away off Soi 102, Little Spain is located just 5 kilometers from downtown Hua Hin and less than 2 kilometers from the BluPort shopping mall.

Thursday: Jazz Night with live music from ‘Have a Good Time’.

Sunday: Enjoy Sunday brunch at Little Spain from 12:30pm. Brunch includes 1 set of 6 tapas plus 1 bottle of bubbles for 1,590 THB. A la carte is also available. Music is provided by DJ Ammy Smiley. It’s your new Sunday hangout.

Daily: Happy hour! Buy one get one free beer and cocktails every day at Little Spain from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

HUA HIN TODAY 31 Hot

JUNIOR-ASIAN GOLF ACADEMY TO OPEN AT BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB

Asia’s first full-service golf academy, which combines full time golf training and Tier 1 international standard education, is set to open in Hua Hin.

The Junior-Asian Golf Academy will be run in partnership with Black Mountain Golf Club and the Canadian Northern Pre-University (NPU).

Combining Tier 1 international acclaimed Canadian High School (15-18) education with a golf program, the Junior-Asian Golf Academy curriculum offers a path for junior golfers around the world to further their academic ambitions and develop golfing skills at a professional golfing facility, with the support of a resident international PGA coach.

The academic aspect of the students’ education is delivered hybridly by the Northern Pre-University.

For students, the Pre-University structures a personalized academic course with time management flexibility, allowing them to fulfill their academic goals while at the same time pursue their sporting passion and building the foundation for a golfing career.

Through Junior-Asian Golf Academy, NPU provides quality education in a blended learning environment, being administered by Canadian teachers, and complemented by local teachers in the classroom.

Courses are internationally recognized and approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center (National Commission for Certifying Agencies).

All students enrolling with Junior-Asian Golf Academy will live at Black Mountain and have the opportunity to train and play at this first-class golfing facility.

The combined package allows students to pursue their dream of becoming a professional golf player and at the same time elevate their chances of being accepted by the best Universities around the world.

Student-Athletes will be visited twice per year, at least, by NCAA recruiting teams, at Black Mountain, with a supplementary trip and tour to the US, to visit top US Division I, II, III, schools, annually.

Led by Head of School, Dr. Cell Dilon, the Junior-Asian Golf Academy provides an internationally accredited hybrid learning environment, where students are taught by qualified international and local teachers, is combined with practicing, and competing at the highest level of golf, at Black Mountain Golf

Club, around Thailand and throughout Asia, with opportunities for travel to Europe and North America.

Black Mountain features not only world class golf, but the latest in golf technology administered by our professional staff, monitoring and reporting student-golfer progress.

The program follows the international school year and will begin in September 2023 (and completed in early June 2024).

Hybrid learning allows for flexible classroom study, flexible learning environment in the event travel is required, and a complete choice of academics ensuring student-golfers maximize their options when considering post-high school learning and golfing options – e.g., NCAA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and other global destinations.

The academic aspect of the program consists of 120 hours of classroom study per course, fulfilling the requirements for an internationally recognized Canadian high school diploma, covering sciences, maths, arts, and humanities.

Golf consists of 8 to 10 hours of training with the PGA golf coach per week, 2 rounds on 9-hole golf course per week and 2 rounds of 18-hole golf course per week, as well as access to short game, and driving range facilities.

Enrollment will be limited to 28 studentathletes in 2022-23 seasons, with priority being given to early applicants.

For more information about the Junior-Asian Golf Academy including on enrollment, scholarships and tuition contact Cell Dilion on +66 8-23347671 or email cell.dilon@j-aga.com https://www.j-aga.com/

•

NPU facts

•

BMG facts

•

32 ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 Sport

There are over 10,000 Northern Pre-University graduates

Over 800 students are enrolled in the 2022-23 academic year

Upon graduation, 100% of NPU students are accepted into universities

The Canadian Northern Pre-University is a Tier 1 (premiere) education provider

Hosted multiple European Tour and Asian Tour events

Best training facility in Thailand, popular with many Tour players

Awarded No. 59 in Golf Digest's World Top 100

Awarded Best Course in Thailand by Golf Digest

Voted Best Course in Thailand

consecutive years

Golf Magazine)

(Asian

The Ultimate Golfing Experience Green Fee: ฿2,900 032-618-666 Email: proshop@bmghuahin.com www.blackmountainhuahin.com

POPULAR SWEDISH ROCKERS DUOJAG TO PLAY FREE CONCERT AT BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB

They will be performing favourite hit songs from all genres of music that have hit the charts in recent years.

It has often been said about Duo Jag: "They sound like the original". It was through their impressive musical ability that they achieved their strong following, and early in their career gained fame on Swedish TV.

Members of the band are also avid golfers. "A gig where we can stay & play at Black Mountain is as perfect as it gets and we hope everyone enjoys the show", said lead singer Anders.

Popular

DuoJag are an energetic and harmonious "show band" who tour full-time all over Sweden, Norway & Finland.

So music lovers, head down to Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin, from 6pm on 14th January for an evening of pure entertainment, performed live outdoors on the big stage.

Scan the QR code for a preview.

STAMFORD INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY IS MOVING

FORWARD TOWARDS THE WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY BY PRODUCING GRADUATES WORLDWIDE

various counties to participate and congratulate the graduates from their countries. In addition, the ambassadors will meet with the Stamford management team to discuss the development of the educational quality and curricula producing Global graduates to serve the needs of both local and international communities in the future.

Stamford International University (STIU) organized the 23rd Commencement Ceremony for the Academic Year 2022 on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at IMPACT Arena Mungthong Thani.

Acting President of Stamford, Dr. Apitep Saekow said that this Academic Year 2022, the total number of the graduates from both the undergraduate programs and the graduate program is 1,360 from 46 countries. The culturally diverse batch of graduates represents the attainment of the University Mission “Internationality.

In September 2022, STIU has received praise from the follow-up team supervised by Dr.Patcharinruja Juntaronanont, the consultant to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and innovation. The team presented that STIU is one of the top higher educational institutions that has a high number of international students with multi cultural environment on campus recognized as a truly international education in Thailand.

To celebrate the aforementioned achievement, Stamford International University has sent out Commencement invitation letters to ambassadors of

At the ceremony, STIU also presented “Distinguished Alumni Awards” to alumni from different industries such as from Bangkok Campus: Mr. Varapote Chensavasdijai (International Affairs) and Mr. Akares Suktalordcheep (Business) and, from Hua Hin/Cha-Am Campus: Dr. Polpat Euswas (Cardiologist of Hua Hin Hospital, MBA Alumnus).

The purpose of the presentation of the awards is to inspire all new graduates to move forward for greater success in their career and life.

In the Academic Year 2022, Anntonia Porsild (Ann), Miss Supranational Thailand 2019 and in the same year, she won the international beauty pageant, Miss Supranational 2019 competed with contestants from 77 countries, Ann also graduated from STIU with a Bachelor Degree in Communication Arts.

ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 34

Swedish band "DuoJag" are flying in to play a spectacular one-off FREE concert at Black Mountain Golf Club on Saturday 14th January 2023.

Hot

Asia’s Ultimate Golfing Lifestyle Experience

Championship Golf Course • Stay & Play • Luxury Course-side Properties

Come and enjoy playing one of the most scenic championship golf courses in the whole of Asia. Voted Best Course in Thailand by Golf Digest, Black Mountain Golf Club has hosted European Tour and Asian Tour events.

Drawn by Hua Hin’s cosmopolitan charm and ideal year-round golfing climate, an increasing number of discerning golfers are choosing to make Black Mountain their second or permanent home. To tempt you, we are now building luxurious new

4-bedroom two-story course-side “Twinhouses” for just 19.9M Baht and 3 bedroom pool villas for 29.9M Baht (includes 2 lifetime golf club memberships) so there has never been a better time to sample the renowned Black Mountain lifestyle. Visit us to play, or even book into one of our luxury private pool Hotel Villas and “stay & play” from just 3,450 Baht per night. We look forward to welcoming you here soon. More info at www.blackmountainhuahin.com

THE TWINHOUSE

Tel: +66 32 618 666 Email: sales@bmghuahin.com www.blackmountainhuahin.com

HUA HIN TODAY 1 ISSUE 246 • JANUARY 2023 HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURIหััวหัินทููเดย์์ จัังหวััดประ จัวั บคีี รีขัันธ์์ ร วั มกัับ กั ารท่่องเ ท่ี�ย วั แ ห่ง ประเท่ศไท่ย สำนกังานประจัวับคีีรีขัันธ์์ ซิินแสเป็น ห น่�ง วั งษ์์ภููดร ผู้�เชี่�ย วัชี่ าญ ด� านโหราศาสต ร และ หนวัยงานพัันธ์มิตรภูาคีรัฐและเอกัชี่นด�านกัารท่่องเท่ี�ยวั เ ปิด ต วักั จักั รรม “365 วััน มหััศจรรย์์ประจ วั บคีี รีขัันธ์์ เที่ ย์วั ได้้ ทีุ่กวััน” กั จักั รรม กั ารท่่องเ ท่ี�ย วั สาย ม สาย ศ ร ท่ธ์ า ท่ ำ บุญไห วั�พั ระ ขั อ พั ร สิ�ง ศ กัดิ ส ท่ธ์ิ�ในจัังหวััด ประจัวับคีีรีขัันธ์์ท่ั�ง 8 อำเภูอ เพัิ�มพัลังชี่วัิต เติมพัลังบวักั สร�างคีวัามสขั ในโอกัาสส่งท่�ายปีเกั่าต�อนรับปีใหม 2566 เสริิมมงคล ต้้อนริับ ปีีใหม่กัับ "365 วััน 8 มหัศจริริย์์ปีริะจวับคริีขัันธ์์ เที่ย์วัได้้ที่กัวััน" นอกัจัากันียังมอบขัองขัวััญปีใหม 2566 ให�แกั นกั ท่่องเ ท่ี�ย วัท่ี�เ ขั� า ร วั ม กั จักั รรม รับ พั ระเ คีร่�องมง คี ลหล วั ง ปูท่วัดรุ่น 365 วัันดท่กัวััน เฉพัาะวัันขั่�นปีใหม 1 มกัราคีม 2566 จั า กั ท่่านเ จั� าอา วั าสวััด ห�วั ยมง คี ล อำเ ภู อ ห วัหิน จัังหวััดประจัวับคีีรีขัันธ์์ และนกัท่่องเท่ี�ยวัท่ี�พัักัในจัังหวััด ประจัวับคีีรีขัันธ์์ รับขัองท่ี�ระล่กักัระเป๋าหร่อเส่�อท่ีเชี่ิ�ตลม เต็ด 365 วััน และถ้าใชี่�จั่ายภูายในจัังหวััดประจัวับคีีรีขัันธ์์ ตั�งแต 1,000 บาท่ ขั่�นไป ลุ�นรับท่ี�พัักัฟรีเริ�มวัันนี - 31 มีนาคีม 2566 หัน้า 2 Hua Hin Today Social Media issuu.com/ huahintoday instagram.com/ huahintoday_news/ twitter.com/ huahintoday facebook.com/ huahintodaynews ตรวจปีีชงปีระจำ 2566..หัน้า 4 ที่่�มาของพระปีระจำวันเกิิด...หัน้า 5 - 6 รับปีีใหมกิับเคล็็ดเสริมมงคล็... หัน้า 8 www.ookbee.com/ shop/magazine

Hallway 9 ม.ค. เริิ�มต้ด้แต้้ม ผิิด้กัฎจริาจริ เม อวัันท่ี 1 ธ์ คี พัล.ต.อ.ดำรงศกัดิ กัิตติประภูัสร ผู้บ.ตร. นาย จั รุต ม วัิศาล จัิตร อ ธ์ิบ ด กั รม กั าร ขั น ส่ง ท่ างบ กั นายพังษ์์สท่ธ์ิ ชี่ัยฉัตรพัรสขั รองกัรรมกัารผู้�จััดกัาร ใหญ ผู้�บริหารสายงาน สายงานกัำกัับกัฎิเกัณ์ฑ์์และกัฎิหมาย ธ์นาคีารกัรุงไท่ย จัำกััด (มหาชี่น)พั.อ.สรรพัชี่ัยย หวัะนันท่น กัรรมกัารผู้�จััดกัารใหญ บรษ์ท่ โท่รคีมนาคีมแห่งชี่าต จัำกััด (มหาชี่น) รวัมแถ้ลงขั่าวัระบบบันท่่กัคีะแนนคีวัามประพัฤต ในกัารขัับรถ้ หร่อระบบตัดแต�ม ระบบ ตัด คี ะแนน คีวั ามประ พั ฤ ติใน กั ารขัับร ถ้กั ำหนด ไวั�ในระเบียบวั่าด�วัยหลกัเกัณ์ฑ์์ วัธ์กัารและเง่�อนไขัเกัี�ยวักัับ ระบบกัารบันท่่กัคีะแนนคีวัามประพัฤติในกัารขัับรถ้ขัองผู้�ได� รับใบอนุญาตขัับขัี พั.ศ.2565 มผู้ลบังคีับใชี่�ในวัันท่ี 9 ม.คี.66 เ ป็นมาตร กั ารเส ริมใน กั ารส ร� าง วั นัย กั ารขัับ ขัี�เ พัิ�มเ ติม จั า กั กัารออกัใบสั�ง กัำหนดให�ผู้มีใบอนุญาตขัับขัีท่กัคีนมคีะแนน คีวั ามประ พั ฤ ต 12 คี ะแนน ไ มวั่า ผู้นั�นจัะได�รับใบอนุญาตขัับขัีกัีชี่นิด กั็ตาม หากัท่ำผู้ิดตามกัฎิจัราจัรใน ขั�อหาท่ี�ระบุไวั�จัะถ้กัตัดคีะแนนตาม ห ล กั เ กัณ์ ฑ์์และเ ง่�อนไ ขัท่ี กั ำหนด ประกัอบด�วัย แบบ ที่ 1 " ตัด คื ะแนน ทัน ท ที่ทำผิิด" ตัด 1 คีะแนน • ใชี่�โท่รศพัท่ขัณ์ะขัับรถ้ • ไม่สวัมหมวักันิรภูัย • ไมรัดเขั็มขััดนิรภูัย • ขัับรถ้เรวัเกัินกัำหนด • ขัับรถ้บนท่างเท่�า • ไม่หยุดให�คีนขั�ามท่างม�าลาย • ไม่หลบรถ้ฉกัเฉิน • ขัับรถ้โดยประมาท่ น่าหวัาดเสียวั • ขัับรถ้ไมติดป้ายท่ะเบียน หร่อเปลี�ยนแปลง ปิดบัง • ไมติดป้ายภูาษ์ ตัด 2 คีะแนน • ขัับรถ้ฝ�าฝ้นสัญญาณ์ไฟจัราจัร • ขัับรถ้ย�อนศร • ขัับรถ้ระหวั่างโดนพัักัใชี่� หร่อเพักัถ้อนใบขัับขัี ตัด 3 คีะแนน • ขัับรถ้ในขัณ์ะหย่อนคีวัามสามารถ้ • ขัับรถ้ผู้ิดวัสัยคีนขัับรถ้ธ์รรมดา • ขัับรถ้ชี่นแล�วัหน ตัด 4 คีะแนน • เมาแล�วัขัับ • ขัับรถ้ในขัณ์ะเสพัยาเสพัติด • แขั่งรถ้ในท่างโดยไม่ได�รับอนุญาต • ขัับรถ้โดยไมคีำน่งถ้่งคีวัามปลอดภูัยขัองผู้อ่�น แบบที่ 2 "ตัดคืะแนนเมื่อไม่ชาระคื่าปีรับตามใบสั่ง" คื้างชาระ 1 ใบสั่ง ตัด 1 คืะแนน • ฝ�าฝ้นเคีร่�องหมายจัราจัรในท่าง • จัอดในท่ีห�ามจัอด • ไม่แสดงใบอนุญาตขัับขัีขัณ์ะขัับรถ้ • ขัับรถ้ไมชี่ิดซิ�าย หากัผู้�ขัับขัีถ้กัตัดคีะแนนจันเหล่อ 0 คีะแนน จัะถ้กัสั�ง พัักัใชี่�ใบอนุญาตขัับขัี หร่อห�ามขัับรถ้ท่กัประเภูท่เป็นเวัลา 90 วััน โดยมีหนังส่อแจั�งคีำสั�ง หากัฝ�าฝ้นขัับรถ้ในขัณ์ะถ้กัสั�งพัักั ใชี่�ใบอนุญาตขัับขัีจัะมีโท่ษ์จัำคีกัไม่เกัิน 3 เด่อน ปรับไม่เกัิน 10,000 บาท่ หร่อท่ั�งจัำท่ั�งปรับ หากัถ้กัสั�งพัักัใชี่�ใบอนุญาต ขัับขัี�เป็นคีรั�งท่ี 3 ภูายใน 3 ป อาจัถ้กัสั�งพัักัใชี่�ใบขัับขัี�มากักัวั่า 90 วััน หากัถ้กัสั�งพัักัใชี่�ใบอนุญาตขัับขัีอกัเป็นคีรั�งท่ี 4 ต�องถ้กั พัจัารณ์าเพักัถ้อนใบอนุญาตขัับขัีท่ันท่ คี ะแนน ท่ี ถ้ กัตัดไปในแ ต่ละ คีรั�ง จั ะไ ด�รับ คี่ นเ ม่�อ คี รบ กัำหนด 1 ป นับแต่วัันกัระท่ำผู้ิดคีรั�งนั�น ๆ เวั�นแต่เป็นกัรณ์ ท่ีถ้กัตัดเหล่อ 0 คีะแนน จัะได�รับคี่นเม่�อพั�นกัำหนดเวัลากัาร สั�งพัั กั ใ ชี่� ใบอ นุญาตขัับ ขัี�แ ต่ไ ด�รับเ พัียง 8 คี ะแนน หา กัขั อ เขั�ารับกัารอบรมกัับกัรมกัารขันส่งท่างบกัเม่�อผู้่านกัารอบรม ตามหลกัเกัณ์ฑ์์และเง่�อนไขัจัะได�รับคี่นท่ั�งหมด 12 คีะแนน สามารถ้ตรวัจัสอบคีะแนนใบสั�งได�ท่ี�เวั็บไซิต E-Ticket PTM หร่อแอปพัลิเคีชี่ันขัับด (KHUB DEE) และสามารถ้ชี่ำระคี่า ปรับได�ท่ี�แอปพัลิเคีชี่ันเป๋าตัง

Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort

Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort is one of the most unique golf courses in Thailand since there is a 27 -hole gem, lying in the beautiful undulating countryside close to the mountains separating Myanmar from Thailand and only 25 minutes outside the Royal town of Hua Hin. Please call +66 (0)81-942-3619, email bookings@majesticcreekcc.com, or browse our website: www.majesticcreekcc.com to reserve for Green Fee.

There will be a very warm welcome for you here at the Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort and we look forward to seeing you soon.

ISSUE 233 • DECEMBER 2021 36 ISSUE 226 • MAY 2021 32

Hua Hin Today Newspaper January 2023

RESTORING FAITH IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN: PLACES OF WORSHIP AND SACRED RELIGIOUS SITES TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN

Headline

365 DAYS OF MIRACLE PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN - CAN TRAVEL EVERY DAY

EIGHT RELIGIOUS SITES YOU REALLY NEED TO VISIT IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN

Miracle 1: Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin District

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THAILAND’S NEW 10 YEAR VISA PROGRAM POPULAR WITH AMERICANS, CHINESE AND BRITS

Happening THAILAND HITS TOURISM GOAL AFTER WELCOMING 10 MILLIONTH TOURIST IN 2022

Electronic visa for Thailand now available in 38 cities

South Korea: Seoul

Happening

TESLA LAUNCHES IN THAILAND

Happening

THAILAND’S NEW PENALTY POINT SYSTEM FOR DRIVING OFFENCES

- HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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17,000 WORKERS NEEDED IN PHUKET AMID MAJOR LABOUR SHORTAGE

Happening PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN AMONG THE TOP EARNERS FROM TOURISM IN 2022

ASIA’S BIGGEST FIRST-RESPONDER EXERCISE EVENT HELD NEAR HUA HIN

THE STANDARD, HUA HIN CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY AND THANKS LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH VIBRANT PARTY

INSULIN AND DIABETES

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS

How TCM Deals with Anxiety Disorders

GOT SCRAPS? NEW COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PROJECT LAUNCHED IN HUA HIN

How to make compost to feed your plants and reduce waste

CARBON CREDIT PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN PHETCHABURI

THAILAND TOPS BBC NEWS TRAVEL DESTINATION SURVEY

Happening THAILAND AIMS TO BECOME DEVELOPED COUNTRY BY 2037

EXPERT TIPS ON BEST PRACTICES TO BUY PROPERTY IN HUA HIN

THAILAND’S TOP GOOGLE SEARCHES OF 2022

REVEALED - HUA HIN AMONG MOST SEARCHED DESTINATIONS

WILDLIFE FRIENDS FOUNDATION THAILAND IS LEADING THE FIGHT AT AGAINST ANIMAL EXPLOITATION

PHETCHABURI: THE CITY OF DIAMONDS IS HOME TO A FEW HIDDEN GEMS

Koh Kaeo Suttharam Temple (Wat Ko)

Wat Koh Ancient Community

Ta Lad Na Pa Pleon @ Na Bun Khao Hom market

FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE: LOCAL FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS INVITE PEOPLE JOIN SPARTAN RACE

AMAZING MUAY THAI FESTIVAL: MAJOR THAI BOXING EVENT TO BE HELD IN HUA HIN IN FEBRUARY

PRO MUAY THAI GYM CURRENTLY THE ONLY

IN HUA HIN TO RECEIVE COVETED FIVE STAR CERTIFICATION

GYM

MAJESTIC REPORT

RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS DURING DECEMBER

15th DECEMBER

LITTLE SPAIN LAUNCHES NEW MUST TRY SUNDAY BRUNCH TAPAS

Not to be missed specials at

Spain

Live jazz every Thursday

JUNIOR-ASIAN GOLF ACADEMY TO OPEN AT BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB

NPU facts

BMG facts

POPULAR SWEDISH ROCKERS DUOJAG TO PLAY FREE CONCERT AT BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB

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FORWARD TOWARDS THE WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY BY PRODUCING GRADUATES WORLDWIDE

Asia’s Ultimate Golfing Lifestyle Experience

Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort

Articles inside

STAGE IN NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN Thailand tops BBC News travel destination survey…p

Hua Hin Today visits Wild- life Friends Foundation Thailand…p