Hua Hin Today August 2013 by Hua Hin Today

Volume 10 Issue 10 August 2013

th August is an important day for all Thai people because it marks 12 the birthday of Queen Sirikit and since the Queen is considered the mother for all Thai people, it is also the National Mother’s Day. The

And all thanks to the personal encouragement and financial support from Her Majesty, the Queen. To express gratitude to Queen Sirikit who has dedicated herself to work untiringly for Thai citizens, all public and 12th August is declared a Public Holiday, Government and commercial private sectors in Thailand hold a celebration to Her Majesty’s birthday buildings will be floodlit to give a festive touch, religious and civic anniversary every year. ceremonials will be held and people, from the smallest villages to the In Hua Hin, the National Mother’s Day celebration this year will be largest palaces will be celebrating. divided into three sessions. The morning session includes alms offering As First Lady, Her Majesty empathises with other Thai women, their to Buddhist monks on Dechanuchit Road in front of Hua Hin Municipal needs and capabilities. So another target for Her Majesty’s endeavours School from 6.30 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. Then, from 8.45 a.m. to 7 p.m., a was to encourage Thai handicrafts traditional to women. Spinning, worship offerings ceremony will be organised at the exit gate of Klai weaving and dying of cotton (in fact, the Queen personally financed Kangwon Royal Palace. many of the weaving looms and provided “seed” money for support Finally a candlelit ceremony demonstrating gratitude to the Queen groups and cooperatives) is one example of traditional skills as is will take place from 5 p.m. onwards at Queen Sirikit Memorial Park. basket weaving in its many forms. Anything from fish traps to matting Local people in Hua Hin are encouraged to decorate their house with to decorative baskets and stylish lampshades all from the hands of a Thai flag or a royal flag to mark this event and everyone is Hua Hin is industrious Thai ladies. invited to celebrate this auspicious occasion together.

With free admission for everyone, spectators will also be able to rub shoulders with European and Asian royalty, international sporting stars and local celebrities.

The four day festival has something for everyone including a spectacular opening parade, celebrity matches, Chang Noi Day (Children’s Day) with a baby elephant camp and fun fair, and this year for the first time, Ladies Day with prizes for the best dressed. A Moulin Rouge themed Auction Gala Dinner tops off the fundraising efforts with all the proceeds donated to various projects for the betterment of Thailand’s elephants.

This year will see Thailand’s defending champions King Power team go head to head with the New Zealand Rugby All Black’s Robin Brooke, Olo Brown and Charles Riechelmann, European royals Prince Carl-Eugen OettingenWallerstein and his wife Princess Anna and daughter Princess Joanna. Miss Tiffany Thailand will also be adding a hint of fun and a lot of colour to the event with a full team of transgender beauty queens playing to win, as well performing at the Gala Dinner.

he highly anticipated King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament kicks off its twelfth anniversary in Hua Hin from 28th August to September 1st 2013. This year’s event promises to have a ton of fun activities both on and off the field.

...Continued on page 3...

3 ...King’s Cup continued from cover page Also the King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament is celebrating its twelfth anniversary from August 28th to September 1st. This is also an Event not be missed. The four day festival has something for everyone; a parade, celebrities, Children’s Day, Ladies Fashion Day and a fun fair. The whole thing is topped by a Moulin Rouge themed Auction Gala Dinner with proceeds going to projects for the betterment of Thailand’s elephants. With free admission for everyone this should not be missed!

Dear Readers, Thankfully the heavy rainy days seemed to have passed and at least the sun peeks out once in a while. As the weather improves so has the social calendar. The Queen’s Birthday is 12th August and there are lots activities linked to this special day in Hua Hin and Cha-Am, see some of the articles in this edition for more details.

The 2013 Hua Hin Golf festival is on for all of August and September. The Festival is a perfect time to get reduced green fees on 9 golf courses in our area and there will be a series of competitions pretty much most weekends. For details see our article in this edition. For more golf the Hyatt Open was be held at Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin so if you love Golf this is the month for you!

totally free. This month there are many promotions for Mother’s Day under this section so look out for those! Please note we have a Hua Hin Today and Cha Am Today Facebook page so do go to Facebook and like us! We are planning on “outing” some of our more fun articles well before the appearance of the newspaper each month! Also we are giving away two Sawang Resort Golf Club green fee vouchers and Putahracsa dinner for two for the two best comments (our stories) given on our Facebook pages! Talking about Facebook pages, there is a viral campaign going on started by some staff of the Hotel Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort and Spa asking for likes. If they reach 15,000 likes apparently their GM Alexander Parry will be a bellhop for a weekv! To help that happen go to their Facebook page and like, and by the way if that happens we will document the event with pictures in Hua Hin & Cha Am Today.

Please note we have revamped our Look forward to seeing your pics and Promotions & Events page to include comments on our pages. more information. If your Business or service would like to be included please Until Next Time, Eleni. We at Hua Hin & Cha Am Today wish her Email Khun Nok nok@huahintoday.com for more information. This service is Majesty the Queen a Happy Birthday.

The tournament was introduced to Thailand in 2001 by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas and has grown to become one of the biggest charitable events in Thailand. To date the event has raised almost $600,000USD for projects that better the lives of Thailand’s elephant population, including housing for the mahouts and families, shelters for the elephants and a mobile blood centrifuge and elephant ambulance for the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC).

In addition to the 30 rescued street elephants who now enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, the annual event allows a further 50 young elephants to be taken off the streets for the two week period during the tournament, providing them with a native forest environment, the best food possible, as well as the only proper veterinary check and vitamins they receive all year. Street life can be tough for an elephant, walking through crowded tourist areas and busy roads for ten hours a night, forced to rest during the day on small green spaces within the cities, often without shade and water. The King’s Cup schedule is deliberately designed to give these elephants rest and relaxation on a scale they are never afforded in their ‘normal’ lives. Since 2009 donations have gone to funding the world’s first ever elephant therapy program and to research the rehabilitation benefits for autistic children. The Thai Elephant Therapy Project (TETP) was created in conjunction with Chiang Mai University and the TECC, initially allowing a further five elephants to be rescued off the streets of Bangkok, where they serve as trained therapists for autistic children. The program now runs free therapy sessions for Thai children every year. The 2013 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament will be held at Hua Hin’s Suriyothai Army Base approximately 20 minutes from Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa. For more information on King’s Cup Elephant Polo, please visit www.anantaraelephantpolo.com for full programme details.

ASEAN SECRETARY GENERAL:

English is Indispensable to ASEAN Community

“With the diversity in ASEAN reflected in our histories, races, cultures and belief systems, English is an important and indispensable tool to bring our Community closer together,” said H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. “Used as the working language of ASEAN, English enables us to interact with other ASEAN colleagues in our formal meetings as well as dayto-day communications. From these interactions, we are able to get to know better our regional neighbours, their interests, their concerns, as well as their dreams and aspirations. Through English, we are raising our awareness of the ASEAN region and, with the many characteristics we share and hold dear, further strengthening our sense of an ASEAN Community.” SG Minh also emphasised the importance of education, science, technology and innovation; and youth programme as ways to learn, practice and improve ASEAN students’ English competency. SG Minh delivered a Keynote Address at the “Global Conference on Educating the Next Generation of Workforce: ASEAN Perspectives on Innovation, Integration and English” last month in Bangkok. This conference aimed to support governments in their preparation of human resources for the ASEAN Community with an emphasis on innovation, integration, and English. SOME IMPORTANT REGIONAL CONTACTS

ORGANISATION

Police Highway Police Tourist Police Fire

HUA HIN

CHA-AM

191 032 511 027

191 032 471 321

Emergency

199 032 511 666

Ambulance & Rescue Medical Emergency Electrical Call Centre Alcoholics Anonymous Bangkok Hospital San Paolo Hospital Cha-Am Hospital Hua Hin Hospital Bus Station Railway Station Airport Municipality Immigration Tourist Info. Centre Water Supply Post Ofﬁce Power Board

1193 1155

199 1554 032 532 56 1669 1129

Health

089 58 7682 1719 033 616 800 032 532 576 032 520401

03 2471 808

Transport 032 514 477 032 512 770 032 520343

Government 032 511 047 032 522 656 032 511 047 032 511 677 032 511 063 032 512215

0 3247 1159 1132 032 471 005 032 477 646 032 477 252 032 472 069

City News

ASEAN Ministers to meet in HUA HIN in August P

Del Rosario said the retreat in Hua Hin was amongst the China meeting. the issues he recently discussed with Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul. Thailand is the “We need to ensure Asean centrality in talks with China. We need to have a common position coordinator for Asean-China relations. especially on the South China Sea issue,” the Both Ministers exchanged views on regional and spokesman said. international issues, including the South China Sea disputes, according to Raul Hernandez, a The South China Sea issue has divided ASEAN, a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs. grouping of rich and poor countries that are prone to influence by China, a major claimant. Of the Del Rosario did not disclose the exact date of the The maritime disputes, including how to move six claimants, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines Hua Hin meeting, but another source suggested forward a proposed regional code of conduct aimed and Vietnam are ASEAN members. ASEAN also that the “special Asean ministerial retreat” will be at reducing territorial and maritime conflicts in the includes Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, South China Sea, are expected to be discussed at Singapore and Thailand. held on August 13th and 14th. hilippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has commented that Southeast Asian foreign ministers have agreed to meet in Hua Hin, Thailand, in mid-August to firm up Asean’s position on the protracted South China Sea territorial disputes before meeting with China later in the month, “(The Hua Hin meeting) is to strategise and prepare for the (Asean-China ministerial meeting) in China scheduled end of August,” del Rosario said.

Commemoration Day for the Father of the Thai Legal System

he Chief Judge of Hua Hin Provincial Court Mr. Santi Chukitsappaisan announced that on 7th August the death of His Royal Highness Prince Rapee Phattanasak Kromluang Ratchaburi Direkliet (1874-1920) will be commemorated. On that day the Court will be paying tribute to the Prince who is considered to be the father of Thailand’s modern legal system. A life-sized statue of the Prince stands in front of courthouses throughout Thailand. Each year ‘Prince Rapee Day’ commemorates the passing away of the father of Thailand’s modern legal system, said Mr. Santi. Prince Rapee, a son of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, was born on October 21st 1874. After he obtained his secondary education in Suan Kularb Palace School in Bangkok, he went on to study law at Christchurch College, Oxford University.

The Prince became the youngest law graduate in Thailand as he finished the Bachelor Degree in Law with honours within three years at the age of 17. Normally it takes four years to complete the degree.

At the age of 22, Prince Rapee was promoted to become the Minister of Justice and worked hard to lay a firm foundation for Thai legal systems with international standards. The youngest chief executive of Thailand, Prince Rapee realised that Thai courts were being taken advantage of by foreign courts which claimed that Thai law was outdated. To address this problem he hired foreigners to work with Thai judges. This encouraged Thai judges to understand local and international law. Thai courts became so well recognised that foreign embassies in Thailand allowed people of their countries who stayed in Thailand to use Thai legal procedures.

After graduating in England, Prince Rapee worked for the Secretarial Department of Siam. Because of his intelligence and perseverance, he was able to do many jobs at the Department and was admired by other staff. His ability to draft correspondence pleased King Chulalongkorn so much that the Prince was called, “Smart Rapee”, and was subsequently appointed to the Privy Council. He also chaired a special committee to establish new provincial courts in Thailand. Despite the large Another important task undertaken Prince Rapee number of legal cases, the Prince always dealt was updating, correcting and modifying all Thai laws so that Thai people understood them and with them quickly, fairly and efficiently. were able access to legal procedures. He set up

TOURIST ARRIVALS 2013

a committee composed of both Thai and foreign legal specialists. The committee then successfully came up with the first legal code of Thailand. Upon its promulgation, the Prince produced written explanations of all legal codes to facilitate law education and interpretation. This is the most important role of the Faculty of Law in Thailand. The committee drafted many laws and became the now Council of State. The Prince established the first law school in the country in 1897, teaching the students himself. In appreciation of the work of Prince Rapee, the Hua Hin Provincial Court would like to invite local people and visitors to join Judges, lawyers, police officers and business leaders in paying homage to the father of the Thai legal system on 7th August.

KF&E offers leasing of MRI

for service at The Hua-Hin Hospital

A Big Increase in Chinese Tourists R

ecently at the Hua-Hin Hospital, Mr. Sasawat Virapriya, Executive Chairman of Kasikorn Factory and Equipment Co., Ltd., Mr. Poonsin Tongdech, Executive Director of Udorn Medical Supply Co., Ltd., and Dr. Nirun Chantrakoon, Director of ed by a dramatic 93% growth in arrivals from China, Showing considerable promise are Latin American markets; such Hua-Hin Hospital participated in the delivery and opening ceremony Thailand’s visitor arrivals surged to a record total of 6,828,718 as, Brazil (+21.11%) and Argentina (+18.28%) due to their strong in January – March 2013, up by 18.94% over the same period economies. of 2012, according to figures published by the Ministry of Tourism South Asia: Arrivals from South Asia grew by a strong 16.03% and Sports. to 313,634. India topped the list with arrivals up by 18.21% to China’s total of 1.12 million visitor arrivals made it the first time that 249,350, due to its strong economy and increased flights. Other any country had crossed the one million mark in the short span countries; such as, Pakistan (+7.14%) and Nepal (+2.21%), too, of three months. The growth was mainly due to the Chinese New saw unrest and political protests but they did not affect tourist Year in February 2013, which led to a spike in long-holiday travel travel to Thailand. to Thailand. In addition, major markets such as Russia, Korea and India are showing strong double digit growth and Japan has Oceania: Arrivals from Oceania grew by 6.07% to 250,124 visitors. Australian visitors were up 5.55% to 224,530 driven by the robust bounced back strongly. Australian economy and the strength of the Australian dollar. TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni welcomed the good results. Arrivals from New Zealand were up 11.29% to 25,016. “We are gratified to see that our marketing efforts are producing results. In these days of economic challenges and geopolitical Middle East: Arrivals declined by 1.20% to 139,499. This was instability, it is very important that at least one sector of the mainly because of a decline of 5.92% in arrivals from the UAE, economy is continuing to prove to be a major source of income to 20,209. UAE residents took advantage of the weak Euro and of GE’s Brivo MR355 1.5T. This is a modern US-produced Magnetic and jobs.” Mr. Suraphon said he was also pleased to see that the the subsequent fall in prices of travel packages to European Resonance Imaging machine (MRI) for medical diagnoses and followstrengthening of the Thai Baht has not impacted visitor arrivals to destinations to travel there instead. Moreover, the economic up care. KF&E offered about 30 million-Baht for the leasing of the sanctions on Iran have also dragged down the growth rate of this Thailand. Udorn Medial Supply’s purchase of the MRI to be operated at Huaregion. Hin Hospital. This is the first state-owned hospital in Hua Hin with Here is a summary of the key results: However, some source-markets, including Egypt (+28.02%), Israel such machine. Ms. Nuwanna Anathakitphaisarn, Vice Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, also participated in the event. Overview: All regions grew well except the Middle East. Visitors (+11.70%), and Kuwait (+11.21%) reported good results. from East Asia totalled 3,623,713 (+28.50%), Europe 2,131,719 (+10.28%), the Americas 331,070 (+8.71%), South Asia 313,634 Africa: Arrivals from Africa grew by 6.70% to 38,959, mainly due to (+16.03%), Oceania 250,124 (+6.07%), Middle East 139,499 the driving force of the South African market. he Director of the Bangkok Hospital, Hua Hin, Khun Som-art (-1.20%), and Africa 38,959 (+6.70%). In 2013, TAT is confident that if the global, regional and local Wongkhomthong M.D. congratulated doctors, nurses and staff situation remains stable, Thailand will receive 24.14 million arrivals, East Asia: East Asian visitor arrivals comprise the biggest market of the hospital who successfully organised the Hua Hin Health generating a projected tourism income of 1.1 trillion Baht. share of all visitors. A total of 3.62 million or 53.07% were from East Expo in front of the Hua Hin Market Village. This Event attracted local Asian countries. Apart from China, the other top sources of arrivals people and tourists in Hua Hin who reported that they were really were Malaysia (627,759), Japan (408,048), and Korea (350,529). pleased with the basic health checks and other activities carried out during this excellent health promotion. The ASEAN countries in total are generating over 1.48 million arrivals, with spectacular growth by Brunei (+73.11%), Indonesia (+35.13%), Myanmar (+23.27%), Singapore (+22.90%), Vietnam (+5.02%), Philippines (+4.42%), Malaysia (+1.94%) except Cambodia declined by 11.69% and Lao PDR. (-16.64%).

Health Expo Congratulations

Europe: European visitors showed a good growth rate of 10.28% to 2.13 million. Russia retained its status as the largest source market from Europe with arrivals of 584,516, up 26%. Germany is the second highest source market with a total of 252,108, up 12.22%, followed by the United Kingdom 246,943, up 2.83%. Strong growth from East Europe (+27%) and Sweden (+3.72%) was due to the positive economic conditions there and the special charter flights which are operated to Thailand during the winter months. Sweden is recovering from a year ago while Belgium (+12.10%), Ireland (+5.94%), Switzerland (+5.92%), Spain (+1.15%), and France (+0.40%) continued to see growth. Declining source-markets from Europe included Italy, Denmark, Finland and Norway partly due to weather-related problems in Northern Europe. Italy was particularly affected by the Eurozone debt crisis and the presidential election in February 2013. The Americas: Arrivals from the Americas showed a growth of 8.71% to 331,070. The main market, USA, increased by 8.25% to 227,319, which was an indication of the country emerging from its economic downturn. Arrivals from Canada were up 4.57%.

For more information of this event, please contact Chedtapon ‘Khaek’ Maneechai, the public relations Officer of the Department of Marketing and Communication, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, tel. 032616 888 or 086300 3052 or e-mail: Chedtapon.Ma@bgh.co.th.

6 There’s Beer & Then There’s Handcrafted Beer

The Taste Of Thailand With Full Moon Beer At The Hilton

xecutives of the San Paulo Hospital recently organised an event to celebrate the 17th Anniversary of the hospital and to pay homage to the hospital’s founders. San Paulo is also preparing for internationalised management in preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Community.

recognised by public offices at provincial, district and municipal levels as an organisation that helps local people through various charities and activities. This includes taking care of senior citizens in Hua Hin by providing free medical treatment and operations for cataracts. M.D. Ekkalap added that the hospital is being improved and developed by providing efficient medical treatment, specialised doctors and medical apparatus of a high standard. As Thailand will become an Asean Community Member soon, more foreigners will visit Thailand and receive medical services as well as local Thai people. In terms of internationalisation, San Paulo will provide English language training to 160 staff for three months as English is becoming a crucial tool for communication with foreign patients. As well as being responsible for medical treatment, the hospital is also concerned with enhancing professionalism in public health for local people who work as hospital staff. In return the staff is encouraged to cooperate so that the hospital enjoys a positive image in the Hua Hin community, concluded Dr Ekkalap.

According to the Director of the hospital Doctor Ekkalap Thongborisut, San Paulo was founded 17 years ago on 25th June. On this anniversary Executives and staff of the hospital have organised festive activities to celebrate. These including blood donations, to pay homage to Doctor U-dom Thongborisut and his brother Khun Phadung Thongborisut, the founders of the hospital. Initially a small hospital, San Paulo has been continuously developing itself to become a big hospital in Hua Hin with 60 beds. Providing medical treatment for Thais and foreigners alike, the hospital is now a part of the Hua Hin’s municipal organisations as a public service provider. It is

A GREENER TOMORROW

Big Tree Plant, 12th August 2013, Thai Mother’s Day! On 12th August, 2013, a Big Tree Plant is being organised. The fundraising goal for this event is 150,000 Thai Baht - $5,000 USD, which will be used to improve the irrigation system for the trees which have already been planted. The organisation of this project is being managed by the Family Tree, Hua Hin which helped initiate the project in partnerships with a network of Buddhist Monks and laypeople. It is necessary to organise irrigation because during the first 3-5 years of the trees’ lives they are still vulnerable to very hot and dry weather in the summer season. During the first 2 years, the community members have been carrying water up the hill. An irrigation pump will save time and practice and a successful way of protecting trees allow more work to get done, quicker. in Thailand. Since 2010, the Greener Tomorrow team has been planting trees in Buddhist temple grounds in You are invited to join in this celebration! North-east Thailand, helping to realize a greener Transport will be leaving Hua Hin on 9th August and healthier planet, as well as to create peaceful and returning on 12th August. This will be a true spaces for contemplation and meditation. The Thai cultural experience with stops on the way at trees are all native to Thailand and include fruit ‘unseen’ attractions including water falls, temples varieties. and culinary delights. Accommodation will be Currently, over 40,000 trees have been planted, at the dormitories on site at the tree planting towards a goal of 84,000 trees. More than 90% grounds. of the trees which have been planted are alive and Sponsorship is also welcomed and always growing well. assists to ‘fast track’ the progress of the project. In Thailand, planting on sacred ground is a For more Information see: http://www.greenerhighly effective way of protecting forest. In fact, tomorrow.org Contact: Premruethai Tosermkit performing Buddhist ordination ceremonies for (Thai) +66 (0) 81 809 5083, Peter Richards (English) trees and areas of forest is a common cultural +66 (0) 81 265 6628

n November 2010 a new microbrewery, the Full differentiates the craft beers from FULL MOON is Moon Brew Work, opened in Phuket. the blending of locally sourced Thai ingredients with the traditional ingredients of malts and hops The term microbrewery originated in the United that are imported from Australia and Belgium. Kingdom in the late 1970s to describe the new By adding local ingredients such as Thai GABA generation of small breweries which focused on rice, Thai black sticky rice, and the peel of Thai producing traditional cask ale. tangerines, distinctive Thai flavours are achieved.” Although originally “microbrewery” was used Khun ‘M’ is very serious about the subtlety of taste in relation to the size of breweries, it gradually in his beers. “I want people to try approaching it in came to reflect an alternative attitude and a more sophisticated frame of mind, as you would approach to brewing flexibility, adaptability, a good wine,” he says. experimentation and customer service. The People might not know that there is food pairing global demand amongst connoisseurs of beer for for beer the same way they do with wine. Wheat natural ‘handcrafted’ brews had now reached the beer should go well with citric or spicy food. shores of Thailand. Although there were already Typically lager goes well with salty, spicy food or small breweries producing beer from primarily seafood, while brown ale is a perfect fit for grilled, German recipes, this brewery was different and roasted or stewed meat and poultry. distinguished by the founder’s theme of blending traditional beer brewing techniques with local Thai People might not know that there is food ingredients. pairing for beer the same way they do with wine. Wheat beer should go well with citric or Hua Hin Today had the opportunity of meeting spicy food. Typically lager goes well with salty, Brew Master Sukij M Thipatima, or Khun ‘M’, spicy food or seafood, while brown ale is a at the Hua Hin Hilton, with the launching of Full perfect fit for grilled, roasted or stewed meat Moon Brew Work beer on tap at the Hua Hin and poultry. Brewing Company. What’s On Offer? The man behind Full Moon is a Bangkokian who Full Moon handcrafted beer is now exclusively comes from a trading family who specialised in available on tap at the Hua Hin Brewing Company glassware. After an education at the University of at the Hilton. Check out the following unique Thai North Carolina and always fascinated by the idea flavours soon! of making beer Khun ‘M’ then spent four years with Heineken in their marketing department and • SABAI SABAI WHEAT ALE then with Smirnoff. The next move was to educate Hazy yellow colour with white head. Aroma of himself further in the art of beer-making, including fruit and wheat. Light body, fruits, lemon, orange, taking a course at the Versuchs- und Lehranstalt wheat and banana. Nice beer for hot weather. für Brauerei (Research and Teaching Institute for • ELEPHANT TUSK DARK LAGER Brewing) in Berlin. Almost black colour, small white head. Sweet roasted malty aroma. Light body but nice hints of This career direction was not always popular coffee and roasted malts. with his family, who are all teetotal. ‘M’ is the only • DANCING MONKEY LAGER drinker in three generations. Even as a teenager Almost clear golden colour, white head. Light he used to sneak out with a friend of his brother aroma of basic malts. Malty taste with banana, to educate himself. “It was a bit tough for me. My light body but not watery. parents, my brother, even my grandmother all said, ‘What are you doing?’ Where and When? THE Hua Hin Brewing Company is located As a budding entrepreneur, Khun ‘M’ recognised alongside the Hua Hin Hilton with either street or the lack of home-grown microbreweries in Thailand lobby access. Opening hours are everyday 6.00 and took the costly plunge to establish his own. “I pm to 2.00 am. wanted my beer to be unique, light and pleasant to drink in this climate. “What So much more than just a bar, serving the finest cuts of steak and a range of tasty favourites including juicy burgers and barbequed skewers. Enjoy live bands in the evening or relax with a drink as you listen to guest DJs into the night. Catch up on all the latest sporting action on the big screen TV at SOS Tugboat Bar, the open-air beer garden connected to the Hua Hin Brewing Company.

Evason Hua Hin Redefines

its Brand, and Will Separate into Two Resorts W

ith the aim of defining the integrity of its brand, Evason Hua Hin is returning to its original configuration of 185 guestrooms and villas and will separate from the adjoining 55 pool villas, which were originally developed as a Hideaway and consolidated with Evason in 2012.

“The Evason brand has a very relaxed family orientation, with a nod towards affordability”, said Managing Director Alan Thomas. “The 55 pool villa entity being divested from Evason is really focussed on a quite separate market. This move will give us the opportunity to enhance the facilities at Evason

Hua Hin to better address our prime target markets”. resort will be delighted to learn that the unique Earth Spa will become part of the Evason, as are the three Currently in the process of a programme of diverse restaurants, the popular poolside duplex enhancements, Evason Hua Hin will be a stand- bar, tennis courts and recreation facilities, fitness alone brand from 01 August 2013, at which time the room, Children’s Club and conference facilities for next-door pool villa entity will close for rebranding up to 200 people. and a programme of refurbishing by its new Grande Asset acquired both properties from operator. Owendelle Company who currently operates the It will be business as usual at the popular Evason combined property under a licence agreement from Hua Hin at which the accommodation inventory Six Senses, owner of the Evason brand. Evason includes 40 private villas with plunge pools, plus Hua Hin will continue to operate under the licence 145 spacious guestrooms. Loyal guests of the agreement.

ike any tropical country, Thailand is ruled by bursts while the air warm and balmy. It’s unlikely seasons, although they can vary quite markedly that your planned outdoor activities will be affected by too much rain including a round of golf or a from the north to the south. motorcycle journey. If you are caught in the rain just Hua Hin is fortunate as it is fairly centrally located find some shelter and then it’s likely to clear before and on a narrow peninsula that extends down to too long! Malaysia. As a result, Hua Hin has three distinctive seasons - as opposed to four that most western Hua Hin has one of the lowest rainfall measurements countries experience. Thais will refer to these as in the country. “cool, dry”, “hot” and “rainy”. However many a Here’s an overview of the recorded weather westerner will experience statistics for August and coming months. them as “hot”, “even hotter” Weather Averages for August and “hot, rainy”! August is thought of as a winter month, given the 7 We are now approaching hours of sunshine per day, but the temperature sure the ‘Rainy Season’ however won’t feel that way. The maximum temperature is this term only means that 33C and usually it doesn’t get colder than 25C. On it may rain occasionally, average, there are about 12 rainy days, and the sea in tropical fashion in short is at a pleasant 29C.

e thought readers may be interested to learn how Thai schoolchildren see their world. As a project in cooperation with the Hua Hin Vitthayalai School (Salesian) Principal, English Language Teachers and Students, Hua Hin Today organised a competition for the students to write a small essay in English. The topic of the essay is chosen by the teachers. The student selected by the teachers as the writer of the best essay will then have it published in Hua Hin Today and be presented with a framed copy of the article (including their essay). Not proof read or in any

way or changed; just the students own words. Perhaps imperfect Fang’s family with a food voucher for English, but importantly how the boys and girls express themselves two adults and two children at Hilton’s about the topic; real contemporary Thai social culture. Pasta buffet. Congrats Fang Fang! We hope that the student concerned will proudly take this award The topic of the essay was ‘My parents, home to show his or her family and have an even greater incentive My heroes’. Well done Fang Fang your to improve their English and that this will become a regular addition framed award is on the way! to Hua Hin Today. This month the first winner is a young lady, 10 year old Sukamon Kanotratananankul (Fang Fang). Hua Hin Today and Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa are proud to award Fang

My Parents, My heroes ‘My parents is my heroes because they help and take care of me when I was a baby. My mom name is Suang, and dad name is Soy. My parents have a business at home. They sell thing to get money to buy thing to me. My parents teach me everything but sometime I do something wrong they will tell me how to do it right. My dad always cook food to me and mom to eat. My father likes my chef in my house. My heroes is who will protected me and do everything to me. I love heroes because they protected and loved me. Who are my heroes when I grow up I will take care off them like they take care of me.’

The Hua Hin Red Cross is organising its annual festive event for 2013 between 3rd and 12th August 2013 at Queen Sirikit Memorial Park. Entitled, ‘Singha Kachart 56’, this festival starts at 5 p.m. daily. According to the Chair of the Hua Hin Red Cross Mr. Chomsuphang Thomkrachang, the organisation is responsible for any jobs assigned by the Thai Red Cross, especially helping those affected by natural disasters, the poor and the disadvantaged and raising funds for this activity. The Singha Kachart 56 aims to raise more funds for all activities currently carried out by the Hua Hin Red Cross and to promote these activities to the public. The highlight includes a lucky draw, a beauty pageant, a music contest, selling of local products and flowers, social dancing and concerts with famous Thai artists. Local people and tourists are welcome to join the event. All proceedings will be used to help those in need. For more information, please contact the Hua Hin Red Cross at tel. 032 512 946.

Belgian Apple Donuts, it took exactly 5 minutes before they were snapped up and consumed by my colleagues. The fresh hot Belgian Donuts looked amazing with powdered sugar on top (served in 3’s). Some were almost swallowed whole by a few people who shan’t be named. I was too full to even try to eat one, but I will be I watched Patrick make the Belgian back to try some more soon. Apparently they are Waffles in a specially imported waffle a main attraction at all Belgium fairs. maker from Belgium and now I understand why the consistency of the Additional to desserts or snacks, 45 serves waffle is fluffy and light versus waffles Mediterranean food such as paella, Greek I have had in the past. The waffle itself specialties, pastas and steaks or fish served is a substantial serving at 200 THB per with sauces of your choice. Patrick has been portion. I have to say I was full after in the restaurant business in Belgium for some eating it and didn’t need to eat dinner time and knows his cooking. If you want try something new this is your man! afterwards. is a very large oblong waffle with fruits (pineapple, grapes, kiwi, Bananas and fresh strawberries), plus two scoops of Ice crème, generous dollops of whipped crème and strawberry sauce to top it all off.

was very excited to be invited to try Belgian Waffles at the newly opened Restaurant 45 at the corner of Petchkasem and Soi 45 (thus the name). Owner and Chef Patrick has brought to Hua Hin Belgian Waffles, Belgian Apple Donuts and Flemish Pancakes (Crêpes but larger). The idea behind this was to introduce typically Belgian desserts to Hua Hin city. Patrick also felt that Hua Hin needed a place where you could have tasty desserts with hearty portions at reasonable prices. Patrick has a keen eye for design and the outside area where I sat is beautifully decorated with a Mediterranean feel, or you can sit inside with the open plan layout and see exactly how he makes his dessert creations and food.

Patrick is a nice guy who even packed for me treats for the office (note: 45 have take away desserts!). When I arrived back at the office with Belgian waffles and

I learnt that the Belgian “sweets” can be eaten plain or in most cases come with toppings of your choice. I had the Belgian Waffle which

For more info call 087 5920620 Location: At the corner of Soi 45 and Petchakasim Road; look for the big green sign.

for Hotel guests but can become a haven for non residents who are looking for food, entertainment and drinks is a sophisticated atmosphere away from the usual street scene. We hope to soon spend more time at the Hilton soon and report on what is offered to those who are looking for the After dinner we retired to the v cocktail bar of the opportunity to get away from it all for the day (or main Hilton complex to enjoy a night cap or two night), but right in the centre of Hua Hin. and listen to the soothing sounds of the duo playing Our thanks to Khun Aor for her company over some old favourites (requests are OK!). dinner and beyond; a very gracious and charming is also a great opportunity.

Especially mark the forthcoming OKTOBERFEST 2013 held from 7th to 10th November in your entertainment diary. More news soon about this iconic event soon.

The message for me is that the Hilton is not only host. See you again soon!

e didn’t do much research about the history of the Hua Hin Brewing Company before going for dinner there, but it’s clearly a very different venue from what you may expect at a Hilton Resort. Rumour has it that in the early days (around 1923) the Hua Hin Brewing Company (it was a real Company) made its mark selling moonshine to the local fishermen. Perhaps they were doing some bartering for their ‘catch of the day’.

latest sporting action on the big screen TV at SOS Tugboat Bar, the open-air beer garden connected to the Hua Hin Brewing Company.

The choice of food for our dinner was taken out of our hands by our host Khun Aor, the Hilton Marketing Manager. However that probably helped a lot as the menu is extensive and the choices may be difficult. The food is more than what you may expect, European in style with massive burgers, massive chips, chunky steaks, seafood galore, What we now see is the renovated old original German sausage platters and of course their building still operating as an old ‘pub’ but I’m famous pork knuckles. Perfect for those who miss sure offering dramatically better quality food, beer unhealthy portion sizes, ‘slabs’ rather than ‘slices’. I was a bit surprised when the menu arrived and there was no Thai, only ‘Falang’, no rice in sight just ‘jacket potatoes’ something I often miss in Thailand. To make the menu choices a little easier you can head towards the ‘Chef Schlincky’s Corner’ menu page where you will find his own special recommendations. You will also notice that each item shows the number of grams per serve so you can make your choice according to how hungry you are feeling. Our dinner included many of the items described earlier. Too many to list and much more than our table could handle. For me pork crackling and jacket potatoes with a delicious thick dark gravy was a standout; no wait!, what about those seafood skewers or what about those other Bar BQ’d delights, too many things to mention! Khun Aor ordered a rib eye steak which was cooked just the way I like it, sealed on the outside and pink in the centre. She kindly allowed me to try this as well, delicious and tender as it should be. This is real ‘pub food’, just right if you are of foreign origin and entertainment. You will still see split level old and occasionally crave for some traditional ‘pub wooden planked floors and the ‘bell house’ on top grub’. of a large impressive wooden and stone building and large steps. It’s a bit like the decks of an old Of course for drinks the ‘house beer’ on tap must wooden boat. This is where you can sit and watch be tried. This now includes their three specialty the passing parade on Soi Naresdamri below (one “microbrewery” beer with Elephant Tusk Dark of the main roads through the touristy part of Hua Ale, Sabai Sabai Wheat Ale, and Dancing Monkey Lager. First you can decide on your favourite Hin). with ‘nip size’ samples. Again hard to choose, So much more than just a bar, the Hua Hin Brewing although each one with distinctive and subtle flavor Company serves the finest cuts of steak and a variations. range of tasty favorites including juicy burgers and barbequed skewers. Relax with a cold drink and Entertainment during dinner was by their resident savor the famous pork knuckles at this popular singer/guitarist but then later the pace ramps up Hua Hin restaurant and bar. Enjoy live bands with Rock ‘n’ Roll and other special musical treats. in the evening or relax with a drink as you listen Check out the notice board as theme nights and to guest DJs into the night. Catch up on all the exotic entertainment is often featured. Happy hour

22/65 Naeb kaehat Road, Hua Hin Sub-district, Hua Hin District, Prachuabkhirikhan 77110

12 Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa New F&B Manager

The Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villa – Hua Hin New Public Relations Manager

Mr. JAMNONG BOOTSONG (Jeck) has 22 years’ experience in the Food and Beverage industry. He has now been appointed as F&B manager at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. He very pleased and proud to be a part of the Hilton umbrella which is great opportunity and challenge. Hilton is one of the best hotels in Hua Hin and a fabulous place. This is will be the wonderful experience and Khun Jeck’s appointment will only add to the quality of the Hilton food and beverage experience. Khun Jeck commented that Hua Hin is the best city for recreation and has a wide variety of activities. He hopes his skills will help people to enjoy their stay in Hua Hin.

Putahracsa Hua Hin New Hotel Manager

Miss Thanyaporn Thirawat is now greeting guests at the Centara Grand Beach Resort as the new Public Relations Manager. Khun ‘Bee’, as she is usually known, brings with her a substantial background in the hospitality field. Commencing in her native Chiang Mai, but also with a resume including positions in marketing, communications, media and public relations at Resorts in Phuket and Koh Samui her knowledge of customer service is really on display. You will find her a great communicator with fluent English language skills. Formally the Hua Hin Railway Hotel, one of the iconic hotels of Thailand, the Centara was constructed in 1923 and has fully retained its old world charm. There’s plenty of history as well as the services now on offer for Khun Bee to talk about. Her own personal charm is set to be a clear bonus for the Centara brand

The Unique Collection has appointed Manuel Lang as Hotel Manager of the Putahracsa Resort Hua Hin.

HAGI RESTAURANT @ The Centara Welcomes New Chef

Manuel (German) started his new challenge with the Putahracsa on the 1st July 2013. He has a wealth of experience in the hospitality business. This includes having worked as General Manager of the OZO Resort in Koh Samui, Resort Manager at Cham’s House and as the Resident Manager at the Amari Atrium in Bangkok. He has also worked in various Food and Beverage roles with the Hilton in Tokyo, the Lowell and Mandarin Oriental Hotels in New York. Manuel has a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Industry from Wihoga University in Germany. Please join the staff in wishing Manuel best wishes in his new challenge.

The Centara Hua Hin has welcomed a new Chef, Frenchman Christian Bouby. Christian has an amazing range of experience from Vietnam to Lebanon, from Cambodia to Greece, from Oman to Bahrain, from Egypt to Nigeria and of course France! He has also been the Executive Chef on cruise ships so his experience of the world is even broader than the CV indicates. Christian’s knowledge of fine food includes many different styles from European and Mediterranean cuisine to various Asian styles such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean. The management at Centara is looking forward to adding to the already extensive menu with Christian on board; welcome to Hua Hin Chef Bouby!

Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa Executive Assistant Manager

It was the Holland based Hotel Management Course that introduced and brought Patrick Janssen into the international hotel industry. Starting with Food and Beverage supervisory placements in the UK and New Zealand, Patrick started working with Accor Hotels back in 2007 as an Assistant Manager in Auckland. From there, under the wing of Accor’s development programs and with his own ambitions, Patrick took on roles such as Front Office Manager and Rooms Division Manager at Mercure and Novotel hotels. He worked on numerous projects national and international that helped prepare for the next big step into Asia and Thailand. Now he has been at the Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa as an Executive Assistant Manager for one year. Patrick played a key role in rebranding the hotel to Novotel Resorts last year, helping his General Manager in setting up the infrastructure to make the hotel successful. He is a true Accor ambassador, while enjoying everything Hua Hin and Cha Am has to offer. Patrick will certainly have his work cut out for him looking forward and hoping to become a General Manager in the near future.

HERE’S A BRAVE HOTEL MANAGER! Alexander Parry

“Putahracsa Annual Sports Day 2013” Held on 10th July 2013, this yearly Sports Day activity started with a cheerful parade in cooperation with Darunsuksa School in front of the Putahracsa Hotel. The all-day sports event with had serious, and not so serious disciplines. The highlight was a Cheerleader Competition beside the beach.

This is photo (the placard says it all) that has been lifted from the Novotel Hua Hin Facebook page and we are told is a real offer. The Hotel staff is VERY eager to see Alexander carry your bags. If you want to help out go just go to www.facebook.com/novotelhuahin Skal dinner at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin on 18 July. The evening and give it the thumbs up. Please hurry as the offer won’t last for was sponsored by Siam Winery and presentation done by long! Chiva-som on “What Women Want”.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Winners Thailand’s Top-15 Best Sommeliers 2013.

Pannate Jannopparat, Director of Rooms (first left), Jacques Mury, General Manager (third left) and Paul Orny, Director of Food and Beverage (forth left) congratulate to Tosaporn Setachita (second left), The Club Butler, for his achievement as one of Thailand’s Top-15 Best Sommeliers 2013.

BAAN SILAPIN – An Artist’s Heaven Interview with Artist : Mr. Waraspol Moonbunjong from Baab Silapin

created so far is of beautiful scenery which costs about 300,000 Baht.

He says people of different nationalities come to see his paintings and have bought many as well. 50 percent of the visitors are Thai and the other 50 ua Hin Today talked with few of percent are foreigners. People from all the artists there and got to know around the world come to visit Baan about their artworks and their views Sillapin. on arts in Hua Hin. All the artists were very gracious and we had a great time there.

In this home-like environment, Mr. Waraspol Moonbunjong, age 36, is a talented artist from Nakhon Pathom, a small province 56 km from Bangkok. He first came to Hua Hin about 20 years ago and joined his brother Mr. Thawee Kesa-Ngarm, founder of Baan Silapin, and has been continuously creating his paintings for almost 15 years now with his wife.

ua Hin Today had an opportunity to explore the art markets in Hua Hin. Searching for the creativity and the origin of arts in Hua Hin, we went to Baan Silapin. Located in the West of Hua Hin, Baan Silapin, also known as Hua Hin Artist Village, is a small village providing a home to artists from different parts of Thailand. Established in 1997 by Mr. Chumphol Donsakul and Mr. Thawee Kesa-Ngarm, Baan Sillapin is regarded as the national art centre and the artists as “Hua Hin Artist Group”. There are not only Art Studios and Exhibition Galleries but also a clay house and drawing house. Artists from different regions of Thailand stay at Baan Silapin and create and exhibit their art artworks. Some of their art works include woodcarving, clay sculpture, jewelry and costume designing, antique art decorations, photography, water-

colour, oil paintings, and contemporary arts. There are nineteen artists participating in the creation of an art form unique to each individual. People of all ages and different nationalities come there to see the art exhibitions and join workshops as well. As soon as you enter you will see majestic contemporary art works such as Metal Robots. With soft and smoothing live music playing in the centre, you can enjoy superb art works and create your own in workshops.

Besides the professional artists, Baan Silapin also has Hua Hin Junior Artists Club. Children of all ages residing in Hua Hin come there to be a part of the creative world. They have their own small workshop where they create artworks as well as exhibit them.

He studied at Nakhon Pathom Vacation’s College of Fine Arts and then after that, for a year he studied in PohChang College (Thai Art) in Bangkok. After completion, he studied for another one year at Rajamangala Institute of Technology and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (Thai Art) in Pathum Thani.

Utilizing the small area of 9 Rais, Baan Silapin has been able to provide a home- like environment for artists from all around Thailand. Baan Silapin is a perfect place for all art lovers. You can find new ideas and innovations from the talented artists there. Go there and get inspired! Baan Silapin, Hua Hin Artist Village

• Art Gallery • Art Studio As described, by Mrs. Kesa-Ngarm • Clay House (Nang), an artist and the workshop • Drawing House manager, people from many different Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Closes nationalities and ages come there to Every Monday) visit and join in to making something creative. She helps people to choose Free entry the materials, including different kinds Address: 81, Moo 14, Hin Lek Fai and sizes of canvases and provides Sub-district, Hua Hin, Prachuap other art materials according to their Khirikhan, Thailand 77110 Tel./Fax: need. Nang charges 150 baht per 032 – 534830 Mobile: 087 – 1673895 hour for adults and 100 baht per hour Email: baansillapinhuahin@gmail.com for children to join the workshop.

When asked about his favorite art gallery in Thailand, he said it is The Queen’s Gallery in Bangkok. He wishes to have an art museum in Hua Hin so that people can see the artworks of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and about contemporary arts of Hua Hin. He wishes people It usually takes around 2 weeks to could see how creative the King of create an artwork of medium size. Thailand is by establishing museum of Prices for his oil paintings range arts in Hua Hin. from 7,500 Baht to 300,000 Baht depending on the size of the painting. His upcoming art exhibition of more The biggest oil painting he and his than 20 art works will be at Baan wife, Supashutha Moonbunjong, have Sillapin in year 2014. Inspired by Cubism art style and temples of North of Thailand, Mr. Moonbunjong creates his art pieces mainly about people. He has created a large number of paintings which are exhibited in many art galleries around Thailand.

Volume 10 Issue 10 August 2013

r. Frank Khan, Executive Director, Head of Residential Department, Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., Ltd. reveals that, for the past decade, the condominium supply in Hua Hin was mostly comprised of 2 to 3-bedroom units. However the condominium trend has shifted to 1-bedroom units with selling prices of less than THB 2 million. Most of the buyers who purchased Hua Hin condominiums use them as holiday homes, rather than for investment purposes. Some buyers purchase condominiums to generate rental income. This is because there are not many hotels in Hua Hin and there is a growing demand for rental condominiums for short stays from Friday to Sunday, or the long weekend. The rental market is growing quickly as Scandinavian and Russian tourists are coming to Hua Hin and renting apartments for 3 to 6 month stays. They prefer 1

or 2 bedroom apartments with full recreational Hin condo market; this is due to the fact that Thais facilities such as swimming pools, beach access, who live in Bangkok, especially the affluent ones, are looking for a second home or a holiday property and tennis courts. near Bangkok. About 200 kilometres from the The condominium supply in Hua Hin was plentiful capital or a 2.5-hour drive, Hua Hin is a deservedly during 2012, and Thais dominated the market, a popular destination, providing many interesting representing around 75% of the buyers. This is a tourist attractions and activities. Also, the beach in sharp contrast to the Pattaya market, where the Hua Hin is considered to be more beautiful than the target customer groups include a variety of Thais, beach in Pattaya. foreigners, and professionals who work in the Mr. Khan pointed out that the market has changed. industrial estates of Chonburi. There are many medium-income earners from Mr. Khan added that Hua Hin condominium Bangkok who are buying condominium units in buyers’ profiles are divided into two target groups: Hua Hin for weekend stays; budget condos in Hua Thais who account for 75% of the market; and Hin have thus sold quite well. expatriates working in Bangkok and foreign retirees, including Scandinavians, Russians, and OUTLOOK Germans, who make up the remaining 25% of the Mr. Khan forecasted that the condominium market market. Thai buyers are a strong force in the Hua in Hua Hin will see strong growth as SET-listed

ine golf courses in Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khirikhan are taking part in the 12th Annual Hua Hin/Cha-Am Golf Festival from 4th August to 6th October. For the months of August and September Green Fees will be 999 THB but golfers are also offered the chance of winning a Honda Brio Amaze. This Festival has been a yearly Event since 2002. The Golf Festival was initiated in the Western Region or Hua Hin/Cha-Am as a pilot project and others which followed. The Festival has been arranged in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Petchaburi and Prachuap Khirikhan TAT Offices, the Petchaburi/Prachuap Khirikhan Golf Course Association and the provincial offices of Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khirikhan. The Golf Courses involved are the Sawang Resort Golf Club, Springfield Royal Golf Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Resort, The Imperial Lake View, Kaeng Krachan Country Club, The Majestic Creek Country Club, The Eagle Milford Golf Club, Royal Hua Hin Golf Club and Suan Son Pradiphat Sport Club (Sea Pines).

property developers and other major development firms from Bangkok launch new projects in this market next year. The target market of Hua Hin condominiums is still narrow, focusing on Thai buyers, expatriates working in Bangkok, and foreign retirees, compared to other tourist destinations such as Phuket or Pattaya, where the targets are also tourist buyers and foreign investors. The land plots for property development in prime locations, especially in the south of Hua Hin, are becoming scarce and land prices are soaring. Thus we expect the future supply of condominiums to be concentrated in Cha-am and in the Inland Area, where many plots are still available for condominium projects with prices lower than that of other locations.

Doing so will also help promote tourism in Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khirikhan during the current low season. The special featured Events during the Festival are as follows: 4th August 2013 Hua Hin Royal Golf Club (with the opening ceremony); 18th August 2013 Springfield Royal Golf Country Club 25th August 2013 The Majestic Creek Country Club 1st September 2013 Palm Hills Golf Resort 8th September 2013 Suan Son Pradiphat Sport Club 15th September 2013 Sawang Resort Country Club 22nd September 2013 The Eagle Milford Golf Club Amaze motor vehicle. The lucky draw will take place at the closing 29th September 2013 Kaeng Krachan Country Club ceremony of the event on 6th October at The Imperial Lake View. On 6th October 2013 The Imperial Lake View that day the, “Champion of the Champions 2013” will be decided (Champion of Champions & closing ceremony). with 16 golfers who were successful competitors at the 8 Special Events during the Festival will battling it out for this honour. Bookings for these Events are made at the Golf Courses concerned.

The main aim of this event is to celebrate HRH Queen Sirikit’s birthday For more information, please contact the TAT (Prachuab Khirikhan Golfers who play golf at these Courses throughout August and anniversary on 12th August and encourage golf enthusiasts in the Office) at tel. 032 513 885 or TAT (Phetchaburi Office) at tel. 032 471 September will be entitled to enter a lucky draw for a Honda Brio two provinces to play golf at Courses of an international standard. 005-6 or all the golf courses participating in this event.

hailand will remain Asia’s market leader in golf tourism because other countries can’t match the kingdom’s “secret weapon” – the Thai people and especially golf course caddies – according to the largest dedicated inbound golf tourism operator in the region. Mark Siegel, whose company, Golfasian, will this year bring 6000 international golf tourists to south-east Asia, mostly to Thailand, told a group of visiting Asian golf journalists the kingdom would stay ahead of rival golf destinations because of the special way visitors are welcomed. “You can probably find countries with better golf courses, maybe with better value, nicer weather and better infrastructure, but nowhere else matches the genuine friendliness of the Thai people,” he said. “In Thailand, everyone is treated as a guest. They are considered part of the family as soon as they arrive. The people do it because they are happy, not because it’s good business. Kids in Thailand are taught to be nice.” “Visiting golfers experience genuine Thai friendship in many ways, but especially with caddies, who really have fun and are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about golf. They also like their jobs. It’s Despite efforts by other regional destinations, including Malaysia, not an act. They are Thai golf’s secret weapon. Everyone who comes China and Vietnam to capitalise on Thailand’s popularity as a golf destination, none have come close. to Thailand to play golf is a winner.” The statistics bear out his claim. This year, 600,000 golf tourists And while Europe and Australia have been major feeder markets for are expected to visit Thailand, an increase of more than 15 percent inbound Thai golf tourism for the past decade, more visiting foreign over 2011, making the kingdom the world’s third most popular golf golfers already come from regional Asia – especially Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore – than other markets combined. destination after Spain and the United States. As the popularity of golf increases in China and affluence grows This small but important and growing tourism sector is now worth throughout Asia, Mark Siegel says the region will remain the driving $US2 billion a year in ground arrangements alone. force of golf tourism to Thailand for some time to come.

Thailand Tourism Authority after Japanese Business

any Thais are traveling to Japan after entry visas were scrapped for them this month. Japanese tourists are coming to Thailand in droves after the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched more aggressive advertising campaigns.

The TAT estimates Japanese tourists will increase to 1.5 million next year from 1.47 million this year. It is promoting campaigns heavily to persuade Japanese to see provinces across the country, said Nittaya Aumbhitaya, Director of TAT’s Tokyo office. Most Japanese tourists are looking for quality. Even though the economic outlook in Japan is uncertain, they continue to splurge on vacations both domestically and internationally. They show financial discipline by allocating 12 per cent of their income for tourism and 40 per cent for daily expenses. Thailand is one of their major destinations. Clearly, they feel good about Thailand.

safety and political disturbances. Thailand is competing head-on with Malaysia to be a regional long-stay hub. However, Malaysia has gained an upper hand over Thailand by easing regulations for long-stay tourists. Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui and Pattaya are in the sights of TAT’s promotion plan. Chiang Mai is well-known as a long-stay oasis among Japanese. A small Japanese community is emerging in the area. TAT is promoting Chiang Mai heavily this year, together with other upper northern provinces such as Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Sarawut Saetiao, President of the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association, welcomes TAT’s move, saying his province has many facilities to serve Japanese people who are looking for activities such as playing golf. Chiang Mai is attempting to promote the city as a long-stay hub in the region after the opening of the AEC in 2015.

‘Herbalife – Now Available in Our Region

Distributors Come On Board!

erbalife is a global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in over 80 countries through a network of independent distributors. This network of distributors has now extended to Hua Hin and Cha-Am and is set to provide an increasing opportunity for both more independent operators and product availability.

Khun Nui is one of the new local distributors and is the Manager of Nana House in Cha-Am. She is a long term (8 years) resident of Cha-Am and has he outgoing personality and enthusiasm necessary to offer the level of customer service required for success. She also speaks good English. You will find her at Nana House, at the Northern end of the beach road near Soi Ten. When you call in to see her about Herbalife you may enjoy a coffee or Seniors for long stays, teens and golfers are About 2,000-3,000 Japanese have already even book a room at the guesthouse.

amongst the groups with potential as visitors. For the teen market, TAT will focus on promoting programmes such as student exchanges and volunteering by linking with regional nations under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Hokkaido is also a target because the island is cold all year around with only two months with a favourable climate.

visited Chiang Mai as well as Koreans and Europeans. This area is suitable for long stays because it is safe and has facilities ready to serve the elderly, especially internationallyaccredited hospitals.

Low living costs, beautiful and natural scenery, a friendly culture and smiling locals are also amongst the many attractions. Scenes of Japanese shopping in local fresh markets are common here. Japanese airlines are in talks to launch direct flights to Chiang Mai, adding to direct flights to Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau and China.

Hundreds of travel agents will be invited to Thailand to take a closer look to assure them of the country’s readiness to receive their customers. Japanese firmly believe that all of Thailand has a hot climate. Such a perception should be changed via seminars and site visits. However barriers exist. The government may The highlight of promotions will be the wide need to relax visa regulations and make it more variety of tourism opportunities nationwide. convenient to deal with the paperwork for long Japanese are sensitive about personal stays.

New Rules for Advertising Banners Applied

xecutives of the Hua Hin Municipality have been working lately with the traffic control office of Prachuab Khirikhan, the Department of Irrigation, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and local police officers to reduce advertising banners along Hua Hin roads and to introduce a specific zone for the banners.

addition, nobody reclaims their banners. As a result, the meeting resolved to provide zoning for adverting banners. The first zone that allows banners covers the outskirt of Hua Hin from Hua Hin Airport to Plearn Wan, except for the area in front of Klai Kangwon Royal Palace. The second one starts from Hua Hin Market to Khao Tao.

Authorities are specifying points where adverting banners are allowed. On street sides and at the Hua Hin market, electric adverting banners are allowed, the same as those in Bangkok. Owners will have to pay the adverting banner tax. In other areas the Department of Irrigation and SRT will work together and find proper areas to install banners. However the EGAT will not allow any banners on electricity Banners advertising houses, condos, hotels posts as this violates urban laws. and events are mushrooming in Hua Hin either with or without the permission of authorities. Business owners and banner installers will be Some owners did not install them but had informed about how to install banners properly someone do so on their behalf. Some banners as it is a factor that affects the beautiful are illegal because they were installed at night landscape of Hua Hin. without any official permission. Many were Cooperation between public offices to tidy not properly installed and make Hua Hin look adverting banners in Hua Hin is supported untidy. by the Hua Hin Municipality. This shows how Although officials from the Hua Hin Municipality concerned authorities are to work together and the Prachuab Khirikhan traffic control office to keep the city in good order. This will be of collect unused banners regularly, especially great benefit for the locals as well as Thai and at intersections on Phetchakasem Road, on foreign visitors. The city will be further admired electricity posts and at railway crossroads, because its improved cleanliness and tidiness, the number of banners keeps increasing. In concluded Mr. Nopporn.

Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex Overview A daily multivitamin in tablet form with over 20 essential nutrients and antioxidants, including folic acid, calcium and iron.

Key Benefits Plans are afoot for product demonstrations (a • Supplies vitamins and minerals, plus select herbs. ‘shake party’), stay in touch. • Supports healthy weight management, overall The Herbalife website provides all the information good health and vitality.* about their products – visit www.herbalife.com. • Promotes bones and immune-system health.* Here are the core Company products. Formula 3 Cell Activator® Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix Overview Overview Supports the body’s absorption of micronutrients Treat your body to a healthy, balanced meal in no and promotes cellular energy production.* time! Not only are these shakes easy to make, they’re also delicious. With up to 20 essential Key Benefits vitamins, minerals and nutrients – and in seven • Contains aloe, which may help support the flavours – weight management never tasted so body’s absorption of micronutrients.* good! • Supports cellular energy production.* Key Benefits • Contains select botanicals, nutrients and • A healthy meal with up to 20 vitamins, minerals powerful antioxidants to support healthy aging.* and essential nutrients. Contact Nui: miniwarunthorn@hotmai.com, • 9g of protein and healthy fibre help support Phone: 089 410 3867. Distribution Information: weight management divers3388@gmail.com

Travellers Vote

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa In The Top Ten Of Best Hotel Pools

The five authorities had a meeting with the Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul about how to solve the problems of adverting banners along Phetchakasem Road and in other areas of Hua Hin. This is because they affected the urban landscape and often caused road accidents in the City.

he Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa Cha- gardens, creating a tranquil and scenic ambiance, Am is proud to announce that it has won an promising an inspiring environment any hour of award for one of the top 10 best hotel pool the day. recently by asiarooms.com The hotel that receives this award is recognized The award is a huge accolade for the property as for its pool that features the best design and the awards are voted for by travelers themselves. amenities, making lounging by and swimming Magnificent winding lagoon style pool brings a in the pool a great recreational experience. refresh and exotic atmosphere; with 4,160-square- See more at: http://www.asiarooms.com/en/ metre crystal clear, swimmable lagoon pool community/best-hotel-pools/ harmonizes with the resort’s landscaped tropical

Safety, Hygiene and Environmental Award 2013

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

row, second left), Jacques Mury, General Manager (front row, centre), Wittanu Chumsuwan, Director of Human Resources (front row, forth left), Pannate Jannopparat, Director of Room (front row, fifth left), Piyanan Kanjanijitti, Assistant Financial Controller (second row, first left), Jirasak Lumrampai, Chief Ground & Landscape (second row, second left), Thanyaporn Thirawat, Public Relations Manager (second row, third left) Pictured are Duenphen Pengkasam, Customer and Pornsawai Kumkornlercha, House Keeping Service Quality Manager (front row, first left), Manager (second row, forth left). Chatchawal Ngorgngern, Chief Engineer (front entara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin has proudly accepted the “Safety, Hygiene and Environmental Award 2013” from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. The awards were recently announced in Bangkok. It has been the forth continuous year that that the Centara has received this prestigious award

The Royal & ‘Nearly Ancient’ Hua Hin Golf Course The architecture is an epitome of the King Rama VI style and a unique mixture between Thai and European design. It’s quite possible to walk from hotels nearby. It’s also possible to be disturbed by amplified announcements from the Station however this is just an added charm of the Course. As soon as you have commenced your Round it becomes very quiet with only the sounds of nature audible. About The Course It would be futile to compare Royal Hua Hin with Regional Courses such as Black Mountain, Banyan or the other contemporary resort style courses that are recognised as amongst Thailand’s best. This Course does not pretend to offer that sort of experience but something quite different. Perhaps a bit like trying to compare Pebble Beach with an old Scottish links course. One is not necessarily better, just different. Although you are playing right next to the city, the atmosphere is very tranquil, and during our early arrival it was even calming to hear the local school children singing at morning assembly next to hole 12.

n 1834 King William IV agreed to become Patron of the Club and the Society of St Andrews Golfers became The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland. The R & A built the New Course in 1895. Accordingly this is considered by many to be the ‘home of golf’ and is revered by golfers worldwide. In Thailand there is some evidence that golf was played at the Royal Bangkok Sport’s Club Golf Course in 1906 as accounting records show green fees stood at 74.17 THB. However Royal Hua Hin is accredited with being the Kingdom’s first ‘real’ golf course. One of the reasons for the Course construction was that in the 1920’s Hua Hin’s popularity had increased as the railway line from Bangkok was completed and Klai Kangwon Palace became a Royal summer retreat. With the Railway Station almost on the Course it’s not hard to imagine golfers, including Members of the Royal Family, disembarking from the train golf bags in hand! One of the features of the Railway Station remains the Royal Waiting Room used to welcome the King and his Court when visiting town. Certainly not as ‘ancient’ but undoubtedly no less ‘Royal’.

A Scottish Railway Engineer who was working on the new railway line is accredited for the Course design. He is described as Mr A. O Robin (also referred to elsewhere as O.J. Robin and A.O Robins). Little other information was forthcoming about Mr Robin. Perhaps he was familiar with the R & A or perhaps his name was ‘A’ for Andrew, as in Saint Andrew’s, but that’s just a guess!

• Check out the first kiosk where there is a range of ‘one hit wonders’ (golf balls) on sale. In fact all the kiosks (many) are independent operators so you can support local businesses on Course.

• Around late afternoon monkeys may be foraging at the side of the fairways; particularly on hole 15. Many a story has been told about their inclination to steal balls. You may also wish to consider other items of your personal The Course wanders through tree lined fairways property if monkeys are becoming too with gentle contours, an easy walk. Some of the inquisitive. trees are very old and large, spanning between the fairways and often extending their limbs Incidentally a monkey (or any other animal) and foliage to narrow your shot options. Many interfering with your ball under the Rules of Golf trees are hundreds of years old and may have is considered to be an ‘outside agency’. If it is their horticultural names affixed to them. There known or virtually certain that a ball has been moved or for that matter taken, then it can be are virtually no water hazards on the Course. replaced or a new ball put into play without Most greens are raised and not very large, so penalty. However you cannot just assume a approach shots to the Green need to be precise lost ball has been stolen – if you don’t know and stopping the ball on the green is important. go back and play another shot just like any lost At the Western end of the Course a backdrop ball; with a penalty! of the nearby Hin Lek Fai hillside comes closer • Many sculptured hedge plants (old fashioned and some panoramic views towards the ocean topiary) adorn the Course (including on the add to the scenic experience. Unusually you fairway) taking the appearance of various start with two par fives in the first three holes animals and adding to the ‘mystical’ quality of followed by back to back par 3’s. The card the Course. describes hole 17 as being the handicap 1, but our caddie said that they had more trees in the • If you’re looking for some spectacular views of the Golf Course, Hua Hin City and the coastline, you need search no further than Khao Hin Lek Fai (Flintstone Hill). It is situated about 3km west of the town centre. Follow Chomsin Road over the railway line and instead of bearing right with the road to Pala U, keep going straight ahead. It’s a steep climb to the top and to lookout platforms, but worth it once you’re there. Early morning or late afternoons are the best times.

In researching the history of this Course there are some conflicting pieces of information in various websites and publications. It is stated that construction commenced in 1919 however it is also stated that royal permission for the construction was given in 1923. However the The original clubhouse has been preserved ‘official’ version is best presented by the Course next to the 10th tee and the 18th green with the itself with many photos in the Clubhouse to current premises being completed in 1985 along early days and hole number 3 is now perhaps a verify events. worthy handicap No 1. It has a long 535 yards It’s well worth taking the time to browse the dog leg right fairway uphill to a raised green walls of the Club house and take in some which slopes off at the back. real golfing history. One photo shows the Most golfers’ favourite hole was 14 which is inauguration ceremony of the initial nine a par 3 teeing off at the highest point on the holes presided over by His Majesty King course, with a sunken valley up to a fairly small Vajiravudh the Great (Rama VI) on June green. The green has a raised back section 28th 1924. The King’s younger brother so staying on the correct level is important was assigned to supervise construction as negotiating a change of levels is tricky. and was also the Patron of the Thailand Putting back towards the Tee Box you will see Golf Association. The Course was a crematorium tower and towards the back of completed in 1928 during his reign as King the green a distant temple. We were told that Prajadhipok (Rama VII). The present King the ‘locals’ talk about putting towards heaven of Thailand is also shown on the practice or hell! putting green. with some other ‘modernisation of the Course. This coincides with the Boon Rawd Brewery (Singha Beer) assuming management of the Course which has remained to the present date.

distance. Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade with some basic information on Course (distance markers and tee box descriptions) as golfers really need this to be clear.

• This is one of the few Regional Golf Course where Memberships are not available. Perhaps adding to the feeling that you are playing on something akin to a European public Course. • The current Club House which opened in 1985 offers adequate male and female locker rooms and has a pro shop with club rentals and souvenirs for sale and there is a bar and restaurant on the upper level.

Some Other Points of Interest

• If you are unsuccessfully looking for the distance markers they are a little unusual. At the 50, 100, 150 and 200 yard mark you will consistently see a cactus-like succulent plant (Agave tequiliana?), sometimes on both sides (but not always) of the fairway. But be cautious as the plants have very sharp spikes Location at the end of the leaves so backing up too Royal Hua Hin is located as close close could result in a painful injury. I think the to the City of Hua Hin town as you more conventional markers (with the distance could imagine with only the Railway described) are probably preferable. Line and Station separating it from the City Centre. The Hua Hin • You may also not easily see the hole Railway Station is regarded as description markers on Tee boxes. This is one of the most beautiful a valued because they are showing their age and at railway stations in the Kingdom. ground level. Look towards the back of the tee box although only giving the hole number and

Final Word Royal Hu Hin is one of nine Regional Golf Courses taking part in the Hua Hin & Cha-Am Golf Festival in August and September this year. This is a great opportunity to check out this Course at bargain prices. As an added incentive Royal Hua Hin is offering a free golf cap for every player during the Festival. A fantastic souvenir to show off if you are a visitor and to use as a ‘prop’ when you describe being a part of the history of this local treasure. Royal Hua Hin Golf Course Tel: +66 (0)32 512 475.

Volume 4 Issue 12 August 2013

he Cha-Am Municipality is preparing festive activities to celebrate Queen Sirikit’s birthday anniversary on 12th August. As 12th August is also Thailand’s National Mother’s Day, awards will be presented to recognise mothers from local communities in Cha-Am. According to the Cha-Am Mayor Mr. Nukul Pornsomboonsiri, Her Majesty will reach 81 years of age on 12th August this year. The Cha-Am municipality is organising festive activities to express gratitude to the Queen.

creatures into the local waters of Cha-Am. At 9 a.m. a ceremony to honour and giving best wishes to the Queen will take place at a meeting room of the Cha-Am Municipal offices. At 7 p.m. a candlelight ceremony to honour Queen Sirikit will be held, followed by the awards ceremony for the mothers of 27 local communities in Cha-Am, stage performances and the singing of songs to honour the Queen.

“Cha-Am Municipality would like to invite both tourists The Queen’s birthday celebration in Cha-Am will start at 8.30 and local people to celebrate Her Majesty’s 81st birthday a.m. on 12th August with the releasing of fish and other marine anniversary in the city together,” said Mr. Nukul.

CARABAO ROCKS CHA-AM

Carabao is the most popular Thai rock group of all time. Carabao has reached cult status long ago and is now one of the most successful legendary rock groups in the world. They are compared with U2 and sometimes referred to as the ‘Rolling Stones of Asia’. Their music repertoire includes blended folk, western rock and country and various kinds of world music.

Contunued on page 22

TRIPLE AWARD Won By HOTEL DE LA PAIX H otel de la Paix - Cha Am has been scooping awards and accolades recently in its pursuit of becoming the area’s leading luxury designer hotel.

Recognition of Hotel de la Paix’s quality, standards and outstanding service began recently with the Tripadvisor “Certificate of Excellence 2013” award, which is received by only the top 10% of all businesses and hotels featured on Tripadvisor. HolidayCheck, one of Europe’s leading travel websites, then announced Hotel de la Paix-Cha Am as one of the best recommended hotels on HolidayCheck, and presented its “HolidayCheck Quality Selection 2013” award. Hotel de la Paix’s Head of Quality and Standards, Warren Shaw, proudly attributed the success to all the outstanding staff that deliver a unique and amazing guest experience, “Stunning design and amazing architecture alone cannot win these awards. This is the result of all the hard work by a professional and highly motivated team of great people.” The Management Team at Hotel de la Paix was overjoyed to receive the ‘White Hotel’ award for its commitment to staff welfare and the operation of a safe working environment. Nigel Tovey, General Manager at Hotel de la Paix, enthusiastically commented that that creating

The Cera Resort Cha-Am has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence 2013 Winner and a Certificate of Quality Selection 2013. These prestigious awards are given to businesses that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor and from HolidayCheck.com travellers. a safe and healthy environment for the welfare all our friends and colleagues is a priority. “We are committed to providing the best possible working environment at Hotel de la Paix. The initiatives and practices we’ve introduced are just the beginning of a legacy that we hope to strengthen further, and that others will follow. “ Hotel de la Paix is only the second hotel of more than 50 Cha-Am hotels to receive the ‘White Hotel’ certificate, which is awarded by the Petchaburi local government upon the satisfactory completion and implementation of the highest, stringent Health, Safety and Welfare conditions.

Everyday Thai People and what they do

and this time they are “GOING BANANAS”

his is a story about ‘ordinary’ Thai people going about their business in the way they know best. On this occasion we were able to gain some insights into the lives of Khun Ad and Khun Lom who have operated banana boats from the Cha-Am beach for more than 30 years. Khun Ad hails from Suphanburi and his wife of over 22 years Khun Lom comes from Chumphon, however they met in Cha-Am. According to Khun Ad he spotted her walking along a roadside here and apparently was so attracted that he decided to ‘kidnap’ her. We’re not sure how true that is, but it was the only description given of their courtship! They now have a 19 year old and a 5 year old daughter. They are clearly very proud of their children and particularly their eldest daughter being in her second year of study at Stamford International University. The family is currently renovating a townhouse so that their children will be more comfortable and they also think it’s important that their privacy be secured, Khun Ad is one of the earliest operators of banana boats in Cha-Am and he remembers when there were only 6 operators rather than the current 145. Apart from banana boats the couple also have a ‘sofa’ boat (the round version), a jet ski they and manage around 200 deck chairs on their ‘patch’ of beach. An important sideline is to carry out repairs

to the boats and his expertise is well known. We understand that apart from other local operators boats are also brought to him from Bang Saphan and even Pattaya.

Generosity From The Cha-Am Methavalai Hotel Petchburi

On Monday July 8th, 2013 Mr.Samrit Kongphrom General Manager of the Methavalai Hotel and staff took the proceeds of the hotel’s recycling project and donated it to a school in need. The funds went towards a luncheon for rural children with the sports equipment and uniforms, stationery and medicine totaling 100,000.-baht being donated to the Baanpamak school, Samroiyod, The biggest issue for this couple is the lack Prachuabkhirikhan. of customers during the low season between Continued from page Cover Cha Am May and September. No customer = no money in, a familiar tale for all small businesses in The group was formed in 1976 by university concerts in Southern provinces. After Cha-Am town. They much prefer the busier months students Yuenyong Opakul (Aed) and Kirati the band returns to Bangkok. This is a hard and school holidays is also good for business. Promsaka Na Sakon Nakhon (Keo or Khiao) working outfit and they will have performed The ‘industry’ has an Association of operators who met while studying at Mapúa Institute over 50 concerts by the year’s end. which meets to discuss any issues and they of Technology in the Philippines. The word Unfortunately concerts by the band have had a can offer a combined voice if there is a need carabao is Tagalog (Filipino) meaning “buffalo”, reputation for some acts of aggression by the to approach local government. It also helps a symbol of fighting, hard work, and patience. fans. However crowd safety was paramount at to settle any problems that may arise between Carabao’s most popular album, Made In this concert. Prior to the show Khun Thod gave Thailand (เมดอินไทยแลนด์), was released in 1984 and individual operators. us a guarantee this concert would be safe and sold over four million copies. They have now On a lighter note they described how one Thai released a total of 25 official studio albums with he wasn’t wrong. Not one sign of aggression or lady managed to fall from the banana boat some special albums, numerous live albums angst in the crowd. In fact some of the security just as it was leaving the shore. Apparently and compilations bringing the total to more personnel seemed a little bored; nothing to do her clothing was rather loose and to her than 60. The band’s latest album “25 Pee Luk but enjoy the music. embarrassment, she emerged from the water Lung Khii Mao” marks their 25th anniversary. Yeunyong “Ad Carabao” Opakul, the front man naked. Another memorable time for Khun Lom Their 30th Anniversary was celebrated in 2011 for Carabao is the most well-known member of is the annual race between banana boats held (2554) and 2012 (2555) with special events and the band. However for me the performance on every September. Apparently his team came glamorous concerts throughout the provinces the Gibson ‘explorer’ guitar by Khun Lek was second last year but this year he is confident of in Thailand and on a World Tour 2011/2012 in a standout. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing victory, important for ‘bragging rights! Asia (Singapore, Vientiane, Tokyo), Australia some of the world’s best guitarist including Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin and Carlos Santana. Whenever there is an opportunity the couple (Sydney, Melbourne) and Europe (London). visit their distant families, family clearly is a To have Cha-Am as a concert venue is a real Khun Lek is a very relaxed and confident major priority. The only suggestion of just fillip for local fans. At 50 THB a ticket everyone performer. If Carabao is to be compared with enjoying time together was a recommendation had the chance to come. We noticed Khun Mr. the Rolling Stones then perhaps it would be about where the best seafood in town Nugool Pornsomboonsiri the Cha-Am Mayor at appropriate to compare him with the legendary can be found. They suggested heading the venue alongside several thousand others in Keith Richards. In February this year Carabao for Springfield Beach and checking out audience. However we didn’t have the chance joined US guitar wizard Carlos Santana onstage the Sum Neung Restaurant. Apparently to ask him if he really is a fan! After a day of non for his Bangkok show in February. I’m sure that the best value and tasting seafood – stop rain and lots of mud underfoot, we had a Khun Lek would have been right at home in that company. around; aroy maak maak! Also no banana dry night for the concert; phew! boats…………………… Our thanks to Khun Thod and the sponsors for Cha-Am Today was privileged to have front bringing this concert to Cha-Am and providing Our thanks to Khun Ad and Khun Lom row access thanks to the generosity of Khun for their welcome and for keeping their Thodsapol Methajittiphun. Khun Thod is the us with some insights into what makes Carabao falang-hating dog at a distance. If you Marketing Information Manager of the Boon ‘tick’. However let’s not forget the peaceful are looking for the banana boat ride of Rawd Trading Company Ltd, as the Company audience and the ‘weather gods’ for a rain-free your life, look for two phone boxes on the product Singha Beer was the main event evening, so that we were all able to enjoy a beach side of the road a hundred metres sponsors along with Pun Dee Rice. Khun Thod great night of Thai rock’n’roll. or so south of the White Hotel. Then described the band Members as ‘gentlemen’ NEXT CHA-AM SINGHA EVENT head for the shore line. If you tell Khun who make his job easy by being reliable and Ad Cha-Am Today sent you, he promises always on time. The concert in Cha-Am comes September 28th: Asanee – Wasan, another he will let you stay dry! as the final stage performance of a series of legendary Thai Rock band!

A GREAT WEEKEND OF GOLF IN HUA HIN

Golfing fans in Hua Hin were able to witness two fine golf tournaments during the last half of July. From the 18th to 21st August, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosted the 2013 Singha Hua Hin Open and on the 20th and 21st August Banyan Golf Club hosted the 2013 Hyatt Open. Both of these Events featured some sensational play by very young players and in one case a world record! Hua Hin Today managed to attend both of these Events and it was well worth the effort! These Events were great forerunners to the Hua Hin and Cha-Am Golf Festival (August and September) with the official opening at Royal Hua Hin on 4th August.

2013 Singha Hua Hin Open

ur last visit to Royal Hua Hin coincided with the staging of the 2013 Singha Hua Hin Open between 18th and 21st July. Over 2,000,000 THB was available as prize money at the Event.

This Event was one of 12 tournaments played in 2013 on the ASEAN PGA Tour worth US$1,095,000 providing an abundance of lucrative playing opportunities thanks to burgeoning ties between the All Thailand Golf Tour, run by Sports Management Group (SMG), and the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour. The circuit teed-off with the US$100,000 Singha Esan Open from February 14th to 17th. The Tour will be breaking new ground by working with Malaysia’s fast rising circuit at the PGM-ASEAN A’Famosa Masters, the PGM-ASEAN Penang Classic and the PGM-ASEAN Negeri Sembilan Masters. Another new tournament to be played will be the Bali International Pro Am.

2013 Hyatt Open

he Hyatt Open was the fourth tournament and is set to continue for many years to come. The field of over 130 players included 21 different nationalities including those from Europe, USA, Australia and many Asian countries. The new Open Champion Arlius Telaumbanul hails from Indonesia. It was also noted that over a third of the field have competed in all four events; a testament to the popularity and management of the Event. Prizes were awarded for three divisions, nearest to the pin, longest drives and even a chance to win a Toyota Vios for a hole in one. Unfortunately no one managed to achieve this feat however one lucky winner of a draw prize walked away with a return airfare to Sydney Australia sponsored by Garuda Airlines.

“The eighth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour is set to be our finest ever,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA. We will meet our main objective of providing more playing opportunities for our ASEAN-based members, be they rookie professionals or more seasoned campaigners. We are also extremely confident this year’s schedule will be the catalyst for an ongoing expansion for our Tour.” Wonder-kid Phachara Khongwatmai became the youngest winner of a professional golf tournament when he triumphed and this could be regarded as a world record. The 14-yearold Thai amateur stunned a formidable field, which included most of his country’s top players, as he marched to a four-stroke victory following a final round four-under-par 67. Phachara, who led by two at the start of the day, finished with a four-round aggregate of 13-under. Thais Prom Meesawat and Sutijet Kooratanapisan tied for second after rounds of 68 and 69 respectively. “I am really, really happy to win against so many top players,” said Phachara, who had to pre-qualify for the tournament. “My putting was the key and I also worked very hard with my caddie. We planned everything carefully.” He made par on the first nine holes before snaring his first birdie on 10. Handling the pressure like a seasoned professional he added further birdies at 15, 17 and 18. “I couldn’t work out the line on 17 so got a bit lucky there but on the last hole I was more confident and thought I would put on a show,” said the teenager after his back-to-back 30 foot birdie putts. He started playing when he was nine and practices every day after school. His school gave him the week off to play in Hua Hin. “Tomorrow is a public holiday and the first thing I need to do is call my friends and catch up on homework,” said the golfing prodigy, who is the first amateur to win on the ASEAN PGA Tour. Prom, who celebrated his 29th birthday today, was left awestruck. “It is amazing to see a kid play like that. I had a bogey-free round but look at what he did!” said Prom, who grew up at Royal Hua Hin. “It means so much to me at my home course to see a kid come through like this.” Prom and Sutijet both earned a winners’ cheque for US$7,430. Pre-tournament favourite Prayad Marksaeng, winner of this year’s Thailand Open on OneAsia, fired a 70 to finish seven off the lead. The Singha Hua Hin Open, the sixth leg of the 2013 schedule, was co-sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour. The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the Singha Chiang Mai Open from August 8-11.

ROTARY CLUB OF HUA HIN

4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Friday, 1st November 2013, Banyan Golf Club

he Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin supports • Golf Shirt, souvenir bag. today’s youth to become tomorrow’s • Pre-dinner cocktails. responsible parents, professionals, • Buffet dinner. business leaders and community leaders. Playing format: The proceeds of the Golf Tournament are • Shotgun start at 12:00 hrs. dedicated to the Club’s ongoing renovation • 4 Player Scramble, 20% of combined handicaps. projects in rural schools, the installation of • Maximum handicap 28. clean drinking water systems in schools and • Minimum of 4 drives per player. sponsoring disadvantaged students in English For more details and registration: programs. email: golf.rotaryhuahin@gmail.com, Entry Fee: 3,500 Baht Incudes: • Green fee, cart fee. • Caddy (excluding tip).

www.rotaryroyalhuahin.org. Telephone: Frances 082-254-3463, Steve 085-288-0198.

LawtonAsia sponsored a charity chipping competition with donations being received by the entrants for a charity foundation for ‘slum kids’ in Bangkok. In combination with a charity auction held during a dinner at the Hyatt Hua Hin between the two days of golf, an amount of over 600,000 THB was raised. Once again golfers showed their generosity towards charitable causes. Another feature of the Event was a ‘Fantasy Team’ competition. In this case each player was teamed (combined scores) with a PGA Pro playing in the British Open which was played over the same time period. The winner was 11 year old (12 next week) Conor Kelly who was teamed with US pro Dustin Johnson. Fittingly Connor’s mum, Ornmanee Praditpolpanich is the Marketting Manager of LawtonAsia. She said he has been playing golf since he was nine and now has an 18 handicap. Conor seemed a little mystified about the accolades this win attracted and was a very modest winner! Banyan Golf Course was in sensational condition and once again demonstrated why it is regarded as such a prestigious golf course. In combination with the catering staff from The Hyatt Regency, the players and guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch with wine and beer. The setting for the lunch provided panoramic views over the Course and to the surrounding hills. Everyone clearly appreciated the friendly and efficient service from the Banyan staff and management to wind up the Event with the presentations. Managing an Event like this takes skill and efficiency. This included verifying player handicaps as no one likes there to be any doubt about a winning score. The new Open Champion Arlius praised his caddie as major catalyst for his success. He also added that all his drives hit the fairway, a real feat at Banyan and a necessary part of a good round. Punishing rough on this Course can prove to be a very daunting. Arlius (handicap 20) had net scores of 63 and 62 for a winning total of 125. He takes home a replica of the famous ‘claret jug’, the trophy of the ‘British Open’ held over the same weekend. “As the Hyatt Open is held the same weekend as The Open Championship, it only makes sense that the trophy be similar,” said Sammy Carolus, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin’s General Manager. This is an Event well worth noting in your golfing diary however next year’s Event will be held a little earlier in the year and will be held on 21st and 22nd June. This time it coincides with the staging of the 2014 US Open. This means that the 2014 trophy will be a little different, perhaps a replica of the US Open trophy. Thanks to the management and staff at Banyan and the Hyatt Regency for their hospitality, see you again next year!

HUA HIN

Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Anantara with your Mom at Anantara Spa! Special Offer: Anantara Together with Mom Price 5,000 THB Nett per couple (90 minutes)Book any 60”minutes Massage with your loving Mom, receive 30” minute full body scrub of choices as below Detoxify Green Tea Scrub/ White Coconut Scrub/ Turmeric Scrub. Term and Condition: This promotion is available from 9-15th August 2013. This promotion is not applicable to combine with any other promotion or discount. For more information Call 032 520 250

Asara Villa and Suite, Hua Hin

Sat 10th August-Skewer Night at Pool Side Area 999++ per person. Complimentary Dinner for Mum. Entertained by Live Duo Band Music Sun 11th August Thai Set Dinner at Thai Bistro 650++ per person. Between15:00-16:00 hrs. For more information call +66 (0) 32 547 555

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Railway Restaurant Buffet FranÇais Every Saturday, 7.00 p.m. 10.30 p.m. Don’t miss On the “French themed buffet dinner with the luxurious flavors of Cray fish, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Fine de Claire Oysters, Cold Cuts, Cheese Platters, Foie Gras, Black Kingfish à la Normande, Flog Legs and much more. @ 1,923 THB net. The Chocolate High Tea Buffet Every Saturday, 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. This Chocolate High Tea Buffet is sweetened with delicious chocolate delights at 650 Baht net per person. For more information call: 032 512 021

Crepes & Co

3 course set menus promotion from 299 Baht net only! Enjoy a varied choice of signature dishes in a specially designed three course set menu promotion representing an excellent valuefor-money; a great opportunity to try some of the specialties the restaurant became famous for since first opening in 1996. Culinary delights include, in addition to signature fresh, unique and tasty appetizers & salads, some Mediterranean specialties and savory crepes selection as well as the ever popular mouthwatering desserts! For more information Call: 032 827248

Dune Hua Hin Hotel

For those who crave for home made type desserts, Dune Bar and Restaurant at Dune Hua Hin Hotel has created two fruit pies that can be enjoyed amidst the most romantic ocean view of the hotel from today. A special invitation goes to bakery lovers who will be absolutely delighted with Dune’s irresistible “Berry Crumble”, the ultimate dessert of sweet and tangy strawberries and raspberries mingled with a luscious hint of cinnamon with a topping of crispy crumble and thick vanilla sauce. Or you can choose an utterly delicious “Tart Tatin” which is Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Tart that are many people’s favorites.“Berry Crumble and Tart Tatin” are priced at 190 Baht++. For more information please call: (032) 515-051-3.

G Hua Hin

NEW! 1GEE UN TUNG Night Market. The only place that you can meet many cloths and product with unique design for teenager you can also enjoy music, Grill food and beer garden. Open every Wednesday until Friday from 16.00 -22.00 hours Pool bar Promotion HAPPY HOUR (Ring the Bell). Enjoy Smoothies or Cocktail at Finger Bar (Pool Bar) in G HuaHin Resort and Mall. Everyday 14.00 - 16.00 Hours from Aug - September 2013. Buy 1 get 1 Free!!! Call for more information: 03251 5199

Haven Resort Hua Hin

Wedding offers- We are ready to build your personalized romantic wedding for Traditional Thai or Western Wedding packages are available, you can choose and design your dream wedding. Fulfill your wedding day fantasy with us. Lunch Specials at Haven. Monday: Junior Schnitzel/ Tuesday: Chicken pepper steak/ Wednesday: Pork pepper steak/ Thursday: Chicken Steak/ Friday: Hack steak/ Saturday: Pork steak/ Sunday: Swedish Meatballs. All lunches are served with fries at 99 THB Only. Please call for more information: 0895006615.

HILTON HUA HIN RESORT & SPA

THE MARKET - Signature dishes of the month

Wednesday - All-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and salad buffet. Discover the unique flavors and choose our famous pizzas and pasta or create your own. @ THB 650 net per adult, THB 300 net per child (6 - 11) Thursday - Taste of Thailand, with traditional live performance. THB 650 nett per adult, THB 300 net per child (6 - 11) Saturday - International Barbeque buffet. Indulge in a mouthwatering barbeque buffet dinner which includes grilled meat and seafood dishes, salads and a delightful dessert selection while enjoying our live band under a starlit sky

overlooking the lagoon-shaped pool. THB 1,050 nett per adult, THB 500 nett per child (6 - 11) Queen’s Birthday and Thailand Mother’s Day on 12 August It is a special night for you and your family to featuring a live seafood and imported meat flambé display, classical Thai food cooking demonstrations, carved loin of pork display and much more with live traditional Thai performances during dinner. Join us at 7.00 pm in front of the lobby and celebrate our beloved Queen’s birthday and Thailand Mother’s day. THB 1,000 net per adult (including local beer and soft drinks). All mothers free of charge including a special surprise. THB 600 net per child (6-11) WHITE LOTUS. Award-winning White Lotus Chinese Restaurant invites you to experience deliciously authentic Szechuan and Cantonese with unrivalled views. All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum. Indulge yourself in a delectable Chinese meal every Saturday, Sunday and on Public Holidays from our comprehensive menu of authentic Dim Sum delicacies. THB 520 nett per person. Chinese buffet dinner every Sunday. A fusion of Chinese and Mediterranean specialties. THB 899 nett per adult THB 399 nett per child (6 - 11) Full Moon Set Dinner in the Sky Bar on 21 August Join our 5 course set menu while watching the full moon from the highest restaurant in Hua Hin. Pre-dinner cocktail starts from 6.30 pm. THB1,200 nett per person AQUA POOL BAR-Revitalize yourself and sip one of the Aqua signatures cleansers and boosters at the swim up bar and melting away with an ice cream for hours. Weekend Burger from 01.00 pm - 03.00 pm See if you are lucky enough to snag a burger from our charcoal grill served with French fries, including soft drink for THB 360 nett

BEER HOUSE PARTY CALENDAR

With Coyote dancers and Bartender show. Every Friday Cowboy Night Saturday Night Specials 3 August Back 2 School Party/10 August Pirate Party 17 August Full Moon Party/ 24 August Mask Party 31 August Zombie Party with Bartender show

SOS - TUG BOAT BAR

F1 Kick Off, 25 August from 7.00 pm SHELL BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps), Beer o’clock - Daily Happy Hour at Beer House from 9.00 pm - 11.00 pm. Be sure to like Hua Hin Brewing Company on Facebook. For more information Call: 032 538 999

Hua Hin Vineyard

Breaded Sticky Rice with Mango puree and Vanilla Ice cream. With a glass of Monsoon Valley Chenin Blanc Late Harvest THB 350, and THB 190 for dessert only. For more information call: 081 904 0555

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

FIGS RESTAURANT- DINNER FOR JUST BAHT 250 ON EVERY TUESDAYS AND THURSDAY Figs Restaurant invites guests to experience authentic homemade pasta dishes and pizzas from our Baht 250 dinner menu available every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Diners can enjoy the relaxed tropical surroundings and select their favorite Italian dishes from an à la carte menu that offers such dishes as Spaghetti with Garlic, Chili and Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Home-Made Lasagna with Mushrooms and Ham; Shell Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Basil and Mozzarella; and Classic Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Pork Sausage and Mushrooms, all for only Baht 250 net per dish. This special deal on every Tuesdays and Thursday allows guests to delight in as many Italian specialties as they wish. FIGS RESTAURANT -GRAND BUFFET DINNER Figs Restaurant presents a Grand Buffet Dinner to delight your palate with a superb selection of international cuisine, allowing you to enjoy as much as you like every Saturday at Figs Restaurant from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.Savour an array of sumptuous appetizers including a salad bar with Parma ham and melon and a bread station with an assortment of cheeses. The Grand Buffet Dinner also features a spread of all-time favourites such as French Oyster, Lobster, Blue Crab, Roasted Beef, Foie Gras, a seafood bar, and a selection of sushi, sashimi, Thai specialties, a soup station, a home-made pasta station and a dessert corner. Prices are at THB1,500 net per person for adult and THB750 net for children aged 6- 12 years old. Children under six years old dine for free when accompanied by parents. MCFARLAND HOUSE- AFTERNOON TEA McFarland House offers an afternoon tea set featuring a selection of delicate snacks and dessert served with your favorite tea or coffee while overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Enjoy the rich aroma of tea from Dung Ti Oolong and English Breakfast, to Fancy Sencha or healthy teas such as Pure Chamomile, Jasmine Gold, Peppermint, Red Roses and Mango Dream, all complemented by famous Thai and Western snacks, including mini crabmeat spring roll with sweet chili sauce, Thai dried beef with chili sauce, mushroom voul-au-vent, smoked salmon sandwich and zucchini and sun-dried tomato bruschetta. To sweeten your afternoon in Hua Hin, an afternoon tea set also includes Thai and Western desserts such as ta- koa, look choop, seasonal fruit, scone with

whipping cream and home-made jam and not-to-be-missed chocolate brownie. Take a break and enjoy your day with Afternoon Tea at McFarland House every day from 2:00pm to 6:00pm priced just Baht 300 net per person. McFarland HOUSE- LIVE BY THE BEACH WITH ALL-YOUCAN-EAT TAPAS To make your weekend dinner in Hua Hin more relaxing and tasty, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin invites you and family to experience “All-You-Can-Eat Western and Thai Tapas at the historical seaside McFarland House while live band will entertain all diners offering live by the beach atmosphere every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. The all-you-can-eat promotion is priced at Baht 700 net per person. Enjoy the taste of an unlimited selection of Western and Thai dishes served tapas-style such as Grilled Seabass Skewer with Creamy Ginger, Chives Sauce and Rice Paper Wrapped Crab Cake served with Mesclan Salad. Complete your dinner with a wide selection of desserts including Caramelized Pineapple served with Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream and Yoghurt Bavaroise with Raspberry Sauce and much more. McFarland HOUSE- MAKE A DAY OF IT WITH SUNDAY BRUNCH Sunday Brunch in Hua Hin … only at McFarland House, one of the city’s historical seaside Thai pavilions. McFarland House proudly presents Sunday Brunch by the beach, designed specially to meet your needs as you revel in a laidback Sunday, relaxing in peace and enjoying life without any hectic activities, taking in the serenity of Hua Hin, yet still want to indulge your sense of taste. This brunch experience will ensure that anyone who enjoys a relaxing, yet luxurious, brunch will be completely satisfied. It features such classic brunch items as fresh seafood, a selection of hot dishes, local specialties, a variety of breads and pastries, and a superb choice of desserts, as well as all-you-can-drink freshly squeezed lemonade and iced tea. A live acoustic band will entertain you throughout your lazy Sunday. Our Sunday Brunch will not only satisfy your sense of taste, but also create an overall experience to ensure that you can make a day of your Sunday at McFarland House. How? Well, when you and your family enjoy our Sunday Brunch, you are welcome to spend the rest of the day at ease at our resort. Prior to or after the brunch, you can work out at our Club Olympus Fitness Centre, relax in our interconnecting pools, or have fun with our 22 m water slide. To take your Sunday to an even higher level of luxury, THE BARAI, our multi-award-winning lifestyle destination spa, invites you to relax and rejuvenate with a special spa experience after the brunch. All these elements of dining and lifestyle create a truly laid-back weekend and energize you for the busy week ahead. Discover how a classic brunch is defined and be one of the first to experience this exciting new addition to Hua Hin’s dining experience by making a day of it with us! Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday from 11.30 – 15.00 hrs. The prices are Baht 1,500 net per person inclusive of a bottle of sparkling wine per two persons, home-made lemonade and iced tea, Baht 1,300 net per person inclusive of home-made lemonade and iced tea and Baht 650 net for child 6 – 12 years old. TALAY THAI RESTAURANT- “ALL YOU CAN EAT DINNER” Hyatt Regency Hua Hin invites guests to enjoy a special “All You Can Eat” promotion at Talay Thai Restaurant, overlooking the gulf of Thailand. This promotion available every Monday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.You can enjoy an unlimited selection of Thai specialties cooked traditional style such as Miang Goong, Tom Kha Gai, Fresh pomelo salad with crispy chicken, Stir-fried noodles, chicken and peanut with tamarind sauce, Stir-fried mixed vegetables with in oyster sauce and baby scallops, Deepfried sea bass with tamarind and chili sauce. Complete your dinner with a wide selection of desserts including Mixed Thai pastries, Lemongrass ice cream in pomegranate syrup and Thai banana in warm coconut milk. All You Can Eat Promotion is offer for dinner at Talay Thai Restaurant and is priced at Baht 800 net per person for adults and Baht 400 net for children aged 6-12; children under six years old dine for free when accompanied by a parent./ TALAY THAI RESTAURANT- HUA HIN FISHERMAN’S NIGHT Hyatt Regency Hua Hin drops anchor at Talay Thai Restaurant every Friday evening between 6.30pm and 10.30pm. Discover our Hua Hin fisherman’s market and select our “Catch of the Day” for our chef to cook in your favorite style. Also, spice up your life and enjoy the fragrances of fresh herbs at our authentic Thai soup and spicy salad, noodles and fried rice that you can enjoy at all you can eat and much more. Hua Hin fisherman’s Night Promotion is offered for dinner at Talay Thai Restaurant and is priced at Baht 1,200 net per person for adults and Baht 600 net for children aged 6-12; children under six years old dine for free when accompanied by a parent. For reservations and further information, please contact Hyatt Regency Hua Hin on Hotline +66 2254 6200 or +66 3252 1234, or e-mail huahin.regency@hyatt.com.

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort

TANTALISING TUK TUK CULINARY ADVENTURE. Embark on a Thai culinary journey with Pirom restaurant’s Chef Lek, taking a Tuk Tuk to the local market to select the freshest produce before returning to the resort to learn how to prepare your meals like a local. Price: THB 2,500++ per person, including the Tuk Tuk ride. Availability: Every Wednesday and Friday NAUTICAL FRESH FISH DINING EXPERIENCE. Fish and seafood lovers can enjoy a boat ride into Hua Hin’s waters

PROPERTY FOR SALE & RENT IN HUA HIN Nice Pool Villa Coconut Grove 5 Km. From Beach

Paradise Pool Villa 88 Mountain View

RHO-0002

Paradise pool villa for rent located in Paradise Village HuaHin soi 88. This House has 5 minute from HuaHin center, 5 minute from beach.The land area 110Sqm. and a living area of 80 Sqm. This house come with 3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, 4 Air condition, Big Kitchen, Refrigerator, terrace, Large landscaped with garden and private swimming pool.

Coconut Grove pool villa for rent located in HuaHin soi 102 .This House has 5 minute from HuaHin center ,5 minute from beach and close to HuaHin Market Village shopping mall .This house come with 3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, Air condition,European Kitchen,Refrigerator, working area , Nice garden and private swimming pool. This house has been fully furnished and has a nice lacation .Ready to move in.

Only 37,000 THB

Only 40,000 THB

SHO-0007 Nice pool villa

This house location in Hua Hin soi 112. Atmosphere it’s very well for stay to Relaxing. This house have large space with garden, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Thai kitchen, Erope kitchen, Swimming pool and Working room

Price 8,300,000

THB

Large Condo near Beach

The Sea craze Hua Hin condominium decorated in modern tropical style is in harmony with natural large swimming pool and fitness center in a wide sky view here. This condo have 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining area and terrace sea view.

Only 40,000 THB

Deluxe House with Swimming Pool

Baan Araya is a new project with Bali style living, located in Hua Hin Soi 102 with a beautiful scenic view of the mountains. From the project there have communal pool. 2 Bedroom’s 2 Bathroom’s and fully furnished with private swimming pool and off street parking. Very nice house and area and just 2 kilometer from the sea and 3 kilometers to Hua Hin city centre. House area 400 sqm.

Only 35,000 THB Sea View Condo in Kao Takieb

The Sea craze Hua Hin condominium decorated in modern tropical style is in harmony with natural surrounding and relaxation corner to fulfill your private life with large swimming pool and fitness center in a wide sky view here, You will find the perfect place to live.This condo have 1 bedroom 1 bathroom, kitchen, dining area and terrace sea view.

Price 3,150,000 THB

Luxury Pool Garden Villa

Large home of 712 m2 located in a quiet village, Orchid Palm Homes 2, in Soi Hua Hin 102. The house consisted of 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with swimming pool, 2 parking lots. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven. Washing machine, There is a big terrace overlooking to the swimming pool, garden and beautiful scenery of southern mountain.

Only 60,000 THB

New Hillside Pool Villa

Location: 3 Km West of Hua Hin Town Center, much privacy with fantastic views, but just 5 minutes from Hua Hin town centre. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Only

15.9 M. THB

For Sales & Marketing Contact : Frans Van Egeraat: 087 718 0767 (Eng. Dutch. Ger.) Kristof Gabriel : 084 088 2193 (Eng. Dutch. French) Sai : 086 969 3956 (Chinese), Jazz : 088 863 8287 (Thai) Regal Thailand Group : 58 Naresdamri Road Telephone : +66 32 511 535 (Int.) 032 511 535 (local) Or visit our website for more information: www.regalthailand.com

Events & Promotion for guided instruction on catching fish before returning to shore to have your very own catch prepared for you, either in a Mediterranean style at Azure, or the traditional Thai way at Pirom. Price: THB 3,200 ++ per person, including the boat ride. Availability: Every Tuesday & Thursday JUNIOR MASTER CHEF COURSE. Our younger guests will love our cooking class for kids aged three to ten years old taught under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Patrick who will teach little ones the fun of cooking while discovering a wide range of different flavors. All children will be awarded a certificate for their endeavors. Price: THB 1,900++ per child. Availability: Every Saturday. Minimum two children FAMILY COOKING CLASSES InterContinental Hua Hin welcomes all parents and children to take part in fun ‘Family Master Chef’ courses which provide a day of family-orientated culinary experiences. Rediscover the joy of cooking together and enjoy an informative environment that is fun for all the family. Price: THB 2,200 ++ per person. Availability: Every Sunday FELICITA -FIRST CLASS SUNDAY BUBBLY BRUNCH. InterContinental Hua Hin Resort takes your Bubbly Brunch to the next illustrious level with imported Oysters, Foie Gras, Wagyu Beef and much more.

Friday 2nd August 2013 at 18.30 hours. Price per person includes Food and wine at BAHT 2,000 NET For more information Call: 032 516 510

Mondo Vino

Mondo Vino has re-opened their Thursday Free Flow Event from July onwards. Cost 750 THB per person Starting time 18.30 -20.30. Make your reservations by calling Mondo Vino at 032 531 493 or info@mondovino.co.th.

Hotel Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort and Spa

Happy Mother’s Day at In Balance Spa by Novotel. One Price for All Enjoy Any of Your Choice treatments in 90min/1,500baht. Offer Valid Till 31Aug, 2013.Advance Booking Required Open. Daily 9.00 to 19.00 For more information call 032 708 300 ext; 3420

The Palm Bistro & Wine Bar

August special promotion on real English ales, – Buy 2 get 1 free.

Price: THB 1,499 ++ free flow sparkling and regular carefully selected fine wines / additional: THB 999++ / free flow champagne: THB 1,999++. Availability: Every Sunday

Early bird special - Choose from a starter & a main course or a main course & a dessert for the great price of only 280 Baht.

TANTALISING TASMANIAN SALMON MENU. Sourcing the finest ingredients is a passionate endeavor for our chefs at InterContinental Hua Hin. This month, the culinary dream team at Azure has sourced wild salmon from Tasmania to create a truly tantalizing array of mouthwatering dishes.

TOUCH OF LIFE- 20% DISCOUNT DURING AUGUST

Menu sampler: Salmon Tartar. Salmon steak, with asparagus and Japanese Penko, parmesan crumbs, citrus orange sauce and forked potato with white truffle oil. Grilled Tasmanian salmon steak with grilled warm duck liver, truffle mash and Barolo wine sauce Availability: 16th August to 02nd October 2013 SUMMER SEAFOOD CELEBRATION AT AZURE. Celebrate the summer before the monsoons head in with the fantastically fresh, seasonal seafood produce of Hua Hin Beach served in the distinguished setting of Azure with an opulent seafood buffet every Monday, accompanied by the refined sound of our live Jazz Band. Price: THB 1,299 ++ per person for food and THB 350 ++ for selected house wines, sparkling wines and soft drinks. Availability: Every Monday night ROOFTOP MOONGAZING ON 21 AUG 2013 (Full Moon Candlelit Dinner) For those in Hua Hin looking for a sophisticated way to celebrate the night of the full moon, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is offering an exclusive dining experience in style and design at Azure Rooftop Bar with a welcome glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Early birds and Club Intercontinental guests can request a private cabana on the beach. Dining Hamper: 3,400 THB ++ (For two persons), Menu sample: Crab tartar, prawn cocktail, penne rigati, tiramisu. For more information Call: 032 616 999

Kissoub & Co

Just open on Hua Hin Kissoub and Co offers you a wide range of dishes delicately prepared by a French chef. On this occasion, we cooked a discovery to be enjoyed alone or with friends menu. Duck liver mousse/Lasagna with salmon/Tropical mango coconut pudding FOR ONLY 195 THB. Buy it at In Hua Hin In & Out 12/3 Sasong Road or In Kao Takiab Robin Bike. For more information Email: contact@kissoub.com SET LUNCH MENU

LA GRAPPA

STARTERS Mozzarella caprese with fresh tomato and basil or Deep fried squids with Tartare sauce or Pork loin with tuna sauce and cappers PASTA’S Penne with Bolognese sauce and parmesan cheese or Spaghetti Carbonara sauce with bacon MAIN COURSES Chicken breast Milanese style served with French Fries or Pork scaloppini with ham cheese and mushroom sauce Or Filet of sea bass in white wine sauce DESERTS Traditional Italian Panna Cotta or Affogata vanilla ice cream with espresso coffee TWO COURSE OF YOUR CHOICE BAHT 350 NET, TREE COURSE OF YOUR CHOICE 450 NET, DRINING STILL WATER INCLUDED LA GRAPPA WINE DINNER La Grappa in co-operation with Mondo Vino is proud to present a Villa Pillo Wine dinner on Friday 2nd August 2013. Villa Pillo is a Tuscan based vineyard producing full bodied red wines of high quality at very reasonable prices – come and taste the flavors of this very important Italian wine and culinary region at La Grappa

For more information Call: 032 828144

During August 2013, “Touch of Life”, unique imported antique furniture shop in Hua Hin, will inspire your visit to Hua Hin even more by giving special 20% discount on any item at the shop from now until August 30th, 2013. Among the 20% discount, included also the latest “Tibetan Collection” presents; For more information please contact 083 120 063 or 032 533 525 or visit www.touchoflife-huahin.com.

Putahracsa Hua Hin

This Mother’s day, treat your mother to something truly unique “Favorite for Mom”. A 60 min Floral oil massages plus extreme moisturizing Facial inclusive of a wellness present for each person: THB 2,400 per Couple: THB 4,000. Valid from August 1 till August 31 2013. SPA: “Buy 1 get 1 free” you may choose any body massage, body treatment or facial treatment you wish and receive the same treatment free of charge. (Excluding hand & feet care and waxing). Valid to 31 September 2013. Daily from 10 am – 8pm. F&B: Unique Mango Creations at Oceanside Beach Club and Bar: Mango Martini and Mango Mojito at THB 200. Unlimited wine and tapas buffet at THB 599 per person from 5-7 pm daily. “Chill out weekend” chill out on our huge beach beds with the tunes of our resident DJ at Oceanside Beach Club Every Friday and Saturday, 8pm onwards. Sundays BBQ Brunch from 12pmonwards at Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant, featuring live cooking stations, sumptuous seafood BBQ and relaxed sounds from our DJ at THB 999 Ob-Oon “Jasmine Macaroons” Putahracsa’s famous indulgences, the perfect treat for Mother’s day Accommodation: Mother’s Day special package, Celebrate Mum with our “Rak Mae Package” for 2 nights Silksand

THB 13,200

Sansky

THB 16,200

Oceanbed Jacuzzi Villas

THB 22,500

Oceanbed Pool Villas

THB 32,500

La canna Pool Villas

THB 39,500

La canna Beachfront Villas

THB 45,500

Inclusive of Daily Breakfast at Sala Monsoon/ BBQ set dinner for 2 person/ One jasmine hand garland/ 1 Jasmine Rice Scrub for Mum plus a 90min Aroma Massage * receive a 50% discount for Jasmine Rice scrub for any additional person * This Package is available from 10-13 August 2013 only For more information Call: (0)32 531-470

PRANBURI

Villa Maroc Resort

Treat your mother with an indulgent spa package at Sherazade Hammam & Spa at Villa Maroc Resort. The 80-minute spa treatment includes a Moroccan “Hammam” bath, black soap scrub and a choice of a Revitalizing Body Massage or Manee Pura Rejuvenating Organic Facial Treatment. Price is THB 1,800 net. “Mother’s Day Month” spa package is available throughout August 2013. For more information call 032 630 771

CHA AM

Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort

BELLEVUE-SEAFOOD BASKET. A fresh seafood bounty awaits you, featuring of BBQ Prawns, Lobster, New Zealand mussel with salsa and baked snapper with traditional herbs, served with mini salad, chili sauce & tartar. An array of local and imported delicacies. THB 1,400 net for 2 diners. Available for lunch and dinner time on 4th level of Tower zone. Hamaya Japanese restaurant OKONOMIYAKI Savor the best Japanese seafood Pizza served together with Miso shiru soup and fresh garden green salad. Daily available for lunch and dinner on 4th level of Tower zone. Only THB 350. net per set. Fu Lue Chinese restaurant- SNOW FISH PROMOTION. A culinary treasure from Chinese Master chef at Fu Lue of Grand Pacific Sovereign. Featuring with selections of “Snow fish” 5 superb items such as with black pepper or with XO sauce. Every dished we served with Wonton soup and traditional fried rice with egg. Only THB 490 net per set. Celestino-MIX & MATCH Inspired new “Pasta set” promotion with a selection of tender pasta, to be matching with your favorite sauce such a Alla Carbonara , Al Pesto, All’Arrabiata, Con Aglio e chili. Served with garden green salad and soup of the day. Only THB 390 net per set For more information call: 032 709 899

Hotel De La Paix

Celebrate your Mom’s special day with our Mom and Me Package at Hotel de la Paix – Cha Am Beach, Hua Hin. Stay with your mom in Horizon room for 2 nights include breakfast and 1 time set dinner & 2 glasses of house wine. For more information, please call 032 709 555

Hotel Veranda Resort and Spa Hua Hin Cha Am

Veranda Resort and Spa is delighted to be the first in Hua Hin / Cha Am to offer our guest a range of refreshing Italian Soda’s at I Sea Pool Side Bar. A choice of Strawberry, Kiwi, Peach and Passion Fruit to enjoy around the pool or to take away for just 110 Baht per glass. Outside guest using our “Cool Pool Day Pass” may also enjoy a glass of Italian Fruity Soda as part of the day package. Call 032 709 000 for more information

Raya Resort Cha Am

Celebrate Mother’s Day August 12, 2013-Happy Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner Set Menu. Please Bring Your Mum Come to Lunch or Dine at Raya Restaurant. A Complementary Healthiest Drink for Mum and Special Mother’s Day European Set Menu Starter-Baked US Scallops with Creamy Mushrooms Sauce or Tomatoes Cream Soup and Basil Main Course-Baked Salmon Fillet with Stew of Sweet Pepper Dessert-Butterscotch Brownies and Coffee Sauce Coffee or Tea @THB 1,250 net / set Special Mother’s Day Thai Set Menu for 2 People Deep Fried Shrimps Wrapped with Shrimp Patties and Cashew Nut Serve with Plum Sauce, Steamed Curried Seafood Patties in Young Coconut Shell, Steamed Whole Sea-bass with Pickled Plum Sauce, Ginger, Celery and Mushroom, Unpolished Jasmine Rice, Fresh Fruit in Season, Hot Ginger Tea THB 990 net / set For more information Call Tel: 032 472 641-2 or Mobile: 082 244 3329

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Remind her of how special she is and give her a moment to cherish forever with an Unforgettable Mother’s Day Special “Ultimate Spa Sanctuary for Her” at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Show her the love in style at Shine Spa for SheratonTM with our special selection of a 60 minute body treatment “Mother of Pearl Exfoliation” and enjoy a complimentary 30 minute “Deep Balance Massage”, throughout the month of Mother’s Day from August 1-31, 2013 at only THB. 2,500 net per person. Let’s devote the entire month to celebrating mothers, say “Thank you Mom” with our special offer “Body Scrub Gift Voucher” at only THB. 1,490 net for enduring memories. For more information call (032) 708235 or email: spa.huahin@ sheraton.com

For free promotion or event listing on this page please contact Khun Nok at nok@huahintoday.com for more information

Queen’s Cup International Triathalon 2013 O

nce again this popular sport event seeks to find best Triathlon athlete in “The 5th Queen’s Cup Hua Hin International Triathlon 2013”. The Event is held annually in collaboration with Hua Hin Municipality offering 55.5 km. challenging route for three sports; swimming, cycling, and running.

The Queen’s Cup Hua Hin International Triathlon is held every year in August as part of the celebrations of Her Majesty’s Birthday. The event was also created to fulfill their Majesties commitment to the development of sports in Thailand. The first Hua Hin International Triathlon was held in 2009, with this the 5th year and an expected 500 athletes from around the world. Main supporters of the race include the Hua Hin Municipality, Sport Bicycle Co., Ltd., the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Triathlon Association of Thailand and the Thai Hotel Association.

The Triathlon Association of Thailand has officially sanctioned The Hua Hin International Triathlon 2013. The race will be carried out and comply with ITU Competition Rules. The main event will be held at the Black Mountain Water Park on Sunday August 2013. It includes a Swim leg of 1.5K, a bike leg 40K and a running leg of 10K. The first to cross the finish line from the male and female categories will receive Her Majesty the Queen’s Cup. Trophies will also be awarded to the first 4 to cross the line after the male and female winners. All competitors who cross the finish line will receive trophies which are special to this race only. For more information go to : huahintriathalon2013.com/ admin@321yell.com

RACE INFO

SCHEDULE:

24th August: Registration and Briefing

10.00-11.30 Kids Triathlon, 13.00-17.00 Registration and bib pick up for all race categories, 14.00-14.45 1st Race briefing (English and Thai, 16.00-16.45 2nd Race briefing (English and Thai) 25th August: Race Schedule

05.00-06.30 Transition zone open for athlete check in and marking, 07.00 Triathlon starts - individual and teams, 07.10 Duathlon starts, 09.20 First athlete finisher, 11.00 Race results announced, 11.30 Awards/trophy ceremony

GMs’ Chinwag and Cuppa

Victor Sukseree, General Manager of Dusit Thani Hua Hin, hosted an informal tea party for a selection of General Managers from leading properties in and around the Hua Hin and Cha am area. The afternoon’s major topic of conversation centred on finding ways to develop tourism in this area.

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Wins a Zoover Highly Recommended 2013 S

heraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has recently been named as one of the best reviewed by visitors of zoover.com and won a Zoover Highly Recommendation 2013. Seen in picture, Sitthirat Hothongkam, Hotel Manager proudly presents the award as Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has been highly recommended by Zoover visitors. For the fifth successive year, Zoover Holiday Reviews is presenting the Zoover Award, Highly Recommended and Recommended according to their database results. The consumer decides, since it is the reviews on Zoover that determine which accommodations receive a Zoover Highy Recommended. The Highly Recommended is being given to the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa as the results of exceptional performance in Thailand.

Pictured from left : Mr. Michael Schmitt, Mr. Alex Parry, Khun Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Khun Victor Sukseree, Mrs. Diana Moore, Mr. Sammy Carolus and Mr. Jacques Mury.

The Zoover Awards one of the most-coveted consumer prizes in the travel industry were created in order to give recognition to the best-rated accommodations and popular destinations worldwide. With rating of 9.1, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has deservedly been given the label “Zoover Highly Recommended”.

‘Live And Invest’ Names Hua Hin as

a Retirement Destination • Entertainment • Environmental Conditions • Existing Expat Community • Health Care • Infrastructure • Real Estate • Residency Options • Safety • Taxes

Hua Hin was included in a list of the best 21 with other cities including Abruzzo in Italy, Ambergris Caye and Cayo in Belize, Boquete in Panama and Cebu in the Philippines.

The index considered these 12 factors for each of the destinations considered. The top 21 were For this First Annual Retire Overseas Index, the considered as the best options where to think following 12 factors were considered: about launching a new and exciting, exotic and • Climate • Cost of Living • English Spoken affordable life overseas.

Factors relating to the appeal of Hua Hin included the low cost of living, the cost of insurance and medical service all being not too expensive. Additionally Hua Hin was included because of the precious beaches.

he Live and Invest Overseas website has ranked Hua Hin as amongst the world’s best places to retire due to the low cost of living and beautiful beaches. The website recently revealed its first annual “retire overseas” index based on specific criteria.

C 31

MEDICAL INSURANCE IN THAILAND Q.

Questions & Answers

Why a medical insurance?

Ans. Medical care can be very costly when you decide on one of the major private hospitals. The quality of care is very good and accommodation could be easily compared to a 4 * hotel, But all this has a cost! Q.

Do I need to work, have a work permit or a special visa to enjoy coverage?

Ans. No, insurance policies are available to any expatriate, even if the person has no work. This information is not required. It simply requires that the principal insured resides in the kingdom more than 180 days per year. Q.

Where can I be covered?

Ans. Most policies cover South East Asia area and abroad for periods ranging from 7 to 12 weeks per trip, according to insurers. Q.

How am I covered?

Ans. There are typically three levels of coverage, depending on your budget and expectations:

1) At the hospital (in patient) following illness or accident. 2) At hospital and outpatient care (in + outpatient) 3) At the hospital and outpatient care + dental and optical.

Will I have the choice of hospital and how are costs paid?

Ans. Most policies allow a choice of hospitals. If you stay more than 24 hours in hospital (all causes), the insurer will make a direct payment to the hospital. Q.

What is the age limit to purchase?

Ans. The age limit varies from one company to another. There are more options available for those under 65 years of age.

Health insurance is important so don’t wait!

Provided by Siam Hua Hin ‘Consulting by your side since 2007’. For more information contact SiamConsulting at Hp 085 9622232.

riving in Thailand is very different from driving in Western countries but once you get the hang of its easy as long as you make sure you have your eyes everywhere. In Thailand you are required to drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h to 90 and 120 km/h on expressways and country roads. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drink driving laws apply. All insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit. It is better to have an International Driving license in Thailand or a Thai license if you are staying longer. Always make sure you have valid insurance.

sure you do not have a motorcycle overtaking as you turn. • If you are making a U-Turn or crossing a road flashing lights by a car means they are not stopping, so hang back and let them pass • When driving on the highways you will often see large trucks in front of you turn on their left or right indicator. The left means it is safe to overtake and the right means it is not safe. • Even if turning onto a one direction road make sure that you do not have motorcycles coming down the wrong way of the road • You will often see vehicles approaching you from behind flashing their lights and using their horn, use common sense and move out of the way to let them pass. • Sometimes you have to push into traffic or you won’t get anywhere, because very few people will let a driver out into their lane. • Be prepared for dogs wandering out in front of you on the more rural roads (no one wants a dead mutt on their conscience).

Thai informal rules: • One of the most important tips to remember while driving in Thailand is to beware of motorcycles. These drivers have the right of way and they take advantage of this. Motorcycles are known to go in the wrong direction and many times they make daring maneuvers that are known to cause accidents. The most important thing to remember when driving in Thailand is if a driver hits a person on Hua Hin Today cautions all drivers to drive a motorcycle, they are most likely at fault and carefully. We are not responsible for any will answer for this accident. Look at your rear accidents caused by our advice. Drive safely! view mirror side mirrors when turning to make

VISITING THE BUDDHIST TEMPLES OF THAILAND – Please Behave! Wat Tanodluang - The Cha-Am ‘Boat Temple’

as you can. • Don’t touch objects of worship, including statues or other artefacts. • Treat monks with the greatest respect; this includes not touching or being too forward in your approach. • Don’t take photos of religious observance by others, it’s private. All this shouldn’t be too hard; it’s a bit like entering a Christian cathedral. Enjoy your visit but remember where you are! About The Boat Temple The main feature of this place is the appearance of the main building called the Mahusot or ordination hall.

laces of significance to those practising or even appreciating the Buddhist religion should always be treated with respect. This means always behaving in a way which does not offend or disturb Thai people.

An example of this need applies to a very special place from a Buddhist perspective just north of Cha-Am we recently visited, colloquially known as the ‘Boat Temple’ although its real name is Wat Tanodluang. There are 18 resident monks at the temple apart from a novice or two. However There is a very big difference between a you’ll always find some other Thai people about commercial tourist attraction and a place of paying their respects. Tourists are not really in religious worship. You can visit but always be evidence. The complex is more likely to be busy respectful. when there are Buddhist celebrations such as the ordination of new monks. The temple was built in the Ayutthaya Period and some ruins remain from the original structures. Abbots dating back to 1869 to the present day are listed although there are no records of the founders. The protocol for visiting this superb example of Thai Buddhist culture is really quite simple.

This building is clearly in the shape of a VERY large boat hull with a more traditional Thai temple as the ‘superstructure’. This may best be seen from the main road and the best photographic opportunity. The inspiration for this structure is the importance of the local fishing villages nearby, though the design was based on a These ‘Rules’ should apply to any temple visits: temple a long way from the ocean. We’re not • Check with someone of authority (a Monk?) sure why that temple also looked like a boat? first before entering. Communication may need There are gates protecting the entrance to the gestures to show your request to enter buildings building with colourful gilded circular plates or taking photographs if there is a language leading to stairs onto the ‘deck’. Entering the issue. The ‘guardians’ of the temple will soon inside of the building from the ‘deck’ of the boat let you know what is OK. Behave in a respectful will probably need an escort from a Monk who is manner and you will find your hosts most affable assigned as the day’s guardian. On our visit we and welcoming. were invited to enter without our request by a • Don’t smoke inside or nearby or take food/ Monk who proved to be a very hospitable ‘tour drinks into buildings. guide’. He pointed out the magnificent marble • The chances are you will need to remove your base of the shrine and mentioned that the cost footwear. Just look for where others have left of this alone was said to be in the vicinity of 100 their shoes and follow suit. If in doubt – take million THB. At the rear of the building is a huge them off. mural based on drawings made by His Majesty • Dress in a conservative way. Ladies no the King of Thailand. revealing clothing and gents always wear a shirt! • Be quiet and don’t hurry. Be as inconspicuous Where is it? Take the road from Cha-Am North past the Cha-Am Hospital and follow the signs towards Phuktien Beach. About 5 kilometres on and you will see the temple on the left hand side of this road. Very easy to see and find! Why Visit? Because this is a real working Buddhist precinct, off the tourist map and a true example of Thai culture.

32 D

Local Facts

Thai Spirit Houses “sanphaphoom” in Thai

have been curious for a while about the customs and rules for having a Spirit house. When I moved to Hua Hin I decided to purchase a traditional Wooden Spirit house from Petchaburi for about 2500 THB after pleading from my Mother that she wanted one. I purchased one but I am sure I have gone the wrong way about it, especially since my neighbor Khun Noi immediately moved the Spirit House from where I put it outside my house. I wanted to know what the do’s and don’ts and I hope some of the information below might be of some interest.

lot of trouble to humans in the house. So Thais purchase a Spirit House and then invite the spirit to enter the Spirit House and settle there, thus appeasing the Spirit. As well as giving the Spirit a place to reside, they give offerings to show care towards the spirit and thus Thais believe the spirits will be happy, help the families business and home and bring good luck in general.

The actual building of the Spirit House is a specialised field and only an expert Spirit House builder will be considered for its Spirit houses are small building which looks like a miniature Thai construction. The builder’s responsibility is also to be familiar with house or Buddhist temple standing on a column or stand and all the necessary rituals involved so that the Spirit can be made can be found outside most houses, restaurants, businesses and to feel at home in the Spirit House. hotels in Thailand. The color of the Spirit House is chosen according to the birthday Spirit Worship or Animism started in ancient days before Buddhism of the owner: if the owner is born on Monday, the colour of the when the Tai’s migrated from northern Vietnam to all parts of the house should be yellow, if on Tuesday – pink, Wednesday – Southeast Asian region. Now Animism has developed side by green, Thursday – gold, Friday – blue, Saturday – purple and side with Buddhism. Today many of the old animistic beliefs are Sunday – red. Modern Spirit Houses are made of cement but intertwined with Buddhism, one of these which is practiced by you can also find elaborate old style wooden Spirit Houses in every Thai is the Spirit House. You can even find Spirit Houses most cities. Some larger Spirit Houses have an attached altar close to Buddhist temples. table to hold offerings. Placing of Spirit Houses is also important; The reason for a Spirit Houses is to offer spirits that lived on your the shadow of the main house should not fall upon the Spirit land before you owned it or moved to it a place to live happily. House and vice versa. Additionally a Spirit House must be in The spirits or celestial beings can either be ancestors or other a prominent place on the property but far enough to keep the spirits that reside on your land. It is believed that spirits can make spirits away from the main building. good or mischief to people. A spirit can also feel disrespected and Spirit Houses are normally adorned with statues, flowers & therefore cause harm so Thai people believe that it is important to garlands, incense and offerings. Often you can see red bottles show them respect by giving them a place to live and offerings. with red sparkling water inside as it is popularly believed that It also believed that if you do not have a Spirit House, spirits can Spirits like red, so the red bottle is left opened with a straw. come and stay in the main house with people and will make a Food items traditionally served are, betel leaves, bananas, rice, chicken, and duck. Once placed on the Spirit House, the offering of food will usually be left for a week before being changed. Small figures of humans and animals are often place inside the Spirit House to serve the spirits. But the figurine which holds a Thai style double edged sword in the right hand represents the spirit. His left hand holds a money pouch. When purchasing a new Spirit House the owner of the land or house must invite Spirit to move in and become the phra phum chao thii or guardian spirit of the area.

should be moved into the new house. It should be done by prayers and ceremonies. After that the old house should be taken to a communal “burial ground” for old Spirit Houses usually located well known to be rich in spirit activity. You can often see many Spirit Houses by the side of the road, this a typical type Spirit House “burial ground”

Because spirit houses need to be wellmaintained, there comes a time when they need to be replaced. Or if a house has an upgrade so should the Spirit House an old Spirit House cannot be just thrown away. First, the spirits

Shops Selling Spirit Houses can be found on main road heading from Cha Am to Hua Hin. Wooden Spirit Houses can be found on road heading out of Cha Am towards Petchaburi after the overhead merging to the Bangkok Highway (on the left). Prices vary depending on how large or elaborate the design is.

Sometimes by the roadside a small standalone Spirit House can be found. The reason for this is so that spirits who haunt the place are given a home and they will not endanger the drivers who pass it. Some Spirit Houses near the road were built to pacify the tormented spirits of people who have died in violent deaths in crashes at that site. In the same way cars, trucks and taxis display garlands of flowers to protect the occupants of the vehicle on the journey. A famous Spirit House, the Erwan Shrine, at the Phloenchit intersection in Bangkok is the most famous Spirit House in Thailand and is popular among tourists from Asia because it is considered a place where the gods usually grant them what they request. It is also common to see long tail boats decorated with bright cloth and ribbon. The ribbons on a boat will keep the spirits of the sea happy and thus a safe journey. On trees you will sometime see colorful strips of fabric this also considered a type of Spirit House. Thai people believe that spirits also can live in old and big trees. Thai people mark these trees with spirits (Ton Mai) by wrapping colorful fabric stripes and leave offerings (drinks and flowers) in the roots in for the same reason as they do with Spirit Houses. Some rules regarding Spirit Houses:

• To photograph someone during prayer at the Spirit House should be avoided as it is a place of worship, or at least ask for Thai families who believe wholeheartedly permission first. in the Spirit House and its importance light incense every morning and ask the spirit to watch • Never put your feet on any religious item, such as Spirit Houses over and protect the home and business. Others or statues. do it on ritual occasions. • Don’t touch items in someone’s Spirit House

Book Donation Project 2013 by Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Sp

Thai-Burmese Checkpoint Now Open

n 8th May at 10 AM, the Governor of Prachuab Khirikhan, Mr. Weera Sriwattanatrakul, the Deputy Governor Ms. Nuwanna Anantakitpaisan and heads of public departments travelled by car to Ban Mu Dong in Tawai, Myanmar, and attended an opening ceremony of the Singkara-Mu Dong checkpoint. They joined the Premier of Tanao Sri H.E. U Mia Koh, the Chair of the Marid Chamber of Commerce Mr. Hula Thin and Ministers of national security, commerce, transport and finance of Myanmar.

After the opening ceremony the participants attended a briefing and gave each other tokens of appreciation to symbolise this auspicious event. This was followed by a visit to a palm oil production site for further discussions and lunch.

Great project has been started by the Blue Energy Committee. This is a “Book Donation Project” which ran from March until May and the Committee was able to collect many books from team members.

According to Mr. Weera, the official opening of the checkpoint is an auspicious occasion for Thailand and Myanmar as Singkara and Mu Dong are neighboring communities that have been enjoying trade for quite a long time. The opening was a local event and there will soon be a national one after the Thai and Burmese governments finish bilateral negotiation.

and Ratchamangkhlalaphisek National Library Wang Klai kangwon. Without a doubt, the Book Donation Program had a huge impact at every small elementary school and community centre, motivating many people to learn to love reading.

The Blue Energy Committees are The project was really something great for the representatives from Hilton staff who collected public and contribute to the community. book donations from community public libraries

Myanmar had acknowledged the checkpoint opening already and would facilitate Thai businesspeople who visit The checkpoint area in Ban Mu Dong to buy goods from Myanmar. Later, the Myanmar government will improve the route from the Singkara checkpoint in Thailand to Marid which is located along the Andaman coastline. Thai business people who would like to invest in Myanmar have to contact the Marid Public Company Limited and report to the central government of Myanmar. Currently the business investment the that Myanmar would like to see includes energy, mining, construction of hotels and guesthouses in Tanao Sri. The country has already formulated a law allowing both individual and joint businesses from foreign countries to invest for the next 75 years.

“Now, the US and EU have cancelled sanctions and trading interference for Burmese goods in their countries. Now export business in Myanmar can be done with no problems and the US and European countries are encouraged to invest here. Since Thailand is our neighbour, why not take this opportunity such as the construction of a seaboard by Italian Thai Co. Ltd. in Tawai to be extended to The checkpoint opening will result in benefits for Ya Khai State,” said H.E. U Mia Koh. both Thailand and Myanmar. While Thailand gets more seafood and agricultural products from Currently, many Burmese people are working in Myanmar, Myanmar will have more products for Thailand. The government of Myanmar would be daily consumption from Thailand. In addition, both pleased if the Thai government takes good care countries will welcome more business for hotels of them in terms of living condition. Doing so will and tourism as well as other kinds of commerce strengthen relations between both countries and in the ASEAN forum as well, concluded the Tanao big and small, added Mr. Weera. Sri Premier. H.E. U Mia Koh said that the Government of

erhaps not just content to rely on the official Thailand tourism authorities to spread the word about the wonderful sights and travellers may experience in Petchaburi Province the management of the Hotel De La Paix recently embarked on their own marketing campaign. Hua Hin Today was fortunate to be invited and to join a group of media on a day trip to some of the unheralded attractions of our Region. This was an escorted journey which allowed the group to understand what those ‘in the know’ have been talking about and to ‘spread the word’. Our ‘tour guide’ was Khub Nattapong Chin-aksorn, Assistant Guest Relation Manager of the Hotel. Apart from Nicholas from Hua Hin Today, the group included Husband and wife Panida and Philip Hall. Panida was representing Punch Media, publishers of magazines such as In Residence, RBSC, Lexus and M Society, Philip is the Editor of In Residence. Another group member was Matthew Boothe, Communications Manager of Delivering Asia Communications. This Company represents some of the world’s most respected and influential magazine titles and brands and has been appointed to exclusively represent these media properties in Thailand and Indo China. Lifestyle and Travel Magazine was also represented by reporter Jake Watts.

paths were you can get different views of the city below and Phethaburi province Currently the Fine Arts Department is using parts of the palace for the Phra Nakron Khiri National Museum. There are two entrances to the site. The front entrance is across from The Ratwithi and involves a steep footpath. On the back side there is a cabble car that you can use to go up the hill. The cable car runs 9.30-6.30pm. A Monday night market lines the street in front of Khao Wang with the usual food and clothing stalls. Bring a camera this is a great place to take pictures of the area. This Apart from their emersion in the Petchaburi cultural experience place is very different from other 9 historical parks in Thailand as all the tour group Members were impressed by the hospitality it has more architecture included into the park so very well worth and professionalism of the Hotel De La Paix management and the visit. staff who showed their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Khao Nang Phanthurat Guests at the Hotel who take advantage of the tour opportunities Forest Park- Cha Am offered are also bound to become ‘Petchaburi Ambassadors’. Here are some descriptions of the highlights of the tour. Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park is a beautiful trek for nature However the old adage ‘a picture tells a thousand words’ lovers. It covers an area featuring cave-ridden limestone hills and applies in this case. Apart from the pictures in this edition forested greenery. Inside the park, the 3km nature trail passes through a scenic landscape filled with natural rock formations, more may be seen on our web and Facebook pages. bird habitats and an array of flora and fauna. There is also a path that brings you to a hollow rock that looks almost like a suspended balcony and is a magical place and great for viewing the area of South Cha Am.

It’s not uncommon for residents and visitors in Hua Hin and ChaAm to ignore what is available in the countryside further North than the usual attractions a little closer to these two towns. However if you think more widely you can discover much more.

Our thanks to Hotel De La Paix for making the effort to promote these attractions in a very practical and ‘hands on’ way. The ‘tour group’ was not disappointed. And at the end of the day the group’s finishing meal at the Hotel proved to be yet another highlight with a seafood platter as a sumptuous conclusion to their great day out.

Khao Luang Cave

The Tham Khao Luang Cave is located approximately 45 minutes from Hotel De La Paix. This is cave is very famous due to the fact that it houses a Buddha image cast under the royal command of King Rama V at that time dedicated to King Rama III and King Rama IV. The cave is beautiful with a sun beam falling down on the Buddha below and makes the cave magical. The cave houses a lot of religious objects. There are one big “cave room” and 3 smaller cave rooms, you enter the rooms by climbing slightly spooky stairs to enter the cave. In one of the smaller rooms has a beautiful small Buddha that looks like it it is thousands years old. There several other caves on Khao Luang and the whole area is cool and surrounded frangipani. The area is lively with vendors selling fruits to visitors so that you then may feed the monkeys that live on the hill. Guides are available for hire near the car park. Be careful with the monkeys as they are quick to take anything that is loose.

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park- Phetchaburi

This historical park sits on top of Khao Wang (Palace Hill) giving great views of the Phetchaburi city. There is a palace on top built in a mix of Chinese and European styles but it is the views that really make this place special. Rama IV built the palace and surrounding temples in 1859 to be used as a retreat from Bangkok. The hilltop location allowed the king to pursue his interest in astronomy and stargazing. There are many meandering

FINAL COMMENTS

Getting to the forest park is an adventure in itself as the road is rough and relatively unpaved. The forest park has two important mountains called Khao Chaolai and Khao Chomprasart, Together, the two mountains look like a giant lying on her side. Nang Phanthurat is the name of a female giant in a Thai folklore. Locals like to picnic or to enjoy the serenity of nature..

f you want to perform better at golf, your round should always be accompanied by a solid golf nutrition plan. In essence, what you eat determines how you play.

Golf performance is not just about having the skills in place, it’s having the holistic approach, the right skills + the right training program + the right food = a great golf performance.

So, which foods produce champions Make a commitment to use some or and which foods hinder play? Let me all of the following tips and your energy will reach new heights in your next give you a few hints. round. It goes without saying that proper nutrition is important for all of us. But, if • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of you are serious about shaving valuable these are diuretics, and cause fluid loss strokes off your scorecard, you need to and influence hormones that dehydrate make some tough decisions on seeing body tissues and the brain. They your diet through. If you travel for golf, also both affect performance. Coffee or play in frequent tournaments, it is can over stimulate your mind or your important not to fall into the trap of muscles, making your performance ‘settling’ for fast food or a quick bag of uncontrolled. Excessive consumption of alcohol severely affects your chips or chocolate bar. coordination. To the club and social golfer, if you really want to perform well in your game • Drink lots of water. Think in terms then it is essential to understand that of 8 to 10 glasses each day. Continue what you put in your body is going to throughout your round to stay hydrated affect your golf performance. If you put especially during the summer months. garbage food in your body then you are Loss of water can impair physiology going to have a garbage performance. and performance, so it’s important to Just imagine how much better you can ensure regular water intake. I personally perform if you look after the inside of use a mixture of Want More Energy and water which works to combat fatigue your body as well. in the body by keeping the body It is truly amazing what a difference hydrated, supplying lost electrolytes the proper nutrition can do. Not only and sustains your energy naturally. will it improve your health in general, but it also helps you think more clearly • Avoid large amounts of food in the and your body will perform better due two hours leading up to tee time. Food to improved energy levels throughout in your digestive system diverts blood your 18 holes of golf. You will even be away from your brain and muscles, affecting concentration and physical able to back up better the next day. performance. A meal two to three Did you know that the brain is the hours before play is preferred. If you primary consumer of energy in the are playing an early round, make sure body, and the brain uses 20% of the you have breakfast; the best form calories used we consume? Just think: of breakfast is going to be light on if your brain is balanced because you your stomach, but keeps you full. An are putting the right fuel in your body, example is a protein shake. Not just how much clearer will your thought any old shake, one that has a good processes be, how much better will source of protein (whey protein) that your golf performances be? is top grade. There are a lot of cheap

imitations in the market place, if you want top quality then it will cost you a bit more but really you get what you pay for. • Never skip meals. Golfers need that slow and steady release of energy to see them through difficult or long hours of play. Smaller meals are better to help increase metabolism. But not only that, a slow release of energy keeps your energy levels more constant so that you don’t experience the blood sugar highs and lows. • Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day. This gives your body the nutrition it needs to last. Combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal. This aides in overall digestion and ensures you are getting the proper nutrients into your body. • Bring snacks to munch on during your golf round. You want to make sure you are making healthy choices for your best performance, so don’t put yourself in a position to feel forced to buy high processed foods or sugar based foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing fatigue. • Keep it simple. There is no need to make elaborate meals or go to great extent in preparation. If you carry in your snack pack, some fruit, protein bars and bag of nuts that will go a long way in replenishing the energy when you need it. Mentally your brain needs to stay conditioned to tell your body what to do, not to mention calculating distances, swing strength and maintaining focus. Follow these 7 tips and watch your scorecard drop to new lows. If you want to know more about what I do to keep my energy levels up send me an email to discuss.

o you ever think about a quiet, relaxing (or maybe romantic) break in luxurious resort surroundings; but wait what about the kids???? Are they going to get bored, hard to keep entertained and generally making you wonder why you didn’t just stay at home. Novotel Hua Hin has the solution. ‘Kids World’ has everything children need to be happily entertained while parents are free to indulge in more ‘adult’ pleasures. This is a specially designed, under cover (just in case it’s raining) and supervised zone at the resort which welcomes kids of all ages to have fun. Colourful murals cover the walls so first impressions for the little ones will be very inviting and friendly. Kids can expect to find slides and climbing equipment, 1,001 colourful balls, bean bags, Lego blocks and more. There are kid size tables and chairs, huge cushions, carpet and rubber matting to relax on. Movie sessions are at 10.00 am. 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm; seven days a week. Never the same movie twice and all the current favourites; such as Monster V Aliens, Shark Tale, Kung Fu Panda 2 and the Smurfs. There’s always plenty of other kids to share the fun (especially at weekends) but if a quiet time is preferred there are individual padded tubular ‘caves’ where kids can use electronic games, read a book or just ‘chill out’. Special activities are designed for different age groups: 0 – 3 years, 3 – 6 years, 6 – 12 years and the over 12’s. For very young children in need of a ‘siesta’ there are safety cots in a quiet area or perhaps for the more robust the old fashioned table football game. You know the one where the ball is placed on the table and you spin the handles like crazy trying to ‘kick’ the ball to score a goal. Day Visit Special: Kid’s World is free to Resort guests but also open for visiting families. As a visitor you can relax by the nearby pool area or at the beach while the kids are at play. Adults pay 200 THB each and the cost for kids is 100 THB. Enquires Phone: 032 08300 Website: http://www.novotel. com

Cover Story

Interview with a Hua Hin Artist: Yuwanan Thongho (Pao)

ua Hin Today talked to one of the artists in Hua Hin about her artworks and the arts in Hua Hin. Miss Thongho is from Songkhla, one of the southern provinces of Thailand. She studied Fine Arts at Technology Rachamongkhon Siwichai Songkhla and continued her studies in Thaksin University where she studied Human Resource Management. Later she worked as a manager in her family’s business in Krabi. And came to Hua Hin two years ago. She currently owns a shop, Original Art, at Naresdami Road, which is also her workshop.

Miss Thongho is a very friendly, cheerful, and outspoken person who creates artworks about what she feels like at that moment. She is also inspired by impressionism and impressionists. All of her oil paintings are about the nature and her emotions while observing it. She uses a lot of different colors exhibiting the colors of nature.

It takes around 3 days to make a beautiful oil painting of a large size and takes around 5 hours to create a medium size painting. The prices of her paintings are very reasonable which ranges from 2,500 Baht to 150,000 Baht. Her main customers are tourists who stay in and around Naresdamri road and the area near the pier. She says, “Most of people who see my artworks are tourists from Hilton or passerby who come to the pier.” She adds, “Some of them see my paintings and take photographs and then walk away.” Unlike other people, she does not like to call people in her shop. She wants people to decide whether to come in and buy paintings or not. She loves every artwork she has created so far for instance, Gold Tree, Birds, and Golden Globe. She enjoys painting nature, birds, trees, plants, flowers and many more subjects. Her paintings are about what she finds beautiful in nature like the painting about Mimosas she once saw.

Ipharmacye warmest greeting in Hua Hin, Ipharmknacowy isledtogedaaby’sle.piYocku,

th th d extremely The Pharmacy wi trusty side e super friendly an ar s, ice pr le ed Jane and her ab m on na as ist re ac ve m ar ha ph ey g th e pharmacy dly English speakin d and sick when you walk into th sa will meet the frien en pay less el th fe dog. You can’t ebee outfit and kick, ‘Udong’ the a very friendly Udong in a Bumbl by and get greeted out! macies. Check it ar ph r he than in ot -Luk Market) n 51 (opposite Ra Hi a Hu i So /1 12 Address:

Café MoonozNaebkehart Road diagonally oppoludsitinge thTheaiRafavoLuritkesM,arwikenet.,

is tensive menu; inc n reflect New Café Mooz ul décor and an ex a nice patio outside where you ca fé that tif au be d fin ll wi is ca You e e er th Th e e. ov ffe ab s and co estrooms freshly made cake in the process of building five gu o als e ar ey Th on life. . Living room, and should open soon to Coco 1 and rn tu to se lo (C bkehardt Rd Address: 29/5 Na ket) ar M uk -L opposite Ra 22 Tel No: 032 9004

With a dream to go to London, France, and Amsterdam to work in future, she wants to go to different places to get inspiration for her artworks. She is planning to go for a trip to find inspirations for her artworks in the near future. When asked where one can get inspiration for artworks in Hua Hin, she believes one can get inspired from anywhere and anything. In addition to that, she said that the artworks in Hua Hin are not as good as in other parts of the world like in Europe. She adds that knowledge about arts is not sufficient in Hua Hin and people are not being able to get inspired. She would like to see artists coming to Hua Hin and bringing richness and variety in Arts in near future. Original Art, The shop is located at 58 Naresdamri Road, Prachuap Khirikhan, 77110 Hua Hin, Thailand.

rant Pimiento RraentsontaNauresdamri road next to the toKaserorvonesGuFrenesthchouansed

restau Chef. Pimien There is a new llent cashier perienced French ex an is o ve the most exce wh ha rry o als ey Th . ks owned by Je od as well as snac well. other European fo us we know them st and wait staff, tru se Karoon Guesthou amri road next to sd re Na s: es dr Ad 76 Tel No: 08 0915 15

For Sale 3,500,000 THB

House beach front, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Fully furnished.

For rent 40,000 THB

Condo for rent by the Beach 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Fully furnished.

For Sale 8,000,000

THB 2 bedrooms 3 bathrooms apartment beach front For sale Cha Am beach, Fully furnished.

For rent 30,000

THB Villa by the beach 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms and Fully furnished

RH O -0 13 2

Condo by the Beach 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms.

For rent 40,000 THB

RH O -0 13 6

RC O -0 09 6

Studio 1 bathroom apartment beach front For sale between Hua Hin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cha Am beach. Fully furnished.

For rent 30,000 THB

RC O -0 09 5

RH O -0 14 3

REGAL THAILAND GROUP

For Sale 12,000,000 THB

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms house beach front for sale in Cha-Am beach town. Fully furnished.

For rent 23,000 THB/Month

House in town 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

For rent 40,000 THB/Month

2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms apartment beach front For rent Cha Am beach. Fully furnished with facilities on site.

Laos Waterworks Officials Visit Hua Hin

he Mayor of Hua Hin Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul and Hua Hin Municipal Waterworks Office have welcomed staff of Luang Prabang Waterworks Office who took a field visit to the Hua Hin Municipal Waterworks Office last month. The field visit, coordinated by the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority of Thailand, aims to enhance the knowledge and professional experience of the Laos delegates about waterworks

affairs. The Thai side was led by the Director of the MWAT’s Department of Professional Training Mr. Wirun Sirinoppakhun and from Laos the Director of the Luang Prabang Waterwork Office Mr. Solit Jindamanee.

Regarding the waterworks systems of Hua Hin as best practice, this field visit allowed the Laos officials to see the sandflo filter at the Khao Laeng Waterworks Authority in Thab Tai District and the raw water process plants in Hua Hin Municipal areas. Mr. Solit said after the field visit that the waterworks in Hua Hin are a good role model of waterworks systems that should be used by other tourist areas. Luang Prabang is one of the most important tourist cities of Laos, similar to Hua Hin. Apart from fast development, the city often faces water shortages in summer. Apart from a plan to facilitate urban growth in the next 5 or 10 years, Luang Prabang may need to consider water management as an urgent agenda. The field visit to Hua Hin was

English Training for

Hua Hin Transport Drivers

useful for Laos delegates because it provided them with some ideas about to produce and manage sufficient water for local people and tourists.

Pranburi 2nd Festival of

Dried Squid & Seafood Tasting

he second Dried Squid and Seafood Tasting Festival is taking place between 10th and 11th August 2013 from 3 p.m. onwards each day on Pranburi beach.

One of the most famous holiday getaways of Prachuab Khirikhan, Pranburi is a district that boasts long stretching white sandy beaches and fresh seafood. ‘Muek Dad Diew’ or dried squid is one of the unmissable specialties the district has to offer to visitors. This festival will promote the local dish and other products of the district apart from boosting its tourism. As its name suggests, the highlight of this event is various dishes made

rivers of public buses and taxis are now invited to English language training on every Tuesday and Friday in July and on the 11th and 16th August. This training will be conducted by university students and foreign teachers.

ASEAN Community and English communication will be a must for service providers, particularly drivers of public vehicles. If the people use English fluently, they will be able to give useful and correct information to tourists. Doing so will impress them and make them come back to Thailand again.

According to the Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, many Thai and foreign tourists visit For more information on this activity, please Hua Hin every year because they are attracted contact the Social Welfare Division of Hua Hin to the charm this beachfront city has to offer. Municipality at tel. 032 511 047 ext. 221. In 2015, Thailand will become a member of the

from dried squid and fresh seafood. Visitors can enjoy other activities like kitesurfing, shopping and bossa nova styled music on the beach performed by famous Thai artists, namely Tattoo Color, Room 39, ETC., La Ong Fong, Friday, Ann Thitima and others. For more information, please contact the Pak Nam Sub District Administration Office at tel. 032 630 777 or Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Prachuab Khirikhan Office at tel. 032 513 885.

with unsuitable weather conditions or anything else which could jeopardise the flight. The tethering cable has a breaking strain in excess of 45 tons. This is compared to the maximum lift exerted by the balloon of just 2 tons. After taking into consideration the weight of all the equipment and the passengers, the balloon is actually only left with an upward pull of approximately 1/2 ton. The stress on the cable is in fact very small.

hese are the words from a song recorded in the late 60’s by The 5th Dimension. At the Magic Balloon Park, Hua Hin’s highest attraction is a beautiful yellow spherical heliumfilled balloon with a wicker gondola that carries 5 passengers. Here you can go for a ride in this balloon, however it is tethered by a high tensile steel cable so that you stay in one place (not away!) albeit 100 metres into the sky. The best time to take this ride with Russian pilot Alexander is reasonably early in the morning when the skies are clearer and the air is likely to be calmer. If you say 100 metres quickly it may not seem like very high but from that height sensational views of the countryside in every direction open up, including long stretches of the coastline. Remember that you are already at the highest point of the landscape before you ascend.

developed into more than a ‘one trick pony’. As a lasting memory of your flight you can use the services of a professional photography and video studio and be provided with a DVD or flash drive to show your friends the scenery and your adventure. Souvenirs are also on sale. this sort of operation rightly requires insurances If the kids need to stay ‘grounded’ then they can and licencing from Civil Aviation authorities. We enjoy many supervised playground activities and were also told that the initial fill of the balloon probably not even notice you’re gone. After the with helium added 1.1 million THB to the starting flight enjoy a meal (including breakfast) at the on- costs. The balloon has a volume of 1,350 cubic metres and a diameter of 14 metres. The balloon site restaurant. is made in the USA by the Aero Balloon Company However there is room for more development so and thoughtfully designed by an engineering if you are looking to establish a small business at team which has decades of experience in the the Park that fits in with the current attractions call civilian and military airship, aerostat and hotby and talk to the owners. Two plots are available. air balloon fields. The balloon also has internal We spoke to Anna Chudovskaya a very pleasant lighting systems and is an even more beautiful Ukrainian lady who developed the park with her sight after dusk.

The balloon is non-polluting, environmentally friendly, quiet and safe. The Park’s perfect safety record is set to continue with no chances being taken! Special Promotion Currently a balloon flight taken between 8.30 AM and 10.00 AM will be 300 THB per person. Nearby Attractions Why not combine your visit with an elephant experience at the Hutsadin Elephant Foundation right next door. Ask about baby ‘Songkran’ one of the many resident elephants with real personality! Where The location is 4 kilometres West of Hua Hin. Take Route 3218 towards the bypass highway and towards Hua Mongkol Temple. At the top of the hill look for the balloon on the right side of this road.

Contact: info@magicballoon.net The park opened in March 2012 and has already husband. This has been no small venture as Safety is paramount and risks are never taken tel. +66 (0) 861 654 696

ATLANTIS CLUB – ‘SUMMER KISS’ (Party That Is!)

he recent First Event of the newly renovated Atlantis Club was a ‘happening thing’ with over 300 party goers. This Event was on Saturday 20th July and organised by Bangkok Entertainment. The Summer Kiss theme was embraced by all, perhaps even when the party was over? To get everyone into the swing, a bottle of Smirnoff was a party gift for each group of five. The ladies on staff were also ready to party dressed in seductive red. All the ladies at the party were invited to apply their lipstick then place their most voluptuous smooch onto a whiteboard. When the gallery of kisses was complete the next stage was for all the guys to judge which kiss was the most appealing. Not an easy task but there was a winner who received a pearl necklace, followed by some lipstick for the runner up!

Additional entertainment for the night was provided top DJs accompanied by a saxophone player. The dancing went on well into the night.

The management has big plans for the future and Atlantis seems destined to become an entertainment centre for Hua Hin and more than just another bar. Perhaps something akin to a modern European entertainment venue and Club. We are told that Events; or perhaps we should say parties, are planned to be held on a monthly basis. The next Party will be on August 17th as a HIGH SECURITY PARTY. This means a show with ladies in uniforms and we are promised some more ‘high jinx’; games with security in mind. Perhaps something to do with handcuffs or bondage, but who knows? What is guaranteed is a great night of fun and entertainment. So mark this date in your ‘party diary now and don’t feel insecure! Where to Go? Atlantis Club is located close to Silakam Road (number 41); look for the large black and white sign.

Wine & Dine

@LET IC Fitness

Now a New Eating Experience in Hua Hin

he first thing I asked my colleague Khun Nok when we arrived at the newly opened @LECTIC Fitness Restaurant on site at the Company premises in Hua Hin was about the name ‘Letic’. It’s really quite simple if you look at the logo carefully. If you run the ‘At’ (@) together with the rest of the name it quickly becomes Atletic, or perhaps more correctly in English Athletic. After all that’s a prime aim of the fitness centre; producing fit athletes.

The complex already provides a car wash, a spa & massage centre as well as the fitness centre compete with a café offering a range of healthy food and energy supplements. However opening on 6th July there is now another reason to become We’re talking about appetisers, salads and soups a customer of @LETIC; to enjoy fine dining. with a Mediterranean touch, pasta, steaks and fish followed by desserts to round off your meal experience. For example; New Zealand mussels in white wine, carbonara salmon, salmon and mackerel, Australian steaks and last but not least apple flambé and crepe suzette. Our visit to the restaurant was without prior notice and not intended as a food review but it certainly impressed on a number of levels. First the eagerness of the hosts to offer assistance with the choice of the food and to offer ‘specials’ (particularly accompaniments and variation to the choice of sauces). They were also very engaging hosts with English language communication skills and BIG smiles. Second the commitment to Don’t be fooled by the modest surrounds and freshness with the ingredients being prepared on casual setting. On site is a very surprising dining site by chef Khun Nun. And last but not least, the experience. The couple operating the new very moderate costs of the menu items. Restaurant are partners Khun Nok and Chef Khun Nun. Khun Nun has vast experience in cooking By the way you may wish to ask Khun Nun about fine food going back some 18 years including a his balloon blowing tricks (wearing pirate head wear!) and come home with a swiftly created stint at the Anantara Resort. ‘balloon animal’ as a treat for the kids. What’s on offer here is not a roadside café menu or just ‘comfort food’ but a selection of carefully We are wondering what next will be on offer at @ selected items chosen by the hosts as their LETIC ?? Location: Soi 88, Hua Hin Open: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM personal favourites.

47 C

Apartment For Rent

Long term rent. Is located in Hua Hin Highland, 7 km from the city. Sea view apartment, 45m2 fully furnished. 1 bedroom with A/C,1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, Cable TV and roof terrace 25m2. 5.500THB per month. T.0877601063

Mooser August 5/1 Smor Prong

To advertise in this space Tel: 032 909 095 or Email: editor@huahintoday.com