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aunches of new condominiums soared in Hua Hin and Cha-am last year, driven by strong demand from both Thai and foreign buyers.Anukul Ratpitaksanti, deputy managing director of the consultancy Plus Property, said the growth followed stable sentiment in previous years. New condo units totalled 14,145, of which 58% or 8,200 were sold.The highest growth in supply and demand was in Cha-am, where supply rose 11 times from the level in 2011.Most units in Cha-am were priced at 60,000 to 79,999 baht a square metre, with a take-up rate of 57% in this price range.In the Khao Takiab area, units were offered at 40,000 to 59,999 baht per sq m on average. About 60% of units in this range were sold.”Consumers were interested in condos in Hua Hin and Cha-am offered by large and medium-sized developers in the mid- and low-priced segment,” Mr Anukul said.”Last year, units were offered at a discount or at stable prices due to high competition.”Plus Property expects the market in the popular beach destinations will continue growing, with an increase of 5-10% in selling prices.It expects more interest this year in condo units priced lower than 80,000 baht per sq m in Cha-am, Khao Takiab and Khao Tao. Suitable prices in Cha-am should be 50,000 to 70,000 baht per sq m, while 40,000 to 70,000 baht per sq m will be asked in Khao Takiab and Khao Tao.Beachfront units priced at more than 100,000 baht per sq m should also be in demand.Surachet Kongcheep, the senior manager of property consultant Colliers International Thailand, said the market in Hua Hin and Cha-am will continue to grow due to the area’s proximity to Bangkok.Condo units and single houses priced lower than 4 million baht are in demand, while Cha-am is appealing to buyers because it is cheaper than in Hua Hin.
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ondominium developer Grand U enjoys significant growth with over 3,100 Million Baht in realized revenue last year. The exceeding achievement can be credited to product quality, location, price, as well as improving brand awareness. The firm is confident their revenue will be as high as nearly 4,000 Million Baht as projects will be finished and ready for ownership transfer and as new projects will be launched to satisfy the demand of younger consumers seeking a residence of their own. A dedicated team of staffs has been established to render comprehensive assistance for Grand U customers.
Neramit Srangiam, Managing Director, Grand Unity Development Co., Ltd., or Grand U, announces the company has had a satisfactory performance in 2012. Four new projects were launched with value totaling 4,100 Million Baht. The realized revenue of 3,100 Million Baht is much higher than the established target as well. This success can be attributed to good construction quality meeting accepted standards. As many as 80% of the customers agreed to accept their units upon first inspection as they found them to be well executed beyond their expectation. Ownership of all units at each project was transferred in a very short time, reflecting how the customers are confident in the thoroughness of the developer. The majority of Grand U customers purchase their units for own use. An internal survey finds actual occupancy rate to be as high as 90% at all projects. As such, the firm is confident of growth in a similar fashion in 2013. He shares, “It was a fantastic year for us in 2012 with higher realized revenue than we expected. Our people have dedicated so much to building the Grand U brand. Our company is in fact built on quality. We are able to complete the construction of condominium buildings in a shorter time while maintaining the usual standard. This is why we can transfer the units and realize our revenue more quickly. Grand U is very particular about after-sales service. We try our best to preserve the surrounding within the premise of our projects so they will look as good as on the day customers move in. It is quality such as this that contributes to the pleasure of our customers. Our brand is then further strengthens when they recommend us to their friends and family members.” And as a guarantee of our quality, we can share that our U Delight @ Huaykwang project has recently been presented with the Starred House Award by the Office of Consumer Protection Board for project quality, fair governance and absence of complaints by residents. Customers have moved into U Delight @Huaykwang
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lpine Saleforce Ltd. has opened a office in central Hua Hin, Alpine Salesforce is a danish run and owned telemarketing company. Via their advanced IP Phone-System, their experienced danish employees, daily service danish and international companies with quality telemarketingservices. The team behind Alpine Saleforce is built around a modern management and hardworking and competent staff, who all share the relevant industry experience.Alpine Saleforce has existed since 2004 in Denmark and since 2010 in Thailand, and has since become a very successful business, with strong partnerships with their clients. Alpine Salesforces goal is to be the absolute best telemarketing company around, based on the measurable results they create for their clients. Alpine Saleforce today employs a total of 35 telemarketeers. Their mindset is that when their client grows they grow as well. To Alpine Salesforce telemarketing is a tool, one which can create success. in 2010 but the surrounding within the premise Success in securing meetings, success in increasing remains as new as it was in the beginning. Our thanks go out to our Home Friendly Team whose members sales and improving clients services. provide close support to the residents and assist with any repair work necessary within the individual units and the communal areas. Customers experiencing a difficulty can alert the team of their needs on a 24/7 They chose Hua Hin, as a base, basis via the online system. A contact center is also in because Hua Hin first of all has place at 02-652-4000 to handle inquiries on projects, a very good reputation as the maintenance request and maintenance status. In this King´s city. Hua Hin also has a year, our Home Friendly Team will become an even very developed infrastructure. stronger force in the care of our residents. Home They also found Hua Hin to be Friendly Team members will inspect the execution a very friendly city and easy to of each unit to ensure 120% perfection level before get around for their employees. handing them over to the customers. They will then The city also have an wide continue to assist residents once they have moved in. aray of different housing You can say they are very good friends our customers opportunities for employees. will cherish having.” And of cause one must not Grand U expects to achieve a realized revenue of forget the nice climate and the 3,800 Million Baht in 2013, primarily from the long beachline, which is never ownership transfer of units at three projects. Five new far away. projects will be launched with a total value of over By Eleni 5,000 Million Baht The company has seven projects whose construction is in progress and as such will realize more revenue in the coming years. Some of the projects being launched this year target younger buyers with lower price and designs they should find appealing. Neramit elaborates on this, “Our business plan this year focuses on the segment of property we labeled Condo U with a price tag around 1.5 Million Baht for younger buyers and first jobbers, to make it Thailand’s economy is rapidly gaining momentum on loose monetary easier for them to have a place of their own. We have launched two such projects in 2012: Condo U @ and fiscal policies, but it may be growing too quickly for its own good, Huamark Station and Condo U Ratchayothin. Both according to Nomura Research. were a huge success with all units sold in two months. hai authorities have insisted that they remain conscious of not compromising fiscal sustainability. The This is a clear sign of the demand for lower priced medium-term fiscal plan, which incorporates large-scale infrastructure spending, is to keep public debt condominium units. It has become evident also that below 50 per cent of gross domestic product, allowing a 10-percentage-point buffer against external our buyers are younger than before with some only 22 or 25 years of age. We will try to implement more shocks given the legal limit of 60 per cent of GDP. Authorities envisage a balanced budget by 2017, which marketing activities targeting these fresh graduates or implies that short-term measures that were criticised as populist are likely to be allowed to expire. first jobbers.” Nomura maintains its economic growth forecast for Thailand - 4.5 per cent versus 6.4 per cent last year - but Grand U’s latest introduction is the Condo U @ is biased towards an upward revision. At this level, Thailand will outperform all countries in Southeast Asia Paholyothin Station. Located in the quiet locale of except Indonesia, which is expected to expand by 6.1 Soi Paholyothin 23, this 4-rai property with only per cent this year. Given the robust outlook, Nomura 407 units is ideal for an urban life with not only is comfortable with its forecast that the Bank of 60% open space for recreation but also accessibility Thailand will keep its policy rate unchanged through from Paholyothin Road, Vibhawadee Road, as well 2013.This assumed that inflation would not breach as a shortcut to Ratchadapisake Road. The site of the target. While inflation is still low, domestic Condo U @ Paholyothin Station is right next to SCB demand is very strong.”In our view, if the BOT had it Park Plaza where the headquarters of several large its way, it would hike policy rates in the second half, corporations are located, making it an interesting but it faces strong political pressure to cut the policy choice in the new central business district. Condo rate further in a bid to stem the baht appreciation.” U @ Paholyothin Station is very well received with nearly 2,000 customers registering for the right to On political risk, Nomura said discussion of the amnesty bill is ongoing, while the referendum on purchase. Neramit gives a concluding remark, “I believe that the constitutional amendment may be delayed, Grand U will become stronger as a brand through suggesting Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra our business plan which focuses on responding to is taking a more a practical approach and not actual market requirements and through the attention pushing the agenda too hard. Overall, the political we pay to construction quality. Our performance will environment remains calm, but there are potential flashpoints. undoubtedly benefit as a result.”
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happened to explore a Buddhist monastery called “Dharma Sawang Khao Tao” or as it is also known “Wat Khao Tao”. The temple was built in 1966 and located in Khao Tao, a small village around 15 km south of Hua Hin at the foot of Khao Tao Hill.
Outside the room, a glass cabinet displays ancient Funan coins, some of the oldest items on display. Funan was the Chinese name of an ancient Kingdom located around the Mekong Delta of Southern Vietnam and in Southern Indochina. The name is found in Chinese historical texts describing the Kingdom. The most extensive descriptions are largely based on the report of two Chinese diplomats representing the Wu Kingdom of Nanking who travelled to Funan in the mid-3rd Century A.D. The name Funan is not found in any texts of local origin. It is not known which name the people of Funan gave to their country. I also saw swords from the Dvaravati Period of the 6th – 13th Centuries. As well there were mirrors made of bronze from the Lopburi Period of the 11th – 14th Centuries. Pra Ajarn showed me animal bones over 1,000 years old that are believed to have been used as medicine by powdering the bone and mixing it with Thai medicinal herbs or plants.
Por Tan Jai’ sitting high above other Buddha statues in the middle of the room. Lhaung Por Tan Jai was built in the U Thong Period, dating from the twelfth through to the fifteenth century in central Thailand more than 600 years ago. It was found under the water of the Chao Prahya River 40 Pra Ajarn cannot speak English. For foreigners years ago. Buddha images in U Thong Period were visiting the museum there is an English explanation three styles including fusion of the Dvaravati and card described item’s name, usage and history. Khmer styles. They would typically adorn a lotus bud aureole with Khmer facial features. The second style is similar to Lopburi images. The most recent U Thong style has considerable influence from Sukhothai images.
I was amazed when I entered an antique museum on the same floor as a lofty statute of Bodhisattva, a Chinese lady in white dress standing loftily in front of a Dharmacakra, also known as a wheel of Dharma or wheel of life, a symbol represented Lord Buddha’s teaching or Dharma. Walking behind the Bodhisattva statute, I found the museum at the end of a pathway. The museum is rather small. I met with Pra Kroo Palad Narongsak or Pra Ajarn, a Buddhist monk. As an antique collector, Pra Ajarn brought all the antique items with him from Bangkok when he first moved here many years ago.
I walked further inside near the Buddha statues in the middle of the room. I found a small room on the right hand side where many ancient items are kept. There are some Chinese weapons used in wars from the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). I also spotted an animal horn trumpet made of cow or buffalo horns used for signaling in periods of war. Besides, I saw a portrait of King Taksin, a variety of Chinese and Thai swords used in ancient wars and many more items lay in this room.
Today the place is an antique museum displaying some items dated back 4,000 years. There are over 10,000 pieces of household items, weapons of war and accessories kept from generation to generation by Pra Ajarn’s family. He told me that he has given all the items to the Dhamma Sawang Khao Tao Temple to use only for education purposes. Most of the pieces displayed in the museum were collected by four generations of his family. Many of the historical items were passed to him by his Great Great Grandmother who was a chef working in the Royal Palace kitchen during the reign of King Monkut or Rama IV. “All items I have acquired are rare to find and see. I am afraid that the name of these antiques and their usages will soon be forgotten” he said. I found a beautiful Buddha image called ‘Lhaung
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iam Firm Inter Laws was established by Khun Somsak Chopaka an Attorney at Law with 30 years of working experience in domestic and international law, for individuals both foreign and local, domestic entities and inhouse legal counsel for numerous established international companies. Khun Somsak will be giving legal advice about the ever changing situation in regards to Thai Law and keeping readers up to date with the constant changing business and social environment here in Thailand.
work permit or barring that a long term visa of some sort such as a Non immigration O which is the visa for marriage, retirement or family members. There is a myriad of choices and policies to choose from which can be daunting especially with the different information and language barriers encountered. There are two types of insurance here in Thailand; life insurance and non-life insurance which include possessions, cars and property.
With regards to road accidents the Thai system does not use the words right or wrong, but rather the wrong party is considered to have committed the act by negligent means. If you are involved in a traffic accident and are the victim then you have the opportunity to sue the negligent party for one year. Damages incurred on the car, medical expenses, work compensation and any concerned expense such as the rental fees of a replacement car can all When you take out insurance on say a property, if it be requested. Please also not that if no party is found were to be damaged or destroyed then the insurance to be negligent and the police become involved then As a foreigner in Thailand you can easily apply for company will compensate you for the amount of normally they will deem one party negligent. and gain life insurance, but you are required to have a the property or damage. One factor that should be But if they cannot determine the wrongful party considered is to only take out insurance equal they will consider both parties to be negligent and to the value of the property being insured. drag both parties to court by submitting a criminal This is because if you take out an insurance case between the two parties to settle the dispute. policy of five million baht on your house but Usually the insurance company in this situation will the real value is only one million you will compensate the party not at fault first and then wait only be compensated up to one million baht for reimbursement from the party at fault or their while paying the extra premium of the five insurance company if they have one. million. The chance of losing large property Lawyer comment: Thai people don’t worry so such as a house is slim, there has to be a much about insurance, they are usually adventurous catastrophic event such as fire, an earthquake and take a “whatever happens solve it later or large storm. Usually only a part of the approach”. This isn’t the same mentality shared by property will be damaged such as the roof foreigners, especially if they are residing overseas and as such it is not uncommon for people to long term. Thai insurance companies do not have the take out insurance to the amount where large best reputation and are not as effective as they should repairs may be compensated, but not insure be. This is because it is always difficult for them to for the entire property. pay compensation, say if a case for compensation of
a car cannot be negotiated for less than two hundred thousand baht. Then they will let you take the case to court and sue them for fulfilling obligations, dragging the case out until the court orders them to pay up, this will of course waste the clients time and money to follow up. Insurance has its uses and it can help you out when it is needed but you have to be wary and think it through on which one is the best for you. If you have your own case or any questions regarding law in Thailand please feel free to write in to us and we will answer any questions or concerns in this column. By Somsak Chopaka of Siam Firm Inter Laws
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The Executive Director of San Paulo Hospital Hua Hin, Bamrung Thongborisuth led his football team in a friendship match against the team of Pol. Lt. Col. Sathaporn Sa-nguansuk from the Cha-Am/Hua Hin Police Station on 8th March 2013.
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Siam Jasmine is situated in the centre
of Cha-am south At the head of soy busstation, known as the entertainment street. (gaolai road 304/9)
The house was fully refurbished in 2012 to the original style with a beautiful ambiance were you can enjoy a delicious and fresh meal In the back you can find a small family hotel with deluxe rooms and a swimming pool to make your stay in Cha-am feel home. Restaurant & hotel siam jasmine is situated in the centre of Cha-am south At the head of soy busstation. (gaolai road 304/9)
See you soon!
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SPA & HEALTH
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he 6th of April is Chakri Memorial Day (Wan Chakkri). This recognizes as the Coronation Day of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Reign: 1782– 1809) who established the Chakri Dynasty pronounced in Thai “Ratchawong Chakri” and the Rattanakosin Kingdom known as Bangkok City today. It is also regarded as the Foundation Day of Bangkok. On 6th of April 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, a renowned military leader, the man who was to become the king was known as Chaophraya Chakri, succeeded King Taksin and ascended the throne. On 21st of April 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke moved the capital of Siam from Thonburi to Krung Thep (Bangkok) and named the new kingdom to “Krungthep Mahanakorn Baworn Rattanakosin” which was later changed to “Krungthep Mahanakorn Amorn Rattanakosin” by King Mongkut (Rama IV). During his reign, he also built the Grand Palace and has been bestowed the title King Buddha Yodfa the Great, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty. Bangkok’s full ceremonial name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit The Chakri Dynasty has continued on to the present Thai Monarchy. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth King (Rama IX), the Great Bhumibol Adulyadej (Reigned since 1946, coronation 5 May 1960) His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the World’s longest-serving current Head of State and the longest-reigning Monarch in Thai history. The House’s dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Customary Practices The first Chakri day was held on 6th April 1918 at the time of King Mongkut, the 4th King in the Chakri Dynasty. It is customary for the King and other Members of the Royal Family to preside over a religious ceremony honouring the previous Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. Thai people are generally very patriotic and Chakri Day is a holiday which gives many people the opportunity to pay respects to the various monarchs who have played important roles in ruling Thailand. This royal religious ceremony can be observed on Thai’s TV channels on the 6th of April.
Hua Hin’s Family Tree Shares Crafts, Culture and Community with Inspired Artists from across ASEAN This pioneering celebration convened several hundred artists, performers and social enterprises from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan; alongside government, the private sector, students and academia.
The event showcased how community based arts, crafts, performance and tourism are contributing towards sustainable livelihoods and adding value to the distinctive identities and authentic charm of ASEAN tourism destinations. Ms. Premruethai Tosermkit, owner-manager of the Family Tree, boutique store ‘for crafts, culture and community’, located on Naresdumri Road, joined the Thai delegation. She had been invited to make ast month, Hua Hin was firmly on the map at a presentation, and run a three hour workshop on the LIKHA ASYA, a four-day celebration of the ‘communicating the value of local arts and crafts.’ The Family Tree sources products from over 30 social and creative ingenuity of the Asian peoples, in the The workshop shared tips and advice, illustrating how environmental initiatives, including crafts cooperatives, fields of community theatre, community-based tourism the Family Tree communicates the unique and inspiring women’s groups, ethnic minorities and artists with and the creative industries. stories behind Thai arts and crafts, by weaving media, special needs. Treasures include award-winning, natural Held in Bohol, The Philippines, by The Philippine presentation, hands-on activities and social networking. dyed and hand-woven Thai silks; natural cosmetics; National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in Participants also honed their presentation skills and spun vibrant paintings of Thai life; and sculptures, jewelry, toys and accessories made from recycled materials. cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism, silk with chopsticks! Department of Trade and Industry, and the Provincial Operated according to the principles of Fair Trade, this The creative impulse behind the LIKHA ASEAN, Mr. Government of Bohol, the LIKHA ASYA was a vibrant friendly, family-run social enterprise offers an inspiring Lutgardo Luza Labad, Artistic Director of the LIKHA cross-cultural exchange, including a festival, conference, and unique collection of Thai arts and crafts, handmade ASYA Event and Head of the Drama Committee of the workshops and community arts and crafts fair. by local community groups and independent artisans. Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts had visited the Family Tree in 2012, while conducting research on community arts and performance in the region. Mr. Labad was impressed with the vision of the Family Tree to share the people and places behind Thai arts and crafts with visitors to Hua Hin, many of whom do not venture far into rural Thailand.
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Also representing Thailand, presenting their inspiring work at the LIKHA ASYA were Professor Jittasak Putjorn, ecology and tourism professor at Silpakorn University, Petchburi campus; Ms. Potjana Suansri, Director of the Thailand Community-based Tourism Institute; and Mr. Bhumin Dhanaketpisarn, a theater for development artist from the Makhampom Foundation.
Her husband, Peter was born in England, and has lived in Thailand for over 12 years, inspired by the diversity, colour and creativity of Thai life. During this time, Peter has been an English teacher, a tour leader, regional Responsible Tourism Manager for Intrepid Travel, and worked alongside Thai colleagues assisting local Thai communities to develop cultural exchange programs. In 2006, Premruethai and Peter helped 30 women in her home village to set up ‘Tae Moh Hai’, or ‘Our Friends’ Hands’ in local Kuy language. This women’s group make natural dyed Thai silks, and cut and stitch bags and clothing. According to Premruethai, “The Family Tree was the next big step. Peter and I decided to open a shop together, which could support many different good causes around Thailand. We wanted to start a family business which would also help to sustain Thai crafts and creativity for future generations.” A signature product in the shop is pure, black silk, naturally dyed using ebony seeds. Dying with ebony requires plenty of rain for a good harvest, alongside long spells of bright sunlight to turn the ebony dye from green to black. If climate is not kind, it can take two to three years to dye the silk to pure black.
The Family Tree was planted in Hua Hin by Premruethai Recognizing that local arts and crafts inevitably rely on and Peter, in July 2011, as a family business with a social nature, the Family Tree team are also keen tree-planters. Premruethai and Peter work with a group of like-minded and environmental mission. friends to implement the ‘Greener Tomorrow’ project. Premruethai (Dtor) was born in Sri Saket province, northeastern Thailand. She is native Kuy, an ethnic group with Since it’s inception in 2009, the project has raised funds, their own distinct language and culture, who live around time and energy to plant more than 30,000 trees. The the Thai-Cambodian border. During her childhood, trees have been planted in Buddhist temple grounds, Premruethai was surrounded by local artisans, natural where they are cared for by local community members. dyed silk, weaving, festivals and the friendly warmth of In 2013, the team plan to expand tree planting to rural Thai life. For ten years, Premruethai has worked Prachuab Khirikan province. with a network of Buddhist Monks and laypeople to The Family Tree is open daily from 10.00 to 22.00. For support cultural and environmental work in and around more information, see www.familytree-huahin.com or her village and further afield. contact premruethai.t@familytree-huahin.com
36 Courtesy of www.kiteboardtour.asia
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The Asian Kiteboard Championship Tour at Pak Nam Pran Beach on March
he Pak Nam Pran event follows directly on the heels of the Kitesurf Association Thailand’s own National Championship in Hua Hin the weekend before at Surfspot, which is planned to enable all the Thai riders to make just one journey to the area for two events and for the early birds from the KTA to warm up to the Thai conditions in advance of the Asia Tour event. The KTA helps to support the Thai Nationals and they hope that they can see many more of these iniatives develop over the coming seasons around Asia as it gives as sport a solid foundation to grow from. With a total discipline entry of 85 for this round the Kitezone KTA Thailand was set to be another busy competition, but with this being the home event for the KTA the Thailand rounds are always a chilled affair and very much the kite event by kiters for kiters. Based once again at the Kitezone Pranburi things were warming up nicely as the last of the riders arrived and the KTA Kite Kids went into action for another very successful of power kite training sessions for the local Thai champions of the future.
Freestyle Men 1. Hironobu Nakano (JPN) 2.Yo Narapichit Pudla (THA)3.Michael Khromykh (UKR)
RB Class Women 1. Fon Benyapa Jantawan (THA) 2. Aya Oshima (JPN)3. Kathrin Borgwardt (GER)
Freestyle Ladies 1. Kristiin Oja (EST) 2. Estefania Rosa (BRA) 3. Aya Oshima (JPN)
TT Class Men 1. Doque De Los Santos (PHL) 2. Xiao Cheng Deng (CHN) 3. Jay Ortiz (PHL)
RB Class Men 1. Yo Narapichit Pudla (THA) 2. Ken Nacor (PHL) 3. Pravit Buajutturas (THA)
TT Class Women 1. Anny Barlow (USA) 2. Yue Chen Jing (CHN) 3. Lisa Nikitina (UKR)
LA HAINE (HATE) art house & international, drama
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rance has had a long and unfortunate history of intolerance toward outsiders. This very powerful drama looks at racially diverse group of young people trapped in the Parissian economic and social underclass. The main characters are Vinz who’s jewish, Hubert who’s black and Said who’s arab. these three young’s who belong to the lower rungs of the French economic ladder, live their daily routine when one day the police beat and left unconscious an Arab student. After that a riot begins during which a policeman loses his gun. Whoever took it is about to use it in an unexpected time.... This is a 1995’s black n’ white movie which has touched several of people throughout the ages! DIRECTOR : Mathiew Kassovitz ACTOR : Vincent Cassel, Hubert Kounde, Said Taghmaoui
BIENVENUE CHEZ LES CH’TIS
(WELCOME TO THE LAND OF CH’TIS) comedy
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hilippe is a post office manager working in the South of France who is being punished by his superiors and been reassigned in North. When he hears that “North” does not mean Lyon or even Paris but Bergues he despairs as his collegues tell him of a freezing dark place with much of a rain and in hospital people. By getting there Philippe finds himself in misunderstandings and he is straggling to gras the area’s unique dialect. Despite it’s extremely simplistic screenplay Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis is the most succesfull film in France (over 20 million tickets). Dany Boon touches upon national stereotypes and prejudices and that’s what makes the film so popular. However, because the spoken language in the film is a unique dialect , can be easily lost in translation! DIRECTOR : Dany Boon ACTOR : Kad Merad, Dany Boon, Zoe Felix, Anne Marivin
JEUX D’ENFANTS (LOVE ME IF YOU DARE)
drama, romance
It’s a story about Julien and Sophie whose bizarre friendship has been ongoing since childhood. Before Julian’s mother died she gave to her son a tin carousel. It was then that the pair developed a game.. This game is naive in the beggining then charming and at the end becomes very unbearable. A game that will continue for years. The players will be shown, dare, and be lost. Love or the attempt to escape love will cause them to waste their lives,hurt and get hurt. The game can end only in one way and compromise is a word that neither of them knows.... DIRECTOR : Yann Samuell ACTOR : Guillaume Canet, Marion Cotillard
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he internationally and critically acclaimed masterpiece, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will be staged in Bangkok at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. Tickets go on sale and given the popularity of this timeless, romantic and much loved musical, tickets will be highly sought after.“It is a dream come true for Thailand to experience THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA right here in Bangkok. This worldrenowned musical with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score, the spectacular sets and dazzling special effects will bring the legendary love story into life,” said Mr. Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of BEC-Tero Entertainment. As the longest running musical on Broadway, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA recently celebrated it’s 25 year anniversary and has won more than 50 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards. “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA here in Thailand will be performed by talented international casts. Therefore we are really excited to be able to present this entertainment masterpiece to musical lovers in Thailand. Everyone should see this amazing musical at least once in their lifetime,” said Mr. Marcar. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano - Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealously, madness and passions collide. With spectacular sets and more than 230 costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, THE
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous music, including “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Music of the Night”. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical is based upon the novel Le Fantome De L’Opera by Gaston Leroux. Original London production by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is presented in Thailand by BEC-Tero Scenario. From more information : www.thaiticketmajor.com
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LIGHTS OUT FOR SHERATON HUA HIN RESORT & SPA HOTEL GOES DARK FOR EARTH HOUR 2013
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heraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa went dark for Earth Hour 2013 as part of worldwide movement for environment “Protect the Earth – Switch off as your vote” on March 23, 2013.The resort joined millions around the world in turning off lights for Earth Hour 2013 to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action. Earth Hour 2013 takes place on March 23 at 8:30 p.m. local time. Created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest movement for the planet in human history, spanning 7,000 cities, 152 countries, with a digital reach of 200 million. This year’s theme is “Uniting People to Protect the Planet.” With that in mind, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa will activate a range of energy-saving measures during Earth Hour. Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa organized “Protect the Earth – Switch off as you vote” by spending an hour in the dark. The resort dimmed non-essential interior lighting and turned off exterior signage lighting. Guests were invited to observe Earth Hour through in-room television messages & public area promotional television. Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa also used candlelight to decorate a “60-minutes” sign during the 1 hour switched off. Whilst promoting a climate friendly resort by turning off air conditioners and switching off the lights in all guestrooms. Valued guests were invited to join “Glow in the Dark” activities on the Island Lawn by wearing white. Last year, Earth Hour broke records to cement itself as the largest voluntary action for the environment. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.“It’s a privilege for us to support such a powerful movement with such a simple gesture,” said Martin Raich, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa “Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round: The small steps each of us take can make a big difference together.”Starwood’s pioneering Global Citizenship philosophy reflects the same dedication to sustainability among its 171,000 associates worldwide. In 2012, more than 650 hotels participated in Earth Hour in various ways. This year will mark Starwood’s fifth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest worldwide companies to make a pronounced global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness. Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by 2020 across its entire portfolio.
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