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Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
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Volume 9 Issue 5 March 2012
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Oriental Living
he grand opening of Oriental living was a glamorous occasion. Many Hua Hin residents and VIP´s were on location to celebrate the opening up of the Oriental living furniture supplier.
The manager incharge Khun Martin proudly presented the products and patrons had the possibility to stroll though the Oriental Living quarters embracing these wonderful , modern but sheer luxury designs.
Needles to mention the broad spectrum of food and drinks displayed on the premises with live music and a power point presentation of their businesses.
The Oriental Living, a leading furniture importer/exporter of Asia, is currently available at Hua Hin within wide range of imported household accessories from China that suit The company is located on Petschkasem Road perfectly well with hotels, guesthouses, resorts a few meters North of the Hua Hin Hospital on and condos of Thais and foreigners alike. the left outbound side. The executive board chairman of San Sai Besides an interesting crowd from Hua Hin Furniture Co. Ltd. Mr. U-Don Allsan said that , there is a fabulous presentation of Living the Oriental Living Furniture Store had opened Room , Bedroom and Kitchen furniture. All of its new branch on Phetchkasem-Boh Fai Road the best quality and renowned brands. And all in central Hua Hin. neatly arranged in zones.
To accommodate all customers so that they In addition a collection of ancient and vintage find items they want easily and quickly, the articles from Thai and Chinese origin, store is divided into different sections or zones. beautifully exhibited and smartly spot-lighted. For instance, the A zone is where customers can find many cabinets, tables, beds, chairs and couches with modern design and high standard; the B zone has all household utensils; the C zone has various kinds of electric lamps; the E zone has ceramic china, water jars and vases of different sizes.
of high quality materials so customers can be assured of durability and unique style. The price of the products varies from 1,000 Baht to 1,000,000 Baht.
“Both Thais and foreigners that staying at Hua Hin , Cha-Am can visit us and buy the items the store for offer. In case they don’t Mr. U-Don added that know how to decorate their home with our all products at the store, products, we have professional architects to imported directly from give suggestions,” said Mr. U-Don. China and ASEAN member The main objective of the Oriental Living countries, are suitable for Furniture Store is to sell household accessories both houses and hotels. In to local buyers with reasonable price so that addition, they were made they do not have to take time to order the
products they want by themselves. Just visiting the store and make booking, the item will be delivered right at doorstep. At the moment, the store is offering a ‘summer’ sale promotion. Besides importing products from outside Thailand, the Oriental Living is also exporting Thai furniture to Europe, particularly the Scandinavian countries like Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. This will internationalize Thai furniture for foreign markets and prepare the country in terms of free-trade business for the upcoming ASEAN Community in the next few years.
Marrakesh Residences - Resort & Spa C onveniently located alongside Hua Hin’s beach lies the Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa.
by GMoss
Combining modern characteristics with exotic and unique Moroccan charms, the alluring architectural style of Marrakesh has been finely utilized to create a truly modern definition of understated elegance. A delicate fusion of intricate lines of arches, rich colors, sultry textures and patterns helps to create an atmosphere of luxurious relaxation. A unique combination of a residential development with hotel facilities and Spa located on the beach in Hua Hin. A quite surprising, romantic set up with a mistic Arab, “Thousand and one Night” touches.
Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa has magically transformed the Hua Hin seaside into an other worldly oasis, where guests can unwind their sense and experience a destination of retreat. Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort &Spa has fashioned elegant suites in four mesmerizing ambiences: The Jacuzzi Suite, The Fountain Pool Suite, The Oceanfront Suite, and The Celestial Suite. Noora Spa: The signature treatments have combined a touch of mystical secrets from the Indian heritage and legends. Magic healing candles have been infused by beautiful fragrances and natural/pure gold powder. The candles melt to create softness and shine for your skin. This presents a truly unique and luxurious massage experience. Noora Spa’s exotic retreat offers seven treatment rooms of which four VIP treatments rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi and a steam room. Restaurant: The Al Hamra Restaurant serves seductive flavors’ fused between East and West. With freshly Selected ingredients, delectable dishes are served either in a-lacarte or buffet style. You can enjoy them along the poolside or enjoy private catering in the Pavilion Room.
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Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Property News
Jones Lang LaSalle shows
confidence in Bangkok property market Courtesy of http://www.property-report.com
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he property firm Jones Lang LaSalle Thailand is confident a property bubble remains impossible despite the oversupply of condominiums. The managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle, Suphin Mechuchep, talked about the strength of the Thai property market at an Investment Expo in Bangkok. “The Thai property market is active, particularly condominiums in inner Bangkok, despite domestic political problems and sluggish Western economies. Thai property prices are one-tenth those in Hong Kong and Singapore, while the Thai economy remains strong and people have
cash on hand. Property purchases are a way to compete with inflation, especially if it’s an investment for rent” she said. Popular locations in the city for property investment include Narathiwat, Charoen Kung, Chan roads and Sukhumvit Road from soi 1 to 63. The opening of CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9 and development of a new SET building on Rama IX Road makes that area ripe for more condominium growth according to the Bangkok Post. The floods in Bangkok last year affected the property market the same way the 2004 tsunami affected prices on Phuket, but prices on Phuket are now double what they were before the tsunami.
Reinvention for Grande Asset
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New city plan speeds up
development of condominiums Courtesy of www.http://www.property-report.com
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roperty firms in Bangkok are moving ahead with the development of new condominiums before the limitations of the new city plan come into effect on May 15, 2013. The new city plan states that high-rise construction with utilisation space of more than 10,000 square metres in a middle-density population area, in the central business districts will have to be located on a main road that is wider than 16 metres. In the current city plan, property firms can build high-rise residences with space utilisation of more than 10,000 square metres on a road only 10 metres wide. The new city plan would mean property firms can build high-rises on the main road only. They cannot build on land in a sub-
Located on Sukhumvit Soi 27, the four to five-star hotel/residential property is already in the stages of development and cultivation. The other four to five star/hotel residential property development on Sukhumvit Soi 13 is already gearing up with state of the art design and facilities. Grande Asset plans to continue construction in order to be completed as planned. The new board of directors draws experts in fields from property development, finance, economics, and tourism. Independent director on the board of directors and former Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phornsiri Manoharn says that due to the large ranges of tourists with different economic backgrounds, the multitude of price ranges and stars are so vast and different that Grande Asset has a plethora of routes to explore.
In preparation for the ASEAN vision approaching in 2020, Grande Asset is multiplying their property projects in Bangkok. With two premium projects already on Bangkok’s real estate pipeline, Grande Asset is confident that they can remain prominent in Thailand’s realty market, despite oversupply of properties and units.
Mr. Wichai Thongtang, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, is confident in Grande Asset’s bright future, “We have a new management structure and we have a team that has top-level experience in key industry segments that will promote the company to even greater heights.”
road or in a soi. The exception is for locations 500 metres from the Skytrain and underground train junctions according to The Nation. Locations termed high density population areas will find space utilisation for high-rise residences has been cut from not more than 10,000 square metres to not more than 2,000 square metres on a road that has to be wider than 10 metres. The new city plan means property firms who own land on a road less than 10 metres or 16 metres wide will not be able to build their condominium projects once the plan comes into effect. The new city plan will limit the amount of condominiums being built in certain locations and is expected to raise the price of condominiums.
Thailand Expects 5% GDP Growth in 2012
Courtesy of www.http://www.property-report.com
ith a new logo, board of directors, and year to truly make a dent in Thailand’s property market, Grande Asset in starting 2012 with a bang. After restructuring the company and revamping their investment plans, Grande Asset is already on the mend from a rocky relationship with prior shareholder, Lehman Brothers, as the company claimed bankruptcy in 2008. But, four years later and still a dominant presence in both Bangkok and Hua Hin leaves room for growth and new property developments to prevail. With established and popular properties such as the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, The Trendy Condominium, the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa Hotel, and Hua Hin Blue Lagoon, the regenerated company is ready to explicate their projects.
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he Thai Government expects a strong GDP growth of 5 percent in 2012, with more export diversification into the Middle East, India, and ASEAN. Emphasis will also be placed on Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan, all of which have implemented free trade agreements (FTA) with Thailand, which will benefit from tariff elimination. Regarding natural disasters, the Prime Minister said that the Government plans to issue an executive decree to seek loans amounting to 350 billion baht for water management. Speaking about Thailand’s GDP growth this year, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra cited 2012 as the year of challenges for Thailand as it works to restore confidence
Courtesy of http://thailand-business-news.com
in the country following the flood crisis last year and the ongoing global economic uncertainties. She urged the people to monitor the changing situation and adjust themselves, so that they would be able to move forward amidst the challenges.
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Property News
Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Homes and Vacation Villas with Finance in Hua Hin, Thailand
n the beautiful and friendly Hua Hin there are so many wonderful vacation villas and homes that you can buy and call your own. Whether you are staying long term or are on your yearly holiday. It doesn’t matter because there is something perfect for everyone. However, buying a vacation villa or home can be a little difficult sometimes. What if you just don’t have the money to cover the whole payment in one go? Well there’s an easy solution for that. Get a loan or a finance plan with a bank. The idea is plain and simple, the bank lends you the money that you need and you’ll have to pay it back over time with a little interest. However, they usually require some sort of evidence or proof that you can actually pay the money back with time. E.g.: having a constant income from your job.
Most banks in Thailand can offer you loans based on this system. The only problem is that its incredibly difficult or even impossible to obtain one as foreigner . As a foreigner the proof of your ability to pay back the loan is much harder to support. Because either you are retired or you only come to Thailand on a monthly basis. Therefore it’s not possible or
very difficult to secure a loan with a Thai bank. Developers in Hua Hin got their ideas flowing and are offering finance plans of their own!. That basically means that you don’t have to go through any difficulties trying to associate with a loan from a Thai bank. You could alternatively go to the developer and work out their plans of payment over the period of time with their terms and interest. Speaking a language that you understand and no mistakes or misunderstanding could be made.
La Vallee, Baan Warin, Hua Hin Nice Breeze, Black Lotus, Sunset Village, Greenscape are a series of developments that are offering financing plans making it easier for everyone to own a home or vacation villa in beautiful Hua Hin. The most common payment plans are usually structured around initial down payments of 20% - 40% and monthly payments over 6 to 20 years. However you might not have the cash required to pay the large sum of money as a down payment or first stage payment for such a delightful home. But, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. If you still wish to purchase a vacation villa or a permanent home- stay, there is another
alternative with Developments financial plans in Hua Hin: Marble Concepts is a development that offers on Eden Gardens Hua hin, near Khao Tao, the possibility to buy your new vacation villa or home. And there is a little bonus too. No down payment is needed whatsoever. Payments are worked out over a 15 year period. As a result it’s more like you’re renting a house, than buying one. Even though you’re actually purchasing one over time and you will own it free and clear after the payment period. This does not only count for foreigners, it is of course also available for the nationals of Thailand. Because of the additional bonus of not having
to pay an initial down payment also makes this an easier option. So, at the end of the day you’ll be the bright and proud owner of a 3-4 bedroom vacation villa or home with your very own pool and nice garden where you can relax and sunbathe.
What was once a difficult choice to make –due to difficulties that I mentioned above- has now become easier than ever. Marble Homes is offering a kind and trustable 100% financing on new villas to buy. You can enjoy your stay in the sunny and exotic Thailand in your own, comfortable surroundings. Whether it’s near the beach or in the mountains, you’ll be around the nicest Thai nationals and neighbors.
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Residences
Amari Residences Hua Hin - Hua Hin
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The Ultimate Destination
by GMoss
District: South Hua Hin Distance to the beach - 100 m.,Swimming pool – communal, Security, CCTV, keycard access, Parking, Gym (fitness), Sauna, Laundry, Shop, Restaurant, Bar, Garden, Kid`s playground. Sophisticated living and exclusive service await you at Amari Residences Hua Hin. These first hotel-serviced residential condominiums are designed with meticulous attention to detail and all units are fully furnished by the high quality loose furniture. The stunning and spacious tropical landscaping complements a modern contemporary architectural style. Services are provided by Amari, Thailand’s leading hospitality provider with over 3,800 rooms available nationwide.
The Amari Residences Hua Hin project is located only 4 kilometers from Hua Hin downtown. Amari Residences Hua Hin is the only hotelserviced residential condominium to stand out from other typical residential developments in the vicinity of Cha-Am and Hua Hin. Amari Residences Hua Hin facilities and services: Outdoor swimming pool, Children’s pool,Sun deck, Children’s play ground, Lush tropical landscaping, Indoor and outdoor car parking “If paradise is half as nice as heaven that ,24-hour security, Fixing and repair services, Concierge services, Shuttle services, Pool you take me to, who needs paradise, I’d rather attendance, Housekeeping, laundry and in-room, have you” - Amen Corner Your editor was invited to the Soneva Kiri dining à-la-carte services. Resort & Spa destination in the Gulf of Siam on the fourth largest Thai Island - Koh Khood. Soneva Kiri by Six Senses is where you want to be all the time. What you expect is not what you get at Soneva Kiri, it is much more! However, to get there you must fly there. A very early taxi trip to Suvarnabhumi airport drops you at Gate D24 on level 4 – Domestic Departures. SGA staff politely welcomes you and your journey to the unimaginable can start. As you are booked on your SGA Cessna Caravan, your personal steward takes you and your hand carried luggage through control and someone else takes care of your suitcases. You are guided to the Thai Airways “Smooth as Silk” Lounge where a separate VIP lounge is reserved. We chose to stay with the commons at the VIP lounge and Buffet where a wide selection of District: Khao Takiab Distance to the beach - 200 m.,Swimming pool - communal ,Security, CCTV, snacks and drinks are offered. The flight to Koh Kood with a Cessna keycard access, Parking, Gym (fitness),Shop, Garden,Kid`s playground Maintenance fee: 40 THB sq.m. - month. The newest project Seacraze Hua Hin Condominium from popular developer LHM Caravan from SGAwas very pleasant and took Property (best known for The Breeze and La Vallee) is located at Khao Takiab area. Total Units: 272, about 60 minutes. At their own airport on a Facilities: Pool, Kid pool, Fitness, Garden, Kidroom and Key card system. Construction Complete: separate small island, a delegation of managers awaits the incoming guests. In our case, Khun December 2012 Peter Nilsson, the Managing Director of the Gulf of Thailand Six Senses Resorts welcomed us personally. A short boat ride in an original Riva – Lago Di Garda speedboat brought us to the main Island and ….Soneva Kiri. The overwhelmingly clear waters and beautiful weather crowned our arrival. If I would need to describe my first impressions upon arrival of the scenery, the buildings and nature surrounding the resort I would have to dig deep into my journalistic ambitions. So let’s just keep it simple: Stunning! I recommend going into the website at www. sixsenses.com to enjoy a selection of pictures and impressions of Soneva Kiri. Soneva Kiri has 29 spacious pool villas dotted along the beachfront, and a zero-carbon Eco Villa Our personal Mr. Friday, in this case Khun Shell, was appointed to us as our private butler. District: North-West Hua Hin Man Friday dedicates himself to leaving no questions unanswered and reading your wishes from your face. We were taken by our own Buggy to our Pool Villa which lay in romantic splendor slightly sloped overlooking the bay it kissed. The architecture is simple – strange – comforting and simply brilliant. Six Senses emphazise on closeness to nature using hardly any synthetic material or mineral oil based products. A special team researches constantly on improving energy saving solutions. Most of the infrastructure is made out of natural products such as wood, leather, cotton and others. Two giant umbrellas cover the buildings which consisted, in our case, of a master bedroom with walk in closet or rather dressing room, the outside Patio – Sala – and second bedroom and massage Sala on a different level. Both sleeping facilities are air-conditioned, have separate bath rooms and separate mini bars. Outside the master-bedroom are several shower facilities and a Jacuzzi bathtub with supplies to enhance your bubble bath. A private pool served as a welcome District: Cha-Am ,Swimming pool – communal, Security, CCTV, keycard access, Parking, Gym skinny dip in the evening although no one can see (fitness),Garden, Kid`s playground. Baan San Kraam is a new high quality project by Sansiri Plc you dipping during the daytime ether. Beach front location, near famous Dusit Tani Hua Hin hotel. Brief Baan San Kraam Project data:Land After unpacking and “slipping” into Area - 14 rai,13 residential buildings of 4-storey 266 units. something more comfortable (as they say in
Seacraze Hua Hin Condominium - Hua Hin
Soneva Kiri – Exceeding Expectations par Excellence movies), the three of us moved to the breakfast area at the Main restaurant where an abundant selection of pastry – cheese – cold cuts and many more deliciously, freshly prepared food, natural juices and teas awaited us. Our Buggy was parked at the entrance and put on a charger automatically by a security officer. The top speed of the Buggies is regulated to a safe coasting along to stop any Schumacher ambitions. No shoes no News policy of Soneva meant you can go anywhere without shoes or slippers and your flatscreen tv in the bedroom can only show videos. Hurray. Makes a lot of sense and I did not miss News once ! Did I ? A Kid´s club with multi-activities built as a cliffhanger is something undescribable. Must see to believe. Room options are available from suites up to private pool Villas. There is a 6 Bedroom Private Villa with a 180 degrees of sea view anywhere you stand and face the sea.
Tippawan Village - Hua Hin
Baan San Kraam - Hua Hin
With the wide range of exciting activities and well-appointed accommodations it’s no wonder that Soneva Kiri was named to Conde Nast’s 2010 Hot List of hotels. Like the activities, the dining options at the resort are endless with 12 options for cuisine and cocktails. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day, and for guests wishing to indulge their sweet tooth the decadent chocolate room and ice cream parlor is open day and night. Food was fine and moreover healthy. A restaurant called The View serves sunset dinners and is located overlooking the sea. Very romantic. What impressed me most was being hauled up a tree in a huge basket that sits up to 6 grown ups and being served breakfast in the tree top, in the coastal jungle. Breakfast being …I can’t eats all of that! , sumptious. Speaking of jungle, yes, the island is a fantastic tropical original, virgin, untouched forest with large rubber tree farms.. Amidst it all is Soneva on the coast. What a brilliant idea , what a super place to spend a few careless days, being taken care of with dedication. A gorgeous spa, managed by Khun Mark, previously Andana Spa in the Himalay, where you are treated the Six Senses Spa way. The six senses Philosophy, it´s Motto, is so very nature bound and in Hua Hin can taste it´s originality at the Evason in our own Pak Nam Pran. Even though the Soneva may be a bit out of some of our budgets, it is worthwhile, this once in a life experience at Soneva Kiri. My family and I were just lucky ones. Soneva Kiri by Six Senses 110 Moo 4, Koh Kood Sub-District, Koh Kood District, Trat 23000, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 3961 9800 , +66 (08) 1345 2791 - Fax: +66 (0) 3961 9808 E-mail: reservations-kiri@sixsenses.com - web. : www.sixsenses.com
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GOLF & SPORTS
Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Enjoy your Days in Hua Hin at PGA Tour and Golf Need Tiger Black Mountain Water Park Woods to Be Big in 2012
By Chamnan
Courtesy of http://bleacherreport.com
television struggled to find advertising dollars and print media coverage lost column inches. The last few dominant players on the LPGA have been from international backgrounds. Would the LPGA struggles over the last four years have been as difficult if Michelle Wie or Morgan Pressel had won 12 events and five major championships?
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iger Woods has not won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open. He did win six times in 2009 before tangling with that pesky fire hydrant during the Thanksgiving weekend.
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lack Mountain Water Park, the latest amusement park of Hua Hin, had a soft opening for Thai and foreign visitors. Equipped fully with high standard, exciting water slides, a big artificial beach with a pool can produce big waves as well as various safety-oriented thrilling machines. This pitchperfect amusement park will change ordinary holidays in Hua Hin to an unforgettably fantastic event.
from Hua Hin and Cha-Am on weekdays and Most of the 2010 and 2011 seasons were lost weekends. due to the ensuing divorce, injuries and swing At present they are offering a Soft-opening changes. Still, however, he is the biggest story promotion with 500-Baht tickets for adults and in golf. 250-Baht ticket for a child between 5 and 12 years old. Free entry will be given to children He will open his 2012 season this week in Abu younger than 5 years old. The ticket prices do Dhabi on the European Tour. It will be a strong not include food and drinks. Visitors can buy a field and will provide a barometer of the state cash credit-card with which they can purchase of Tiger’s game. food & drinks. Inside The Water Park, pets are Woods’ announcement that he would skip not allowed. Also , food & drinks cannot be Torrey Pines and instead make his 2012 PGA brought in. The park is open from 10 a.m. to Tour debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach National 5 p.m. Pro-Am has sent ticket sales and media pass With its 400-million Baht investment for requests for that event through the roof. This construction, Black Mountain Water Park was bad for San Diego, but great for Monterey.
According to Ms. Thanawan Wangkhumphai, the Manager of Black Mountain Water Park Hua Hin, this big project was launched with a huge investment of Thai and foreign investors. With its 90% completion, most of the events are now available, such as : Pool slides (The Bee, The Blue, Wide Wave, The Magenta, The Green and The Ring), 7 swimming pools
Tiger exhibited some signs of recapturing the old golf magic late in 2011 in Australia. He was a solid third at the Australian Open and performed well in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne. He even won the Chevron World Challenge in December, albeit it was his own limited field, invitation-only event. Does anyone remember when tennis had a major sports presence in the United States? Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras were the last great American tennis champions. Along came the dominance of international tennis players and, poof,
Michelle Wie has not reached expectations thus far in her golf career David Cannon/Getty Images European Tour members control the top four spots on the Official World Golf Rankings. Seven of the top 10 were born outside the United States. The only three American players in the top 10—Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson and Dustin Johnson—combined have ZERO major titles among them. Health issues to his immediate family and of his own have limited Phil Mickelson, the only other American player that could make a big splash, and he has fallen to 15th in the world. I do applaud Phil’s effort this week in taking one for the team and supporting the Humana Challenge. After a poor first round, Mickelson eventually finished 10 under par, a full 13 shots behind the winner, Mark Wilson. Tiger’s fist pump, confident fairway stride, Sunday red shirt and quest to win five more majors is the thing that makes television ratings soar and magazines and newspapers fly off the shelves. Tiger needs to win, and win often, in 2012.
THE BARAI PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
IN CELEBRATION OF THE BARAI’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
offers international standard machines, each of which is supervised by a security officer to (Lazy River, Wave Pool, Spa Pool, Fountain watch over the safety, give information as well Pool, Slider Pool, Kids Pool and Beach Pool) as take good care of all visitors. and 9 facilities including the Black Mountain “Black Mountain Water Park is the first Bridge, pool bars, restaurants, shops, lockers amusement park in Prachuab Khirikhan apart and a first aid station. from the others in Pattaya, Bangkok and The official opening has been set around Phuket. It will bring more popularity to the Songkran festival in the middle of April this multi-purposed holiday getaway Hua Hin, for year. Visitors who are currently coming to sure,” said Ms. Thanawan. Black Mountain Water Park can use 25 different Black Mountain Water Park daily is located in events. The 50-Rai park, designed with the Baan Nong Hieng community in Hin Lek American, European and Asian architecture, Fire sub-district of Hua Hin and the direct line can accommodate Thai and foreign visitors is tel. 090-446-6129.
HUA HIN, THAILAND...February 21, 2012 – THE BARAI at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin opened its doors in 2007, and it has been offering the journey of discovery to discerning and wellness conscious guests ever since. THE BARAI will celebrate its fifth anniversary in April this year. To mark the fifth anniversary celebrations, THE BARAI invites photography enthusiasts who are passionate about the art of architecture, light and shadow, and the resort lifestyle to participate in THE BARAI Photography Contest. Known for its unique art of architecture as well as the delightful journey of experience, THE BARAI is now offering amateur photographers or anyone with photography passion to transform THE BARAI Journey into photographic memories. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and
photo quality of THE BARAI which includes the exclusive residential spa suite – The Barai Suite; THE BARAI Spa and McFarland House. Attractive prizes are waiting. The best photograph will receive a trip to Bali with accommodation at Grand Hyatt Bali, pocket money and a brandnew camera for taking photographs of the memorable trip. Those interested in participating in THE BARAI photography contest are invited to visit www.facebook.com/TheBarai. Photocontest and complete an entry form. Entry is open until March 31, 2012 and photography in THE BARAI premises will take place between March 2 and 31, 2012. For more information or if you wish to enter the contest, please visit www.facebook.com/ TheBarai.Photocontest or call THE BARAI on +66 3251 1234.
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
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Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
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Worth Knowing Courtesy of BBC –future story
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Other high-profile craft include the fragile Nasa Helios, which disintegrated above the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii after hitting unexpected turbulence. Prior to the crash, it had set a new altitude record of 96,836ft (29515.6m). Although embarrassing, accidents like this have not stopped the development of solarpowered craft, particularly by the military. One solar-powered high-altitude longendurance (Hale) craft under development is called Zephyr. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), built by UK defence firm Qinetiq, has shown that it can stay aloft for more than two weeks, a valuable asset for the armed forces. “You have a machine with solar cells and a battery that can fly, at high or low altitudes, over a troubled area and send back data as a substitute for a satellite,” says van der Linden.
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Hourly Rates
Will solar planes ever take off?
s fuel costs spiral, powering aircraft with sunlight might seem like an attractive option. But is a solar powered plane feasible? An experimental plane powered by solar cells successfully completes a 26-hour flight and lands safely in Switzerland. It is easy to see the appeal of a solar-powered aircraft. Next time you are aboard a plane, try to get a window seat. As you taxi out for takeoff, look at the amount of light hitting the plane’s wings. In perfect flying conditions, the polished metal surface will brilliantly reflect the sun. Then, as you are pushed back into your seat when the aircraft accelerates along the runway, perhaps the sun will catch a wing edge, suddenly illuminating the cabin. Once the aircraft climbs through the clouds, the seatbelt sign pings off and the light can rapidly become piercing. The wings and fuselage are often bathed in constant sunlight at these higher altitudes during the daytime, prompting passengers to shield their eyes and pull down their window blinds. In these kinds of conditions, flying by the sun could seem a relatively easy proposition – cover the plane in solar panels and you will have an aircraft that taps this free, limitless and clean energy source that abounds at altitude. But then think about other flights you have taken. Foul weather or low cloud can cut out almost all sunlight. A winter sun can mean that the light barely glances off the plane as it soars into the sky. A night flight in the wrong direction can end up never seeing sunlight at all. These kinds of considerations give some insight into the massive hurdles that designers of solar-powered aircraft face. But that has not stopped people trying. “The promise is almost unlimited duration – as long as the sun is out they can fly,” says Bob van der Linden, the curator of special purpose aircraft at the Smithsonian National Air and Space museum in Washington DC. For example, his collection contains Pathfinder Plus, an unmanned aircraft which set an altitude record of over 80,000ft back in 1998. “It’s a bizarre-looking thing with a really, really long wingspan and very short length. If you look at it in flight, the wings are extremely flexible, and under load the wing takes the shape of a U with 8 motors on it,” says van der Linden.
Hua Hin Today
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. As a foreigner here in Thailand I think you will be familiar with being charged hourly for any litigation or anything to do with a court case. In my time I have seen many foreigners come to set up the law firm here which though legal, they do not employ anyone to work as the lawyer in their company as they always use freelance lawyers. Usually the founder or owners who are normally foreigners themselves will charge you hourly for consulting on your case and when they bring in a lawyer they will add the charge for the lawyer on top of their charge. This seems to be normal procedure of work in this kind of company with charges being collected monthly until the litigation is finished, by working this way it is easy for some clients to spend up to two or three million baht in fees. From our experience when they try to charge a client in the way mentioned before, the client will not be willing to pay and finally a case against the client for unpaid lawyer fees will be submitted
in court. But the question you must consider if he is a lawyer or not? If he is not then he cannot charge you for any lawyer fees but must charge you for a consulting fee instead. Though this is not the main point as the fees that are owed are not entirely legitimate, clients have been known to be charged hours for when the owner and the freelance lawyer have discussed or worked on the case even if the client is not present, being charged multiple times for doing duplicate work which only needs to be done once, charging a client outside of working time such as including a commute to and from a clients residence from office or court and also charging for having a lawyer and/or owner sit in on a court date though they do not perform any kind of service. All of the above charges are not allowed by the court but it does not necessary stop people from charging you for them in the first place. You have to be careful if you want to deal with a law firm like that, always be sure that they will not charge you an unreasonable price for any services that they provide. If you look at your options and say you try a Thai law firm they will most likely charge you on a lump sum basis, allowing you to negotiate the price for the entire case start to finish. I find that this way is best even if they charge you a little bit more for an interpreter or some consulting from a third party as it is a safer bet and could save you a lot in the long run. If you find yourself stuck in a situation where you are charged exorbitant amounts always be sure to object to the invoice given to you as it will make your case in court easier, try to find the normal price for the fees asked of you so that you know you are being charged fairly. 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 English Hotline: 081 808 9175, 089 774 6001, 084 979 4714 Pattaya Office: +66 (0) 38 906 721-3 Bangkok Office: + 66 (0) 2 260 3025 – 7 Hua Hin Office: +66 (0) 32 531 508 somsak@siamfirm.co.th For more information see www.siamfirm.co.th Courtesy of BBC news
If you live in Thailand, find out how you can increase the value of, and protect Your Personal Pensions from Inheritance Tax Today! “If the point is to circle over a couple of spots and take pictures, it’s perfect.” And these have other uses too. They could become slow-flying perpetual aircraft, never having to land, never having to refuel. They could perform long-term science missions, sampling the atmosphere and supplementing the types of data we can get from satellites in much higher orbits. They could also be used to broadcast or relay TV and radio signals, providing a cheap way to extend coverage to areas where it is needed, after natural disasters or during major sporting events like the Olympics. But it is the idea of a manned aircraft that captures people’s attention. In 1981, for example, Solar Challenger flew across the channel between England and France. Currently the most high-profile project is Solar Impulse, a team led by Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard. He hopes to fly into the record books in 2014 by travelling around the world without using any fuel. The team has already entered the record books after they built an aircraft that managed to stay aloft for 26 straight hours
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Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
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Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012
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Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 5 March 2012