Property Today May 2012

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

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Volume 9 Issue 7 May 2012

Sansiri - Real Estate Developer

by GMoss

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he Sansiri development is not a commend developer of condominiums , houses and high rises , no , it is acrefully planned and developed company that started business in 1984 as the San Samrang Holding Company Limited with a registered capital of 1 million Baht by the Chutrakul family in order to engage in real estate business. In 1994 , the company was renamed Sansiri Company Limited and in 1996 the registered capital of the company was increased to 645 million Baht. In 2010 the Sansiri company was taken over by T.S. Star Company Limited, wholly owned by Mr. Srettha Thavisin, president of the Sansiri Co. Ltd. as largest shareholder with a registered capital of 11 billion Baht.

Despite the slow global economic recovery and the internal political instability in the country, the Thai economy managed to grow at an impressive rate in the year 2010.

During the first half of the year, the real estate sector was slow moving; the situation, however, became much better in the latter half of the year, due mainly to the relatively low rate of interest and with continuing support of the financial sector.

The Corporate Vision of the group is :To be the leading real estate conglomerate with an infinite passion to deliver international standards of living, and to build and retain sustainable relationships with our business partners, stakeholders, clients, and communities. The corporate mission : Refined products and services of the utmost quality . Always on the leading edge and Synchronize all units for utmost benefits.

Several Projects in Hua Hin such as Baan sansuk – Las Tortugas – Summer and La Chelona in Khao Tao are witnesses of the fact that also Sansiri believes that Hua Hin is a fast growing community. Sansiri projects are fully financeable and foreigner can also apply through the organization for a proper mortgage with a Thai bank. Khun Uthai Uthaisangsuk , the senior executive vice president of Sansiri PCL assured Hua Hin

Today of top quality at fair prices and a permanent membership in the Sansiri Family , a programme with many priveledges and multiple possibilities for families , house owners to participate in a multitude money saving events.

Sansiri Public Company Limited would like to express our sincere appreciation to our shareholders, bondholders, customers, financial institutions, the media and business partners for their support, along with every member of the management and staff for their dedication to strengthen Sansiri’s performance.

Kovit Poshyananda - Chairman

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V Villas Hua Hin received Thailand Boutique Awards 2011

sophisticated luxury retreat, the award-winning V Villas Hua Hin is designed for discerning guests in search of romance, revival, and recreation. The 13 exclusive pool villas that draw inspiration from the geometric patterns of terraced rice paddies and the sophistication of Italian villazzos are a private haven where guests can enjoy a life of luxury. Outstanding facilities and amenities include welcoming bedrooms, spacious en suite bathrooms fully equipped with Aigner amenities, a

Villazzo Restaurant awarded 2012 Thailand’s

Best Restaurant by Thailand Tatler

Villazzo Restaurant, a chic poolside venue at V Villas Hua Hin is proud to announce that it was recently awarded ‘2012 Thailand’s Best Restaurant’ by Thailand Tatler’s Best large private pool, iPads 2, complimentary Wi-Fi coverage of Restaurant Guide. The restaurant has been recognised for its exceptional cuisine and service, as voted by the discerning the whole resort and 24-hour butler service. readers of Thailand Tatler Magazine, the country’s leading V Villas Hua Hin, managed by Accor and Five-Star Hotel luxury, lifestyle magazine, and its website.

Standard certified, recently received the Thailand Boutique Award in the luxury seaside class for its architecture and The picture shows from left to right: 1. Mr. Chainarong Pipitveeranund - Resident design. The resort was also included in the Luxe List in DestinAsian magazine, a leading travel and lifestyle publication Manager of V Villas Hua Hin 2. Ms. Naphalai Areesorn - Editor-in-Chief of in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition it was voted Best Luxury Hotel - Anywhere Travel Award by readers of Anywhere Thailand Tatler Magazine 3. Mr. Phiraphat Prasertsung - Sous Chef of magazine, one of Thailand’s top lifestyle and travel magazines.

Villazzo Restaurant recently also received the “Thailand’s V Villas Hua Hin Best Restaurant 2012” award from Thailand Tatler’s Best V Villas Hua Hin is proud to announce that H.E. Yingluck Restaurant Guide.

Chinawatra Prime Minister Silver award was presented to the resort in the class of luxury seaside hotel for its architecture and The picture shows from left to right: design. The Thailand Boutique Awards 2011 is organised by

1. Mr. Chainarong Pipitveeranund - The KrungThai Card (Public) Co., Ltd. (KTC) in conjunction Resident Manager of V Villas Hua Hin with the Krungthep Turakij Newspaper to encourage boutique

2. Dr. Suwat Sidthilaw - Permanent Secretary hotels in Thailand to build high quality of service with creativity of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and effectiveness.

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Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

Thai Property News

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Knight Frank expects Major New Property Event Launched in Bangkok a rise in land values

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hat at the end of 2011, the total area of occupied serviced industrial land plots in Thailand reached 100,344 rais.

In a recent press release Knight Frank Thailand’s Industrial Research team disclosed that the Thai floods inundated seven industrial estates, accounting for 18.93 per cent of the total supply of Serviced Industrial Land Parcels (SILPs).

The NESDB reported that GDP in Q4 2011 declined to -9 per cent the lowest growth recorded since the economic crisis of 1997, while sales of serviced industrial land parcels, and occupancies of ready built factories and warehouses all increased in Q4 2011.

“Dry” BOI Zone 2 locations are in most demand followed by the Eastern Seaboard as firms wish to avoid locations that flooded or areas considered being at risk of future floods.

Land values are set to rise in the Eastern Seaboard and dry locations by 5-10 per cent in 2012, whereas estates which flooded with find it difficult to secure investors without offering significant discounts and comprehensive flood prevention measures.

Marcus Burtenshaw, director of the Commercial Agency Department, Knight Frank Chartered Co. Ltd. said that at the end of 2011, the total area of occupied serviced industrial land plots in Thailand reached 100,344 rais, with a takeup rate in Q4 of 80.13 per cent increasing from 79.24 per cent in Q3. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the total recorded SILP sales were 3,783 rais, an increase of 48.18 per cent Q-o-Q, which equates to an increase of 451.46 per cent from the same period in 2010. Most of SILPs sold in the final quarter of 2011 were located in Zone 2 comprising 66.48 per cent of the total or 2,515 rai, whereas 1,224 rai were sold in Zone 3.

The total SILPs supply in Q4 2011 was 125,223 rai, which increased by 0.26 per cent Q-o-Q, and 6.68 per cent Y-o-Y. As at the end of 2011, approximately 27,111 rai of new SILPs were under development. Approximately 60 per cent of these or 16,437 rai are located in BOI Zone 2, and almost half of those, (8,226 rai) are being built at Phase 2 of the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate in Chonburi whereas 15,585 rai of SILPs are expected to be added to the Eastern Seaboard.

Burtenshaw explained that in Q4 2011, 16 new factories from the leading developers entered the market, bringing the total supply of RBFs to 660 during Q4 2011 with the total space of 1,535,973 (sqm), an increase of 3.47 per cent from the same period last year while the occupancy rate was 92.75 per cent in the fourth quarter 2011. A total of 539 factories have been leased with the overall occupied area of 1,283,522 (sqm).

“This year Knight Frank expects to see at least 250,000 (sqm) of new supply enter the RBF market,” he said.

The supply of warehouses increased by 6.53 per cent Q-o-Q to 359,363 (sqm), and in the wake of flood related relocations, their occupancy rates increased to 95.49 per cent. Burtenshaw

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advised prospective tenants that there is now a limited supply of in the choice locations as rather than relocating, occupiers have been acquiring additional satellite premises in locations outside of the flood zones. Demand for quality modern warehousing space with raised floors, docks and ceilings of at least 10m has been so strong in some locations that we advise tenants to make decisions and place deposits fast in order to avoid disappointment.

In the Q4 2011 the average rental rate for a grade A modern distribution center stood at THB 149.45 /sqm/month, whereas grade B warehouses still sought average rents of THB 142.83 /sqm/month, and the average grade C warehouse rents were THB 87.12 /sqm/month.

However, warehouses in Bangkok are often older properties but can fetch an average rental rate of THB 129.37 /sqm/month; a reflection of the limited supply and the relatively high land values in these locations.

Burtenshaw concluded that prices in so called “dry estates” and Eastern Seaboard to increase between 5-10 per cent during 2012, in line with increased demand as factories relocate from flooded areas, and demand from new investors focuses on those estates which escaped the floods. However, they will still find it difficult to secure new investors, without offering significant discounts and demonstrations that they can provide comprehensive flood prevention measures. He added that “despite the recent challenges, Thailand is able to retain its position as one of the most favoured destinations for Foreign Direct Investment in the ASEAN region because it is an overall low cost manufacturing location where it is relatively free of red tape, and is supported by a large skilled workforce, with good infrastructure, strategic geographical location, and a competitive package of business oriented investment incentives.”

hailand will at last host its own major International real estate exhibition when the Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012 opens on November 9th-11th at the prestigious Bangkok Convention Centre.This new three day exhibition has already attracted considerable interest from both local Thai based developers, plus a number of overseas realtors representing France, England, Spain, Turkey and from across Asia.

The Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012 is being organized by Blue Mango Publishing Company in association with Thailand Tatler and is sponsored by Property Report, Asia’s leading magazine for luxury real estate investors.Mike Bridge who previously helped launch the successful Homebuyer Shows in England and the Worldwide Property Shows in the Middle East and Asia is the show’s creator.

Nigel Oakins, Chairman of Blue Mango said,’”We are very excited to be involved in this new event, and will use Thailand Tatlermagazine and our popular social media networks, to promote the exhibition and its exhibitors to our large number of affluent readers.”

Terry Blackburn CEO at Ensign Media, the publishers of Property Report added, “We have seen huge growth and diversity in the Thailand real estate market since we launched eight years ago, so are delighted to be supporting this event. We are also pleased to be including special promotion for the ‘Thailand Property Award’ winners at the show and will organize a full seminar program to be hosted by Property Report’s editor Jules Kay.”Mike Bridge the show’s organizer said, “Thailand offers overseas exhibitors an excellent opportunity to seek an new opportunities in a growing market, while our event will also provide local developers and their realtors with a first class exhibition in a luxury venue, right in the centre of the city. The economy is in a strong

Courtesy of www.property-report.com

position, and Bangkok itself has numerous 5 star developments being launched onto the market in and around November. We therefore feel that the timing is right, and with our two first class media partners, we can expect Thai and expat investors and buyers to embrace the Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012’.”

The exhibition will occupy approximately 3,000m2 of exhibition space and break out suites at the Centara Grand at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld. The venue hosts a number of top consumer and trade exhibitions conferences and concerts and has over 3,500 car park spaces and is served by the cities popular SkyTrain.

For more information email the organiser’s at mike@topl2012.com or telephone +66 831 986700

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Introduces

Free Mobile Internet Connectivity In The Hotel’s Limousines

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

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UA HIN, THAILAND, April 2012…Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, in co-operation with Total Access Communication PLC (DTAC) introduces Free Mobile Internet connectivity in the hotel’s Mercedes Benz Limousines. This service is available from 1 April 2012 in the hotel’s Mercedes Vito Van and Mercedes E-class between Hyatt Regency Hua Hin to Bangkok including Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Sammy Carolus, the hotel’s general manager, commented “In this day and age, the Internet connectivity is absolutely necessary for people who are travelling even when they are on holiday. This on board complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity will provide much convenience to our guests during the three hours journey between Bangkok to Hua Hin. This is in-line with our commitment to continuously provide authentic hospitality with innovative products and service to our guests. All in all, our guests can stay connected as much as they wish.”

DTAC is the service provider for Hyatt Regency Hua Hin’s new limousine Mobile Internet service. DTAC has 2,000 base stations of 3G network covering 45 provinces nationwide and an additional 3,000 base stations will be completed by the end of 2012. The wide 3G network coverage of DTAC ensures less disruptive Wi-Fi connectivity. The Wi-Fi router set in the limousine can be used for up to five devices at the same time.

The cost of one way limousine transfer between Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Hyatt Regency Hua Hin or vice versa remain unchanged which is Baht 6,400 net for Mercedes Vito Van with maximum 6 people and Baht 5,400 net for Mercedes E Class.

Guests can make a reservation for the limousine service by calling the hotel’s reservations department on +66 3252 1234 or email reservations.hrhuahin@hyatt.com. Reservations can also be made online through huahin.regency.hyatt.com

Hua Hin Today

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Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

C-550314-18

Navio Condo Hua Hin 47.04 sq.m. 1 br. 1 bth. Near Cicada Market, not far from beach. For sale Hot Promotion!!!

Only 2.49 MB. Call 087-032-5334

C-521109-13

Baan Sansuk Hua Hin 58 sq.m. 1 br. 1 bth. F/F with nice furniture Rent 35,000 baht/month Sale 4.5 MB. Call 083-710-9944

C-540316-26

Baan Sansuk condo Hua Hin 75 sq.m. 2 brs. 2 bths. the room is right next to a reflection pool .

Good location Sale 8.5 MB. Call 083-710-9944

C-520801-05

Tira Tiraa condo Hua HIn 62.37 sq.m. 1 br. 1 bth.

F/F One price at 3.0 MB. Call 083-710-9944

C-540905-09

Marrakesh Condo Hua Hin 54 sq.m. 1 br 1 bth. The most beautiful beach in HuaHin For rent! 35,000 baht/month Call 084-973-2504

C-500919-01

Baan Sandao Condo Hua Hin 74 sq.m., 2 brs. 2 bths. F/F. Corner unit. Beach front condo.

Best location. Only 8.7 MB. (under market price).

Call 083-710-9944

C-550405-11

Santi Pura Boutique Resort Khao tao beach 105.5 sq.m. 2 brs. 2 bths.

Beach front condo with newly furnished.

Sale 6.9 MB.Call 083-710-9944

C-520330-17

Baan San Sa Ran Hua Hin 75 sq.m. 2 brs. 2 bths. near the beach and market village Sale 7,000,000 MB. Call 083-710-9944

C-510605-18

Baan Chai Talay Hua Hin 2brs. 2bths. 120 sq.m. F/F, beautiful Condo, good view Only 12.5 MB. Call 083-710-9944

C-500812-32

Mykonos Hua Hin 52 sq.m. 1 br. 1 bth. Garden view Direct walkway to the beach Rent 30,000 baht/month Sale 4 MB. Call 084-973-2504

C-521123-23

Rim hard Condo Cha Am 90 sq.m, 2 brs. 2 bths. Beachfront condo, good view, big bacony Sale 7.35 MB. Call 083-710-9944 Sale 7.35 MB.

C-540628-23

Marrakesh condo Hua Hin 81 s.qm. 2 brs. 2 brs. Best Location, Best view! Sale 13.5 MB. Call 083-710-9944

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

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Asia Property News

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

Malaysia Continues to Ho Chi Minh City Attracts Attract Indonesian Buyers Majority of Foreigners Courtesy of www.property-report.com

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o Chi Minh City is a popular destination for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese looking to buy homes in Vietnam.

A recent report released by the ministry’s Land Registration and Statistics Department showed a total of 299 foreigners and overseas Vietnamese had either registered to buy or already bought a house in the country by April 10, of which 252 were in Ho Chi Minh City according to Thanh Nien.

Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta was in second place with 12 houses sold to foreigners.Real estate in the capital Hanoi is not as an enticing prospect as other areas of Vietnam. Only three overseas Vietnamese and one foreigner bought houses in Hanoi this year.

The actual number of overseas Vietnamese buying houses in Vietnam may be higher, but many use relatives in the country to register ownership on their behalf.

Research Shows Real Estate and Retail Demand in China

Courtesy of www.property-report.com

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cording to Jones Lang LaSalle’s latest research mainland China’s real estate sector witnessed a record level of investment activities in 2011. The research, entitled “China Retail Investment Outlook 2012: Gearing Up for Domestic Demand,” stated that investors have been buying up more real estate with total investment volume reaching approximately RMB 26.5 billion (US$ 4.2 billion).

The report also stated that retail accounted for a record high of 30 per cent of total commercial transaction volume in China last year and that investment outside traditional Tier I cities reached an unprecedented high, receiving over half of total transaction.

“China’s retail sector is poised for a major upgrade,” says Mark Ho, Head of China Investment Research at Jones Lang LaSalle.

“The government has already set in motion

a comprehensive range of pro-consumption policies, both direct and indirect, to orchestrate a consumption boom. The impact from these measures is expected to filter through over the next few years and will effectively give China’s retail sector a structural boost,” adds Ho. David Hand, Head of China Investment at Jones Lang LaSalle, noted “Investor activities in 2011 clearly reflect the upgrade in prospects for China’s retail sector. The increased allocation to the sector and proliferation beyond Tier I cities suggest that some investors have already aligned their investment strategies to capitalize on the nascent economic transformation process. More investors are now targeting opportunities in relatively less mature cities

where the impact of urbanization and income growth is expected to feature prominently.

As other investors come to recognize the permanent changes unfolding in China’s retail sector, more are expected to follow with a heavier weighting toward the sector.”

Domestic and Asian investors led the charge in investing beyond Tier I cities. As retail markets in lower-tier cities remain in a relatively early stage, many potential opportunities lie in development projects. Domestic and Asian capital, with more market familiarity and a higher risk-appetite, are leveraging on their competitive advantages of better deal access and local market knowledge to expand aggressively.

On the sell side, domestic sellers dominated as the bulk of retail properties remain in the hands of these domestic groups, especially in lowertier cities. However, with more foreign investors going into retail assets, the sellers’ market will broaden in a few years as these assets reach maturity.

Jones Lang LaSalle expects the evolution of China’s retail sector to accelerate over the next few years as China’s economic transformation gathers momentum. The increase in investment across China would lead to further broadening and deepening of the retail real estate sector. The retail landscape is also rapidly changing as new and modern shopping centers emerge in cities across China. For example, department stores were the dominant format in Tier II cities as recent as five years ago, but shopping centers have now overtaken them in terms of market share.

“We are still in the early days of the economic transformation process and expect to see more investment opportunities emerge as China’s retail sector develops at a faster pace,” said Hand. “While demand-side fundamentals strengthen, new supply will intensify the competition among shopping center owners, which means that for investors, it will be even more important to have comprehensive asset management strategies that interweave leasing marketing, promotions and property management plans formulated right from the start and have the sector expertise to ensure effective execution. Additionally, to fully capitalize on China’s retail growth, investors will need to extend their research and investment to a wider geographical coverage.”

Courtesy of www.property-report.com

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ccording to The Sun Daily, Indonesian property buyers are continuing to invest in Malaysia despite the recent spike of Indonesian investments in Singapore. Rahim & Co founder and executive chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman said that an increasing number of Indonesian are buying high-end properties in Singapore, exceeding those from China and Malaysia, and that it is not a reflection of declining Indonesian investments in the Malaysian real estate market.“We do have Indonesian investors in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. They come and invest in property development too, through their counterparts here, not just buy units here,” he said.

He went on to say that many Malaysians are investing in London instead of Singapore to take advantage of weak prices in the British capital due to foreign exchange.

He said investors are confident of the growth in Britain’s economy and prefer to buy a holiday home in London rather than “just across the border.”“Investors buy second homes for investment and for holiday. For Malaysians, Singapore is very near, it is just across the border,” he said. “Comparing prices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, if you can get the same returns buying here, why would you want to invest in Singapore? ”Rahman said Indonesians view Singapore as the nearest attractive investment location due to the political stability, economic performances, and security. Raine & Horne International Zaki

+ Partners Sdn Bhd executive director Lim Lian Hong said property prices in Singapore fell a little last year and Indonesians found it a good time to enter the market.

He said the Singapore government’s move to “cool down” the real estate market by increasing stamp duty for foreign property buyers last year had affected sales.“We also have Indonesian investors here, especially in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. We have our fair share,” he added.Rahman went on to say that residential property prices in Malaysia are expected to stabilize this year with slight growth but prices for properties in established areas such as Bangsar, Kenny Hills, Damansara Heights, and Petaling Jaya will continue to grow.“As land gets less and less, prices for these houses will not drop,” he said.“Anybody who can afford a deposit and is eligible to take a loan can find homes, except those below RM400,000 (US$130,548) This is where the government comes in. They need to provide houses near workplaces.”

Singapore Tightens Rules on Developers

Courtesy of http://www.property-report.com

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rom May 18 this year, developers in Singapore will have to provide accurate information, show proof of their track record and seek consent for changes in a unit from home buyers under a new rule to protect consumers.

Announcing changes to Housing Developers Rules (HDR) today, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said this will enhance transparency in the real estate industry and enable homebuyers to make better informed decisions when buying a home.

“URA had worked closely with members of the real estate industry and other key stakeholders when reviewing the changes to the HDR. REDAS supports these changes which will help potential buyers make more informed choices when purchasing their ideal homes.

As a body representative of a large community of property developers, REDAS is committed to continually promote good practices and professionalism among developers to deliver better and higher quality homes for all,” said Wong Heang

Fine, president of The Real Estate Developers Association of Singapore (REDAS).

Among the mandatory information developers are required to disclose to potential home owners include a drawn-to-scale location plan

and site plan of the project, unit floor plan and a breakdown of a unit’s floor area by the various spaces such as bedrooms, balconies and bay windows.

Developers will also have to provide information on at least one completed project they had built to home buyers before the issue of the Option-to-Purchase form. In addition, developers will have to obtain the home buyer’s consent should there be changes to the layout of the interested unit. Existing controls on advertisements in newspapers and sales brochures will also be extended to advertisements on websites.

Advertisements on websites must not contain any false or misleading information.

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

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18 … Continued from page 1….

GOLF & SPORTS

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

4 ชาติรว่ มชิงถ้วยประทานโปโลบีช พระเจ้าหลานเธอฯ Thailand Wins Asian สีช่ าติโซนเอเชียร่วมการแข่งขันโปโลม้าชายหาดเมืองหัวหิน ในรายการ “เอเชียน บีช โปโล แชมป์เปีย้ นชิฟ อินเตอร์คอน ล – บีกริม” ชิงถ้วยประทานพระเจ้าหลาน พระองค์เจ้าพัชรกิตยิ าภา เจ้าภาพไทยคว้าแชมป์ เมือ่ วันที่ 7 เมษายน 55 ทีช่ ายหาด Beach Polo Championship ติหน้เนนตัาโรงแรมอิ นเตอร์คอนติเนนตัล หัวหิน จ.ประจวบคีรขี นั ธ์ นายสุวจั น์ ลิปตพัลลภ ร่วมกับมร.ฮาราลด์ ลิงค์ ประธานกลุม่ บริษทั บี 4 Asian countries attended the Asian Beach Polo Championship

By Chamnan

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he host team from Thailand won the first prize, a trophy of HRH Princess Patchara Kittiyapa.

Taking place on 7 April 2012 at 3 p.m. on the beach in front of the InterContinental Hotel Hua Hin, the event was hosted by Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, the president of B Grimm Corporation, Mr. Herald Link, the chairman of Thailand Equestrian Federation and the deputy mayor of Hua Hin Mr. Suwit Rienrungreung. The event was attended by competitors from 4 Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, India and Macao. The winner of the first prize was Thailand while Singapore, India and Macao won the second, third and fourth prizes respectively.

The final round of the competition, in particular, excited all audiences very much because all competitors were quite active in the game. It was followed by a special beach polo competition of Thai youths which aimed to encourage young people of Thailand to play the sport more. Moreover, there was a fashion show of popular brand name products like Burberry and Furla by professional and honorary Thai models.

Mr. Suwat said that, on behalf of the host for this event, he was pleased that Thai and foreign visitors were happy and impressed with both the equestrian competition and the colorful show.

Besides the Asian Beach Polo Championship, Hua Hin has white sandy beach and many activities to welcome tourists throughout the year, such as Jazz on the Beach, an annual music event which is coming up in the next 2 months. The Asian Polo Championship was also broadcasted live to many countries, thus promoting Hua Hin as a tourist attraction in Thailand which boasts natural wonders and promotes good image of the city in hosting an international sport event. Mr. Suwat added that the FIFA was considering organizing a beach football championship in Hua Hin thanks to its long and stretching clean beaches. However, he asked concerned authorities and agencies in Hua Hin to solve traffic congestion, noise pollution and crowded areas, especially during big events when many people and cars flock in the city, thus making some areas crowded and noisy.

9th Heavy Half-Marathon

by Preserve Hua Hin Group

By Supansa

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he Preserve Hua Hin Group under the Royal Patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, in collaboration with the Hua Hin Municipality, is currently preparing the 9th Heavy Half-Marathon competition on 6 May 2012 at Khao Hin Lek Fire.

The aim of this activity is to keep people healthy by jogging and walking as well as raising awareness on environmental conservation in Hua Hin. It is also organized in honor of their Majesties.

The 9th Heavy Half-Marathon is divided into 2 categories: 21.1-km. heavy half-marathon and 10.55-kilometer heavy quarter-marathon.

There are also 3-km. jogging and running for good health and a 5-km. marathon of primary school students. The games will all start at Khao Hin Lek Fire and proceed to Baan Nong Pran Puk community, Baan Wang Krata community

before returning to the starting point.

Winners for each category will be awarded a trophy of Princess Sirindhorn, a medal and many electrical appliances. Food and refreshment will be available throughout the event and, after the competition, runners can have traditional relaxing Thai massage, too.

Registration fees for the event vary according to categories one wishes to apply for: 350 Baht for the heavy half-marathon, 250 Baht for the heavy quarter-marathon and 200 Baht for jogging and running for good health. No registration fees for primary school students.

Application can be made from now on until 5 May 2012 at 12 pm. to 7 pm. For more information, please contact the Preserve Hua Hin Group at Chiva Som tel. 032 536 536 and the Hua Hin Municipality at tel. 032 511 047.

กริมและนายกสมาคมขีม่ า้ แห่งประเทศไทย นายสุวทิ ย์ เหรียญรุง่ เรือง รองนายกเทศมนตรีเมืองหัวหิน ร่วมกันมอบถ้วย รางวัลและปิดการแข่งขัน “โปโลม้าชายหาดเมืองหัวหิน” ซึง่ ในปีนมี้ ที มี โปโลม้าในโซนเอเชีย 4 ชาติประกอบด้วย ไทย – สิงคโปร์ – อินเดีย – จีน (มาเก๊า) ซึง่ ในปีนผี้ ชู้ นะเลิศในการแข่งขันเข้ารับถ้วยประทานจากพระองค์เจ้าพัชรกิตยิ าภ คือ ทีม คือ ทีม โปโลไทย อันดับ 2 ทีมโปโลสิงคโปร์ อันดับ 3 ทีมโปโลอินเดีย และอันดับ 4 ทีมโปโลจีน (มาเก๊า) ซึง่ การแข่งขันในรอบชิงชนะเลิศ นัน้ แต่ละทีมก็มกี ารเล่นกับแบบผลัดกันรุกกันรับและสร้างความตืน่ ตาตืน่ ใจให้กบั ผูช้ มทีเ่ ป็นชาวไทยและชาวต่างชาติเป็นอย่างยิง่ โดย มีกองเชียร์ของแต่ละฝ่ายคอยปรบมือให้กบั ทีมของตนเองเพือ่ เป็นก�ำลังใจ จนสิน้ สุดการแข่งขันพร้อมกันนีม้ กี ารแข่งขันม้ารอบพิเศษ โปโลเยาวชนไทย ซึง่ เป็นการสนับสนุนให้เด็กๆ ได้หนั มาเล่นกีฬาโปโลม้าในอนาคต และทีส่ ำ� คัญยังน�ำเอาการแต่งกายในรูปแบบ “แฟชัน่ ” ดังๆ จากต่างประเทศ เช่น เบอร์เบอรีข่ องประเทศอังกฤษ ลาเฟ่อร์ลา่ ของประเทศอิตาลี โดยนักเดินแบบชายหญิงของไทยกิตติมศักดิ์ และนางแบบอาชีพ เข้าร่วมบนแคทวอล์ก บริเวณชายหาด ซึง่ ในส่วนนีก่ ถ็ อื ว่าเป็นกิจกรรมเสริมทีส่ ร้างอารมณ์รว่ มให้กบั นักท่องเทีย่ ว บริเวณชายหาด ได้เห็นเพือ่ รับช่วงฤดูรอ้ นและเทศกาลสงกรานต์ไทยตลอดทัง้ เดือนเมษายน นายสุวจั น์ ฯ กล่าวว่า ส�ำหรับการแข่งขันโปโลม้าฯ ในครัง้ นี้ ตนเองในฐานะเจ้าภาพของสถานทีก่ ห็ วังเป็นอย่างยิง่ ว่าจะท�ำให้ นักท่องเทีย่ วชาวไทยและชาวต่างชาติ ทีไ่ ดข้ามาเดินเล่นอยูต่ ามชายหาดของเมืองหัวหินนัน้ มีความสุขกายสบายใจกับการทีไ่ ด้เข้ามา ชมทัง้ การแข่งขันม้า การเดินแบบแฟชัน่ และการแข่งจันในปีนี้ ทุกๆ ท่านคงจะประทับใจและจะต้องมาชมกันใหม่ในปีหน้าเพราะนอกจาก จะได้พบกับกีฬาทีใ่ นชายหาดแล้วเมืองหัวหินก็ยงั มีทะเล แสงแดด ชายหาด ทีส่ วยงามเอาไว้ตอ้ นรับในรูปแบบของการพักผ่อนและ ท่องเทีย่ วทีส่ วยงามกว่าทีอ่ นื่ ๆ ซึง่ ตลอดทัง้ ปีและในช่วงของเดือนเมษายนนัน้ เมืองหัวหินก็จะมีกจิ กรรมต่างๆ เอาไว้คอนต้อนรับทัง้ กีฬา งานประเพณีแต่ตอ่ จากนีไ้ ปอีกประมาณ 2 เดือนก็ยงั พบกับ “แจ๊สออนเดอะบีช” อีกครัง้ หนึง่ ก็จะท�ำให้เมืองหัวหินนัน้ ไม่มวี นั หลับ ส�ำหรับรายการโปโลม้าฯ ในครัง้ นีม้ กี ารถ่ายทอดสดภาพออกไปยังต่างประเทศหลายประเทศ ซึง่ ก็เป็นการโชว์แหล่งท่องเทีย่ วเชิง ธรรมชาติของเมืองหัวหินให้ผคู้ นได้รบั รูผ้ า่ นทางสือ่ อีกทางหนึง่ ด้วย ซึง่ ก็ทำ� ให้เมืองไทยเรานัน้ มีภาพลักษณ์ทดี่ ขี องการเป็นผูน้ ำ� การกีฬา ในระดับอาเซียนอีกด้วย และทีส่ ำ� คัญนัน้ ก็ยงั ทราบมาว่า ทาง “ฟีฟา่ ” ยังเล็งเอาชายหาดเมืองหัวหินทีม่ คี วามยาวตลอดแนวจัดการ แข่งขันฟุตบอลชายหาดในอนาคตอันใกล้นอี้ กี ด้วย ซึง่ ถ้าเป็นไปได้ มันก็จะเป็นการยกระดับแหล่งท่องเทีย่ วขอชายหาดเป็นสนามกีฬา ควบคูก่ นั ไปเหมือนๆ กับในต่างประเทศอย่างสหรัฐอเมริกา ทางด้านนายสุวทิ ย์ เหรียญรุง่ เรือง รองนายกฯ กล่าวว่า การแข่งขันโปโลม้า ในครัง้ นีเ่ ป็นครัง้ ที่ 3 ซึง่ ถือว่าประสบความส�ำเร็จอย่างสูงเนือ่ งจากมีนกั ท่องเทีย่ วชาวต่างชาติมาร่วมเข้าชมกันอย่างเนืองแน่นของชายหาด ในอนาคตนัน้ ทางเทศบาลเมืองหัวหินเราก็จะมีการจัดโซน จัดจุด ในบริเวณชายหาดซึง่ มรพืน้ ทีส่ าธารณะกว้างๆ เริม่ ตัง้ แต่หน้าทางลง หัวหินไปจรดเข้าตะเกียบ รับกิจกรรมทัง้ กีฬาทางน�ำ้ – ชายหาด และงานประเพณีโดยเฉพาะ “สงกรานต์” เนือ่ งจากทีอ่ นื่ ๆ เขาใช้พนื้ ที่ บนบกเรามีชายหาดทะเลเพราะฉะนัน้ แล้วถ้าเราเลือกใช้พนื้ ทีใ่ ห้ตรงกับความเป็นจริง มันก็สร้างอารมณ์รว่ มกับผูท้ มี่ าเยือนได้อย่างแท้จริง เนือ่ งจากในทุกวันนีเ้ มืองหัวหินเราจัดงานกันแต่ละครัง้ ก็มกั ใช้ถนน ใช้พนื้ ทีท่ คี่ บั แคบ ส่งผลกระทบต่อปัญหาทางด้านการจราจรและ มลภาวะสิง่ แวดล้อมทางเสียง ตนเองจึงมีแนวคิดและนโยบายใหม่วา่ จะใช้ชายหาดเมืองหัวหินเป็นสถานทีจ่ ดั งานต่างๆ ร่วมด้วยครับ

3-4-5 Star Hotel or Villa for a Thailand Golf Holiday

courtesy of http://www.thailandgolfzone.com

I

t’s not always easy to recommend the right accommodation for a golf holiday. For example, there are many excellent valuefor-money hotels that can make a Thailand golf package very affordable. Great deals can often found from May to October on the beach resorts of Phuket and Hua Hin where hotels sell at less than half their normal cost during the high season.

However, for some, luxury is more important than price. At the other end of the spectrum there are some 6-star properties that are truly luxurious luxury and will create an once-in-a-lifetime Thailand golf holiday memory. These properties can be found mostly in Phuket and Hua Hin. For golf buddy groups and families, staying together is more important than anything else. In this case, a large villa or multi-bedroom suite can be a great option. My friend Ian recently visited some new Phuket golf villas near Blue Canyon.

The villa owner lives on site, cooks breakfast, takes orders from the fresh market to cook in the evening after golf, arranges for in-villa massages, and practically everything else imaginable. This really comes across as a very relaxing way to enjoy a golfing trip with total privacy away from the main tourist areas.

Personally I favor, and often stay at, 4-star

properties, as I cannot get the full value of a 5-star hotel when I am out golfing each day.

Moreover, when I travel with friends I like that I can get a large 60 sq meter room in 4-star hotel for less than half the price of a similar size room in a 5-star hotel. This makes it easy for those who like to share rooms or use one room as the central gathering/partying place when traveling with friends. Excellent 4-star golf properties can be found in Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai. Whatever one’s preference, it can most likely be found as there are over 1000 hotels scattered throughout all of the main Thailand golf destinations.

Golf Training

for Hua Hin Youths T

he Baan Khao Tao Municipal School is organizing a basic golf training course for youths of Hua Hin. The training is from 2 to 10 April and will take place at the Hua Hin Royal Golf Course.

The Director of Baan Khao Tao Municipal School Mr. Samran Mokburut said that this project was initiated due to the fact that local people in Hua Hin specially like golfing and the city was the first city in Thailand to have an official golf course. That is also why many Hua Hin natives have become internationally well-known professional golfers.

With an aim to enable Hua Hin youths to practice golf, the project’s concept focuses on ability to watch the sport, play it well and develop their skill to excellence. The main venue will be at the school and Mr. Samran, a highly qualified golfer and trainer for over 10 years, and other professional golfers will train the young participants.

Although this project provides free training for all participants, to play golf costs a lot and the equipment is rather expensive. At present, they need some equipment, especially clubs, nets, video recorders, computers and speed and distance detecting machines.

Donations are very welcome and can be made directly at the Baan Khao Tao Municipal School(Tel. 086 807 6283).

Interested youths who would like to attend the activity can contact the school directly as well.

By Supansa

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

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Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012

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Hua Hin Today

Volume 9 issue 7 May 2012