Hua Hin Today
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Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
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Volume 9 Issue 12 October 2012
KBank’s 500 million USD in debentures
The Bank’s first in 16 years
receive a warm welcome from foreign investors
K
ASIKORNBANK recently issued 500 million USD in debentures, or approximately 15 billion Baht, to foreign investors. The US dollar-denominated debentures, with five years and six months of maturity, carrying a 3-percent coupon rate, are aimed at maintaining the Bank’s liquidity
stability in foreign currency in order to support long-term foreign-currency lending expansion as well as the Bank’s overseas business. Mr. Somkiat Sirichatchai, Senior Executive Vice President of KASIKORNBANK, said KBank had recently completed an overseas roadshow to issue foreigncurrency senior unsecured notes worth 500 million USD, with five years and six months of tenor. Carrying a 3-percent coupon rate, payable every six months, the instruments will be due in 2018. The notes were issued to institutional investors in Singapore,
Hong Kong and United Kingdom. Notes issued via KBank’s Hong Kong Branch have been oversubscribed by 5.4 times.Mr. Somkiat added that the Bank’s first foreigncurrency debenture issuance in 16 years had been the focus of much interest and had met with an overwhelming response, reflecting the Bank’s creditworthiness among foreign investors. The Bank’s debenture issuance was carried out in order to strengthen the Bank’s foreigncurrency liquidity stability. It was also a timely move, as current long-term interest rates remain low compared to earlier periods. The notes have been rated at A3 by Moody’s Investors Service and BBB+ by Standard and Poor’s. Of the institutional investors subscribing the instruments, 76 percent are based in Asia and 24 percent in Europe.
Offshore Equity Release
Unlocking cash from existing offshore assets and raising the bar on equity release schemes
S
o what do you do if you want to buy overseas property perhaps to live in, perhaps to retire to, or to generate rent from to supplement your other income? You don’t want to empty your bank accounts of your savings or sell your portfolio holdings, and vendor or developer finance is not an option. Well, before you abandon the idea completely, it is perhaps worth looking at your asset column for alternative ways of freeing up capital that you can put to work elsewhere. Home equity loans Releasing equity (the difference between an outstanding mortgage if any and the current value) from your existing overseas property is a well documented method of raising cash via a traditional re-mortgage facility. This is worth looking into if you have some equity as well as easy access to a friendly lender who is not allergic to Expatriates ! If however, you do not own a property with equity, then there are other ways to access capital. Asset backed lending from offshore portfolio structures Many expatriates and / or retirees living overseas will already have an offshore investment structure or Portfolio Bond that has over the years with ad hoc top ups and investment returns, risen to a valuation of USD1m or more. In many cases, that can be used as security to provide access to a cash loan, secured by the portfolio itself. A lending ratio of 50% loan to value would, in this example, release $500,000 cash lent to the investor on a rolling term basis. The underlying assets in the portfolio would have to be of a low risk nature at outset to qualify, and then be conservatively managed going forward, but even so can still provide a return higher than the interest cost of the loan in the current environment . There are risks involved if the portfolio valuation were to fall below a certain limit which could in theory lead to a margin call from the lender, so a word of caution here is to avoid holding cross currency loans and risky stocks or funds inside the
portfolio. That said, the days of lending against highly aggressive portfolios are largely in the past now as we enter a new world of cautious lending strategies being adopted by banks. Many will now only look to be lending against low to moderate risk assets such as blue chip stocks, investment grade bonds, government gilts, and professionally managed unit trusts. One of the main benefits of asset backed lending of course is that the security that you put up for the loan remains invested even after the loan proceeds have been released to you – whether that be the portfolio or the first property. If your loan is costing 5% a year in interest, and your portfolio is conservatively managed yet still returns 8% pa, then this can be a very viable option.An experienced investment professional should be able to properly structure your portfolio prior to submission of a loan application to maximize the chances of success. With proper ongoing monitoring and a full understanding of the risks involved and how to mitigate them, this can be a very powerful tool for individuals seeking cash funding for new ventures or who would like to buy a property in Thailand with cash. Jerry Dingley and Tim Whiteley have a combined 50 years experience as IFA’s both onshore UK and Asia Pacific advising international investors and expatriates. Now with a regional presence in Asia, they specialize in Wealth Protection, Offshore Trusts, Inheritance Planning, and creating investment solutions for High Net Worth individuals around the world. They can be contacted for more information at info@ifainternationalgroup.com
For more information of property please visit our website at...
website:
www.regalthailand.com
by GM
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Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
Thai Property News
Thailand’s Property Perfect expands abroad
P
roperty Perfect is the latest of a number of Thai developers expanding their business operations abroad. With a THB874 million investment in a resort in Hokkaido, Japan, it is the first time Property Perfect is venturing overseas in the company’s 27-year history, reported The Nation.Other developers include Thailand’s largest property developer publicly-listed Land & Houses, which is venturing into the United States, Pruksa Real Estate with investments in Maldives and India, and finally Sansiri which entered the UK market a few years back.Property Perfect’s board of directors has approved the investment, according to a statements on the Thailand Stock Exchange yesterday. Through the wholly owned subsidiary Property Perfect International, Property Perfect will invest THB41.69 million for a 69.01 percent in Share Group, which will then take over 100 per cent of Kabushiki Kaisha Kiroro Association Co, the operator of Kiroro Resort, from Mitsui Fudosan Resort Co. Under the deal, Share Group will spend another Bt64.80 million to acquire claims on Mitsui Fudosan’s Bt526.74-
million loan to Kabushiki Kaisha Kiroro Association Co, reported The Nation.Property Perfect chief executive officer Chainid Ngowsirimanee said in the statement that the company would finance the deal with cash flow. Earlier, Chainid told The Nation that the company aimed to expand investment overseas, with focus in Asia. Property Perfect International was established in Singapore on August 14 to support this policy.
Visitors to Thailand Urged to Ask for “Miracle Thailand Card” for Discounted Shopping
Ensign Media, the organisers of Thailand Property Awards
announced the shortlist of winners for this year’s Awards
T
he judging panel has made its final decisions based on the judging criteria and inspections by specialist teams in each of the locations covered by the awards. For the non-development awards, which include Best Developer, Best Residential Agent, Best Property Consultancy, the panel of expert judges reviewed entries and submitted their scores according to the published criteria to BDO Advisory. The panel then met to discuss and select a final short-list in the presence of a representative at BDO. For the development awards, which include Best Villa Development Thailand, Best Condo Development Thailand, Best Commercial Development Thailand, as well as specific development awards in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, Phuket and Samui, a 3-5 person local team visited each of the short-listed developments and conducted a face-to-face meeting with project senior executives and a site inspection, after which the local judges met privately to discuss the merits of each development, with a representative of BDO present. After all shortlisted entrants was visited, the local judges got together to decide upon the shortlist and submit their decisions to a representative of BDO. The full shortlist of winners for the Thailand Property Awards 2012 was be announced at a press conference on Monday September 10, 2012, 2.00 p.m. at the Lumpini Room, Dusit Thani Hotel. The final winners will be announced and receive their much coveted awards trophies at the annual Gala Dinner on Saturday 13 October at Napalai Hall, Dust Thani Hotel, Bangkok.
DESIGN AWARDS
V
isitors to Thailand this high season should make it a point to ask their travel agents and tour operators for a “Miracle Thailand Card” to help them take advantage of discounted shopping during their stay. TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the TAT is supporting this initiative, launched by one of Thailand’s leading banks, the Krung Thai Bank (KTB), in partnership with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), to help all visitors get better value for money from their shopping experience.Offered as part of a campaign entitled, “Miracle Thailand Card for the Miracle Journey in Thailand”, the card is valid for use from now until December 31, 2012. This will make it perfect for those planning to do their shopping for the Christmas and New Year period while in Thailand.“Thailand is known as a shopping paradise and this card will help visitors stretch the value of their shopping dollar, especially when purchasing traditional Thai gift items such as arts and crafts, Thai silk, ceramics, paintings, homeware, and furnishings,” said Governor Suraphon.He added the Miracle Thailand card could also be of great use to convention and exhibition delegates visiting Thailand during the period of validity.Further details about the Miracle Thailand Card are as follows: Availability The Miracle Thailand Card is available from Krung Thai Bank branches, KTB currency exchange booths throughout Thailand, members of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), and other travel agents in Thailand, as well as some Tourism Authority of Thailand offices. Purchasers have to register the card on the website: https://www.cb.ktb. co.th/miracle/ It functions as a debit card with a minimum stored value of US$3. The amount can be topped up at any KTB branch or KTB
currency exchange booth throughout Thailand. Cardholders are advised to make a one time top-up to avoid exchange rate variations. Any remaining amount will be refunded upon surrendering the card at any KTB branch when departing Thailand. Privileges Exclusive discounts of 5 to 70% from more than 400 brand-name stores at the top shopping centers in Bangkok: Siam Paragon, The Mall, The Emporium, Siam Piwat Group, MBK Centre, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery Centre, and Paradise Park. King Power: 10% discount at King Power duty free shop.Siam Niramit: 10% discount on show tickets. Siam Park City: Only 750 Baht from 1,150 Baht (normal price) for both the entrance fee ticket and a buffet, when purchasing a minimum of park tickets.Personal Accident Insurance valid for the first seven days after registration of the card. Life insurance and loss-of-sight coverage of up to 1,000,000 Baht and travel accident medical expense coverage of up to 500,000 baht, and First Aid Medical Expenses of up to 10,000 Baht. No advanced payment is required for First Aid Medical Expenses at any 260 high standard hospitals throughout Thailand.No surcharge for cash withdrawals from any ATM machines in Thailand, which helps save the cash withdrawal surcharge of up to 150 Baht usually levied by credit cards.Automatic 5% discount upon showing the Miracle Thailand Card when buying normally-priced products in Power Mall, Gourmet Market, Home Fresh Mart (except Pharmacy, Wine Cellar, Food Hall, Food Court, Take Home, Park Food Hall, Serviced Shop and rental shops). The 5% discount applies even if cardholders pay by cash or regular credit card.For further information, please visit the 78117733Miracle Thailand Card page at Krung Thai Bank.
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Best Residential Architectural Design : PANU and The Residences at The St. Regis Bangkok. Best Commercial Architectural Design ; Promenada Resort Mall Chiang Mai and Rain Hill. Best Landscape Architectural Design : Residences at Four Seasons Chiang Mai ,X2 Kui Buri and X2 Samui. Best Hotel Architectural Design : Beyond Resort Khaolak , Beyond Resort Krabi and Hilton Pattaya. Best Residential Interior Design : CODE, PANU and X2 Koh Kood
AGENCY AWARDS
Best Residential Agent (Bangkok) : CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Colliers International Thailand and Plus Property Co., Ltd. Best Residential Agent (Phuket) : CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Exotiq Property – Phuket and Tropical Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. Best Residential Agent (Eastern Seaboard) : Colliers International Thailand and CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Best Residential Agent (Hua Hin) : Century 21, Colliers International Thailand and Plus Property Co., Ltd. Best Residential Agent (Samui) : Luxury Villas & Homes and Kalara International Properties Co., Ltd. Best Independent Agent : The Agent (Property
Expert) Co., Ltd. ,Kalara Real Estate and Town & Country Property Co., Ltd. Best Commercial Agent : CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Colliers International Thailand , Jones Lang LaSalle and Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. Best Property Management Company : CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ,Colliers International Thailand , Jones Lang LaSalle
Savills (Thailand) Limited
Best Property Consultancy : CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. , and Colliers International Thailand. Best Overseas Property Agent : CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Savills (Thailand) Limited
DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Best Luxury Condo (Bangkok) : Oriental Residence and The River. Best Affordable Condo Development (Bangkok) : Hyde Sukhumvit and Proud X2. Best Boutique Condo (Eastern Seaboard) : Chang Noi Condominium ,Nova Ocean View and South Beach. Best Boutique Condo Development (Phuket) : Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa and Bluepoint Condos. Best Villa Development (Phuket) : Anchan Villas, Banyan Tree Residences and The Royal Villas. Best Villa Development (Eastern Seaboard) : Palm Oasis ,Siam Royal View and The Vineyards Phase II. Best Residential Development (Samui) : Code and Lanna. Best Residential Development (Hua Hin) : Amari Residences Hua Hin ,The Beach Village and Orchid Palm Residence. Best Residential Development (Chiang Mai) : Jirung Residences and Trams Condominium. Best Condo Development (Phuket) : The Lofts at Laguna Village and The Nchantra @ Sirey Beach. Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard) : The Cliff and Novana Residence Best Commercial Development: Asiatique The Riverfront and Rain Hill. Best Shared Ownership Development : Anantara Vacation Club (Phuket) ,Anantara Vacation Club (Samui) and Beach Republic the Residences
DEVELOPER AWARDS
Best Boutique Developer : Absolute World Group and Kalara Developments. Best Developer : Charn Issara Development Plc. ,Minor International Plc., Pruksa Real Estate Plc. ,and Supalai Plc.
SCB finances Incio Condominium Project
S
iam Commercial Bank First Executive Vice President – Commercial Banking, Sarut Ruttanaporn, and Hihero Co. Chief Executive Officer Maj Gen Decha Pisitkasem recently signed an agreement providing 337 million baht in financial support for development of the Incio Condominium Project. The project comprises five 8-story buildings and one 5-story building, and features residential condos fully equipped with various facilities such as fitness rooms and swimming pools. Located off Serithai Road, Buengkum District, the easily-accessed condos are close to education institutes, shopping complexes, hospitals, and other facilities. It was designed and built to meet client lifestyles and the increased housing demand due to the fast-growing economy.
nor
t. com
rowth
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Property News
Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
Thaitrade.com organized Global investment in retail real estate could hit US$180 ”Joining Global Trade Market with Thaitrade.com” billion per year in 2020 Seminar For Thai National Shippers’ Council Joining Global Trade Market J with Thaitrade.com for
ones Lang LaSalle on September announced its in new global retail real estate report released at ICSC 2012 Retail Real Estate World Summit.The property consultancy estimates that annual investment volumes in retail real estate could hit US$180bn globally by 2020 due to increasing cross-border activity, showing growth of around 50 percent on the projected volumes for 2012 (US$110-125bn). Retail’s overall contribution to real estate investment is expected to sit at close to 30 percent over the remainder of this decade, an increase from the 24 percent last decade. The company also said that growth markets are projected to account for around one-quarter of global retail investment by 2020, compared to less than 10 percent today. By contrast, established markets will decline from 83 percent to just above 60 percent.China and India top Jones Lang LaSalle’s Retail Real Estate Momentum Index which identifies the top 20 countries with the strongest momentum in retail real estate globally.The Redefining Retail Investment report confirms that in the last decade, more than US$1 trillion of retail real estate has been traded around the world. Global direct investment has averaged more than US$100bn per year since 2004 and in 2011 annual volumes hit US$122.5bn. In 2011 cross-border activity accounted for nearly half of all retail investment whilst levels accounted for only one-quarter of all trade in 2004. Crossborder activity will continue to track at around half of all retail investment, boosting annual investment volumes to US$160-180bn by 2020, representing a 30-50 percent increase on 2011 levels. Arthur de Haast, head of International Capital Group, Jones Lang LaSalle said: “The number of investable geographies has expanded globally as growth markets like China, Brazil and Turkey are attracting global investors. Together with an improvement in the quality
Thai National Shippers’ Council, to promote effective Online Marketing strategies throughout Thaitarde.com website.
Thaitrade.com led by Khun Arada Fuangtong, Head of E-Commerce Group, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, hosted a seminar “Joining Global Trade Market with Thaitrade.com for Thai National Shippers’ Council, to promote effective Online Marketing strategies throughout Thaitarde.com website. Major speakers are Dr. Vithaya Suharittharong, a Supply Chain Management Specialist,
and availability of retail assets, rising liquidity levels and further progress in real estate transparency, the retail investment sales sector is set for further rapid globalisation.”The company predicted that There will be a general rebalancing in capital flows towards the Asia Pacific region, due to favourable demographics and the growth of the middle class. By 2020, Asia Pacific is forecasted to account for 26 percent of global retail investment volumes, up from 22 percent currently and from only 11 percent in the mid-2000s. The report projects that the Americas will hold onto around 33 percent of volumes between now and 2020, whilst EMEA will take around 41 percent (compared to 45 percent currently). The report also introduces the Retail Real Estate Momentum Index, which lists the top 20 countries with the strongest momentum in retail real estate. China and India sit at the top of the list, though South East Asia and Latin American nations also feature well.
on “Minimizing Foreign Exchange Risks” and also a representative from Pantavanij Co.,Ltd on “ Maximizing Utilization from B2B E-Marketplace to increase marketing channels ” at Four Wings Hotel. Members of Thai National Shippers’ Council get special privilege such as Fast Track application process, Pre – approve Application Form, priority in Thaitrade. com’s Business Matching, participate in Local Road Show with Thaitrade.com : Exhibition, Workshop, Business Matching, special discount from business partners such as Thailandpost, Bangkok Bank etc., including training and seminar for each group of partner.
‘SEA MICE & A MILLION’ Returns to Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
for Second Consecutive Year Hilton Worldwide’s successful MICE campaign offers more perks for meetings in Southeast Asia
Penfolds held an Exclusive Gala Dinner
of The King’s Cup Elephant Polo
Gala Dinner Auction at Anantara Hua Hin
H R
ecently Ms. Jade Koh (2nd left) Customer Marketing Manager & Vintrepreneur - SEA, India and Korea joined hands with Mr. William Heinecke, Minor International chairman and CEO to host the exclusive King’s Cup Elephant Polo charity gala dinner at Anantara Resort and Spa Hua Hin. Many VIP guests around the world enjoyed the function including VIP guests-super models Pim-Sonia Couling, Vin Paul Dominic, Phuwanart Kunpalin. Penfolds raised a rare and highly awarded bottle of Penfolds BIN 620 which went for US$1,900. All money donated to help lame elephants stand has been donated to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), and 4,000 trees have been planted in Hua Hin to shelter elephant corridors from electric fencing in the area.
ilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa today announced that it is bringing back the successful ‘SEA MICE & A MILLION’ campaign from Hilton Worldwide for a third time in two consecutive years. Aimed at the corporate meetings, events and incentives markets, it rewards planners by offering a package of additional perks and benefits when they choose to host a meeting at any of the 15 participating Hilton Worldwide hotels in Southeast Asia. Event planners can enjoy a number of incentives including free stays and complimentary welcome drinks for all delegates, in addition to bonus Hilton HHonors points. Upgrades to the executive floor and complimentary Internet throughout the stay will also be offered for bookings of a minimum of 30 nights or more. This promotion is valid from now until October 31, 2012 for bookings fulfilled by February 28, 2013. For more information website: www.hilton.co.th/huahin
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
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Kids & Education
Play Play Play kids
WHY PLAY MATTERS FOR BOTH KIDS AND ADULTS
P
Courtesy of www.helpguide.org
Play : It’s not just for kids.
The lifelong benefits of play
Play connects us to others. Sharing joy, laughter, and fun with others promotes bonding and strengthens a sense of community. We develop empathy, compassion, trust, and the capacity for intimacy through regular play. Play fosters creativity, flexibility, and learning. Play is a doorway to learning. Play stimulates our imaginations, helping us adapt and solve problems. Play arouses curiosity, which leads to discovery and creativity. The components of play - curiosity, discovery, novelty, risk-taking, trial and error, pretense, games, social etiquette, and other increasingly complex adaptive activities - are the same as the components of learning. Play is an antidote to loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression. When we play vigorously, we trigger a mix of endorphins that lift our spirits and distractions that distance us from pain, fear, and other burdens. And when we play with other people, whether they’re friends or strangers, we are reminded that we are not alone in this world. We can connect to others in delightful and meaningful ways that banish loneliness. Play teaches us perseverance. The rewards of learning or mastering a new game teach us that perseverance is worthwhile. Perseverance is a trait necessary to healthy adulthood, and it is learned largely through play. Perseverance and violence are rarely found together. Play makes us happy. Beyond all these excellent reasons for playing, there is simply
the sheer joy of it. Play is a state of being that is happy and joyous. Jumping into and out of the world of play on a daily basis can preserve and nourish our own hearts, and the hearts of our communities. Play and relationships. Play is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. Playing together for the fun of it brings joy, vitality, and resilience to relationships. Play can also heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Through regular play, we learn to trust one another and feel safe. Trust enables us to work together, open ourselves to intimacy, and try new things. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you can improve the quality of your love relationshipsas well as your connections with co-workers, family members, and friends. Play helps us develop and improve our social skills. Social skills are learned in the give and take of play. Verbal communication and body language, safety and danger, freedom and boundaries, cooperation and teamwork: all are discovered and practiced repeatedly during infant and childhood play. We continue to refine these skills in adulthood through play and playful communication. Play teaches us how to cooperate with others. Play is a powerful catalyst for positive socialization. Through play, children learn how to “play nicely” with others - to work together, follow mutually agreed upon rules, and socialize in groups. As adults, play continues to confer these benefits. Evidence even shows that play may be an antidote to violence. In fact, those who avoid or have never learned to play may become lost in the world of fear, rage, and obsessive worry. Mutual play can heal emotional wounds. When adults play together, they are engaging in exactly the same patterns of behaviour that positively shape the brain in children. These same playful behaviours that predict emotional health in children also lead to positive change in adults. Studies show that an emotionally-insecure individual can replace negative beliefs and behaviours with positive assumptions and actions by living with a secure partner. Close, positive, and emotionally-fulfilling relationships heal and create emotional resiliency. Play provides a safe and joyous context for the development of such relationships.
Playing at work : The key to productivity and innovation
Work or play: It’s all in your attitude When researchers studied preteen children’s attitudes about play, they discovered that some children called almost everything they did “play” while others called almost everything they did “work.” Reconnecting with the children at the end of adolescence, the children who thought of everything as play were more successful and happier in school and were more content socially than the people who saw everything as “work.”Many people are working longer and harder, thinking that this will solve the problem of an everincreasing workload. But they are still falling behind, becoming chronically overwhelmed, and burning out. Work is where we spend much of our time. That is why it is especially important for us to play during work. Without some recreation, our work suffers. Success at work doesn’t depend on the amount of time
Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
Explore Asia – Non profit English Camp in Hua Hin
lay is simultaneously a source of relaxation and stimulation for the brain and body. A sure (and fun) way to develop your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and mental health is to play with your romantic partner, officemates, children, grandchildren, and friends. “What do most Nobel Laureates, innovative entrepreneurs, artists and performers, well-adjusted children, happy couples and families, and the most successfully adapted mammals have in common? They play enthusiastically throughout their lives.” Play is often described as a time when we feel most alive, yet we often take it for granted and may completely forget about it. But play isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Play is as important to our physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. Play teaches us how to manage and transform our “negative” emotions and experiences. It supercharges learning, helps us relieve stress, and connects us to others and the world around us. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable. Despite the power of play, somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us stop playing. We exchange play for work and responsibilities. When we do have some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than to engage in creative, brain-stimulating play. By giving ourselves permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, we can continue to reap its benefits throughout life. Some of the reasons we play: to learn to create to feel challenged to pass time to calm and focus ourselves as spectators watching others competitively to win cooperatively for the fun of it for the joy of it
Hua Hin Today
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ew in Hua Hin and already getting well into action, two guys with great ideas , based on a non profit organization to promote English language in Thailand. Both Annile and Mike run a TESOL camp in Kao Takiab , Hua Hin where young teachers are formed to teach English at Thai schools all over the country. Oncoming English teachers go through a TESOL course (Teaching English As A Second Language) and after successfully graduating with a certificate , they are placed in schools around the country , paid a moderate salary and teach children English. Keeping in mind that English is an essential you work. It depends upon the quality of your work. And the quality of your work is highly dependent on your well-being. Taking the time to replenish yourself through play is one of the best things you can do for your career. When the project you’re working on hits a serious glitch (as often happens), heading out to the basketball court with your colleagues to shoot some hoops and have a few laughs does a lot more than take your mind off the problem. If basketball isn’t your cup of tea, having a model airplane contest, telling stories, or flying kites in the parking lot will also allow your relationship to the problem to shift and enable you to approach it from a new perspective.
Playing at work:
keeps you functional when under stress refreshes your mind and body encourages teamwork helps you see problems in new ways triggers creativity and innovation increases energy and prevents burnout Play, creativity, and flow. Psychiatrist and writer Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has studied play extensively. He describes play as a flow state that requires just the right balance of challenge and opportunity. If the game is too hard or too easy, it loses its sense of pleasure and fun. Maintaining a flow state in games with others requires all participants, regardless of age or ability, to feel challenged but not overwhelmed. Feelings We Experience in the Flow State Involvement - Complete focus and concentration, either due to innate curiosity or as the result of training. Delight - A sense of bliss and positive detachment from everyday reality. Clarity - Great inner clarity and a built-in understanding about the state of affairs. Confidence - An innate sense that the activity is doable and that your skills are adequate to the task. Additionally, you don’t feel anxious or bored. Serenity - A sense of peace and an absence of worries about self. Timeliness - Thorough focus on the present and a lack of attention to the passing of time. Motivation - Intrinsic understanding about what needs to be done and a desire to keep the moment of play moving.
Learning how to play again
Bernie DeKoven, one of the originators of the New Games movement, has devoted his life to developing games that bring people together emotionally in the context of playing for fun. See the Resources section below for links to some of his favourite games. For those who
communication and business necessity language, Thailand needs to take as much advantage from this as possible. XploreAsia’s non-profit English Camp crossed a milestone this week as they were awarded an official grand opening by Deputy Mayor Khun Bootsaba of Hua Hin, Thailand. XploreAsia teamed up with the ASEAN Study Center to volunteer for 2 days in Khoa Takiab’s Don Brasco School. The XploreAsia August Group completed their course and graduated with flying colors as they worked with over 300 children from the local community and the neighboring provinces. Many children journeyed several hours by bus to attend and participate in the fun filled English activities prepared by our teachers in training. The August group finished the second day with a graduation ceremony where they were presented an Internationally Accredited TESOL Certificate and hundreds of Thai children’s beaming smiles. For more information on Explore Asia, contact : Annile Alexander - Director of Education +66 83-775-2020 - Skype: annilealexander - www.xploreasia.org https://www.facebook.com/XploreAsia
have forgotten how to play and don’t know how to get started again, Bernie offers the following advice: “You don’t have to have rules or goals or a board or even anything to play with except each other. But whatever it is that you’re playing, there are two things you have to take seriously: being together, and the sheer fun of it all. No game is more important than the experience of being together, being joined, being equal - governed by the same rules, playing for the same purpose. And no purpose is more uniting and freeing than the purpose of being fun with each other.”
Winning and losing
It’s OK for you to lose. This may be hard to remember at the time, but getting beaten fair and square by your own grandkid is one of life’s great events Nobody has to lose. For some reason, both adults and children tend to take games more seriously than anyone needs to. That’s why it is not unusual for a trivial game to end up as a contest of wills and for children to wind up in tears because they’ve “lost.” Competition separates, rather than unites. Despite your best efforts to keep the competition friendly and fun, the very existence of winners and losers shifts the focus of the game away from fun and playfulness. It separates rather than unites, alienates rather than embraces. Yes, the competitive separation can be overcome. Whenever it happens that opponents embrace each other, it is a victory and a triumph of the human spirit. But it is a rare occurrence.
Suggestions for playing games where no one has to lose :
Instead of stopping a game when someone wins, just continue playing until everyone wins. There’s the first winner, then the second winner, and then the third. When playing a two-person game, like checkers or ping-pong, try playing with three players, and rotate turns. If there are only two of you, in checkers, for example, just trade sides every third or fifth turn so that you have to play the other person’s position.
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Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
Contact Natasha if you want to sell or rent out your house House for Sale
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Price: 6,500,000 THB Reduced by 35%! 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, Living area: 104 Sqm. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SCO-0017
Condo for Sale
Luxury Condo Sea View
Price : 16,500,000 THB Reduced by 10%! 2 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, Living area: 128 Sqm. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SCO-0049
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Sea View Condo in Town Centre
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Price: 5,100,000 THB Brand New with Good Value! 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, Living area: 180 Sqm. Land area: 408 Sqm. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SHO-0018
Beach Condo in Hua Hin
Price: 6,500,000 THB Reduced by 10%! 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, Living area: 64 Sqm. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SCO-0016
Price 5,900,000 THB Reduced by 25%! 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, Living area: 90 Sqm. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SCO-0059
Stunning Sea View
Land in Hua Hin near Beach
Land for Sale
Beautiful Hills Land in Soi 112
Price: 4,500,000 THB/Rai 1,600 Sqm. 64 Rai (102,400 Sqm.) Devisable. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SCO-0004
Price: 3,200,000 THB/Rai 1,600 Sqm. 53 Rai (84,800 Sqm.) Non - Devisable. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SLD - 0013
Price: 5,000,000 THB/Rai 1,600 Sqm. 5 Rai and 200 Sq/w Non - Devisable. More info > www.huahintoday.com > SLD - 0017
House for Rent
Pool Villa in Town Price : 35,000 THB/Week (May – Oct) 4 bedrooms + 1 guess room 4 bathrooms Fully furnished European kitchen Pool table More info > www.huahintoday.com > RHO-0027
Pool Villa in Hua Hin
Price : 65,000 THB/Month (May – Oct) 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Fully furnished European kitchen More info > www.huahintoday.com > RHO-0085
Pool Villa in Golf Course
Price: 75,000 THB/Month (Short term) 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms Fully furnished European kitchen More info > www.huahintoday.com > RHO-0004
Condo for Rent
Condo near Khao Tao Beach
Price: 30,000 THB/Month (May-Oct) 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Fully furnished European kitchen Club house More info > www.huahintoday.com > RCO-0032
Condo in Khao Takiab Beach
Price: 25,000 THB/Month (Best price in best area!) 1 bedroom 1 bathroom Fully furnished European kitchen More info > www.huahintoday.com > RCO-0026
Condo in Hua Hin Heart Town
Price: 55,000 THB/Month (Best area!) 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Fully furnished European kitchen More info > www.huahintoday.com > RCO-0039
Contact : Property for Sale & Rent : 0909-709-322
Email: natasha@regalthailand.com
Website: www.huahintoday.com/properties
Hua Hin Today
Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
23
24 By GMoss
H
Hotel & Health
Hua Hin Today Volume 9 issue 12 October 2012
The Amari Hua Hin Experience
aving been a frequent traveler for nearly four decades, now more or less settled down, my judgment of hospitality is still quite vivid and realistic. Hotels were my second home. When the Amari Hua Hin was built, I followed it’s construction closely but was surprised by the final revelation of the development when the curtain was drawn at the pre-opening. A delicious combination of top architecture, simplicity and functionality combined together created this resort on the coast of the gulf of Siam, top tourist destination, a holiday retreat, a great place to stay with all the amendments you could wish for. As you approach the Amari Hua Hin on Kao Takiab road, parking is ample, either in front of the hotel or underneath.
The walls are decorated with different sizes of After checking in with the well trained front office receptionist and getting served the obligatory herbal tea drink, the room key card that operates the lift , opens the room door and turns on the power system in the room is handed over. The lift automatically registers the level your room is on. There is no way the lift will function by selecting the level manually. A precaution against unwanted visitors.
The corridors are kept simple with occasional ornaments at the lift area.
The lobby area boasts a Mediterranean atmosphere with blue and white colors, smartly spread on the high rise walls and ceilings. Coral ornaments with integrated chandeliers round off the architectural design.
T
here is always a new weight-loss diet; the talk shows and the bookshops are always full of the latest great dietary secrets. The diets come and then they go. The success or failure of them is related more to the packaging than to the content. The ones with the snappy names and attractive spokesmen do well; sound nutritional thinking does not seem to be an advantage. The Scarsdale, Hollywood, Atkins, Zone, South Beach and the Beverly Hills diets all had their moments but all have been found to be disappointing to many of their participants. One dietary approach that a great many people have found to be effective is the so-called Mediterranean diet. Its advantages have been well researched and documented. This diet is different from most of the others in that it is more of a philosophy, an attitude, a general set of principles than are the others. Attention was first directed at this approach by a professor from Minnesota who noticed that the people from the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea: Italy, Greece, Spain, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and the North African countries were full of slim healthy looking people. Their incidence of heart disease and other related diseases was less than in other parts of the world. The diet in these countries was not designed
At entering your room , whether it may be a standard , superior or family suite , you immediately notice the tasteful decoration of the walls with black and white pictures of Hua Hin’s history and contemporary impressions. Room furniture is kept in warm, natural tones, functional and still luxurious. Luxury is one of the positive impressions you register at the Amari Hua Hin. It definitely is a five
by some thoughtful nutritionist but was comprised of those foods that were available locally and which could be obtained at a low cost. The land around the Med lacks the lush flat meadows that are suitable for grazing cows; sheep and goats are preferred. The people eat the meat and also make cheese from the milk of these animals, cheeses that are not as fatty as those made from cow milk. For geographic and cultural reasons there are differences from one country to another, more pasta in Italy, more couscous in the North African countries. It is the diets of the countries on the northern shore of the Med that have been most widely studied. The ‘Mediterranean diet’ is a series of recommendations that follows these dietary habits. It is not a series of menus that have to be followed; it also differs from other diets in that it emphasizes what you should eat rather than telling you what is forbidden. In other diets there are the great NO-NOs: Dr Atkins tells us that carbohydrates are our enemy, the anti-fat diets tell us that butter is poison: you need a degree in nutrition or biochemistry to order from a menu. Where are the carbohydrates? Where are the fats?
star resort beyond any doubt. Rooms contain a king size bed , mini bar, tasteful curtains, a balcony with sea view and all the shower cosmetics you will find in any comparable luxury hotel. The family suite has a round bathtub with an invigorating, relaxing herbal based bath gel. There are several outlets at which lunch and dinner is served. The romantic one on the beach front was baptized Shoreline Beach Club where fresh seafood, meat and poultry is barbecued to perfection. You can choose from having dishes served or select and manage your own personal mini grill at your table. By day, During daytime, you can relax at the beachside and enjoy cooling cocktails and fresh salads including a German potato salad and cool smoothies. Try the mango one ! Other outlets include The Mosaic, mainly inhabited for breakfast. For Dinner we chose The Beach Club. A mixed salad and German potato salad as an entrée and a huge BBQ grilled plate with Beef Sirloin, Lamb Cutlets, Fish Fillets, Chicken Breasts, squid sate and grilled Mais. The Mojitos we had as an appetizer drink were made very classy. They also make Virgin Mojitos and Margaritas for those who prefer no-alcohol. A romantic experience, the Beach Club at night, low lights and candles with a soft Jazzy background music. The bigger surprise was the pricing of the menu. For a 5 star accommodation, these were 3 star prices. Prices are kept low to attract people from the beach. This one of the reasons it does not carry an Amari sign on the restaurant. Beachcombers will surely be attracted by the
venue looking at it from the beach. Breakfast was equally attractive and comprehensive with more than I could mention. All needs covered with a live Egg station , juices and home baked bread and pastry. A new Spa concept called Breeze waved me in. With 4 Star prices and 5 star treatments, again this was a definite price breaker. I went for the full body massage with distressing effect. In addition I took the facial for men. Remove the black heads, white heads and wrinkles (temporarily). The 30 meters + Swimming Pool are a jewel among hotels unless you fancy a canal pool some others have to offer. The Amari rounds off its package with a Fitness Center , Kid´s club and last but not least a
Deli Cafeteria where Amari made bakery , pastries , rich cakes and other delicatessens can either be bought for a take away or simply accompany your favorite coffee intake. I was really impressed by the simplicity, non fuss operation, rooms and architecture. I surely will be “back”. Contact the Amari for information on the Hotel Resort & Spa : 117/74 Takiab Road, Nongkae, Hua Hin. +66 (0) 3261 6600 +66 (0) 3261 6699, http://www.amari.com/huahin/
Are they mono or poly saturated? It’s all too much to die from cancer or heart disease. On analysis, work! the diet is compatible with the recommendations of most cardiac authorities’ recommendations. One of the problems is that all of these fad diets There is more fat consumption than they usually have a huge drop-out rate; they may be easy to recommend due to the liberal use of olive oil, but follow for short periods of time, perhaps for several this is a mono-saturated fat which is generally months while you shed unwanted weight, but after heart-friendly. Does this mean that the people this the participants usually slip back into old from these countries all eat this type of diet? habits and the weight returns. The Mediterranean Unfortunately that is not always the case; the approach is one with so much flexibility and is so supermarkets of Barcelona, Marseilles, Palermo forgiving, that you consider that you have chosen and Athens look like these in any other country to change the way that you eat rather than being and the consumption of beef and other meats is ‘on-a diet’ It is a positive change rather than a increasing. negative one. It is really quite easy to follow this diet in Here are the main characteristics of the Thailand; vegetables, fruits, cheese and red wine Mediterranean diet are obtainable quite easily and there is a wide An abundance of vegetables, fruit, cereals, selection of olive oils at the best supermarkets. breads, potatoes and beans. Even when eating out you can find suitable food Olive oil as the principle oil for cooking and on almost all menus. Here, even eating out it is for dressings. very easy to eat in this manner. Thai food has as Fish several times a week; very little red meat. its main components two of the categories of food Moderate amount of dairy products, mainly recommended in this way of eating, seafood and cheese. vegetables. Seafood is plentiful, fresh fruit and Eggs, but not more than three a week. vegetables are a part of almost every meal. Red wine in moderate amounts An active life style. I have also been impressed with how the people of tropical countries are relaxed and at ease with A study published in the prestigious New England their lives; meal times are unrushed social events, Journal of Medicine in 2003 followed 22,000 full of conversation and laughter not a pit stop to people living in Greece and investigated their fill up with fuel. eating habits. During the four years of the study, researchers found that the more people followed Slow down and taste the rosé. these dietary principles the less likely they were Dr Michael Moreton