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April 2014 CHAKRI MEMORIAL DAY Prior to the establishment of the 1737) commanded the bitter fights in Chakri Dynasty (the current royal the Northern war. Despite the efforts lineage), the Kingdom of Siam (former to fight back, they were gradually name of Thailand) was in turmoil. forced to fall back until the Burmese Aggressive Burmese troops occupied had a grip on the Royal Capital. the Northern Kingdom of Lan Na and Ayutthaya fell on April 8th were proceeding down south to the , 1767 and Siamese Royal Capital of Ayutthaya. the Siamese people fled to the city of Thonburi located further downriver on A young man of noble Ayutthaya the mighty Chaophraya River. descent named Thong Duang (born in Continued on Page...4 “Suk San Wan Songkran” Continued on Page Cover story...10 PRINCESS PA’S CUP ASIAN BEACH POLO CHAMPIONSHIP The InterContinental Hua Hin funds for the ‘KAMLANGJAI polo tournament, spectators Resort together with the PROJECT’ or Inspire by will have the chance to B.Grimm Group are hosting Princess PA. This project was immerse themselves in variety the ‘ASIAN BEACH POLO initiated by HRH Princess of activities including a beach- CHAMPIONSHIP’, the only Bajrakitiyabha to reach out to themed fashion show on Top Rated beach polo tournament in Asia. women in prison, including horseback, a local horse race, pregnant inmates and women a kids’ polo match, games, The Tournament will take place with babies. and luxurious beauty shopping. on Saturday 19th April 2014 on This year a party with the theme the beachfront adjacent to the Six professional polo player of ‘Hua Hin Sweet Old Days’ will Wine Bar Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort. teams from Malaysia, Hong be the climax to the fun-filled Kong, Singapore, and our host Exquisite Cocktails The Tournament teams will Event. For more information Thai teams will compete. compete for a Royal Trophy, call 032 616 999 or rsvn@ Friday Wine Buffets, AIR-CON., opposite Burger King the Princess Pa Cup, and raise Besides the excitement of the ichuahin.com CRICKET LEGENDS HUA HIN at The Hua Hin Sixes REMINISCES 2014 Former Cricket Legend Craig McDermott along This festival will take place on with a long list of former test players will play at the th th 19th Hua Hin Cricket Sixes, to be played from April 26 April – 5 May 2014 at 5th 10th. The event has attracted record number of Queen Sirikit’s Memorial Park in entries with 21 teams from around the globe. In Hua Hin. This all about ‘retro’. addition, eight former Australian Test great and That is music, dancing and current Australian State players will be joining 250 costume. For more information, players and their families at the picturesque Dusit please contact the Hua Hin Thani Hua Hin cricket ground. Municipality at tel. 032 516256 Continued on Page...25 ext. 14 2

Chill-out and Dine by the Beach…

Featuring DJ SG from Asia’s no. 1 party crew, Bangkok Invaders Live Percussionist & Trumpet WET & WILD SONGKRAN PARTY & CLICK Bar’s hottest DJs plus international DJs

at Shoreline Saturday, 12 Hotline for tickets: 084 427 2082 th April 2014, from 16:00 to 01:00 hrs

Located directly on the Khao Takiab beachfront, Shoreline Beach Club offers the freshest seafood and meat or poultry barbecued to perfection. During the day relax beachside and enjoy refreshing cocktails, by night, feel the vibe change with laid-back tunes and sundowners.

Be sure to mention Hua Hin Today Magazine to our staff and receive “buy one get one free” on your first order of drinks (bottles excluded) and a 15% discount on your following food & beverage order.

Shoreline Beach Club: open daily from 11:00 to 23:00; Khao Takiab beachfront, behind Amari Hua Hin. 3 Editor’s NOTE Contents The time has passed fast, this is something I heard a lot last month and it’s so true. It has already been 5 months since we moved 06 FASHION & to our new office to Kao Takiab and it feels like this happened only yesterday. Looks like our new neighborhood is becoming the LIFESTYLE “in” place in Hua Hin and we love that. April has arrived, with warmer weather and 08 PEOPLE IN the sea is calling us to jump in and forget about all our concerns. Can you already feel the summer? Here we do and it makes it BUSINESS difficult to work and concentrate for all of us. But soon we will have our big break on 14- 10 COVER STORY 15-16 this month when we all will be going to town to celebrate Songkran and splash each other. There are so many events 12 GOLF during these three days and that’s why we make a special tribute in this issue with all 15 SPORTS the places “Where to celebrate Songkran Festival”. Additionally, this month we had the pleasure 16 WEEKEND AWAY to interview Han Hakvoort , one of the first foreigners coming to Hua Hin ,you will love 22 WHERE TO GO his story! Food and dining are important subjects in the editorial mix of this Newspaper and TO CELEBRATE in our May issue we want to devote a full article to these interests alone. We have SONG KRAN realized that trying new restaurants, tasting regional flavours, and visiting markets are increasingly important motivations for going 31 MOTORING out into the world. So we wanted to see which of all these places we have been to, is your favorite and we will give away a Dinner 38 WORLD NEWS Voucher for Two for the best comment received before the 20th of April 2014. All past reviews will be posted on our website INSERTS : and Facebook. Looking forward to reading your comments on our Hua Hin Today Facebook. Food & Wine Lovers Best Regards, Eleni Property Today Who is in charge? Some Important Regional Contacts General Manager: Eleni Mastronikoli [email protected] Organisation Hua Hin Cha-Am Editor: Pol. Maj. Gen. Noi Wannapaiboon Police 191 (Emergency) 191 (Emergency) Sales Manager: Sangnapa Phetpankan (Joy) 032 511 027 032 471 321 [email protected] Highway Police 1193 Assistant to the editor: Rotjana Saitakam (Nok) Tourist Police 1155 [email protected] Fire Station 199 (Emergency) 199 (Emergency) Graphic Designer: Grit Promprasert, Nicolas Cheimonidis Accountant: [email protected] 032 511 666 Journalists: Chamnan Puengjoh, Supansa Kraiwaad, Soravit Eiam-Aek Ambulance 1554 Medical Emergency 1669 Electrical Call Centre 1129 Group Directors: Alcoholics Anonymous 089 587 682 Business Director: Eleni Mastronikoli Bangkok Hospital 1719 Consultant: Michael Van Doornewaard 033 616 800 San Paolo 032 532 576 Where to find us! Cha Am Hospital 032 471 808 Hua Hin Today Co., Ltd Hua Hin Hospital 032 520 401 Address: 59/135 Soi Moo Baan Hua Na, Nongkae, Hua Hin Prachuab Khiri Khan Transport Tel. 086 338 2203 / 086 369 3604 Bus Station 032 514 477 Website: huahintoday.com Railway Station 032 512 770 032 471 159 Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday Government Muncipality 032 511 047 1132 Immigration 032 522 656 Tourist Info Centre 032 511 047 032 471 005 Water Supply 032 511 677 032 477 646 Post Office 032 511 063 032 477 252 Power Board 032 512 215 032 472 069

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 4 NEWS

...Continued from Page 1... CHAKRI MEMORIAL DAY The beautiful city of Ayutthaya was destroyed Thai National Elephant Day by the Burmese, temples plundered, gold and jewelry looted, monks and women were cruelly affected. But the Burmese had By Anantara suffered heavily in the taking of Ayutthaya The sounds of proud trumpets, squeaks, and has since been diversified to include and knew the Siamese would return to take chirps and rumbles droned out the welfare projects that incorporate broader up battle. Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty knew that the harmonious voices of monks during the philanthropic and cultural objectives with Knowing they could not hold Ayutthaya, the city of Thonburi was vulnerable to possible traditional blessing of the Golden Triangle’s unprecedented success. Since 2006 the Burmese retreated after only one week. War Burmese attack from the west. Accordingly, gentle giants on National Thai Elephant camp has operated under the auspices of the campaigns continued over the years, ebbing he commanded that a new Capital be Day, when a ten day old baby boy named Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and flowing, until the Siamese armies united established across Chaophraya River. And Nong Sam was shown off to the world for (GTAEF).” the first time and stole the limelight from the during 1779 in Thonburi. so Krung - Thep (Bangkok) was created. National Thai Elephant Day takes place every customary age old proceedings. year on March 13th. The aim of the day is Thong Duang now known as Chakri became Chakri Day commemorates the founding of Born on March 3rd at the world famous to draw attention to the elephant which is the military commander. He realized that the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 by King Rama I. Elephant Camp at Anantara Golden Triangle the national animal of Thailand and plays an the Royal Court of King Taaksin was in such In the new capital city of Bangkok, King Rama Elephant Camp & Resort outside Chiang Rai, important part in culture, religion and tradition. disharmony because the King, weary of I built the Grand Palace that now houses the the 85 kilogram baby elephant stands 84 wars, and had resorted to religion rather than Emerald Buddha. In addition, he helped centimetres tall at the shoulder and measures addressing the needs of his subjects. release Thailand from Burmese control, after 129 centimetres from forehead to tail. Ayutthaya succumbed 14 years earlier. The lack of leadership caused rebellions to Whereas elephants normally give birth in the break out. Rebels marched on Thonburi, In commemorating “Chakri Day” on 6th April, night, this healthy boy was born at 11.15am calling for the overthrow and replacement of the national flag is proudly displayed by the to forty-five year old Boon Jan, her fifth son. King Taaksin with their beloved “Chakri.” As a people of Thailand and both government He was nicknamed by his mahout (elephant result Chaophraya Chakri took the title “King officials and members of the community carer), as is tradition, meaning “three” in Thai Ramathibodi” and reigned as King Rama I participate in traditional ceremonies, making and alluding to his birth date on the third day from April 6 1782 until 1809. offerings of flowers and garlands at the many of the third month. Being a Garieng elephant, As an experienced military campaigner, King statues of Kings in the House of Chakri. Nong Sam will choose his own formal name at the age of three in a special ceremony involving bits of paper wrapped around sugarcane. HUA HIN HOSPITAL THREE According to John Roberts, Anantara Resorts’ Director of Elephants, Nong Sam was the fourth elephant born at the Elephant Camp and the seventh baby raised there. NOW OPEN “The Elephant Camp was set up in 2003 to improve the plight of Thailand’s elephants, Hua Hin Red Cross Launches Holiday Blood Donation Campaign The Hua Hin Red Cross will conduct the annual blood donation campaign from 8th to 12th April 2014. Entitled, “Blood Donation with Goodwill in Summer”, the campaign aims to save blood for patients in Hua Hin hospitals and neighboring areas for the long holiday of Songkran. Those who would like to donate blood can do so between 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, between 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and between 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on Saturday. The Red Cross Clinic is located in Soi 76.

On 27th February 2014 the Director of Hua provides dental care, tooth extraction and According to Mr. Wichien Phetnajak, the Hin Hospital Dr. Niran Jantrakul with Chairs of decalcifying. The third zone provides Thai and Chief Officer of the Hua Hin Red Cross, the Lions Club and the Rotary Club Hua Hin, Chinese alternative medical treatments, such this annual campaign will raise awareness the Senior Advisor of the Princess Sirindhorn as acupuncture, foot massage, traditional Thai among Thai people of how much important blood donations are to patients and other International Environmental Park Mr Ruud massage and herbal treatments. The fourth Although Songkran is a holiday period, Jansen and others attended an opening zone, known as Phathra Narakul after its people who are urgently in need. During Songkran, Thai people usually spend time hospitals have to work round the clock. Many ceremony of Hua Hin Hospital Three. benefactor, is the life and body rehabilitation hospitals in Prachuab Khirikhan still need zone providing medical care for patients with with their family at home or travel together, The recently opened hospital is located in blood for medical treatment and about 80 to bone, joint and muscle problems and those resulting in a lower number of blood donors. Soi 89 at the entrance to the Khao Takiab 100 units of blood are required daily. who have paralysis or paresis. This zone has However more blood is required throughout Community and Wat Khao Santi Buddhist highly-qualified physiotherapists and modern the period because the longer the holiday is, Anyone interested in donating blood can ask Temple. The hospital provides basic and equipment. the more people are injured in accidents. This for more information from the Hua Hin Red advanced medical treatments for Thai and increases every year. Cross at tel. 032 512 370. foreign patients. In the near future, it will have In the future the hospital will provide kidney the same medical services as the Chiva Som, dialysis and liver detoxification. a well-known spa and wellness centre of Hua Donations for medical equipment are now Hin. being sought. FEET FIRST: LOCALS QUEUE The hospital has two doctors, two nurses, Dr Niran commented that the hospital is 16 Rai four other health professionals with ten land and when completed its surroundings with their flip-flops during lunch break staff working full-time everyday. It can will become a ‘health garden’ similar to the accommodate up to 100 patients from Khao That’s probably what the people in the photo Chiva Som. Takiab, Ban Nong Kae, Ban Mai-Hua Na, wanted to say, but even better, they let their Khao Tao and Suan Son Pradipas. “The garden will be like a resort for Thai and shoes do the talking. foreign patients, featuring fully-equipped The hospital has four zones. The first zone is This photo of Thais smartly queuing using an accommodation. Medical treatment will open from Monday to Friday and reserved for innovative, flip-flop technique was recently vary from kidney dialysis, liver detoxification, general patients suffering from minor illnesses. going viral after being shared to Twitter with healthy food consumption and 3-day or Those whose symptoms are serious will be the caption “Queue: Thai Level.” 1-week alternative medical courses. Patients transferred to the Hua Hin Hospital near the will be able to tune their body and mind Although there are no details of where Airport. according to both scientific and natural or when the picture was taken, Twitter @ when citizens waited through a lunch break The second zone is the dentistry section which principles,” concluded the Director. top10thai suggested the photo was captured for officials to resume service.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 5 6 FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Thirdly, you should press your hair with the help Fashion & Tips of towel in order to remove/dry water from hair. With Songkhran around the corner, let’s highlight on some ideas of what to wear and tips to enjoy Then, brush your hair with the help of a comb/ the most famous Thai celebration of the year and brush, now the gel can be used to give a wet look hit the town feeling comfy and beautiful. to the hair. Keep some gel on the hand & use it on the hair. Songkhran undoubtedly calls for skin-baring bikinis, strappy rubber sandal options, and of course stylish hairstyle and make-up. Make Songkhran 2014 the most stylish one.

your lashes would be a fashion faux-pas. - Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara - SEVENTEEN Waterproof Mascara *ziploc or DIY rubber swim cap with a zipper to - No7 Intense Volume Waterproof Mascara keep electronics devices dry and safe from any water bomb and powder attack! Hot pink lipstick: - Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick - 110 col. Ready for some fun in the sun, surrounded by - No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick-Blooming pink water guns? - SEVENTEEN Stay Pout Lipstick - Delenquent - L’Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick - cheeky Now you can give any wet hairstyle to your hair. There will be some Fashion Police around town, magenta 07 How to: wet look hair with a twist! so don’t be surprise to see a picture of you in - Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids - fuschia the next issue.... flash Prepare your hair by putting on some mousse to create volume. Work it from the ends to the Make-Up Personally, I love to match nails and lips, but for roots using your fingers and then comb it through Songkhran go for an ethnics nails looks like the using a natural brush. pics below... Picked your design yet?! Then book right away an appointment to the nail salon and ask for a semi-gel manicure!!! With all the water, powder and the “fights” around town you will need something which last for a while. I’ve selected a few pictures to give you some ideas as you head to town with your friends. From trendy accessories to flirty outfits and classic styles, you can’t go wrong scooping up these looks!

Next, dry your hair using a blow dryer and a diffuser. Use your fingers to lift your hair at the roots as you dry your hair to prevent it from flattening out. Now it’s time to create that twist. From the nape, gather your hair and twist it going upwards. Tuck the ends under the twist you created – you can use an end of a tail comb for this – and then secure with bobby pins. To create an edgier look, pull a few bits of hair Sizzling Summer Brights - Waterproof and going down to your nape carefully. Make sure Colourful all the way during Songkhran. you don’t make the hairstyle lose its shape by To make this look work, the key is to keep the doing this. eyes as natural as possible – almost no eye Secure the hairstyle with hairspray. makeup, only a touch of mascara if anything. The skin also has to be flawless, so a good tinted How to: Wet chignon! moisturizer and concealer is essential. We can already hear the splashes calling your Hairstyle Apply a volumising mousse all through towel-dry name, but first let’s decide how to sport the best For a trendy look, go for a matte finish. You can hair and let it dry naturally. Songkhran celebration looks! use any lipstick you already own – just add a thin The wet hair look dominated the Spring and layer of powder on top to mattify. Summer 2014 runways. Songkhran is the right If you’re in a rush, flip the damp hair forward and From flirty see-through tops and bikinis to denim occasion to put it out in the streets of Hua Hin blast the hair dryer on high from underneath. shorts, you don’t need much to get ready! without looking like we just came out of the This will give your strands the volume they need. Have fun and incorporate new trends into your shower! wardrobe by rocking florals or crop tops. Now focus on getting the wet look. For that, So let’s getting in on the action. While it might I suggest to apply Argan oil all through the You’re sure to turn heads when you step out in not be a look for every day, the key in re-creating hair using fingers. This will give a silky shine. style. the slick style is to use wet gel on dry hair — not Remember to only do this once your hair is on wet. completely dry. Check out the following instructions and choose Use your fingers to pull the hair back into a low the look you want and suits you the most!! ponytail. Tie is loosely with a hair tie at ear level. Do note that there isn’t a parting in the hair. Before any style is picked, prepare your hair by firstly washing of your hair with the help of For a quick bun: Take small sections of your hair shampoo. as shown on the picture and band them at the back. Make a bun with the rest of the hair and Secondly, you must use conditioner for making you are ready to go. hair silky & soft. ...Continued on Page 7...

We also recommend a pair of patterned coloured Try mixing two tones for an ombre look. I love or black shorts, and a simple tee to look totally a fuchsia & hot pink together – so unexpected casual and cool. Flaunt the cutest sheer cover- but fresh. ups and don’t forget to grab your rubber flip flops. To really pop a neon lip, I like to apply a touch Songkhran Accessories of concealer or colour-neutralizing primer all over Essentials lips before applying a bright shade. This really helps to show the true *accessories: water guns, buckets, colour shade of the lip colour powder are easy to find in Tesco, Toys ‘r’ Us... you are applying rather *rubber flip flop from Havaianas: You can find than it competing with them in Night Market for less than 200baht. your natural lip colour. Overwise Market Village has 2 shops dedicated Here’s my picking from to rubber shoes with brands like Crocs and a either Boots or Watsons: selection for men and kids. It is on the 1st floor. Waterproof mascara: in *bikini or swim-shorts black of course. Any other colour to put on

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 FASHION & LIFESTYLE 7

...Continued from Page 6... Prefer luxurious and fluids fabrics and How to: Full wet look hair! accessories in simple silhouettes will be much more appreciated. Distribute the gel evenly in the palms of your hands and pull it through your hair from the roots Here some tips for Every ladies on choosing a hat to the ends. You are good to go!! and outfit for a polo match: So it’s up to you now how to work it. Gel the front 1. Ladies, please do not wear shoes with stiletto liberally and place the rest back in a ponytail, heels. A polo match might be held in a beautiful or go for a retro, mad men kind of vibe with a club environment, but you will inevitably walk semiglossy faux bob. sands at some point. It completely ruins an overall look if you are constantly pulling your feet The shiny style also provides the perfect way to out of the sand and feeling uncomfortable. Our stretch out ‘needs-to-be-washed’ hair with an solution? A fantastic wedge heel or an elegant avant-garde twist. and embellished flat sandal can not only The collection Offers only high quality Panama Enjoy your Wet Songkhran!! From Head to Toe.... complement your outfit, it can make your day so Hats; which typicallty refers to the tightness of much easier. the weave. The collection comprises a wide Intercontinental Polo choice of designs; including a range designed 3. The ultimate goal for one’s outfit should be for kids also” Fashion Advice to combine comfort with style and polish. I find With April coming along, it rings the bell of Beach the easiest way to do this for women, by utilizing Polo, which will take place at the intercontinental the footwear and head accessory tips above, on the 19th of April 2014. is to throw on a dress. A jersey or sun dress in a sleek, modern cut or a long maxi dress with some statement jewelry pieces can be great for those warm weather matches. Prefer light and pastels colors, like beiges, mocha, lavender, lime and blush pink tones.

2. There is no better accessory than a hat for a polo match, as it can both complete a total look and save you from the sun on your head during First, it is important to consider what type of the hours that you are watching the games. match you will be attending, and like any special Again, when considering a hat for polo, it is event, take note of the time and location. better to leave the long feathered, structured, There are a few specific tips on what can be multi-tiered bonnets at home, and instead reach “To get the total look you will be able to shop both appropriate and comfortable, but overall my for a chic panama, more “beach” type hat. Put The Panama Hats at “Mon Panama” Booth at opinion is that an “Casual-Chic” approach will fit on great use by wearing your oversized dark the Intercontinental on the same day as the perfectly for the day. sunnies at polo matches, pulling out the “Pretty Polo. Woman” side of you.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 8 people in Business Interview with Han Hakvoort This month Before During my study as a teacher in physics and biology in Holland, a friend and I were DJ’s at in history night to make some extra money. From there we started several businesses, including slot 1968 Martin Luther King Jr.Assasinated on April 4 machines, which I didn’t like and we decided to separate the business. Financially this was a stupid thing, because he became very rich with this, but I did not like the people associated with this business. Later on we started with some other friends a recruiting business, which became very successful till the economy went down in 1997. In the end we decided it would be better not to continue and we closed down the business. We then started travelling a lot in search of the perfect place to live. On a rainy in Holland we made a list with criteria to find the right place for us to live. We wanted to live on the beach in a warm tropical climate. It had to be safe, 1997 Tiger Woods at 21 years old. affordable and with good medical facilities villas for westerners with the possibility to pay course and valley at the end! Try it next time He became the youngest ever golfer to win available. Great food, wines, cigars and for the lease in yearly installments, considerably you are there. Unfortunately issues developed the Masters Tournament on April 4 cheeses were also on the list and importantly reducing the initial investment. My previous with some shareholders and after a 2,5 year it should take no more than 24 hours to reach experience building houses, working with process a settlement was reached ending my Holland. architects and floor plans came to good use. connection with Banyan. We had been through We didn’t use agents, Arnold Ruys, who had a tough time and decided to take a break from Finding Hua Hin bought a house in White Lotus 1 helped a lot all this to find our lives back. We travelled to many countries and continents with the sales. and fell in love with beautiful places in the Kao Yai Apartments world, like Portugal, South Europe etc. Then At that time there was only other big developer, Finally I was ready to do something again we came to Costa Rica, absolutely beautiful Per Ericson, who was focusing on the Swedish and after seeing that the market had but more than 24 hours away from Holland. I community. The 10 planned properties were changed, I came up with a new concept wanted to go Thailand, but Petra was not keen sold in 6 months. For all materials you had to “Kao Yai Apartments”, that is half a house, due to the reputation it had. Due to a pending go to Bangkok, there were no local suppliers. half a condo. All that you want from a house business deal I had to attend to, Petra travelled Getting the Thai contractors to build a western without the hassles of a house (garden & pool by herself to Koh Samet and we met after 14 style house was a real challenge, but then I maintenance, security etc). days. When I finally arrived in there, I saw the found a group of people from Udon Thani that Close to White Lotus 2, we found beautiful happiest person I have ever seen. She loved really wanted to learn and we formed a great land overlooking Hua Hin and the sea. There is the food, she loved the weather, she loved the team. a huge demand for second homes, but people people and she loved Thailand! nowadays want to invest less than before, In my experience as a developer, I have come given the present economic circumstances. We travelled around and decided to go south, across a few customers who are buying The concept is not revolutionary, but new in the train made a stop in Hua Hin. We had houses here at a fraction of the cost in Europe, Hua Hin and I believe this will fill a gap in the never heard of Hua Hin, but decided to check but they cannot accept the little mistakes that market. it out. We got out of the station and found a happen. People that want top quality, forget tuk tuk, the driver had a big scar on his face, that top quality in Thailand is also expensive Retirement so we called him the “contract killer”. We said because this means that you have to import Retiring in Hua Hin brings a great life with it, but to each other, if this goes well, then Thailand everything and some times that makes it even I always like to stay active, I like to advice stay is the country for us. He brought us to the more expensive than Europe. I know that involved in something that I love, or give advise Nilawan guest house, next to the Marriott. The some developers cut corners, but over 90% to younger people starting in business. beach was beautiful, the lady who ran it, Khun of the developers want to get it right because Pu, made us feel so welcome. We planned to they want to do phase 1, 2 and 3. They want to The Future of Hua Hin travel the next day, but decided to stay for 6 have a good reputation. The city is growing fast, it needs a master plan days. We continued our trip to the south, but to cope with all the new developments around After White Lotus 1, came White Lotus 2, and in town. The traffic is already a problem and 1912 Titanic Strikes an iceberg meanwhile Hua Hin had stolen our hearts, three weeks later we returned to Hua Hin. We with some of the new buyers ready to finance some parts of the beach are not clean enough. and sinks on her maiden voyage from the additional land. Interestingly, at that time I think we should have more lively spots in the Southampton to New York on April 14 started reading up on Hua Hin and took out our list again. foreigners could not own a car, bank account city. Places like Cicada Market, the shopping or even a sim card in their name. House malls, water parks etc add to the lustre of Hua It was and is a very safe place because the sales in Hua Hin really took of in 2004, when Hin, but being a beach destination, we could King is staying here and with daily direct flights we started the Sanuk project. The Tsunami do with many more terraces in town and on Holland was well within the 24-hour reach. The in Phuket brought Hua Hin even more in the the beach. Most foreigners want to have their Thai food was amongst the best in the world limelight. drink outside and watch the people going by. and because the Baht had crashed, it was also one of the cheapest places on earth. Cigars, Banyan Estate and Golf Course With biking becoming very popular, it would be wine and cheese were not available at that One of the White Lotus 2 buyers wanted to great to have dedicated bike paths to attract time. Hua Hin scored the highest on our list, an know what other plans I had, so I showed him more visitors. The mountains around Kao Yai 80% score, so we decided to give it a try. We the 280 rai land where now the Banyan Estate and Banyan and towards Pranburi are beautiful bought the a piece of land in Koh Tao with sea is. He and some others decided to finance this when experiencing these by bike. With all the view and encountered our first bad experience new project and once the word got around huge developments by Thai companies, I am in Thailand, in short we had to buy the land several more investors wanted to be part of sure that there is a great plan ready for Hua twice, an expensive but good lesson! this, then came a very wealthy investor asking Hin, I hope that this will cover the needs for what other plans there were. I had discovered Thai and foreigners Initially we thought to live half in Thailand much cheaper land over the hill behind and half in Holland, but to give Hua Hin a real the Banyan Estate, a whole valley actually, Core Values chance, we decided to live here full time. We beautiful but with no electricity and roads. I think this is a combination of how I was sold our house in Holland and we brought brought up, when you give your hand or word, 2013 The Boston Marathon Golf was getting big in Hua Hin and having a you stick to it. My grandfather bought a ticket bombings were a series of two attacks here all our personal stuff. Christmas 1997 we moved into our first house, that we still have. golf course belonging to the Banyan Estate in the lottery and the main prize was a bicycle targeting spectators and attendees of was the perfect marketing tool to sell these (a big prize in those days) and he said my the city’s annual marathon race on April 15. With 7 languages between us, we spoke no properties. The land was bought over night, mother who was a little girl at that time; if I win Thai, so we took Thai lessons, but ended up approaching the landowners with cash and this the first prize I give it to you. He won and teaching them English instead! Wanting to contracts in hand. We had no experience gave her the bicycle because he had given his do something in Hua Hin, we looked at many building a golf course, so we needed help and word. If you have a commitment, you stick to options including growing flowers because found the right guy for this, a Thai golf designer it even if it costs you money, you can put it on of the agricultural history of my family, but K. Op from GolfEast. I wanted to leave the the table and you can discuss it, but you don’t foreigners were not allowed in this field. Hua terrain and trees as much as possible in tact. run away. Hin was not as it is now, with just 16,000 people The location of the clubhouse was chosen by in the greater Hua Hin at that time, to put this me to give the most beautiful valley views and Doing Business in Thailand into prospective last year 18,000 condos were sunsets there are. If you come as an uptight European and you launched here. There are now many more don’t take advice forget it. You will face a thick condos here than there were people living We wanted to integrate the Thai wooden house wall that you are fighting. You need be patient when we came. style in the clubhouse, mixed in with modern and don’t expect that you can bring your elements. A lot of people don’t know how to European attitude to work here, you will not The Developer look at the club house, when you enter from succeed. The Thais are lovely people but you People started asking about our house and the pro-shop you see an alley and the views have to give them time and you have to give how they could have a house here. And that is from the club house expand the more you them respect, which is very important. Hua Hin when I started White Lotus 1 in 2002. I believe walk through the alley on both sides with is where we are at home and we thoroughly I was the first one in Hua Hin building luxury a complete panoramic view over the golf enjoy our lives here, our “list” was right!

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 9 10 cover story SONGKRAN 2014 IS COMING Not A Dry Eye In The House! For centuries, the Songkran Festival has been H The custom of pouring water onto the observed as a symbol of hospitality, love hand of elders’ (people above 60 years old), and the importance of maintaining strong is to show respect and seek their New Year relationships within families, communities and blessings. society as a whole. Timed to coincide with H Sand pagodas (Chedi) are built as a way of the Aries period on the astrological chart, an making merit. auspicious occasion intended to help people cool off from the mid-summer heat, show H A special cleaning day is held in homes, respect to family elders and receive their towns and villages nationwide. This greatly blessings and pray for near and dear ones contributes to the sense of community. who have passed away. To get a real feel for how Thai people feel However over the years, the holiday has about Songkran in the modern era, a recent evolved into a nationwide water fight and survey was conducted with 27 Thai students. a fantastic reason to travel and party. Mr. Eighteen of the twenty seven think that Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT the Songkran Festival is the best holiday in said, “Though a distinctly Thai celebration, Thailand. Here are some other responses to Songkran has become popular with people survey questions: from around the world who love coming to 1. What is the first thought that comes Thailand for this, sometimes boisterous, often to mind when you think of “Songkran”? moving festival. Exciting and attractive people playing, water “This is a special time when families travel wet laugh, funny wet enjoy, water (5), happy long distances to spend time together, (2), exciting (2), visit my family (2), water funny, perform traditional merit making ceremonies water festival, water and friends, water and at the temples and reconnect with loved ones. people, hot, fantastic, exciting water, happy Songkran allows everyone to take a well- relaxation, don’t work, long holiday, time to deserved break and the TAT wants to ensure relax. that both Thais and foreigners alike enjoy a people around you will be welcomed to join experience Songkran. The powder stays happy and memorable Songkran.” 2. Do you mostly spend time with family in the fun. with you as a little “blessing,” even after your or friends? clothes have dried. But be warned. Some of To get things started there will be an This year, the date of the Maha Songkran those hands aren’t so clean. If you have a dry Family (18), both (5), friends (4). ‘official’ opening and procession on the or the ‘New Year’ is set for 13th April, when bag, consider carrying a bottle of clean water morning of Sunday 13th April featuring day and night are of equal length. This will 3. What is the Songkran Festival for you? to wash the powder off with. traditional costume, decorated floats, be followed by Nao Day (Middle day) on 14th A time for me to get wet, enjoy people in music and dancing. Some Words of Caution April, and the New Year itself on 15th April. Thailand, it’s time for family, go out and eat at Songkran marks the beginning of the new some restaurants, meet my family (10), play Hua Hin: The main morning procession and Last year government authorities made a list solar year and the summer season in Thailand. water with my friends (4), have a party with my focus of the revelry is at the beach end of Soi of ‘forbidden’ behaviours for Songkran. Some The Festival anticipates the commencement family (3), a time relax (3), drink, a time that I go 55, then meandering south through the small of these ‘Rules’ were the source of rather of the ‘wet season’ and pays tribute to the role to my house, a time to see movies. bar/restaurant area and past the Hilton Hotel. cynical social media comment. of water in Thai culture and society. 4. What kind of food does your family Cha-Am: Head for the Beach Road north, For example - “Don’t carry barrels of water on usually eat for Songkran? outside the Long Beach Hotel. The procession pickup trucks, don’t stand or sit in the back of then travels south, turning into Narathip Road a pickup truck with the intention to play water (my grandma cooks for everyone!), ice drinks, and heading towards the town centre. fights, don’t sell alcohol in designated water ice cream, and perhaps some alcohol, fight areas, don’t use high pressure water seafood (12), Chinese food (3), pizza (2), many If you’re not a Songkran veteran, here are guns, don’t put ice in the water, don’t play kinds of soup (2), seafood- crab/shrimp/squid, some Top Tips before you hit the streets: music loudly, don’t buy or sell things on the Issan food, grilled seafood, roasted chicken, H Fight with clean water -- either tap water or side of the road and don’t use talcum powder. tomyum gung, suki yaki, noodles, som tam. containers with clean water. No news of any similar directives this year; 5. What is your favorite thing about H Hot water will not be appreciated (room perhaps it was recognised that such a list was Songkran? temperature is fine), but, given how hot it is doomed and unenforceable. However this is I’m soaked, everyone is happy, put the water outside, expect to be soaked with ice-cold not to say that Songkran doesn’t need any with water gun to people, shooting water guns water, chunks of ice are not OK; but it will rules. A little civil order doesn’t hurt and safety Traditional Activities and eating seafood, playing water (6), visiting happen. is always a priority. my family (2), playing water with friends (2), Temple activities are the most important H You can fight with water pistols, water H Don’t drink and drive: It’s illegal to drink stay home and play games, go to the temple, aspects of the Thai New Year (Songkran) buckets, plastic cups (avoid glass) and even alcohol in a vehicle even as a passenger. celebration. Traditionally, families and friends meet new people, going back home enjoying garden hoses. For safety reasons, high H Riding a motor bike is extremely celebrate Songkran by visiting temples and the long weekend, go out with friends, holiday pressure guns or hoses are off-limit. hazardous. We all know that it is stupid (and splashing water on each other as a wish for a to relax. H Most people on the streets are fair game, very dangerous) to throw water over a mobile year filled with good luck. 6. Do you or your family have any traditions? but try not to shoot passersby in the eyes, as motorbike, but the reality is that it will happen. H In the morning, make merit and listen to Build sand castle at temple (old Thai tradition), this is potentially dangerous and irritating. Leave your motorbike at home. temple sermons to gain their blessings. As go to the temple (17), anoint parents and H Dress properly; you are going to get soaked H Respect those who are innocently on this is a New Year festival, temple activities are grandparents (5), anoint Buddha (4), give to the skin, so dress for the occasion. First, the street minding their own business and the most important aspects of the celebration. foods to monks (2), go to grandmothers house don’t wear white, unless you’re confident obviously are not dressed for the occasion. on first day (2), stay at home and make dinner, H To purify the Buddha or other statues, water about what lies beneath those clothes. There will be plenty of other more acceptable talk to each other, go to the beach, drink wine should not be poured directly onto the head, Swimwear underneath may be a good idea if ‘victims’. with my family, visit relatives, make merit, have rather on other parts of the statue’s torso. you want to protect what little dignity remains. H lunch together, go to the sea Don’t wear thick fabrics, such as jeans, as If you have had a drink or two and amongst these will get really heavy and uncomfortable. the crowd, a ‘call of nature’ may be difficult to Getting wet - You will be fair game, manage in a dignified manner. It’s probably anytime - any place. If you go outside, Basically, dress as if you’re going to the beach. T-shirts, board shorts and flip flops are fine. one time when ‘peeing in your pants’ doesn’t even dressed in your ‘Sunday best’, really matter and no-one will notice! you will get wet; mai pen rai, This is the time to get out your most gaudy, don’t get mad, get even! tasteless and outrageous clothing, the more On a More Sombre Note colour the better! ……………………………. So Where Are The Best ‘Wet Spots’? H Ladies, be careful. Some alcohol-fueled Songkran is always full of carnage nationwide, There really is no designated ‘party place’; Songkran revelers are known for being overly and drunk drivers are usually to blame. it doesn’t matter where you go, if there are touchy-feely, so be on guard when you’re out Last year 72 people were killed and 688 playing. Women should be wary of wearing injured in 656 accidents on the Saturday, tight clothes or ones that are light in colour the third of the “seven dangerous days” of and/or made of thin fabric. When wet, such Songkran (April 11-17), the Interior Ministry’s garments can become quite revealing. Road Safety Centre reported. H Bring a waterproof bag if you’re planning to In the first three days of the holiday there head into the action, put your electronics and were 1,447 road accidents which caused 173 valuables in a waterproof bag. Even a Ziploc deaths and 1,526 injuries. or plastic waterproof pouch will do. The Thai word for ‘War’ is Songkram, H Allowing someone to apply wet powder so this year let’s keep the celebrations as to your face is considered a nice way to a real Songkran; make love not war!

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 11 12 GOLF India’s leading industrialists recognise Thailand as “The Best International Golfing Destination” Thailand has been conferred “Best International Golfing Destination” award by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The award was conferred at the 6th Asia Golf Industry Show organised by CII from 1st-3rd March, 2014, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office, Ms. Runjuan Tongrut received the award against the backdrop of a movie clip of Thailand’s Golf Ambassador in India, Gaganjeet Bhullar teeing off at one of the many spectacular golf courses in Thailand. Commenting on the award, Ms. Runjuan said, “This award is especially meaningful for us because the CII represents India’s leading industrialists and business leaders. We are all aware that much business is done on the golf course, and I am overjoyed that India’s most promising golfers and a huge Gaganjeet Bhullar Foundation, which TAT India’s eminent businessmen and women inspiration to golfers in India. He has often has supported.” been to Thailand and enjoys playing golf find Thai golf courses worthy of such a Recently, Hua Hin was voted the #1 Golf prestigious award.” there. We believe that this brand-building partnership will be of a long-term benefit Destination in Asia at the IAGTO awards She added, “We are very delighted to have to both Thai and Indian golfers. He also in Spain. Hua Hin boasts world-class golf Gaganjeet Bhullar on board. He is one of takes care of junior golfers under the resorts with well-trained caddies. MAGIC AT THE BLACK MOUNTAIN DRIVING RANGE Black Mountain was delighted to welcome world renowned Trick-Shot maestro David Edwards. During his visit to Hua Hin, he described Black Mountain as one of the best courses he has ever played, which is high praise indeed. David is widely regarded as having one of the best Trick Shot Shows in the business. He has taken his show onto the world stage, performing at the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and three times at the Dubai World Championships. He is hugely popular in Asia. Last year he made no fewer than seven trips to China alone – and the 2014 Volvo China Open is on his schedule for this year. Already in 2014, David has performed in Florida and Dubai and has now delighted fans and made new friends at Black Mountain Golf Club. Don’t try this at home! 2013 REFLECTIONS WITH PROM MEESAWAT HUA HIN’S ‘BIG DOLPHIN’ Asiantour.com talks to Prom Meesawat I want to re-hit my putt on the 17th hole of Thailand, who shares his thoughts on again! If I made that birdie then I would have a memorable 2013 season where he was won the tournament. denied victory in two play-offs. What was your favourite tournament? Assess your 2013 season? Hong Kong Open for sure! It was a good I had a good season and I’m happy to finish tournament even though I finished second. inside the top-10 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit again. I’m glad I played well at the end What did you learn about yourself last of the 2013 season. year? I learnt how to stay focus and patient. I was What was the main highlight for you? very focus in every shot that I made and I didn’t expect to play so well at the Hong didn’t think ahead. Kong Open. Even though I lost in the play- off but that event was still the highlight for What will you train on for 2014? I will train hard on my fitness. That will help me. my game a lot in 2014. If that was the high point, what was the Who do you think will be the next big star low point? I injured my left knee in June and I had to on the Asian Tour in 2014? Gunn Charoenkul. He is a good player and stop playing for six weeks. he trains very hard. If there is a shot that you can replay in 2013, which one would that be?

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 13 14 GOLF EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THAI AND KOREAN GOLFERS A Thai and two Korean golfers have granted Mr. Sueng Lee Park and Mrs. Enya Wang. scholarships to students in Hua Hin as well They expressed a desire to help students as financial support for bachelor degree at seven municipal schools in Hua Hin courses in Thailand and overseas. who have excellent academic performance but have limited financial resources. In Mr. Dusit Charoen commented that after appreciation of this gesture, Mr. Dusit added working in the US for several years, he his own money to establish a fund for eleven returned to live in his hometown of Cha- scholarships valued at 66,000 Baht. Am where he and met two Korean golfers This is the second year that the scholarships have been granted to Hua Hin students. The three donors are also supporting students who would like to pursue bachelor degree courses. Mr. Dusit said to Hua Hin Today that he was born in a poor family in Ratchaburi. When he was young he had very little money for lunch at school and almost no money for tuition fees and school uniforms. However he did not give up and kept studying until he completed a university degree. Because of his childhood, he is now determined to help those in need and repay Thai society. Mr. Dusit and the two Koreans have been crucial for the educational advancement The scholarships are not limited to students awarding scholarships since 2000. Initially of Thai students. “If students do not have in Hua Hin but extended other students in scholarships were granted to 250 students any money to continue their study, this Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khirikhan. in Seoul, South Korea and then the project will result in not only a lack of educational was extended to those studying in Tha Yang, Students who would like to apply for a advancement but also human resources Cha-Am and Hua Hin. Scholarship students scholarship can contact Mr. Dusit Charoen with low quality in the future. Scholarships are screened and selected by teachers from for more information directly at Springfield support Thai students who lack financial seven municipal schools. Condo Room No. 2103, Cha-Am, means but still have a strong will to improve Phetchaburi 76120. Mr. Dusit added that financial support is their life” he said.

make more solid contact resulting in closer may also find that you have to bend your shots to the hole. arms slightly. Golf Tip 2 The main problem I find with my students Now make one or two practice swings is that they let the golf club dictate their making sure that you hear the grass being stance, this normally means that they end cut as you make your swing. Chipping made Easy up standing too far away for the ball., fine for Now step up to the ball and using the same A monthly feature by John Withers, a full shot but not good for a chip shot. PGA golf professional at the Banyan swing try a concentrate on only the sound of Golf Club. Here is my easy step to get a constant strike the grass that is under the ball being cut, you on your chip shots should find that your chip shots are far more Many of my students come to me and find consistent resulting in lower scores. that although they feel that they are striking Make a stance with your wedge and make the ball well from tee to green, they are losing sure that your club head is no farther than Good luck and happy golfing 12 inches or 1 foot away from your shoe their score around the green by either fluffing Tel 0811 426216 and that your left hand is almost touching or thinning their chip shots. Email [email protected] the middle of your left leg.To enable this you Website www.huahingolfacademy.com My tip this month should enable you to may have to grip down on the club and you

Correct Distance in Stance How to address ball and watch ball Maintain wrist position in back swing Head remains still while maintaining position inside right foot and through the swing wrist position till swing completed

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 SPORTS 15 HUA HIN / CHA-AM GOLF FESTIVAL 2014 The prospect of overseas golfers taking part in the 13th Hua Hin / Cha-Am Golf Festival is now a reality with an early announcement of arrangements for this year’s Festival.

The Golf Festival invites golfers to play any day Nine Golf Courses are offering Green Fees Suan Son (Sea Pines) Further information may be obtained from during the months of August and September of 1,000 THB: The Eagle Milford the TAT Offices at: Prachuap Khirikhan this year on eleven Regional Golf Courses. Imperial Lakeview Royal Hua Hin email: [email protected] or Royal Springfield This is a fantastic opportunity to take Petchaburi : email: [email protected] Palm Hills Green Fees for offered for 1,800 THB: Local golfers are encouraged to put this advantage of greatly reduced Green Fees Black Mountain Kraeng Krachan Festival on the international map. Contact with plenty of time for overseeas golfers to Banyan. Sawang you home overseas Golf Course and really arrange their holidays and touring groups. Majestic Creek make it happen! THEY LOVE LAWN BOWLS; BUT THEY’RE BIASED! Some say lawn bowls is an ideal sport for Thailand. That sounds like a rather HUA HIN CITY glib comment but one that can be justified; here are some reasons: H It’s suitable for a warm/hot/humid climate, winners isn’t important and some friendly FOOTBALL CLUB day or night without stress or severe exertion. banter after the game is a part of the scene H It’s cost friendly, without the need for over a beer or two. FIXTURES 2014 expensive equipment. One of the advantages of lawn bowls is that Here are the next two months fixtures for the H It’s able to be played by all ages, genders you can be a part of the competition very soon Division 2 (Central West) League. This is the and physical abilities. after your first attempt. Once you understand Division where Hua Hin City features. The H It can be learned quickly and played the influence of the bias of the bowl and home team is mentioned first. Hua Hin City competitively without years of experience. get speed and accuracy right you won’t be home games are played at the Fort Thanarat H And last but not least … it is one of the few embarrassed. Army Base stadium, just North of Pranburi. sports with jokes about it! (more later) This was my first attempt to play a real lawn Saturday 05/04/2014 16:00 balls game and I did manage to win a point or THONBURI CITY Vs HUA HIN CITY two. New players are always welcome either Saturday 26/04/2014 18:00 as visitors or perhaps joining the Club. MUANGKAN UTD Vs HUA HIN CITY Where? Saturday 03/05/2014 16:00 The Hua Hin Bowls Club is based at Sea Jays HUA HIN CITY Vs THAI FLEET Resort, about 6 kilometres inland from Hua Hin. Visit the website for directions and a link Saturday 10/05/2014 17:00 Century, although at the one time banned in to the Lawn Bowls page. SEEKER Vs HUA HIN CITY France and England because archery was losing popularity and soldiers’ archery skills www.seajaysthailand.com Saturday 17/05/2014 16:00 Don’t be confused with other sports which were essential. Probably the most memorable Phone: +66 (0) 833 111 787 HUA HIN CITY Vs SAMUT SAKHON involve bowling, tossing or otherwise propelling historic moment took place on Plymouth Hoe As promised – a Lawn Bowl’s Joke! Sunday 25/05/2014 16:00 a ball (or bowl) to a designated target. It’s (in England) on July 15th 1588. Francis Drake A little old man boards a bus with a lawn bowls RATCHAPRUEK Vs HUA HIN CITY different from 10 pin bowling, pétanque or insisted on finishing his game before taking on ball in each of his front pockets. He sits down even cricket (they do bowl a ball in cricket!). the attacking Spanish warships. next to a beautiful young lady, and she can’t Central West Region Table The object is to get as many of your bowls - or The game is most popular in English language help but glance quizzically at the man and his your team’s bowls - nearer to the little white ball countries such as Canada and New Zealand, bulging pockets. It’s an uneasy few minutes (the Jack) than your opponents. This is similar along with Australia and the British Isles, before, finally, the little old man can take no in some respects to curling or shuffleboard or but it has also caught on in pockets of Asia, more. “Bowls balls,” he nods reassuringly. bocce. That sounds simple; however blocking Scandinavia and USA. It’s played in over 40 The lady seems a little shocked, and stares bowls and many other tactics will come into countries and in the Commonwealth Games on. Moments later, she says: “Does it hurt as play. since 1930. It’s a huge participation sport much as tennis elbow?” wherever it’s played. It’s played on a tennis court sized ‘green’ either on grass or artificial turf. Your bowls are about Lawn Bowls in Hua Hin 12 to 15cm in diameter and weigh up to 1.5 I was invited to join the Saturday morning kg. They are black or brown in colour and are completion of the Hua Hin Bowls Club. This flattened on one side, so that they curve when is the only bowls green in the region and as we rolled. They are designed to be propelled with understand it, other in Thailand are in Bangkok an underarm motion; the skill of the bowler or Pattaya. guides the angle of attack and the speed or The Club has regular players although the ‘weight’. flavour is more social than competitive. That Lawn bowls has been around since the 14th Source: www.thaileaguefootball.com doesn’t mean that ‘bragging rights’ for the

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 16 A weekend away Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

Although just 30 minutes away from Hua Hin, sala next to it, makes you never want to leave the moment you enter this beautiful hotel, you the villa. Even when the hotel is full, you would feel like you are on a holiday far away. Right never know, because all guests enjoy their from the entrance of the hotel, you come to villas so much that they just stay there all day. a tropical paradise, with lush exotic gardens, From wherever you sit or lie in the villa, what wooden walkways surrounded by water with you see is tropical in the most beautiful way blooming lotus flowers. and all you can think about is how relaxing Whatever stress you took with you, you loose and enjoyable the place is. You forget about it there straight away, it is amazing how this your phone, the internet (although it is there place calms you and lets you relax and enjoy of course) and the TV, just the way a perfect the beautiful surroundings. holiday should be. Trtopics I was cordially greeted by Khun Oom Right outside the bedroom there is a sunken and the reception, like the other buildings, is bath, a perfect to way to relax in the evening. an open building, just the way you imagined This villa surpassed all my expectations of the tropics. All the staff are very friendly and what a truly tropical and relaxing holiday moving around on bicycles adding to the should be like. The next morning I went for natural atmosphere. breakfast, the buffet had a great selection of western and Thai foods, as always the staff I was then taken to our private pool villa, was so attentive and friendly. surrounded by high walls finished off with loam and straw to give them a very natural I went back to my room, it was time to check look. Using natural colours and materials, out, but I just did not want this beautiful the villa’s atmosphere is very relaxing and so experience to end. One more jump in the pool, tropical with complete privacy. The villa is large one more look around the villa and then it was with a half wall separating the bedroom from time to pack my bag. This was a truly unique the bathroom and the private garden behind it, experience, a perfect stay that will stay in my where the outdoor shower is. memory for a long time! The overflow pool in front of the villa with levels For more pictures please check on our so that you can lie in the water and the sunken Facebook Hua Hin Today

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 17 18 Events & promotions Calendar

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 19

April 2014 NEW PETCHABURI ADMINISTRATIVE COURT TAKING SHAPE It’s About Citizens’ Rights Construction of the 293 million THB Petchaburi litigation support department and library. This omission or commission by state agencies. Administrative Court commenced in May last is located on the western side of Petchakisim Unofficially it’s increasingly referred to as year and is due for completion in December Road about 15 kilometres North of Hua Hin. the ‘People’s Court’, defender of last resort this year. So What Is An Administrative Court? of the people’s rights and protector of the The new Court building is an impressive four environment. Following the promulgation of the 1997 story structure. There will be 14,200 square Thailand Constitution (including a reference to There are currently 14 Regional Administrative metres of floor area with courtrooms, judicial Administrative Courts), an enabling Act was Courts operating with the Chumphon tribunal meeting rooms, litigation consulting passed in 1999 and the Administrative Court Administrative Court having jurisdiction rooms, conference and meeting rooms, a started operations in March 2001. Since then it over the Provinces of Chumphon, Prachuap has progressively strengthened its operations, Khirikhan, Phetchaburi and Ranong. The vision is “to adjudicate administrative making it easier for citizens to lodge their disputes, to render justice with a view to complaints. The Administrative Court’s Mission maintain equilibrium between the people’s Statement rights and liberties and the public interest”. The Administrative Court’s main jurisdiction is To try and adjudicate cases impartially and to settle litigation between private citizens and This is delivered by the Administrative Court’s swiftly in order to assure the protection of the State; including government ministries, use of an inquisitorial system, under which it is rights, liberties and administer justice to the departments and independent agencies. empowered to ascertain facts and evidence on parties in dispute. its own, as opposed to the accusatorial system Although in no way limited to matters related To set precedents in the area of administrative used in the Courts of Justice. to the environment, this is an area that the law as the guidelines for good practice in public Administrative Court has chalked up its greatest (References: www.admincourt.go.th , Office administration for State agencies and officials. successes on behalf of citizens hurt by sins of of the Official Information Commission) This year’s Hua Hin Cha Am Summer Fun Festival 2014 The Phetchaburi Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Regatta takes place Thailand are staging “Cha- Am Summer Fun Fest 2014”, a special music festival held to celebrate the along the beach arrival of summer. There will be a combination of musical artists, hip-hop’s acts as Joey the Boy, by the Regent Chalet Zero Hero, Cyber Japan, followed by a fashion show Cha-am Resort with dancers, bands and other performances. with 7 days of racing See you on Saturday, April 5, 2557, at Cha-Am Beach. from April 21–27, 2014 Shows start from 5.00 pm to midnight, free of charge. The Regent Cha-Am Funds New School The Regent Group Corporation, a well- The TCT is collaborating with the Department known hotel business for over 30 years, has of Labor Protection and Welfare to formulate realised the importance of human resources a plan and set up criteria for a competency- development this business. In response it based academic qualification exam. The new has recently established the Regent Cha-Am criteria will be standardised and used in all Hospitality School (RHS) to support the Thai ASEAN member countries so that students tourism industry and resolve the shortage of who graduate from the RHS can use their operational staff for Thai hotels. degree to work overseas. According to the chair of Tourism Council of Another Management Board Member of the Thailand (TCT) and a Management Board RHS Mr. Akkaphol Prueksawan also said that Member of The Regent Group Corp. Ms. Thailand was lacking a skilled operational Piyaman Techapaiboon, Thai tourism business workforce as many Thai students did not want increased by 19% last year with 8 million to pursue vocational education. To make people employed. The need for more staff is things worse, some university degrees do not increasing each year. respond to the need for service and hospitality businesses. “The increasing need for more workforce results 4 9-month courses: Front Office, Food and convenient accommodation for all students. in the lack of well qualified operational staff “The RHS will serve such increasing need Beverage Service, Housekeeping and Food Production. “Studying together at the RHS not only enables at hotels and tourism offices in the country,” because it can create knowledgeable, practical students to share experience with their peers said Mr. Piyamarn. “Therefore, the RHS was and qualified personnel who will be able to work “Each course will be taught by highly qualified but also encourages them to study and founded.” full-time for the hotel and tourism business and instructors and students will undergo work closely with their instructors,” said Ms. strengthen their professional future,” added “Believing that effective human resources are professional training in order to successfully Phimpha. Mr. Akkaphol. “Here, we emphasize students’ very crucial for service and hospitality works, the graduate. The class-based learning takes 6 professional skill and efficiency. Our graduates “The first batch at the RHS includes 120 RHS aims to create graduates fully equipped months and the on-the-job training another will see more chances for career promotion students, 30 of whom will take one of the four with theoretical and practical knowledge. The 3 months. Tuition fee for Front Office and thanks to the high standard curriculum that courses provided. Interested students can students here will study with experienced and Housekeeping is 83,000 Baht whereas the responds to ASEAN requirements. Apart from send us application and take a general English highly qualified instructors who have worked for rests cost 98,000 Baht,” said Mr. Akkaphol. specialised courses, students have to study exam and an interview from now on until April. hotel and tourism businesses for quite a long English and Chinese for future careers because The RHS’ director Ms. Phimpha The courses will start in June,” said the RHS time. They will become a potential workforce knowing these languages will enable them to Methathamrongsiri added that the tuition fee Director who finally concluded that not only to enhance competitiveness and leadership for work outside the country.” were reasonably priced because it included did the school aim to help students become the tourism business in the future,” added Ms. learning materials, textbooks, uniforms, a professional service providers but it also Piyamarn. For the academic year of 2014, the RHS offers training venue, 3 meals daily and safe and provided knowledgeable human resources.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 20 Cha-am NEWS SEASUNFUNFLY Riding Motorbikes 2014 International Kite Festival Cha-Am in Heavy Rain The Cha-Am beachfront is always a colourful scene. On the weekend of 8th – 9th March The Thai Raining Season is Coming it reached new heights in more ways than one. Apart from the clear blue skies and The raining season is coming and we should beachgoers, the weekend of the 2014 practice for bad conditions. Riding in the wet Thailand International Kite Festival provided is inevitable in the Thai raining season, but the most colourful skies the beach has ever crashing isn’t. Give yourself the best chance seen. possible to not only stay upright, but to enjoy Kites gracing the skies came in all shapes riding in the wet as well. and sizes. Some huge and designed as a Knowing the road is an important part of wet mythical and real animal (dragons, horses, the spectacle provided by the ‘visiting kites’ weather riding because you’ll know where cats,fish), cartoon characters and even or the new varieties of kites on sale to beach puddles form, mud gathers or corners are Father Christmas. Some whirling in the brisk goers! slippery. If you know the corner ahead has a south easterly breeze or ‘fleets’ of highly Previous Kite Festivals directed the Tourism manhole in the middle, or the road under the maneuverable stunt kites in choreographed Authority of Thailand have been held on at the flyover gathers water in heavy rain you can be displays to a musical accompaniment. Army Camp midway between Cha-Am and prepared. tires and engines have driven over it. So pick The International aspect of the Festival was in Hua Hin. Moving the 2014 Festival to the wide Having said that, a road surface can and your route. evidence with Kite Teams from Germany, Italy, expanses of the beach at the northern end of will change on different days so reading the New Zealand, Singapore, France, Malaysia, the main Cha-Am beach proved to be a great ever-changing surface is extremely important. It’s not being cocky looking at weather China, Indonesia as well as three Thai Teams. success with easy access, high visibility (easy You’ll need to be more observant at this time forecasts, it’s being sensible. Choose yourself to find by accident) and the background of a reputable forecasting website and make it One of the features of the Cha-Am beach is of year, constantly scanning the surface, the Cha-Am beach scene. Same again next your homepage, that way you’ll always know the ‘kites’ on sale every day. The local version watching other traffic, adjusting lines and year please! what to expect. is a polystyrene aeroplane, which is not very adjusting speed. Don’t forget that many a car driver will hit the brakes when more than 7 durable (hard to get it home in one piece) but When it comes to the physical aspects of rain drops land on his front window. very popular with the kids. I couldn’t help wet weather road riding, think about being but feel sorry for the local vendors during Don’t tense up when you see something relaxed, you know you shouldn’t fight what the Festival; very hard to compete with either you don’t like hard braking is a sure-fire the motorcycle is telling you and you’re way of tipping you off. Learn to ride around constantly looking at your lines and how to problems smoothly and use more rear brake make the most of the available space. at this time of year to gently drop off speed Swap speed for smoothness, plan and without testing the front tires as much. keep an eye out for oil and you might find Look after your visor. Clean your visor before you end up enjoying yourself. Getting to every trip, inside and out. Then apply water your destination in one piece should be your repellent coating to the outside and de-mister primary goal. to the inside. A final word…..Songkran is the most Heavy rain wet roads take longer to dry, but dangerous time of the year to ride a rush hour traffic has a habit of drying where motorbike………..DON’T! JUST A WALK IN The Amarin Outdoor THE CHA-AM FOREST PARK Unlimited International If you enjoy exercise by way of a gentle stroll, ‘power walking’, bicycle riding or even breaking into a jog, there’s probably only two Triathlon 2014 places to do this within a few kilometres or so This inaugural and exciting new International of the Cha-Am town centre. Triathlon took place at the Nasuaran Camp on March 16th 2014 in Cha-Am. Supported After all it’s no fun trying to negotiate the by Amarin, the Tourism Authority of Thailand ‘footpaths’ which are far from user friendly and Singha, The Amarin International Triathlon if you don’t appreciate dodging street is set to become one of the largest Triathlons vendors, stray dogs and bicycle hire shops. in South East Asia with an attendance of 500 The likelihood is you’ll spend more time on racers from around the world. the road with ‘footpaths’ crowded by of everything except pedestrians. One alternative is the beach. But if that’s not your thing, or for that matter a bicycle ride is preferred, then the Cha-Am Forest Park is the place. An asphalted path invites island with a colony of white-handed gibbons. you to meander through the forest setting, It offers long walks protected by shady trees perhaps in the early morning or late afternoon. and unique flora and fauna. There’s also some low key equipment for your Families and couples come here to chill out stretching exercises. and picnic. You will see a mix of Thai people Winners This is a small but very beautiful Forest Park and expats who have found an alternative to Standard Triathlon: Swim: 1.5km, Bike 40km, Run 10.8km just a couple of kilometres south of town off ‘elbow exercise’ at the bar. First Men’s Ben Hammond First Women’s Carole Fuchs the main road. The 665,600sqm area was Second Men’s Jaray Jearanai Second Women’s Lyndesy Fraser There’s also an area to set up overnight camps established on the 4th March 1992 and part of Third Men’s Erik Bohm Third Women’s Sarah Wheeler around the lakes, as well as park-operated Don Masang National Reserved Forest. bungalows and restaurant. It’s not a campout Sprint Triathlon: Swim: 750m, Bike 21km, Run 6.8km It sits on a lowland area covered in shady in the jungle but rather a relaxing overnight First Men’s Vinnie Santana First Women’s Ceri Ruzzi trees and a wide range of tropical plants. excursion in beautiful natural surrounds. Second Men’s Saranon Chantaraj Second Women’s Suzanne van de venne Crisscrossing the park, a large, freeform lake Third Men’s Songsak Sripiboonbunjeart Third Women’s Magali Josselin This is not a sophisticated park and some is home to species of water birds and an maintenance issues could be considered. One Duathlon Run: Run 5km, Bike 40km, Run 10.8km example is the growth of imported grasses First Men’s Sutat Kamlayankiti First Women’s Nathalie Leger into the waterways. However as a convenient Second Men’s Ekkarat Phanthip Second Women’s Chorthip kanouam ‘chill-out’ venue for family outings and school Third Men’s Pravit Wongpinich Third Women’s Leonie Plaistowe groups looking for relaxed parkland away from the traffic it’s ideal. TEAMS FIRST: Wiriya Chanaman / Atiptorn Lue-gnam-iam/ Songphon Sripiboonbunjeart Where: About 3 kilometres south of the traffic SECOND: Tungsomboon Monton / Panyathip Saksri / Atinan Jetiya lights in Cha-Am town. It’s an easy bike ride THIRD: Jeff Laguito/Chaiyasit Kanjanapas/Siriporn Sothikul AND free. The triathlon event is being organized by Active management Asia, a reputable sport event Contact: Tel. 0 3243 3661, E-mail reserve@ management company specializing in athletic events such as marathons, triathlons, trail running, dnp.go.th road & MTB races and adventure races. AMA is operating in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 21 22 WHERE TO go to celebrate songkran

Hua Hin Today would like to suggest where you and your family can celebrate Songkran or the “Thai New Year”. This may be to one of the many fantastic resorts or hotels around town to enjoy a meal or some entertainment. You may also wish to take part in one of the festival events we have listed. One thing is for sure; there is no shortage of things to do to make your Songkran 2014 the best ever! BOOK YOUR SPECIAL WINE & DINE OCCASION ANANTARA RESORT regions of Thailand. Sunday 13 April 2014 from Offering food and gift sets to the 19 monks, each 19:00 to 22:00. set can be purchased for THB 200.- ‘EVERYONE IS WELCOME’ THB 999 net per person for adults and THB 450 BANYAN MASTER 2014, Sunday, 13th April local Events net per child for children 12 years and under. 2014. Each player will be drawn with a golf Hua Hin (Free for children under the age of six) professional competing at Augusta National Sonkgran Foam Party 2014 - on 1st Floor at Hua For guests looking for a Thai New Year lunch the same weekend. The final results will be the Hin Market Village. gathering, Aqua Pool Bar is offering the Songkran combined nett score of both players. Saturday’s “Summer Splash”, a great family fun day at the scores from Augusta National will be used. Sign poolside with special games and activities up now for the Banyan Masters 2014. Tee times Celebrate Thailand’s famous New Year Songkran from 12.00 p.m. Great prizes to be won. festival with a truly Thai night to tantalise your throughout the day with prizes and traditional palate and stir the senses. Savour a lavish buffet hawker style Thai food and drink stations around THB 3,200 per person and THB 1,500.- for club of Thailand’s finest Regional specialties. We the poolside. Songkran “Summer Splash” Live members (inclusive of green fee, caddy and immerse you in the Kingdom’s vibrant cultural Hawker Style Thai Street Food Stations around awards ceremony BBQ dinner. Golf carts is heritage with long drums, traditional music and the Pool on 13 and 14 April 2014 from 11:30 to optional at THB 750.-, (one cart per player) THB enchanting dance performances. Sunday 13th 16:00. 1,000 for dinner only April 2014 at Sai Thong Restaurant from 6:30 pm BANYAN GOLF CLUB HUA HIN CENTARA GRAND Beach Resort – 10:00 pm. & Villas Hua Hin THB 999++ per adult and THB 449++ per child (aged 6 - 12 years) Prices are per person ‘Yuk Wan Wan’ Songkran at Baan Phon” - and subject to 10% service charge and 7% this event will take place at the Phon Kingphet government tax. Memorial Park in Hua Hin. For more information call 032 520 250 AMARI HUAHIN

Celebrate Songkran at Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin. Experience Thai Traditional activities, various Thai signature street food and cultural performances from the North. On Sunday Amari Hua Hin invites guests to celebrate this 13th April, 2014 Morning Thai Traditional Thai New Year with a Songkran Special Buffet Activities:8.30 am. The pouring of scented water Dinner. Showcasing an array of truly distinctive on a Buddha image for the New Year blessing. and traditional culinary delights from the four (Meeting at the resort lobby) at 9.30 am.

A Remarkable Songkran Sunday, 13 April 2014 7.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. at Palm Terrace. Price: THB 1,900 net per person dress code: Colourful Smart Casual Reserve your ultimate experience - Tel. +66 (0) 3251 2021-38 or E-mail : [email protected] ‘Plearn Songkran’ - at Plearn Wan shopping arcade, Petchakasim Road, Hua Hin. REST DETAIL HOTEL “Songkran talad nam hua hin sam pan nam” - is at the Floating markets to celebrate the reign of Rama 6. CHA-AM

Sunday, 13 April 2014 Splash night BBQ seafood and around the world buffet from 6.30 pm. - 10.00 pm. THB 1,500 person excluding drinks. For more information call: 032 547 733 13th APRIL 2014 AT THE CHA- AM MUNICIPALITY PUTAHRACSA 7.00am. food offerings to the monk’s alms bowl, 9.00-10.00am. cleanse Buddha images and sprinkle water on older people., 12.30pm. Songkran parade starts from Long beach Hotel to the municipality offices., 7.30pm. Concert: Lulu & Lala, Ponglang R Siam, Comedians and fireworks PRANBURI

Saturday 12th April 2014: Don’t miss out on Hua Hin’s Best Beach Chill out for the Thai New Year/ Songkran. Spend a fabulous Saturday night with us and savour our cool BBQ Beach Buffet along with great chillin’ sounds from “Jazzohol”, a bottle of Chandon and a one of a kind beach atmosphere. You are invited to celebrate Songkran with traditional activities, sport on the beach, a parade At the Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant and local tradition dancing (Ram wong) - 12th -13 1,699 THB++/person. From 18.30 – 21.30 pm. April 2014. For more information contact at TAT More information call: 032 531 470 Prachuabkirikhan call: 032 513 885, 032 513 871

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 23 24 NEWS 25

Continued from Page...1 CRICKET LEGENDS Narayanganj CA with a list of former test AT THE HUA HIN SIXES players. Surprisingly, the most popular Australian legend Craig McDermott along competition of all, the Veterans will field ten with his Australian Internationals colleagues highly competitive sides of golden Oldies Shaun Graf, Dutchy Holland, Michael Taylor (over 50s) from Australia, Indonesia and and Mick Lewis will join former and current Thailand. State players in South Australian speedster The Victorian country side, Baden Powell Dan Worrall, hard hitting Victorian Michael Hill, will look to defend the trophy it won in 2013 all rounders Mike Dighton and Aaron O’Brien. with challenges coming from other Australian This promises to be an exciting week in Hua sides in Leongatha Woodchoppers, Western Hin. Plain, Old Xaverian CC, Melbourne Vets, Gold Four highly competitive teams will play in the Coast Tigers and Cluden Veterans. Cup competition where Melbourne Red will Indonesia will be represented by Larngna be defending along with Melbourne Blue and Follies while Hua Hin Hopalongs and Soi local favorites Thai Thevada and Thailand Cowboy will fly the local flag. The tournament Colts. organizers would like to thank the Dusit In the Masters competition, seven teams Thani Hua Hin, Tourism Authority of Thailand, including Thai Masters (locally known as Bangkok Post, UOB Asset Management and Siam Cricket Club), Western Australian Black Singha Beer for their supports. Swans, Melbourne Masters, Victorian country Phetchaburi Journalist Day side Euroa, Coorparoo CC from Queensland, Matches start at 8AM on April 5th and end The Phetchaburi Governor Mr. Monthien Thongnit Chaired the opening ceremony of Phetchaburi on April 10. The Dusit Thani Hua Hin and Journalist Day on 5th March 2014 at Royal Diamond Hotel Phetchaburi. The Chairman of Also inclueded are Lardna Follies led Tourism Authority of Thailand will host Grand Phetchaburi Media Association Mr. Suraphol Naknakorn is pictured with Board Members of the by Australian legendary diplomat Brett Opening and Farewell Awards dinners on 5th Association. Farmer and star studded Bangladeshi side and 10th April, 2014. ‘HORSING AROUND’ ON THE BEACH Like it or not, horses on the beaches of Hua Hin and Cha-Am is a one of the defining scenes of our coastline. Although not unique to local beaches, we all The Thai Pony or Thai Country Bred is a native We were invited behind the scenes to meet expect to see a passing horse or two during horse of Thailand. While they are thought one of the horse owners, Khun Jung, a horse our time on the sand. They’re very visible to have come from Mongolian stock, their ride operator for the past ten years. Like the but not obtrusive. Their handlers are very origins are a mystery. These animals have majority of the horse owners he operates a eager not to cause too much disturbance or been used as pack horses in mountainous family business with just a small number of inconvenience to beach-goers. areas for many years. Due to this isolation horses, four in his case. they have developed without the influence Probably the only opportunity Thai kids will of outside breeds for the most part, although ever get to experience a horse ride is during more recently an attempt to improve them has the family holiday to the beach. It’s also a introduced the blood of some Australian, New photo opportunity that many find hard to Zealand and English pony stock. resist.

All horse riders on the beach must hold a some not. Apparently keeping to one gender government issued permit. You’ll always resolves any ‘relationship issues’ between see them wearing a vest with a number horses on the beach! We understand that displayed. It’s a bit like a taxi license; a female horse on an adjoining property is a restricted in numbers and able to be bought major distraction enroute to the beach for Sri and sold. One of the conditions is that the Mok! horses are inspected every three months and Pepsi (the colour was right) will soon be sold must satisfy authorities that they are in good off to a breeding farm, perhaps lucky for him, health, vaccinated and have suitable stable but really because his behaviour on the job is conditions. Another incentive to maintain causing Khun Jung some concerns. Kicking the condition of the horses is their appeal to is the problem, an unacceptable trait. potential customers. No one wants to seen riding a horse that is unattractive because of Horses have a potential working life of about lameness, poor nutrition or skin ailments. 15 years. Training takes about two months and the younger horses may be two years old Khun Jung’s property is just inland of the at this time. Horse prices are in the vicinity railway line. This is adjacent to Springfield of 60 -70,000 THB, no small investment for beach where he and nine other families these families. Another cost to be added is have the ‘rights’ to operate. He must make the saddlery which can only be purchased in a judgment about when it is worthwhile to Bangkok. take a horse or two to the beach, typically on weekends and holiday periods. This Horse rides generally cost around the 600 involves crossing the main highway, perhaps a THB mark. Perhaps this sounds a little pricey hazardous journey but one that is not daunting at first glance, but considering the investment to either horse or rider. these families make and the operating costs, maybe a reasonable rate. We met ‘Jackpot’, ‘Pepsi’, ‘Sri Mok’ (cloudy) and ‘Khan Mahk’. Jackpot is the favourite Next time you are taking one of those partly because his cream coloured coat is mandatory beach photos with a horse featured appealing to customers, clearly good for in the shot, think about a decent tip to the business. All horses are male, some gelded, horse operator, they’ve earned it.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 26 island Awards Thailand’s Island Gems voted among the world’s best by TripAdvisor travellers Some of Thailand’s most pristine islands Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT, have once again been acclaimed by said, “These votes in the TripAdvisor’s international visitors who recently voted Travellers’ Choice Awards mean a great them among the world’s best. In the latest deal because they come from travellers international poll for TripAdvisor’s 2014 who’ve enjoyed real experiences around Travellers’ Choice Awards, Ko Tao in the the world. southern coastal region of Thailand was “The high ratings of Ko Tao, and other named the 10th best island in the world. islands in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, show how people have come to not only appreciate the pristine state of these lovely places, but also the fact that they all offer a wide range of accommodation to suit a range of budgets. And all travellers get to experience the wonderful hospitality for which Thailand is famous.” Located just off the mainland province of Surat Thani in southern Thailand, Ko Tao Ko Tao – which means Turtle Island – can be reached by speedboat or ferry was given the name because its pristine from Samui and the mainland. Once there, beaches have long been breeding and Ko Tao travellers can enjoy powdery, white sandy egg-laying sites for green turtles. Today, Ko Tao is a popular scuba diving destination beaches washed by the waves of crystal- the island is Thailand’s most popular scuba clear sea water. diving destination and there are many Ko Tao was also voted the Number 1 island diving schools, shops, resorts and diving destination in Asia, along with Ko Phangan tour operators which cater for beginners (No. 3), Ko Lanta (No. 4), Phuket (No. 7) and and experienced divers alike. Ko Samui which came in at No. 9. There is also an ongoing drive by the local people and authorities to preserve the natural wonders of Ko Tao and keep it clean and pristine, while trying to cater for the many young people who go there, with a range of food and nightlife options. Also found in Surat Thani, the island of Ko Phangan is well known across the world for its pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery, while nearby Ko Samui, which can offer holiday experiences to meet a range of tastes, has long been famous for its lush interior and lovely beaches.

Ko Phangan Phuket On the western coast of the Thai Peninsula, Phuket continues to enjoy its reputation as the Pearl of the Andaman and one of the top travel destinations in Thailand. The island has its own airport which is currently being expanded to handle some 12.5 million passengers a year by 2015, and increasing numbers of international airlines are introducing direct flights to Phuket. Also on the west coast of Andaman Sea is Ko Lanta, which lies between Krabi and the islands of Phi Phi. Though not long established on the tourist trail, Ko Lanta has won the hearts of travellers from all over the world with its stunning scenery, shady private beaches and surrounding emerald waters. Thailand’s islands can be visited all year round. For more information, visit: www. tourismthailand.org

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 Events & promotions 27

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 28 29 30 Last month

Mr. Alexander Parry General Manager of Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa presenting the trophy to the winners at “The Amarin Outdoor Unlimited International Triathlon 2014” which took place at Naresuan Camp Hua Hin on 16th March 2014.

Congratulations to the new SIYA-KT clinic for Health & Beauty using oriental medicine.The grand opening was on 23rd of March 2014.

On 1st March 2014 players teed off in the Mondo Vino Hua Hin Wine Experience Charity Golf Tournament at the Banyan Golf Course.

Putahracsa Baristas Learning The ‘Espresso di Manfredi’ Way Putahracsa Team Members from the Ob Oon Bakery have taken the opportunity to enhance their barista skills. Espresso di Manfredi is more than just coffee. The Putahracsa Team Members can now ensure that guests will always experience ‘coffee culture’ at the highest level. Mastering this world famous blended coffee style provides coffee not only for taste but also as a memorable visual experience.

V VILLAS HUA HIN AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE BY TRIPADVISOR V Villas Hua Hin recently announced that the multi award-winning the hotel has added yet another feather to its cap. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website awarded it a “Certificate of Excellence” for the year 2013 as a testament to the hotel’s high standards based on feedback from guests. An Exclusive “Marqués de Murrieta” Wine Dinner The Certificate of Excellence honours businesses at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travellers. With a rating of 4, V Villas Hua Hin has An exclusive Marqués de Murrieta Spanish Wine Dinner was held recently at The Palm earned a place amongst the very best! Terrace, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin. Pictured are Jan Weisheit (1st The award which is given only to the most left, back row), Director of Food & Beverage and Albert Jan Van Beusekom (1st right), Food exceptional performers in TripAdvisor’s global & Beverage Manager. This special event also attended by Ivan Aquino, Export Director of business community, is a significant achievement Marqués de Murrieta Winery, Kritsadarng Vijitpanya (2nd left, back row) Hua Hin Branch for the hotel that has already won numerous Manager and Pongsak Tiamsuttikarn (2nd left) Marketing and Sales Director from World other awards. Class Wine.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 NEWS 31 Introducing New Indian travel agents visit Tourist Police Commander new Thai tourism products, The new Tourist Police Commander has Pol. Maj. Gen. Aphichai explained that he discussed with the local press about how has asked police officers to set up small Thai tourist police provide safety for both teams to patrol areas under their supervision gets confidence boost local and foreign visitors in Hua Hin. at night and work cooperatively with local police officers in areas at risk. In addition, On 26th February 2014 Commander Pol. more CCTVs have been installed on major Maj. Gen. Aphichai Thi-amat joined other roads and night markets for tourists’ safety. police officers cleaning up the beaches and collecting garbage in preparation Supervising all tourist police from 35 for the upcoming high season in April. stations throughout Thailand and another Also assisting were staff from Hua Hin 700 police officers, Pol. Maj. Gen. Aphichai Municipality, Centara Grand Hotel, found that in major tourist regions such as Hilton Hotel and members of many local Koh Samui and Phuket more police are associations and clubs of Hua Hin. required. According to the Tourist Police Commander “The more foreigners visit Thailand, the Spectacular new travel and tourism The agents departed for Bangkok in the tourist attractions in the country such as more income the country and its people products emerging all over Thailand were afternoon of 8 March, 2014, and were Hua Hin beaches, Doi Suthep in Chiang will earn. Chinese people are increasingly the primary focus of a familiarisation trip hosted to a business networking dinner Mai, Koh Samui in Surat Thani and Phuket, coming to Thailand. We also welcome for 30 top travel agents from the Indian with the Thai travel trade at the Dusit Thani are the main responsibility of the Thai Malaysian and European people, including market organised by the Tourism Authority Hotel. of Thailand between 3-10 March, 2014. tourist police. They are also keeping a look those from Scandinavian countries. Thai All the participating agents said they were out for criminals who may cause problems police are responsible for ensuring that The group visited Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and most pleased and impressed with the for tourists in Bangkok and other Provinces. they will travel safely here,” concluded the Bangkok. organisation and content of the trip, which He commented that these problems have new Tourist Police Commander. they said will go a long way towards helping On March 6, the group had a table-top decreased in recent times. them design creative and interesting tour business networking session with members packages for their clients. of the North Thailand travel trade and then visited the Chiang Mai Convention Centre TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, before departing for Hua Hin, via Bangkok. “Although the focus of this trip was more on introducing the range of new products, we On 7-8 March, the agents visited Hua also included some long-standing natural Hin Railway Station (Thailand’s most and cultural attractions which are very beautiful train station), Plearnwan live popular with families, especially children.” museum, Cicada night market and Santorini Park before taking some time to shop at the Venezia Mall. INDIAN AND RUSSIAN TOURISM MARKETING NEEDS REFINEMENT Thailand’s hotels, tour operators and that is in tune with generational changes, meetings companies need to move their sustainability and new technology. The importance of marketing from the national level down to Prof Pearce said that “techpacker havens” city, language or demographic niches if were increasingly important - places where they want to be more successful in reaching travellers, luxury or budget, can plug in European & German tourists from India or Russia, say industry social media devices, use large screens, experts hold Skype conversations with families Backpackers these days are just as likely to back home, download music and service visitors to Thailand arrive with a laptop, tablet or smartphone mobile and social devices. and they need to know they can stay Ravi Bhatia, Director of Indian Host, connected, say travel experts. an India-focused hospitality group in Industry operators need to avoid the Bangkok, has called for Thailand and “sin of over-generalisation” and closely India to “reconnect” their deep historical observe visitor behaviour in order to create and cultural similarities. “The number of rewarding travel experiences those visitors Indian tourists visiting Thailand could easily will talk about when they go home, said Prof double in two or three years,” he said. Philip Pearce of James Cook University in However, Thais need to pay more attention Queensland. to Indian culinary and wedding needs. “Listen to the stories they tell and don’t “Tofu isn’t found in any Indian restaurant,” just rely on satisfaction indexes,” he said. he said. “And don’t present vegetarian food “Successful marketing now requires the to look or taste like meat - Indians will not ability to provide an ‘experience economy’ choose it. He recommended that Thailand concentrate on the Indian wedding market and having Bollywood films made on location in the country. Andrey Snetkov, the Contract and Marketing Manager of TEZ Tour, which specialises in The European market has long played of visitors from Germany is 18 days, as the Russian market, said 90% of trips to a major role in the development of Thai against 7.15 for India and 7.95 for China. Thailand were still arranged by Russian tourism. In 2013, European visitor arrivals travel agents as the online booking and Germany was once the top source of totalled 6.3 million, up 11.62% over 2012. credit card networks in Russia were still not arrivals from Europe. Its drop to third-place trusted. In 2014, European visitors to Thailand are status is due to stronger growth in arrivals expected to reach 6.73 million. from other markets; such as, the UK and He lamented that many Russian travel Russia, as well as competitive pressure agents lacked first-hand experience In addition to the number count, European from other destinations and uncertain of Thailand so their recommendations visitors are very important because they economic conditions in Germany generally. to clients were frequently ill-informed. have the longest average length of stay. Familiarisation trips for travel agents are an For example, the average length of stay important way to remedy this.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 32 NEWS 33 CELLAR-BRATING SALT ‘SHOCK THE MONKEY’ ‘The Art Of Salt’ Festival 2014 A meandering monkey saboteur The humble salt cellar on our dining table doesn’t get much thought. Although salt may survives 22,000 volts be considered one of the essentials of life, One meandering monkey knocked out the whether that be in relation to enhancing food power for hundreds of Hua Hin residents on flavour, preservatives, cleaning, health spas or 12th March. it’s many industrial uses, we tend to take the Hua Hin police and electricity officials good old NaCl for granted. After all, salt has rushed to the residential compound of the been around for literally centuries. municipality office on Phetkasem Road However in Thailand and particularly after reports that a male macaque had been Petchaburi salt is big business. ‘The Art of seriously injured from being electrocuted. Salt’ is an annual festival which celebrates They said the animal may have lost its way, Thailand produces around 1.2 million tonnes salt production on the brine ‘salt farms’ on the wandered into the town and climbed an of salt each year, this is labor-intensive work! coastal plains to the north of the Province. electricity pylon supporting 22,000 volt On three days in March at Ban Laem the power lines before it was electrocuted. The Driving from Cha –Am along the scenic route second annual “Art of Salt’ festival offered animal’s mishap caused a power outage to north (the ‘salt road’), after about 30 kilometres, a wide range of activities all about salt. the area around the municipality office for an you travel through one of Thailand’s most These included special talks at the folk salt unusual landscapes. This flat, desolate hour. Full power was restored to the town by museum, workshops on making plain salt, an coastal region with its natural mangrove 10.30am. experiment salt spa, and bird sculptures made vegetation and bird life is also where much of After the monkey’s lights went out, so did of salt, as well as learning about salt farming Thailand’s salt is produced, ‘farmed’ in large those of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Though and the history and life of salt farmers. You squares of brine. seriously injured, the macaque was not killed the Kasetsart University Hospital could even get to ‘test drive’ a salt-grinding and is now under the care of veterinarians at Maybe Hua Hin needs some Monkey Police. Production takes a month over three stages; vehicle. first, briny water is pumped from the nearby The event also highlighted famous desserts Gulf of Thailand into the flat paddy-like and souvenirs from Ban Laem, as well as squares and left to evaporate in the tropical booths selling fresh and dried seafood sun. As it dries, the crystallised salt is raked products from nearby fishing villages. and rolled smooth, fields glistening in the English teaching reform in sun like ice rinks. Finally, the salt is piled into The event was planned as a collaboration of little pyramids, collected by workers carrying the TAT, Phetchaburi’s Office of Commercial bamboo poles balanced with wicker baskets Affairs and the Phetchaburi Rajabhat Thailand to begin this year to be cleaned and bagged. Considering University (PRU) Caretaker Education Minister Chaturon to be more accurate compared to normal Chaisang has urged all English teachers teacher-centred classes. th nationwide to create new standard for The Minister said he had instructed Ministry English teaching in a bid to improve personnel to outline implementation drafts in Happy 100 for Don Mueang, students’ English communication skills as order to reform English teaching in Thailand, soon as this year. otherwise Thai students will be behind their Speaking at a meeting on English language peers in other countries. The implementation Asia’s Oldest Airport educational reforms today, Mr Chaturon plans will be applied in other schools as well, It’s been a battlefield, and it’s been bombed, That’s a far cry from seven years ago when the reported about one million students were able not only those supervised by the Office of strafed and given up for dead. airport was shut down, only to fully reopen due to read in Thai but needed improvements, the Basic Education Commission of Thailand to demand in 2012. In its storied history before while more than 100,000 students could (OBEC). But Don Mueang, Asia’s oldest airport, was not read at all, no need to mention that vast that, the airport was damaged in fighting The reform outlines will be based on running strong on March 8th as it celebrated majority of the students have such poor during a 1933 royalist revolt, occupied by the Common European Framework of 100 years of service. English skills. WWII Japanese forces, bombed by the Allies, Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, DMK is expected to see 18 million passengers and was allegedly the site of a CIA “black assessment (CEFR), the internationally this year, according to airport chief prison” in 2002. recognised framework that describes Chaturongkapon Sodmanee, with new airlines Now if we could just agree on how to spell its students’ language ability on a scale of levels such as Thai Air Asia X, NokScoot and Lau name in English. from A1 for those who completed sixth grade, Central to launch service there. A2 for those who completed ninth grade and B1 for those who completed twelfth grade or those with high-vocational certificates. The reform is mainly inspired by how students Rice prices dropped to learn to speak Thai at home and later learn to read and write Thai in schools, Mr Chaturon said, adding that from now on, English lessons 8,000 - 8,200 baht per ton will be focus more on class interaction to The prices of rice have dropped to the range management of its stockpile of rice, as its rice improve student’s communication skills. of 8,000 - 8,200 baht per ton for grain with pledging scheme will soon come to an end. The ministries will first catagorise Thai schools 15% moisture content with predictions that Analysts pointed out that the government into three level of readiness ranged from high prices may dive even further down to 7,000 might rush to sell the stockpiled rice to obtain to low, so that different teaching method baht per ton. the money to pay rice farmers who have yet will be implemented appropriately for each to receive the rice pledging program money, Rice millers are now offering the said prices At present, many Thai students could not school. Thai teachers will also need to improve forcing the prices to drop further. only for off-season rice, as rice farmers have speak English fluently even after learning the their skills, while more electronic devices will begun to unload their freshly harvested crops, According to the Commerce Ministry’s record, language for 16 years as teaching in the past be used in the classrooms to improve Thai reports indicate, citing that 7,000 baht per ton the price during the first 3 months of 2009 was focused only on improving student’s reading education. and writing skills. price is the lowest level in 6 years. quoted at 2,125 baht per a 100-kilogram sack ICT devices will be used as well as special of white rice; currently, millers offer only 1,475 Currently, rice traders are keeping their Mr Chaturon, however, noted that electronic classes being set up to promote academic for each 100-kilogram sack. eyes on the government’s policies on the devices used in education allow teaching performance in Thai students. The World Celebrates 25 Years of the Web Web users across the globe share birthday of Web users’ rights in every country. all of us to achieve our dignity, rights and we meet needs for online freedom, privacy, messages on 12th March to mark the day Tim potential as humans.” and security? Recalling his tweet during the 2012 Olympics, Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. H “This is for Everyone”, Berners-Lee said: Globally, fewer than 10% of key government People everywhere joined the Web inventor The Web has transformed society in a very short time. However, difficult challenges lie datasets are free to re-use online, drastically in wishing the World Wide Web a happy 25th “The Web’s billions of users are what have ahead: limiting Web-powered innovation. How do we birthday. made it great. I hope that many of them H unlock the power of open data? will join me in celebrating this important How do we connect the three in five people Berners-Lee, the World Wide Web Foundation H The Open Web Platform must be capable milestone. I also hope this anniversary will around the world who are not online? and the World Wide Web Consortium asked of expanding to meet industry demands spark a global conversation about our need H What fresh, inclusive solutions can avoid a people to take action to protect and enhance across many connected devices. How do we to defend principles that have made the Web fragmented Web? the open Web in 2014. W3C will convene tackle the challenges raised by such diversity? successful, and to unlock the Web’s untapped H experts at a symposium on the future of Our ability to have a say and organise H potential. I believe we can build a Web that How do we promote a rich ecosystem of the Web in October. the Web Foundation is collectively online is under threat from truly is for everyone: one that is accessible to innovation for the long-term, rather than less spearheading the Web We Want movement, a censorship and surveillance, whilst anyone all, from any device, and one that empowers fertile walled gardens? global campaign to ensure the legal protection online is threatened by cybercrime. How can

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 34 MOTORING The New Ford Fiesta The new Ford Fiesta in Thailand delivers smoothly and eagerly. In fact, it’s so strong large car quality in a compact car designed that there’s little point in upgrading to the to exceed the highest expectations of 123bhp Ecoboost. customers downsizing. The stylish new Fiesta meets the global Ride & Handling Star rating : H H H H H trend for downsizing by setting a new quality benchmark with a dynamic exterior The Fiesta changes direction with an and a harmonious and ergonomic interior immediacy that many an exotic sports car offering new and enhanced features. would be proud of. Factor in minimal roll in corners and plenty of confidence-inspiring “The new Fiesta takes craftsmanship grip, and you don’t have to drive very far and ergonomics to the next level in the to realise that the Fiesta is the sweetest compact-car segment, and will shift handling supermini you can buy. It also customer perceptions of what a compact rides more smoothly than most supermini car should deliver,” said Ernst Reim, Chief rivals. Interior Designer, Ford of Europe. “We’ve a bit of suspension noise over patched- but when you want to enlarge it, the rear- worked incredibly hard to improve the new up surfaces. The pedals are consistently seat backrests merely flop onto the bases, Fiesta experience for customers,” weighted, too, while the gearshift is slick leaving a step in the floor. On the road, new Fiesta continues to offer and supremely accurate. class-leading driving quality and comfort Safety & Security while retaining Fiesta’s signature sporty Behind The Wheel Star rating : H H H H H handling. Star rating : H H H H J All Fiestas come with stability control and Performance The big-car refinement of the Fiesta seven airbags, including full-length curtain Star rating : H H H H J is matched by big-car comforts in the ’bags and a driver’s knee ’bag. The car also front of the cabin. There’s loads of seat received the maximum five-star rating in Ford offers nine engines, but the 99bhp travel, plenty of support for your back, Euro NCAP crash tests. Deadlocks and a Ecoboost petrol is the pick of the range. and two-way steering adjustment so that visible vehicle identification number make It pulls strongly from low revs and revs most people can find the ideal driving life difficult for thieves. position. The funky, mobile phone-inspired dashboard works pretty well, too, although the on-screen menus that need scrolling through to access minor functions could be more intuitive. Space & Practicality 1.1 Refinement Star rating : H H H J J Star rating : H H H H J The Fiesta is roomier than many of its rivals, The Ecoboost petrol engine hums a bit so most people will have plenty of space when you put your foot down, but otherwise in the back. There’s a decent boot, too, there’s little to disturb the peace, aside from Power and the Glory Unveiled Switzerland may have a rather staid reputation MASERATI ALFIERI That’s not a pair of typos. Apparently the rear but that sure as heck-fire doesn’t extend to its wing generates 830kg of down force when Geneva Motor Show. the car’s travelling at... 440km/h. Needless to say, the One:1 could well be named the The 2014 edition, which kicked off last month, fastest production car ever very soon. If your had some particularly spectacular cars make interest is piqued, then you’ll have to move their debuts, the sort of vehicles with spec fast: only six will be made. sheets that make jaws drop and looks that make you drool. ALFA ROMEO 4C SPIDER True, they’re also cars most of us will never even have a chance to see in the flesh let different. Its Continental GT Speed saw some alone park in our garage - but we’re allowed tweaks to its styling but the headliner was its to dream, right? fine-tuned 6.0-litre W12 engine which is now Arguably the sexiest-looking car of the bunch, LAMBORGHINI HURACAN capable of getting the big rig up to 331km/h - making it the fastest production Bentley ever. Maserati has called its Alfieri four-seater a concept. But it certainly looks close to McLAREN 650S production and, hopefully, the marque doesn’t make any major design changes should it opt to roll out a similar mid-sized coupe en masse in the coming years. Those not among the 120 or so who have KOENIGSEGG ONE:1 already forked over money for the mid- Never mind your sports/super/ hyper cars; engined coupe may want to wait even longer. Swedish auto makers/ mentalists Koenigsegg Alfa showed off the arguably even more are calling their One:1 a “megacar”. That’s not attractive Spider version at Geneva and, A new Lambo doesn’t come around all that just marketing spin. Its 5.0-litre twin turbo V8 despite weighing in 60kg heavier than its often, so it was still a big deal when the purportedly offers - brace yourself - 1000kW coupe sibling, Alfa says the soft-top retains Huracan broke cover in Geneva, despite the It’s pretty amazing what car builders can do (aka a megawatt) and 1371Nm of torque. the 4C’s trademark dynamics. Italian company already releasing details and these days. A 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 is a hefty AUDI TT images of the car a couple of months back. piece of machinery to be sure, but certainly The stylish Gallardo replacement will get to isn’t outrageous in the world of supercars. 100km/h in 3.2sec thanks to a 5.2-litre V8 But what is impressive is the performance engine throwing out 448kW and 560Nm. McLaren gets out of such an engine in its BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED 650S: 0-100km/h in 3.0sec flat, thank you very much. Also worthy of applause: the 650S Spider convertible on our cover can hit 200km/h in 8.6sec - 0.2 slower than the coupe.

In the more affordable category Audi was busy as ever, showing off its new S1 and S3 Cabriolet. But it was its new TT that was of most interest. Looks-wise, it harks back to the model’s roots, while there is a range of diesel and petrol engines. A 2.0-litre 228W It feels as if Bentley release a new scorching turbo-petrol unit on the TTS tops the overseas car at every motor show - and Geneva was no offerings.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 MOTORING 35 BEST CARS MAKE THEIR MARQUE The votes have been counted and the PERFORMANCE CAR GREEN CAR finalists for the 2014 World Car of the Year awards have been announced, with top- end vehicles, people movers, SUVs and affordable passenger cars all in the running for the title. In their 10th year, the awards see 69 independent motoring journalists from 23 countries collectively choose 10 finalists in the categories of World Car of the Year, Luxury Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year. The Car Design of the Year Lexus IS and Green Car of the Year categories are Alfa Romeo 4C Audi A3 Sportback e-tron whittled down to five finalists by separate panels of design and environmental experts. This year saw cars receive an equal number of votes, meaning there are 12 cars in the running. BMW is the best represented company across all categories with four models making the cut - including two in the running for the major prize: the 4 Series and i3. The electric i3 is also the most Audi RS 6 Avant nominated model after being voted into Skoda Octavia three categories: World Car of the Year, Honda Accord Hybrid Green Car of the year and, somewhat surprisingly to many, for its car design. The finalist list shows buyers of all budgets can get themselves into a great car, with the Mazda3, Octavia, and other possible winners in the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 308 certainly not solely in the buying range of the wealthy. The winners will be announced at April’s New York Motor Show. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR LUXURY CAR Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV CAR DESIGN

Ferrari 458 Speciale Audi A3 Cadillac ELR

Cadillac CTS

BMW 4 Series Ford Fiesta ST Maserati Ghibli Citroen C4 Picasso

Cadillac CTS Porsche 911 GT3 Lexus IS

Porsche Macan

Jeep Cherokee Rolls-Royce Wraith Volkswagen Golf GTI Volkswagen XL1

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 36

stst “From“From 0101 MarchMarch 20142014 Tel : 032 512 503 Fax : 032 535 618 -- 3131stst OctOct 20142014 HuaHua HinHin BakeryBakery willwill closeclose everyevery Sunday”Sunday” Back to school party On the 25th of March 2014 something big was happening at Baan Nokkachan bar in Kao Takiab, a birthday party with all ladies and many men dressed in school uniforms! The girls especially looked great in their uniforms. The great location, right next to Cicada, the live music from the house band and the friendly staff helped making this party one of the best in town. The pictures tell it all, this was a great evening with many people from the real estate business present. Kao Takiab is getting a more and more popular place to go out and enjoy.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 Coming up 37 HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2014 THAI GIANT MAKES Consumer Electronics Show AN IMPRESSION Tromsø, Norway’s Snow Festival 2014 One of the fearsome giants of a Thai myth, and a popular character from the kingdom’s ancient Khon masked dances, took his place among other great characters in much a colder land than old Siam. Despite being crafted from snow and sitting in freezing temperatures, the giant sculpture kept his Thai smile and impressed visitors to the Tromsø International Snow Festival, recently held in Norway. The giant’s creators were three renowned Thai Here are some of the highlights and trends linking to the cloud were numerous. And the ice sculptors who made up one of five teams seen at the 2014 Consumer Electronics show saw the introduction of some powerful of 14 professional sculptors from nations Show in Las Vegas, USA: new “phablets,” as well as bendable displays. including Norway, Russia, Germany and Italy. These teams were all invited to exhibit their 1. Wearables: From connected socks and 6. Robotics: For play, work or entertainment, work in the lovely square near the Nestranda bras to baby clothing, wearable technology robotics took up an increasing amount of floor in Tromsø to mark the inaugural Tromsø with the ability to transform computing was an space. Robots designed to teach children International Snow Festival 2014. overriding theme at the huge electronics fair. programming as well as “telepresence” robots There was no showing of Google Glass, but were showcased. Among those who saw the displays, there was Mrs. Nalinee Pananon, Director of TAT other connected eyewear and apps for Glass little doubt that the five masterpieces set a Stockholm Office said, “We’re supporting 7. Drones: Grabbing a lot of attention was a were prominent, as was the first-ever “wrist standard which will be challenging to beat in this festival as a way of showing off some handful of exhibitors of personal drones to be revolution” zone. the years to come. The four-day snow festival evocative elements of Thai culture to other used as toys, or for professional photography was organised by the Thai Tromsø Forening in nations. This is a part of our Thainess meets 2. The Internet of Things: A connected and cinematography. conjunction with the Royal Thai Embassy in the world tourism activities. “The elaborate toothbrush, basketball and tennis racket 8. 3D Printing: Advances in 3D printing Oslo, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) snow sculpture – a three-metre high head of showcased the many uses of embedded technology on display at CES suggest this Stockholm Office, Thai Airways International’s the mystical Thai giant or Yak was expertly technology in everyday objects. technology is ready for the masses. Singapore- Stockholm Office and The Norwegian Barents carved by our team of three professional ice 3. Televisions: The major manufacturers based Pirate 3D introduced its Buccaneer Secretariat. sculptors.” showed off their biggest displays, including home printer that sells for $497. “ultra HD,” curved screens and interactive 9. Smart homes: Home appliance titans LG features. The tech and entertainment industries and Samsung added their might to a trend of unveiled new partnerships to deliver high- letting people command and even exchange Introducing World Cup definition content which can benefit from the text messages with stoves, washing machines, format. vacuums and other household equipment for 4. Automobiles: A record nine automakers tending to the demands of daily life. 2014 box, offering live were at CES, highlighting the importance of Another new twist at the show came from technology in the vehicle. A fully self-driving makers of Internet-enabled door locks. car was not part of the show, but driverless parking was demonstrated. And General 10. Intuitive computing: Technology firms want broadcast of every match Motors announced some cars would have 4G to get rid of the mouse and touchpad. New In anticipation of the upcoming World Cup Internet connections. computer and gaming hardware at the show 2014, a first-ever phenomenon has been was imbued with software that recognizes introduced to the Thai market to allow viewers 5. Smartphones: If the smartphone was gesture, voice and even eye movements to watch the matches 24 hours a day. Over 100 already the centre of personal technology for as people are freed to interact with devices Million baht has been invested to introduce the many, it has now become the foundation for naturally instead of having to click on icons or World Cup 2014 box to expand its distribution many innovations at the show. Apps leveraging use touchscreens. base to reach every target group including the computing power of the smartphone and satellite dish distributors and 7-Eleven. With this box, viewers can watch the World Cup 2014 matches anywhere, anytime in Thailand. All of the 64 matches will be broadcasted Thailand Presents “Thainess” live, plus highlight programs and re-runs throughout the day, exclusively on World Cup Channel. An added bonus is free viewing of La Theme at ITB 2014 Liga 2014-2015, as well as RS quality content and digital TV channels. The box is priced at 1,590 baht and is available at satellite dish distributors and 7-Eleven nationwide, starting April 18. A one-minute TV commercial will hit the screen to raise programs from all five of RS’s channels namely awareness and reach the potential clients. RS Channel 8, Channel 2,Starmax, YOU Channel, expects to sell over a million boxes in the first Sabaidee Channel and Sun Channel. The box phase. can also receive every digital free TV channels based on each channel’s broadcasting signal The box also offers other content to attract other condition. groups of viewers such as all 380 matches of La Liga 2014-2015, Copa Del Rey, the Spanish The World Cup 2014 box is priced at 1,590 national team’s home matches and other baht and will be available at 7-Eleven and Thailand’s core marketing theme of “Thainess” the ‘Thainess’ theme as well as ‘It begins with RS programs for everyone in the family such satellite dish distributors nationwide starting was at the heart of the kingdom’s presence at the people’ tagline reflect our core values as a as soap operas, movies, music and variety April 18. For more information, call 1781. ITB 2014, the world’s largest travel trade show. people and society, as well as the increasingly human-centric aspect of Amazing Thailand. This year, ITB 2014 marked the 49th anniversary and their strong marketing campaigns. Other activities at the Thai pavilion included: since its inauguration in 1966. It also marked “It deepens the emotional value of visiting Thailand’s 40th year of participation. Over 110 the country, a value that is linked to the At the Thai pavilion, visitors enjoyed a Thai 1) “Happy Hour Reception” Thai exhibitors and travel and tourism operators people in their attitude, hospitality and spirit. spa demonstration by RarinJinda Wellness were participating. The team included senior Today’s travellers are choosing destinations Spa, a winner of the Thailand Tourism Awards 2) “Thailand Green Excellence Awards executives of hotels, tour operators and travel- and services that satisfy deeper need for and a popular spa amongst local and foreign Germany” related agencies. participation, creativity, community, and consumers. HRH Princess Ubol Ratana presided over idealism.” the ceremony to present the awards to travel In line with the “Thainess” theme, the Over 35,000 brochures promoting more than agents and media in Germany who have Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also TAT has organised a number of activities to 50 types of travel opportunities in Thailand promoted eco-friendly tourism to Thailand. proudly presented a new global marketing ensure that Thailand maintains a high-profile were distributed. Special focus was placed and promotion tagline “Amazing Thailand. It presence at the trade show, which is attracting on promoting beach resorts; such as, Ko 3) “Thailand Mini Mart @ Berlin” TAT overseas begins with the people.” At the Thai Pavilion, record participation due to the phenomenal Samui, Ko Chang, Phuket, Pattaya, Khao Lak, offices in Europe invited buyers from new and all guests and visitors were welcomed with growth in the global travel and tourism industry. Hua Hin; Natural and Cultural destinations niche markets to arrange pre-appointments “Thainess” by extending the Thai greeting like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya and with sellers from Thailand. As such, TAT has to ensure that it maintains “Sawasdee” (meaning “well-being”). Kanchanaburi, and promoting special-interest the country’s competitive edge in the face of activities; such as, diving and golf. TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Both many emerging new destinations worldwide,

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 38 world news Missing flight MH370: now the plane is ‘lost’, what next? Without any confirmed sighting, the mystery of what happened to MH370 is very much unresolved. So what happens next? Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has But without any confirmed sighting, let alone announced that a “credible” sighting had been recovery of any part of the plane, the mystery made in the Indian Ocean, about 2,500km of what happened to MH370 is very much south-west of Perth, based on satellite unresolved. imagery of two large objects. Inmarsat, the British firm handling the The announcement by Malaysian Prime electronic “pings” said to have been sent from Minister Najib Razak that MH370 is assumed to MH370 for hours after its last contact with the have crashed into the southern Indian Ocean, ground, said it had now determined that it with no survivors, had a degree of finality to it. must have flown south. While the search had

already been focused on the southern of two locator into the region, called a Towed Pinger “corridors” indicated by the plane’s final ping Locator. In a navy statement, Commander as a potential final location, it had still been Chris Budde said: “If the wreck site is located, officially possible that it could have ended up we can hear the black box pinger down to somewhere to the north. a depth of 20,000ft. Basically, this super- sensitive hydrophone listens for black box The US navy is also moving a black box pings.” OFF BEAT WORLD NEWS Strange news stories from around the world GERMANY: Flatulent cattle behind JAPAN: Police officers ‘forced to ENGLAND: A croc may be USA: Snake-handling farm explosion eat 15 burgers at a time’ on the loose. pastor dies from bite A German farm shed has exploded due to A police sergeant in Japan has resigned his Police in southwest England are on the alert A snake-handling American pastor Jamie a buildup of methane gas from cows, police post after he was reprimanded for forcing after a 1.83m crocodile was reported to be on Coots had been handling serpents for more say. The shed, in the central German town subordinates to binge on 15 hamburgers at a the run. than 20 years, citing a passage in the Bible of Rasdorf, was home to around 90 cows, time to “toughen them up”. The unidentified from the book of Mark that reads, in part: Nick Gargan, the Chief Constable of Avon and Reuters reported. traffic sergeant, 40, stepped down from his “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink Somerset Police, says the reptile has been position in the western megacity of Osaka. any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. The explosion damaged the roof of the spotted under a bridge in Bristol. “One of The mass-circulation newspaper Yomiuri building and one of the cows was treated our officers was flagged down by a bus driver Coots was handling a rattlesnake during Shimbun said. for burns. It’s believed high levels of the gas today, claiming to have seen a 6ft crocodile a Saturday night service at his Full Gospel emitted by the cattle had built up in the shed. He repeatedly ordered four younger officers under Coronation Bridge. We can’t find it,” he Tabernacle in Jesus Name Church in to, in one sitting, stuff themselves with bulk wrote on Twitter. Middlesboro when he was bitten, said Police say a static charge caused the gas to meals such as 15 hamburgers, 15 donuts, preacher Cody Winn. “Jamie had one of the explode with flashes of flames. When asked whether there was a crocodile four large-sized cups of instant fried noodles, rattlers in his hand, he came over and he was on the loose, Mr Gargan replied: “it may or 3-4 litres of coffee-flavoured milk, the report standing beside me. It was plain view, it just mean precisely that, madam. No need to said. “After finding they were not working turned its head and bit him in the back of the stay indoors - but you may want to think twice hard enough, I did it in order to toughen them hand,” Winn said. before you go water-skiing.” up,” the unnamed sergeant was quoted as When an ambulance arrived at the church, telling investigators of the Osaka prefectural they were told Coots had gone home, but an police headquarters. hour later, he was dead from the venomous snake bite.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 39 40 Spa & HEALTH ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ESCAPE ? The Escape Spa is inspired by the tropical sea. The way from the spa reception into the treatment room is through carved walls with small openings on the top which let the sun come through and create an amazing atmosphere. Escape Hua Hin offers you ultimate indulgence rejuvenation and pampering experience. A unique tropical retreat like no other, Escape Spa offers a seamless combustion of heavenly relaxing spa treatment alongside beauty and health

The Venue: We all have passed the red walls on programs; providing a one step service for Petchkasem road and have seen the sign optimizing your health, appearance and ESCAPE. In my case I didn’t know what well-being in body and mind. was hidden behind these walls and I got The treatment: a great surprise. Escape Hotel belongs to Sansiri developments and as always the Blue Wave Massage result is beautiful. This signature Escape Spa massage is designed to reduce the body stress and tension while simultaneously using unique massage techniques to remove harmful toxins from the body system. My therapist K. Khem first did a food scrub with butter milk, cumin and salt to remove the dead skin. oceanside. The oceanic healing properties The movements and the pressure on this are also brought into a pure relaxation that treatment are like a moving wave. K.Khem I thought I was almost hearing waves on used orange oil for the treatment which was the beach. very refreshing. With her professionalism she set the standards very high and the way Escape Spa is an escape you deserve! she is doing the treatment makes you forget Rate: 1,600 Special offer: 25% Discount where you are and let your mind go to the Contact details: 032519061-6 MUSCLE DEGENERATION TESTING CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase) or muscles A CPK range 5 times higher than normal may muscle disintegration, systems which enzymes can be found in our bloodstream be considered a sign of Multiple Sclerosis excrete waste will have to work harder, when our body has muscle disintegration. and result in Myolysis as a symptom. This especially our liver and kidney. Therefore, it can occur to muscles in every part of our is recommended that these patients check body, including the heart muscle. It may their liver and kidney (especially the kidney) affect the kidney and lead to kidney failure. frequently. Untreated muscle disintegration can be life Protein elimination process causes the threatening. kidney to work hard and may be lead to It recommended that symptoms of kidney failure. We often detect the kidney Cataplexy/Myasthenia Gravis with heart problem first because it is usual to run a disease, (other than a person who is taking kidney test, but it is rare incident for people it is always better to keep healthy and Hypolipidemic agents) should result in to have a CPK test. Medical examinations disease-free. a CPK test. It is recommended that a person should be made on a regular basis to detect The normal range of CPK is between taking Hypolipidemic agents should have any problems. This article was submitted by Healthlab 15 - 220 units/litre. If the CPK range is a CPK test every 3 to 6 months. Doctors may Medical Laboratory. Readers who have a I hope that this information can be beneficial higher, it means that our body is using the also suggest that patients have a CPK test. query may contact the “Healthlab Medical to patients with symptoms of Cataplexy/ compounds resulting from the process of Laboratory” located close to Petchakisim When our body goes through excessive Myasthenia and heart disease. Of course muscle disintegration. Road, between soi 45 and 45/1.

HUA HIN TODAY, April 2014 Classifieds 41 Condos and Land Great Car Deal for Sale by Owner Nissan sunny 14 years, power windows, Baan Chai Talay ( next to Hyatt on Hua Hin Main Beach) Learn Thai 2brs/2 bths 129 sq.m. 2nd Flr. central locking, good tires, good painwork. Baan Saechuan (opposite Market Village on Hua Hin Main Beach) 2 brs/2 bths 99 sq.m. Ground Flr. Only 110,000 THB or English Boathouse (near Palm Hills Golf ) 080 0522 840 swed, engl. 081 1939 520 Thai 1 br/1 bth 67 sq.m. Ground Flr. 1 br/1 bth 60 sq.m. Ground Flr. Both with terrace direct into pool at Sirada Palm Pavilion (very good deal, opp. Makro on the beach) 2 brs/2 bths / 2 balconies 120 sq.m. 3rd Floor Lake View One of the best Condos (next to Hyatt on Hua Hin The Learning Centre Land on Palm Hills Golf Course 1.5 Rai - 2.400 sq.m. Baan Chai Talay Located in Palm Village on main lake with great scenery main beach) 2 beds/2 baths, 120 sq.m, 2nd floor, Fully accredited by For price and nego please contact complete with solid furniture, A/C in all rooms. M: 081-829-5478, 086-003-6920 the Ministry of Education E: [email protected] For long term rent or sale Email: [email protected] Education Visa for Best Buys Eligible Applicants LAND Sirada HOMES The Learning Centre RENTALS Ground Floor 83/14 Wongchomsin Bldg. H Land for sale 1.5 rai 2.9 m. Phetkasem Road Hua Hin H Mountain view lots near Banyan Golf (between Soi 63/1 and Soi 65) H 2 Story Villa, 2 beds/ 2 baths with beautiful mountain view, 2.9 m for Sale or 15,000 for Rent per month Phone: 032 532 650 083 801 1335 Many properties Available Thai 087 882 4453 Eng 089 911 6536 www.learningcentre.co.th Email: [email protected] Email: info@learningcentre co.th Villas & Apartments for Rent I would like to buy Monthly apartments from or rent a Private Condo 8,000 THB, Villas up to 90,000 THB Look at www.coyshus.distudio.se on the beach 080 0522 840 swed,engl. (Note: not from agent or agency) 081 1939 520 Thai Needed: 1 or 2 bedroom 60-80sq apartment Optional: For Rent of condo CHA-AM BEACH AREA lease starting from 3 years up. Condo for Rent Town house For Sale Please send me photo & price 45m2, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, on my email [email protected] fully furnished, 8th floor Sale or rentals to be paid in euro (cash) 10,000 THB per month st Available from 1 of April Unique Open Plan Design * Modernised * Looking for Garage Contact: 0819812997 Balconies w/- Scenic Views I am looking to rent a garage place or 0909213547 Offers Around 3,000,000 THB for one car in Hua Hin. Email for more details and photographs Period Mid March-Mid November 2014 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Looking to Sell or Rent out your Condo or Villa? VINTAGE STYLE CONDO • Fully serviced 1bed/1bath poolside Regal Thailand Real Estate apt in The Breeze Khao Takieb. • Recently decorated with brand new vintage style furniture. wants your Property! • Showroom condition. We have many inquiries and we need more listings. THB 29,500/month. With offices in the Hilton Street and opposite Cicada Special rates for long term stay. Contact us on : [email protected] Sale: 4.2 million including furniture. Phone: 0897711683 (Eng/Thai) or call : 090 990 7898 email: [email protected]

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