THIS MONTH
Event
Welcome baby Emily (parents Steve & Jeab).
Manora celebrate their grand opening.
Farewell party for Andy (2nd right) with Annie, James, Ple and Goy at Annie's bar.
La Vallee held ‘tea time' for their customers at their site on 6th June.
Grand opening of the new immigration office on Soi 102.
Some highlights from the 2007 Hua Hin Jazz Festival held in June- more can be seen on the
Hua Hin Jazz Festival website.
Hua Hin Online Community
Busy times on the forums last month as our membership reached 2,500 and readership exceeded 45,000 per month making HHAD officially the town's best read website. Plenty of discussion on local issues such as Hua Hin's water supply, the state of Soi 102 where the immigration office now resides, and litter problems around town and the beach and what we can do to help. As low season is now upon us the streets of downtown Hua Hin seem a little quieter but the number of people moving to the town on a semi-permanent basis is definitely on the increase.
All that jazz ...
A great time was had by all at this years Hua Hin jazz festival, the music certainly didn't disappoint with solid performances from Italian lounge jazz band Montefiori Cocktail. They were the only band of the evening to get the crowd up and dancing, some were even in the ocean and on Hua Hin's famous rocks. Saturday's line-up was also very impressive with some awesome guitar work by Prode Tanapat and a powerful performance from Caroline Henderson. Unfortunately though the overcrowding problems were worse than previous years due to the scaling back of the event from three nights to two and two venues to one. We hope the organizers will bear this in mind for next years jazz festival. A website has been setup by local jazz and Hua Hin aficionados to help promote the event online, it can be found at www.jazzfestivalhuahin.com
An online photo competition has been setup where readers can submit their pictures; the winner will be voted at the end of the month. We have had some great pictures sent to us, including some of the strange solar spectacle last month when the sun had a halo around it and the recent jazz festival. If you have a passion for photography get on the forum and send us your pics!
As rents increase around Hua Hin more and more small businesses will start moving out to Khao Takiab, we have already had a few reports of some that have done so. For further information on the area take a look at www.khaotakiab.com
More property debates waged on, it seems that there are two distinct opinions on this, and we simply provide the platform for the discussion. In general most people that have purchased property in Hua Hin are happy and the development seems to be continuing at a high rate regardless of the country's fragile political environment. We also would like to thank Hot Property Hua Hin and Premier Property Center for their support of Hua Hin's online community.
Some concerned travellers commented on the Bangkok minivan service and the fact that it seems to have stopped running. It appears that they were investigated by special branch according to a report in the Bangkok Post, however service has resumed at the time of writing. Most Huahinians would miss such a useful and time saving service. The alternative is a taxi, which can now be booked online through www.taxihuahin.net who have teamed up with only the most reliable and reputable Hua Hin taxi operators.
HHAD forums are the definitive online message boards and discussions for the area with over 2,500 members. There are sections for finding and booking accommodation, seeking out bargains, and exploring the local area and beyond. There is also a nightlife section for the night owls, a restaurant and feeding guide along with an online meeting point for visa runners and clubs. The ever popular “Ask the expats” section is great for quickly getting the answers you need from the people that live here.
Logon and find out what is happening in Hua Hin:
There is also a blog for the Hua Hin area at:
OBSERVER MOVING!
Over the next couple of months the Observer is moving to brand new offices, so from the beginning of July there will be some disruption for staff and customers alike, particularly telephone communications. During the moving period, could anyone wanting to contact the Observer please use e-mail whenever possible; alternatively for urgent matters, please use the following phone numbers: 085-846821 or 032-646301
The new offices are nearly complete, and are located on the southbound side of Phetkasem Road opposite the Hua Hin Hospital . There will be an update in next month's issue on the latest developments.
Hua Hin Dog Rescue Center
Having worked as a volunteer at Hua Hin Dog Rescue HHDRC for 5 years I am aware that we are in the front line as much for criticism as for praise. “Do gooders with nothing better to do” – “Do they think they're God or what?” –“ Hearts on their sleeves” are often heard descriptions of us. But when one of our own volunteers in our Charity shop decides to vandalize our work – something has to be said
Last Saturday HHDRC manager bumped into the young man in question slinking out of the Shopping Mall with our poster under his arm bereft of photographs. When questioned he calmly said he had destroyed the photographs which displayed our dogs in before treatment and after treatment states. Why? “Because they were demeaning to the dogs who were waiting to die and one photograph even showed a dog's genitals” he said. Many things are sent to try us but this statement is incredulous.
What this young university student had decided to do (which also begs the question re IQ levels of to-day's university students!) was to demean OUR WORK over the past 5 years. Every photograph which he had painstakingly cut into tiny strips and thrown in the rubbish bin depicted an appalling state in which we'd found the dogs and after our care – another photograph showed how well they'd recovered. Not one of the dogs depicted is dead – two even have the luxury of sleeping on HHDRC manager's bed at night!
But worse, the far reaching effects of this young man's destructive work on a Saturday afternoon in our Charity shop is that customers can no longer see the reason why we have this shop. Over the years I have worked for HHDRC numerous customers both Thai and European have asked about the shots. When I explained many were amazed that we were able to put these very sick animals back on the road to full recovery. Not one person said the sights depicted were offensive or ‘demeaning to the dogs'.
These photographs cannot be replaced and customers can no longer see the work we do for Hua Hin's sick dogs. The Charity shop has sadly been struggling to find volunteers for many months without success. The young man's action is the last straw for us. By the time you read this the shop, which over the past years has been a major source of funding for the dogs' food and vet's fees, will be CLOSED.
Verity Cattanach Poole has now moved to Bang Saphan reducing the number of volunteers at HHDRC to ONE. If anyone in Hua Hin has compassion for its sick dogs and wants to help – please contact Dawn Poole on 081-981 4406.
JOE COLE HITS TOWN !
There was an excited buzz around Hua Hin on Tuesday 19th June as word got out that Chelsea and England international football star Joe Cole was in town, and more specifically at the Black Mountain Golf course and the Zephyr Valley/Hua Hin Country Club condominium project, where Joe is buying a Penthouse apartment. Hua Hin is a favourite destination for many Thai and international celebrities, but this is the first time an English football star has taken ownership of a holiday home here; and his choice of Hua Hin Country Club can be taken to be an indication of his interest in the area with other international stars likely to follow.
The country club, developed by the Lersuang Group, is a freehold luxury apartment project overlooking the newly opened ‘Black Mountain Golf Course', which is expected to become one of the best courses in Asia . The Hua Hin Country Club has full resort facilities within the Zephyr Valley project and sits directly in front of the golf course, while the development offers spectacular views of the mountains and lush green fairways.
As well as viewing the site where the Hua Hin Country Club is breaking ground, Joe was at the golf club to conduct interviews, sign autographs and film a piece for the ‘Destination Thailand' television programme, which is shown every Saturday at 7.30 pm on the True/UBC Series Channel. Joe also had a go on the practice greens and the first tee with Kenny Walker, one of the pros at the club. The Observer interviewed Joe, and we will be publishing the interview and more pictures in our August issue as part of our Premier League season preview.
The Fall Of the Wild
Thailand 's endangered mammals
Thailand has a diverse and wonderful array of wild creatures, but unfortunately both the wild populations and the number of species has diminished over time due to a number of factors. Many species have been domesticated and prosper, but the original wild version may have died out or is declining rapidly. Some measures have been taken to safeguard the remaining examples, such as ensuring their habitats are safe with several successful National Parks, but some threats are still present, mostly man made. If you see any of the species on the Critically Endangered list while in Thailand you should go and buy a lottery ticket immediately as your luck is in and it might be the last sighting!
There are many reasons why species become extinct, hunting, loss of habitat etc. but all can ultimately be sourced back to mans inability to share the planet with other species. Unfortunately man has spread across the planet like a plague eradicating every thing in its path to the extent that the very health of the planet is reaching crisis point.
During the sixties we were at the point during the cold war of blasting the world into radioactive dust, however some sense prevailed, but unlike nuclear weapons which can be destroyed or decommissioned within a relatively short time there is no easy fix for the current state of the planet.
Imagine a planet where the only species remaining are domesticated stock, with a few sad wild specimens waiting for extinction behind bars as overfed kids licking ice creams poke fun at them.
Many of us are willing to raise our voice if a cuddly animal is at risk but what about a species of spider or slug. We must remember that everything is interconnected, if we kill off bats what will scoop up all those insects at night while you are trying to sip your Martini. If we kill off scavengers will we be knee deep in animal corpses with disease spreading uncontrolled.
So what can you do? Simply put, just be more aware of the situation all of the time and do as much as you can. Are you encouraging the capture of endangered species by using the man selling photos to tourists with a monkey? Is that exotic menu adding to the eradication of a species? By trekking in a sensitive area are you encouraging the elimination of a habitat? Or even the simplest question, does that packet of biscuits really need three layers of packaging, using up natural resources/habitats and adding to the waste problem.
If something is to be done about the planet and the protection of the species we share it with we must all do our share however small.
The following pages only lists MAMMALS at risk that were or are found in Thailand .
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
JAVAN RHINOCEROS (Rhinoceros sondaicus).
Other Names: Lesser One-horned, Lesser One-horned Asian Rhinoceros
This is one of the rarest and most endangered large mammals anywhere in the world. The Javan rhino's body length reaches up to 10-10.5 feet (3.1-3.2 meters), including its head and a height of 6 feet tall. Adults weigh up to 3,000-4,400 pounds (1,360-2,000 kilograms). Males' horns can reach 10 inches in length while in females they are knobs or no horn at all.
Population estimate: 60 (2005) ( Thailand , extinct)
Previously found in: Northern and eastern Cambodia , southern Laos , eastern Thailand , western Vietnam , and possibly southern China .
Now found in: Southernmost provinces of Laos , the Dongrak mountains of eastern Thailand and the western edge of Vietnam , and the northern plains of Cambodia
Main reasons for population decline: Poaching and habitat loss
KOUPREY (Bos sauveli).
Other Names: Cambodian Forest Ox, Grey Ox, Indo-Chinese Forest Ox
A wild forest-dwelling ox. Male Kouprey stand up to two metres tall at the shoulder and weigh an average of 900 kilograms. However, the Kouprey herds recently discovered in Vietnam have individuals attaining weights of about 1700 kg.
Population estimate: less than 250 (2003) ( Thailand , extinct)
Previously found in: Bangladesh east through Myanmar and southwest China to Vietnam and south through Thailand , Laos , Cambodia and Malaysia to Sumatra and Java ( Indonesia )
Now found in: Java ( Indonesia ) and Vietnam
Main reasons for population decline: Hunting, disease and habitat loss
SUMATRAN RHINOCEROS (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).
Other Names: Asian or Asiatic Two-horned Rhinoceros, Hairy Rhinoceros
The smallest extant rhinoceros species, as well as the one with the most fur, which allows it to survive at very high altitudes.
Population estimate: 300 (2005) (Thailand, perhaps 10 (1999))
Previously found in: Assam ( India ) and Bangladesh to Myanmar , Cambodia , Laos , Vietnam , Thailand , Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra ( Indonesia ) and Borneo ( Brunei , Indonesia , and Malaysia )
Now found in: Sumatra ( Indonesia ) and the Malay Peninsula ( Malaysia ), Borneo in Sabah ( Malaysia ) and in small numbers in Myanmar and Thailand , and possibly other locations.
Main reasons for population decline: Hunting and habitat loss
ENDANGERED
ASIAN ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus).
Population estimate: 35,000 – 50,000 (2005) (Thailand, 1500 - 3000 (1997))
Previously found in: Throughout Asia.
Now found in: Bangladesh , Bhutan , Borneo , Cambodia , China , India , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , Nepal , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Vietnam
Main reasons for population decline: Hunting, poaching and habitat loss
BANTENG (Bos javanicus).
An ox that can grow to about 1.6 metres at the shoulder and 2.3 m in head-body length. Banteng bulls usually weigh between 680 - 810 kg, females are smaller. Some very large males may weigh a ton.
Population estimate: up to 50,000 wild, more than 1.5 million domesticated (2005) ( Thailand , unknown)
KITTI'S HOG-NOSED BAT (Craseonycteris thonglongyai).
(Endemic to Thailand .) (Other name Bumblebee Bat)
The world's smallest species of bat and the smallest mammal in the world at 30-40 mm in length and weighing approximately 1.5 to 2 grams. Only discovered in 1974 in Thailand , and latterly in Myanmar
Population estimate: up to 5,000, (2005) ( Thailand , 2000)
Main reasons for population decline: Habitat loss
OTTER CIVET (Cynogale bennetti). (Other name Sunda Otter Civet)
Population estimate: Unknown
Previously found in: Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand , Sumatra and Borneo, and possibly Vietnam .
Now found in: Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand , Sumatra and Borneo, and possibly Vietnam .
Main reasons for population decline: Habitat loss and water pollution
SEI WHALE (Balaenoptera borealis).
Can reach lengths of up to 20 metres (66 ft) long and weigh up to 45 tonnes (50 tons). Population estimate: 54,000
Migrates annually from cool and sub polar waters in summer to temperate and subtropical waters for winter
Main reasons for population decline: Commercial hunting
TIGER (Panthera tigris).
The largest member of the cat family, with the Amur (Siberian) tiger weighing as much as 360 kg (790 lb).
Population estimate: 5166 – 7436 (1998) ( Thailand , 250 - 501)
Previously found in: Turkey across southern Asia and most of China , to the Soviet Far East, peninsular Malaysia , Singapore , Indonesia and Thailand .
Now found in: Scattered populations from India to Vietnam , Thailand , Indonesia , the Russian Far East, and possibly in China and North Korea .
Main reasons for population decline: Commercial poaching (especially to obtain various parts of the tiger's body for Oriental medicine), a declining prey base, and habitat loss
WILD WATER BUFFALO (Bubalus arnee).
Weighs 800 - 1200 kg (1800 - 2600 lb). It is a massive, powerful animal, with the widest horn span of any bovid - more than 6.5' (2 m)
Population estimate: Less than 4000; may be less than 200; indeed it is possible that no purebred wild Asian buffalo remain (2004) ( Thailand , 40 - 50)
Main reasons for population decline: Interbreeding with feral and domestic buffalo, habitat loss/degradation, and hunting. Diseases and parasites (transmitted by domestic livestock) and competition for food and water between wild buffalo and domestic stock are also serious threats
LESSER ROUNDLEAF BAT (Hipposideros turpis).
No information available.
NEILL'S LONG-TAILED GIANT RAT (Leopoldamys neilli).
(Endemic to Thailand .) No information available.
PARTICOLORED FLYING SQUIRREL (Hylopetes alboniger).
No information available.
VULNERABLE
ASIATIC BLACK BEAR (Ursus thibetanus).
Other names Tibetan black bear, Himalayan black bear or the moon bear.
ASIATIC GOLDEN CAT (Catopuma temminckii).
ASSAMESE MACAQUE (Macaca assamensis).
BACK-STRIPED WEASEL (Mustela strigidorsa).
CLOUDED LEOPARD (Neofelis nebulosa).
Note: The clouded leopard has been featured on menus of restaurants in China and Thailand , which cater to wealthy Asian tourists.
DHOLE (Cuon alpinus).
Other names Asiatic Wild Dog, Indian Wild Dog, Red Dog, Asiatic Dog, and Whistling Hunter.
DUGONG (Dugong dugon).
ELD'S DEER (Cervus eldi).
Other names Thamin or Brow-antlered Deer.
EURASIAN OTTER (Lutra lutra). Other names Eurasian river otter, European otter, common otter, old world otter.
FISHING CAT (Prionailurus viverrinus).
FLAT-HEADED CAT (Prionailurus planiceps).
GAUR (Bos frontalis).
Other names seladang, Indian bison.
MAINLAND SEROW (Capricornis sumatraensis).
MALAYAN TAPIR (Tapirus indicus).
MARBLED CAT (Pardofelis marmorata).
PILEATED GIBBON (Hylobates pileatus). Other Names: Capped, Crowned or Indo-Chinese Lar Gibbon.
SMOOTH-COATED OTTER (Lutra perspicillata).
SPERM WHALE (Physeter catodon).
STUMPTAIL MACAQUE (Macaca arctoides).
Other name Bear Macaque.
FEA'S MUNTJAC (Muntiacus feae).
Other Names: Barking Deer, Fea's Munjac.
BOURRET'S HORSESHOE BAT
(Rhinolophus paradoxolophus).
LONG-TAILED GORAL (Naemorhedus caudatus).
MALAYAN PORCUPINE (Hystrix brachyura).
NORTHERN PIGTAIL MACAQUE (Macaca leonina).
PIG-TAILED MACAQUE (Macaca nemestrina).
SIKKIM RAT (Rattus sikkimensis).
SURAT SEROTINE (Bat) (Eptesicus demissus).
Endemic to Thailand . now that you know the dire situation don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution!
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