THIS MONTH
EVENTS
Caddy’s annual training at palm hills golf course in early October.
Hua Hin Golf Tours staff party held at their premises on Soi 41 in September.
Goodbye and good luck to Margaret and Peter. We’ll miss you at the cricket!
Tim celebrated his big five oh at Sang Thai restaurant. Happy 50th to Tim.
Happy Birthday Mick (far right).
Sean Brennan General Manager at the Hilton Hua Hin recently arranged the 2007 Staff Party at Rama V Ballroom for all 400 hardworking & dedicated team members. With a “Back to School” theme, everyone turned back the clock to when they were at school, having a great time together with activities, prizes and great surprise performance by the famous Sinjaroen Brothers.
Hua Hin Online Community
Last month saw the introduction of a couple of new sections on the Hua Hin forum, the first of which being a family and lifestyle section that offers a place to discuss family life, schools, children and household issues in Hua Hin. We also now have the “Entertainment Zone” where you can discuss books, movies and music. On the same subject there has been quite a bit of demand for some kind of book exchange here in Hua Hin, a couple of the bars and guesthouses have small book corners but it maybe time for something bigger.
More new accommodation options are cropping up as old houses are being converted into new boutique hotels, Naebkehardt Road has seen many of these new arrivals over the past year. The latest being Baan Talay Chine which offers luxury suites with private pools, finely decorated in oriental style. You can find more details and book it online now through HHAD.
There also seems to be demand for more recreational facilities in Hua Hin, especially for children. Public parks would be ideal but considering the inflated costs of land and the cost of construction they still remain a pipe dream. As mentioned last month there are now organized events and workshops for kids offering a range of activities from beach parties to art and crafts. Take a look at events.wt-thailand.com for more details.
A topic on business ethics between farangs sparked a multi-page debate on doing business in the Hua Hin of today compared to that of yesteryear. There is concern that the popularity of the town is attracting more undesirable foreigners looking to make money here. Business practices in general seem to have deteriorated as more people are turning up looking for a slice of the “boom town pie” and competition is high. Even HHAD itself had to take action against another online “Hua Hin website” that plagiarized its content, a sad occurrence that is becoming ominously more commonplace these days. Coupled with an unusually quiet tourist season this now makes Hua Hin a cutthroat environment for foreign owned businesses.
All quiet on the real estate front last month following the recent lull in the market. Things are expected to pick up and return to normal following the elections planned for later this year. As stated in previous articles condominiums are now becoming popular, at least until the land ownership issues are cleared up.
A busy events month with discussion on the Pranburi Triathlon, Oktoberfest and HHAD’s own beach party. We also now have exclusive updated news and events from Market Village and are working in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Central Region Office which is located in Cha-am. Latest news and events will be posted on the website.
A busy month in the expats section with all manner of questions on topics ranging from sun loungers to termites, however bizarre your question you’re sure to find an answer there. There was also a topic on what to do about noise polluters, namely late night bars in residential areas. Since making noise seems to be a way of life in Thailand very few locals will actually complain, additionally many of these late karaoke bars are run by members of the local constabulary so there isn’t a lot that one can do – get some ear plugs!
In the run up to the elections the political pundits debate the demise of TRT and the efforts of the next competitors for the hot seat. It seems that little has changed over the past year and the rural majority in the Northeast will again be a crucial factor to the outcome at the polls on December 23rd.
We also ran our third photo competition for members, these are proving to be quite popular and we’re getting some great entries. If you’re handy with a camera or are just interested take a look online.
HHAD forums are the definitive online message boards and discussions for the area with over 2,800 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:
Loi Kratong
This most picturesque of all Thai festivals is Loi Kratong (also spelt Loy Krathong) held annually on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (November) and is an apology to “Mother Water” for polluting her, amongst other things. In 2007 it is being held on 24th November in Hua Hin (and all over Thailand), and there is also a ‘Festival Of Light’ in Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River. Details of the Hua Hin event can be obtained from the Hua Hin Education Division Office on 032-532-480, and the Bangkok Festival details are available from the TAT Call Centre on 1672 or the Events Department on 02-250-5500 Ext. 3969.
Traditionally, people use leaves to fashion kratongs or small boats, which are decorated with joss sticks, flowers and a lighted candle. A coin is usually added as an offering as kratongs are eased into waterways. Many Thais also add a hair or nail clipping to the kratong, believing it will bring them luck. In recent years Thai environmentalists have been making inroads to persuade people to use environmentally friendly materials in the making of the boats, as there had been a large number that were made from non-biodegradable materials such as Styrofoam. More specifically they were encouraging the use of materials that could be eaten by the sea-life, so that as well as not polluting the sea, the launching of the kratong is a benefit.
Legends vary as to Loi Kratong’s origin. Most agree that the festival started in Sukothai about 800 years ago as a sort of Thai Thanksgiving. It marked the end of the rainy season and the main rice harvest, based on a Hindu tradition of thanking the water god for the waters. The farmers of Sukhothai used to hold a festival of floating candles. One year, a beautiful woman called Noppamas, who was the chief royal consort, made some special lanterns for the festival. She made them from banana leaves and shaped them like lotus flowers. The King was impressed so he announced that kratongs would be floated on the water every year from then on. Today, the memory of that woman who made the first kratong is remembered in a beauty contest called “The Noppamas Queen Contest”. By paying respect with the incense and offering, the Thais are asking forgiveness of “mother river” for their pollution. And by floating away the kratongs they are floating their sins away. One Thai legend claims that when a boy and a girl launch a kratong together they will be lovers in this life or the next life.
Loi Kratong varies, but is generally a one to three day holiday that may include parades, fairs, fireworks and parties. Loi Kratong begins to weave its magic at dusk when kratongs, lights and lanterns transform night into day. Flickering lights drift out across the water creating an aura of romance that is irresistible. It is a singular experience to hear a string of 3,000 firecrackers go off nearby. Or even more so to see a beauty contest where the contestants are clad in traditional Thai dress rather than swimwear.
Shimmering reflections light the sky as the heady aroma of incense fills the air and invigorates the spirit. A mystical silence hangs as each person prays and thinks their private thoughts while watching their offerings drift out of sight. For the longer the candle burns, the better the next year will be. Houses may be decorated with palm fronds, coloured paper and lanterns. Loi Kratong is also a day of merit making as Thais make offerings at Buddhist temples.
In Hua Hin the main focus is normally the beach, where thousands of local Thais mingle with holidaymakers as they throng to the sea to launch their kratongs. The park near the railway station is normally where the official festivities occur, and most of the major hotels will also be putting on special events, and there is normally a parade through the streets as well. Kratongs will be on sale all over the town in the days leading up to the festival, and on the day itself almost any area of water will have people gathering by it to take part, including swimming pools and in particular canals, streams, rivers and, of course, the beach. Many Thais travel down from Bangkok to celebrate in Hua Hin so make sure your travel and accommodation is arranged accordingly!
MAKING A KRATONG
You will need banana tree leaves and trunk sections, assorted flowers, pins, incense, candles, patience and a Thai teacher! Although Styrofoam has more flotation the banana tree sections are much better for the environment, so please do not use artificial items like this.
Prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into rectangles of the same size, how big is up to you but the size of a regular envelope or bigger is sufficient. These should then be wiped clean, and the hard centre ridge of the leaf trimmed off. The banana tree trunk section provides the base of the kratong and is normally about 1 or 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) thick.
Banana leaves are folded and pinned to the outside & top of the banana tree sections. Fold in quarter sections from each side toward the centre creating a thin fan shape with a point at the bottom. Each side should be folded twice and the two sides should meet in the centre, similar to making a paper airplane. Thai’s all have their own way of putting these together, so that is why it is best to have some local assistance to ensure you get an authentic look to the kratong About four of these are then grouped together in an overlapping artistic but symmetrical fashion.
Once you have your correctly folded groups of leaves they are trimmed to give a straight edge at the bottom, and attached to the base with the pins, around the edge of the trunk, giving it the look of a crown. More folded leaves can be added to make a more elaborate design inside or outside the initial ring of leaves, but it must be remembered to try and keep the kratong evenly balanced so it does not tip over and sink! Further decoration is then added with flowers, incense and one or more candles which will project up from the middle of the kratong. You can pick up some ideas by looking at the kratongs for sale in the lead up to the big day (or just spend a few baht on a professionally made one!), but it is particularly nice for children to get involved in making their own, and is a good way to meet your Thai hosts and neighbours.
On the night, you head to a stretch of water (remembering a lighter or matches to light the candles!), add a lock of hair or a nail clipping and a coin or two, light the candles and Loi Kratong! (Literally ‘float kratong’). Thais will normally make some sort of wish as they do so too. Then they join in with everyone and have a party; please be aware that the beach in Hua Hin is often very noisy and crowded, and normally a giant screen and loudspeakers have been set up, showing Thai movies, so if that is not to your taste there are plenty of other stretches of beach, or other stretches of water to take part in a more sedate fashion!
Farewell Party
General Sonthi Boonyaratkarin’s Farewell Party was a night of memories at Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa.
Sunday 23rd September, 2007... It was the proud honour of Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa to host one of the most significant Farewell Party of the Commander of the Thai Army, General Sonthi Boonyaratkarin at Rama V Ballroom. This impressive event was hosted by Thanarat Camp with more than 300 guests of honour including all of Thailand’s top commanders and recently retired Generals of the Thai Army.
Brunch Sensations at Ciao Marriott
CIAO restaurant, (Hua Hin’s premier dining venue) is located at the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa. This open air restaurant has large beams, lashed building joints and a thatched roof. Subtle lighting carved wooden chairs and clay pot shaped ceiling fans reinforce the image of a Tiki hut along with the constant sounds of the surf gently breaking on the white sands of Hua Hin.
The long and lazy Sunday Brunch at Ciao overlooking the gulf of Siam is certainly the talk of the town... Brunch Sensations at Ciao features simply the best of show cooking, abundant cuisine selections that capture simplicity, purity and freshness of regional foods, plus smooth live jazz from our resident band. Selected cocktails plus half a bottle of wine per person are included on they brunch sensations package.
Executive Chef, Meik Brammer, has created a tempting brunch menu that boasts innovative and contemporary recipes featuring chilled seafood, grilled meats and garden fresh fruits and salads together with some traditional breakfast live cooking stations that will leave your taste buds tingling. Brunch Sensations at Ciao is a must during your stay in Hua Hin.
Seating Capacity: 43-50 people
Operating Hours: Lunch 11am – 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm – 11pm
Brunch 11am – 2pm
For more information and reservations, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, 107/1 Phetkasem Beach Road Hua Hin 77110 Thailand. Tel : (66) 32 511 881
Visit the website at
www.marriottdining.com
Loy Krathong at the Marriott Resort & Spa
What a superb idea! Celebrate the Loy Krathong festival at the most beautiful beach in Hua Hin!
Loy Krathong on November 24th at the Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa is proud to embrace the story of Loy Krathong, which began with a romance between ‘King Phra Ruang’ and ‘Noppomas’. Join the Loy Krathong celebrations at Hua Hin Marriott in an evening of marvels and uniqueness long to remember.
Our celebration features foods from the four corners of Thailand in addition to an extravagant and elegant beach set up that will be sure to blow you away. Miss Noppomas parades, live shows and sensational cuisine are just the start of the 2007 Loy Krathong celebrations at the Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa.
Loy Krathong, one of the most beautiful festivals celebrated annually throughout Thailand, is held on the full moon night in November. Among Thai people there is a belief to worship Goddess of water and ask for forgiveness in polluting waterways.
1990++ inclusive of selected beverages 7pm – 10pm. Bookings essential.
The Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, a 216-room resort, is located on the beach with easy access to central Hua Hin. The resort has four restaurants and two bars, a Kids Club, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, fitness center, and the Mandara Spa. Hua Hin Marriott attracts up-market leisure travelers, especially golfers who enjoy the world-class championship golf courses around the city.
Hilton News
“FAMILY TIME PACKAGE”
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is offering a family package between 1 November – 19 December 2007 at which parents and children may enjoy their “quality time” together.
One night package starts at THB 6,200 net. Two nights package starts at THB 14,000 net.
Package includes: accommodation, Hilton breakfast for two adults and two children under 12 years old, free entrance to Kids’ Club & daily activity, free ice-cream passport for children, 20% discount on food & beverage, 20% discount on limousine service, 20% discount on spa treatment.
Exclusively for 2 nights package! Free “Welcome Kids Pack” (two sets maximum) including kid’s bathrobe, pyjamas, and slippers.
Weekday Special! Get one complementary buffet dinner for two adults and two children at “The Market” Restaurant when reserve for weekdays (Sun.-Thurs).
Please note that his package is available for Thai residents ONLY!
For more information or reservations, please call (0) 3253 8999
E-mail: reservations.huahin@hilton.com
Website: www.hua-hin.hilton.com
Discover the secret of youth throughout this November at The Spa, Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. They are offering the exclusive “Bio-Marine Warm Facial” treatment, which has been found effective in re-firming the skin. With its unique mask combined with the Anti-Wrinkle Extracts that helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, you will find your skin moisturized and absolutely feel younger. To bring you the most indulgent relaxation this package also includes shoulders and back massages.
Baht 2,200++ for 1.40 hours treatment (plus 10% service charge and 7% tax)
For more information or reservation, please contact +66 (0)32-53 8999
E-mail: thespa.huahin@hilton.com
THAILAND WINE CHALLENGE 2007
21 September 07, Hua Hin, Thailand - Mr. Sanit Srisan, Restaurant Manager at the award-winning Chinese restaurant, White Lotus at Hilton Hua Hin, was a finalist at the 3rd Thailand Professional Wine Challenge held at the Siam Paragon Hall. Mr Srisan’s achievement is all the more commendable as this was his first year participating in this prestigious competition. His hard work and excellent knowledge in winery stood him in good stead, enabling him to beat 70 other participants in the first round of the competition. The lone participant from Hua Hin, Mr Srisan eventually scored 155 points out of a total 160 points, taking 4th place overall.
“Passion and pride gave me the confidence to join this competition, because of the excellent training that I received and knowledge that I gained through the Hilton Wine Experience and Wine Spectator. I’m very happy with the result and am glad that I was able to represent my team at the White Lotus and the Hilton Hua Hin,” said Mr. Srisan.
The annual Thailand Professional Wine Challenge is organized by International Food & Hospitality Show 2007.
Hilton BeachSide Bbq
Every Saturday from 6.30 pm. – 10.00 pm the Chay Had restaurant at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and spa is offering contemporary beach side style dining surrounded by chilling jazz music, candlelight and cooling sea breeze, creating the perfect dining experience.
Start the night with a welcome signature cocktail at the Infinity Hut while enjoying the beauty of Hua Hin’s sunset, then move to the beach and enjoy a full range of delicious Western and Asian assorted salads and appetizers. Followed by exceptional choices of barbeque specialties including variety of prime meat cuts, fresh local seafood and their exclusive barbecued spit roast pig. You can compliment your meal with one of their wonderful desserts.
Only Baht 950++ per persons and Baht 400++ per persons for children under 12 years old. Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.
For more information or reservations please call: 032-53 8999 or email huahin@hilton.com
Hua Hin Horizon Music festival
Sun 18th November 2007, String Quintet Band by Tasana Nagavajara Concert Master of Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.
Sat 15th December 2007, Light Jazz from faculty of music of Silpakorn Universihty.
Sat 19th January 2008, The President Band plays the music of Elvis, Tom Jones.
No admission fee, refreshment served, from 17.00 to 20.00.
The Jazz Train
The ‘Jazz Train’ Pulls Out of Hua Hin on December 12. In 1941, Billy Strayhorn wrote “Take the A Train” for the Duke Ellington band. On Wednesday December 12, music fans will “Take the Jazz Train” for a wonderful concert excursion along the Gulf of Thailand.
The fun starts at 11:00am with a live show at Hua Hin’s historic railway station. When the train pulls in, lucky ticket holders (and the band!), will board their own private rail car for the 3 hour trip to Sala Thai Resort. The rail line follows close to the shore at this point, for wonderful views and live music all the way.
On arrival guests will enjoy lunch, a variety of beach activities, and strolling the vicinity of Baan Krut, one of Thailand’s most charming ‘undiscovered’ resort areas. At sunset, there will be a deluxe buffet dinner and live concert with two separate bands. After that, musicians will join forces for a free-form ‘open jam’. Guests who sing or play an instrument are encouraged to join in.
In the morning, guests can take it easy with a leisurely buffet brunch and optional excursion to Wat Maha Chedi, a beautiful and distinctive hilltop temple overlooking the sea. Optionally, guests can book Sala Thai’s own fishing boat for cruising and fishing. After lunchtime, VIP buses will whisk us all back to Hua Hin in comfort and style.
Tickets for the Jazz Train excursion will go on sale to the public on Monday November 19, at just 2,500 baht per person, including transportation, double-occupancy lodging, all food, and entertainment. With just 62 seats available, tickets are sure to go fast. To pre-book your seat on this historic first trip of the ‘Jazz Train’, phone
089-181 6328 (English), or
081-880 4211 (English or Thai), or 081-772 0986 (English, German, and Swedish).
“All Aboard” for the Hua Hin Jazz Train!
Late Breaking News! ‘JazzMakers’ Hotel and Lounge, Hua Hin’s premier historic and modern jazz venue, has announced that it will offer special rates on rooms for holders of ‘Jazz Train’ tickets. For information, call Stefan Jerling at 081-772 0986.
Holiday Inn Refurbishment
The project to refurbish the Holiday Inn Resort Regent Beach Cha-Am, started in December 2006 with the Main Lobby, is expected to have been completed by the time this issue comes out. All the Main Wing 230 Superior rooms have been fully refurbished with new furniture, 29” Samsung televisions and automatic door locks. The main pool area paving has received new landscaping and flooring plus additional lights for the evening. Full repairs have also taken place to the pool. Throughout October, additional finishing touches were made to the fully refurbished Sakuna restaurant, which offers full day dining featuring European and Asian favourites. The new Terrazzo restaurant which was originally known as Rim Talay and located right beside the beach and ocean was completed towards the end of October features its own wood fired pizza oven with a great Italian menu and new bar area which will be a fabulous spot for a cool drink.
The new Kids Club, which is located on the ground floor of Main Wing B, is expected to open early November and will be an additional service as the family clientele visiting the resort grows
Finestra Anniversary
Hua Hin – 12 October 2007: It has been one year already since the showroom for quality uPVC windows and doors was opened in Hua Hin at the corner of Hua Hin Soi 91. To celebrate this anniversary, Finestra invited all their friends and customers to a party at their showroom.
Finestra manufactures windows and doors systems locally in Thailand, based on German technology and High Quality uPVC imported profiles. They offer a full range of products from sliding systems for doors and windows with elegant optional integrated Fly-screen, to casement units and awning windows (single to multi top hung units). In addition, we also offer special systems such as conservatories and folding systems.
New High Tech security solutions For Thai market
In this ever-changing world of unforeseeable events the need for peace of mind and personal safety and security has never been more relevant than it is today. Wherever you go in the world you need the peace of mind that comes with state-of-the-art security systems, of which the following are now available throughout Thailand.
Hua Hin has always been quiet, and a safe place to live, but like any expanding city it is beginning to suffer from increases in inflation - and in criminal activity.
With the multitude of projects now taking place in Hua Hin, developers and business owners alike need to consider the need for security systems that will protect not only them and their investments, but also the personal safety of their clients, employees and residents.
Physical on-site security is always a strong deterrent to the criminal element, but it is not always the best solution in situations where large numbers of people are passing in and out of the projects, with no standing procedure of physical screening in place to maintain the project’s integrity and the personal safety of the clients and their belongings. This has led to an increase in theft and vandalism over the past few years that unfortunately has cost many business owners and developers a considerable amount of time, money and delays in project completions.
In a recent external poll taken of people living in the area, it was discovered that a majority (more than 50%) of these individuals were in the country for only half of each year. This has meant that many homes are being left empty and vulnerable, and many have been broken into. The circumstances have made it easy for criminals to conduct their operations with little resistance.
Now, however, the new state-of-the-art security systems that have been introduced into the region by Thongwong Co., Ltd offer a solution to the problem. These new systems provide affordable, reliable European technology for the residents of Hua Hin and surrounding provinces.
It is every security company’s obligation to provide its customers with the very best in personal protection, surveillance and counter-surveillance equipment and systems, along with training to its employees and physical security staff. The systems that Thongwong is introducing are manufactured in both Belgium and Thailand, thus allowing for the finest European quality at a fraction of the price. These systems are a complete, comprehensive and all-inclusive set-up that have many applications for various uses dependent on the clients’ needs, requests and initial risk assessments, which are performed by professional security experts. These systems can be used for a myriad of complete security solutions for hotels, land development projects, condo/apartment complexes and personal residences. The following are some of the systems that can be put in place to provide complete peace of mind to all clients.
Many of the world’s top hotels have been using centralised security systems for many years. These are known as Mesh systems, which means that they are a centralised security system allowing them to maintain/monitor the integrity and access of every room in the hotel. These systems also incorporate CCTV cameras and recording equipment, which helps to monitor the entire complex and insures the safety of all guests within the hotel. Recording all motion helps for investigative purposes when something has occurred on the grounds. All the rooms are equipped with a small security and access-control unit. These are connected to a central control room, which is monitored by security personnel. They will trigger an immediate alarm when the room is entered without the electronic key card that is personally scanned to allow for access into the room. Without these electronic keys the system will send an immediate SMS to the guest, and security personnel within the grounds. These systems help to protect from vandalism, burglary, fire and medical emergencies.
New wireless technology has helped to maintain the Mesh systems and to allow a fully integrated system for any type of property, be it a complex, resorts or individual buildings. The new technology known as Zigbee allows quick and easy connectivity to all rooms, units or homes directly connected to the security officer’s shack. Zigbee creates a self-monitoring system, which it evaluates through the wireless network for all smart homes, rooms, units and buildings. The adoption of this system by any property development, condo or apartment complex or hotel/resort will protect the property from any unauthorised entry, and notify the security personnel for immediate rapid response to avoid any damage and theft to the properties or to clients’ personal belongings.
Along with the Mesh and Zigbee systems, CCTV cameras and recorders are among some of the most reliable and accurate systems of defence on the market. Like with any product, however, “you get what you pay for”. There is an abundance of CCTV camera and recording systems on the market. What are being introduced into Hua Hin are new, high-resolution cameras that give a clear and natural image. These cameras incorporate sensitive CCD chips along with infrared LEDs that work to provide complete and unobstructed views of the perimeters in complete darkness.
When dealing with residential properties or buildings it is recommended that our clients use a new IP-based security system. This system is integrated with the latest high definition CCTV that allows the owner to follow and track all movement on his property while he is away. This works particularly well for rental properties in which, if the owners so choose, they can monitor the status of the property from any location in the world by simply linking to the internet. This relieves the owner, renter, and/or property management company from the ambiguity of incomplete maintenance records or rental abuse as well as vandalism. This system is set up to look after the client’s best interests, and helps to cover insurance premiums and renters’ rights which are stated under the rental agreement that is signed by both parties. The renter will have full access to the system and will be able to monitor and maintain the system’s integrity with the owner’s consent.
In order to provide the best possible security solutions for clients, security professionals can provide training to security personnel in the systems the client has implemented. They will be able to visualise the project on a PC with a project map or Auto cad system, and provide the clients with high-resolution day/night cameras on all sensitive and strategic points. They will also maintain recording integrity at all times in case of fire, vandalism, burglary or environmental disaster, and provide a biometric card-reading system to maintain the integrity of employees and to reduce the risk of theft of merchandise by employees. These systems will maintain a level of business continuity and keep all employees honest and promote the highest level of professionalism within their company. These systems described in this article are those of Thongwong Co., Ltd, and should reflect the professionalism and level of service that we provide to any and all of our clients. We are available for any consultation, risk assessment and screening process that all potential clients of Thongwong not only want, but need and deserve.
Thongwong Co., Ltd.
226/105 Phetkasem Road
Hua Hin, Thailand 77110
Office +66(0)32516647
Mob +66(0)852923170
www.thongwong.com
wim@thongwong.com
Health matters
When people consider moving to another country for their retirement years the question about the availability of good medical care is one of their main concerns.
There are several factors that need to be considered. Will I be able to communicate my questions and concerns to the doctors and will I be able to understand their opinions and instructions? Will they practice medicine of a quality that I would find acceptable? Will the hospitals be friendly, well equipped, efficient and clean? Will my health insurance cover the costs?
In Thailand, the answers to these questions are very positive. I have spent over ten years in Asia and have some familiarity with the care in many countries. It is remarkable how expatriate patients from so many other countries in Asia and the Middle East come to Thailand for their medical care because of its patient-friendly excellence. Also increasingly ‘medical tourists” are coming to Thailand for care that either they cannot obtain or is too expensive in their own countries. The best of the medical care available here rivals and exceeds that of western countries.
Historically, Thai doctors have always been very outward looking; medical graduates from Thai medical schools have been studying in Europe and North America for at least a hundred years. His Majesty the King was born in the US as his father was studying in Boston at the time of his birth. Unlike many other Asian countries many of these doctors returned to Thailand and brought their medical expertise with them. At my hospital most of the doctors have studied and trained abroad, mostly in English speaking countries, and have an excellent command of English. I have found that in observing Thai doctors at work they approach their patient visits in an unhurried way and spend time with their patients, answering their questions.
One of the things that a newcomer may find different from the situation in European, North American or British Commonwealth countries is that there is not a network of Family Doctors or General Practitioners in offices/surgeries outside the hospitals. Medical care of all types is usually obtained at the hospitals and in their outpatient clinics, where there are primary care doctors to see newly arrived or first time patients. Traditionally here children are usually seen by specialist Paediatricians rather than GPs. For more immediate problems the Emergency departments of the hospitals can handle any unexpected problems for either adults or children.
How to get to the hospital when you need care is a topic that deserves a whole column. Generally if you are able to move then it is best to use your own transport or a taxi, in a few cases it is best to use an ambulance. The Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre has now its own helicopter ambulance and will be able to bring in patients from throughout Thailand and neighbouring countries.
The level of hygiene is generally excellent. Many hospitals in other countries are having significant problems with bacteria that are resistant to all antibiotics and stories of patients going to hospitals with minor disorders and contracting life-threatening infections are every day events. Thai hospitals are not having this problem. The sterile techniques used in treatment areas and operating rooms/theatres are observed religiously.
Expats often ask about the blood supply should transfusion be necessary. The Thai Blood Banking system is controlled centrally by The Thai Red Cross Association and observes all the recommended criteria by such bodies as the AABB, the American Association that supervises Blood Banking in the USA.
Hospitals in Thailand differ from one to another. Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre is a premier referral hospital; it is luxurious, comfortable and comforting. A hospital is a medical hotel and it is reasonable to expect a similar level of service in the hospitals as at a hotel. We do provide this level of service, both medical and personal. Thai people by their very nature are kind, gentle and respectful and all these characteristics can be seen in the hospitals. The nurses still wear the old-style white uniforms and are well trained and enormously professional in their work. The support services, radiography, laboratory and physiotherapy are equally impressive.
Medical technology is very international. Although there are some Asian manufacturers the majority of the equipment is made by European and American companies. I remember seeing ultrasounds being performed in an area of China where nobody spoke any English and the machine printed out its reports in English, which the staff had been taught to understand. The major Thai hospitals have invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment. Availability is also important. In Canada, in the city where I practiced, it can take up to three months to get an MRI study; here you can have an appointment tomorrow.
My hospital, the Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre, is one of the few Asian hospitals that has been accredited by the JCI an organization that inspects and approves quality hospitals throughout the world. They set standards for such things as safety and confidentiality in addition to the medical excellence of the facility.
Another area of concern is medication. The Thai authorities have a system of inspection and approval of drugs similar to that in other countries. It surprises newcomers that you can buy almost any medication ‘over the counter’ with out a doctors prescription and assume that means that there is no control over what medications are sold. Always use a hospital pharmacy or a reputable drug store. Be sure that the medication is made by a company that you recognize and inspect the packaging for authenticity, printing, spelling and quality of packaging.
If you are taking medications regularly always carry a copy of the prescription when you enter the country. I have never heard of any problems, but it could happen. If you need a refill go to the pharmacy at least a week before you need it as it may have to be specially ordered. If it is not available in Thailand you may have to find a way to have it brought here.
It is a good idea for you to have medical records for each member of the family in a folder at home. If you should be taken ill it may be important for your doctors to know some details of previous illnesses and surgeries. Hospitals have to provide you with copies of your records if you request them. If you are ever hospitalized ask for a copy of the records and keep them in the files. If you suffer from any complicated problem it is worth the time and expense of asking your family doctor back home to provide you with a summary of your medical history.
The cost of medical care will differ from hospital to hospital; the huge expansion and equipping of those hospitals that are geared to providing care to foreigners have made them more expensive than those who concentrate on treating Thai people, due to the differing overhead. However, these prices are lower than those found in western countries. Even allowing for airfares and accommodation the total cost will usually be half that in the west.
It is essential that you carry some medical insurance to offset these costs. I will write about this topic in another edition. Be sure to always carry a card that shows the policy number and contact information. Some insurers insist on being informed of your condition before treatment is started.
Finally you will find my Email address at the end of this article. Please feel free to email me with any questions.
Dr Michael Moreton graduated from the Liverpool Medical School in the UK. He trained as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the McGill University system in Montreal, Canada.
He practised in the United States and Canada for many years before coming to Asia in 1997. He was in China for nine years and established western style a maternity unit in Beijing and Shanghai. He is now the International Medical Coordinator at the Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre.
Dr Michael J.Moreton M.B.Ch.B. FRCS (Canada) DABOG
moreton@bgh.co.th
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