THIS MONTH
EVENTS
Kjelle, the all star band from Sweden and the USA, performing at My Way Hotel in Hua Hin - coming back in Feb 08
Birthday celebration - Noi’s birthday enjoyed by better half Kevin and all the regulars at Sabai
Him and Kung celebrate their wedding with their guests at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin
Khun Ple and Khun Padeth celebrate their marriage in Hua Hin with family, friends and very special guest Khun Suwit, proprietor of ‘Green Pine’
Shall we dance? Great celebration party at The Sun to celebrate Pon and Alan’s Civil Partnership and Alan, Michael and Paul’s birthdays
“Golf Training by King George V School”. Recently, Rachane Dangrojana, General Manager, The Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club, Cha-am, has welcomed the students and teachers of King George V School from Hong Kong for a exclusive golf training program. The program, itself, has been organized to enhance and exercise golfing skills, golfing rules and manners for the students.
Caddy a Go Go at the “Unforgetable” Springfield Thank You party hosted by Peter and Tony
Hua Hin Online Community
We are all deeply saddened this month at the loss of our good friend David Geoffrey Boycott or “Dr Dave” as he was known amongst us. David passed away early last month and was cremated in Hua Hin temple on the 14th or November. He was an integral part of HHAD running all of the sales and marketing and moderating the forums, he will be deeply missed by all of us here on the site and out sincere condolences go out to his family here and in the UK.
As a reflection of the sad news the forum has had a quiet month although readership remained high as people logged on from across the globe to pay their respects to the great man. A gathering was held at Johnny Walkers bar last month to raise a drink to Dave and listen to some of his music.
Local news and discussion revolved around the opening of a new Makro store in Pranburi, the Japanese population in Hua Hin and more sad news with the closure of the Hua Hin Dog Rescue Center. There was also news of local events such as the Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade, Pranburi Triathlon, Jazz Train and a number of other local events and parties over the festive season. For those wanting to get out onto the ocean try the Buccaneer, a new pleasure boat operating from Hua Hin, they offer cruises, fishing trips and parties onboard.
As town starts to get busy again accommodation will get scarce so we strongly recommend booking online before you come. A brand new boutique hotel called Evergreen has just opened on soi 47, the owners are keen golfers and the hotel has 8 luxury pool view rooms and suites. They are the latest to be added to our growing list of accommodation options with online booking.
A number of new restaurants and eateries are also opening up and we get mixed reviews on them on the forum. Despite a very quiet low season and the political turmoil in Thailand Hua Hin is still experiencing massive expansion with new shops and outlets appearing on a weekly basis.
One popular topic is what seems to be another clampdown by immigration, amidst more confusion many foreigners are being fined for failing to report to immigration within 24 hours of returning to the Kingdom. It appears though that this draconian regulation is only being enforced by Hua Hin immigration office who when questioned about it replied with “Yes, Hua Hin has many farangs”.
From all of us at HHAD we wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year and look forward to bringing you all the news and information you will ever need for Hua Hin in 2008.
HHAD forums are the definitive online message boards and discussions for the area with over 2,900 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:
David Geoffrey Boycott 1965 - 2007
It is with a very heavy heart that the Observer reports the passing of David, better known as ‘Dr Dave Soul Monsta’ from both his DJ work at Surf FM and the online forum Hua Hin After Dark. He died in the early hours of Sunday 4th November at his home in Hua Hin. David was cremated on Wednesday 14th November at the Hua Hin temple, in a Thai Buddhist ceremony, with the previous day also set aside for those who wished to pay their respects. A large turnout of both the Thai and expat community were in attendance on both days, and two of David’s brothers had flown over from the UK to represent his grief stricken family. The Observer wishes to offer their sincerest condolences to all of them. No words written by us can properly convey what made Dr Dave so special, so we are leaving that to the words put together by his brothers and closest friends in Hua Hin that were read out before the cremation by one of those friends, also named Dave.
“David was born in the summer of 1965 in Oldham, the youngest son of Jean and Bill Boycott. Growing up, Dave’s mission in life was to annoy his three older brothers whenever possible, however he soon found another passion; music. Spending his youth in Manchester, Dave started Deejaying locally, and he became a part of the Manchester music scene that put the city on the map. With influences including Madness, Joy Division and The Jam he soon found his next passion in life; the Mod Scene. Following on from his idol Paul Weller, he became part of this new culture, whose symbol is one we can all associate with Dave, the Vespa.
A twisted ankle during his first try out on the rugby field ended his interest in that sport, and he took to a sport far safer; racing high powered classic Italian scooters, and hanging off racing standard sidecars trying to maintain a balance for greater speed.
Mods, scooters racing and soul music became Dave, and Dave became “Dr Dave, THE Soul Monsta”.
Scooter rallies took him everywhere in the UK and off across Europe. His travels finally landed him in Thailand 8 years ago, and after a stint in Bangkok, Dave moved to Hua Hin in 2003 and met the love of his life, Oe.
Still Deejaying and working with scooters, Dave’s influence slowly spread across the town and he settled here. Determined to get most of Hua Hin riding scooters, and listening to soul music, Dave started working with a local radio station and an internet media company. His soul show attracted listeners from all over, and it provided him with an outlet, and a voice.
But let’s not forget that Dave was more than the sum of the things we associate with him, many of us who knew him, had a friend, the likes of which do not come along often in a lifetime.
Anytime you had a problem Dave was there, to “get it sorted”, anytime you needed a chat, you’d hear the sound of a Vespa, and you’d know that a listening, caring, reliable ear, was on the way.
Dave was deeply moved by the people around him, and I’m sure we all have our own stories and remembrances of him, One that comes to mind, is that of his partner on the radio, DJ Gee, who was taken from us in a road accident earlier this year. Dave made a promise at the time, that he would kick The Gee’s arse, for driving too fast when he finally met him, Well I’d bet the Gee hasn’t had a kicking like the one he’s gonna be getting, and just to make sure, Dave’s wearing his trademark DM’s now. Following that, I’m sure that they’ll be spinning the tunes up there somewhere.
Dave’s concern for road safety was another personal crusade of his, despite the fact, that he himself drove around Thailand on a 30 year old bag of bolts. He’d always claim that Vespa’s are far safer than the “Honda buckets” many of us ride, a claim many people had a hard time taking in having to step over a driveway full of scooter parts every time they went to his house.
A tribute to a great man, and close friend to many, are the six pages of messages from across the world on HHAD, a website which Dave dedicated himself to.
Dave left us with a legacy, one that we all came to rely on from the man, one that will be missed, in that we all live in a small community of expats, and should be there for each other more often. Whenever you hear of someone who has a problem, stop, and try to think “what would Dr. Dave do”, and the answer is simple; just be there, care, and be a friend. That way, I hope, Dave’s legacy will live on through us.
God Bless you Dave, Ride On, Ride Free, And Thanks Mate. It has been nothing but an honour and a pleasure. You’re a true Gentleman. I’d like to ask you all to stand, and join with me in giving this man the round of applause he so thoroughly deserves.”
R.I.P. Dr Dave.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great was born on 5th December, 1927 to Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla and was their third and youngest child and grandson in direct line of the celebrated King Chulalongkorn or Rama V of the present Royal House of Chakri of Bangkok. After a period of primary schooling in Bangkok, he went with his Family to Switzerland where he received his secondary as well as university education. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty and the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Thailand.
His Majesty met and became engaged on the 19th July 1949 to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit, daughter of His Highness Prince Chandaburi Suranath (Mom Chao Nakkhatra Mangala Kitiyakara) and Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara (nee Mom Luang Bua Snidwongse). His Highness Prince Chandaburi Suranath was the third son of His Royal Highness Prince Chandaburi Narunath and Her Serene Highness Princess Absarasman Kitiyakara. Their Majesties were married by Her Majesty Queen Sawang Vadhana, the paternal grandmother of His Majesty, at Sra Pathum Palace in Bangkok on the 28th April 1950 and Their Majesties have four children.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej acceded to the Throne as Rama the IX of Thailand on the 9th June 1946, when he was only 18 years of age. Thailand had become a Constitutional Monarchy since 1932 but the then King Prajadhipok reigned only for a few more years and King Ananda Mahidol, the present King’s Elder Brother, who succeeded to the Throne at a very tender age, spent his Life mostly at study abroad before he met his unfortunate demise at the age of 20. The task, therefore, fell upon King Bhumibol Adulyadej to be the first really reigning Monarch under the Constitutional System and thus to give a new and contemporary meaning to the Thai Throne.
His Majesty the King is well recognised as the heart and soul of the Thai nation. He is held in high esteem not only by his own subjects, but His Majesty also commands enormous respect from people in all parts of the world.
Everywhere he goes people turn up to greet him in hundreds of thousands. The manner in which His Majesty conducts himself, giving his whole heart and attention to the people, immediately linked the living symbol of the nation to the people in a bond of mutual understanding and personal affection.
The main concern of His Majesty is for the uplifting of the general well being of the people. Evidence of this can be drawn from His Majesty the King’s ceaseless efforts to visit his subjects in the rural areas during his reign. The aim of His Majesty’s visits has been to learn at first hand about the needs of his subjects.
To obtain such information, His Majesty has had to travel many thousands of kilometres throughout the kingdom and, whenever possible, suggests ways to overcome the difficulties. These visits have led to the establishment of over 1,000 Royal and Royally initiated projects. They are implemented by the relevant agencies of the government after having been given advice and assistance by His Majesty.
His Majesty is the first member of the Royal Family to be granted a patent for an invention. The registered patent is for one of His Majesty’s “Chai Pattana Machines”- the Chai Pattana Aerator Model RX 2. The patent rights call it an “apparatus for water treatment”, which is used for agricultural and industrial purposes and can be seen operating in many polluted waterways.
Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand and His Majesty constantly shows himself to be a convinced and dedicated disciple of the Lord Buddha. To follow the tradition of young Buddhist men to go into the monastery for a period of time, His Majesty entered the Buddhist monk hood at Wat Bovornnives on 22nd October 1956. The Constitution of Thailand, however, does not prescribe the King to be only the Defender of the Buddhist Faith, but also to be the upholder of all Religions. He gives equal attention to the protection of all forms of worship and also to the problems of other religious communities in Thailand.
The meaning of his name is “Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power”. At the Coronation Ceremony on 5th May, 1950, His Majesty the King pronounced the traditional Oath of Accession which stated: “We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people”. His Majesty’s actions since then have thoroughly reflected those words and have always been directed towards increasing the welfare and prosperity of the Thai nation.
On his birthday, which is observed as a National Holiday, all his subjects rejoice in demonstrating once more their affection and loyalty to him. Religious rites are held, houses and buildings are decorated with flags, lights and his portraits. The whole nation prays to bless His Majesty with good health and happiness and the strength to carry on his onerous task.
PILLAR OF STABILITY “In any country, there are some people who are good, and others who are not so good. It is impossible to make everyone good. The task of bringing peace and happiness to the country is not about making everyone good. But it is about promoting good people, enabling them to govern the country, and about preventing people who are not so good from obtaining positions of power.” His Majesty made that pronouncement in 1969, and it echoed the historic oath he had made earlier at his coronation in 1950.
While His Majesty’s thoughts are essential to his prestige, what he has done for his people over the past 60 years may better explain the devotion he enjoys. His Majesty’s best-known acts are the interventions of 14th October 1973, and 20th May 1992, which saved the country from disaster. It was in May 1992 that His Majesty intervened by appealing to the rivals - Chamlong Srimuang, leader of the pro-democracy demonstrators, and Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon-to “turn towards each other” in an audience at Chitralada Palace that was televised nationwide.
Most of His Majesty’s efforts to improve the lives of his people have focused on remote areas of the country, most in need of assistance. And for over 60 years, His Majesty has tirelessly travelled to these areas. His Majesty’s 22-day trip to the Northeast in 1955, the first by a Thai monarch to that part of the country, and during which he was accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen, was particularly successful. Since then, His Majesty has travelled to all 76 provinces in the country, dispensing essential help in food and medicine, as well as advice on people’s livelihoods. These visits also came at a time of communist insurgency and His Majesty demonstrated his belief that saving ordinary people from poverty and injustice was the best way to defeat the insurgents.
It has often been said that, apart from the normal economic and security requirements, the independence and integrity of Thailand are assured by three unifying factors: its people’s freedom-loving spirit, the Buddhist Religion and the Thai Throne. Indeed, the three factors were already there together at the first founding of the first integrated Thai nation with its capital at Sukhothai more than seven centuries ago and have successfully survived the test of time just as Thailand itself has also survived as a united and independent country throughout its long History up to the present day, while countries all around in Southeast Asia at certain periods have disintegrated or fallen victim to colonialist powers. For that reason, no Thai would now deny that as these unique and sacred institutions survive and flourish, so the Thai nation will also survive and flourish. Without either one of them, no one could foresee what Thailand would be like.
His Majesty the King has devised, assisted and pushed through hundreds, if not thousands, of projects aimed specifically at helping the ordinary Thai people. He has spoken out when necessary to ensure the stability and safety of the nation, and has intervened to ensure that various governments have not started going down the wrong path. His Majesty has displayed by his actions a great love of the country and it’s people, and every year the Thai people display their gratitude, admiration, respect and love in return, which comes to grand fruition on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s birthday. Visitors to Thailand, and in particular Hua Hin, will probably never have witnessed such a huge outpouring of affection for a Head of State, but have no doubt that it is entirely warranted and deserved by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
Jazz Train
Hua Hin, 18 November 2007 – Tickets for the Hua Hin Jazz Train on December 12 have sold out completely. Another trip has been scheduled for December 26, and further trips are being planned for January and succeeding months. Dates to be announced.
“To say the least, people have responded to the idea of the Jazz Train with enthusiasm” said Rewat Siriwong na Ayutthaya (Mr. Ray), founder and organizer of the Jazz Train. “Every single ticket was sold within a week of the announcement, and we have had to scramble to add trips to accommodate the demand.”
The Jazz Train is an overnight rail excursion focusing on live music, leaving Hua Hin’s central railway station and traveling to Baan Krut, a beautiful and unspoilt beach resort at the Southern end of Prachuab Kirikhan province. Live entertainment and refreshments are provided during the scenic 3-hour journey. On arrival at Baan Krut, guests are accommodated in bungalows at Sala Thai beach resort (http://www.salathaibeachresort.com/english.htm). In the evening there is a special dinner with a live concert and open jam on the beach. The following morning, guests can relax at the resort, or take a sightseeing trip to Wat Maha Chedi, one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples, returning to Hua Hin in the early afternoon by air-conditioned coach.
Tickets on the Jazz Train are priced at 2,500 baht per person, including all transportation, lodging, food, and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 089 181 6328 (English), 081 880 4211 (English or Thai), or 081 772 0986 (English, German, and Swedish), by sending email to huahinjazztrain@yahoo.com, or by visiting the Jazz Train web site at www.huahinjazztrain.com.
Tickets are also available during live jazz jams held every Monday evening at Ray’s Place Restaurant at the corner of Sra Song and Amnuaysin Roads, one block South of the downtown night market. To find Ray’s Place, walk through the night market from Petchkasem Road until you reach the ‘break’ where Sra Song Road crosses. Turn left here (right if you are coming the other direction from the railroad tracks) and go one block. Ray’s Place Restaurant is on the far left (South and East) corner of this intersection, behind the green block ‘soldiers box’ directly on that corner. Phone is 08 188 042 11.
Mandara Spa Bangkok
Peel Away the Years –Embark on a Journey of Renewal
At Mandara Spa, Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa
Peel away the years and feel the effect of modern life melt away with groundbreaking, luxurious treatments that will leave your skin with renewed evenness and clarity. You will emerge feeling deeply cleansed, rejuvenated and looking years younger.
Special promotional rate is Baht 7,500 net per person for 135 minutes treatment plus a travel size Elemis give away with every Tri-Enzyme retail item purchased. “Peel Away the Years” includes Rejuvenating Foot Ritual, Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and Elemis Tri Enzyme resurfacing facial
The state-of-the-art Mandara Spa at Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa was purpose built to create a city spa with a tropical resort feel. Two luxury Mandara Suites and four deluxe rooms look into the spa’s tropical gardens. While the three newly added deluxe rooms have en suite waterfall, steam and shower room. The Deluxe Suites have two treatment beds, a large private bath, a steam/shower room and change room. The Mandara Suites open into a private tropical garden with outdoor shower and traditional Thai Sala. The standard rooms, both with en suite bathrooms, offer air-conditioned comfort and traditional Thai decor. The Spa also has a full service hair salon. This is one of Thailand’s most sophisticated spas, offering a harmonious blend of modern facilities and traditional rejuvenation therapies. Operating hours: 10:00 – 23:00 hrs
Note: This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or discount cards. This offer applies to Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa and valid from now until 31 December 2007
For more information or reservations please call Mandara Spa at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Tel: (66) 2 476 0021 ext: 1563, 1564 Email: ms_bmrs@minotnet.com
Beagles and Bonzers
The Hua Hin Dog Day 2007 was actually Dog Day Afternoons as it ran from 7-11 November and a lot of fun it was too. Held for the first time at Pon Kingpet Park, next to the Red Cross Centre in Hua Hin the event was well attended by both 2 and 4-legged spectators.
We at the Observer normally run articles about less fortunate beasts, well this time we report on the pedigree pooch.
Glamour and skill was on show with grooming taking second place to showmanship, or showdogship, as canines big and small jumped through hoops, walked across see saws blindfold and played musical chairs with some local children. A gracious tie was the result for those who follow such sporting events.
Burglary appeal
On Tuesday 13th November a heartless burglar broke into Dawn Poole’s house while she was out. Until very recently Dawn has been running the Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre, and lives in the house with the son of her deceased Thai boyfriend. None of the items stolen had great financial value, but many of them had great sentimental value, and this should have been very obvious to the burglar(s) as they ransacked the house, as there were many photographs around the house, including one of her boyfriend’s funeral. The burglars even stole the little boy’s money box which was in front of pictures which clearly indicated that he had recently lost his Dad, but worst of all they stole a number of very special items, namely all the jewellery which included her Grandfather’s watch (her only memento of him) and her dead boyfriend’s jewellery (being saved for his son), and a laptop computer and bag which had everything about the dog centre saved on it. Dawn has asked us to publicise this in the slim hope that either someone knows who the culprits are and reports them, or more importantly to her, that if anyone is offered a second hand Toshiba laptop and finds lots of dog related pictures and files on it, then please return it to her via the Observer as everything on there is irreplaceable.
The Wine Rack
Welcome to our new column “the wine rack”, which describes the wines available to you
in Hua Hin.
Not so long ago the wine on offer here was of poor quality, with limited choice and comparatively very expensive.
Now, thanks to companies like Halex, the quality, choice and cost have all improved. Each month Hans, the owner of Halex will be supplying us with a teaser on the wines you should be looking out for, whether it’s a bargain or an exceptionally good wine, you will read about it here.
From time to time we will also feature liquors, malts, and other palatable beverages.
This month we start with a pair of very affordable wines, a red from Australia, and a white from California.
“Bottoms up!”
STOCKMAN’S POST SHIRAZ CABERNET MERLOT
Next Generation Wines Stockman’s Post range is named in honour of the quintessential Australian bush character.
New Generation Wines offers consistent, dynamic wines with fruit flavours at a reasonable price.
This is a bright medium red wine with a taste that is rich and full bodied.
This Shiraz Cabernet Merlot blend is medium bodied and would be a good compliment to most meat a pasta dishes. It is best served at room temperature.
For those of you who appreciate the descriptive terminology of the wine connoisseur they describe the taste as, Mulberry, plum and black cherry flavours complimented by a hint of oak maturation, with fresh mint adding sweetness to the wine.
For those of you more interested in cost, you can purchase a bottle for 490 Baht, available at Halex.
KINGFISH 2005 CHARDONNAY
Kingfish wines are produced at the Californian (Monterey) vineyard of San Bernabe.
2005 was an exceptional vintage for white wines with a long and mild growing season and plenty of rain. This ensured that the grapes had an extended time to develop.
This Chardonnay has a refreshing flavour and should be served chilled. It is an ideal accompaniment to chicken, fish and pasta dishes.
Now here is the winemakers description; the wine has fresh aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle with hints of zesty lime and grapefruit. The flavour is tart, sweet pear, green apple, tropical fruit and vanilla. The lingering finish is of toasted almonds, ripe apples and ginger.
And the bottom line for a bottle of Kingfish is, 510 Baht, available at Halex.
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