THIS MONTH
Songkran!
It’s that time of year again. Songkran: time to get wet or time to stay indoors. Try the second option if you really dislike getting soaked. Luckily here in Hua Hin, the annual water festival which takes place on 13 and 14 April is a much more dignified affair than in Bangkok and Pattaya. It is largely confined to the bar area around Soi Bintabaht; so you have a choice: if you enjoy water fights, load up your water cannon or pistols and join in the madness. If you really don’t enjoy getting wet, avoid the area. Adopt a siege mentality - stock up on food, drink and DVD’s. Then spend the two watery days indoors. Songkran is also a festival of the Thai New Year and is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar (where it is called Thingyan), and by the Dia people in Yunnan Province, China, where the local population is around 77 million! The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but is now fixed.
Songkran falls at the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; after that 1st April was used until 1940. Then Thailand fell into line with the western world and used 1st January, but the traditional Thai New Year has always been a nationa holiday since then, and a good reason to hold colourful parades through cities, towns and villages throughout the country. The resort fills up with Thai families out to enjoy the fun, and be warned that it can be very difficult to fin accommodation at this time. Thais also visit the wats(temples), to pray and make merit by giving food to the monks. They also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a special fragrance over them. It is believed that doing this will brin good luck and prosperity for the New Year. Besides the water throwing madness, Thais oftenpowder the faces of strangers as they pass by: this is also done for good luck. Others roam the bar areas with huge containers of water or various types of complicatedlooking water guns, hosing down their friends and everyone else around them. There are no rules or sides to this splashing game: everyone is a target and anyone is fair game for a soaking. Warning: it is not a good idea to attempt to ride a motorcycle through any of the water combat zones during Songkran. I have seen motorcyclists swerve and crash when buckets of ice cold water (including ice cubes) have been tossed over them as they attempt to ride the gauntlet of water maniacs. Not surprisingly, alcohol is also consumed in great quantities whilst all this chaos reigns, leading directly to many accidents (some fatal) throughout Thailand at this time of year. If your intention is to both drink beer and throw water, do not also attempt to drive as well. It’s a fatal combination. Some tips: keep your paper money dry by wrapping it (or your wallet) in a plastic bag; and use two plastic bags to protect your cell phone. Better still, leave the thing in your hotel. Who do you need to call in the middle of a water-fight anyway? Electronic devices and water never mix well: the water always wins. Roam the bar areas in lightweight sleeveless shirt and shorts with perhaps swimming trunks on underneath. Sandals and flip-flops are recommended as footwear, with goggles as an option. Songkran began as a gentle celebration of the New Year: water would be poured gently down one shoulder of the recipient, and a blessing bestowed. Now it’s often all-out water fights; the reservoirs dry up, and it has been touted as a tourist attraction. Feel free to join in the fun; but if you decide to stay away, don’t lose your temper if you get ambushed and thoroughly soaked on venturing out. Smile at your attackers and then hurry away. Take comfort in the fact that the madness is supposed to end at sundown (6.30pm). And it’s only for two days. ....are you prepared?
PLAY SPLASH! OUR SONGKRAN BOARD GAME
Your copy of the Observer will have our free board game ‘Splash!’ included with it - go to the inside back cover for the simple rules and playing pieces, and see if you can get through one day of Songkran!
Hua Hin Online Community
Firstly we would like to wish all of our members and readers a happy Songkran and hope you enjoy the festivities this month. The fun only lasts for one day in Hua Hin so make sure you’re prepared. Speaking of events we had a grand time at the kite festival last month and have the photos to prove it online. The attendance was good and there was a lot to take in with stunt kites, formation flying, balloons and some large airborne sea creatures!
The forums attracted a lot of readers and new members in March with topics ranging from jellyfish on the beach to seasonal differences and as always the weather. If you don’t know by now this month and next will be scorchio! April to June is the hottest time of the year in Hua Hin.
A number of the bars and pubs had events last month with Crawford’s changing names to O’Neill’s, St Patrick’sDay, charity quiz nights at Buffalo Tavern, and a comedy night arranged by Hot Property. A few new venues got reviewed also though not all favorably – there seems to be a new trend in swanky venues targeting Bangkok’s weekend hip crowd opening in Hua Hin, needless to say they also have Bangkok prices.
On the feeding front there was the usual selection of restaurant reviews as Hua Hin’s culinary options continue to expand. By far the busiest section of the forums over the month has been the property section. It seems a new government has restored a sense of security in at least some readers as they pose their real estate questions to the experts. Primarily though the main discussion topics tend to be about developers and developments. With a massive increase in new developments and over a hundred to choose from you have to do your research thoroughly as not all are whatthey seem. There has been an increase in complaints against developers not providing what they agreed to before the purchase, in many cases the buyer has little to fall back on. Other developers are simply too powerful and have greased local wheels to keep their operations above the law. It is a sad state of affairs and the only advice we can offer is buyer beware, do your research as there are a lot of good ones out there, and if possible rent in Hua Hin for a few months before you buy your dream home to get a feel of things.
A reader with a Thai girlfriend problem generated five pages of responses and advice in the relationship section. These topics are also very popular as most expats and long term visitors to Thailand can relate to the issues which invariably get more complicated when property is involved!
Plenty of visa experiences were also aired as Hua Hin immigration seems to be tightening the noose on foreigners living here more and more. Bizarre 24 hour reporting regulations, odd questions for marriage visa extensions and requests for income into Thailand were among some of the things people encountered there. It does seem that immigration departments in different provinces operate autonomously and run by their own book, Hua Hin just seems to have a larger book than elsewhere.
We had the usual array of requests in the “ask the expats” section ranging from moving trucks to used books to security services and appliance repair. Whatever your question there is an answer there.
HHAD forums are the definitive online message boards and discussions for the area with over 3,200 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:
Hua Hin Report
The 55th corner’s grand opening on the 23rd February
The 10th Thailand International Kite Festival “Colouring the Sky” was held on March 8-9, 2008 at Maruekhathaiyawan Palace (Rama VI camp), Cha-Am. it featured an array of kites from around the world, including stunt kites and night kites, plus some spectacular aerial displays by remote controlled planes and huge balloon shows. More images can be viewed here : Hua Hin Kite Festival
Dinner at Anantara Resort & Spa, 1 March 2008. In the blue shirt is Brice Borin, manager of the Resort, displaying some of his fine wines, and on the far left is Chef Ivan Casadevall of the Ban Thalia Italian restaurant there. Members of the press were treated to a very tasty meal, accompanied by some excellent wines, at the Ban Thalia on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Christopher Longbottom presents Berny Morgan with a “Hide the Orange” putter. Our competition winner Mr Ingermarson generously offered his prize to the Hua Hin Golf Society’s Christmas Charity and local agent Christopher kindly offered a second putter to the event.
Body Core is open
Body Core Thailand has recently been opened in Hua Hin and supplies sports supplements, such as whey protein, creatine monohydrate, glutamine, carnitine, amino acids and more, making it the first of its kind in Hua Hin and the surrounding area. These products are being more commonly used among athletes who wish to enhance their physical performance such as their strength or endurance, or by people who want to improve their appearance, e.g. to lose body fat or build muscle mass or tone. All products are derived
from natural sources and are not drugsof any kind! For example, whey protein comes from cow’s milk, and by using a micro filtration process, whey protein is extracted, resulting in a very high quality source of protein. Unlike many of the supplements consumed in Thailand, all of the products at Body Core Thailand are registered by the Thai FDA so you know they are safe and that you are getting what you pay for. As well as selling sports supplements Body Core Thailand also serve freshly made protein shakes, for those who wish to have extra protein during the day, and is great straight after exercise to help feed those worn out muscles with the nutrition they need! These shakes are served with fruit that can be customised by the customer, e.g. if the customer wants to
have a banana and strawberry protein shake, they can! The price of each shake depends on its fruit content and the serving size of whey protein. Fruit blends are also available without the protein content, so for those wishing to have a frozen watermelon and apple blend can
have just that! Body Core Thailand is located at 94/8
Naebkhehart Road, which is the road that joins Petchkasem Road by the clock tower (in front of the temple) in town, and is approximately 200 metres North from Starbucks. Body Core Thailand is open from 10:00 to 19:30 everyday except WednesdayHeadrock
French Alliance
Review of the year 2007 for the Hua Hin French Alliance.
For about one full year now, we, a bunch of French speaking friends in Hua Hin, formed a community called “Alliance Francophone de Hua Hin”, a.k.a. Hua Hin
French Alliance. We duly celebrated the end of the year with a huge “crab & seafood” dinner on the beach of Cha Am with about 30 attending. Apart from the regular golf plays around Hua Hin, we had 5 gentlemens trips to
Chonburi (!) during this past year. Each trip was carefully planned according tothe ‘sport days’ system that runs over there during the low season. We play “pétanque” every Saturday morning at Kao Takiab where each member, in turn, brings a bottle of pastis while others are bringing the water, the peanuts, the glasses and the ice. Needless to say that the second half of the game is much funnier as some players become turbo-charged with a few glasses of the famous French aperitif! Other activities like sailing, gun shooting and jet skiing were also performed during this past year. 2008 will see us golfing in Brunei and most probably in Vietnam as well. A class of Thai reading and writing is getting organised and it is also planned to rent yearly a condo in Bangkok based on a time-and-cost sharing system as many of us have to get to the big city regularly... The alliance has its website and a state-of-the-art web forum (www. huahinfrenchalliance.org). It is all in French, of course, and gathers a lot of topics such as the pictures taken during the activities, the latest jokes, a daily press review about Thailand, the calendar of the activities, a carpooling system for Bangkok, a “members only” place, an address book, amongst others. Every member offers his own books to our French library and all titles are available from within the website. There is no need to attend some coffee shop or a
restaurant in need of customers for that... A video library is in progress that should gather about 800 French-speaking movies, mostly very recent ones but with great classics too. Titles will be published on the net as well. The Alliance is mostly a fraternity, based
on goodwill and friendship. Any issue intending to promote this or that business is strictly forbidden among the community. New members, speaking French, or
wishing to improve their French, are always welcomed. Most usually, informal meetings are held every night at “Bar des Amis” in the small street that gets to the
Sofitel. Members can join as well through the web board.
Headrock Dogs Needs You!
Donate by Adopting in Hua Hin Regular Observer readers will know
Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre through the many articles printed over the years. We have recently changed our name to Headrock Dogs to reflect our operational changes. Although it’s our intention to continue to care for Hua Hin’s sick dogs and puppies we must do this on the street as we no longer have the space or the finances to give 24-hour care. We will also be operating a neuter and release programme for the town’s street dogs with Dog Chance, another dog rescue operation that has recently opened a small clinic specifically to handle this
essential programme. Headrock Dogs’ main objective is to get our 140 dogs adopted and to reach this objective we are undertaking an intensive adoption programme, which is going well. In the last 3 weeks 3 neutered females have been adopted by families in Bangkok and Chiang Mai dismissing the belief fully grown female dogs are not wanted. Another lucky mature neutered female will be travelling to Germany very soon Over the past 6 months Headrock Dogs has been actively supported by a Canadian based animal welfare foundation called Canadian Voice for Animals Foundation. This foundation is promoting our adoption programme in the US, Canada and Germany where it has another branch. Want a Free Return Ticket to San
Francisco? A wonderful supporter has donated a
return ticket to San Francisco to anyone willing to take 3 Headrock Dogs residents as excess baggage (all paid for). If you are a true dog lover you can have a holiday in San Francisco, after the dogs have been collected at the airport, without paying for the airfare. Anyone interested in this once in a lifetime opportunity should
contact Headrock Dogs’ manager on 081-9814406.
Closer to home Headrock Dogs has some wonderful, affectionate dogs whose future is uncertain due to our constant lack of funds. We ask Hua Hin residents to follow the great example of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, USA, Canadian and American dog lovers and adopt one of our dogs. If the dogs pictured here don’t touch your hearts we have more on our website www.headrockdogs.org and of course many more at our Centre. Tell our Adoptions Manager on 089.0283787 if you would like to visit Headrock Dogs Centre.
Patch Patch is a pretty, white, shorthaired neutered female who loves children and those who feed her! She is partially housetrained, very affectionate and would make a wonderful family pet. Patch is about one year old.
Squeak Squeak is an 18-month-old neutered female. She’s full of fun, loves attention and loves to play (preferably in someone’s garden). She’s medium height with short white hair and wonderful dark eyes. How
can you resist? Crow Crow is a very unusual black female neutered dog with a very distinctive short tail. She is about 2 years old, avoids trouble and loves children and would make a great family pet. Poppet As the name implies, this female neutered dog is just a POPPET. She is a pretty, relatively small, lovable, playful 4 year oldwho is just begging to be adopted.
BANGKOK BUZZ
Reflection…” Thirach is an experienced photographer, who has been studying printing, colour separation and photography since 1980. Additionally Thirach is a Thai jeweller and underwater photography instructor with over 20 years of experience. During his career, Thirach has been using different mediums in different shapes, forms, texture, and colours to communicate with his audiences. His mediums include stones, colourful enamels, and his photos. During this exhibition all of Thirach’s photos are printed on canvas without photo-shop enhancement. The opening reception will be held on April 1 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
accompanied by String Quartet and Violin Solo by Nab Sotthibandhu, Senior Artist. The Rotunda Gallery & the Garden Galleries are at the Neilson Hays Library,
195 Surawong Road, Bangkok (Tel. 02 233 1731) and it’s opening hours
are: Tuesday-Sunday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm. Bangkok Soccer 7s The 4th Bangkok International Soccer 7s ill be taking place at the Harrow International School in Bangkok on 26 & 27 April 2008. There will be an Open Men & Masters (over 35s) competitions and teams already confirmed as taking part include Soberphobic FC, Bull’s Head, Aztecs F.C., Big Bamboo Voodoo, Singapore Vikings, Stiff Chili Singapore, Wanderers FC, Bakare FC from UK, Taiwan Mongrels, Winking Frog Vets and Olympique Marseille Stars Club from France. Please visit www.Thai7s.com for more details. Future Soccer 7s competitions in Thailand are as follows: 2nd Pattaya International Socer 7s Where: Pattaya, Thailand (Horseshoes Point Resort) When: 26 & 27 July 2008 Categories: Open Men & Masters (over 35s)
3rd Andaman International Socer 7s Where: Phuket, Thailand (Karon Stadium)
When: 22 & 23 November 2008 Categories: Open Men & Womens 6th Phuket International Socer 7s Phuket, Thailand (Karon Stadium) 29 & 30 November 2008
Categories: Open Men & Masters (over 35s) If you are interested in taking part please contact the organisers via their website. “Fractured horizons“ An exhibition of oil paintings by Elsie Evans from 1 - 30 April 2008. “What matters in this new series of paintings by Evans is energy........the tensile energy of linear structures cantilevered
into space. Her mark making is free, unhindered and strong. Line courses across the canvases with a crackling energy. The paintings are bold........as bold as the changing Bangkok skyline. Ever taller buildings, ever longer shadows. In this twilight zone the lost souls of Bangkok struggle to make themselves seen or heard. In ‘lost souls’ the stillness of the faces and the fact that they are not painted in their entirety accentuates their plight. They peer out of the darkness beneath a canopy of steel concrete and
glass. Elsie Evans has lived in Asia for more than 20 years and has been a regular
contributor to the Bangkok art scene. She runs Attic Studios where you see
her teaching or painting most days. Galleries are at the Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok (Tel. 02-233 1731) and it’s opening hours are: Tuesday-Sunday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm. Bkk Event calendar The 29th Bangkok International Motor Show 2008 Mar 28 - Apr 6 - BITEC Bangna International automotive exhibition of cars and motorcycles including the latest technology of leading manufacturers around the world, launching of new model cars, concept cars, car accessories, maintenance equipment, etc. Grand Prix International Tel: (66) 0 2971 6450 – 60 www.grandprixgroup.com Thailand’s Paradise Fair (Furniture fair, My Home, Fashion & Jewellery and Food fair, Wedding fair, Real estate, Beauty & Spa) Mar. 29-Apr. 6, 2007, Hall 5-7 – Impact Arena Enjoy shopping at variety fairs featuring furniture, housing decoration, intriguing fashion & jewellery, leather and beauty products, food and beverages from 4 regions of Thailand. This event also has a superior display and sale of the latest collection of wedding products and studio, books and equipment for mothers and children, childrens clothing, travelpackages,
and real estate including townhouse, commercial buildings, condominium, building materials and beauty & health Time : 10.30-21.00 hrs. Contact Organizer : Union Pan Exhibitions Co.,Ltd. Tel. 02-314-0855, 02-719-0408
Fax. 02-319-8387 Email : service@unionpan.com www.unionpan.com Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG + BIH 2008) Apr. 17-22, 2008, Challenger 1-3 – Impact Arena Gifts, decorative items, home textiles, stationery, toys and games, artificial flowers and plants, handicrafts, household products and small electrical appliances Trade : Apr. 17-20 Time : 10.0018.00 hrs. Public : Apr. 21-22 Time : 10.00-21.00 hrs. Contact Organizer :Department of Export Promotion Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government Tel: 02- 512-0093-104 ext.316, 317, 251, 271, 266, 290 Fax: 02- 512-2234, 02-513-1565 Email : big@depthai.go.th www.thaitradefair.com/fairin/big08
Hotel News
NEW GENERAL MANAGER at the HILTON Markus Schmidt has been appointed as General Manager of Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. As General Manager, Mr Schmidt has responsibility of the resort’s daily operations with a focus on enhancing
its award-winning spa and dining offerings. He will also continue efforts to position the hotel as the premier spa, golf and family resort destination in Thailand. Mr Schmidt has extensive hotel management experience, having worked in a number of Hilton’s properties in Europe and the Middle East. Prior tojoining Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Mr Schmidt was Director of Operations at the Athenee Palace Hilton in Bucharest, Romania. Commenting on his new assignment, Mr Schmidt said, “I’m delighted that my first posting to Asia is to the seaside resort town of Hua Hin. Hilton Hua Hin runs at near full capacity all year round, with regular clients making up more than 30% of our guests, all of which is testament to the quality accommodation and facilities of the hotel as well as the dedicated service of our team members. I’m very pleased to be joining the team and excited about the prospect of shaping the property into the preferred resort destination of holiday-makers to Thailand.” Mr Schmidt is a native German and speaks three languages (German, English and French).
Hilton April Promotions
Wine Dinner Chay Had Tuesday, 8th April 2008
Bht.1650++ per person6.30pm onwards. Includes a five-course dinner and a corresponding glass of
sparkling wine for each course. Bangkok Beer & Beverage support the event. Chef’s Dinner Chay Had Sunday, 29th April 2008 Bht.950++ per person 6.30pm onwards. Experience a specially created signature menu prepared by our Executive Chef Garry Edson. Full Moon Candlelight Dinner Chay Had Sunday, 20th April 2008 Bht.950++ per person 6.30pm onwards. Experience Royal Thai specialties and exquisite seafood dishes. Wine Dinner at White Lotus Thursday, 24th April 2008 Bht.1650++ per person 6.30 pm onwards. An educational evening of Chinese food and sparkling wine; includes a five course Chinese set dinner and a corresponding glass of sparkling wine for each course. Songkran at Poolside Saturday 12th April 2008-03-17 Bht. 1999++ per person Bht. 999++ per person for children aged 2-12 years old 7.00pm onwards A celebration of Thailand’s New Year presenting a real taste of Thailand with a buffet of authentic Thai cuisine and an evening filled with a wealth of local culture featuring live Thai entertainment. Includes free flow local beer, Mont Clair wine and soft drinks. For more information and reservations please contact the Hilton’s restaurant reservation desk located at the lobby level or call (0) 3253 8999. Email enquiries to huahin@hilton.com.
Generous Donation
On January 19th, 2008 PH Group led by Chairman Narongchai Akrasanee, Ph.D., along with some executives and staff joined in the annual school fair of Sam Praya Municipality School, located next to PH. On this occasion the chairman, on behalf of the Palm Hills Group donated a number of audio-video equipments including 1 LCD TV, 1 LCD Projector, 1 Camcorder and 1 DVD Player. The
Deputy Mayor of Cha-Am, Mr. Paibul Kultheetong, received the donation on behalf of the school. Dr. Narongchai’s main purpose is to have PH Group’s taking part in the development of local education.
Tourist police volunteers
A training project for tourist police volunteers was held at the Convention Hall in Market Village, Hua-Hin on February 26th 2008. It was organised by the Prachuap Kiri KhanTourist Police (# 7).
The purpose of this was to increase the number of tourist police available to deal with the growing numbers of tourists arriving in Hua Hin and the surrounding areas. Most of the volunteers are from the 5 star hotels, with the remainder coming from other tourist related local businesses such as restaurants and guesthouses.
[
return to the top ]
