THIS MONTH
Hua Hin Online Community
No prizes for guessing this month’s hot topic on the forums. With over 125,000 views at the time of writing the news of the arrests of four people in connection with the attempted murder of Hua Hin resident Don Whiting was broken to the English language media on HHAD following its release on the Thai language media website Thairath last month.
Since then a flurry of armchair detectives, bar stool rumour mongers, and property developer pundits have flooded the board with their own version of events and opinions mostly derived from the writings of a few so called ‘investigators’ on other websites, many of which have absolutely no connection to Hua Hin.
The big question is the whereabouts of a Mr Darren Oxley, the owner of the development and farang husband of the woman arrested for the planning and paying for the shooting. UK media have also picked up on this story and have reported on some of Mr Oxley’s not-so-spotless past.
The attention shown on HHAD from people with otherwise very little interest in Hua Hin has been quite inexplicable. Also strangely baffling are the ludicrous accusations some of them have been making regarding the forum’s involvement in all of this. This comes about from one of the websites advertisers, a real estate agency, that severed ties with the accused in the middle of last year, well before the incident took place. Some not-so-bright sparks have even made a fabricated connection between the colour schemes used for the agency and the website which only displays the galloping stupidity of individuals with too much time on their hands. HHAD was established in 2002 and the agency several years later in 2006! These keyboard cops could at least do a little research.
Naturally other websites that have nothing to do with Hua Hin will open their doors (or web servers) to all kinds of rumour, hearsay, gossip, scandal and online bickering to bump their own readership up and belittle their competitors who, being based in the town in question, need to show a little more consideration when publishing anything regarding local crimes that could be used in a court of law at a later date.
It is good to see that the police have finally swung into action following directives from the new PM however, as the law dictates, everyone should be entitled to a fair trial, guilty or not … whether they show up for that trial remains the hot topic.
Currency conundrums face many residents in Hua Hin as Sterling continues to freefall and the baht shows no signs of toppling from its inexplicably lofty perch. Government economy boosting incentives seem to forget (or ignore) the fact that export and tourist based economies are greatly effected by the strength of their own currency. It’s all doom and gloom on the forex front and living in Hua Hin is getting pricier by the day for many.
Exchange rates are always a hot topic and this month has been no different with Sterling hovering around 50 and the European currencies not a lot better. The cost of living in Hua Hin has been discussed with a few different budgets to play with. It was concluded that if you don’t go out drinking, don’t dabble with the local maidens, don’t play golf, don’t eat in tourist restaurants and don’t rent a nice house downtown you can survive quite comfortably here on a modest budget … but you can also do the same in the Bahamas - so what’s the point!
With costs creeping up many are seeking to move on from the expense of Hua Hin to more wallet-friendly destinations in Thailand. Issan topped the list as many have ties (or should we say Thais) up there and are seeking a relocation to stretch those satangs. In line with the above if you don’t actually indulge in anything and quite fancy lying in a hammock all day watching rice grow you can pretty much settle anywhere on a budget, we heard the exchange rate in Zimbabwe is quite good at the moment!
More rants were aired about the lack of English soundtrack movies at the Hua Hin Market Village Cineplex. It seems like the MV management have no interest or inclination in catering to non-Thai customers, the marketing department has already been contacted by several people from the forum and, without surprise, has refused to reply to any of them. It does seem rather perplexing that a cinema in a tourist town doesn’t even have one theatre showing soundtrack movies when Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui have no problems with them or farang customers.
The expats were asked about the usual array of the weird and the wonderful this month, ranging from antique fans to mosquito traps to deck chairs to copper piping. Whatever you are seeking you’ll find an answer on HHAD.
HHAD forums are the only definitive and original online message boards and discussions for the area with over 4,000 members and 2,000 daily readers. 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: www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/
BANGKOK BUZZ
BAMBI Bring and Buy Sale
9:30 to 11:30 am. This charitable event only takes place three times a year. On average, the function attracts approximately 300 shoppers. BAMBI members book a table to sell second-hand baby/toddler goods. These include second hand toys, furniture, books, car seats, strollers and much more. Proceeds from the event go to support BAMBI’s on-going operations.
If you are interested to participate as a vendor, please contact Nita Prachaseri at events@bambiweb.org . Vendor fee for BAMBI members is 1,000 baht. Table bookings are done on a first come first served and must be made 10 days prior to the event date.
For those interested in buying quality second-hand merchandise, please arrive early. Entrance fee is a 50 baht (per person) donation. There is a children’s play area and refreshments will be on sale. Come along and make a morning of fun for the entire family! A map to the school can be retrieved from the following link: http://www.bkkprep.ac.th/02a/ . For help on directions, please call the school Monday through Friday during school hours and prior to the event at 02 260-7890-3 or 02 662 4333. Please note per the school policy, all visitors are required to provide identification at the security entrance.
Sunrise at Rotunda & Garden Galleries
The paintings of Vietnamese twin brothers Le Duc Hai and Le Ngoc Thanh will be on display at the Rotunda and Garden Galleries at the Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok from Friday 6 March. Their exhibition of video
and lacquer performance arts is entitled ‘Sunrise’.
The brothers’ large scale paintings are recognised as a fusion of East and West. The legacy of French impressionists, the rich Vietnamese cultural traditions and spiritual symbolism are readily apparent in their paintings. Both artists are known for their use of explosive colours to create impressive graphic abstractions, each in his own distinctive individual style.
The twins were born in Quang Binh in 1975 and enrolled in a three-year college course at Hue Arts University in 1992. Their two exhibitions in 1996 and 1997 caused a stir among Hue artists with their contrasts of colour and wild outlines. In their paintings, viewers can find the motifs typical of the decorations found in the royal palaces at Hue City; a venue rich in Vietnamese heritage and culture that was badly damaged during the Tet offensive in 1968.
Besides painting, Le Duc Hai is teaching in Art College and Thanh manages two galleries in Vietnam. The brothers have exhibited in the USA, Holland, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Laos and the United Arab Emirates as well as their home country.
The opening reception will take place on Friday 6 March from 7 to 9pm (1900 to 2100 hours), and the exhibition will run from 5th to 29th March.
The Rotunda and Garden Gallery & Café are open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 09.30 to 1700 (9.30am to 5pm)
Further information from Vivian Ploem at vivploem@truemail.co.th (02-233 1731)
The Neilson Hays Library is at 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500
Thailand Elite Card is abandoned
The troubled Thailand Elite Card initiated by the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and running at a huge loss is to be abandoned.
"To curb further losses, the cabinet sees it as imperative that the Elite Card programme be scrapped," deputy government spokesman Puttipong Punnakan said in February.
Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had instructed his ministry to work out compensation for the small number of members or find other ways to take care of them.
Its proposals are to be sent to the cabinet within the next two weeks.
Thailand Elite Card was launched by then Prime Minister Thaksin in 2003 as a high-class programme to attract wealthy tourists and business people. The cards cost 1 million baht each, and promised fast-track Immigration privileges, long-term property leases and discounts at luxury spas, golf courses and hotels. Thaksin confidently predicted that the scheme would attract one million cardholders by 2008, but drew just 2,570 by the end of 2006.
The state-owned Thailand Privilege Card, which issues the cards and runs the scheme, posted accumulated losses of up to 1.14 billion baht as of 2006. Operating results for 2007 and last year have yet to be reported.
Hotel & Restaurant News
Indulgence Spa Package
From now (1 March) until 16 April Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa invites you to escape the stresses of your busy life with a special ‘Indulgence Spa Package’. Patrons can unwind and relax in the enchanting surrounds of the Gulf of Siam with a package that offers the chance to spend time at one of the loveliest spas in Thailand.
Included is one night in a Deluxe room and a buffet breakfast as well as a massage treatment at Mandara Spa. Choose from a Traditional Thai Massage, Aromatic Massage, Sports Massage, Ayurvedic Massage, Body Detox Massage, Balinese Massage or an Indian Head Massage.
Special rates at the Deluxe Garden View are 7,000 baht for one person and 8,600 baht for two. The Deluxe ‘Sea View’ rates are 7,800 baht for one person and 9,400 baht for two. These rates include one night’s accommodation, buffet breakfast and one spa treatment per person.
Note: The above rates are subject to availability and to a 10% service charge and 7% government tax. For special room rates call the Central Reservation Office at (66) 2 477 0755 or email us at reservemarriott@minornet.com
Get pampered at Raintree Spa
Tourists and residents of Hua Hin take note: at the junction of Selakam and Poonsuk roads is a good place to get yourself thoroughly pampered. It’s a fine teak building, formerly a town house built in 1937, and now home to the Raintree Hua Hin Heritage House Spa. The ten qualified therapists on the premises carry out a variety of specialised treatment at 40 per cent the cost of most top hotel spas. Keep that in mind - it really is a big saving.
Prices at Raintree range from 200 baht for a shower (or a foot soak and scrub) all the way to the Royal Preclude Package, which requires 3 hours and 45 minutes of your time at a cost of 4,000 baht. For that, you get a foot soak and massage, an aromatic steam bath; a herbal body scrub (or wrap), a mineral bath; aromatherapy massage plus super moisturising and what is called ‘firming facial’ (dermalogical) treatment. 
One of the popular house ‘specials’ is the ‘Happy Feet & Pretty Face’ programme, where one expert will clean and massage your tired feet, whilst another one rubs face creams and herbal compresses onto your head and face. This (one hour) treatment is listed at 1,200 baht (400 plus 800 baht) but is currently available at a special promotion price of 1,000 baht. Two members of Observer staff were invited to try the foot and face conditioning specialty, and both of them can recommend that it is very refreshing and relaxing.
For those who have recently stepped off an aircraft after a long-haul flight, there is also the ‘Jet Lag Massage’ at 1,600 baht for 90 minutes. Worth considering if you are suffering from insomnia with your body clock still on Central European Time.
Treatment areas and private rooms are on two floors of the recently completely renovated wooden building. Gently splashing fountains on the ground floor help create a soothing atmosphere for clients as they doze under expert hands working on them.
There are five package options, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 baht; eleven massage options plus body and specialised facial treatment including eye care. Included in the ‘Body’ options is a ‘Fresh tropical fruits and herbal scrub’ at 1,600 baht.
Raintree is a third spa in the group which has treatment centres in Bangkok (Sukhumvit, soi 11) and Phuket.
If you feel badly in need of being pampered, give Raintree a visit: call them and make an appointment today!
Open from 10am to 11pm, Raintree Hua Hin Heritage House Spa is at 48 Selakam Road, Hua Hin (032) 530124. Fax: (032) 531125. E-Mail: info_huahin@rainforestspa.net Website: www.raintreespa.net
The AKA Resort Guti
The name means ‘Monastery Hill’, and you will find it just 15 minutes from Hua Hin’s town centre, nestling reclusively against a hillside. Its design is based on tropical elegance, blending traditional Thai and monastery-styled architecture. Guests are offered an oasis in which to relax and revitalise themselves in discreet villas which offer all modern amenities. These include private individual infinity-edged swimming pools, garden terraces, private courtyards and Sala roof gardens overlooking panoramic countryside vistas. And don’t forget that eight world-class golf courses are just 20 minutes away by car in every direction.
The resort accommodation is divided into six Guti Pool Villas and twelve Guti Deluxe Pool Villas. The Guti Pool Villas are all one bedroom arrangements with ensuite lounge and foyer, swimming pool, 30 square metres of Sala sun deck area, a garden terrace and ground area. The Deluxe villas feature two bedrooms each with lounge and foyer, swimming pool; 42 square metres of Sala sun deck area, garden terrace and ground area.
Dining venues include the Panorama Café, the Lobby Sala Lounge, and the Large Sala Temple Lounge which all boast a panoramic view of the countryside surrounding the seaside resort of Hua Hin.
The Main Pool is 50 metres long and surrounded by decks with sun beds and Thai-style parasols. There are also lakes and a canal located within the private resort grounds, and the Health Spa features relaxing, open-air massage treatment for weary guests. There are also outdoor baths and garden shower enclosures.
A friendly and helpful concierge is on hand to arrange various activities including sightseeing, trekking, cultural heritage visits to islands and national parks and travel to and from local golf courses.
For reservations, contact the resort at +66 (0) 3261 8900
E-mail: reservation@akaresorts.com or info@akaresorts.com
Website: www.akaresorts.com
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