September 2003 93rd Issue

Elephant polo

Thailand's jumbo heavyweights bully off.

It's a game of two-ton mounts, two metre-long mallets and one small white ball and from 16th to 21st September in Hua Hin Thailand, it all adds up to the third annual King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament.
A total of ten international teams comprised of international horse polo players and have-a-go novices will compete for this year's King's Cup, which is organised by the Anantara Resort and Spa and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
In 2002 it was Mercedes Benz Thailand's German team, an unstoppable trio of horse polo playing brothers, who took the King's Cup home to Hamburg. This year teams are expected from Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and long-term elephant polo sponsors Chivas Regal who were the 2002 King's Cup runners-up.
As in previous years, the event will raise money for Thailand's National Elephant Institute - an indispensable and dedicated organisation under the auspices of the Thai government, which provides welfare, sustenance, medical care and employment for Thailand's legion of elephants and mahouts. The 2002 tournament raised a record one million Baht (US$24,000/UK?15,000) for the institute. This year the goal is to raise 1.5 million Baht.
Attending the tournament will be members of the National Elephant Institute's elephant orchestra and the paintbrush-wielding elephants, whose artworks regularly sell at auction for up to US$800.
Played according to World Elephant Polo Association rules, the Thailand tournament is played with three elephants per team on a pitch that is one-third the size of a horse polo field. A game is comprised of two 7-minute chukkas.
The King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament final will take place at 3pm on Sunday 21st September. Spectator admission to all tournament games is free of charge. A press preview celebrity match and press match will be played on Saturday 13th September. This event is also open to the public.
2003 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament Hosts of the event, the Anantara Resort and Spa, are offering a special 5-night/6-day elephant polo package for the duration of the tournament which includes 5 nights double-occupancy accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, transportation to and from the elephant polo field, 2 tickets to the gala dinner on Saturday 20th September, 2 tickets to the champagne jazz brunch being held in the VIP tent at the elephant polo field on finals day and 8pm late check out on Sunday 21st September. Prices start from US$739++.

Further information about the event is available on the web at www.anantara.com/elephantpolo. The World Elephant Polo Association's website is at www.elephantpolo.com

One Million US $ Revamp At Sofitel

CENTRAL Hotels & Resorts has ploughed another US$1 million into Sofitel Central Resort in Hua Hin.
The focus was on the property’s Colonial Wing, where improvements have been made to forty superior rooms, twelve deluxe rooms and five executive suites. General manager, Mr Bernd Schneider, said the main focus of the work had been new bathrooms, furnishings and woodwork. “We also enlarged and renovated the bathrooms in 12 deluxe rooms, created walk-in closets and refitted the balconies with Thai-style daybeds,” he said.
The second-phase renovation of the property is already under way and will be completed by early October 2003. This comprises refurbishing another 32 superior rooms, eight deluxe rooms and the Crystal Suite. Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort was opened in 1923 and claims it was Thailand’s first seaside resort hotel catering to royalty and VIP travellers.

Animal rescue center news

lorises released
Over the last few months the rescue centre have released a number of lorises back to nature. Many of these little primates were brought in from illegal markets like the Bangkok Weekend Market were the wildlife trade seems still to be flourishing. However many “new” owners give up their animal after they find them hard to take care of, or aggressive in behaviour. The loris enclosures have been constructed around large trees in the forest where the animals learn to take care of themselves agaiin. The slow loris is the only breed released as the pygmy loris is not a local species.
BEARS RESCUED FROM SAMUI!
After several complaints from tourists who had witnessed the plight of bears on Koh Samui, the rescue team went as soon as possible to check on the situation. When they found the bears in what was described as a horrific situation. The two bears were chained on to a meter short chain, without any access to drinking water. The animals were used by both Asian and European tourists as photo props, which stressed the younger bear a lot as she was very sick and full of painful infections and failing eyesight. The infections on the smallest bear, named “Peanuts” have resulted in her face being swollen to over twice the size it should be, and she has trouble breathing and eating and cannot even close her mouth. Direct medical attention was administered on the spot.
BABY LANGUR RESCUED
A baby Dusky Langur was brought in by a foreigner from Hua Hin. The little animal was bought from the poachers after they felt helpless to do something for the animal and seems to be in good health. He has been introduced to a young female langur and they are getting used to each other’s company.
FISHING CATS RESCUED
After being kept for months in dirty cages two fishing cats were rescued and taken in to the centre. Both animals arrived in bad condition and will need months to recover.
ELEPHANT REFUGE
CONSTRUCTION STARTED
The construction of an Elephant Refuge Centre has started. During this month the first of a few elephants will arrive from Bangkok. The centre will be giving shelter to domesticated elephants and their mahouts. Volunteers and eco-tourists can visit and help out at the centre in caring for the animals, and learn about these beautiful creatures.

Tips to make your holiday smooth

Thai people believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. Refrain from touching a Thai person on the head.
The feet should not be used for pointing at people or objects.
The Buddhist faith is strong here, it is considered disrespectful to wear beach clothes to a temple, or to climb over Buddha images.
The Royal Family is deeply loved, and speaking ill of any its members is considered a serious matter.
Displays of affection in public is poor form as is topless sunbathing.
Most independent small businesses and street vendors are open to bargaining. All discussions should be done in a friendly manner.
Thailand and in particular Hua Hin/Cha Am remain very safe for tourists with almost no violent crime, pickpockets and credit card crime rares its ugly head from time to time.
Respect for the police should be shown at all times, they do not take kindly to rude or loud talk.
Take particular care on the road, motorbike spills are very common and can ruin your holiday. If you hire a motorbike and it is damaged, you will have to pay for its repair. The major car hire companies do have insurance, but check first. An accident can be very costly.

Remember these Thai phrases throughout your stay “Sanuk” which describes anything which is fun, and “Mai pen rai” which means never mind, and all will be well!

Hua Hin Dog Rescue

Rotary Round up

Hua Hin’s Rotary Club were busy again this month. Club President Dr. Danai Adoolayasak, visited Rajamangala Institute of Technology to intall Mr Jessada Singsuk (below) as Rotaract President for this year.
The Club welcomed Police Lieutenant Shawalit Suksuwan (right) to give a speech to members on the working of our local police force. Some very interesting questions were answered.

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