Hua Hin Today March 2021

ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI

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GULF FISHING BAN

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR SEEK VOTERS’ CHOICE IN MARCH ELECTION

Each year the Department of Fisheries pauses fishing in central Gulf of Thailand for 90 days to let fish breed. p.4

Who will be Hua Hin City’s next Mayor? Read about them and their policies on p2.

WALKING IN THE SKY ON PRACHUAB BAY 1. Than Awsuwan

2. Udon Olsson

3. Nopporn Wuttikul

A panoramic skywalk is in the plan for all to enjoy the spectacular views of the three bays. p.6

Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort is one of the most unique golf courses in Thailand since there is a 27 -hole gem, lying in the beautiful undulating countryside close to the mountains separating Myanmar from Thailand and only 25 minutes outside the Royal town of Hua Hin. There will be a very warm welcome for you here at the Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort and we look forward to seeing you soon.

MAJESTIC CREEK GOLF CLUB & RESORT 164 Moo 4,Tab Tai, Hua Hin 77110, Thailan Tel: +66 (0) 3251 0672 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 942 3619 Email: bookings@majesticcreekcc.com www.majesticcreekcc.com

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Cover Story

Expansion of airport to make Hua Hin an international tourist destination

MAYORAL CANDIDATES WOO VOTERS As the three mayoral candidates (From 5 candidates) broadcast their policies for the March 28 election, whether Hua Hin can become a world-class tourism destination may be a question in their minds.

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lection campaigning is certainly noisy right now, not least with the mobile loud-speaker trucks roaming city streets at all hours of the day, urging you to be sure to vote 1,2 or 3.

We hear a lot about the policies of each political party that proclaim what they will do for the city. It appears that only two parties are Explicit in their platform policies to take Hua Hin and its population in the direction that is best for the future.

One of these is the Hua Hin New Power Party that has a good chance of winning, judging from the record of the results the party had achieved during its recent years at the governing helm.

Current Mayor and party leader Nopporn Wuttikul is running for re-election with confidence of winning as he has the advantage of already being mayor for two terms. He has given good service for the city in the past and many beneficial projects were achieved during his time.

Candidate Than Awsuwan of the Ruam Jai Rak Party has made some announcements about policies and advertising of his party but not that much.

As a former provincial senator he is well known in the city. The impression is though that he may not be as effective in this election as he could be.

Candidate Udon Olsson brings with him useful experience as a successful businessman and real estate developer.

He is widely known among both Thai and foreigners in Hua Hin. Udorn was an important influence in pushing Hua Hin Airport to become an air transport hub once again with the addition of two domestic routes by Air Asia, suspended just now by Covid-19 restrictions.

Candidate Udon has clearly done a lot of homework to develop his policy to bring Hua Hin further up to an international level as a desired seaside resort city.

Other candidates and the outgoing mayor no doubt also envision developing Hua Hin as an attractive city where the main income comes from tourism.

The mayoral candidates would aim to develop the city to be ready in all aspects to support tourists and build confidence for tourists as well as Thai and foreign investors.

Top: AirAsia flight from Hua Hin was taking off to send passengers to Chiang Mai.

Mr Atrat the deputy minister’s Ministry of Transport visit, inspection, and review of the development plans of Hua Hin Airport was welcomed by Mr Udon Olsson.

Candidate Udon has published more of his policies than other candidates, some of these aims are listed here: • Urgently restore the city’s economy as it recovers from Covid-19.

• Elevating Hua Hin to become a world-class city of education.

• Elevating the city to become a tourist destination and sports competition at the international level.

• Elevating Hua Hin to become a health tourism destination.

• Elevating Hua Hin Municipality to become Hua Hin City-Municipal.

This would come from Hua Hin succeeding to change its administrative status to that of a self-governing city, the same status that Pattaya and Chiang Mai have.

From the Editor

HUA HIN TODAY

MANAGEMENT Honorary Chairman: Dr Thanachai Theerapattanavong Chairwoman: kittikorn Theerapattanavong CEO: Titikorn Theerapattanavong CFO: Duangsuda Pirompin

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EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Visa Chimdee Sub-Editor: Norachai Thavisin Art Director: Panyaporn Panyachote

Dear Reader,

he sun always shines after the storm Time flies so fast; it is hard to believe we are strolling through March and we have just counted down to welcome the New Year not so long ago.

The previous year was difficult, but this year is even more difficult regarding the return of the pandemic in this new wave.

The challenges we face today has been both unexpected and devastating. The economy was affected all around the globe thus changing the way we live and work.

I want to share and express to everyone how we are dealing to face this challenge we are doing the utmost best to keep you well-informed during this extraordinary crisis.

It is precisely the time of crisis and grave uncertainty that readers turn to sources they can trust, sources that strive at all times to report the news accurately and adequately.

One that provides in-depth analysis, which Hua Hin Today has been doing for the past 18 years. You can follow all the updates on our website and our perceptive Facebook.

We must go through these difficult recessions, shocks and crashes, economic upheaval and Thailand’s political disturbance.

We have learned a few lessons along the way. One of those lessons is difficult time passes but strong people remain.

Looking back over the past few weeks, I believe business in Hua Hin City has picked up compared to the first two months.

The road is busier, people are going out, strolling around the city and people from Bangkok are coming back to travel again.

Luckily Thailand reacted quickly to the coronavirus pandemic and managed to control the spread of the disease fairly quickly.

I had the opportunity to chat with my foreign friends, all of them were confident of the public health in Thailand and were happy that they are now living in Thailand, especially in our Hua Hin City.

Currently, Hua Hin is having an election campaign for both the city’s mayor and city members, which we hear every day on the streets at this moment.

Each of the candidates speaks about the integrity, their righteous and how they are the right person to be selected to be the new mayor.

The entire candidate promises to provide a good future, implement new systems, and promising prosperity for Hua Hin. Whoever the person might be, work vigorously to develop Hua Hin City and prioritise taking care of the livelihood of Hua Hin citizens.

Yours truly, Ms Visa Chimdee (Editor-in-Chief)

ADVERTISING Visa Chimdee Tel: 086 3693 604 e-mail: visa@huahintoday.com MARKETING Digital Marketing: Kayes Nihon PRODUCTION Production Manager: Lamai Wongwanakul JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Hua Hin) Address: 87/3 Soi Hua Thanon 19, KhaoTakiab Road, Nong kae, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110 Website: huahintoday.com Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday Tel: 086 3693 604, 032 900 150 Email: visa@huahintoday.com JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Head Office) Address: 194 Soi Pridi Banomyong 46 (Soi Chit Wari), Sukhumvit 71 Road, Klong Tan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 391 9595

GLASSES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN F

eb 24, Prachuap Khiri Khan - Ban Hua Hin Municipality School Permanent Secretary of the Municipality Province Mr Jirawat Pramani, School Director Dr Bunthawee Boonhai and Ms Kor Kaew Pipatpongdecha Received 83 eyeglasses in the beautiful sky clear glasses project worth 83,000 baht from Mr Pramote Thanyakul Sajja the manager of Time Optical, Hua Hin. Mr Pramote and his family are residents of Hua Hin where he graduated from Chulalongkorn University majoring in the Faculty of Engineering and returned to do business in Hua HIn City by opening an optical shop called Time Optical.

In which he realized, those students in each place having “eye problems” therefore, he settled a project to donate glasses to those children.

Each year the teachers from Hua Hin Municipality School will bring all the short-sighted children to do their eyesight exam which this year the total number of children were 83.

This year, all of the glasses he gave away were worth 83,000 baht, which is to give children better vision for education.

Mr Pramote does a project to give eyeglasses every year and he will continue doing it to help children and the society of Hua Hin. Speaking of which, Mr Jirawat expressed his appreciation that Mr Pramote is generous for donating eyeglasses to the children.

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Local News

GULF FISHING BAN STARTS

The department has been protecting this fish breeding time continuously for 68 years and these measures aim to conserve and restore aquatic animal resources to a sustainable level.

Director-General of the Department of Fisheries Mesak Phakdikong, asked fishing operators to cooperate and comply with the law.

Anyone violating the regulation under Section 70 of the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries is liable to a fine of 5,000 to 30 million baht, depending on the size of the fishing boat used. The fine can also be five times the total value the haul of fish caught.

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr. Chalermchai Si-on said that these conservation measures aim to maintain sustainability of fishery resources to ensure balanced and sustainable living for the fishing industry.

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uring its annual conservation fishery resources, Department of Fisheries announced the ban on commercial fishing in Central Gulf of Thailand for 90 days from February to May. The aim of the annual commercial fishery moratorium is to allow fish species to breed.

The ban applies to all sea fishing from Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces from February 15 to May 15.

A further ban on fishing in coastal zone from Laem Khao Mong Lai to Hua Hin Bay comes into effect from May 16 to June 14 for an extra period of 30 days.

But these conservation measures still allow certain types of fishing equipment to be used by local fishing groups.

Departmental fishery surveys found that mackerels are fertile and ready to breed in this month as are small mackerels, Indian mackerels and other small commercial fishes.

Fish sprats spawning in these protected coastal areas during this time have a chance to grow and replenish our fishery resources for the rest of the year.

SMELLING COCONUT SUCCESS

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eputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Chatree Chanveerachai announced that a company that exports processed coconut products was ready to buy aromatic coconuts from Kui Buri plantations. The Organic and Natural Company that exports coconut products to Europe and the United States is ready to buy substantial amounts of coconuts from local growers.

Company representatives recently met with Kui Buri coconut growers to invite them to form sustainable agricultural community groups to ensure trading fairness for group members. The company says it offers direct sale agreements so that farmers can earn more income and sell more of their coconuts for better profit.

The small company can process up to 100,000 coconuts a day.

Last month Mr Chatree met with aromatic coconut farmers in Kui Buri district to hear any marketing problems due to Covid-19. The meeting also discussed sustainable solutions for the coconut plantations. The deputy governor said the provincial government had favourably assessed the export company, its products, purchasing records, location of factories, number of employees and export history. A prospect for the aromatic coconuts in the district looks promising along with long-term price stability. Mr Chatree added that four years ago, when he was Sheriff of Kui Buri, he encouraged farmers to plant aromatic coconut to replace other crops. The new coconut crops can be harvested within three years.

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Local News

NEW FERRY SET TO CROSS THE GULF

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he large passenger and vehicle ferry, Seahorse Ferry, plans to soon start its service to cross the Gulf of Thailand from Songkhla to Sattahip. It also plans to offer overnight service from the Port of Prachuap at Bang Saphan District from early March.

In the next phase of its operation, the company plans add a pick-up stop at Pranburi District where it is negotiating for a pier where the large ferry will be able to dock.

The company said it would initially be able to transport only vehicles while the passenger service can only begin when the government’s Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

The company said that while negotiations with port authorities are still being finalised, the Prachuap port to Sattahip route should be ready to start operating from early March.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Regional Harbor Office announced the new service by Seahorse Ferry Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Namyong Terminal Public Company, to transport trucks, goods, cars and general passengers across the gulf.

The ferry crossing from Songkhla to Sattahip covers a distance of 330 nautical miles (611 kms) taking 18 to 20 hours of cruise time. This is excellent news for southern residents on the western side of the Gulf who would normally need to drive 1,130 km north around the top of Gulf to Sattahip, a 24-hour car trip. The ferry crossing saves 519 kms of driving, and reduces road traffic, while passengers can rest and sleep on the overnight ferry.

The ferry service aims starts from March onwards from Chuk Samet Pier (Sattahip District, Chonburi Province) to Prachuap Port (Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province) where the ship will dock some nights a week at 10 pm and depart from the port at 2 am the next day.

Seahorse Ferry is a Roll-on/roll-off ship designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailers, trailers and private cars that can drive on and off the ship.

Imported from Japan and formerly known as Blue Dolphin, the ferry weighs 7,003 tons and is 136.6 metres in length. It has 916 metres of parking space to carry some 80 trucks, 20 private cars and 586 passengers.

The Regional Harbor Office informs the public to view details of the navigation service by scanning the QR Code or contact the Regional Harbor Office, Prachuap Khiri Khan Branch on 0-3260-3929 or Namyong Terminal Public Company Limited on 083-436-4375.

GROWING MEDICINAL MARIJUANA PRACHUAB BAY SKYWALK M SET TO BE BUILT P lans are being made to build a panoramic skywalk on top of Khao Chong Krachok at Wat Thammikram Worawihan on Prachuap Bay. President of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Cultural Council Chanvit Aunahasuthiyanon said that construction is being prepared, costing about one million baht, to be paid for by funds from the commercial sector and private donors.

A clear glass skywalk with an area of eight square meters going to a viewing point over looking Khao Ta Mong Lai and Khao Lom Muak.

Mr Chanvit envisages the skywalk to be a tourist landmark for a bird’s eye view beautiful scenery with a 360-degree panoramic view of Prachuap city and the expansive bays of Ao Noi, Ao Manao and Ao Prachuap.

Mr Chanvit said a team of geological engineers will inspect the structure of the limestone mountain and plan for public safety while fitting in to the surround natural environment.

On the skywalk visitors can also walk to pay homage to Buddha’s relics and Phra Buddha Mongkhon Khiri Khan shrine as well.

arijuana is being grown in Buri Ram Province for medicinal purposes.

Public Health Minister Anutin Chranvirakul handed cannabis seedings to Non Malai village, in Khu Muang district, in a ceremony on February 11. The event was a cooperation between the Non Malai community enterprise and Ban Non Malai Health Promoting Hospital.

Village growers received the Thai marijuana strain called “Hang Krarok” (Squirrel Tail) from Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital of Prachinburi Province. Six cannabis plants were given to each member of the Non Malai community enterprise. The Institute of Medical Marijuana of Buri Ram said that the Ministry of Agriculture will propagate the cannabis by taking cuttings and give them to the community to grow.

When the cannabis plants are ready for harvest, cannabis flowers will be delivered to Khu Maung Hospital to produce a specific medication for distribution to patients in community.

But the very odd fact is that while cannabis flowers and seeds remain classified as narcotics while other parts such as leaves, branches and roots are not so classified. The medical marijuana institute will work with the Department of Non-formal Education to use the non-narcotic parts of the marijuana plant for commercial health purposes to make money for the rural community.

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Local News

FOREIGN LAND BUYERS ‘LOST 2 BILLION BAHT’

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epartment of Special Investigation (DSI) has been asked to investigate alleged fraud in a housing project in Phetchaburi province, with about 100 foreigners claiming damages totalling two billion baht.

A petition was filed with the DSI on Wednesday by Srisuwan Janya, Vice President and SecretaryGeneral of the Thai Constitutional Protection Organization Association, against the New Nordic Development Company Limited.

Mr Srisuwan was accompanied to the DSI office by Russian Rusan Ataev and Briton Marcos Hurst who are claiming damages. Mr Srisuwan said the Phetchaburi Park Project is built on 21 blocks of land covering 555 rai. The land title deeds were in the form of Nor Sor 3 documents.

The project consists of hotels, condominiums, single houses, food gardens, and water parks at Rai Koke Sub-district, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province.

He said it was later discovered that 99 per cent of the land was inside the Payang Hak-Khao Pum National Forest Reserve and the land title deeds were issued after the land was declared part of the reserve. So he believed the land title documents had been unlawfully issued.

Mr Srisuwan said officials from the Phetchaburi-based Forest Resources offices went to examine the housing project land on July 17, 2020. They confirmed to the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department that the land was part of the national forest reserve.

Land title documents were subsequently revoked. Director-General of DSI Pol Lt Col Kornawat Panprapakorn along with officials went inspect the project on February 10.

Some 100 foreigners had paid in full to buy land and houses in the project, spending about

LION CLUB DONATES

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ions Club of Hua Hin, Wang Klai Kangwon Electricity Group, Tourist Police and Hua Hin Municipality helped more disadvantaged members of the community with donations to four recipients.

On February 17 President of the Lions Club Hua Hin Kitipongsiri Phetkasem, Wang Klai Kangwon Electricity Group, Tourist Police and Hua Hin Municipality officials jointly donated a survival bag, two wheelchairs and pampers two four recipients in need of help.

It is part of the club’s effort to help disabled, bed-bound patients, the elderly and the poor in its “District, stable, prosperous, sustainable” program.

Recipients were Wirapat Phothai, 15, who lives in a rented house in Hua Hin with his parents and sells fresh coconuts. Mrs Nimphakwang, 85 who suffers from muscular weakness. Mrs Aim Sangthong, 88, who struggles to walk, Mr Yod Thumpawan, 79, who is paralysed and bed-bound.

All gifts were gratefully received by the recipients and their families.

two billion baht to the development company.

After all the construction money had been received, there was no progress at all in the project with the debris left and the broken-down sales office.

Mr Srisuwan said the company which ran this project had run similar projects elsewhere including in Pattaya and Phuket, aimed at foreigners.

He found British and Russian nationals held 98 per cent of its shares and the rest were held by Thais.

The Petchaburi project was advertised on websites abroad.

Mr Hurst of Pattaya said he bought a block of land with a house for three million baht but never went to the construction site.He learned later that as a foreigner, he cannot own land in Thailand.

He said the company running the project accepted this fact and offered to buy back the property but soon after the company closed down.

The DSI accepted the case for further investigation.

Biz Talk

CLUBHOUSE APP SOARS

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igital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) is warning young people to be careful when using the new Clubhouse’ socialmedia app and unknowingly breaking the law.

As in other parts of the world Clubhouse is fast gaining popularity in Thailand. It was launched during the Covid-19 outbreak when most people were forced to stay at home and could share business ideas, political and social views and on it.

Its trendiness was boosted by celebrity users such as Elon Musk, Jared Leto, Kanye West and the exiled Thai scholar Pavin Chachavalpongpun.

DES Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said that some political groups are using this voice-only app to “share fake news which is causing problems in society.” He warned people not to misuse the app and be charged with violating the Computer Crime Act. Clubhouse downloads have soared to number 1 in social media.

It is ranked number1 on the Top Chart of Social Media surpassing LINE, Messenger and Facebook.

The app launched in May 2020 and at January 31, 2021 recorded 2.3 million downloads and is earning millions of dollars in revenue.

Clubhouse is an iPhone app and you need to be invited by a member to join in the audio-chat. As in a real club house, people go to online to talk, using their voices, and not exchange written messages.

Many speakers can talk at the same time as in a conference call but the content of the discussion is not kept as a recording.

Participants can summarise the content in writing as their record later.

A participant can host particular discussion topics by inviting keynote speakers to the virtual club room. As an open verbal forum, it is easy to see why the app has become very popular in all fields of activity.

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Community

SOS FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY S

Founder of Thailand’s Sang Foundation Miss Mutsumi Adachi well come all the guests.

cholars of Sustenance (SOS) Foundation and Sang Foundation held an open day on February 17 to explain to all its good work of donating food to the needy in our community.

Founder of Thailand’s Sang Foundation, Mutsumi Adachi, and many volunteers have been out and in different parts of the region delivering food donations to people struggling to feed their families.

Hua Hin Today was invited to the opening and we saw how the groups are working in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, working with other caring members of the Hua Hin community.

Local and international members came to the opening day. Several well-known artists came and drew, expressing Hua Hin’s beauty, foods and happiness.

Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) has been serving to the communities in need in Thailand since the beginning of its work in 2016 in Bangkok and 2019 in Phuket.

SOS strongly values in food equity where everyone can have fair access to good food and manage surplus food in the way to prevent good food from being wasted to the landfills.

Until now SOS has been distributing nutritious food to vulnerable communities for more than five million meals by rescuing surplus ingredients and food products from hotels, supermarkets, suppliers within Bangkok and Phuket areas every day.

SOS sends trucks to recycle surplus food from various food-related industries seven days a week.

After a food safety inspection, surplus food is donated to orphanages, shelters and low-income communities.

SOS rescue kitchen program works with community volunteers to cook surplus food together and distribute nutritious meals, freshly cooked food to the community members in different locations every five days a week.

The SOS food rescue has now been set upin Hua Hin and plans to expand to Chiang Mai, Korat, Khon Kaen and many more places in the near future.

PLATOO IN NEED OF HELP A

Pala-U country boy named Platoo loved to climb trees but fell breaking his spine and is now paralysed from waist down for the rest of his life.

While a Hua Hin charity is helping him, Hua Hin Today also wants to help by accepting any donations that our readers may want to give to Platoo.

One day last November, Platoo (meaning mackerel) climbed a tree close to his house in Pala-U. He slipped and fell, landing on a branch and then to the ground. He broke his spine and is paralysed in both legs.

After several operations in Bangkok. Platoo lives in Pala-U but need to come every week for physiotherapy at Hua Hin Hospital.

His family is poor and there is even no electricity in the house.

His helper Khun Nam is teaching him how to cope with his disability. She found a wheelchair for him and asked Charity Hua Hin Thailand for a bed and a mattress that the charity happily provided.

Platoo was in Hua Hin Hospital to treat his lower back when Hua Hin Today staff went to visit him two weeks ago. We were happy to see him doing his best on stretch exercises with hospital staff to strengthen his back.

Hua Hin Today is helping Charity Hua Hin Thailand to inform locals and expats who may wish to help Platoo.

Donations of rice, dried food, pampers and necessities for his daily life can be brought to Hua Hin Today office at Soi Hua-Tanoon 19, Takiab Road, (opposite La Birra Restaurant) or call 086-369 3604. Thank you.

HUA HIN TODAY

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Offbeat News

YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY

4th MARCH: MARCHING MUSIC DAY

17th MARCH: ST PATRICK’S DAY

March forth today to the rhythm of life on every March 4 and honor the dedicated musicians and performers of many diverse styles and backgrounds. The day celebrates all varieties of art forms that bring us “music on the move.”

For centuries the beat of a drum kept military units moving in unison. From the training field to the battlefield, the football stadium to the Broadway stage, marching music delights performers and spectators. They perform in small gyms, auditoriums and grand arenas. From small parades to impressive spectacles, fifers, pipers, buglers, drum corps, marching bands, parade groups and drill teams bring music to life. They bring audiences to their feet and stir a crowd to an enthusiastic roar.

Saint Patrick’s Day usually kicks off a worldwide celebration that is also known as the Feast of St Patrick. The bright green of the Irish countryside is worn by all and decorated with shamrocks.

Wearing green is a tradition that dates back to a work written about Saint Patrick in 1726.

St Patrick (c385–461) used the leaf shape of shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and he wore shamrock-green clothing. In the United States, St Patrick’s Day was celebrated even before the country was formed. While the international holiday tends to be rowdy everywhere with flowing beer and Guinness, parades and talk of leprechauns, in Ireland it can be a more solemn religious event.

25th MARCH: NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOUR DAY 8th MARCH: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY March 8 each year celebrates the social, economic and political achievements of women around the world. The day brings international awareness to gender parity. According to the World Economic Forum, global gender equality is estimated to be achieved by 2133. Over 100 years ago there was a single woman in the 65th US Congress when in 1916 Montana elected Republican Jeannette Rankin as the first Congresswoman to hold a federal office. Fast forward to the year 2020 and women hold 23.7 per cent of Congressional seats. While that might seem like progress, according to United Nations statistics, the US percentage matches exactly the worldwide average for women in political office. So there remains some way to go.

National Medal of Honour Day recognises all Medal of Honour recipients. Created in 186, the Medal of Honour is the United States’ highest military honour. It is awarded only to US military personnel by the President in the name of Congress for personal acts of valour above and beyond the call of duty. On March 25, 1863 Secretary of War Edwin Stanton presented the first Medals of Honour (Army) to six members of “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862. There are three versions of the Medal, one for the Army, one for the Navy and one for the Air Force, with personnel of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receiving the Navy version. Together there have been 3,468 Medals of Honour awarded to soldiers, sailors, pilots, Marines and coastguards.

2nd MARCH: TEXAS This was the formal declaration of independence of the Republic of Texas from Mexico in the Texas Revolution. It was adopted at the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-theBrazos on March 2, 1836 and was formally signed the next day.

Texas is a state in the South Central Region of the United States.

It is the second largest US state in both area and population, after the most-populous California.

6th MARCH: GHANA The Republic of Ghana is a country on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean with a population of 30 million.Ghana became independent from the United Kingdom on this day in 1957.

15th MARCH: HUNGARY Hungary is a medium-size country in Central Europe and a member state of the European Union with the official language of Hungarian. The Hungarian Civic Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849 saw the country becoming independent after defeating the Austrian armies of the House of Habsburg.

29th MARCH: NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY 12nd MARCH: NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT DAY As part of Girl Scout Week, National Girl Scout Day on March 12 honours the history and legacy of Girl Scouting in America.

Girl Scouting in the US began on March 12, 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low organised the first Girl Scout troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia where there were 18 girls present.

For these girls, Low organised enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures. From that first meeting Girl Scouts have grown to over 3.7 million members in the world.

This day honours the men and women who served and sacrificed during that longest conflict in United States history. On March 29, 1973 the last American combat units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, war veterans of this time are now gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five presidents, crossing nearly two decades and requiring 500,000 US military personnel, the Asian war left an indelible mark on the American psyche. Over 58,000 American combatants were killed in Vietnam. This observance recognises the military service of these men and women who answered the call to serve their country.

25th MARCH: GREECE Greece is a country in southern Europe on the Mediterranean Sea with a population of 10.7 million. Its Independence Day celebrates the victory of Greece over the Turkish Ottoman Empire in the Greek Revolution of 1821 during the Greek War of Independence of 1821-1832. The day is celebrated in Greece and Cyprus on the day that coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation. The largest event is the military parade in the capital of Athens along with festivities around the country.

HUA HIN TODAY

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Hotel News

ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

CHEFS PRESENT LOCAL TASTES Food lovers are in for a special treat as the “Taste Of Prachuap 2021 by Chef’s Table” is ready to launch from March until November this year when eight top chefs will cook up appetising storms.

From left to right; Chef Huto, Chef Pear, Chef Ploy and Chef James

From left to right; Chef Ton, Chef Ken and Chef Yod

Chef Tai

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he new-generation chefs, from Top Chef Thailand, Team Chef Thailand and Hua Hin’s Chef, will each take the kitchen stage at different restaurants in the province. All chefs will highlight local ingredients in their show menus.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with local partners to promote this gastronomic tourism in the province.

Knowing that more people are keen gastronomic tourists who are prepared to go out of their way to look for good local food hidden in the countryside, TAT is making it easier for them.

Eight districts in Prachuap Province has each a different story to tell of local food and ingredients. The eight chefs will be given the opportunity to highlight these different tastes in eight different locations, one for each month for the rest of the year.

The schedule for the “Taste Of Prachuap 2021 by Chef’s Table” between March-December 2021: At particular set days, there will be a variety of food presentations from the eight chefs, each of them will create a menu based on different ingredients as shown below: Chef Huto, creative Thai chef from Top Chef Thailand SS1, creates menu with ingredients from Bua Sam Roi Yod in Pranburi District.

Chef Ken, European with Asian touch at S. Ken’s Bistro, creates a menu with salted eggs with pandan leaves from Bang Sapan District.

Chef Tai, Thai chef at Tanya’s, creates a menu with Jackfruit Thongprasert from Kui Buri District.

Chef James, a beef specialist from Top Chef Thailand SS3, creates a menu with salted mackerel fish from Bang Sapan Noi District.

Chef Ton, Thai chef with a western touch from Eureka Beach Cafe Restaurant, creates a menu with dried squid from PakNum Pran District.

Chef Yod, western and Thai specialist from Duangkaew Cuisine, creates a menu with fresh oyster from Mung Prachuap District.

Chef Ploy, Thai fusion and dessert chef from Top Chef Thailand SS2, creates a menu with Siam Gold Pineapple from Hua Hin. Chef Pear, European chef with an Asian touch from Team Chef Thailand, creates a menu with Nok-Kum Coconut from Thap Sakae District.

This gastronomic feasting goes through to December with individual chefs taking turns at different restaurants. Foodlovers absolutely should not miss this feast.

Every 500 baht or more spent on the menus earns a souvenir from the TAT Prachuap Office. So, enjoy!

Hotel News

HUA HIN TODAY

15

THE FARMERS’ MARKET AT CENTARA A

ll Hua Hin locals should mark their calendar to visit Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin this weekend as the iconic hotel is fully-prepared for ‘The Farmers’ Market’, bringing some of the best gourmet produce and local ingredients of Hua Hin all under one roof.

Set for Saturday, 13 to March 27, ‘The Farmers’ Market’ at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin looks forward to welcome all Hua Hin locals from 8 am to 12 pm together with Hua Hin’s vendors and local suppliers.

On offer will be a wide range of gourmet products: • German sausages & cold cuts from KOK German Meat Products • Delicious focaccia pizza from Pane & Focaccia • Varieties of Italian cheese from Del Casaro • Traditional Thai desserts from ChuenChom Thai Desserts • Freshly-baked artisan breads from Meaw Cafe &Restaurant • High-quality coffee beans from Anjana Coffee Roastery • Organic salad greens from Farm Pookpan • Hight quality dried fruits from Suan Malee • Organic Thai herbs from Lung Biew Garden • Natural soap selection from Soap me Also the best showcases of Centara Grand Hua Hin sweet and savoury highlights such as grilled cheese sandwich, cake & bakeries from The Museum, Organic fruits & vegetables, Wine & beverage selection, and other local produces from local sellers all available under one roof at Centara Grand Hua Hin. ‘The Farmers’ Market’ at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Available on Saturday, 13 March 27 from 8:00=12:00 hours with no entrance fee. For more information or reservations, please call +66 (0) 3251 2021.

INDIAN STREET FOOD AT SHERATON HUA HIN RESORT & SPA

E

xperience the flavours of Indian street food.

Come by Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and pick up your lunch or dinner right in front of the resort’s entrance.

Every Wednesday to Sunday. From 11 am to 6 pm At the resort’s entrance. 100 baht net only.

Delicious homemade Indian curries such as Butter Chicken, Tikka masala, and more! Including one free portion of Freshly Baked Naan bread with every food order. Craving some drinks? A 45-baht Mango or Banana lassi go very well, or try our Homemade Masala Tea. Reducing waiting time by placing a pre-order. Call now at 090-880-0224

LE CAFE AT BLUPORT

I

nterContinental Hua Hin Resort just opened a new subsidiary named Le Café as a “pop up” cafe in Blueport Hua Hin Shopping Centre.

February 19 was the grand opening of La Café. General Manager of Intercontinental Hua Hin resort Michael Janssen came and spoke about the future plan for this new venture. Finishing his speech by expressing gratitude towards everyone who have joined.

Le Café will indulge in 5-star service in a relaxing environment. Your light meal can include gourmet sandwiches, garden salads, freshly baked pastries, smoked salmon and crispy croissants.

The buttery, flaky, mouth-watering pastry has become an emerging trend in Bangkok café scene.

Whether you are strolling through Bluport alone, with family or friends Le Café will offer a relaxing but rich experience for all ages always.

At Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall’s ground-floor entrance (G Floor), Le Café will operate, providing great service and high-quality dining experience.

Le Café at Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall managed by InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is open every day. Open Daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

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ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Health

WILTING VITALITY Not feeling as spunky as you used to as a man?

Your testosterone level may be dropping too low.

L

ifestyle and living pace these days are always in a rush and this can add stress to our lives. Often we only eat enough to survive and sleep just to get by but not really enough.

This rushed lifestyle affects our body, making it weaker, more quickly tired and reduces our immunity that can lead to sickness that may also include abnormality in hormone production.

Low testosterone hormone, or male hypogonadism, is becoming more common even in youth when this is peak time in life when the body produces the highest amount of sex hormones.

Testosterone is the primary hormone that plays a key role in developing male appearances such as beard, mustache and chest hairs. It also establishes the male physique, increases muscle and bone masses and stimulates sperm production, sex drive and erection.

Testosterone also helps with emotional control, decision-making and self-confidence.

Many causes lead to low testosterone level. It can come simply from aging as our body produces the highest testosterone level from 20 to 25 years of age. After that the male hormone decreases.

Other causes include accumulated physical or mental stress, not getting enough rest, testicular abnormalities (eg infection or injury) or other chronic diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Some treatments such as medication, exposure to chemotherapy or radiation can cause your hormones to be lower than usual.

How can we know if we have low testosterone? Diagnosis can be by seeing testosterone level in blood and examination by a doctor.

The treatment for low testosterone starts with changing lifestyle to stimulate more hormone production. Also you can take hormone supplement, vitamins, herbal and other readily available nutritional supplements.

The best way to solve the problem is to prevent it. Eat a proper diet, including food in the five food groups. Consider and monitor your amount of nutrient intake each day.

Sleep enough and ensure enough time to relax and relieve stress.

This is vital since these affect hormones and the body’s rehabilitation.

Also exercise adequately and appropriately for your age to stimulate hormone production, then enjoy more of that vitality that you used to have.

Health

ACUPUNCTURE FOR ATHLETES Dr Kate Boonyakiat, Terra Acupuncture Clinic

T

he ever-growing popularity of sports has made the athlete and the industry extremely competitive. Professional athletes and even weekend athletes try to be at their competitive best. This intensifies the physical and emotional demand placed upon them.

Athletes are becoming more driven, obsessive, focused on their sport but often neglect the recovery time necessary to perform at these very intensive levels.

All seems to be placing even more demand on an athlete’s overall health, exposing the athlete to injury. Many pro athletes need to spend time and money on recovery after routine training and athletic events.

How does acupuncture work for athletes?

Acupuncture helps trigger the body to regulate itself and maintain balance or homeostasis. Basic medical research demonstrates that acupuncture stimulates the secretion of an endogenous opioid such as endorphin.

Any sports injury treatment goal is to eliminate pain, reduce inflammation, increase mobility by reducing muscle tightness and spasms, and reactivate injured or weakened muscles.

HUA HIN TODAY

In hard athletic events and exercise training, an injury may not be present but the body has been impacted with these damage elements on a much lesser scale.

This microtrauma is more diffused and on a broader level throughout the body structures.

Acupuncture for recovery addresses these issues. The results can include immediate pain reduction, release of muscle spasm and restriction, decrease swelling, increase range of motion, restore flexibility and help improve mobility.

Athletes worldwide use sports acupuncture to avoid getting hurt and promote recovery when sustaining injury. Sports acupuncture is helpful for speed healing, relieve pain and increase muscle strength and endurance. Acupuncture helps the athlete to recover physically and provides mental security when that recovery is active and therapeutically responsible.

It can give the athlete that psychological edge, knowing that their body is ready for the next high-performance athletic events.

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Golf News

ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

MAJESTIC’S REPORT O

ur Weekly Competition has continued throughout January and February each Thursday with a growing number of Members and Guests taking part.

Fortunately we have had no further restrictions imposed and the competitions have continued to be played. Several Members have returned from overseas over the last few weeks which is good to see.

If you wish to take part in our weekly competition please register by email to bookings@majesticcreekcc.com or in the Proshop at the clubhouse. Please make your reservation

by Tuesday evening and your tee time will be sent to you on Wednesday morning.

If you are a non member please include your current playing handicap when registering.

Course A has now re-opened and we are playing Courses A and B. Both courses are in excellent condition and we would like to say thank you to the ground staff for their excellent work.

RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS AS FOLLOWS; 21st January Stableford Competition 1st Tony Martin scoring 40 points handicap 15 2nd David Morris scoring 39 points handicap 20 3rd Derek Townsend scoring 39 points handicap 17

4th February Stableford Competition 1st Xavier Diana scoring 43 points handicap 17 2nd Cecilia Harvey scoring 42 points handicap 21 3rd Pao Morris scoring 42 points handicap 15 NEAREST THE PINS Hole A4 Xavier Diana Hole A6 Jean Paul Capbern Hole B 12 Jean Paul Capbern Hole B17 David Gibson

11th February Stableford Competition 1st Tony Martin scoring 42 points handicap 15 2nd David Morris scoring 41 points handicap 21 3rd Lee Pape scoring 41 points handicap 19 Xavier Diana

NEAREST THE PINS Hole A4 David Morris Hole A6 Georges Santin Hole B12 David Baker Hole B17 Pao Morris

Pao Morris 18 February Stableford Competition 1st Pao Morris scoring 47 points handicap 20 2nd Colin Sansom scoring 42 points handicap 10 3rd Lee Pape scoring 41 points handicap 14 We would like to congratulate Pao Morris on scoring 47 points. This is BIGGEST STABLEFORD SCORE we have had since our competitions began 9 years ago.

WELL PLAYED PAO th

NEAREST THE PINS Hole C2 Ayyub Mian Hole C5 Jean Paul Capbern Hole B 12 May Horton Hole B 17 David Baker

NEAREST THE PINS Hole A4 Lee Pape Hole A 6 Colin Sansom Hole B12 Ayyub Mian Hole B17 William Sulman

Tony Martin 28th January Stableford Competition 1st Cecilia Harvey scoring 40 points handicap 21 2nd David Dunn scoring 37 points handicap 1 3rd David Hammond scoring 36 points handicap 20 NEAREST THE PINS Hole C2 Cecilia Harvey Hole C5 Cecilia Harvey Hole B 12 Olivier Pinard Hole B17 Rob Jones

We have recently updated our handicapping system to Handicapmaster 10, which is in line with the New World Handicapping System, bringing us in line with a number of the Golf Societies in Hua Hin. COME AND ENJOY YOUR GOLFING AT MAJESTIC CREEK

HUA HIN TODAY

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20 ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Law

TAX RETURN FOR RESIDENT EXPATS A

re you an expat working for a local Thai company in Thailand? Did you know you can file your tax returns and claim some tax back?

This is possible provided you are a resident in the country, have a Tax ID, have secured local health and/or life insurance plans, or are eligible for other tax allowances for that tax year.

Fulfilling the above criteria and more means you could claim back a certain amount you have paid from your income for that particular tax year.

Personal Income Tax (PIT) The Revenue Department defines Personal Income Tax (PIT) as a direct tax levied on the income of a person working in or for a business

registered with the Revenue Department.

Tax is levied on your income before you receive your net pay (net personal income). PIT is applied to all that are employed in a corporate multinational organisation, small to large SME, and even those working as freelancers and digital nomads.

If you are unsure about which salary band you fall under, speak to your accounting department or manager to find out more. Freelancers or those that are self-employed in Thailand can hire an accountant or contact the Revenue Department to find out more information.

Resident vs. non-resident Taxpayers are typically classified as “resident”

or “non-resident”. “Resident” is any person that has resided in Thailand for 180 consecutive days in any tax (calendar) year. A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on income from sources in Thailand, as well as income into the country that is derived from foreign sources.

A non-resident is subject to tax only on income from sources in Thailand.

Based on the above criteria, expatriates in the country are generally considered as residents living and working long-term. If unsure about your status, ask your Thai employer or Immigration Office.

Register for a tax identification number (TIN) Starting your employment in Thailand, you need to register for a TIN from the Revenue Department. The TIN comprises 10 digits and is used when filing for your tax return or tax relief.

For expats employed in Thailand, here is an overview of the process.

To apply for a TIN, the standard application form for expats to fill out is LP 10.1 for individuals.

There are also other types of forms depending on your status. You are advised to consult the Revenue Department’s Tax Identification page to decide which form matches your status.

The main supporting documents required include but are not limited to a photocopy of the alien certificate, passport, and house registration book. See the Tax Identification page for more on the requirements.

Once you have gathered all your documents, visit one of the many tax offices in the country to apply. Speak to your accounting department for help going about your application for a TIN. Tax year The Thai full tax year runs from January 1 to December 31. You must pay any due tax to the Revenue Department by March 31 for each previous tax year.

HUA HIN TODAY

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22 ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

TENNIS: NADAL SAYS TENNIS SEASON MUST CONTINUE BUT NEEDS QUARANTINE SOLUTIONS Rafael Nadal says the tennis season must continue and called for the sport to “find solutions” to the issues surrounding quarantining.

Novak Djokovic claimed a majority of tennis players did not want to carry on with the season if it means going through multiple periods of quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Nadal said: “If we stop our sport, a lot of people are going to suffer. “We need to think a little bit bigger and, of course, protect players.”

Djokovic and Nadal are among several players to have experienced physical problems following the 14-day period of isolation before the Australian Open. Many European countries now have significant restrictions on travel and Djokovic, who set up a separate player body to the ATP last year, called for urgent discussions.

Speaking after his five-set quarter-final defeat

by Stefanos Tsitsipas, Nadal said: “He’s completely right that for our sport things are difficult because governments are changing the rules constantly.

“So it’s difficult to make predictions about how the things are going to happen. “But there is a very clear thing. There are two options. Stop the tour or keep going.

World Sports News

CYCLING: GEOGHEGAN HART RECOVERS FROM CRASH ON STAGE ONE OF THE TOUR DU HAUT VAR Ineos Grenadiers’ Tao Geoghegan Hart was involved in a crash but recovered to finish the opening stage of the Tour du Haut Var, won by Bauke Mollema.

The British 2020 Giro d’Italia champion finished in 38th place, 14 seconds down, in the three-day race in France.

Welshman Geraint Thomas, 34, was Ineos’ first rider home, arriving safely in the lead group.

Trek-Segafredo rider Mollema beat AG2R Citroen’s Greg van Avermaet on the summit finish on the Gourdon.

On his debut for Ineos, 21-year-old Tom Pidcock finished 86th, five minutes and 47 seconds behind.

FORMULA 1: RED BULL TEAMS TO USE HONDA ENGINES AFTER JAPANESE FIRM LEAVES F1 Red Bull’s Formula 1 teams will continue to use Honda’s engines after the Japanese company quits the sport at the end of this season.

Red Bull has concluded a deal to buy Honda’s F1 engine technology and will run the engines until 2024.

The energy drink giant has set up a new company to maintain the engines at its technology base in Milton Keynes. The move has been made possible by a decision by F1 bosses to freeze engine development from 2022-24.

The move is aimed at giving Red Bull flexibility and independence before the introduction of a new engine formula into F1 in 2025.

Honda will continue to develop the engine through 2021 and ensure it is ready for the introduction of a new rule that requires 10% of the petrol used to be composed of bio-fuel in 2022.

ATHLETICS: MORE THAN 200 ATHLETES CALL FOR ABUSIVE COACHES TO GET LIFETIME BANS More than 200 athletes have signed an open letter to UK Athletics chief executive Joanna Coates calling for permanent bans for coaches found guilty of abuse. Three British athletes started the campaign raising concerns about temporary bans being handed to coaches who breach their licences in the context of physical or sexual misconduct, harassment or abuse.

“We feel that anything less than a full and permanent ban is unacceptable,” they wrote to Coates. They said they wanted the governing body to have a “zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse towards athletes”. UKA responded by saying it understood the concerns raised but lifetime bans “can be susceptible to strong and robust legal challenge”.

Scottish pole vaulter Anna Gordon, Welsh indoor 1500m champion Kate Seary and Scottish cross country champion Mhairi MacLennan wrote the letter and invited athletes, coaches and parents to sign. It has also drawn international attention, with Olympic long jump champion Tianna Bartoletta adding her name to the signatories.

RUGBY: ALL BLACK GREAT RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL RUGBY New Zealand’s Dan Carter, who won two World Cups and is world rugby’s record points scorer, has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The fly-half, 38, won the last of his 112 All Blacks caps with a man-of-thematch display in the 2015 World Cup final win over Australia. He has since played for French club Racing 92 and Japan’s Kobelco Steelers. The three-time world player of the year returned to New Zealand for a brief spell with the Auckland Blues in 2020. In an emotional post on Instagram, Carter wrote: “I’ve thought about this on so many occasions but today is the day and I am very grateful that I can do it on my terms. I’m officially retiring from professional rugby. A sport I’ve played 32 years which has helped shape me into the person I am today.

“I can’t thank everyone who has played a part in my journey enough, particularly you, the fans. I’m excited about my next chapter in life and what that will look like. For now, I’m sad to walk away from playing but the timing is right.

Rugby will always be a part of my life.”

CRICKET: SAM CURRAN WILL NOT JOIN UP WITH ENGLAND TEST SQUAD All-rounder Sam Curran will not rejoin England’s Test squad for the fourth test against India as planned because of the “logistical challenge” in getting him to Ahmedabad.

The 22-year-old was rested after January’s tour of Sri Lanka. He was meant to fly to India in time for the final match of the Test series and the limited-overs leg of the tour.

But that decision has been reversed in order to limit his possible exposure to coronavirus on commercial flights.

He will now travel on the private charter flight arranged to take the white-ball squad to India on 26 February.

In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: “Originally it was planned the Surrey all-rounder would fly to Ahmedabad in time to be available for the fourth Test in the city, starting on 4 March.

“However, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, making secure arrangements for such a journey proved too great a logistical challenge.”

HUA HIN TODAY

23

AT

At Black Mountain Golf Club, a very special and exciting new dining experience has arrived. Hua Hin town’s renowned Prime Steakhouse restaurant has come to Black Mountain, serving probably the best steaks in Thailand.

Everything from Wagyu rib eye, fresh fish, pasta, salad, desserts & European specialty dishes are exquisitly prepared by Anders and his master team.

A warm Thai welcome to Prime Steakhouse awaits you at Black Mountain.

Restaurant open from 6am to 9pm

To book a table: Email: restaurant@bmghuahin.com Phone: 032 618 620 Mobile: 089 028 3547

Free shuttle from Hua Hin for groups Tel: 089 028 3547

24 ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

MANCHESTER CITY NOT INTERESTED TO TALK OVER MESSI MOVE

M

anchester City are distancing themselves from links with a move for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

The Argentina forward is out of contract in the summer. The likelihood of another early Champions League exit for Barcelona has fuelled speculation he Could quit the Nou Camp.

Uncertainty remains due to the ongoing presidential elections at Barca, with all candidates saying they are determined to keep the 33-year-old.

Messi has won six Ballon D’Or trophies in a stellar career that has seen him generally accepted as one of the finest players ever.

City have long been touted as an alternative, partly due to the link with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, although Paris St-Germain are also thought to be interested.

It has been reported City have tabled a revised offer for Messi but BBC Sport has been told by a club source this is not true - and that no offers have been made, either in the summer, or since and there are currently no talks.

SHAWCROSS LEAVES STOKE CITY AFTER 14 YEARS BEFORE INTER MIAMI MOVE

S

toke City captain Ryan Shawcross has left the Potters after 14 years, before his proposed move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

The 33-year-old club legend was contracted until the end of this season, but that contract has now been cancelled, leaving him free to move to Major League Soccer in North America.

Shawcross signed from Manchester United in August 2007, initially on loan. He then completed a £1m move from Old Trafford the following January.

Since then Chester-born Shawcross has made 451 appearances for Stoke, the majority of them under Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes in the Premier League.

He has also won a solitary England cap.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes added: “Ryan’s contribution to the club over the last 14 years simply cannot be overstated.

“His outstanding leadership and the consistency of his displays made him a talismanic figure for us.

He has been an outstanding role model, both on and off the pitch.”

Football News

MANCHESTER CITY IS ‘BEST TEAM IN EUROPE’ - MIKEL ARTETA

A

rsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes Premier League leader Manchester City is the best team in Europe.

City took their lead to 10 points with a midweek win over Everton, face Spurs in the Carabao Cup final and remain in FA Cup and Champions League contention.

City have lost only twice in their opening 24 matches during the current campaign - to Leicester in September and Tottenham in November.

Pep Guardiola’s team have conceded only 15 goals and Arteta said: “They have weaknesses like every team but at the moment teams have struggled a lot to find any of that because I think first of all defensively they have been really, really strong.”

“I THINK I’M LIKE WINE. THE OLDER I GET, THE BETTER I GET.” - IBRAHIMOVIC

Z

latan Ibrahimovic has always had plenty to say but part of what makes him so special is his ability to back up even the boldest, self-aggrandising statements with action.

To get the full context behind Ibrahimovic’s current European renaissance, we must understand the journey he has undertaken in recent years.

The ligament injury he suffered in his second season at Manchester United in April 2017 was one that can spell the end for players in their prime, but Zlatan battled back.

Moving to America to join US side LA Galaxy was seen by some as a slip into semi-retirement ahead of a well-earned shift into the full thing but 53 goals and a place in the MLS best XI two years running disproved that.

Then came the return to AC Milan, where he scored 42 times in 61 league games in 2011 and second-place finish the year after.

In typically forthright style, he declared that Milan would have won the league had he played the entire season, adding that he was “just warming up”.

MOURINHO SAYS IT’S TOO EARLY TO LOOK AT LEAGUE TABLE

T

ottenham boss Jose Mourinho says it is still too early to look at the Premier League table and believes Spurs can finish in the top four despite their recent faltering form. A run of four defeats in their last five league games has seen Mourinho’s side slip down to ninth, having been top of the table in early December. Spurs are now six points off fourth but have a game in hand. “It’s very premature to think about the table,” said Mourinho.

“People still have matches in hand. In our case, we played already two matches against Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City. “So we have to fight and we have to wait until the last match to see what happens. Anything can happen. “We can finish top four, top six or outside the top six. We have to make sure the best possible thing is going to happen.”

WILLIAN SUBJECTED TO RACIAL ABUSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

A

rsenal midfielder Willian has revealed that he has been sent racist abuse on social media.

The 32-year-old Brazil international shared screenshots of abusive messages sent to him on Instagram.

“We cannot and will not let racist and hateful abuse become a normalised part of the game,” Arsenal said.

Manchester United said they were disgusted at the abuse and urged social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour.

Willian showed his Instagram followers direct message threads from two different users sending racist abuse.

The former Chelsea player wrote alongside the messages: “Something needs to change! The fight against racism continues.”

An Arsenal spokesperson added: “We all need to work together to drive this behaviour out. This includes clubs, governing bodies, fans, media and politicians; but requires the help and commitment of social media companies.

HUA HIN TODAY

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26 ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Golf is Healthy By: Coach Joe D

TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOLF

S

ome people are still of the opinion that golf isn’t really a “sport” sport. Those golfers are not athletes. Aside from the Tour, they see people driving around in golf carts, parking next to their ball, and swinging a club a few times, hardly a lot of work, right?

But golf does offer a great opportunity to combine exercise and a hobby into something fun and transformational at the same time.

BENEFITS FOR YOUR GOLF BODY 1. Pick It Up and Burn Some Calories!

If you’re looking for a fun way to lose weight and improve your golf fitness, walking the course might just be right for you. Four to five hours of walking with your clubs can really add up. In fact, the average adult can expect to burn around 400 calories per hour while carrying their golf clubs. Driving around in your golf cart doesn’t count. Challenge yourself to be physically active.

2. Improve Blood Flow & Keep Your Heart Rate Up Walking the links, hauling your clubs, and taking 150 or so swipes at the ball (including practice swings) increase your heart rate and

improve your blood flow. Not an unhappy way to lower your risk for heart disease and help decrease “bad” cholesterol levels.

3. Low Impact Activity = Less Joint Pain No jumping, running on hard surfaces, or putting extreme pressure on your joints. Walking on grass is a joy. Not only does it help give you a better sense of the hole you’re playing, but players suffering from sore knee joints or ankles will find it refreshing to have a soft cushion under them.

4. Lower Risk of Injury Golf is a fairly low-injury-risk sport. The key is to keep your body flexible. Most golf-related injuries happen because you’re too stiff. Even when you’re pressed for your tee time, you can get in a quick parking lot warmup!

5. Increased Life Expectancy Research has found that happy and active people live longer. Forgiving the wayward shots, a bad day on the golf course still beats a mediocre day just about anywhere else. The more you play golf, the more enjoyment you’ll get out of life.

You’ll have a stronger body, a stronger mind, and stronger bonds with your playing partners.

It’s Not Just Physical Health: Mental Health Benefits of Golf 6. Becoming More Relaxed Just being outside and enjoying the weather helps reduce stress. Golf takes this a step further. Walking around in a beautiful environment, moving your body, spending time with friends… these can all help reduce stress (unless you find yourself playing from behind a tree.) The mechanism behind this is the release of endorphins, our body’s way of naturally enhancing our mood. The end result? A happy and relaxed golfer.

7. Helps Naturally Reduce Depression Just like with stress reduction, the chemicals in your brain help to naturally reduce depression. Endorphins play a big role here too, but so do the social interactions that occur during a spirited round of golf between friends.

8. More Social Interaction Although golf is not a team sport, it’s a lot of fun to play with a group of friends and/or family. The simple act of enjoying a great day outside with people that matter will strengthen those bonds and create life-long memories.

9. All That Fresh Air Will Clear Your Mind Many of us live hectic lifestyles running companies, managing teams, taking care of families...there are probably a thousand things on your mind at any given moment. Take a few of those moments, clear your mind and enjoy a few hours out on the course.

10. Better, Deeper Sleep We humans sleep better when our bodies are active and our heads are clear. Golf helps with both. People who are overweight tend to snore more, a clear sign they struggle to breathe while sleeping (and why they often wake up multiple times during the night). Weight loss is proven to help people sleep better, and golf is proven to help with weight loss.

So Take A Hike The health benefits of golf apply to any age group, body type, and fitness level. Everyone should be able to enjoy a beautiful day on the golf course getting some exercise, clearing the mind, reducing negative thoughts, and socializing with others.

Just keep in mind, the best way to take advantage of these 10 health benefits of golf is by walking, not driving the cart.

Give it a shot! Sling on a carry bag, or take a pull cart with you next time out.

HUA HIN TODAY

Green Fee

% 50 (฿1,950)

Tel: 032 618 666 • Email: proshop@bmghuahin.com • www.blackmountainhuahin.com

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28 ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

City Brief

DUSTY WORK FOR CITY OFFICIALS

H

ua Hin Municipality responded energetically to complaints by residents along Prajadhipok Road about rising dust from the Construction of new railway tracks there. Sino-Thai Company Engineering and Construction workers sprayed water to reduce the dust and clean the road.

Led by Permanent Secretary of the Municipality Jirawat Prammani, who is also acting Mayor of Hua Hin municipal and municipal officers also rolled up their sleeves to join in the cleaning effort.

Officers from the Environmental Sanitation Department Division and Environment and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation all pitched in to clean the affected construction area.

The construction of the double-track railway, at the site of the new Hua Hin Railway Station, raises a lot of dust that floated into resident homes and shops.

D

TOXIC OCTOPUS WARNING

epartment of Marine and Coastal Resources warns people to beware when buying octopus for eating that may be life-threatening.

Authorities are warning people in every province after consumers reported that they have seen Blue-ringed Octopus being sold mixed with other edible octopus at a market in Prathum Thani Province.

The department fears that this octopus might be sold in Hua Hin markets and warns people to look carefully when buying octopus.

Squid and cuttlefish though are different from octopus and are safe to eat as usual. Blue-ringed Octopus (genus Hapalochlaena) has highly toxic tetradotoxin venom when it bites. The toxin can kill humans within minutes through paralysis and there is no antivenom available. Neither can this toxin be destroyed by heat in cooking. The octopus is small, 8-20cm long, and has black and blue ring-shaped circles, looking like large spots, all over its body and tentacles.

Please alert the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources on 0 2141 1333 or Green Call 1310 hotline.

EMERGENCY LINE ACCOUNT

D

epartment of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation now has an emergency information channel on Line for the public to contact for all emergencies and disasters 24 hours a day.

Previously the department relied only on its hotline 1784 for emergency calls for assistance.

Community emergency Information, warnings and alerts are available at the department’s Line official account by signing on to Line ID: @ 1784DDPM or by scanning the QR Code.

Members of the public can also themselves directly report accidents, flood, storm or fire. Requests for emergency help can also be made there.

POLL CANDIDATES GET READY

H

ua Hin Municipality gave candidates for the forthcoming local council and mayoral elections detailed explanations of the electoral laws and administration of the city elections.

Hua Hin Municipality Permanent Secretary Jirawat Prammani, who is also Electoral Director, and Chairman of the Election Commission Tran Bunsomboonsaku outlined the working of the polls to the candidates at Prachuap Grand Hotel on February 21.

Director of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Election Office, Nakana Kan-ura, led the gathering and described the roles of electoral councils and local administrators and what is allowed under electoral laws.

Ms Nakana specified legal campaigning methods and prohibitions and the preparation of electoral income-expenditure accounts of candidates.

City Brief

HUA HIN TODAY

29

PLANNING FOR ATTRACTIVE SEAFRONT WALKING STREET

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lans are moving ahead to make a walking street near the Hua Hin seafront.

The area being looked at is around Chao Pho Somboon Shrine and Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine and preparation for there to be a pedestrian street up to Hua Hin Pier.

Hua Hin Municipality officials met with Hua Hin/Cha-am Tourism Business representatives to discuss the walking street as a new tourism destination of Hua Hin. The meeting discussed ways to improve the location include the rocky area in front of the Hilton Hotel.

The meeting thought that the statue of a shark-hugging man will suit the project well because it is an ancient symbol of Hua Hin that was created by the imagination of residents of old.

The fishermen’s moorings and the existing promenade can be naturally included in the pedestrian street.

This project is supported and encouraged by the Hua Hin/Cha-am Tourism Business Association and the board of directors of the Tiger God Shrine.

Hua Hin Municipality and Business Association are also supportive of the general plan to improve the seafront for strollers.

BANYAN SUNSET COCKTAIL PARTY C

elebrate a joyful sunset with other Club Members and Partners at one of Banyan lifestyle villas at the Banyan Residences. Enjoy an evening filled with great conversations, finger foods and live music.

The entrance is free for all Members and Partners and includes a signature drink and a selection of various finger foods. Dress code is smart casual with a touch of yellow.

To register please scan the QR code or click on the following link https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/7BZQFT9 and fill out the registration form.

We are excited to see you again on the 9th of March!

LOCAL MARKETS GO ORGANIC A

local bank is encouraging Prachuap farmers to sell only organic produce at “Go Green” fresh markets around the province.

Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is encouraging farmers who are customers of the bank to better realise the importance of organic farming to produce quality supply at reasonable price for consumers.

The bank recommends that growers focus instead on the use natural raw materials that do not harm the environment to grow their produce.

Commodities brought for sale at the Go Green markets must be farmers’ own produce that are 100 per cent free from pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Market buyers are also encouraged to recognise the importance of consuming a healthy diet.

Market distribution channels have been increased for the organic produce. The PTT petrol station at Cha-Am sells these fresh organic produce on Saturday and Sunday as does OTOP centre in Hua Hin every Thursday and Saturday. There are also 11 other locations throughout the province.

Consumers seeking healthier food and patients fighting diseases can now buy safe agricultural produce while also helping to make income for local growers.

30 ISSUE 224 • MARCH 2021

Travel

TOURING GASTRONOMICALLY A very up and coming trend that has received positive feedback from both Thai and foreigners is gastronomic tourism, also known as culinary tourism.

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rachuap Khiri Khan Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is (TAT) currently promotes a great deal on gastronomic tourism.

Gastronomic tourism gives tourists the chance to experience the way of livelihood of the people in the community and get a chance to eat local food in the respective province, which can make the experience quite unique.

The first destination that we went to was Rungrung Pineapple Farm. It is a pineapple plantation that helps farmers learn to grow organic pineapple. Khun Roongrung aims to host community tourism in the future. Two years ago we were introduced to Siam gold pineapple by the government because it’s popular among foreign consumers and exportation.

The next stop was a place where might not seem familiar for many people, it is a community in Pranburi.

One of the first places we visited was the Community Enterprises of a local fishery group at Pranburi Community Market. At the market there is a nursery centre for crabs with eggs caught by fishermen and in near future will be brought back to the sea.

It is an agreement that has been made between the community and fishermen in order to sustainably conserve aquatic animals because the released crab with eggs can grow tens of thousands of crabs to return as food for the people. Followed by a treasured ride known as ‘Saleng’ (Motor Tricycle), which carries three people, operated by local people in the community to take tourists around, and stops at the local fishermen’s marina which is the source of all the fresh seafood.

A modern and most well known tool today is social media.

With the help of the local fisheries aid fund in Pranburi, fisheries entrepreneurs are able to sell dried seafood product online without any mediators, which usually gets to more than 100 orders a day.

The trip ended with us travelling to KuiBuri to Jackfruit Thongprasert, which is known for their export to China. The jackfruit at Jackfruit Thongprasert is known for its sweetness with the combination of thick and soft texture making it, uncontrollably delicious.

It can also be processed into other items, such as jackfruit chips, jackfruit juice and jackfruit paste. At the end of the day of our journey, we headed to Damnoen Kasem restaurant for a appetising dinner. We stayed at a decent, feasible and small resort in Pranburi. Right after dinner we went to straight to our room and rest, due to the exhaustion from travelling all day and await another big day tomorrow. The second day we head to Thap Sakae to visit Uncle Boon’s Coconut NokKhum Farm. We were welcomed very well by the owner of the garden is uncle Boon and enjoyed tasting the fragramatic coconuts so much, that we had two coconuts.

The highlight of the day was the local lunch at a community where villagers prepared their organics crops for us. With such an amazing food, it really made our stomach happy. They also have a cooking show for anyone who wants to try cooking.

With the satisfaction, we were ready to continue our journey and went straight to Bang Sapan Noi, which was an hour’s drive from Thap Sakae.

Bang Sapan is known for their salted fish made from mackerel fish. When we went there we witnessed how

fishermen gone out to sea to find fish and came back with fresh fish that was converted into salted fish.

With not so many places to visit, we stayed at a good and reasonable priced hotel not far from the pier to KhaoThalu. We began our third day with a visit to WatThumKhaomarong. WatThumKhaomarong was a remarkable destination to visit. Inside the cave, there is a sacred well that the Bureau of the Royal Household came to collect for the ceremony of ascending the throne of King Rama 10.

After the cave we went to Baan Marong Community, where community products are sold, and the most popular product is salted egg. Salted egg might not seem quite special, but there is something different that we learned about this salted egg. They apply the eggs with marly limestone on and then mixing them with pandanus leaves to get the scent of pandanus leaves.

We went to lunch afterwards, but I did not eat much as I wanted to save space in my stomach for fresh oyster at KlongNangrom. KlongNagrom offers boat trips that have six seats, of course putting on a life jacket was what I did. I can tell you that during the trip they served us with “unlimited fresh oyster.”

At the end of the trip we all enjoyed the trip arranged

by TAT Prachuap and we are looking forward to the Chef’s Table bringing ingredients from each place to create a menu for us, which I can wait for.

HUA HIN TODAY

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