Hua Hin Today February 1 - 15, 2020

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Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi

A milestone has been achieved by the Monsoon Valley Vineyard In recognition of the quality of the wines being produced by Thailand’s most acclaimed vineyard, the company has now won 300 international awards from international wine competitions since 2008.

(Read more on Page 2)

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1 - 15 February 2020

Thailand Kiteboarding Championship 2020 at the Khao Tao Beach

(Page 4)

The ‘Broken Violin’

A Program designed to help underprivileged youth (Page 5)

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Hua Hin’s Only Vineyard Wins 300 International Wine Awards

International Awards means awards from countries such as Germany, Austria, Hong Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom with the host of medals and other awards from across the range of white, red and blended wines in the Monsoon Valley portfolio.

Most recently at the 2020 International Wine Challenge five awards were presented for the Monsoon Valley Colombard 2019, Signature White 2019 (Chenin Blanc), Cuvee De Siam Rouge 2015 (95% Shiraz with a touch of Sangiovese), White Shiraz Vintage 2019 and Valley Cuvée of Siam White Vintage 2014.

At the 2019 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition silver and bronze medals were awarded for Monsoon Valley White Shiraz Vintage 2019, Signature Red Vintage 2016, Shiraz Vintage 2017 and Colombard Vintage 2019.

We can’t list the full award list but the most awarded wines over the years have been Monsoon Valley’s Shiraz, winning 47 awards (including 2 gold medals) and the Monsoon Valley Colombard, winning 43 awards (including 1 gold medal). Another most prestigious wine with five gold medals has been the Monsoon Valley Cuvée De Siam Rouge.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

The award milestone was announced at the Grand Opening of the Monsoon Valley Wine Bar on 22nd January as the rebirth of this long-established wine outlet. The Monsoon Valley Wine Bar was first opened at Market Village in 2011 and then moved to the current premises at the very central and accessible location in downtown Hua Hin in 2015.

journey to be judged in award competitions. The new design of the wine bar successfully incorporates the best of a wine bar, restaurant, delicatessen and retail features. This allows the entire portfolio Monsoon Valley wines to be on sale in addition to other international and brands from the ‘World of Wines Selection’.

However, a need to move with the times was recognised and over recent months a complete makeover has been undertaken.

You can now savor a glass of wine and taste regional premium quality selected cheese or charcuterie and an array of signature and seafood dishes in the indoor lounge and dining area or on the welcoming outdoor terrace. Here you can get your favorite bottle at bargain prices in a fine dining restaurant, making your dinner an amazing great value wine and dine experience.

Guests at the sparkling Grand Opening were offered the opportunity to join Monsoon Valley luminaries including the Siam Winery Chief Operating Officer Chris Carter and General Manager of Food & Beverages Guido Campigotto to partake in a wine tasting session with a selection of these award-winning wines.

The learned advice of Suppached Sasomsin, the Deputy Director of Innovation & Winemaking was also on hand.

He’s had the opportunity to travel many parts of the world to enhance his industry expertise but also to sometimes be the chaperone for wine bottles making the hazardous

Apart from the changes to the wine bar design and customer comforts, a Privilege Membership program has begun with an array of membership benefits and daily happenings are on offer:

Monsoon Valley Wine Bar: 2nd floor, Villa Market Monsoon Valley Wine Bar Open daily from 10.00 am. - 22.00pm.

3 Content 4 Cover story

Letter From the Editor-in-Chief

Dear readers,

Yours Truly, Visa Chimdee – Editor-in-Chief

10 Local News 12 Off Beat News 14 City Brief 15 Health 18 Opinion 20 Last Month 22 Nature Property & Sports Food & Entertainment

Where to find us:

To Pranburi

JAYNALYN MEDIA Co.,Ltd., (Hua Hin) Address:

87/3 Soi Hua Tanon 19, Khao Takiab Road, Nong Kae, Hua Hin, Prachuab Kirikhan 77110 Tel. 032 900 150

Khao Takiab Rd.

JAYNALYN MEDIA Co.,Ltd., (Head Office) Address: 194 Soi Pridi Banomyong 46 (Soi Chit Wari), Sukhumvit 71 Road,

Klong Tan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Website: huahintoday.com Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday Editor-In-Chief: Visa Chimdee Tel. 086 3693 604, Email: visa@huahintoday.com

Letter to the Editor Dear Ms. Editor, As the ongoing burning of grass and garbage on open fields have been occurring almost daily all over Hua Hin and Pranburi, I as an expat and a concerned citizen would like to urge Hua Hin Today to help and take a look at this matter seriously.

Hua Hin Today Newspaper

Petchkasem Rd. Soi Hua Thanon 17

In due respect, I believe that we can make this problem fade away into the past, if we, as a community cooperate and play our role in preserving our environment… which is, as a matter of fact, our only home.

6 Community

Soi Hua Thanon 19

Welcome to our first issue of February… The month of love and romance! It’s also the month where Mr. Cupid aims his arrow at lovers. You might want to check out our Food & Entertainment section, ‘coz there are some places in town where you could spend your Valentine’s dinner with your ‘special someone’.

Anyway, regarding local news, ever since we’ve reported about the burning of garbage and grass in open land (from our last month’s issue), we’ve been receiving hundreds of comments and complaints as well on our Facebook Page about people burning grass and garbage in their own properties. Most of them are doing it just to clear their lands.

I understand that these land owners have their rights to do anything on their own land, but once their actions have reached the point where it is affecting other people’s health or causing nuisance to the neighbours, that is when, the authorities need to step in.

I have also observed that these burnings usually occurs at night (where no one could see them).

The burning of materials containing hazardous smoke is harmful for our respiratory system and ashes that causes infection to the eyes.

Hua Hin Today has reported a couple of cases to the local Dept. of Public Health and Environment and they have taken actions immediately. Although one of the authorities have explained that they do receive numerous calls daily regarding these burning of grass and garbage.

They are trying their best to attend to as much cases as possible, but the public also has to understand that they (the department) also lack manpower. This has been a nationwide crisis for many years now, but rest assured that the department will try to resolve the problem although slowly but surely.

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As we all know, the burning of grass and garbage on one’s backyard is hazardous to your health, and even though it’s now against the law, there are still people doing it. My Thai wife and I have been ringing the authorities to inform them about the burning behind our residence (in Khao Tao), but no one seems to acknowledge our complaints or did they even bother come to check the area. This has been going on and on for many months now.

I would like to request if it is possible for Hua Hin Today to be the ‘link’ between us residents and the local Dept. of Public Health & Environment to help pass on our complaints.

I’ve heard that recently where you called the department on behalf of a foreign resident in Khao Takiab who went to your office to complain about the burning, and the authorities responded immediately.

Perhaps the local department is more responsive when the media (like the Hua Hin Today) who calls to complain and request for their action.

We’re still hoping that the local department could resolve this matter as soon as possible. Thank you in advance.

Regards, Jacob Wenger jr.

Thanks for expressing these concerns. As expressed in the editor’s letter, progress has been made.

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Thailand Kiteboarding Championship 2020 at Khao Tao Beach

2020年Khao tao 沙滩泰国风筝板锦标赛 作为2020年泰国风筝板锦标赛的比赛场地，平时安静无人的 Khao Tao沙 滩将会在3月7至8号活跃起来。

Khao Tao’s normally quiet and uncrowded sandy beach will come alive on 7th – 8th March as the venue for the 2020 Thailand Kiteboard and Wind surfing Championship.

另一个好处则是，这项运动是对环境友好 的，因为只涉及到风力和人力，也没有扰乱 海涛的宁静，不会引起像摩托艇以及其他海 上引擎的噪音污染 另一个将会在风筝板锦标赛亮相的运动是 直立板，这是最近在世界上兴起最快的运 动之一。 将会有成千上万不同年龄段的人参加比赛、 锻炼或只是和朋友一起旅行。这提供了一个 良好的锻炼机会，无论是在起伏的波浪上还 是平坦的水面上。

Hua Hin has long been a mecca for Thai and international enthusiast of these sports. The wide sandy beaches and the favourable and very reliable weather conditions, with winds nearly all year round, are two of the reasons why Hua Hin has the best wind surfing conditions in Thailand. Thai hospitality and an established infrastructure just add to that appeal.

The action of kiteboarding is fast and furious and a great spectator opportunity.

This will also be a chance to talk with the experts about learning the sport yourself with workshops and trial sessions available if you are looking for something wet and wild!

Hua Hin has accredited windsurfing schools for those who are so inclined.

Although no longer an extreme sport, it’s important to learn with the right school so you enjoy yourself in a safe environment.

The other good news is that these water

sports are environmentally friendly with only wind and man power at work so no noise pollution from screaming jet skis or other marine engines to disturb the serenity of the Kho Tao beach; just an occasional tender or safety vessel on hand.

Another sport which will be seen at the Khao Tao event is SUP or Stand Up Paddle boarding. This is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Thousands of people all ages join competitions, workouts or just social trips with friends. This provides a great workout, either in waves or gliding on flat water. A fitness class walking on water!

Many other activities will be happening in the Khao Tao area in association with the main event with food stalls, displays and evening concerts and ‘sundowners’.

华欣长期以来一直是泰国和国际运动爱好者 的圣地。 华欣拥有泰国最好的风浪条件， 其中两个原因是华欣拥有宽阔的沙滩和靠谱 的天气条件，几乎全年都有风。 并且泰国人 热情好客的性格增强了这股吸引力。 风筝板这项运动将会迅速并且激烈，是个不 可错过的观看好机会。如果你在寻找一个 猛烈并且湿漉漉的体验！这也是一个可以 与风筝板专家交谈、学习、讨论以及试玩的 好机会！ 对此运动感兴趣的人，在华欣地区也有已被 认证的专业帆板运动学校。虽然这不是一项 极限运动，但是为了安全起见，应当受到一 定的训练。

除此之外，许多其他活动也将会在Khao Tao 沙滩举行，比如各种食物摊位、展览、晚间 音乐会和“Sundowners”。

Lion’s Club Hua Hin and King Mongkut’s Hospital Foundation to Donate Additional Medical Equipment to Hua Hin Hospital

Last January 15 Mr. Pongsak Ketsawatwong, president of the King Mongkut’s Hospital Foundation, Petchburi and Mr. Alex Binnekamp, president of Lion’s Club Hua Hin together with committee held a meeting with Dr. Niran Chantrakul, director of Hua Hin Hospital conferring about medical equipment to be donated to Hua Hin Hospital. During the meeting, Pongsak said that this year the King Mongkut’s Hospital Foundation have completed the project ‘Honorary Activities’ in honor of King Rama 9 and Rama 10, which consists the following: 1. 109 Scholarships 2. 109 Sets of encyclopedias 3. 109 Medical equipments The entire project was valued at more than10 million Baht. Hua Hin Hospital will receive a set of new medical equipment including a cardiovascular monitoring machine worth 200,000 Baht, which will be provided by The Lion’s Club Hua Hin and will be handed on March 13, 2020 at the King Mongkut’s Hospital. The rest of the 17 donations will go to 17 different hospitals and a group of primary schools as well.

The Foundation of King Mongkut’s Hospital and the Lion’s Club Hua Hin were responsive of the duty to provide and contribute medical and educational needs of local communities.

Hua Hin Hospital provides daily treatment to patients both Thai and foreigners, it is essential to acquire modern medical equipment to meet the needs of the medical team in order to perform effective treatment.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

5 Launching the ‘Broken Violin’

As of 14 January, Mr. Thanon Panpipas, Hua Hin’s Chief District Officer, Ms. Pailin Kongphan, deputy mayor for Hua Hin municipality, distinguished guests, and media were invited to join the opening launched a touring performance series and the public space for communities.

The director Patravadi Mejudhon, the founder of the adjacent Pataravadi High School, launched the white space or the so-called “Hua Hin Skate Park” and the play or “The Broken Violin” project, which was designed to help underprivileged youth to develop skills and capabilities based on their strengths and areas of interest by providing opportunities and space for needed activities in communities.

The performance of “Broken Violin” is about the youth named Tossawat Chandapon, 21, who was once a drug dealer and arrested for using and selling drugs yet now he is the main actor of the play. Thus, the play aims to inspire youths who have chosen the wrong path like him to turn their lives around.

The elements of performance—arts, music and skate boarding are harmoniously blended into the aim of the play concerning bad parenting habits such as intimidation and

having high expectations on children. Also, definitely, there was violin skateboarding.

The cast also consists of skate crews from Phra Pradaeng district south of Bangkok in Samut Prakan province, students from Patravadi School, the professional artist—Narinthorn Na Bangchang, and choreographers.

The Hua Hin Skate Park will be open to the public for free, 8 am to 9:30 pm, every day.

“The Broken Violin” will be performed from 7-9 February at Hua Hin Skate Park in front of Patravadi High School before hitting the road for tour performance series throughout the country. The next performance will be at Chet Samian Market in Photharam district, Ratchaburi from 14-15 Feb. All shows will be free with encouraged donations to the Dhamma Theatre Foundation, who organizes the shows and fuses entertainments and education to troubled youth.

For more information online: www.thebro kenviolin.com; Facebook: The BrokenViolin Project เสน่ห์...รอยร้าว; Line ID @vichuahin For reservation, please browse www.ticketmelon.com/brokenviolin, or call 032-827814.

2020年1月14号，佛法戏剧基金会创始人、 国家一级演员（戏剧以及电影）Patravadi Meechuthon女士在华欣Patravadi学校的 华欣滑板公园（HuaHin Skate park）开展 了面对儿童、青少年和社区发展的创意艺术 项目：“魅力与裂缝”（破碎小提琴）。该 项目宗旨主要通过与青年互动共同创作艺术 作品，起到共同推动社会发展以及反映社会 上的儿童和青年问题的作用。本项目将会在 2月7日至9日进行首演，之后将会开始在全 国巡回演出。

主演。该表演主要为年情人创造一个发挥才 能的舞台和推动社会产生对家庭问题的思考 并且达到解决问题的目标。演出将会以巡演 的形式在曼的各个地区出演并且之后会开始 延续到全国各地。

同时也推出了 “华欣滑板公园”，一个 可以让儿童、青年释放想象力的一个空间。 并且邀请了华欣警长Thanon Pornrapipas 先生、副市长Pailin Kongphan、以及各大 嘉宾和媒体观看了结合许多艺术门派的现场 表演，例如：音乐和滑板秀。并且由专业艺 术家Khun Narinthon Bangchang先生与 Baan Kanchanapisek和Phra Pradaeng 地区的（男性）儿童和青少年培训中心负责

总之，佛法戏剧基金会为了增强儿童和青年 的能力以及一个发挥的舞台，会创造一个 增强和展现儿童和青年能力的舞台，而在 Patravadi Theater附近创造了“华欣滑板 公园”，并且对外免费开放。 而“魅力与裂缝”将会在2月7到9号在华欣 滑板公园进行演出。 有关更多信息，请致电032-827814，或 者网站www.thebrokenviolin.com; 或者 Facebook: The Broken Violin Project 以 及Line ID @vichuahin 订票请访问www.ticketmelon.com/ brokenviolin HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

6 Gifts of Happiness from Centara Grand Hua Hin Offering a Better Future to Underprivileged Children

Marking the 8th consecutive year of great success since 2012, Centara Grand Hua Hin’s Annual Scholarship Ceremony recently shared great pleasure granted a combined Baht 150,000 worth of scholarship funds and gifts to underprivileged children in remote areas.

The afternoon of Friday, January 17, 2020 saw another happy and generous moment as Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin successfully organised its Annual Scholarship Ceremony 2020 at the hotel’s beautiful Colonial Hall, marking the 8th year of great support to Hua Hin’s local community.

Led by David Martens, General Manager & Corporate Director of Operations Hua Hin, Krabi, Samui & Vietnam, the event also welcomed Sirapan Kamolpramote, adviser to the Mayor of Hua Hin, Soraya Homchuen, Director of

Tourism Authority of Thailand (Prachuap Khirikhan Office) and Wassana Srikanchana, President of the Cha-Am Hua Hin Tourism Business Association, who joined the ceremony to congratulate the students, personally presenting each child with scholarships and gifts they wished for, such as bikes, radio, mobile phones, sport equipment as well as school uniforms.

From these humble beginnings, Centara Grand Hua Hin has taken the initiative even further to support the development of thinking skills and encourage the love for reading in students. By partnering with Jamsai Publishing Thailand, the hotel also sponsored 500 brand new books to school libraries, broadening the range of resources to which they can refer students.

Children Day at Khao Tao

On Jan 18, 2020 at Khao Tao Community,

by Mr. NoppornWutthikul, the Mayor of Hua HinPresident attended over the opening ceremony of the National Children’s Day Year 2020 of the Khao Tao community.

In addition, the members of the Hua Hin City Council and many people brought their children to participate and joined the event, which has been carried out for a long time to organise Children’s Day at Khao Tao and Khao Takiap will be held later on everywhere.

On the same day, Mr. Paitoon Rattanakon, the director of the Provincial Electricity Authority, District 1, Phetchaburi Province, along with a group of officials, delivered 40 electric pillars with LED lights to the Hua Hin HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

Municipality and by Mr. NoppornWuttikul receivedas a representative, which will make to have bright around the Khao Tao Reservoir at night andlook beautiful around the Khao -Tao area, which all in the value of 1,379,551 baht.

In this year’s Khao Tao Children’s Day, there was aselling booths of foods, drinks, and toys in purpose of bringing a lot of happiness for the children to enjoy.

In addition, the Provincial Electricity Authority brought toys that is related to the eclectic knowledge to entertain techildren in the event too, and in summary, Khao Takiabdid arrange a great Children Day this year.

Asked about the success of the event, David Martens shared “My team and I are very glad to see another successful year that Centara Grand Hua Hin was able to take part in supporting the local community and improve early childhood education in Hua Hin. This year, we have significantly raised the total amount of donation to over Baht 150,000 for the 50 students from 4 schools.

Since 2012, the hotel has raised over Baht 650,000 and continuously awarded over 400 scholarships. Of course, this success is made possible through the support from Hua Hin Municipality, TAT, and other private sectors. I do hope that this will set a new standard of how a business supports and motivates for better community engagement.”

First opened its doors to welcome guests in the early 1920s, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is regarded as one of the grand hotels of the East, with a wide expanse of gardens perfect for strolling, capturing memories and enjoying the sea breeze right at the beachfront lawn.

With its perfect location in the town centre ideal for exploring and shopping, the hotel is a prime destination for couples and families.

Sunday Beach Cleaning programs

Sunday Beach Cleaning programs continue to involve the Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. The team together with the Trash Hero Hua Hin team cleaning up the beach and the area at Hua Hin Ferry and also bring drinking water for volunteers. On a Sunday around 80 kilograms of trash may include two bags of plastic to be recycled from the beach and the Hua Hin Ferry area.

7 Makha Bucha Day – February 8th

This important day on the Thai calendar commemorates two separate events that occurred on the same date 45 years apart, during the Buddha’s lifetime 2,500 years ago.

On February 8th this year, Buddhists across Thailand celebrate Makha Bucha Day as one of the most important Buddhist holidays in the kingdom.

The first event was the coming together of 1,250 monks from all locations and directions, to meet and be ordained by the Buddha. This event occurred seven months after the Buddha began his teaching. The second event, which occurred 45 years later, was the Buddha delivering his teachings shortly before his death.

Both of these events occurred on the day of the full moon of the third lunar month, a month known in the Buddhist Pali language as ‘Makha’. The ‘Bucha’, also a Pali word, means to venerate or to honour. Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings on the full moon day of the third lunar month.

Makha Bucha Day represents a great deal in terms of the development of Buddhism in Thailand. It is a highly ceremonial event and an event that was only recently revived as part of Thai Buddhist traditions. The Supreme Patriarch of the Marble Temple in Bangkok, Kittsobhana Mahathera, is credited with this revival in 1957.

GROUP ORDINATION Numerous temples and religious centres nationwide will organise a group ordination to celebrate Makha Bucha Day. Male Buddhists may take part in a group ordination at various temples or religious centres.

MASS MEDITATION Apart from making merit and listening to sermons at temples during Makha Bucha Day, Buddhists are also encouraged to meditate and pray in commemoration of the Lord Buddha’s Buddhist teachings. In the morning many Thai people wake up early to give alms to monks. In the evening, temples are full of people listening to sermons. They often perform a ritual known as the candle ceremony where they walk clockwise three times around the temple holding flowers, incense and a lighted candle.

As part of the observance, Thai Buddhists are encouraged to do their best to observe the ‘Five Precepts’, even for just the next couple of days. The ‘Five Precepts’,

万佛节 2月8号 万佛节是泰国一个重要的节日，主要是为了纪念佛教史上 两个不同的重要事件，该事件发生在同一个日子， 相隔45年，并且是在2500年前佛祖在世的时候。 在今年的2月8号，作为泰国最重要的一个佛教节日之一，各 地的佛教徒会们过万佛节。 第一次有来自四面八方的1250名僧人不约而同地与佛祖会 合，该事件发生在佛祖开始开始宣传教义七个月以后。第 二次事件发生在45年后，则是佛祖在涅槃前不久的教诲。 该事件都同时发生在农历三月的满月日。农历三月份在巴利 语是：“Makha”。而：“Bucha”的意思是尊敬和敬仰。 所以两个词连在一起则是Makha Bucha，也就是万佛节。这 是一个在农历三月的满月日对佛祖和佛祖的教义敬仰的节日 与此同时，万佛节也代表了佛教在泰国的繁荣发展，也同时 是泰国一个非常隆重的佛教节日。该节日是在1957年由僧王 Kittsobhana Mahathera 振兴起来的

which is the basic Buddhism code of ethics and is a practice of renunciation, tells Buddhists to abstain from harming any living thing; from stealing; from taking intoxicants; from backbiting, gossiping and telling lies; and from engaging in immoral behaviour.

Devout Buddhists may also observe additional precepts during the period. They will abstain from eating after midday; from using a soft chair or a high bed, from wearing ornaments or perfume and from public entertainment, dancing or singing. Those who observe these precepts strictly practice meditation and mental discipline, stay in the temple, wear white robes, and eat only vegetarian food for a number of days.

Many private and public organisations have plans to mark this holy holiday. Monday 10th February will be a public holiday as 8th February is on the weekend (Saturday).

For visitors to Thailand, Makha Bucha Day presents a great opportunity to observe first-hand the importance of the Thai people’s religious beliefs and practices.

On Makha Bucha Day consumption of alcohol is considered to be a religious violation and alcohol outlets are closed for the day.

全国各地许多的寺庙以及宗教场所将会组织万佛节的仪式。并且 男性佛教徒也会参与寺庙的仪式组织。

大众打坐 除了在万佛节行善积德和聆听诵经讲道以外，佛教信徒们也会打 坐和念经，以纪念佛祖的教义。很多泰国人会早早醒来给僧侣施 舍。晚上，寺庙里挤满了听听诵经讲道的人。并且他们经常举行 一种佛教仪式，叫做巡烛礼。所谓巡烛礼就是手持鲜花、香和点 燃的蜡烛，绕着寺庙顺时针走三圈的一种仪式。 为了过万佛节，泰国人也会尽最大的努力遵守五戒。所谓五戒， 就是佛教的一个基本道德信念和行为准则。即不杀生、不偷盗、 不邪淫、不妄语、不饮酒。 虔诚的信徒们也可以选择在这期间遵守额外的戒律。比如禁食、不 在午间以后吃东西、不坐软椅、不睡高床、不佩戴饰品、不喷香 水、也不参与任何有关娱乐的活动，甚至不会唱歌和跳舞。这些严 格修行的人，一般会住在寺庙一段时间，身穿白褂、并且只吃素。 许多私营和公共组织都计划纪念这个神圣的假期。由于2月8日是 周末（星期六），所以将2月10日星期一增订为公共假期。而对 于来泰国游玩的访客们，这也是是一个亲身体验泰国人民宗教信 仰和习俗的大好机会。 在万佛节当天，饮酒被认为是违反宗教的 行为，并且所有卖酒的场所会在当天关闭。

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8 City Warns of Bacterial Infections Hua Hin Municipality warns the public of possible spreading of diarrhea during this period.

Expert says that the rotavirus and norovirus bacteria tends to be active during the dry season.

People are easily infected by eating half-cooked food, leftover during the night such as those ‘take away’ foods, drinking unsterilized water or even ice (cubes). Symptoms for diarrhea are fever, vomiting and loose bowel movement (LBM) which will cause the body to dehydrate. If not treated immediately, it may lead to dizziness, loss of conscious and even death.

Th e M i n i st r y o f P u b l i c Health recommends the public to follow the basic principle for food preparation: “Cooked, Hot and Clean”. Re-cook or re-warm leftover food before eating, boil water when preparing milk for infants or children, and wash hands before and after eating to avoid the spreading of bacteria.

Drinking plenty of mineral water and eating proper diet such as fruits (banana or apple, etc.) can relief the symptoms. People with severe fever, continuous LBM, vomiting and extreme fatigue should seek medical help immediately.

For more information, please call the Department of Disease Control’s hotline, call 1422.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

Chinese Visitor to Hua Hin Diagnosed with Coronavirus, Caution Not Alarm is Advised

Diagnosis of a Coronavirus case in Hua Hin has been revealed by the public health agencies with a second laboratory test waiting to reconfirm the results at the time this news is being reported.

The patient is reported to be a 73-year-old Chinese woman who passed through Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 19th, and traveled to Hua Hin on January 25th. She is reported to have traveled directly to the hotel and has not visited any other locations in Hua Hin. Hospital admission followed reporting a high fever and the patient was admitted to a private hospital in Hua Hin on January 23rd where she remains hospitalised in isolation.

The public health advice is to be vigilant with regard to any ‘flu-like’

symptoms and to take extra care with hand washing and other personal hygiene; however this is likely to be a single case not requiring further action.

The Hua Hin sheriff has issued a letter to hotel operators to monitor Chinese tourists who had traveled to Thailand from Wuhan city in China. Mr. Thanon Panpipas, Hua Hin sheriff has now informed all hotel business owners in order to prevent a local outbreak of the virus.

If there is any doubt or a high fever or coughing presented by a guest, the matter should be reported to relevant departments immediately.

Chinese authorities have already ordered their people to refrain from traveling outside of China to prevent the virus from spreading.

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Postponing the Temporary Closure of Bon Kai Intersection

The temporary closure of Bon Kai intersection and the reconstruction of the double-track railway in Soi 88 which was supposed to commence last January 15th has been postponed.

The Hua Hin municipality and Sino-Thai Construction Company Limited – STCC (the engineering group in charge of the project) have announced its postponement until midApril or right after the Songkran holiday.

Due to some technicalities and the precise positioning the main pillars under its foundation, particularly pillar no. 92 which was expected to be adjacent to the railway road near the roundabout. After thoroughly checked the lay out and the landscape, pillar no. 92 should actually move further north of the railway road. Nevertheless, a new construction plan has been drafted and will be submitted to the committee for approval during their upcoming meeting in the municipality.

Mr. Witchakorn Amrapal, foreman of the STCC also suggested in rebuilding the existing roundabout at the intersection to a smaller one in order for the traffic to flow more efficiently especially during peaked hours. But Hua Hin mayor Nopporn Wuttikul insisted and told the engineering group to reconsider and build a larger roundabout instead.

During the construction, traffic will only be allowed 1 to 2 lanes at a time in the area. Congestion is expected during the day but an alternate route (behind the Market Village) will be directed to ease the flow of traffic during rush hours. The whole project is expected to be completed within 2 and a half months. The public is advised to carefully follow road signs and the diverted route in order to avoid traffic delays and accidents.

Warning lights will be installed around the construction site to make it safe for motorists using the route during the night.

Hua Hin municipality has also urged the STCC group to expedite the construction so it could be accessible to motorists before the school reopen. Diagrams of the completed

project will be displayed along the railway road, intersection and various media channels to provide the public vital information of the project, during and after its construction.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

10 Hua Hin Chinese New Year 2020

On January 24th the Hua Hin Municipality promoted Chinese New Year Hua Hin 2020 aiming to preserve, celebrate and recognise important the cultural traditions of the Chinese-Thai people and to allow tourists and residents of Hua Hin to join in the festivities held at Pone Kingpetch Park.

Mr. Nopporn Wuttikul, Mayor of Hua Hin, presided at the event together with the executive committee of the municipality staff with teachers and students from municipality schools. Representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, the Hua Hin / Cha-Am Tourism

Business Association, Blueport Resort Mall joined a dragon parade procession around Hua Hin with Thai-Chinese people setting a worship table for auspicious Chinese Gods to ensure good fortune for the coming year. the evening by Mr. Thanon Pornrapipat, Chief Officer of THR Provincial government

presided over the event. There was many Chinese performance from students of the Hua Hin Municipality School. The event highlight one was the exciting lion dance with performers climbing a pole and a very beautiful golden dragon thrilled visitors.

Grand Opening of the Bibury Luxury Home If you are on the lookout for some of best deal in properties here in Hua Hin, try contact the Bibury Property and you’ll know why they’re one of the top in this industry.

They provide the exact needs of each customer in a responsible way. No matter whether you want to build your dream home or construct an investment property, they have got your needs covered.

Worried about the location of your property in Hua Hin? Let Bibury Property do the search for you. They offer the best location and finest property deal that

could probably exceed your expectations.

Being the most trusted & award win-ning Hua Hin Property Company with over 180 houses built, the Bibury Property gets the job done in an affordable and professional way.

Their agents follow a transparent approach to serve your needs with utmost commitment and accountability.

The Bibury Property is one of Hua Hin’s reputable and well-established property agency, providing clients in fulfilling their dream home and lifestyle.

Some Important Regional Contacts Organisation

Bibury Luxury Home have launched their grand opening with a number of property agencies attending at the WangKa-Ta area in Thap-Tai. The event was filled with enthusiasm joined by other reputable property agents in Hua Hin. The Bibury Luxury Home is unique on its own and is one of their perfect projects that are suitable for living and long-term investment as well.

With their impeccable designs and construction experience, Bibury Luxury

Home offers custom-designed interior and various home styles according to the customer’s need. Investing in property or building a dream home needs precision and hours of creative planning. The Bibury team understands the desire of owning a home that suits your lifestyle.

With a flashy finishing touch made from granite, ceramics, or marbles just to make your home an impeccable place to live in.

You can choose area sizes ranging from 579 to 1,200 square metres.

Hua Hin

Cha-Am

Police 191 (Emergency) 191 (Emergency)

032 511 027 032 471 321 Police (English speaking) 032 515995 Highway Police 1193 Tourist Police 1155 Fire Station 199 (Emergency) 199 (Emergency)

032 511 666 Fire Brigade 199(Emergency) Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT) 032 511351 Tourist information 032 611491 Information 032 602019 Hua Hin Police Station 032 533440-1 Hua Hin Tourist Police 032 515995 Hua Hin Land Department 032 536164, 032 512407 Hua Hin Local Government 032 512340, 032 532471 Red Cross 032 512567 Wildlife Rescue Centre 032 458135 Ambulance 1554 Medical Emergency 1669 Electrical Call Centre 1129 Alcoholics Anonymous 089 587 682 Bangkok Hospital 1719, 033 616 800 San Paolo 032 532 576 Cha Am Hospital 032 471 808 Hua Hin Hospital 032 520 401

Transport

Hua Hin Bus Station Railway Station

032 514 477 032 512 770

032 471 159

Government Muncipality Immigration Tourist Assistance Centre

Water Supply Post Office Power Board HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

032 511 047 1132 032 522 656 090 446 6056

032 511 677 032 511 063 032 512 215

032 477 646 032 477 252 032 472 069

11

12 Offbeat Celebrations 2020 February 1st - ‘Ice Cream for Breakfast’ Day

Meat, vegetables, cheese, anchovies and fruits… almost anything that you can get your hands on! With all this variety, there is always a pizza for just about everybody.

Pizza is eaten for breakfast (often served hot), lunch and dinner as well as a late night snack. It is a very popular food and easy to make for all kinds of occasion.

February 10th – ‘Clean Your Computer’ Day

YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY February 4th: Sri Lanka Independence Day, also known as National Day of Sri Lankan national holiday, and celebrated annually on 4 February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. It is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades and performances. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.

Many national struggles were made in the history of Sri Lanka. And on the Independence Day all of these are remembered and celebrated. But the independence movement against the British is especially recalled.

February 6th: New Zealand

It’s hard to say that it’s early spring but the snow has started to melt. Stuck in a mid winter-spring funk, and suffering from cabin fever, it’s time to do something weird, odd, and quirky.

So let’s eat ice cream for breakfast!!!

February 8th - ‘Send a Card to a Friend’ Day H ave yo u eve r fe l t t h e excitement when you open the mailbox and find a hand written card or letter? We all love getting items in the mail.

But why? Perhaps it’s the effort and the time we take to sit down and write a card and send it to a friend.

Perhaps it’s the fact that the person was thinking about you when they selected the card. Or maybe it’s the quaintness of receiving something so physical in our age of rapid digital and instant gratification.

Whatever the reason is, join us on February 7th as we celebrate the National Send a Card to a Friend Day!

Clean Your Computer Day is a day to logically review, and delete old files and programs.

Most of us add programs and files to our computer with reckless abandon. After all, computers have huge storage capacity. Many of these files and programs are forgotten over time.

Overtime, they clog memory and cause confusion during retrieval and use of other files. And, some may slow down your computer.

So, get into the spirit of the day, and clean out the old computer!

February 11th - White Shirt Day

February 11th: Japan

February 8th - Boy Scout Day

Boy Scout Day celebrates the birthday of Scouting in America. On February 8, 1910, Chicago publisher William Dickson Boyce filed incorporation papers in the District of Columbia to create the Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting groups across the country to celebrate this day.

Often a cake will be served at the weekly meeting or on a campout. Scout Sunday, the Sunday nearest the 8th of February, will often be marked with a church service, followed by a pancake breakfast.

White Shirt Day honors the men and women who participated in a sitdown strike at General Motors back in 1937. These autoworkers helped the United Auto Workers (UAW) union to become the sole bargaining agent for General Motors autoworkers. The strike ended on this day in 1937.

February 14th - Valentine’s Day

February 9th - National Pizza Day

Why, this is an absolutely great day, as it is National Pizza Day. The vast majority of people, in America and around the world, love pizza and eat it on a regular basis. It’s kind of an ‘all-around’ thing, with a huge assortment you can put on as toppings.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

Waitangi Day, the national day of New Zealand, commemorates the signing on 6 February 1840 of the Treaty of Waitangi. Ceremonies take place at Waitangi (Northland) and elsewhere to commemorate the signing of the treaty, which is regarded as New Zealand’s founding document. The day is observed annually and is designated a public holiday, unless 6 February falls on a Saturday or Sunday, when the Monday that immediately follows becomes the public holiday.

February 11 is a National Foundation Day in Japan celebrated annually on February 11, celebrating the mythological foundation of Japan and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu at Kashihara gu on 11 February 660 BC. February 11th: Vatican City Vatican City, officially Vatican City State is an independent city-state enclave within Rome, Italy.

Established with the Lateran Treaty (1929), it is distinct from, yet under “full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction” of the Holy See (Latin: Sancta Sedes).With an area of 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of about 1,000, it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population.

February 11th: Iran

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and lovers. The root of Valentine’s Day goes back to ancient times, when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia, and was celebrated even then on February 14th.

The traditions of Valentine’s Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and romantic dinners are the big hits of this holiday.

It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and family. Many couples get engaged or wed on this day. It’s also a day where Mr. Cupid aims his arrows at lovers!

Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iran is a country in Western Asia With 82 million in habitants, Iran is the world’s 18th most populous country, and the second largest country in the Middle East and the 17th largest in the world. Tehran is the political and economic center of Iran, and the largest and most populous city in Western Asia with more than 8.8 million residents in the city and 15 million in the larger metropolitan area. And the Victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979

13 Bangkok Rises as One of the Best Cities in the World

Resonance Consultancy’s World’s Best Cities 2020 report

The Most Powerful Passports in the World in 2020

According to the Henley Passport Index’s latest ranking

by Henley & Partner, Japan is the most travel-friendly passport in the world, which offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 destinations around the world.

Meanwhile, Thailand ranks 65th on the Henley with freevisa travel access to 78 destinations.

The powerful passports to hold in 2020 are: 1) Japan (191destinations), 2) Singapore (190), 3) Germany, South Korea (189), 4) Finland, Italy (188), 5) Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain (187), 6) France, Sweden (186), 8) Belgium, Greece, Norway, United Kingdom, United Sates (184), 9) Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Malta, New Zealand (183), 10) Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia (181)

Resonance Consultancy has released its annual list of the world’s best cities and Bangkok came in 58th, up from 74th last year.

In the latest World’s Best Cities Report, Resonance Consultancy ranks the world’s best cities with populations of more than a million, using a combination of statistical performance and qualitative evaluations by visitors as well as locals. Resonance says it takes a more holistic approach by using a wide range factors that show positive correlations with attracting employment, investment, and/or visitors.

These factors also range from culinary experiences, museums, sights, landmarks, the number of Global 500 corporations, direct flight connections, and mentions each city has on Instagram.

Bangkok scored in the performance of the world’s best cities, which is grouped into six core categories: 1) Place – the perceived quality of a city’s natural and built environments including the weather, safety, neighborhood and landmarks, and parks and outdoor activities. #94 2) Product – a city’s key institutions, attractions, and infrastructure including airport connectivity, attractions, museums, university rankings, and convention centre. #60 3) People–the immigration rate and diversity of a city

including the subcategories of educational attainment and foreign-born Residents. #162 4) Property–the number of Global corporate headquarters and GDP per capita. #148 5) Programming–the arts, culture entertainment, and culinary scene in a city including the subcategories of shopping, culture, culinary and nightlife. #12 6) Promotion–a city promotion performance based on the number of stories, references, and recommendations shared online about that city. #18

Other Passports in Asia counties are Malaysia at No. 13 (178 destinations), Hong Kong at No. 20 (169), Brunei at No. 23 (166), Taiwan at No. 32 (146), Macau (SAR China) at No. 34 (144), Maldives at No. 61 (85), China and Indonesia at No. 72 (71), Philippines at No. 76 (67), and Cambodia and Vietnam sitting at No. 88 (54).

These are the World’s Best Cities Top 10 for 2020: 1) London, England 2) New York City, USA 3) Paris, France 4) Tokyo, Japan 5) Moscow, Russia 6) Dubai, United Arab Emirates 7) Singapore, Republic of Singapore 8) Barcelona, Spain 9) Los Angeles, USA 10) Rome, Italy

Deadly Virus Puts 3 Chinese Cities in Lockdown

Three Chinese cities have been put on a lockdown due to 2019-nCoV virus, which kills at least people 27 people and spreads to 6 countries. New coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan City of China has taken place since late December 2019. To date, 878 people in China have been infected and 27 have died.

The virus spread to other countries: 4 in Thailand, at least 1 each in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

The world fears a repeat of the 2003 SARS epidemic in China.

That SARS outbreak inflicted the worst blow in 10 years to the Chinese economy.

China places Wuhan City on lockdown for 1 week during the Chinese New Year (January 23-29) followed by Huanggang and Ezhou cities.

All public transportation has been suspended. People are not allowed to move in or out of the city. No performances, crowd

The weakest Passports to hold are: 103) Yemen (33 destinations), 104) Pakistan, Somalia (32), 105) Syria (29), 106) Iraq (28), 107) Afghanistan (26)

gatherings or outside partying.

People are asked to celebrate New Year at home.

World Health Organization discusses if a public health emergency is at hand and is poised to recommend epidemic-tackling measures.

Expecting an influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand for Lunar New Year festivities, Thais are worried whether the government can prevent and handle an epidemic.

The Public Health Ministry orders 5 airports to screen passengers with surveillance in place at hospitals too. People must be prepared and watch out for the virus as an initial self-protection step.

The Dept. of Public Health here in Hua Hin advises the public to frequently wash hands before and after meal to avoid contaminations and to wear surgical masks when in public places especially when you have a minor flu.

By Premyuda Source: ThailandToday.co

Thailand’s Trade Surplus with US Cause for Concern

Risks losing out on relocation of China’s factory unless it tackles surplus

Thailand might not benefit from China’s planned relocation of its factories as the country’s trade surplus with the United States has exceeded the US$20 billion limit the US Treasury has set for bilateral goods trade deficits, according to Kasikornbank’s head of capital markets research Kobsidthi Silpachai.

According to the US Census Bureau data released on Monday, Thailand’s trade was in surplus of US$20.05 billion with the US in the 12 months through November last year, indicating a possibility it will be added to the US Treasury’s watch list of currency manipulators.

Kobsidthi said that, as a result, China may relocate its manufacturing bases to more interesting countries than Thailand.

If Thailand wants to attract possible relocations, the country

needs to reduce its trade surplus with the US, he said.

Although the US-China trade conflicts have eased after China agreed to buy US$200 billion more of US goods and services for the next two years, the US has not yet relaxed its tariff increase already imposed on Chinese imports, he said.

In regard to Thailand, public investment is expected to see an increase of 6.9 per cent in the second quarter of this year, while drought is predicted to have a minor impact on the Thai growth, he said.

Drought is estimated to shed 0.1 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product or about a Bt20 billion decrease in farm income, he said.

KBank expects Thai economic growth of 2.7 per cent this year with

export contraction of 1 per cent in light of the US-China trade conflicts which have not yet ended.

The Monetary Policy Committee is expected to leave the policy rate unchanged at 1.25 per cent throughout this year, but there could be a chance for a cut of 25 basis points in the first quarter as a short-term tool to stimulate the Thai economy, he said. Fiscal measures may be adopted to take care of the economic stability.

The Thai currency is projected to continue its appreciation, given Thailand’s current account surplus of about US$38 billion with the US. The baht is estimated to stay at around 29.75 to the US dollar until the middle of this year before strengthening to 29.25 per US dollar.

Source: ThailandToday.co

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

14 EMS Memorandum of Understanding

Mr. Nopporn Wuthipakul, Hua Hin mayor and Mr. Ar-Yong Sae Kuek, president of Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasathan Foundation signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding ‘(MOU).

Witnessing the signatories were Mr. Jeerawat Phramani, Permanent Secretary of Hua Hin Municipality and Mr. Pongdanai Thepvanilkorn, head of Rescue Unit of Sawang Hua Hin Dhammathan at Hua Hin Municipality Office The Emergency Medical

Service (EMS) is provided to the public for helping accident victims, transferring patients that are helpless and assisting victims of natural disaster within the Hua Hin district. The ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ is an agreement between the management of the EMS system and the municipality under the Emergency Medicine Act 2008 to support and improve its operations in providing assistance to victims during an emergency situation.

Workshop on Waste Management

Chissanuphong Suwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Hua Hin Municipality has presided over the meeting of the workshop for household waste separation in the Hua Hin district.

Mr. Natayakorn Hannarong from the network of Volunteers for Protecting Natural Resources and Environment along with government officials and representatives from both private and public sectors also attended the meeting at the Hua Hin Municipality Office. The said meeting was organized to build knowledge and

Anti-Corruption Campaign

Nopporn Wuttikul, mayor of Hua Hin together with the staff of Hua Hin Municipality led the ‘walking campaign against corruption’.

The walking campaign started from Pone Kingpetch Park and ended at the Hua Hin Municipality School. This campaign is to publicise the awareness of corruptions and the conflict of interest by government officials.

The campaign was supported by the local government sector, private sectors, schools, associations, and the Hua Hin municipality under the slogan “STRONG” organised as a sufficiency organisation to combat corruptions. This campaign will lead Hua Hin to prevention and suppression of corruption among officials in accordance with the “Zero Tolerance and a Clean Thailand” image.

Plan for Hua Hin to be “Plastic-Free City” Mr. Montri Chuphu, Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin, chaired the meeting on plans to make Hua Hin a ‘plastic-free city’ (Plastic Smart City). Mr. Theeraphan Chadphon, Director of Health and Environment along with the staffs have also attended the meeting at the Hua Hin Municipality.

The following agendas were highlighted during the discussion: 1.Organise awareness and campaign to reduce use of plastics.

2.Organise 100 households a trash-free community project in Hua Hin district.

3.Campaigning for food stalls and restaurants in Hua Hin to stop using plastics for food

packaging. 4.Establish a committee to monitor the operation of each project as well as evaluating results of the campaign.

Hua Hin Municipality will prepare a report on the progress of the campaign and submit it to Dr. Kua-anan Techato, dean of the Faculty of Environmental Management (Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus).

Prior to this campaign, Hua Hin Municipality had agreed to be a member of the regional environmental network, which consists of Hat Yai, Patong, and Surat Thani municipalities altogether.

understanding regarding waste management practices in accordance with the 3R and trash-free communities in order to reduce the rapid increase of waste in Hua Hin. The public was urged to properly dispose their waste following the methods set by the management, which was proven effective in the past.

The 3R refers to: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reducing the amount of trash we make, reuse the trashes that are still usable, and recycling old trash to make new biodegradable products.

Meeting for the Preparation of City’s Bicycle Race Event

Mr. Chirawat Pramanee, Deputy of Hua Hin Municipality, chaired the meeting for the preparation of city’s bicycle race event under the name “PRURide Thailand 2020”.

Also present was Mr. Thanon Panpipas, Hua Hin sheriff, Ms. Saengchan Kaew Pratumrassamee, Director of Tourism & Sports (Prachuab Khiri Khan) and representatives from relevant department.

During the meeting the committee also discussed the plan for temporary road closure for the routes that the race will take place.

“PRURide Thailand 2020” will be held on Saturday, 1st of March 2020. The starting HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

point of the race will be at the True Arena Hua Hin and heading towards Pranburi Beach Road. The aim for this activity is to promote tourism for Hua Hin and Pranburi.

The competition will be divided into the following categories: Professional Ride (100.2 kilometres) – Entry Fee: 1,000 Baht per person. Fun Ride (25.8 kilometres) – Entry Fee: 750 Baht per person.

The money collected from the entry fees will all be donated to Hua Hin Hospital and Pranburi Hospital. Applicants can apply online from now until February 12, 2020 at www.thaimtb.com For more details, log on to www.pruride.com/th

15 Can Spicy Foods Curb Salt Cravings or Lower Blood Pressure?

People who like spicy foods may eat less salt and have lower blood pressure, potentially reducing their risk of heart attacks and strokes, a study from China suggests.

When people didn’t care for spicy food, they consumed an average of 13.4 grams a day of salt, according to the study published in the journal Hypertension (“Enjoyment of Spicy Flavor Enhances Central Salty-Taste Perception and Reduces Salt Intake and Blood Pressure”). But when people craved spicy dishes, their average salt intake was just 10.3 grams a day.

Systolic blood pressure – the “top” number showing how much pressure blood exerts against artery walls when the heart beats, was 8 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) lower for people with the greatest love of spicy foods than for individuals with the lowest tolerance for spice, the study also found.

Diastolic blood pressure – the “bottom” number indicating how much pressure the blood exerts on artery walls when the heart is at rest between beats – was 5 mmHg lower for spice lovers.

“Our study shows that the enjoyment of spicy flavour is an important way to reduce salt intake and blood pressure, no matter the

type of food and the amount of food,” said senior study author Dr. Zhiming Zhu of Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China.

“We advise people to enjoy spicy food in their daily life as long as they can tolerate,” Zhu said. “We do not recommend people who can’t tolerate pungent of chili pepper consume spicy food frequently.”

A high-salt diet has long been linked to higher odds of developing high blood pressure and heart disease as well as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. But determining the ideal amount of dietary salt is controversial because some research has also found an elevated risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and heart attacks in otherwise healthy people who consume too little salt.

Some previous research suggests that trace amounts of capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their pungent smell, may heighten salty flavours in foods, essentially requiring lower amount of salt to achieve the flavour people may want, Zhu said.

Researchers wanted to see if this heightened awareness of salty flavours in food might translate into lower salt intake.

Researchers also used imaging techniques to look at two regions of the participants’ brains – the insula and orbitofrontal cortex – known to be involved in salty taste. They found that the areas stimulated by salt and spice overlapped, and that spice further increased brain activity in areas activated by salt. Authors said that this increased activity likely makes people more sensitive to salt so that they can enjoy food with less of it.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how a love of spicy foods might translate into eating less salt or having lower blood pressure.

Another drawback is that researchers relied on surveys to determine how much salt participants consumed, and they didn’t independently verify this, the authors note.

It’s also possible that results from Chinese people might not apply to other racial or ethnic groups in other regions of the world.

“It is impossible to tell from this study which types of spices will be the most beneficial or how much spice is required to see a beneficial effect on lowering salt intake or blood pressure,” said Richard Wainford, author of an accompanying editorial and a pharmacology researcher at Boston University School of Medicine.

“There are no key spices identified in this study, a good way to think about it is adding a little spice may be beneficial!” www.ahajournals.org

HPV IN MEN

“Warts” - something we all have heard or experienced before.

Would you be surprised if we call you reckless should you choose to be unconcerned about it?

Many of you may be curious about the causes of warts, which is the topic that we will be discussing in this article.

“Warts” occur from a virus infection called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), particularly HPV 6 and HPV 11.

Although both of them are low-risk-of-cancer types, they are linked to approximately 90 percent of genital warts.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that involves skin/fleshy growths around the genital or anal area.

The skin changes usually appear 3 months after the infection happens. However, in some cases, there would not be any skin changes for years.

The reason why it would be reckless of you to ignore warts is that, in addition to genital warts, HPV could cause male genital cancers, colorectal cancer, and mouth or throat cancer — making this a perfect timing for you to be shocked about it!

According to research, men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher risk of HPV. Whereas, the risk is even higher for those who change their sexual partners more often.

We may all have been infected with HPV as there are more than 100 types of HPV. However, when our body is healthy/ strong enough, it would create an immunity that eliminates the virus from our body. Such immunity would also prevent the infection of the same type of virus in the future. Nonetheless, if our body/immune system is weakened and we are exposed to a new kind of virus, our body might not be able to eliminate the virus completely or eliminate it at all, causing further infection that could lead to cancer.

Warts are transmitted by touch, either during sexual intercourse with an infected person or by hand. Therefore, it concerns not only MSM but also men who have sex with women and women who have sex with women. One notable thing to point out is that sometimes HPV infection shows no symptom making the infected person unaware of their condition. ** The use of a condom cannot prevent HPV infection for 100% due to

the abovementioned fact. The best prevention would be to forbid ourselves from having sexual intercourse, which we all know how difficult or impossible that sounds.

Nevertheless, we still recommend the use of condoms whenever you have sexual intercourse. Even if it is not 100% effective in preventing HPV, it is still operative in decreasing the risk of getting other diseases. Ultimately, keeping ourselves healthy is the best and most possible way.

Furthermore, it should be noted that HIV patients have a higher risk of HPV infection that would develop to cancer, which may be severe and hard to treat. As a result, health check-up and examination for sexually transmitted diseases are having more roles in the prevention of HPV infection.

Male genital cancers can lead to skin changes such as darker skin, thicker skin due to accumulated skin tissue, aching pain because of the changes occur to genital cells, or even bleeding.

But do not be confused! HPV is not cancer, but rather the virus that can cause changes to the body, which may lead to cancer.

From Healthlab Hua Hin

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

16 CROSSWORDS ANSWER 85 ACROSS : 1 Take stock. 6 Ire. 8 Gambol. 9 Admit. 10 Italic.

11 Theatre. 13 Expense. 16 Cajole. 18 Ideal.

19 Aviary. 21 Eke. 22 Respected.

DOWN :

1 Tea. 2 Kabul. 3 Selects. 4 Octave. 5 Kismet.

6 Extremely. 8 Guideline. 12 Hectare. 14 Prefer.

15 Nylons. 17 Joist. 20 Red.

CROSSWORDS ANSWER 86 ACROSS : 1 Sainted. 5 Afro. 7 Old. 8 Wardrobe. 9 Lemur.

11 Skid. 13 Dear. 14 Sand. 18 Dane. 19 Ahead.

21 Downcast. 22 Ann. 23 Stay. 24 Disease

DOWN :

1 Spotless. 2 In demand. 3 Thwart. 4 Duress.

5 Afraid. 6 Ruby. 11 Demerara. 12 Prudence.

15 Dainty. 16 Herald. 17 Taster. 20 Colt.

• Land Area 387.2 Sqm • Living Area 220 Sqm

LOCATION – LOCATION - LOCATION

Bluewave beachfront condo for sale in central Khao Takiab - Hua Hin. 2 bedrooms area 98m2 located on 7th floor directly facing the beach The condo have a stunning sea view and overlooking the famous Hua Hin beaches and Sea Pines golf course

What an Amazing Deal!

Price: 11.750 Million Baht (Negotiable) Maintenance Fee THB 30 m2

Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort

• 1 Living Room • 1 Bathroom • 1 Kitchen Danish design • 2 Balcony • 2 bedrooms • Fully furnished

offers the first full-scale promotional benefits ever since the golf course was founded 27 years ago and probably the first golf course in Hua Hin (or in Thailand).

The building have fitness center and swimming pool

If you are interested in becoming our VIP member, you will enjoy playing golf Free-of-charge for 5 years without paying for a green fee.

Ms. Lise Tel: 081 439 4436 (English) E-mail: Lise.Sandahl@mail.dk Line ID: Bluewave901 Instagram: lisesandahl_official Facebook: Lise Sandahl Ms. Ying Tel: 081 811 9265 (Thai)

Regardless of how often you golf, how many days per week, every round of golf is free.

Plus, no annual maintenance free in charged (but the fees for caddy, gratuities and golf cart rental are still applicable).

ENJOY THE BENEFITS WITH THE SIMPLE CONDITIONS AS BELOW. Just pay for the initial membership fee of 250,000 Baht (two hundred and fifty thousand baht), you will be able to enjoy free food, good beer, and drinks free – of – charge at the golf club restaurant in the golf course. With the initial membership fee, the bonus credit of 250,000 baht (two hundred and fifty thousand baht) is your to enjoy within 5 years.

If you wish to transfer your membership rights before the 5 – year membership expires, Just pay for the transfer fee of 15,000 baht (fifteen thousand baht) only.

If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact our staff at the pro shop every day.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

House for Sale 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Spacious Lounge, European Kitchen and Dining Room

• Land Area 387.2 Sqm • Living Area 220 Sqm • Swimming Pool with SPA (10m x 3m) • 2 Car Ports • Peaceful Area with 24-hour Security Hua Hin Beverly Hills, Nong Phlub Road (10 minutes to Town Centre and Beach)

PRICE: 6,500,000 Baht Contact: +66 (0)85 428 2368 Jennifer (English)

+66 (0)81 488 9977 Polly (Eng./Thai) Email: jennyltan@hotmail.com, center-p@hotmail.com

LOCATION – LOCATION - LOCATION

Bluewave beachfront condo for sale in central Khao Takiab - Hua Hin. Studio type area 37m2 located on 12th floor direct on the beach The condo have a stunning sea view and overlooking the famous Hua Hin beaches and Sea Pines golf course

Price: 2.9 Million Baht (Negotiable) Maintenance Fee THB 30 m2 • 1 Living Room • 1 Bathroom • 1 Kitchen danish design • 1 Balcony • 1 bedroom • Fully furnished

The building have fitness center and swimming pool Ms. Lise Tel: 081 439 4436 (English) E-mail: Lise.Sandahl@mail.dk Line ID: Bluewave901 Instagram: lisesandahl_official Facebook: Lise Sandahl Ms. Ying Tel: 081 811 9265 (Thai)

17

SUNEE

สุนีย

Instructor / Traditional Chinese Watercolor Open Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm 323 Moo 7 Taptai Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110

Tel: 094-657-5335 Sunee Tel: 095-904-7572 Cecil

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

18 Looking into the Crystal Ball for Thailand in 2020

What are the predictions for Thailand that could possibly happen in the next 11 months? Will the Baht be stagnant?

Will there still be tourists left in the ‘land of the smile’? Will huge projects proceed? Will there be a major political turmoil once again?

Here are some predictions for this year. As the great Nostradamus (1503 - 1566) had predicted numerous prophecies for the world and Asian Hemisphere hundreds of years ago after his death – some didn’t happen, but most of it was fulfilled... just imagine…

There will be more political unrest

towards China. With an economy expected to become the world’s largest during this decade, and it’s growing outbound tourism, Thailand is being smart hooking up to the Chinese economic train.

Last year’s March election did little to change the political landscape in Thailand. Following an election, followed by weeks of vote-counting, a government emerged. Surprise!

The same PM with most of the same faces in the leading roles. Add to this the ‘selected’ 250 senate members, all hand-picked by the former NCPO ruling junta that had seized power in May 2014 in a bloodless coup against the elected Yingluck Shinawatra government.

Christmas will continue to be a ‘thing’

The facts are quite clear – by auditing flight numbers, aircraft landing slots, growth in tours, numbers of tour boats, numbers of hotels, customer counts at shopping centres, numbers of new taxis plus the addition of ride-sharing in recent years – tourists continue to arrive in Thailand.

Over recent years we’ve noted the rise of Christmas as a celebration, not only increasingly being enjoyed by Thais, but truly embraced. The lights, the decorations, the presents, the spending – what’s not to like? It’s certainly becoming a ‘thing’ with the Thais and we predict it will continue to gather popularity in Thai culture.

Thais have been known to celebrate just about anything and everything and we predict that Christmas will become more and more popular with the locals, even if they have no idea why the west celebrate December 25th.

Gambling and casinos will be legalised this year

The Baht will start dropping in value and the Thai economy will stabilise

As they say in Thailand… same, same but different. Even the current Thai prime minister, controversially known as “Uncle Tu”, would gladly agree that the situation that exists now is a ‘Thai-style’ quasi-democracy that the (mostly) men in power claim is vital for the Kingdom’s stability.

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit missed becoming Prime Minister by sheer votes when the lower house sat down and voted for the top job. Thanathorn’s base is Thailand’s younger voters, but also the many who were sick of the decades of Shinawatra vs Establishment vote-coup-vote cycles. Thanathorn is only 42 years old and in no rush. 2020 will see his Future Forward Party becomes a “wake-up call” for Thailand.

In fairness, most of the problems are not of their own doing. But the voters will wonder why their pockets aren’t as full as before and the sitting Government will get the blame.

The Thai economy has certainly slowed in recent years.

But the threat of descending into recession this year is small.

Whilst GDP growth predictions are only around 2-3% for 2020, a few key pressures should ease this year. With such a high reliance on the tourism business the government will be keen to maintain high traffic and earnings from all aspects of tourism around the Kingdom in 2020.

Pressures that emerged in 2019 – the surging Thai baht, US-China trade wars, a waning world economy, a plateau of tourism arrival numbers – are also expected to dissipate this year.

The rise of gambling locations on Thailand’s backdoor will surely pressure the Thai government to open up a few legalised casinos in selected locations. Pattaya and Phuket are two obvious locations although we predict that there will never be one located in Bangkok. Gambling, whilst officially illegal in Thailand, is a popular pastime.

Meanwhile, in next-door Cambodia, the seaside resort town of Sihanoukville, facing the Gulf of Thailand, has been transformed into a mini-Macau with legalised gambling turning the quaint, disheveled Cambodian seaside resort into a major attraction for Chinese gamblers. It’s not pretty but the Thai government won’t want to lose out on extracting money out of Chinese gamblers’ pockets.

The Phuket Light Rail project will be scrapped The 48-billion-Baht Phuket Light Rail project has been pushed along by a few stoic public servants in Bangkok.

Hatched during the time of the NCPO, the ambitious 60 kilometre tram service is still being mulled by the new government. It was certainly never requested or demanded

by Phuket locals, and going by the planned route, it appears the instigators have never even been to Phuket.

Even worse, the tram would take up valuable space in the middle of the island’s busiest road which needs more lanes, not fewer. Locals can’t even start to imagine the three or four years of construction pain along the busy route.

Currently the project has been ‘postponed’ pending some “further reviews”. We believe this is code for “we’ve actually visited Phuket and realise just about everything about the planned Light Rail is wrong”. Keep posted for an announcement this year that the Phuket Light Rail project has been “shelved”.

Thai Airways will be carved up into pieces and sold If you or I ran a business that produced massive amounts of losses, year on year, we’d now be driving tuk tuks in remote provinces somewhere near the mountains. No one would let us near the cash register ever again. Yet, the country’s legacy airline Thai Airways has been doing precisely that. In 2019 Thai Airways lost 11 billion Baht and the government funders must be wondering how long they can keep propping up this flying dinosaur.

There will be demands to cut costs in all sectors of government spending and the bottomless-pit of bail-outs for the national airline will have to stop.

Whatever process occurs to get rid of the rope around the Thai government’s neck, that process will start this year.

We predict that their budget offshoot, Thai Smile, will be abandoned and merged with the main brand and a process of privatisation will begin.

Fighting and interceptions will intensify along the northern border There are now concerted efforts to try and stop the Baht rising any higher in value against key currencies, the US-China trade spat will be resolved (because stability will be needed by the Trump camp with the US Presidential vote coming up in November), and there is no obvious barrier to increased tourist traffic this year as the Chinese are predicted to return in numbers and emerging tourism feeder markets are opening up with new flights.

The US-China trade war will be resolved With a US Presidential election coming up at the end of this year the US-China trade dispute will be resolved. The resolution will be used as an example of President Trump’s abilities as a negotiator (despite his complete absence in any of the negotiations), and his suitability for re-election.

Such is politics.

Thailand has suffered little during the twitch reactions of international companies as they dashed to re-align their businesses with the sanctions that were imposed on China.

In fact a few US companies have moved their manufacturing from China to Thailand (and Vietnam).

Thailand will have another record year of tourist arrivals A tsunami couldn’t stop it, several coups have come and gone, the world economy is in decline but Thailand’s tourist numbers keep rising. It’s the Teflon Tourism Syndrome.

Without any other figures to back up their wailing from the back rows, the naysayers say they simply don’t believe the three decades of growth – that the numbers are cobbled together by public servants protecting their jobs in Bangkok.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

The Golden Triangle was a term coined back in the 1970s for the growing heroin trade in the region where the Thai, Burmese and Chinese borders intersect. The term is now been used again describing exactly the same location. But the poppy fields have been replaced with meth labs churning out vast quantities of methamphetamine – pills and crystal form – for external markets.

Thailand has courted both China and the US, and vice versa, during the ongoing trade negotiations with a few major procurements from both nations. The US fears the southeast nation with the second largest economy was starting to tilt

This year the growth has been huge and the meth factories, makeshift tarp-covered labs, are becoming portable whilst hiding under the massive jungle canopies of northwestern Myanmar.

The huge drug business isn’t a ‘business’ until the drugs can be trafficked south, into Thailand, and then beyond. There is now growing pressure for the Thai government to massively ramp up its surveillance and arrests. But the government has its hand out for subsidies for the surveillance operations.

The Australian and US drug agencies have already identified the region as a major international drug feeder and will be furnishing the Thai government with plenty of inducements to increase the size and scope of interceptions.

Nostradamus has his predictions written centuries after his death… it’s up to us now to witness the true fate of Thailand for the next 11 months.

19

20 A friendly visit from the staffs of Sirindhorn International Environmental Park & BaBa Beach Club

A friendly visit from the staffs of Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP) to acknowledge the support of Hua Hin Today for their organisation. Pictured from left to right: Larry Cadiz (Assist. Editor HHT), Donraporn Klongsamran (PR & Marketing Officer SIEP), Visa Chimdee (Editor-in-Chief HHT), Nattanicha Muennoo (Head of Income & Service Development SIEP), Sarawut Sawasdee (PR & Marketing Officer SIEP) and Phennapha (Sales & Marketing HHT) SIEP (Chaam) is a learning centre on energy, natural resources & environment and extensive range of services and facilities on hospitality and ecotourism.

Lead by Amara Yaidee, the Marketing Manager of Baba Beach Club (pictured second left), staff members of the BaBa Beach Club visited the Hua Hin Today offices bearing gifts to show their appreciation of the services offered by Hua Hin Today.

The BaBa Beach Club welcomes visitors luxurious accommodation and a range of entertainment and dining options located north of Hua Hin on Phetchakasem Road not far from Cha-Am. For more information or follow them on IG & Facebook @Baba Beach Club for upcoming event and promotions. Please call 032-899-130 or visit www. bababeachclub.com

Children’s Day and New Year at Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Hua Hin, Thailand, With Thailand’s National Children’s Day looming, Dusit Thani Hua Hin led by Duangduan Lamom, Human Resources Manager was into the spirit of the occasion and support the Kingdom’s future by donating invaluable supplies and equipment to a selection of local schools.

No matter whether or not you came “Sailing Across Time “ with us as we rang out the old year and rang in the new, all of us at Dusit Thani Hua Hin wish beloved guests past, present and future a happy healthy, prosperous 2020, the Chinese Year of the Rat.

Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin donate first aid kits and medical supplies to support the operations of volunteers

To simultaneously sate your appetite and whet it for our next New Year’s Eve spectacular, we hope you will enjoy our little clip of a captivating night to remember, all rolled into a couple of fun-filled minutes.

On January 10, 2020 Mr. Chetaphon Maneechai, Marketing and Public Relations Manager of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin have donated first aid kits and medical supplies to support the community health volunteers of Hua Hin Municipality with Ms. Waralee Jaimon, representative of Sanitation Scholar Hua Hin Municipality acknowledged all the medical equipment that has been provided.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

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HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

22 Anastomus oscitans Asian openbill stork The Asian openbill stork, Silver gaping beak (Anastomus oscitans) is a species of creeper and belongs to the family of storks (Ciconiidae). It lives as a breeding bird in tropical India and Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia.

Characteristics

The Asian openbill stork, silver gaping beak is a large, broad-winged bird that is relatively small for a stork with a size of 70 centimeters. On one hand, it owes its name from its bright, white to silver-colored plumage and for its beak, the tip of which gapes apart because the two halves do not lie on one another. Adult animals are always white grayish and only the feathers of the wings are black while the legs are red and the beak is yellowish gray. Young animals have a youth dress with brown feathers.

Storks are medium to very large birds. The size ranges from 70 cm (Abdimstorch) to 150 cm (saddle stork, Marabus), they weight from 1 kg (gaping beak) to 9 kg (Marabus). The long legs and long neck are characteristic, while the tail is very short. Externally, they are similar to the related herons, but usually appear bulkier and heavier.

The beak is always large but very different in shape.

A long slender beak can only be found in the main genus Ciconia. In the case of saddle stork, giant stork and Jabiru, on the other hand, it is powerful and slightly curved upwards, but is particularly large and voluminous in the Marabus, where it grows throughout its life and can reach 35 cm in length; it appears that this beak is mainly used to drive away food competitors from carcasses. They possess a beak with sensory cells at the top, that are helpful in finding food in cloudy water. The gaping beaks have a gap on both sides between the upper and lower beak; this beak is used to open snail shells.

As the white stork migration is so famous, it may come as a surprise that most storks are not migratory birds. They stay close to their breeding areas and move around relatively small outside the breeding season. In contrast, the white stork is one of the most pronounced long-distance migrants.

Representatives of some northern European populations travel 20,000 km annually to reach the African winter quarters and return to the breeding areas. The black stork and the black-billed stork also breed in the temperate zone and migrate to tropical regions in winter. With the Abdim storch, a tropical species is also a real migratory bird: it breeds in the steppes and semi-deserts north of the equator and hibernates in the East and South African savannas.

Activity

In the case of the stork’s foot, the first toe points to the rear and the other three to the front (anisodactyl). Webbed skin can only be found stunted at the base of the toe. The long legs allow them to walk slowly. Only rarely do storks move over short distances, even with quick steps.

The wings are large and wide. They are well suited for gliding, which is only interrupted in between by slow wing beats. With a wingspan of 320 cm, the Maraboos in the bird kingdom are only surpassed by some albatrosses and pelicans. Marabus fly like herons with their neck drawn in, while for all other storks, a flight picture with a stretched neck, is typical, which can also serve as a reliable distinguishing feature to the herons. If storks fly in groups, they do not form.

The plumage consists of black greyish and white tones, which are distributed differently depending on the species.

The black plumage parts often have a metallic sheen.

This increases during the breeding season, in which white plumage also appears brighter. This applies all the more to the unfeathered parts. Many species have a completely featherless face, with the Marabus these naked parts reach far down the neck. The hungry birds protect themselves from plumage pollution, when they look for food in the mud; the Marabus can put their heads deep into the carcasses without the plumage being affected.

There is a slight size dimorphism in favor of the males in all species, this is striking only in saddle and giant storks.

Contrary to popular belief, storks are not unvoiced.

They produce croaking, squeaking and mooing sounds. The species of the genus Ciconia make whistling sounds; these are particularly pronounced in the black stork, much less so in the white stork. Known as this lute is the beak rattling, which is most developed in the white stork.

Distribution

Storks are common in large parts of Eurasia, Africa, Australia and South America; in North America, however, they only inhabit the extreme south. Most of the species are native to the tropics; only three species live in the temperate zones.

Storks are bound to water and temporarily humid habitats in very different degrees. For example, the insatiable and gaping beaks can be found near the shore throughout their lives, while Marabus and Abdim storks often stay away from the water in the open savannah. Most species, however, live at least near swamps, lakes or river banks.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

Storks are diurnal birds. Only the forest stork has been observed fishing at night, the other species rest at night. In the tropics, storks are particularly active in the morning and evening hours, while the activity in temperate latitudes is spread throughout the day.

Many storks are very susceptible to changing weather conditions. Rain and cold, for example, can move the white stork to give up its brood. Standing on one leg is interpreted as a remedy for heat loss, in which one leg is warmed by the plumage and so less featherless skin is exposed to the cold.

The insertion of the beak into the neck plumage could have the same purpose.

However, in most stork habitats, heat is a bigger problem than cold. Spreading the wings, raising the feathers and defecating on your own feet are means that are used against the heat.

Storks are carnivores. Although there are large differences in the food spectrum of the individual species, fish, frogs and rodents are the main food for most storks alongside insects.

The white stork and the woolly neck stork and their relatives of the genus Ciconia, with the exception of the Abdim stork, are food opportunists. Even though, in popular belief, frogs seem to be the most important food for a white stork, they actually form only a small part of the food. Fish, tadpoles, snakes, lizards, voles, moles and hamsters, as well as large insects make up the greater proportion - white storks are known in African winter quarters for eating grasshoppers.

The capture of weasels, young goats and cats has been documented, but only occurs in rare cases. Usually these actual storks sneak up on their prey with slow steps and then strike with their beaks at lightning speed.

The silver gaping beaks are specialized in hunting in very shallow water, which is often muddy and cloudy. Since their eyes are unable to see anything in this water, they move through the water with their beak immersed. They churn the mud with their feet to scare away prey. If a prey comes into contact with the beak, the stork grabs immediately. Food is small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects.

Gaping beaks have specialized entirely in water snails, especially apple snails. They hardly ever take any other food.

The screw housing is released under water. With the upper beak, the snail is pressed against the bottom, while the sharp lower beak penetrates the operculum and splits the muscle that holds the snail in the housing. The snail is then pulled out of the housing and eaten. On the other hand, it is a myth that the snail is opened in the eponymous opening of the beak like in a nutcracker.

Reproduction

Several species of stork breed in colonies that can contain up to a few thousand individuals. This applies above all to the gaping beaks, the insatiable, the Marabus and the Abdim stork. The white stork and some other species of the genus Ciconia often breed in loose colonies, in which the neighbors largely ignore each other. Sometimes there are mixed colonies in which storks breed together with pelicans, ibises, herons or other types of stork. In addition to these colony breeders, there are also strict loners among the storks, for example the black stork and the saddle stork.

Usually storks nest on trees. Only the Maguarich stork mostly breeds on the ground, with all other storks high-lying nesting sites predominate, although, for example, with white stork the roofs of buildings have replaced trees as preferred nesting sites. In the case of pronounced colony breeders, the male first fights for territory upon arrival in the breeding area; this can also lead to serious battles. New couples form every year. In contrast, the solitary species maintain lifelong pairs.

It is often not necessary to build a new nest. Solitary species usually use the same nest every year anyway; the colony breeders occupy an existing nest within the colony, but rarely that of the previous year. However, fresh nesting material is always added. A stork’s nest mainly consists of branches and twigs. Often it also serves as a breeding ground for smaller birds; these build their own nests on the outside and thus solidify the stork nest with their own material.

Usually three to five, rarely one to seven eggs are laid.

The size of an egg varies between 5.5 cm (Gaping beak) and 8.5 cm (Marabu), the weight between 58 and 146 g. The eggs are incubated by both partners for 25 to 38 days. The hatchlings usually wear a white down dress. The young are peaceful among themselves, so that the entire brood can often be brought through. Both partners are responsible for the procurement of food. The young storks are fully fledged after fifty to a hundred days.

The potential life expectancy of storks is over twenty years. A ringed white stork has been shown to be 33 years old.

Storks can get older in captivity; the record here is 48 years.

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Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi

1 - 15 February 2020

An Optimistic Frenchman Puts Vauban on Top of the League

Vauban Real Estate (Thailand) has always considered itself as fortunate for having Mr. Jean Cassagneau onboard as their leading branch manager in Hua Hin. Jean Cassagneau who was born in the capital city of worldfashion Paris, France, is quite an extraordinary businessman with a very positive mindset and a vigorous attitude. Being the manager of Vauban Real Estate (Hua Hin) for the past 6 years, Jean has almost everything ‘under control’ in real estate commerce despite of the ongoing economic crisis and the low exchange rate against the rigid Thai Baht.

“Vauban Hua Hin was first established in 2010 and 4 years later I had joined the company,” Mr. Jean said. “Back then, the company was providing sales and services in property, residences and condos.

But as the demand grew, I felt that we had to provide additional services for our client (most of them are expats and retirees) such as visa applications and extensions, banking and loan transactions, health insurance, etc.,” he added.

“We wanted to build a closer relationship with our customers as well as offering them as much convenience as possible,” explained Mr. Jean.

Vauban Real Estate (Thailand) has six branches located in

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui with 80 dedicated staff nationwide.

Here in Hua Hin, Vauban provides all-around services in residences that they rent out, including pool cleaning, gardening, 24hour security systems and house maintenance.

Most of their clients spend part of the year in Hua Hin then goes back to their countries and return the following year. Some choose to buy and some prefer to rent condos or villas during their stay in Thailand. Vauban provides properties of different types, styles and designs for all budgets for customers, including those who prefer owning their own residences.

Experience wise, Mr. Jean has been in the real estate industry for more than 20 years. He has worked for numerous years in the Caribbean Islands and in France as well.

When asked about the present economic situation in Thailand and how is it affecting the real estate industry, Mr. Jean replied: “I’ve been working in this line for many years and I’ve seen the world economy going up and down

at times but I believe that Thailand’s growth and economy will improve in the near future. It’s all about business strategy and how to get through during these hard times.”

“At the moment, we’re trying to attract new potential customers and investors by building a close relationship with them,” Mr. Jean explained. “Although there are already many real estate agencies in Hua Hin, Vauban has always been

trying to put itself on top of this industry”.

“We also held conferences every 2 or 3 months with customers and discuss all kinds of issues with them regarding properties and the present living situation in Hua Hin. By doing so, we are creating a positive vibes with the customers, gaining their trust and confidence, and at the same time being their friend and adviser,” he added.

“Thailand still has potential, especially in Hua Hin. Our city has the strength and ability to attract more tourists, investors and pensioners. I love Hua Hin; the people are friendly and life is easy here, that’s why I chose to live here.

It is safer here in Hua Hin compared to European cities. Personally, I believe that things will get better soon for Thailand,” says Mr. Jean Cassagneau.

226 Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy Launches Girl’s Program

The Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy is launching a girl’s program this Wednesday (January 15th). Training will take place every Wednesday at the Hua Hin International School from 5-6pm and is open to girls aged 8-18.

Women’s football is the fastest growing sport on the planet and more than 1 billion viewers tuned in to watch the Women’s World Cup Final last year.

However the tournament made headlines in this country for the wrong reasons as Thailand suffered a humiliating 13-0 loss to the U.S.A..

Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy head coach Gary Stevens hopes this new program will give more girls the opportunity to play football at a competitive level,

“First and foremost we want to offer girls of all abilities the opportunity to learn to play football in a fun and friendly environment. But we also want to set up girl’s teams, put on girl’s tournaments and help the sport to grow from a grass roots level. Maybe one day one of the players will be able to help the national team reach a major tournament and get some results that people in Thailand will be proud of.”

Stevens knows all about major tournaments and during his playing career he represented England in the

1986 World Cup and 1984 European Under 21 Championships, winning the latter competition. He also won the 1984 UEFA Cup with Tottenham and scored for Brighton against Manchester United in the 1983 FA Cup Final.

Stevens is a UEFA Pro Licenses coach who has managed several teams in T1 (formerly known as the Thai Premier League). Earlier this year he started a new role as the head coach at the Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy (BMHHFA).

The girl’s program will be free for existing BMHHFA members who have paid their monthly training fees. For any girls who only want to play on a Wednesday the fee is 1,000 baht per month, or for unlimited access to sessions on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the fee is 1,500 baht per month.

For more information about the Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy: Website: www.huahinacademy.com F a c e b o o k : w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / huahinacademy I n s t a g ra m : w w w. i n s t a g ra m .co m / bmhuahinacademy Contact: info@huahinacademy.com www.huahinacademy.com

Newly-built 4 Bedroom Pool Villa For Sale in Pranburi Large 3 Bedroom Sea-View Condo For Sale Luxury 3-bedroom pool villa for sale – Close to Khao Tao & Pranburi Beach! on 20th Floor, Hua Hin – Next to True Arena! at La Lua, Hua Hin – Corner plot & Solar System!

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 5 / Living area: 445 Sqm / Land area: Bedrooms: 4 / Bathrooms: 4 / Living area: 178 Sqm / Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3 / Living area: 98,75 Sqm / Land area: 220 Sqm / Fully Furnished / Freehold Ownership / Fully Furnished / Water Filter System Communal Pool & Jacuzzi / 504 Sqm / Completed in 2018 Private 11 x 3 m Pool / Close to 24h security / 1 km to Hua Hin / Freehold / Price: 8,990,000 THB Banyan Golf Course / 7 km to Hua Hin / Price: 15,900,000 THB Quiet area / Beautiful Views / Price: 4,900,000 THB

Lovely 3 Bedroom Pool Villa For Sale at Stuart Park, Hua Hin! Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 4 / Living area: 303 Sqm / Land area: 805 Sqm / Fully Furnished / 12 x 6 m Swimming Pool / Well-maintained / Freehold Ownership / Price: 7,900,000 THB

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

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Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3 / Living area: 309 Sqm / Land area: 2,525 Sqm / Freehold 14x6 m Pool / 9kw Solar System / 15 min to Hua Hin / Price: 15,900,000 THB

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4 28 Managerial Ins & Outs

Henderson & Bronze voted England Players of the Year 2019

Chesterfield manager John Sheridan became the first managerial casualty of 2020 when he was sacked on 2 January.

a day after the club sacked Ernesto Valverde.

Setien, 61, says he was surprised to be offered the position by the Barcelona hierarchy - which he described as the “highest accolade” - and vowed to win silverware both domestically and in Europe.

“I thank Ernesto Valverde for leaving me with a side that is top of the league.”

Will England cope without Kane?

Tottenham & Inter Milan in talks over Eriksen transfer The 55-year-old, who returned for a second spell as manager in January 2019, leaves with the Spireites third from bottom of the table.

Tottenham are in talks with Inter Milan over the transfer of talented midfielder Christian Eriksen.

A statement said the decision “was taken with the best interests of the club in mind” with only 17 league games of the season left to play.

Eriksen is out of contract in the summer and is keen to move to the Italian club.

John Pemberton has been named as caretaker-manager and will take charge against Sutton United on Saturday.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem for the 27-year-old but the two clubs are currently apart in their valuation of the player.

Inter Milan have offered £8.5m for Eriksen but Tottenham value the Denmark international at double that fee.

Ferguson is “Everton’s greatest servant”, says Chairman

The 36-year-old replaces ex-Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leicester boss Peter Taylor, who left on Sunday.

Daggers executive chairman Peter B Freund said McMahon was “first choice from the moment” that Taylor left.

Macclesfield responded to McMahon’s resignation by saying they are “taking advice” from the legal team.

The Liverpool skipper picked up the men’s award ahead of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, who were second and third respectively.

Henderson made seven appearances for England in 2019 and passed the 50-cap mark during the 5-1 away win in Montenegro in March.

The 29-year-old was a pivotal figure in Gareth Southgate’s squad as qualification for Euro 2020 was secured as well as a third-place finish at the inaugural UEFA Nations League.

Lyon defender Bronze picks up the accolade for a second time having claimed the honour in 2015. England fans voted for Bronze ahead of 2018 winner Ellen White in second and Beth Mead in third.

Daryl McMahon has left Macclesfield after just four months in charge, having taken over from former England international Sol Campbell at Moss Rose.

McMahon has now been appointed boss of National League side Dagenham & Redbridge, just one day after quitting as manager of Macclesfield Town.

Both 2019 winners Jordan Henderson & Lucy Bronze were also Champions League winners in 2019 and were in outstanding form for their country.

Bronze, who has 81 caps to her name, was a key figure as the Lionesses lifted the SheBelieves Cup for the first time before going on to reach the semi-finals of the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Bill Kenwright has lavished praised on assistant boss Duncan Ferguson and revealed why the former Everton striker was handed the caretaker manager role following Marco Silva’s dismissal.

Pussetto joins Watford from Udinese

Southampton interested in Fulham left-back Joe Bryan He left Moss Rose with the Silkmen 22nd in League Two; his tenure overshadowed by financial difficulties, which led to a six-point penalty for non-payment of wages and the failure to fulfil a fixture against Crewe on 7 December.

Watford succeeded with the signing of Argentinian winger Ignacio Pussetto on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Udinese.

The 24-year-old, who has made 12 appearances in Serie A this season, becomes Watford’s second signing of the January window after Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, who formally completed his move to the Hornets on January 1.

Watford are believed to have paid around £7m to sign Pussetto from Udinese, who are also owned by the Pozzo family.

The fee is the same price the Italian club paid to sign him from Argentine side Huracan in July 2018.

His 25-game stint in charge of Macclesfield was his first spell as a boss in the English Football League, having previously managed Ebbsfleet in the National League.

Barca appointment beyond Setien’s “wildest dreams”

Leyton Orient have appointed interim manager Ross Embleton as their new head coach on a 12-month rolling contract.

The 38-year-old has won seven games and drawn eight of his 26 as caretaker in charge over two stints this season.

He was first appointed following Justin Edinburgh’s death in June and again took over in November when Carl Fletcher was sacked after just 29 days.

“We are confident that Ross is the right person to lead the O’s forward,” said Orient chairman Nigel Travis.

Travis said improvements in results in League Two, the development of the squad and Embleton’s “desire to take up the role” saw him get the job.

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

What are Gareth Southgate’s alternatives to the Tottenham striker?

After limping out of Tottenham’s defeat to Southampton on New Year’s Day, Kane has since tweeted about his successful surgery, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho says there is no update on exactly when the forward will be back on the pitch.

Southgate may already be considering backup plans should Kane not be fully fit or even unavailable for the European Championships.

Kane was top scorer in Euro 2020 qualifying with 12 goals and has hit the net 27 times in 35 competitive games, stats which underline how much he would be missed this summer.

Football Gossip Manchester United are close to signing Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly but any deal will not happen until the summer.

Arsenal have made a further enquiry about the availability of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie but might face competition from West Ham.

Under Ferguson, Everton were unbeaten in the Premier League, defeating Chelsea and drawing with both Manchester United and Arsenal before Carlo Ancelotti took up his role as the club’s new manager.

Speaking during the club’s Annual General Meeting, Kenwright explained how Ferguson convinced the Everton board he was the right man to take temporary charge at Goodison Park after Silva’s sacking.

Euro 2020 is just five months away and England captain Harry Kane has been ruled out until at least April with a hamstring injury.

Will England be able to cope if their star striker is unavailable?

Turkish club Fenerbahce are threatening to delay Manchester United’s pursuit of Bruno Fernandes by making an offer for potential part-exchange player Marcos Rojo.

Chelsea are ‘desperate’ to complete a deal for Real Madrid playmaker Isco, who could cost them in the region of £47m.

Inter Milan are prepared to offer Tahith Chong regular playing time in Serie A to secure the services of the Manchester United starlet and have met with his agent.

Barcelona have pulled out of the race to sign Dinamo Zagreb winger Dani Olmo, which could leave the door open for Manchester United to make their move.

Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard has been offered to four clubs, including Inter Milan, as new agent Mino Raiola attempts to get him out of Old Trafford.

Southampton striker Danny Ings is set to be named in Gareth Southgate’s next England squad.

Aberdeen have won the race to sign St Johnstone winger Matty Kennedy, beating off competition from Hearts.

Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo has requested a loan move away from the club in January.

The Saints are seeking to strengthen both full-back positions and Bryan is high among their targets.

Bryan is having an excellent season for Fulham and played in the Premier League for them last season after joining from Bristol City.

The 23-year-old is known for his dangerous crossing and has already recorded three assists under Scott Parker this term.

There may be stiff competition, as Watford are also keen to sign a left back.

New Barcelona head coach Quique Setien said, “yesterday, I was walking around my home town with cows around me and now I’m here at Barcelona managing the best players in the world.”

The former Real Betis head coach, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, was unveiled at the helm of Barcelona jn January,

Tottenham are frantically phoning Max Aarons’ representatives ‘every day’ to try and secure a deal for the Norwich defender.

Jack Grealish will be part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad after a superb first half of the season with Aston Villa.

France forward Olivier Giroud’s potential move to Inter Milan is edging closer, with Chelsea holding out for a fee of about £6m for the 33-year-old.

295 Superbowl LIV Hard Rock Stadium Miami, Florida

Australian Open Qualifying rounds cancelled

The NFL’s 100th season will showcased by the best team in the National Football Conference (NFC) playing the best team in the American Football Conference (AFC). Each conference has 16 teams.

At the time of writing, the San Francisco 49ers, will host the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Championship; both teams were 13 - 3 in the regular season. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs, 12 - 4 in the regular season, will host the surprise packet of the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans for the AFC Championship.

The Titans finished 9 - 7 in the regular season, but have been a revelation in the playoffs, winning away to the New England Patriots, 20 - 13, then travelling to Baltimore to take on the best performing team in the NFL, the Ravens, comprehensively winning 28 - 12.

Can they do it again?

We think Patrick Mahomes will lead his Chiefs to a victory and play the 49ers in the Superbowl, but of course, anything can happen.

Cameron Smith dedicates his Sony Open golf victory to Australia Cameron Smith made a birdie on the 18th hole to force a play-off at the Sony Open golf tournament in Hawaii.

Arkea-Samsic team handed wildcard

World 1500m silver medallist retires

Two-time runner-up Nairo Quintana is set to race at the 2020 Tour de France after his Arkea-Samsic team were handed a wildcard slot as one of 22 teams.

Smith, 26, won the first play-off hole at Hawaii’s Waialae Country Club to beat American Brendan Steele.

Many of the qualifying matches for this years Australian Open tennis tournament had to be cancelled due to the effects of the devastating bushfires ravaging much of Australia. It is hoped that the main tournament, which began on January 20, will not be adversely affected.

Rafael Nadal heads the men’s seeds, with Novak Djokavic second and Roger Federer third.

In the women’s draw, 23 year old Australian Ashleigh Barty is the number one seed with Karolina Pliskova second and Naomi Osaka third.

On the first play-off hole Steele, who had led all day, was wayward off the tee, allowing Smith the chance to two-putt for par and victory.

World Championships silver medallist Hannah England has announced her retirement from athletics. Oxford-born England, 32, won silver in the 1500m at the 2011 Worlds in Daegu.

Smith’s uncle Warren has lost his home in the bushfires in Australia.

“Australia is doing it tough right now and the focus is probably not on my golf, for good reason,” said Smith.

“But hopefully it gave a few people reason to smile for a moment or two.

Colombian Quintana, 29, is a previous winner of the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana but was second to Chris Froome in the 2013 and 2015 Tours.

In a post on Instagram, England said she was “proud of my achievements” and “it was a privilege” to be surrounded by so many talented people.

France’s Total Direct Energie qualify as 2019’s leading ProTeams outfit.

A second wildcard has been awarded to another French team, B&B Hotels-Vital Concept.

Quintana’s team will also feature French climber Warren Barguil.

T h e 2 8 - ye a r - o l d w o n t w o mountain stages and the mountain classification at the 2017 Tour.

The 2020 Tour de France starts in Nice on 27 June, finishing in Paris.

England represented her country at two Commonwealth Games, two World Championships, two European Championships and the Olympics in 2012.

England reached the semi-finals in the women’s 1500m at the London 2012 Olympics

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6 30

Majestic Creek Golfers Enjoy Team Games We commenced our 2020 competitions with a bang, with over 100 players taking part in our first two Thursday competitions of the Year. Many of our members had guests staying with them over the New Year period and they brought them along to play, the guests having a separate competition.

Guests are always welcome to play in our competitions and can register by email to; mjccompetition@gmail.com Register by Tuesday evening and your Tee Time will be sent to you on Wednesday morning.

The entry fee for our competition is 200 baht, all of which is paid out in cash prizes on the day of the competition, plus a 100 baht voucher, for each player registering to play, which is added to the prizes. This voucher is to be spent in the Pro-Shop

RESULTS FOR THE COMPETITIONS

THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY This week we had two events. We played our Monthly Medal Competition (strokeplay) and a Stableford competition, results as follows; MEDAL 1st place, Dana Lilja with a net score of 68, playing off a handicap of 5 2nd place, Alan Harris with a net score of 70, playing off a handicap of 3 3rd place, Rob Henderson with a net score of 71, playing off a handicap of 14 STABLEFORD 1st place, Pau Morris with 41points playing off 17 now off 15 2nd place, Alan Gibson with 37 points playing off 20 now off 19 3rd place, Maem Marungrueng with 37 points playing off 13

NEAREST THE PIN WINNERS HOLE A4 Alan Harris HOLE A6 Neil Patton HOLE B12 Alan Gibson

HOLE B17 Manfred Lanter ALL NEAREST THE PIN WINNERS RECEIVED A BOTTLE OF WINE THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY STABLEFORD COMPETITION This week we had 55 players including 15 guests taking part.

Results as follows, GUEST COMPETITION 1st place Eric Chantraine 40 points 2nd place Sharon Usher 40 points 3rd place Dau Kunpratum 38 points Members Competition 1st place ,Derek Townsend 43 points playing off 14 now off 12 2nd place, Manfred Lanter 40 points playing off 10 now off 9 3rd place, Colin Sansom 39 points playing off 6 now off 5 NEAREST THE PIN WINNERS Hole A4 Tony Martin Hole A6 David Gibson and Derek Townsend, equal distance Hole B12 Jean Paul Capbern Hole B17 Rob Henderson All handicaps are maintained on the MASTERSCOREBOARD Website, where you can see all the results of our competitions played over the last 12 months.

You can also check your handicap be accessing the website as follows; Type in masterscoreboard.co.uk, select my society, choose the letter ‘M’, the second listed society is Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort. Select this and enter the password ‘putter’ and then press log in WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ON THE GOLF COURSE IN THE NEAR FUTURE

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

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8 32 World Ranked Tennis Pros Ready to Play at Hua Hin’s WTA Thailand Open World No.5 Elina Svitolina leads the field in the second edition of the GSB Thailand Open presented by EA, to be held in Hua Hin between February 10th to 16th.

The competition will also boast a slew of Chinese players. World No 41 Zheng Saisai is back after being forced to withdraw from the 2019 edition due to health problem.

She’ll be joined by No 51 Wang Yafan, 71 Zhu Lin, 104 Peng Shuai and 134 Wang Xiyu.

Other top 100 players flying in will include World No 35 Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan, 43 Magda Linette from Poland, 82 Danka Kovinic from Montenegro, 83 Tatjana Maria from Germany and No 95 Paula Badosa from Spain.

who has received a wildcard for the qualifying draw. Both Cheapchandej and Sawangkaew received the wildcards for the competition from the Road To Thailand Open 2020 tournament.

New for 2020 in terms of competition is the use of Electronic Line Calling (ELC) for the replay of the falling ball that may be too fast for the human eye, as well as the 25-second shotclock rule.

Tournament Chairman Suwat Liptapanlop introduces the 2020 WTA Thailand Open at last month’s Press Conference The WTA International event will feature twelve of the world’s Top 100 players including defending champion Dayana Yastremska, Wimbledon doubles champion Hsieh SuWei as well as the 2019 Australian Open doubles champion and previous US Open winner Samantha Stosur.

Elina Svitolina from Ukraine, the WTA player ranking 5 th in the world, is the top seeded player. Svitolina, whose career highlights include victory at the 2018 WTA Finals in Singapore and semi-finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open last year, will try to become the second Ukrainian to hold a trophy in Hua Hin after teenage rising star Dayana Yastremska won the inaugural edition last year.

Will this Ukraine pair be in the winning circle at this year’s event?

Breast Cancer Foundation Donations

2019 Australian Open doubles champion and previous US Open winner Samantha Stosur is amongst the favourites “I am thrilled that the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has put its faith in Proud Group Company Limited and True Arena Hua Hin to organise the tournament again this year,” said Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the tournament committee, during a January press conference. This year’s line-up will please the local fans eager to see the world’s top players in action.”

Thailand will be represented by former World No.19 Tamarine Tanasugarn, a stalwart of the sport, who will compete in the doubles competition. The 42-year-old will be joined by 25-year-old World No.816 Patcharin Cheapchandej, who has received a main draw wildcard, and 17-year-old former junior World No.14 Mananchaya Sawangkaew,

Just watching a tennis match they will be helping to fight breast cancer as the WTA International event will donate all ticketing revenues to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation to help patients with terminal cancer.

The WTA Thailand Open will donate a minimum of THB 1 million, approximately $33,000. In addition, APG will also donate $10,000, the WTA $5,000 and WTA Charities another $5,000. The tournament and the WTA will also create an charity program in the lead up to the event with players helping to expand awareness of the issues surrounding the disease.

For more information, call 032 -909-633 or see more details of the competition at https://www.wtatennis.com/ tournament/1096/hua-hin Event tickets Available via the competition website at https://www.vananavahuahin.com/wta-thailandopen-2020. Tickets, priced from 800-1,800 THB, can be purchased at www.thaiticketmajor.com, and www. vananavahuahin.com

International Team Donates to Australia Bushfire Relief Presidents Cup star Marc Leishman, on behalf of International Team Captain Ernie Els and his other International team members and assistant captains, has revealed a $125,000 donation from the 2019 Presidents Cup charitable funds to the relief efforts of the Australian bushfires.

Australian pro Marc Leishman announces the Presidents Cup Team donation “I want to thank the rest of the International Team for their contributions to the cause and I know all of Australia – and particularly the victims – will be very grateful,” Leishman said. “These bushfires are an ongoing crisis that continues to cut a devastating path right across Australia so support from the global community is crucial. It has been heartening to see the resiliency of the Australian people and to see the firefighters and volunteers from around the world coming together to continue this important fight.

“But the scale of the destruction is huge and it will continue to take a team effort from every corner of the globe as we look to the future. The fires are expected to burn through the Australian summer and coming months

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.

Please call: +66 (0)81-942-3619, Email: bookings@majesticcreekcc.com, or browse our Website: www.majesticcreekcc.com to reserve for Green Fee. HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

and the families who lost loved ones, homes and priceless memories will feel the effects for years to come. So too will our unique wildlife so all support is greatly appreciated.”

The donation is a team effort from the International squad that narrowly lost 16-14 in December when the biennial team event was played at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia.

“The International Team was made to feel at home and felt tremendous support and hospitality from the great people of Australia. Our players came together to pitch in to help the efforts of these tragic fires, the brave men and women in harm’s way and those impacted by the devastation,” Els said.

“We hope that our donation can not only have an impact in Australia but will also encourage others to do what they can to help.”

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.

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10 34 ‘System 36’; a Handicapping Solution When You Don’t Have a Handicap

Hua Hin Today has been asked what is a ‘System 36’ Handicap in golf and how is it applied.

This is a one day or one event golf handicapping system similar to a Callaway System or a Peoria System.

It allows golfers who do not have an official handicap to play and compete in golf tournaments.

The method is popular in the Asia Pacific Region and finds use in corporate outings and charity tournaments when many players do not have an official handicap. It has some limitations but helps resolve the problem of players or organisers ‘guessing’ what a handicap might be and provides an ‘even playing field’. No one can be accused of being a ‘bandit’!

Basically System 36 rewards players who make birdies and penalises players who make triple-bogeys or worse. Everyone’s ‘handicap’ is determined after the round according to System 36 requirements. Players who have an official handicap do not use it that for the day’s competition.

Here’s how System 36 works: Throughout the round, the golfer accrues points based on the following formula: Double bogey or worse 0 points Bogey 1 point Par or better 2 points At the end of the round, points earned are tallied. The total is subtracted from 36, and that number is the golfer’s handicap. The Net score or Stableford score can then be calculated using this handicap. A maximum handicap of 36 is allotted using this system For example, let’s say you play 90 strokes during an 18 hole round. Along the way you have one birdie, seven pars, eight bogeys, and two double-bogeys or worse. First, calculate your accrued points: 8 (pars and birdie) x 2 (points per par or better) = 16 8 (bogeys) x 1 (point per bogey) =8 2 (doubles or worse) x 0 (points per double) =0 So your points total is 24. Now subtract this total from 36 = 12. For the day’s competition 12 is your allotted handicap. Now apply this to your gross score: 90 – 12 = 78. In this example 78 is your net score.

Alternatively calculate the Stableford points as you normally would for a 12 handicap player.

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Can System 36 be manipulated or ‘sandbagged’?

In order to ‘work’ this system you must score birdies consistently and avoid anything more than a double bogey. If you are already at that level, then you probably aren’t going to be playing in a tournament where ‘real’ handicaps aren’t being used.

Playing safe when you cannot score a birdie is one way to maximise a net result. For instance when a birdie may only be achieved by risking a huge water carry, laying up and taking anything less than triple keeps the score neutral.

As you can see in this table, holes with a score of par, bogey or double bogey do not change the net score.

Only holes over double bogey increase a net score; only holes under par reduce a net score.

The person with a combination of the most birdies and the least number of triple bogeys (or worse) will win. These are the most consistent and safe golfers. Better golfers have a small advantage over normally high handicappers as they are more likely to score birdies (or better) than to have ‘blow-out’ holes which ruin the net result.

Paris Saint Germain Tournament at True Arena Hua Hin 21st to 23rd February 2020 The 1st Paris Saint Germain Academy Asean Cup is at True Arena Hua Hin from 21 to 23 of February 2020. Competition is open for Under 7, Under 9, Under 11 and U13, with an exhibition tournament in Under 15.

For informations or getting documentation please contact them by private message at https://www. facebook.com/psgacademythailand/ True Arena Hua Hin, Asia’s premier sports complex and the largest, most comprehensive sports center in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin. True Arena Hua Hin offers incredible world-class facilities, state-ofthe-art fitness equipment and activities with personal trainers. Our flexible True Arena Hua Hin accommodates fun, competitive sports such as basketball and volleyball

True Arena Hua Hin Address: 52/52 Petchkasem Road Hua Hin, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat

Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 http://www.truearenahuahin.com/

35 11 Alpine Skier Chinupun at the Forefront of the Winter Sports Revolution In Thailand Thirteen months ago, Thai Nichakan Chinupun had never seen snow before. Today, she is a true Winter Games Olympian, having participated in both races and finished 37th on a starting list of 78 athletes in the women’s giant slalom in alpine skiing on Sunday.

“The first time I saw snow, it was beautiful and I couldn’t believe how soft it was when I touched it. But I was afraid to walk on it,” said Chinupun about of his trip to Gressoney in the Italian Alps in December 2018, which was a particularly revealing experience.

It didn’t take him long to feel comfortable in the white powder. Karen Chanloung, the Thai pioneer of PyeongChang 2018 cross-country skiing in Olympia, hosted Chinupun in Italy and was blown away by the abilities the teenager immediately demonstrated.

“I was much more worried than she was,” said Chanloung, who welcomed 12 passionate young athletes into her home on a government-supported mission to encourage Thai people to winter sport. “ B u t I wa s re a l l y surprised to see how gifted she was from the start. The first day we went crosscountry skiing and she went downhill right away.”

For Chinupun, who had tried roller skiing for the first time only four months ago, the initiation to authentic skiing revealed an instant passion. “I was so looking forward to trying,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe how long the skis were. They were difficult to control and fast, but I loved it right away.” She then joined a ski trip to Russia before Italian coach Attilio Perona, resident in Thailand since 2017, agreed to take matters into her own hands.

With the resolute support of the Ski and Snowboard Association of Thailand (SSAT), Perona took her new student to New Zealand in August 2019 for an intensive course on the intricacies of ski racing.

Five months later and after a new training camp in Italy, Perona cannot believe the progress made by Chinupun. “I’m really, very proud,” said the coach. “Today was really, really difficult. For the best it was great but for the less experienced the track and snow conditions were extremely difficult.”

Chinupun’s compatriot Natthawut Hiranrat competes in the men’s giant slalom on Monday and the slalom on Tuesday, while Thailand also has two athletes competing in cross-country skiing and short track speed skating.

For the manager of the cross-country ski team Taratip Chantawat (Thailand), this delegation of five represents the visible part of the iceberg for winter sports and the nation of Southeast Asia.

“When we talk about snow and skiing [in Thailand] people are afraid but we invite them to learn,” said Chantawat.

“Three or four years ago, the president [of SSAT] had the good idea to encourage the Thais to ski using roller skis. We started with 80 children and we are now at 200.

“In 2020, we will organize at least four roller ski competitions and one of them will be a FIS (International Ski Federation) race.

Nichakan Chinupun (THA) Dylan Burns for OISphotos

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

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37 Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi

1 - 15 February 2020

Harvest Festival 2020 at Monsoon Valley; Celebrating the ‘Fruits of the Vine’

Harvest time at vineyards around the world is a joyous time when the culmination of the year’s labour has finally resulted in the ‘fruits of the vine’ being realised. The harvest festival is always accompanied by fine food, music and of course wine in abundance.

Celebrations of the Harvest Festival at Monsoon Valley Vineyard will be happening from 15th to 23rd February this year. The 700 rai vineyard is set amidst the rolling hills and jungle around 35 kilometres west of Hua Hin. The first operations of Monsoon Valley began in 2001 when Chalerm Yoovidhya saw potential in growing grapes in his beloved native Thailand and set out to show the world that great wines can be crafted even at the 13th latitude of the northern hemisphere.

The first vineyard was in Khao Yai; then a new opportunity arose in 2003, when Khun Chalerm was invited to plant grapes at the Huay Sai Royal Research project where a trial vineyard produced grapes of a surprisingly high quality. He then found an ideal spot for a commercial venture at Baan Khork Chang, a pristine valley 35km inland from Hua Hin. The site was a former elephant corral, where elephants were once domesticated and is now the location of the company’s flagship vineyard, the Monsoon Valley Vineyard.

Grape varieties such as Colombard and Chenin Blanc, Sangiovese, Rondo and Shiraz thrive in the conditions thanks to cooling sea and evening breezes from the hills. Here the loamy soil is enriched with the mineral deposits from shells and fossils adding to the freshness of the wines. Later Muscat, Dornfelder, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc were added to the vineyard’s collection of grape varieties.

The vineyard is open daily from 9 am – 6:00 pm with a shuttle service available from the Monsoon Valley Wine Bar located on 2nd floor at Villa Market. An entry charge of 200 THB is redeemable for food, drinks or souvenirs.

Special Monsoon Valley Harvest Time Activities 15th to 22nd February

From Grape to Glass Take a vineyard tour, try your hand at grape picking, discover the age-old traditions of grape stomping and learn about how wine is blended.

Cost: 390 THB

The Harvest Festival will see guests wondering amongst the recently ripened fruit, trying their hand at collecting the grapes and their feet at ‘stomping the grapes to release the juices. The festival provides the ‘from grape to glass’ experience including sampling fresh wine, produced in only 3 months; something like fresh beer. A purpose made harvest ‘compound’ adds a rustic

element to the festivities amongst hay bales and music with a country feel.

The harvest season is one of Hua Hin’s most enjoyable days (and evenings) out.

With vineyard tours and the fine cuisine and amazing outlook of the Sala Bar & Bistro providing perfect views over the sprawling valley and vines below, a trip to Monsoon Valley is a ‘must visit’ destination.

Sunset Wine Dinners When: 22nd February Includes: A VIP ‘From Grape to Glass’ experience, including exclusive souvenirs followed by a wine special dinner with perfectly paired world-class wines from Monsoon Valley.

Cost: 3,200 THB Address: 1 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang

Patana, Nong Pulp, Hua Hin,

Prachuap Khirikhan Phone: 081-701-0222 E-Mail: info@monsoonvalley.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ monsoonvalley

WWW.PRIMEHUAHIN.COM

T.+66 (0) 32 512979, M.+66 (0) 89 028 3547 Email: prime_restaurant@hotmail.com 154 Naresdamri Rd. Hua Hin, Prachuab Kirikhan 77110 Thailand FOOD & Entertainment, 1 - 15 February 2020

2 38 Mama Duu Chef’s Table: A Journey through Thailand Pirom Thai Cuisine at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been open for a few months now with Chef Jasvir Sanghera, aka Mama Duu, at the helm delivering dishes and flavours that she learnt as a child, using family recipes handed down.

On Saturday 18 January, Mama Duu held her first ever Chef’s Table, showcasing the food of Thailand from the 4 different culinary regions with a 6-course menu with matched international wines to complement each dish. The regions across Thailand have vastly different flavour profiles, from the South where the flavours are hot and spicy to the north where subtle and refined spicing is often the norm.

Sitting on the beautiful outdoor terrace, the night started with a watermelon Carpaccio with pancetta with a smoked and dried fish powder. This light but punchy start to the evening was teamed with an Italian Prosecco. The region of Hua Hin is known as the Royal Coast and the next dish is a Royal Snack that was traditionally eaten in the hotter months of the year: Khao Chae which is rice served in chilled Pandan water with various condiments.

The flavours of the northeast were represented by a salad of grilled pork neck. This spicy salad was served with a crab shell stuffed with crab and prawn meat; the paired wine was a Chilean Chardonnay.

FOOD & Entertainment, 1 - 15 February 2020

One of the most popular soups in Thailand is Dtom Kha and Mama Duu served her version with dumplings of prawn and sesame oil. It was absolutely delicious!

The last two courses before dessert were curries.

Australian grain fed beef was served with a traditional curry with a grilled green chilli stuffed with minced beef. Then came a superb southern, yellow curry with grilled seafood.

This was one of the standout dishes of the night as the curry

was full of flavour and the seafood, including delicious crab, was grilled to perfection. Both these courses were matched with a Pinot Noir by Matua Valley, New Zealand.

No Thai meal can finish without a sweet hit. Here, Mama Duu fused international flavours with her Thai style by having a Parmesan Panna Cotta with a fried shallot ice cream and baked taro custard cake. East was most certainly meeting west in this course.

If you are wanting to taste refined, yet traditional Thai flavours for either lunch or dinner, then you should try Pirom Thai Cuisine. Either partake in a tasting menu or order dishes to share.

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Discount for VIP Card Da Mario Italian Restaurant

Putahracsa Ob-Oon Bakery Shop

Azure at InterContinental Hua Hin

Spa & Wellness at InterContinental Hua Hin

Cuisine: Italian Address: 20/24 Naresdamri Rd., Hua Hin Tel: Tel: 085 473 1441 and 032-530 170 Web: www.da-mario-huahin.com

Cuisine: Seafood, Mediterranean and Thai Grill Address: 33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 999 Email: ichh.rsvn@ihg.com Web: www.huahin.intercontinental.com/ azure

Cuisine: French–style Bakery and Pastry Shop Address: 22/65 Naeb Kaehat Rd., Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470 Email: fbm@putahracsa.com Web: www.oboonhuahin.com

Address: 33/33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 999 Email: ichh.rsvn@ihg.com Web: www.huahin.intercontinental.com/ spa-wellness

All Insurance Hua Hin InAzia Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Indian and Japanese Address: 1573 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel 032 708 000 Email: reservations.huahin@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahin.com

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Tel: 080 5002222 Email: tony@huahins.com Office inside Tesco Lotus next to The Vana Nava Water Park

Luna La Pran Restaurant, Sheraton Pranburi

Day Spa at Putahracsa Hua Hin

Ban Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine, Dusit Thani

In Balance Spa, Novotel Hua Hin Resort

Cuisine: Thai, Western, Fusion and Fresh Seafood Address: 9/22 Moo 5, Pak Nam Pran Tel: 032 909 900 Email: fb.huahin@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahinpranburi.com

Cuisine: Thai Address: 1349 Petchkasem Road, Cha-Am Tel: 032 520 009 Web: www.dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin/ dining/ban-benjarong

Address: 22/65 Naeb Kaehat Rd., Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470 Email: booking@putahracsa.com Web: www.putahracsa.com

Address: 854/2 Burirom Road, Cha Am Beachfront Tel: 032 708 300 Email: rsvn@novotelhuahin.com Web: www.novotelhuahin.com

HUA HIN TODAY, 1 - 15 February 2020

4 40 WEEKLY MONDAYS Luna La Pran Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

Pak Nam Pran’s Freshest Local Blue Crab, Prawns, Green Light Squid and Mussels with Corn Prepared to Perfection and Served Literally on Your Table! Size Small THB 490 net / Medium THB 890 net / Large THB 1,250 net, 12:00hrs - 23:00hrs.

Sundara, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Oh-Fish-Cially Best Fish In Town! Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Salas, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

THURSDAYS Steak Out, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Sink your teeth into some divinely al dente pasta made from Every Tuesday 19:00 scratch from authentic - 22:00 hours. COAST ingredients minutes Beach Club & Bistro. before boiling right here Choose your fresh fish in Hua Hin. Savor the fillet of tuna, salmon, way each type is paired seabass or tuna along with your favorite sauce with the most irresistible Every Thursday 19:00 sauce or soup, Prices and side order then - 22:00 hours. COAST start at 290 Baht net, we will pan sear it and Beach Club & Bistro.

12:00hrs 22:00hrs. deliver to your table.

Select your preferred Your fillet includes a Thai Temple Fair, steak from Australia. selection from the chef’s Centara Grand Beach Cooked to your order salad buffet. Starting Resort & Villas Hua Hin and accompanied by from Baht 490++. the chef’s salad buffet of Wednesday, 5 & InAzia, Sheraton Hua fresh cut vegetables and 19, 19:00 - 22:00 Hin Resort & Spa greens - truly a meat hours. Suan Bua Thai lovers delight! Starting Restaurant. Treat from Baht 990++ (220g yourself to Suan Bua’s portion). ever-popular dinner

FRIDAYS Yam Yen Rooftop, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Culinary Treasures Of Japan, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Monday 18:00 - 22:00 hours Hagi Japanese Restaurant. Japanese buffet - enjoy a wide variety of Japanese specialties such as Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, live Teppanyaki and much more ... Baht 1,350 net per person.

If fish is your favorite dish, you’re in luck.

InAzia has fresh-off-theboat fish flavors to the fore throughout January and February. Prices start at THB 390 net, 18:00hrs - 22:30hrs.

Tempura Treasure, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Sunday Roast @ Coast, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Saturday, 1 February from 19:00 to 22:00 hours. Explore the remarkable French Looking for a place cuisine of Provence! to relax and unwind?

From high in the Alps, Come and join #TGIF Through the lavender - Thank God It’s Friday hills to the beach side with free flow wine, beer, unlimited canapés Cote d’Azure, you will and chill house beats by enjoy oysters, foie gras, resident band. Enjoy the delicious cheeses and much more ... Baht stunning sunset view 1,550++ per person. and the cool breeze at Yam Yen Rooftop Luna La Pran ... Prices THB 590 net Restaurant, Sheraton per person, 18:00hrs Hua Hin Pranburi Villas 20:00hrs.

Every Sunday exclusive for Dinner. COAST Beach Club & Bistro.

Choose your own favourite portion of ROAST - Tender Pork, Juicy Beef or Tasteful Lamb, served right at your table with freshly cooked root vegetables and assorted home made sauces. Starting from Baht 690++ per couple.

Surf ‘N Turf, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

All About Lobsters, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Daily, from 18:00 to 22:30 hours. Lobster is the highlight at Railway Restaurant as Executive Chef Steffen Hoffer has sourced the best crustaceans, prepared in different styles all guaranteed lobster fans wouldn’t want to miss. Starting from Baht 1,050++.

Daily, except Monday from 17:00 to 22:30 hours. Enjoy the distinct taste and texture of an all-time Japanese favourite, Tempura, prepared to serve using an authentic recipe and Hagi’s best-kept tecniques to deliver the most tasty experience.

Starting from Baht 220 net.

Tuck into Northeastern Thailand’s incredible comfort food cuisine.

Toothsome preparations of meat and fish featuring fresh local herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables are high on most every Thai foodlover’s hit list. Prices start at 220 Baht net, 11:00hrs - 22:30hrs.

Romantic Valentine’s Dinner on the Beach Especially for those moment when three’s very much a crowd!

Make special Valentine’s memories in your private gazebo on their starlit beach Advanced reservations required, please call+66(0) 3252 0009 or e-mail dthhfb@dusit.com

Centara Valentine February 14 promises one of the best Valentine’s Days in town, inviting guests for The Grand Valentine’s Day with Biggles Big Band.

Set on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020, the grand event will treat you and your loved ones to a romantic night of dinner and dancing with music’s celebration of love performed live by Amsterdam’s best 23-piece orchestra, Biggles Big Band.

Available for dinner on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2020 Priced at Baht 2,020++ per person For more information or reservations, please call +66 (0) 3251 2021.

Friday, 7 February from 19:00 to 22:00 hours. Dive into our “Surf ‘N Turf” buffet at beach with an impressive assortment of tempting seafood and meat treats. The extravagant buffet spread is accompanied by live cooking stations and mouth-watering desserts amidst Hua Hin’s famed beachside atmosphere and live entertainment. Baht 1,350++ per person.

Gather a whole family for a convivial Chinese New Year’s Dinner.

Welcome the Year of the Rat with good fortune and prosperity for your family and friends. Luna La Pran invites you to the auspicious of festive offerings. Enjoy the variations of Asian delights highlighting traditional. Chinese fare in a festive and celebratory atmosphere with Lion Dance and to celebrate this family holiday. THB 1,388 net per adult THB 688 net per child (6-12 years), 18:00hrs 22:00hrs.

Luna La Pran Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

Possibly the most delicious of all small Reef & Beef, Centara aquatic crustaceans, Grand Beach Resort & Thai River Prawns are Villas Hua Hin particularly palatable.

Friday, 21 February 19:00 And that is their true purpose. They’re - 22:00 hours. COAST also rather large and Beach Club & Bistro. currently of particularly Discover the variety of high quality. Luna La coast side dishes and Phan therefore highly a wide assortment of recommends you try its. tempting appetizers, Prices start at THB 380 fresh fish, seafood, prime quality meats and net, 12:00hrs - 23:00hrs. live entertainment. Baht Prices start at THB 380 net, 12:00hrs - 23:00hrs.

1,350++ per person PUTAHRACSA HUA HIN Valentine’s Day Dinner Friday 14Th February 2020 Thb 3,299 Net for Two Persons (Food Only) 19.00- 22.00 HRS. For more information call: +66 (0) 3253 1470 fbm@putahracsa.com

PHONE NUMBERS Amari Hua Hin: 032 616 600 BaBa Beach Club Hua Hin: 032 899 130 Cape Nidhra Hotel Hua Hin: 032 516 600 Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin

032 512 021

FOOD & Entertainment, 1 - 15 February 2020

Corner 112 Grill Restaurant: 083 006 1300 Dusit Thani Hua Hin: 032 520 009 Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort: 032 616 999 Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa: 032 904 666 Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin: 032 547 555

SUNDAYS

Railway Grand Buffet, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

buffet, filled with superb Luna Lanai, Sheraton cuisine from Thailand Hua Hin Resort & Spa and spectacular performances. Baht 950++ per person.

Pleasure your palate with the pick of the pineapple season.

Delicious and nutritious, every mouthful hits the sweet spot. As you will see when you taste.

Prices start at THB 190 net, 11:00hrs - 24:00hrs.

SATURDAYS

Luna La Pran Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

Enjoy a lazy Sunday by the pool with chilled out beats at Luna La Pran. Fish and chip combos served with beer and happy hour specials throughout the afternoon to ensure you make the most of your Sunday in style.

Free access to the pool.

Prices start at 299 Baht net per set, 14:00 hrs18:00 hrs.

February 14, 2020 Baba Beach Club Hua Hin Luxury Pool Villa Hotel by Sri panwa

Exclusive Romantic Dinner, an exclusive 4-course set menu under the lit candlelight accompanied by the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. The exclusive Romantic dinner is price at THB 10,000++ per couple including one bottle of sparkling wine. Limited seat offered!

Romantic Beachfront Dinner, Valentine’s special 3-course set dinner serving an appetizer, main course, and a dessert for THB 5,500++ per couple including 2 glass of sparkling wine. Available on 14th of February 2020 between 7pm - 10pm. All prices are subject to 7% government tax and 10% service charge.

Advertise with

Novotel Hua Hin Beach Resort & Spa: 032 708300 Putahracsa Hua Hin Resort: 032 531 470 Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa: 032 708 000 Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas: 032 909 900 Wora Bura Hua Hin Resort & Spa: 032 655 333

Hua Hin Today

Tel: 086 369 3604 visa@huahintoday.com www.huahintoday.com

415 The Complexity of Massaman Curry Whether you are in Thailand or eating Thai Food in another country, Massaman Curry is one Thai dish that most people are familiar with, yet this complex dish is steeped in tradition and has been slowly adapted over the years.

So, what are the origins of this dish?

According to Thai food expert and chef, David Thompson, as well as Thai journalist and scholar, Santi Sawetwimon, the dish originated in the cosmopolitan court of Ayutthaya in the 17th century through the Persian merchant, Sheik Ahmad Qomi, from whom the noble Thai Bunnag family descends.

The curry is extolled in the poem, Kap He Chom Khrueang Khao Wa, from the end of the 18th century; this poem is attributed to Prince Itsarasunthon of Siam, later to be known as King Rama II of Thailand. He dedicated it to a lady believed to be Princess Bunrot, the later Queen Sri Suriyendra, wife of King Rama II. The second stanza reads:Massaman, a curry made by my beloved, is fragrant of cumin and strong spices. Any man who has swallowed the curry is bound to long for her.

“The Curry of the Muslim” has always been popular with Thais of Muslim descent, but it is now loved by many people all over the world, including non-Muslim Thais here in Thailand. This dish is also reserved for religious ceremonies and special occasions.

Many of the spices used in making a Massaman curry paste are not commonly used in other Thai curries and were brought to Thailand from the Malay Archipelago and South Asia by predominantly Muslim traders; spices such as cumin, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, nutmeg and mace.

These are combined with the more known dried chillies, coriander seeds, lemongrass, galangal, white peppercorns, shrimp paste, shallots and garlic. The paste creates a curry that is heavily perfumed, soothing and comforting without being overly spicy. The curry, made with coconut milk, should be thick from being simmered for an extended period and have a flavour profile starting slightly sour from the tamarind, then into sweet. The other traditional method of cooking a Massaman is frying off the proteins prior to them being

simmered in the spiced coconut milk broth. This ensures the meat, whether it’s chicken, beef, goat or mutton, softens and thickens the curry.

Over time, the recipe for Massaman has been adapted and changed, like many such things in Thailand. More Thai ingredients are used nowadays, like shrimp paste; tamarind and even lemongrass. Many versions now will have potatoes in the curry. If you find a Massaman which does not have potatoes, you may be tasting a version where the chef is using a recipe from olden times or from their ancestors.

Early recipes of Massaman Curry did not use potatoes or yams to bulk out the curry. Cooks may have used raisins to give it a sour and sweet hit plus roasted nuts to add texture and crunch.

This is a dish with a rich history to match its rich flavour.

It’s Not Just Valentine’s Day; It’s Valentine’s Week!

Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or The Feast of Saint Valentine is celebrated on February 14th each year worldwide

Chocolate Day: Sunday, February 9th Chocolates are for love, and how can chocolates not find a special place in the week of love! Send chocolates to your loved ones to uplift their mood and to spread the love.

Teddy Day: Monday, February 10th Teddies are the cutest and most famous soft toys, loved by everyone. Gift a soft teddy to your loved one as a reminder of you..

The day originated as a Christian feast honoring an early saint in the church called Valentinus and over the years has gradually changed to become a day to celebrate romantic love expressed with the giving of flowers, sweets, and cards.

But it seems that just one day doesn’t cut it for the real romantics. The trend is to expand this annual opportunity to share special moments with that special person in your life. The entire week before Valentine’s Day is becoming dedicated to the celebration of love, culminating on Friday 14th February as Valentine’s Day! Rose Day: Friday, February 7th The first day of the week in Rose day, a day when lovers greet each other with a red rose So basically, it’s a preparation for a proposal the next day. So, set the scene by sending that red rose.

Propose Day: Saturday, February 8th This day is marked as the day people are free to propose with a rose or ring. The proposed person may decline, but without any hard feelings, making it a fearless propose day.

Promise Day: Tuesday, February 11th This is a day to make promises together.

Make realistic promises that you can keep with a pure heart and rewards will be coming your way.

Hug Day: Wednesday, February 12th Give your bear–est hugs to your dearest ones. Shower them with your hugs so that they are remembered for some time, the more hugs the better.

Kiss Day: Thursday, February 13th This may be a day to kiss and makeup.

Remember to kiss the forehead too, for it signifies care and responsibility. But why not take the plunge and shower hot, wet kisses right on the lips!

Valentine’s Day: Friday, February 14th Finally, it all culminates to Valentine’s Day on the 14th, when you can get creative in every way to show that you care, you are responsible, and you love. Make the best of the day, woo your sweetheart, and take advantage of the wonderful gestures of love.

FOOD & Entertainment, 1 - 15 February 2020

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