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Jonathan Fairfield
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Here is some more info on this:
Chevrolet Recalls 23,552 Captiva SUVs In Thailand
General Motors’ ongoing recalls have affected vehicles all over the globe, not just in North America.The latest safety measure being taken is for an issue with Theta-based Captiva SUVs in Thailand. The recall comes soon after the company recalled 2,000 Chevrolet Spin mini SUVs for faulty fuel tank ventilation nipples and a faulty fuse box seal in the country.The problem: The cars may be equipped with a seatbelt assembly that was not tightened enough during the manufacturing process.Vehicles affected: 2011-2014 Chevrolet Captiva SUVs.Number of vehicles being recalled: 23,532 Captivas in Thailand are affected.The fix: This recall won’t cost Chevrolet any money in parts, as the bolts on the seatbelt assembly simply need to be inspected and tightened if they are found to be too loose. Dealers will contact owners notifying them of the recall. Chevrolet says the fix will only take a few minutes and will be completed free of charge.-
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Thaivisa.com agrees sponsorship deal with Pattaya City F.C
BANGKOK:-- Thaivisa.com is pleased to announce it has agreed to be one of the new shirt sponsors for Pattaya City Football Club.
Pattaya City compete in the top tier of the Bangkok Casuals League, plus the Chonburi Football League and are one of Pattaya’s most succesfull amatuer football teams, winning numerous league titles and cup competitions since the team formed more than ten years ago.
The new Pattaya City shirt, which features the Thaivisa logo on the right shoulder, is currently on sale in all Puma, SuperSports and Central stores plus other leading sports shops across Thailand. The shirt is also on sale in the popular i-Rovers sports bar in Pattaya, which is located on Soi LK Metro, just off Soi Buakhao.
Commenting on the new sponsorship agreement, Barry Main, sales director for Thaivisa.com said:
“The new shirt looks great and we are really pleased to be able to support the club in this way. Thaivisa.com has a very active Pattaya forum, which includes a wide range of information about news and events in Pattaya and the surrounding area. We wish everyone involved with Pattaya City F.C the best of luck for this season”.
Pattaya City play most Sunday afternoons competing in the Bangkok Casuals League. Their home stadium is at Laem Chabang Football Club, which is located on the Chonburi side of Pattaya, approximately 15 minutes from the town centre.
Thaivisa.com is the largest and most established expat website in Thailand and the most visited English language website about Thailand in the world. The site receives over 11.1 million page views per month, has over 2.7 million visitors each month and has more than 250,000 subscribers to the Thaivisa newsletter, which keeps expats up to date with the latest news from Thailand and which is distributed two times per day.
Keep up to date with Thaivisa on Facebook and Twitter.
-- 2014-11-22-
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New requirements for ED-Visa extensions in Phuket
BANGKOK: -- Thaivisa.com has today been made aware of new rules being enforced in Phuket for those studying on a so called ED-Visa.
The new rules are with regards to the amount of time students are required to study.
With immediate effect students in Phuket are now required to attend classes 5 times per week, for 2 hours per class.
This latest news follows a series of changes in the process of applying for extension of stay based on Non-Immigrant ED. Recent months have seen several posts to the visa section of the Thaivisa forum reporting similar changes to the amount of hours required to study.
It has also been confirmed to Thaivisa that in Bangkok there is a requirement for students to attend classes 4 times per week for 2 hours per class, which has previously been reported by several members in our visa forum, as this post from earlier in November shows.
Thaivisa.com is currently working to seek official confirmation if these new rules will come into practice nationwide.
Thaivisa.com would like to thank Mac Walen of Walen School of Thai for clarifying the new requirements as received from the Private Education Commission.
-- 2014-11-15-
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Cha-Am Beach Should Be Better Organised, Says Mayor
CHA AM:-- A meeting to consider the monitoring of public areas on Cha-Am beaches was recently held at the Cha-Am Municipality.
Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774652-cha-am-beach-should-be-better-organised-says-mayor/
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Complaints filed to Siem Reap police as 45-year-old man weds 14-year-old girl
CAMBODIA:-- Weddings are normally happy occasions, but the illegal marriage this week of a 14-year-old bride and her 45-year-old groom in Siem Reap province drew much concern from onlookers.
Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774634-a-brides-age-troubles-village-in-cambodia/
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Foreign investment in Thai property market gathers pace
BANGKOK:-- Foreign property companies from China, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore and Japan are expanding their investment in Thailand's property market via joint ventures with local players for the development of both residential and commercial buildings.
Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774689-foreign-investment-in-thai-property-market-gathers-pace/
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Foreign investment in Thai property market gathers pace
BANGKOK:-- Foreign property companies from China, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore and Japan are expanding their investment in Thailand's property market via joint ventures with local players for the development of both residential and commercial buildings.
Charn Issara Development has formed a joint venture with investors from China and Hong Kong to develop a Bt3-billion mixed-used project, the Baba Beach Club, in Phang-Nga province.The project, which comprises detached houses, condominiums and a hotel, will commence construction next year.Major Development has established a joint venture, TMDC Construction, with Bt100 million of registered capital with an Israeli construction firm, Danya Cebus, and Hong Kong's CRG Global Investment.The Thai company holds 51 per cent of TMDC Construction, while Danya Cebus holds 45 per cent and CRG Global Investment accounts for the remaining 4 per cent.Nirvana Development, meanwhile, is negotiating with two property funds from Japan and Singapore that are interested in investing in a Thai developer.The company expects the deal to be finalised in March, before it applies to be listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand.Earlier, Japanese property firms also expanded their investment in Thailand's real-estate market by forming joint ventures.Mitsui Fudosan Group did so with Ananda Development, while Mitsubishi Estate Group followed the same path with AP (Thailand).Israel-based IBC also established a joint venture with Pace Development in 2009, for the development of luxury residential buildings.Major Development managing director Suriya Poolvoralaks reported recently to the SET that the company's venture with Israeli and Hong Kong firms was part of an effort to increase its business advantage during a period of intense competition.It is also aimed at expanding into property-development-related business in the future.Nirvana Development CEO Sornsak Somwattana said the company needed more capital to expand its business during a highly competitive period, and negotiating with foreign property funds formed part of its effort to boost funding to compete with other property players.Meanwhile, the company also plans to launch six residential projects worth Bt9 billion combined next year, and investment from abroad would support this plan, he said.An injection of capital would also support its finances before applying for a bourse listing, he added.Nirvana Development plans to increase its registered capital from Bt715 million currently to Bt1 billion next year by raising funds from the SET.Charn Issara Development CEO Songkran Issara said the company's joint venture with investors from China and Hong Kong for its Bt3-billion mixed-used project in Phang-Nga was part of its strategy of managing its portfolio to support its investment plan.Moreover, foreign investors are interested in expanding their investment in Thailand's property market, where they see business opportunity and strong demand, he said.Condo, retail business to the foreSurachet Kongcheep, senior manager of Colliers International Thailand's research department, said investors from Japan, China and Hong Kong were currently interested in expanding their investment in Thailand's property market, especially in condominiums and retail business.This is largely because the Kingdom's location as a gateway to Asean will increase in significance when the Asean Economic Community comes into being next year.Meanwhile, Bangkok is urbanising in its suburbs, thanks to the government continuing to expand public investment in the mass-transit system.This opens up opportunities to develop residential projects in locations around Bangkok for local players, and for foreign investors keen to expand their investment in Thailand, he said."When land prices and construction costs in Thailand's property market are compared with those of other countries in the region, Thai prices are still lower, which challenges foreign investors to expand their investment in our property market," he added.
-- The Nation 2014-11-07 -
Hua Hin Cycling Classic 2014HUA HIN:-- Queen’s Cup Tour of Hua HIn 2014 Saturday 22 November 2557 Khao Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District – Prachuap Khiri KhanVenuesRegistration: The clock tower – Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan., Starting Point: Huahin School – Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan., Finish line: Khao Hin-lek-fai – Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri KhanScheduleSaturday 22 November 2557 06.30 – 08.00 am. Registration – sign up and receive race number at The Clock tower., 08.30 am. Sign On /Opening Ceremony/ Race Starts., 12.30 am. Race finishes., 14.30 pm. Trophies ceremony., 15.30 pm. Closing ceremonyRace catergories1. Road bike Male Open age group – 144 Kilometers., 2. Road bike Male 30-39 years old – 104 Kilometers., 3. Road bike Male 40- 49 years old – 89 Kilometers., 4. Road bike Male over 50 years old – 89 Kilometers., 5. Road bike Female Open age group – 89 Kilometers., 6. Road bike Junior Male – 104 Kilometers., 7. Mountain bike Male Open age group – 104 Kilometers., 8. Mountain bike Male over 40 years old – 89 Kilometers., 9. Road and Mountain bike Open age group – 75 Kilometers., 10. Road and Mountain bike VIP group – 25 Kilometers., 11. Fixed gear – 89 KilometersKing’s Cup Hua Hin Moutain Bike Classic 2014Sunday 23 November 2557 Hua Hin Shooting Range, Bor Fai. Schedule Sunday 23 November 2557 08.00-10.30 am. Registration – sign up and receive race number., 11.00 am. Sign On / Opening Ceremony/Race Starts., 14.30 pm. Race finishes., 15.00 pm. Trophies ceremony., 15.30 pm. Closing ceremonyRace catergoriesType A. 42 Kilometers.1. Junior Male2. Male Open age group3. Male 30-34 years old4. Male 35-39 years old5. Male 40-44 years old6. Male 45-49 years old7. Male over 50 years old8. Female Open age groupType B. 28 Kilometers.1. Junior Male2. Male Open age group3. Male 30-34 years old4. Male 35-39 years old5. Male 40-44 years old6. Male 45-49 years old7. Male 50-59 years old8. Male over 60 years old9. Weight over 85 Kilograms10. Female Open age group11. Female Over 35 years oldType C. 10 Kilometers.1. Male not over 10 year old2. Male not over 15 year old3. Female not over 15 year oldFor more information:www.facebook.com/sport.bicycle,www.sportbicycle.co.th,
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07
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Lars Castenlund; Entrepreneur, Creator of lifestyles and Enjoyer of life in Hua Hin
Life and work prior to Thailand
I started out working for an insurance company where I was employed for 10 years, but my passion has always been with computers and online opportunities. In 1997 when the internet first started to become popular in Denmark, I realised the new and endless possibilities that had become available – it fascinated me and steered my life in whole new direction. I was fortunate enough to meet the right person at the right time who was working for the Danish government. He asked me if I would like to become an instructor, – teaching public institutions how to use Microsoft products (e.g. Microsoft Office, Microsoft Publisher, etc.). Around the same time, I started to take up programming tasks for my employer, which led me to start my online dating service. We were at the very front of the evolution of online interaction.This was long before Facebook, Line, SnapChat – and similar services which today we take for granted. Back then, people hardly knew how to send an email to a friend, let alone get into contact with a stranger online. From there, things went fast, and a year after opening up our online dating website, we expanded to several other countries. With our business doing great, we ventured into new areas and opened up websites for online shopping, along with an online service which became “the place” to go for online casting in Denmark. I did several other online ventures and more than 13 business’ going at the same time. Having to attend business dinners each and every night, discussing the same things over and over again, made me realise that this would not be the life for me. I needed a change.ThailandI first came to Thailand 7 years ago where I met Soren – who is also from Denmark. At the time, he was working on a concept called “Hua Hin Online” which was to be the place for everything regarding Hua Hin – online. I believed the concept and we took it to the next level and launched a company based on that concept. When I went back to Denmark, I opened up yet another business – this time selling artificial nails online in Europe – it ended up being very successful. On my return to Thailand I undertook yet another venture – this time in real estate. I am the founder of Star Property, together with Sumalee Wilaiprasert. Around this time I slowly came to the conclusion that I had fallen head over heels in love with Thailand – the weather, the kind and wonderful people and the laid back lifestyle – things I could no longer find in Europe.The stepping stones were being laid for a new chapter in my life. My ventures into Hua Hin Online and Star Property led me going into partnership with George Mastronikolis and the local newspaper Hua Hin Today. George and I later launched several projects together, one of them being the resort Black Lotus. I am an entrepreneur at heart and I find it very hard standing still. Whenever I see needs I try to create solutions to meet those needs. And for this exact reason, I was also one of the 3 founders of Hua Hin Butler (now sole owner) – a company dedicated to servicing the residents of Hua Hin with everything from food delivery to carpet cleaning.Current life and projectsMy life in Thailand so far has been eventful and full of amazing experiences; each one of them has brought me closer to what I now see as where I belong – creating an amazing lifestyle project where I myself can feel at home – something that has, so far, been hard to find in Thailand, and especially in Hua Hin, hence Electric Mango was born.The vision created for Electric Mango by me and my wife Namfon (CEO of Electric Mango) is to create an environment for everyone – families, events, regular parties and simply good times in pleasant (amazing!) surroundings with the people you care about. One of the soon to be added facilities will be a steak house and a concert venue where local and international bands will be invited to perform. The style of music will be something that harmonises with the home of His Majesty the King, Hua Hin. On the drawing board is also around 200 private villas with 2 stories, which will add a whole new dimension to Electric Mango. The style and quality will be among the very best you can find in Asia. Electric Mango will develop into the hottest place to be in Thailand in a very short time.Giving backOne of the great things about Electric Mango is its ability to be venue for social and charity events. Our venture into charity began 3 months ago when we hosted the event “Children’s Day” together with Thai Social Network. A large group of 60 less fortunate kids along with their teachers came and enjoyed a day with food, fun and games at the playground at Electric Mango.Seeing their happy faces inspired us to make the events and ongoing thing, and we now have a Children’s Day every second Saturday in Electric Mango. These events has opened our eyes to the in need – which is also why Electric Mango chose to sponsor 250,000 baht to a Woman’s Club charity event for breast cancer. The Women’s Club continues to be a strong voice in Hua Hin for those who need help and Electric Mango will continue to support them and their causes. My life and future is now about bringing to life a unique lifestyle project and at the same time work to help those in need.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
Cha-Am Beach Should Be Better Organised, Says Mayor
CHA AM:-- A meeting to consider the monitoring of public areas on Cha-Am beaches was recently held at the Cha-Am Municipality.
Chaired by the Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi Dr. Krai Bunbandan, the meeting had many participants, most of whom were public officers. Those in attendance included Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichanwat Borirakkul, Col. Suradet Prakhenri, Col. Sihadet Disonthichot, the chief officer of Phetchaburi Provincial Office Mr. Jatuphol Piyamputra, the Cha- Am District Chief Mr. Parinya Phothisat and the Mayor of Cha-Am Mr. Nukul Pornsomboonsiri. The Phetchaburi Provincial Office has received complaints from tourists about problems of using public areas on Cha-Am beaches caused by some venders and owners of folding beds on the beaches. The Governor would like to set up a committee to monitor the areas closely.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi with the Cha- Am District Chief as the secretary, will be responsible for making all public areas on the beaches well-organised and give the Governor a progress report on a regular basis. At the meeting, the chairperson explained to the participants about law and regulations that could be applied and enforced if necessary, particularly the Article 122 from the Act of Local Administration (Vol. 11) of 2008 which enables the District Chief to work with members of local administrative offices to protect public areas of the country and allow people to use the areas without conflict. In addition, the regulations of the Interior Ministry of Thailand regarding taking care of and protecting public areas of Thailand issued in 2010 also enables the District Chief and local administrative offices to monitor and protect the public areas.The Cha-Am District Chief, as the committee secretary, informed the meeting participants about some measures that the Cha-Am District Office should put in place together with the Cha-Am Municipality. They are: Street venders on footpaths in the area of the Cha-Am beaches should provide space for people to walk conveniently. They need to dress properly and provide customers with an exact price list. 31 shop owners whose buildings are built on public areas should be informed that their buildings will be pulled down and the officers concerned will also monitor other public areas allegedly trespassed. Other public areas apart from the beaches have been affected.Concerned officers were asked to probe a legal case in which an owner of a restaurant and an owner of a hotel were involved. Shops and restaurants near Wat Neranchararam Buddhist Monastery should discuss public area management with the Buddhist monks. Finally, the Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi talked about establishment of one more Centre managed by the Cha- Am Municipality on the beach besides the existing one at the municipal office.The Centre will help visitors and tourists who would like to complain about any problems on Cha-Am beaches. The Cha-Am Municipality, the Cha-Am local police office, the Phetchaburi office of Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Phetchaburi Tourism Business Association will discuss recruiting staff to work at the new centre.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
New Artificial Reefs for Cha-Am
CHA AM:-- The Mayor of Cha-Am Mr. Nukul Pornsomboonsiri has chaired a meeting to discuss placing new artificial reefs along the Petchaburi coast The meeting attended by fishery departmental staff from Phetchaburi, Cha-Am’s district office, staff of Cha-Am Municipality and representatives of local fishermen in Cha- Am.
Placing artificial reefs in Cha-Am is a major project to promote and provide underwater sanctuary and hiding places in the marine habitat. It will be carried out with a budget approved under the Phetchaburi Provincial Plan.
This meeting enabled the stakeholders to discuss where to place the artificial reefs. Laem Phak Bia in Ban Laem District, Chao Samran Beach in Muang District and Cha-Am Beach are the major places where artificial reefs are likely to be placed. Aiming to improve and develop coastal areas for fishing, artificial reefs can aid rehabilitation of the ecosystem of coastal areas.Doing so will help balance the underwater food chain as well as encouraging local administrative offices to work closely and actively with local fishermen in managing and conserving coastal resources. The artificial reefs will also help to prevent illegal fishing within 3,000 metres of the shore.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
Cha-Am’s (temporary) Floating Market
CHA AM:-- A Thai colleague asked me whether I knew about the new Cha-Am Floating Market.
Later that evening I headed off to the Cha- Am Wednesday Night Market and realised that I had been the butt of a bad joke. After two days of virtually non-stop rain, the usually dry market had become just that; a floating market.
Two thirds of the area adjacent to the Cha-Am Railway Station was underwater and the usually very busy scene suffering. Most vendors were unable to operate and there was even a jet ski on standby. Mid October was a very wet period for the region.
Lots of roadside watery hazards and roofing maintenance required. Historically October is the wettest month of the year, so no one should really be surprised. We are all looking forward to dryer days ahead and the Wednesday Night Market returning to its place on the Cha-Am shopping scene. To my colleague with the bad joke, thanks, we don’t really need a floating market in Cha-Am. I’ll try the dryland version again next week.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin Won Top 25 Spa Resorts in Asia
HUA HIN:-- Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin had been certified by Clean Food Good Taste 2014 for the outstanding quality of food for five restaurants; The Club, Railway Restaurant, Palm Restaurant, Suan Bua Thai Restaurant and Hagi Japanese Restaurant. The award ceremony was organized by the Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health and presided over by Nopporn Wutthikul (3rd right), Mayor of Hua Hin Municipality.The photo shows Gael Lardiere (1st left) Executive Chef, Veerasak Jariyatassakon (3rd left) Sous Chef, Supattra Sunjai (5th left) Sous Chef, Thitipon Pinnean (8th left) Chief of Steward, and Sommai Yuenyang (9th left), Sous Chef recently held at Hua Hin Ball Room Hall, Hua Hin Grand Hotel and Plaza.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
Intercontinental Hua Hin Welcomes The “Angel Gang”
HUA HIN:-- The InterContinental Hua Hin Resort was delighted to give a warm welcome to a group of gorgeous Thai celebrities known to the public as “the Angel Gang”, which includes the beautiful Janie Thienposuwan, Rybena Intachai, Alicia Laisuthruklai, Janesuda Parnto, Woonsen, Paula Taylor, and May Pitchanart.
The super stars gathered for an all-girl trip to InterContinental Hua Hin, where they enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the chic Azure restaurant, overlooking the sea. This was followed by a sumptuous and pleasant afternoon tea at Lee La Bar. The Angel Gang were also using the resort’s eye catching restaurants to tape a section of their popular “Six in the City” television program on Thai Channel 8, which features helpful advice on women’s lifestyle and beauty tips.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa Is Delighted to Welcome its New Executive Sous Chef
HUA HIN:-- The Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa talented Chef, Jérôme is a master of authentic French & Mediterranean cuisine with a wealth of experience working in renowned hotels & resorts around the world.
He will will be mainly responsible for Salas, a Mediterranean restaurant and a new taste in town. Prior to his appointment, Chef Jérôme was the Chef de Cuisine at Dalah Restaurant in Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas. The naturally gifted and intuitive chef’s personal cooking philosophy is a simple one.
He says “I’m inspired by traditional food, to me it is the essence of the fascinating culture of the people who created it. The dishes I create are a combination of perfect simplicity with a hint of something innovative to please the palate.It’s important to me to use and promote fresh local seasonal produce whenever possible and to gently blend different styles without over-use of too many ingredients ensuring the menu is kept clean in both presentation and taste” Chef Jérôme is excited to be part of the resort’s innovative culinary team and he looks forward to leading his team in refreshing food & beverage presentations toward a more contemporary and multi-cultural direction and feel.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
An Interview with Andrew Stocks from Power of Love Hua HinAndrew is one of Hua Hin most successful property developers, hotel owner, entrepreneur, founder of the Power of Love Organisation and The Power of Love International Church.What made you first move to Thailand?I originally came to Thailand on holiday many years ago, I stayed here on my first time for three months, I stayed at The Royal Garden Resort in Pattaya, now The Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa. My first day here I didn’t like it because it wasn’t what I was used to. However, as the days went by, I fell in love with the beautiful Thai people and I knew then that one day I wanted to live in Thailand. So I went home, worked hard on my dream and I came to live in Thailand.Andrew, you were very well known in Pattaya and it seems everyone knew who you were and you were successful, why would you want to move away from Pattaya to come to live in Hua Hin?I came on holiday to Hua Hin just for the weekend and I was introduced to a contact who I could do a good property deal on. It was a good deal so I decided to move to Hua Hin. I still love Pattaya very much. I think it will always be my real home. It was where I was bought up. So many people put Pattaya down, but if you’re positive, there are so many wonderful good and positive things about Pattaya. It’s up to us what we choose to see. I chose to see the good things.What makes you tick?We I guess it used to be money, I became a Millionaire a reasonably young, but I realised It wasn’t the thing that made me happy. I realised I was just greedy. Then I found Jesus and I found out that I have found true inner happiness right from the soul. Nowadays, I just love to work for God; he is the best boss anyone could ever have. I gave up working for a salary because He can give me much more than anyone in the world could ever give me .What is your goal now?My Goal now is to get our church room full with 500 people. I set this goal because I noticed that most churches around Hua Hin have around 20 to 30 people are they never seem to grow bigger. I believe in my personal opinion that it’s because too many churches are driving away people by judging them instead of loving them. I want everyone of our 500 people to have a close relationship with Jesus and go out and show everyone the light, to be a friend to the lonely, to be there for the sick, and to be a map to all those that are lost. When we do that, I truly believe that God will bless us with so much more than we could ever of imagined. I like to set goals that most people would think impossible. I always set goals much bigger than I think possible too, then if I still don’t make it, and only get half way; I still have got more than I would have done if I had set a normal goal.If you could offer people one piece of advice for their lifewhat would it be?I guess it would be to tell people to get to know God and go out and open your heart, love the world and wait and see what comes back. It’s a Miracle, a real Miracle.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07
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Fort Thanarat in Prachuap KhiriKhan – It’s Not Really A Tourist Resort!
HUA HIN:-- We were prompted to visit the Fort Thanarat Thai Army base, probably the largest in Thailand, after receiving a recent ‘news report’.Perhaps as a result of translation problems, but also in the Thai language version, the ‘news report’ seemed to be encouraging visitors to a tourist resort rather than the base of the Thai Infantry and Armed Forces Preparatory School. An appointment was made for a visit and an interview with the Camp Commander, Major General Nopadon Yimthanom, it’s always wise check out news sources, particularly if something doesn’t sound quite right. After some bemusement at our questions about overnight activities for visiting tourists, we showed Khun Ram (that’s his nickname) our Thai language ‘news item’.After some amusement at the content, he offered his congratulations for bothering to check out the reality. Camp Thanarat is based on about 600,000 hectares of land, just before Pranburi town with the entrance on the western side of Petchakasem Road. The base is home to around 5,000 soldiers but with their families included there is something like 20,000 people living in a small town with schools, a hospital and markets. With the proper administrative arrangements there is an opportunity for visiting groups, particularly students to get a taste of army life here with a 10 metre jump tower, cliff climbing, obstacle course and target shooting.There are also some ‘extra curricula’ facilities such as a golf course and sports stadium. The sports stadium has been home to the Hua Hin City Football Club and the golf course is open to the public. To most Westerners the notion of the army managing a golf course may leave heads shaking, but that’s a common feature of many golf courses in Thailand. The nearby Suan Son (Sea Pines) course is just one other example. Another feature of Fort Thanarat is the Army Museum. This is a treasure trove of military memorabilia, with weaponry, uniforms, photos and murals through the ages.You can see the hand held spears and swords from conflicts between old Siam and Burma. There are also exhibits of Thomson Machine Guns (1920’s), French muzzle loading muskets (1840’s), Winchester rifles (1860’s), French Mauser rifles (1900’s), German Luger pistols, rocket and grenade launchers, Smith & Western and Browning revolvers and even gas masks. Outside there are retired armored army vehicles and heavy artillery. Within the camp’s compound, there is the Memorial Building of Field Marshall Sarit Thanarat, a collection of his biography, past works, clothes and personal belongings. In an enclosed glass cabinet you’ll find a very special automatic weapon.This was used by H.M. the King of Thailand during his own army training. It’s proudly displayed and showing the royal insignia with photos of the King in action. Major General Nopadon Yimthanom is the epitome of a career soldier. He has been at the Camp for 24 years, rising to the rank of Commander about a year ago. Under his influence, the Camp was been making strides towards greater involvement in the community. His soldiers have been active during any crisis (for example flood management and recue) apart from involvement in border security, the seizure of illegal weaponry, environmental protection and the issue of illegal land encroachment.His personal ‘non soldier time’ includes boating (he has a boat at the nearby Pranburi Marina) and cycling. The base has a 150 strong club of cycling enthusiasts. Talking about cycling raises his concerns about road safety. The need for the enforcement of the road rules is a subject where he has strong opinions. Fort Thanarat is a real army base. Not a tourist resort but well worth a day visit.You can move around unimpeded (well almost), check out the ‘army town’ and facilities but don’t expect to check in overnight or have access to restaurants and resorts, just the resident 711! Our thanks to Khun Ram for his personal time and welcome. He promises to invite us to the next happening at the base of interest to readers; it’s an important part of our community.
-- Hua Hin Today 2014-11-07 -
A bride’s age troubles village in Cambodia
CAMBODIA:-- Weddings are normally happy occasions, but the illegal marriage this week of a 14-year-old bride and her 45-year-old groom in Siem Reap province drew much concern from onlookers.
According to multiple officials and villagers, the pair, Sreng Va and a 14-year-old, married on Wednesday in a ceremony in Varin district’s Srenoy commune.
Duong Thavary, chief of Siem Reap police’s anti-human-trafficking unit, said a series of complaints about the marriage were filed by local villagers.
“It is unusual” to see such an age gap, she said. “We will investigate this case to find out whether the girl is really in love or if she was forced to marry.”
The Cambodian Civil Code, introduced in 2011, says neither “men nor women may marry until they have reached the age of 18. However, if one of the parties has attained the age of majority and the other party is a minor, at least 16 years of age, the parties may marry with the consent of the parental power holders or guardian of the minor.”
But legal expert Sok Sam Oeun said “very few people” know about this rule.
“After the girl has her first monthly cycle some parents [still] think that she can be married,” he said, adding that complaints about underage marriages are rarely filed to the courts.
In Srenoy, commune chief Soun Ley said he did not give the couple permission to marry.
He said that after the wedding, “when I asked the girl, she said that she had loved the man for three year”.
The couple could not be reached yesterday.
Thavary said there were also concerns that the bride, who is under the age of consent, could be taken out of Cambodia by her Vietnamese groom.
“If the girl lives in Vietnam it might not be safe for her. There is a risk of human trafficking,” she said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ALICE CUDDY
Source: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/bride%E2%80%99s-age-troubles-village
-- Phnom Penh Post 2014-11-07-
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Great info, thanks for sharing
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Farang husbands providing massive boost to economy in Isaan
KHON KAEN:-- A study recently carried out by Khon Kaen University has found that foreign men who are married to women from Isaan have boosted gross domestic product in the region by almost 9 billion baht.
Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770487-farang-husbands-providing-massive-boost-to-isaan-economy/
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Farang husbands providing massive boost to economy in Isaan
KHON KAEN:-- A study recently carried out by Khon Kaen University has found that foreign men who are married to women from Isaan have boosted gross domestic product in the region by almost 9 billion baht.
The findings of the study, which looked at the impact foreign husbands have on the economy in the north east of Thailand were unveiled by Asst Prof Kalapapruek Piwthongngam, from the Faculty of Management Science at the E-saan Centre for Business and Economic Research, reports Daily News Online.
According to the study, after a woman from north east Thailand gets married to or engages in a long term relationship with a foreigner, on average she will normally send approximately 9,600 Baht per month back to her family in the region. This money is normally used to help the family with living expenses, purchasing food, paying for utility bills and education.
The study also found that on average, the wife and foreign husband will normally return to the wifes family home in the region at least once a year, sometimes staying for as long as one month, which results in a dramatic increase in financial spending in the local area.
This increase in spending is mostly seen in the automotive, retail and wholesale sectors, as well as in the local property market. The purchase of household goods, personal items and gold also normally increase during this time.
The E-saan Centre for Business and Economic Research also estimated that this spending helped to create nearly 747,000 jobs in the region.
The centre found that increasingly more women aged between 20 and 40 years old from the north east are marrying foreign men, with a definite trend developing, according to Asst Prof Kalapapruek.
The study found that most foreign men marrying women from north east Thailand came from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland.
-- 2014-10-22-
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Very good report, thanks OP
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Very informative and interesting OP, thanks for sharing.
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