THE TWINHOUSE Asia’s Ultimate Golfing Lifestyle Experience Championship Golf Course • Stay & Play • Luxury Course-side Properties Tel: +66 32 618 666 Email: [email protected] www.blackmountainhuahin.com Come and enjoy playing one of the most scenic championship golf courses in the whole of Asia. Voted Best Course in Thailand by Golf Digest, Black Mountain Golf Club has hosted both Asian Tour and European Tour events. Drawn by Hua Hin’s cosmopolitan charm and ideal year-round golfing climate, an increasing number of discerning golfers are choosing to make Black Mountain their second or permanent home. We are now building luxurious new 4-bedroom two-story course-side “Twinhouses” for just 19.9M Baht and 3 bedroom pool villas for 29.9M Baht, both accompanied by two lifetime golf club memberships, so there has never been a better time to sample the renowned Black Mountain lifestyle. Visit us to play a round, or even book into one of our luxury private pool Hotel Villas for a relaxing “Stay & Play” break. We look forward to welcoming you here soon. More info at www.blackmountainhuahin.com
52 ISSUE 272 • MARCH 2025 Hot BANGKOK HOSPITAL HUA HIN OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW CLINIC AT MARKET VILLAGE On 7 February 2025, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), through Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, officially expanded its operations with the opening of Bangkok Hua Hin Clinic, Market Village Branch. The grand opening ceremony was attended by Dr Matinee Maipang, Chief Executive Officer of Bangkok Hospital Group 1 and Director of Bangkok Hospital, as the presiding guest. She was joined by Dr Weerasak Pongpattanapan, Hospital Director of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, Mr Pholkrit Puangwalaisin, District Chief of Hua Hin, and Ms Pailin Kongphan, Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin, along with representatives from both the public and private sectors in Hua Hin. Dr Weerasak stated: “Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin has expanded its services by opening its second branch within a shopping mall in Hua Hin under the name Bangkok Hua Hin Clinic, Market Village, to cater to both Thai and international tourists. The clinic offers general medical treatment, annual health check-ups, electrocardiograms, vaccinations, wound care, and medical certificates. Beyond patient treatment, this clinic also focuses on wellness and preventive healthcare, including hormone balance assessments and vitamin and mineral level adjustments with customised solutions from BDMS Wellness Clinic. Additionally, physicians will provide personalised health consultations to promote long-term well-being.” The Bangkok Hua Hin Clinic, Market Village Branch operates daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on the first floor of Market Village Hua Hin. For enquiries or appointments, please call 032-616-816 or visit: facebook.com/ BangkokHuaHinClinicMarketVillage MORE THAN 600 CYCLISTS TAKE PART IN HUA HIN CHAMPIONSHIP ROAD RACE 2025 More than 600 cyclists participated in the Hua Hin Championship Road Race 2025 on Sunday morning, an event aimed at promoting cycling, supporting the local economy, and showcasing Hua Hin as a destination for active tourism. The race was officially opened by Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sittichai Sawatsan at the Hua Hin District Office. Organised by the Hua Hin Cycling Club -ชมรม จัักรยาน หััวหัิน, led by Jon Schultz and Nuchasara Lekkul, the event was supported by Hua Hin District, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan office, the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Association, Hua Hin Municipality, Stamford International University, and other local organisations. The Hua Hin Championship Road Race 2025 was held for the first time with backing from both government and private sector sponsors. Organisers said the event was designed to encourage cycling as a form of sustainable transport, support community tourism, and highlight Hua Hin’s appeal to healthconscious travellers. The route took cyclists through a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, and out to Thap Thai and the reservoirs developed under the Royal Project initiated by King Rama IX. The competition featured two categories: a GRAND OPENING OF NA RAYA HOME HUA HIN: REDEFINING MODERN TROPICAL LIVING WITH THAI ELEGANCE Na RaYa Home Hua Hin is proud to announce the grand opening of its new residential project, a celebration of exquisite design, sustainable living, and the unparalleled charm of Thai hospitality. Nestled in the serene landscapes of Hua Hin, Na RaYa Home offers a harmonious blend of modern architecture and timeless Thai aesthetics. This exclusive development caters to discerning homeowners seeking comfort, style, and a vibrant community. The grand opening event held on 22 January 2025 , welcomed local media, property agencies, and prospective homeowners to experience the thoughtfully designed homes through guided tours conducted by professional sales representatives. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the meticulously crafted living spaces, learn about the project’s unique features, and enjoy special promotions available during the event. “I want to create a genuine residential community with a serene and relaxing atmosphere, supported by our 15+ years of expertise in house building and a professional construction and design team to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail.” said Laemthong Klaichart, Project Owner. Key Features of Na RaYa Home Hua Hin: • Prime Location: Situated just 10 minutes from Hua Hin’s vibrant city center,beaches and surrounded by the Golf courses and International School. • Innovative Design: Combining modern tropical convenience with Thai-inspired architectural details. • Sustainable Living: Built with eco-friendly materials and designed for energy efficiency. • Tailored Experiences: Personalized home tours to help clients find their dream home. The launch of Na RaYa Home Hua Hin marks a significant milestone in redefining residential living 95-kilometre race and a 50-kilometre touring ride. Participants competed for honorary trophies and a total prize pool of more than 200,000 baht. The event attracted both professional and amateur cyclists from Thailand and abroad. Organisers said that proceeds from the event, after expenses, will be donated to the Hua Hin Red Cross Chapter to support those in need. in Hua Hin, setting new standards for communityfocused, sustainable developments in Thailand. About Na RaYa Home Hua Hin Na RaYa Home Hua Hin is a project by Berlayar Estate part of QCH Group, a leader in real estate development focused on delivering exceptional modern tropical living experiences infused with Thai values. For more information, visit www.narayahome. com.
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54 ISSUE 272 • MARCH 2025 Hot PRACHUAP BAY TO HOST WATER JET PRO TOUR THAILAND 2025 ON 5-6 APRIL Prachuap Khiri Khan Province will host the opening round of the Water Jet Pro Tour Thailand 2025, with the event set to take place along the shores of Prachuap Bay on 5-6 April. The tournament, part of the Thailand Jet Ski Championship 2025, is organised in collaboration with the Jet Ski Association of Thailand under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi. It marks a change in location from last year’s event, which was held at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab. On 18 February, a planning meeting was held at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Municipality office to prepare for the event. Governor Sittichai Sawatsaen chaired the meeting, which was attended by Deputy Governor Preeda Sukjai, Second Vice President of the Jet Ski Association of Thailand Sittichai Suebsahakan, representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Office, and other officials involved in organising the competition. Governor Sittichai said the province is keen to support sporting events across its eight districts to attract visitors and enhance local tourism. He welcomed the decision to hold the opening round of this year’s championship in Prachuap Khiri Khan and expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the Jet Ski Association of Thailand, TAT, and other relevant organisations. The Water Jet Pro Tour Thailand 2025 will feature professional and amateur competitors racing across multiple categories. The event will be broadcast live, providing international exposure for both the competition and Prachuap Bay as a venue for water sports. BLACK PANTHER AND LEOPARD CUB CAPTURED ON CAMERA IN KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK A hidden camera has captured rare footage of a black panther walking alongside a leopard cub in Kaeng Krachan National Park, offering a glimpse into the genetic diversity of Thailand’s wild big cat population. The footage, recorded on 28 December 2024 and released by park officials on 16 February, was captured by a camera trap installed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) at kilometre 28 of the Panoen Thung road. The video shows a female black panther leading a leopard cub, believed to be her offspring, along a forested pathway. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, said the sighting is further evidence of the area’s importance as a habitat for rare and endangered wildlife. The same camera trap has previously recorded tiger cubs, reinforcing the park’s role as a key corridor for big cats in Thailand. The presence of a black panther alongside a leopard cub highlights the natural genetic variation among wild leopards. Black panthers are melanistic leopards, meaning their dark colouring is caused by a genetic mutation. While leopards and black panthers belong to the same species, their coat patterns can vary within the same family. Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest national park in Thailand and is home to a diverse range of BUTTERFLY-WATCHING SEASON BEGINS EARLY AT KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK The butterfly-watching season at Kaeng Krachan National Park has started earlier than usual this year, with thousands of butterflies already visible at Ban Krang Camp. Park officials attribute the early arrival to this year’s dry season setting in ahead of schedule, creating ideal conditions for butterfly activity. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, said park rangers stationed at Ban Krang have reported a significant increase in butterfly sightings since early February. While the peak season is typically in April, visitors can now see a wide variety of butterfly species gathering at mineralrich patches near streams. Kaeng Krachan, a UNESCO-listed forest located about 1.5 hours from Hua Hin, is home to more than 250 species of butterflies. Ban Krang Camp is one of the best locations in the park to observe them, particularly at mineral licks where they congregate to absorb essential nutrients. Another prime spot is along the road from Ban Krang to Panoen Thung, particularly between kilometre markers 16 and 18, where butterflies can wildlife. Conservationists say sightings like this underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to protect the region’s ecosystems. The footage serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity that exists just over an hour’s drive from Hua Hin. be seen in large numbers along the roadside. In addition to butterflies, visitors to Kaeng Krachan National Park may encounter a variety of wildlife, including leopards, black panthers, dholes, spectacled langurs, Fea’s muntjacs, serows, gaur, and Asiatic wild dogs. The route to Ban Krang and further up to Panoen Thung is a popular area for wildlife photography. As with all national parks in Thailand, an entrance fee is required. Admission to Ban Krang costs 60 baht per adult and 30 baht per child for Thai visitors, while foreign visitors pay 300 baht per adult and 150 baht per child. There is an additional vehicle fee of 30 baht.
HUA HIN TODAY 55 HUA HIN ARTIST VILLAGE HOSTS PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN ART FESTIVAL 2025, AIMING FOR THAILAND BIENNALE 2027 The Prachuap Khiri Khan Art Festival 2025 concluded on 16 February, following three days of exhibitions, cultural performances, and discussions on contemporary art. Held at the Hua Hin Artist Village, the festival was organised as part of an initiative to promote local art and strengthen the grassroots economy through Thailand’s Soft Power strategy. The event also served as a key step in the province’s bid to host the Thailand Biennale in 2027. Governor Sittichai Sawatsan presided over the festival’s opening ceremony on 14 February, joined by Deputy Governor Preeda Sukjai, Provincial Culture Officer Krisana Phaesaengchan, Chairman of the Provincial Cultural Council Charnwit Unhasutthiyanon, and Director of Hua Hin Artist Village Tawee Kesa-ngam. Other attendees included government officials, representatives from cultural organisations, artists, teachers, students, and members of the public. The festival featured works by more than 40 Thai and international artists, alongside contemporary pieces created by young artists who participated in a competition under the theme Love in Prachuap. Governor Sittichai also presented awards to the winners of the contest. The event included a panel discussion titled Art, Elegance, and Creativity, featuring Tawee Kesa-ngam, renowned watercolour artist Banyat Puangthong, and Wannawimon Kesa-ngam, founder of Jaifoo Artscape. Other highlights included cultural performances by youth groups, traditional craft demonstrations, interactive art and music activities, and a community cultural market. Visitors also had the opportunity to tour the Hua Hin Artist Village Museum, which showcases a collection of artworks reflecting the region’s artistic heritage. The Ministry of Culture has identified art as an economic driver, aligning with Prachuap Khiri Khan’s goal of positioning itself as a prominent cultural and tourism destination. The province has been working to highlight its unique identity through art and tourism, with a focus on attracting high-value visitors. By fostering collaboration among cultural and artistic organisations, the festival aimed to stimulate the local economy and expand opportunities for artists and creative professionals. A central objective of the event was to reinforce Prachuap Khiri Khan’s bid to host the Thailand Biennale 2027, a major international contemporary art festival. If successful, the bid would offer the province an opportunity to showcase its artistic achievements on a global stage and attract a wider audience to its cultural scene. The exhibition, which ran from 14 to 16 February, featured a diverse range of artistic styles, including paintings, watercolours, sculptures, and wood carvings. Beyond the exhibition, visitors participated in art workshops, explored an art market showcasing handmade creations, and enjoyed food stalls and live folk music performances. The festival provided a platform for artists and cultural organisations to engage with the community, promoting both artistic expression and economic opportunities.
56 ISSUE 272 • MARCH 2025 Hot SIGHTING OF RARE BLACK PANTHER DELIGHTS TOURISTS IN KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK A rare black panther was spotted along a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, in an encounter that left tourists astonished. The sighting occurred on 10 February at kilometre 24 along the route leading to Phanoen Thung Mountain, an area known for its rich biodiversity. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, confirmed the sighting and described it as a rare and significant event. The black panther, a protected and rarely seen species, appeared on the road at around 10:30 AM as a tour vehicle transported visitors to the viewpoint at Phanoen Thung, which sits over 1,200 metres above sea level. Rather than retreating into the forest upon seeing the vehicles, the panther walked calmly across the road, taking two to three minutes before disappearing into the dense vegetation. Tourists watched in silence as the animal moved with ease, creating a memorable moment for those present. Kaeng Krachan National Park is part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning over 2.9 million rai across Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. The park, which is the largest national park in Thailand, is home to a variety of rare wildlife, including wild elephants, tigers, gaurs, tapirs, and freshwater crocodiles. “This sighting is a positive sign that the Kaeng Krachan forest ecosystem remains intact,” Mongkol said. “As apex predators, panthers indicate a wellbalanced food chain, with an abundance of prey and suitable habitat.” Following the sighting, park officials reminded visitors to remain in their vehicles if they encounter wildlife, avoid using camera flashes, and keep noise levels low to prevent disturbing the animals. Tourists travelling to Phanoen Thung are encouraged to use the designated guided tour vehicles operated by experienced drivers familiar with the area. Photo credit: Nopawan Bupphachart DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL PARKS EXPANDS ENCLOSURES TO RELOCATE AGGRESSIVE MONKEYS IN PHETCHABURI The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is constructing two additional enclosures at the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Station in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, as part of an ongoing effort to manage the overpopulation of monkeys in the province. Once completed, the enclosures will be used to house aggressive longtailed macaques from Phetchaburi City. Dr Yutthaphon Angkinan, former advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and president of the Phetchaburi Provincial Public Network, visited the construction site on 10 February. He was joined by representatives from the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, including Edwin Wiek, as well as officials from the Phetchaburi Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Protected Area Regional Office 3, the Wildlife Conservation Division, members of the Phetchaburi Municipal Council, and local residents affected by the growing monkey population. The new enclosures, which will cover a combined area of more than 5,000 square metres, are expected to be completed by March 2025. The project builds on the first enclosure, which is already in use, with modifications to improve conditions for the relocated monkeys. “The visit was to monitor the construction progress of the second and third enclosures, which are being built based on the experience gained from the first one,” Dr Yutthaphon said. “We also wanted to give members of the Phetchaburi Municipal Council and affected residents the opportunity to observe the development first-hand.” The relocation of aggressive and violent macaques from Phetchaburi City will take place once the enclosures are ready. The monkeys will be housed at the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Station, where they will undergo PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN GOVERNOR OPENS COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE IN PAK NAM PRAN Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawatsan recently presided over the opening ceremony of the Pak Nam Pran Community-Based Tourism Information Centre. The ceremony, held at the Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas in Pak Nam Pran, was attended by Pranburi District Chief Ram Singhosephit, Jirawan Bunyarit, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Prachuap office, Namlap Imthua, President of the Pak Nam Pran Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Rodan Ivan, General Manager of Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas, as well as representatives from the public and private sectors and the Pak Nam Pran community tourism network. As part of the event, the governor visited exhibition booths showcasing community activities, took a tour on a saleng (motorcycle with a sidecar) to experience the local way of life, participated in a tree-planting initiative to promote environmental conservation, launched a Pranburi district health run, and took photos at Tarn Sam Ton (Three Palm Trees), a popular landmark in Pranburi. behavioural adjustments under the supervision of wildlife officials. Dr Yutthaphon also encouraged public support for the initiative, particularly through donations of food such as fruit for the monkeys. Those interested in contributing can contact the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Station for more details. The Pak Nam Pran Community-Based Tourism Information Centre, covering 100 square metres within the Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas, serves as a hub for tourism information in Pak Nam Pran. It works in collaboration with the Pak Nam Pran Community Development Enterprise Network and the Pak Nam Pran Tourism Community Enterprise Network to promote ecotourism and cultural tourism, helping to distribute income to local communities. The centre also provides tourism information services, offers saleng tours for visitors to explore the local way of life, organises one-day boat trips along the Pranburi River, sells local products, and coordinates with government agencies to ensure tourist safety.
58 ISSUE 272 • MARCH 2025 Hot ICE AGE HUMAN SKELETON AND ANCIENT CAVE PAINTINGS DISCOVERED IN SAM ROI YOT NATIONAL PARK A human skeleton dating back more than 29,000 years has been discovered at Din Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, near Hua Hin. The find, which includes ancient cave paintings, provides significant insight into prehistoric human habitation in western Thailand. Officials from the Fine Arts Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation announced the discovery at a press conference held on 24 February at the Khao Daeng Visitor Centre in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The event was led by Panombut Chantarachote, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, and Chidchanok Sukmongkol, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. Also in attendance were provincial and national park officials, archaeologists, and members of the press. Key Findings The discovery is part of an ongoing research project led by the 1st Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department (Ratchaburi), aimed at investigating evidence of prehistoric human habitation in the region. Scientific dating suggests that the site was occupied between 29,000 and 10,000 years ago. Din Cave consists of five chambers, three of which contain red-painted images on the walls and ceilings. Chamber 1 features numerous depictions of human figures, some appearing to wear body decorations or be engaged in activities such as dancing or hunting with bows. The images also include animals such as deer, monkeys, and reptiles. Chamber 2 contains paintings at eye level and near the ground, though their meaning remains unclear. Chamber 3 has an extensive collection of human and animal figures along the walls, though some are difficult to interpret. Excavations conducted between 2022 and 2023 uncovered animal bones, shells, plant seeds, and stone tools. In 2024, a burial site was found at a depth of 190-195 cm, containing the skeleton of a child aged six to eight years. The skeleton was positioned on its back with arms close to the body and feet together, suggesting it had been bound or wrapped before burial. The remains, which were covered in ash and plant fibres, showed signs of heat exposure, though no evidence of cremation was found. Burial Practices and Environmental Context Archaeologists believe the burial was part of a deliberate funerary practice. Stones of various sizes were placed over the body, particularly on the head, chest, legs, and feet. Evidence suggests that a fire was lit over the site, possibly to deter scavengers, mask odours, or prevent disease. Ash and charcoal fragments were found within the burial layer, and the bones themselves showed signs of exposure to heat. While there is currently no direct evidence linking the cave paintings to the prehistoric inhabitants of Din Cave, further research is underway to determine possible connections. The Fine Arts Department’s 1st Regional Office is also exploring direct dating methods for the paintings. The skeleton is the oldest complete Homo sapiens skeleton discovered in Thailand, dating back to the Late Pleistocene period (125,000– 11,700 years ago). During the last Ice Age, which peaked between 24,000 and 18,000 years ago, sea levels were significantly lower, and land bridges connected Thailand to Indonesia. This discovery offers new insights into how early humans adapted to environmental changes in the region. Future Plans and Conservation Efforts Officials from the Fine Arts Department and the Department of National Parks are working on plans to integrate Din Cave into an eco-cultural tourism route that would link it with other national parks in Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Kui Buri National Park, Hat Wanakorn National Park, and Huai Yang Waterfall National Park. A management plan is being developed to balance conservation with sustainable tourism. Meanwhile, access to Din Cave remains restricted as excavation and research continue. Park officials are patrolling the site to prevent unauthorised entry, and the skeleton, along with other unearthed artefacts, remains on-site for further study. This discovery marks a significant milestone in Thai archaeology, shedding light on early human life and burial customs in the region. It paves the way for further research into prehistoric settlements in Thailand. Images: กรมอุุทยานแห่่งชาติิ สััติว์์ป่่า และพัันธุ์ุ์พัืช
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