16 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Timely advice – aware and away in the sun

CLOCK THIS!

Beach and Pools Horse riding on the shoreline may have a romantic image, however, it is not so romantic if you end up in hospital by being trampled or as a result of a fall. Please do not encourage this activity and be aware that the hotel has no connection with this beach activity and will not accept any liability should an accident occur. The hotel horses are well trained and may only be ridden in an enclosed area under professional supervision for your safety.

IN THE SUN Abandon your cares, not your wits A stay at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin is a time to forget your cares, relax and enjoy our hospitality to the full in a welcoming safe and stress-free environment. In an ideal world this environment would extend beyond our reassuring boundaries on to the beach and into the community. However, the world and its people do not always conform to such high ideals and especially when vacationing one should not abandon the sensible precautions and level of awareness we would normally apply when out and about in our own familiar surroundings. Thailand is rightly one of the world’s most popular holiday and travel destinations, blessed with an astonishing diversity of geographic beauty and culturally amazing and welcoming population, the vast majority of whom proudly delight in extend-

ing warmth with genuine care and concern for foreign visitors to their country. As with any population there will always surface a few opportunist bad apples that will seek to exploit anyone that is vulnerable or has dropped their guard, even among other tourists one should maintain awareness and caution to avoid becoming a victim of such unscrupulous people.

Non-residents and outside traders To ensure peace of mind for our guests we do not allow unregistered visitors to use our pools nor encourage outside services and traders, such as tailors etc., to visit guest rooms. Also, bearing in mind that taxis and Tuk Tuks are unregulated and may result in unexpected disputes over fares, plus may not be up to expected safety standards, we also provide reasonably-priced safe, comfortable and reliable

transportation options. It is quite understandable that beggars, especially children, and hawkers draw compassion. However, all may not be what it seems and your generosity may in fact contribute to the continued exploitation of these unfortunate people by criminal elements within the community.

With plentiful sunloungers it is our policy that to avoid beds being left unattended for longer than an hour, at the annoyance of fellow guests who may wish to utilise them, our staff are instructed to remove towels after this period and offer the available lounger on a first-come first-served basis. Please do not ask members of the staff to reserve sunloungers on your behalf as a refusal may cause embarrassment. Finally there is one very real danger, even in-house at Dusit Thani Hua Hin and that is the gorgeous climate that we enjoy. If you are unaccustomed to a tropical environment, please be cautious with skin exposure to the sun and avoid dehydration. Pay attention to the above and you are sure of enjoying a wonderful Aware and Away experience.

Happy Aperitifs & Happy Nightcaps at the Polo Bar

5-7P.M. & 9:30-11:30P.M. Great discounts on selected drinks

Dusit Thani Hua Hin Bi-Monthly News

BUMPER THAI HOLIDAYTIME EDITION!

April/May 2010

Lanna manna Songkran summertime fun The free-for-all throwing of water that greets all and sundry to Thailand for a few mad days in mid-April might be seen as a gas by first timers in the Land of Smiles, as they join in the revelry and willingly get soaked in the name of Songkran, the start of the Thai New Year. However, rather like the commercialism of Christmas in the West, such merriment disguises the very origins of a thanksgiving festival that is still remembered and celebrated in the traditional manner by many people across the length and breadth of the country, not least in the former Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand where Chiang Mai was once the capital.

Lanna literally means ‘land of a million rice fields’ and dates back to the 13th century. In those days Songkran was celebrated as a 4-day festival starting with Wan Sangkhan Long, followed by Wan Nao, Wan Phayawan and Wan Pak Pi, and the lovely elaborate rituals performed over the four days are still preferred by many. 13th April marks Wan Sangkhan Long, as the end of the outgoing year fast approaches. It is a day for cleaning the home and cleansing the body in preparation for a fresh start in the coming days. Early-morning merit-making and alms-offerings to Buddhist monks are performed. Later, Buddha images will be respectfully bathed with jasmine-scented lustral water, then paraded through the streets alongside monks atop colourful floats accompanied by traditional music, all adding up to a visual spectacular.

(Continued on page 3)

2 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Inside Information

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

The clock is definitely ticking in the corporate office of Dusit International

Lanna manna Songkran summertime fun (Continued from front page) The following day, 14th April, is Wan Nao, also dubbed ‘preparation day’. Families congregate, with ladies cooking food for the next day while the men of the house are out gathering sand, later to be taken to local temples and moulded into symbolic sand chedi. Belief is that grains of sand are inadvertently carried away by

Dusit International sets Europe in focus of future growth

Mai are each offering Songkran packages throughout the Songkran Festival and our Duty Managers would be delighted to assist you with onward bookings to the two northern cities at any time. Here at Dusit Thani Hua Hin, we prefer to adopt a Lanna-style approach to our proceedings and on 13th April there will be alms-giving to monks around the main swimming pool, while visitors will be able to bathe the Buddhist image that will be centrally located in the Lobby. If it’s something more adventurous that you fancy – with a likely drenching in the process – regular buses will depart from the hotel to the Songkran festivities in Cha-am. Please feel free to ask our Duty Managers for more details about these events during the build up to the festival.

Thailand’s leading hotel group relies on Asian hospitality and takes the offensive with development department for Europe in Germany.

Dear Guests, I have recently returned from the ITB international travel fair in Berlin, taking in a whistle-stop business tour of Europe, just in the nick of time to wish you all a very Happy Thai New Year! If this year proves to be as joyously busy and favourable as the last, I for one will not only be utterly delighted but so, judging from your much welcomed feedback, will all our honoured guests. However, time stops for no man and pleasurable reflections will not sustain a repeat performance. So, interim plans have been timetabled, plus a spectacular year ending that will be revealed in the next issue, ensuring that 2010 will again be a noteworthy vintage year to remember at Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Wishing you a most pleasurable stay,

Victor Sukseree General Manager P.S. Your feedback, comments and suggestions are most valuable to us. If you have something you wish to get off your chest, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by your preferred means of communication.

1349 Petchkasem Road, Cha-am, Petchburi 76120, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 3244 2100 Fax: +66 (0) 3252 0296 E-mail: [email protected]

Bangkok/Berlin (w&p) - Europe in focus for medium-and long-term expansion plans. Dusit International, the leading Thai hotel company will continue to grow outside their Southeast Asian home market. As Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International, announced during ITB in Berlin, the hotel company will also target continental Europe besides the Middle East, China and India.With this announcement, Dusit International returns to Europe, but this time with its own brand portfolio. In 1994, Dusit arrived in Europe for the first time acquiring shares of Kempinski Hotels&Resorts. During this period, Chanin Donavanik was the CEO of Kempinski. However, as a result of the economic crisis in Thailand and Asia, Dusit sold their Kempinski shares in 1998 to the Crown Property Bureau in Bangkok, which today still owns a majority stake in the Kempinski group. Germany plays a strategically important role within the European expansion plans, said Chanin Donavanik. In the premises of the regional sales offices in Berlin, the hotel group, well-known for its Thai hospitality, opened a Dusit Development Department last year, to screen, review and develop projects in Germany and also in other markets such as France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain and Switzerland. Within the next four to five years the flag of the traditional hotel company will fly above selected hotels in Europe. Chanin Donavanik stated “We are particularly proud to participate in a one-of-a-kind hotel development in Munich. I am very confident that we will be announcing officially our first hotel in Europe during this year. “ According to the CEO of Dusit International, Thailand’s leading hotel company will open around a dozen new hotels outside of Thailand branded with its currently existing brands within the coming years. Chanin Donavanik, the current and only the second CEO in the company’s 60-year history says: “Our expansion outside of Thailand is a must if we want to bring our vision to life. However, it is also necessary to stimulate our business in Thailand sustainably. Especially in today’s dominant global economic environment it is wise to act counter-cyclical and to

invest. The focus of our Hotel Division is the operation of hotels, including spas, based on management agreements. We are also open for an investment should the project layout be of strategic interest for the group. With our philosophy of Asian-inspired service, and the commitment to major European cities, we are expecting not only an economic success, but these new hotels in Europe will act as ambassadors for our properties in Thailand, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Africa and the Middle East and thus absorbing a key marketing role for our entire company.” According to Chanin Donavanik, the Dusit Thani College is playing a vital role in the international expansion. “The training and education of young people who want to work in the hospitality industry is the backbone for our continued national and international development. We are very proud to showcase Dusit Thani College - one of the leading institutes in Asia, dedicated to education and training in the hospitality industry. Our ambitious plans according to our beliefs would have never been feasible without our own schools.” According to the CEO, Dusit Colleges are currently serving about 8,000 students. In a few years, approximately 15,000 students per year will finish their training at Dusit Thani Colleges worldwide. On the prospects for his company Chanin Donavanik said: “In Europe our corporation enjoys a very good reputation for many years as the epitome of the Thai hotel industry. It is not the product quality alone, but the service of a hotel is now crucial to gain the host’s recognition. Exceptional architecture and designer equipment are no longer sufficient for a positive property positioning. Today it is the individual service performance of each individual employee that makes or breaks a hotel operation.” “With our strong commitment to training and education, we want to ensure that the essence and spirit of Thai hospitality is passed to every employee. In the long run we will endeavour not to weaken or even lose our company’s original DNA, which is characterized through our history and culture of the past. Our expansion creates new jobs and we can count on a multi-nation-

al management team. We are developing qualified talent through our ‘Dusit Executive Development Centre’ with special training programmes for management. In addition, we are very proud of our commitment to sustainable construction and operation of our hotels. In Thailand, we explore many new developments in this trendsetting sector.” Founded more than 60 years ago, the hotel group currently operates 16 hotels in Thailand, under the brands of Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, dusitD2 hotels & resorts and Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts. Nine of the currently operating 22 hotels worldwide are owned by the company. So far, outside of Thailand, the Dusit brands of Dusit Thani, Dusit Princess and Dusit Residence have been positioned. Internationally, the group is currently represented with three hotels and a residence in Dubai as well as a hotel in Egypt and one in the Philippines. In 2010, the company will launch its first hotel in China, followed by Abu Dhabi in 2011. In addition, the year 2010 marks the entry into the Indian market with a hotel opening under the new boutique hotel brand ‘Dusit Devarana Hotels & Resorts’ in Delhi. Further to the hotel projects Dusit will continue to expand its own spa brand, Devarana Spa, which will not only be presented in our own hotels but also implemented as an independent label in other hotels and locations that do not belong to the group.” said Chanin Donavanik. “It is not our ambition to become a major hotel group, but a well-known and highly-valued hotel brand. What makes us different is our Thai heritage and this will be our foundation wherever we go. The world-famous Thai hospitality is a part of our corporate culture. We want to address different audiences with new hotel concepts and invite them to experience Dusit International. A vision that has been in our hearts and souls, since 1947 when my mother founded the company” he concluded.

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with their fingers in a traditional manner much more reserved than today’s all-out battles that occur in so many areas. Lanna tradition also sees a fourth day of Songkran, a day of respect on 16th April. Though performed on Wan Phayawan temple-goers throughout the year and in many other areas, this is traditionally this is another merit-making opportunity the day for the gentle Rot Nam Dam Hua bathing ritual where lustral water to replace it. After all the preparation, the New is poured carefully over the hands of Year is rung in on the day of offering, respected elders in a gesture of reverence Wan Phayawan on 15th April, and is and respect. The seeking of their blessing consequently the most important of the and forgiveness for past wrongdoing Songkran days, with great emphasis placed is also implied, with the senior usually on proper conduct and the doing of good pronouncing such wishes to the gathering deeds on this day. This is due in no small at the conclusion of the ceremony. Before part to the belief that what is done on this performing the Rot Nam Dam Hua ritual, day will affect one’s life during the rest of departed ancestors are remembered in the year. There are countless more merit- services that typify the spiritual nature of making activities and the food prepared the Thai people. the previous day is amongst many alms Our sister hotels in northern Thailand, offered to monks. Later, people will namely Dusit Island Chiang Rai, dusitD2 playfully splash water from silver bowls chiang mai, and Royal Princess Chiang

Handy Andy – new second in command Dusit Thani Hua Hin has only had two before, not a bad record after nearly 20 years in operation. First there was “John”, then along came “Simon” and now we welcome “Andrew” or simply “Andy”, as everyone except his parents knows him, who has joined Dusit Thani Hua Hin as our new Senior Assistant Manager. An instantly likeable, fun-loving family man, 31-year-old Andrew Burfoot hails from Hertfordhire in the United Kingdom, having graduated from the University of Gloucester with degrees in Business Management and Human Resources Management. He brings with him a strong background and expertise in customer relations and customer service, so expect to see Dusit Thani Hua Hin raising the bar even higher in these key satisfaction areas. Although this is Andy’s first Thai assignment, he is certainly no stranger to Thai-

land and the culture of the Kingdom – indeed his mum is Thai though she has lived in England for well over 30 years – and he has visited the country on at least 15 occasions, including a one-year stint of work placement in Bangkok as part of his university studies. The Thai connection doesn’t end there, for it was by pure chance that whilst on a few days’ break from his work placement that he bumped into his Chiang Maiborn wife of seven years, Khun Narisa or Khun May, as she prefers to be called, who was also holidaying in the seaside resort of Pattaya. Andy fondly recalls how, at the time, Khun May was working for Thai International Airways, but when Andy returned home the couple could not bear the thought of being apart, so May moved to England, where she was quickly redeployed at London’s Heathrow Airport. May and Andy were married in Sep-

tember, 2002 and now have a lovely son, four-year-old Justin, who will no doubt become a star of the resort amongst guests and staff alike. Fittingly, Justin’s Thai name is Chakri, due to the fact that he was born on the 6th April, Chakri Day in Thailand (see feature elsewhere). A teetotaller, Andy counts a rare skill amongst his many interests, having obtained a First Dan Black Belt in the Korean martial art Choi Kwang Do – yes, we had to look it up too! However, for now it’s May, Justin and Dusit Thani Hua Hin that are foremost in Andy’s thoughts as he eagerly looks forward to settling in and implementing his philosophy of constant improvement and learning for both company and family. Andy, May and Justin, welcome to our Dusit Thani Hua Hin family. We are sure all of our guests, old and new, will enjoy meeting you.

4 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Down to earth Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever and on 22nd April Dusit Thani Hua Hin will be reconfirming its ongoing commitment to help preserve our planet as part of the Earth Day awareness campaign. It is generally accepted that organic farming is far less damaging to the environment, thanks in no small part to the absence of pesticides used, so another small way that Dusit Thani Hua Hin is helping is by introducing our first organic wines onto our wine list. Hailing from the Columbia Valley region of Washington, USA, we are delighted to present two wines from the Snoqualmie Naked label; a 2008 organic Chardonnay, noted as having ‘hints of pear and citrus’, and a 2007 organic Merlot, described

as ‘full of natural fruit flavours and like eating the berries from the vine’. Snoqualmie’s head winemaker Joy Andersen, a veteran of over 25 harvests, tells us that the grapes used are certified as ‘organically grown’ and they sum up her belief that it is best to KIS and ‘keep it simple’ by leaving Mother Nature alone and capturing the natural essence of the vineyard in the wine bottle, simply because she believes it’s impossible to beat what Mother Nature has to offer. Improve our world and enhance your meal with a glass (Baht300++) or unbeatable by-the-bottle value (Baht1,300++) of Snoqualmie Naked at any time in any of our restaurants around the hotel.

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Stuck on you: Man Goes Mad For Mangoes menu

Are you getting your fair chae?

In Mon communities throughout Thailand, Khao Chae is a cooling seasonal dish only prepared and served during the period around the Songkran Festival in April when the sun is at its most brutal. Khao Chae is aromatic white rice, steamed until the grains are soft and fluffy then served in iced jasmine-scented water along with an array of meticulously prepared side dishes. Its preparation and serving is not just for its cooling relief from the sweltering heat, but a symbolic act — an expression of gratitude, respect and recognition — one of the traditional cultural values associated with the Songkran celebrations that mark the Thai New Year. Thai mythology abounds with stories as to the origin of Khao Chae, though many favour the story of a legendary rich man eons ago to whom the gods repeatedly refused to grant a child. His faith remained unshaken, and he personally prepared a spectacular New Year’s offering. He had his servants build a makeshift kitchen outdoors by a sacred ‘Tai’ tree, where birds of all species nested. From his rice house he selected a special variety of rice, which he had carefully aged. This he winnowed then rinsed seven times in fresh water from a nearby stream. He then cooked rice in a silver bowl, flooded it with cool rainwater perfumed with jas-

mine blossoms and offered the aromatic rice to the gods, accompanied by a large selection of succulent dishes. Touched by the man’s devotion, the god of the Tai tree asked the god of all the universe to grant the man’s deepest wish, whereupon the god of all the universe sent one of his own sons to be born as the rich man’s son. The infant was cared for in a newly-built palace by the Tai tree, where he grew up learning the languages of the birds. His ability to solve problems and foretell the future attracted the attention of the people as well as of the gods, including the god of the first universe, who decided to test him by posing three questions. If the boy could not answer the questions after seven days, he would be beheaded. If he found the answers, then the god would cut off his own head. After the sixth day, the son of the rich man had not yet found the answers to the questions, so he took refuge under a palm tree to await his execution. By and by, he heard two eagles discussing his fate.To his great delight they boastfully expounded on the answers to the god’s questions, which he repeated the next day to the god of the first universe. Having lost the contest, the god cut off his own head. Ever since then, his seven daughters, each taking turns, have carried his head on a

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It’s a challenge to eat a ripe mango, known as ‘mamuang’ in Thai. The pulp clings desperately to both peel and seed, and it often turns into a mushy mess by the time you free it. Despite this, you may be surprised to learn that more fresh mangoes are eaten around the world than any other fruit. They are sweet and juicy, with a wonderful, distinctive flavour. Select richly coloured, firm mangoes, then let them ripen for a few days, these are the kind used for mango with glutinous (sticky) rice, or ‘Khao Niaow Mamuang’ as it is known in Thai, a traditional Thai hot-season delight, high on the ‘must-try’ list for visitors to Thailand and one that rarely failing to deliver. Developments in cultivation techniques have meant that the essential sweet, ripe mangoes required for Khao Niaow Mamuang are now available throughout the year, and indeed we offer the all-time favourite of ‘Sweet Mango & Dark Sticky Rice’ as a regular healthy dessert option on our Devarana Spa menu. However, it is still a widely-held belief that the traditional mango season from April – May is the period when abundant Thai mangoes are at their sweet and succulent best. To coincide with the harvesting season, we

tray as they circle Mount Meru, the sacred mountain of Buddhist scripture and home of the gods. They must carry the head continuously, never setting it down, for its immense heat would destroy the earth and dry up the oceans and rivers. From that day forth, people of Mon descent have followed the example of the rich man by preparing Khao Chae as a New Year’s dish and as an offering to appease the gods, whilst a Khao Chae procession continues to be practiced by the residents of many Mon communities throughout Thailand. In an expression of respect, recognition and gratitude, bowls of Khao Chae are time-consumingly prepared and placed at shrines as a Buddhist merit-making offering or a ritual offering to pay homage to guardian spirits, celestial beings and ancestral spirits, including individuals held in high esteem, such as one’s parents, elderly relatives, high-ranking officials and mentors. Who knows if the story above or any of the other Khao Chae legends are fact or fiction? What we do know is true is the fact that throughout April, Dusit Thani Hua Hin offers you the chance to savour the unique cooling qualities of Khao Chae during the heat of the day at The Restaurant or on balmy evenings at Ban Benjarong Thai Restaurant. The price is Baht 180++ per set.

will be celebrating with our own ‘Man Goes Mad For Mangoes’ festival at The Restaurant and our own Ban Benjarong Thai Restaurant, where you will be able to sample mouthwatering mango surprises, such as Mamuang Nam Pla Wan – green mango with sweetened fish sauce; Mamuang Nam Dok Mai – sweet mango slices; the ubiquitous Khao Niaow Mamuang – sweet mango with glutinous rice; Mango Cheese Cake or Mango Milk Shake, alongside our chef ’s mouthwatering selection of original mango-based main courses. Did you know there are many different kinds of mango? For example, the following can be easily found in all regions of Thailand: • Mamuang Khiao Sawoei, an oblong mango, approximately 17 centimetres in length and 7 centimetres in diameter with a thick skin. The young fruit is deep green, whilst the flesh is crispy and yellowish-white. The taste is sweet, nutty and slightly sour. Once ripe, the flesh becomes soft, yellow and sweet. • Mamuang Nam Dok Mai, a large plump oval mango, around 16 centimetres long and 8 centimetres in diameter with a thin skin which is creamy-green

when young.The cream flesh is initially sour but, upon ripening, turns slightly fibrous and very sweet.The unripe fruit is popularly eaten with sweetened fish sauce, whilst the ripe Mamuang Nam Dok Mai is one kind of mango usually eaten as Khao Niaow Mamuang or else made into jam. • Mamuang Chok Anan, another oblong mango, usually around 12 centimetres in length and 7 centimetres in width, with a smooth skin. Eaten both ripe or unripe, the young fruit is deep green and slightly sour, with creamy-white flesh. As it ripens, the skin turns yellow and the flesh becomes sweeter and a much deeper yellow. • Mamuang Ok Rong, yet another oblong mango, averaging 11 centimetres long and 6 centimetres wide, with a thin skin. The green young fruit has hard creamy-white flesh, turns golden yellow or yellowish green upon ripening. The yellow flesh is soft and if allowed to become overripe there will be fibrous tissue around the seed. Mamuang Ok Rang are very sweet and fragrant and popularly used for Khao Niaow Mamuang or in jam making. • Mamuang Apple, is an 8-centimetre

round mango with dimpled top. It resembles an apple, whence the name and has green skin and firm, white and very sour flesh when young. As it ripens, the skin turns yellow and the flesh becomes sweeter. The young fruit is eaten with sweetened fish sauce, whilst the ripe mango is used to make mango juice or preserved mango. So there you have it.The time and mango is ripe for every man and woman to pay their money, take their choice from the Man Goes Mad For Mango menu, then savour and enjoy the season.

6 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Hua Hin Sun Golf News Birds of a feather golf together!

Cricket in Hua Hin – Howzat? Golf Lessons

Looking to improve your game? Private lessons are available at some of the local courses. Please ask for details at the reception.

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Need a Golf Partner?

If you are looking for someone to play golf with, register at our reception, and where possible we’ll put you in touch with each other.

Tee-time on the Hua Hin greens Dusit Thani, Hua Hin is the ideal base to try out your golfing skills on some of the finest fairways in Thailand. With seven splendid courses within thirty minutes of the resort you are spoilt for choice and variety. Just ask at reception and they will make all the necessary arrangements for booking and transport to the course of your preference. For further information and reservations ring # 2071

Majestic Creek Situated 30 kilometres southwest of the hotel,Majestic Creek is a 27-hole championship golf course with unique Zoiza grass carpet-like undulating fairways and some lovely water holes. Highly recommended. Other golfing facilities include a driving range and Pro shop.

Royal Hua Hin Situated west of Hua Hin town this was Thailand’s first golf course, established some 80 years ago. Although not too demanding, it has a great atmosphere, with mature forests, temples and sea views.The caddies are considered to be some of Thailand’s best!

Springfield Tee off in the shadow of the mountains. Beautifully maintained, Springfield presents the golfer with a wonderful, beautifully-designed, landscaped 18 holes — each challenges your senses of aesthetics as well as your golfing skills. It is a true Jack Nicklaus masterpiece. A championship course with five sets of tees to play from, the course offers varying degrees of difficulty that accentuate the dramatic lush

landscape. Be prepared for some long carries if you are brave enough to play from the back tees. It is one of the best courses you will ever play! In addition to their PGA professional teaching staff they also have a fully- equipped Pro shop, chipping and putting greens and a driving range. Springfield proudly announces the opening of their additional nine-hole Valley Course. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the new Valley Course is a very spectacular and challenging course. Its layout runs up the mountain and back down towards the Clubhouse. The course was originally designed and shaped by Jack Nicklaus in 1993, but only constructed by SchmidtCurley recently.

Tee-time intervals of 15 minutes will give you the feeling that you have the first tee and the opening hole to yourself, allowing you to relax and enjoy the golf course and the fine scenery.

The Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin The Banyan Tree Golf Club Hua Hin, just south of town is tucked between a small mountain and a large

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Golf Booking

Contact our Duty Team at reception or call #2071

Cricket in Asia? Well, yes in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, of course, but in Thailand? No, you’re having me on! No, we most certainly are not pulling your leg, for Thailand, though still not exactly a cricketing hotbed, does boast a thriving cricketing community and each year since then President of the Cricket Association of Thailand, Thanasak ‘Tom’ Karnasuta, teamed up with the Aussie Resident Manager of Dusit Thani Hua Hin at the time, John Gill, in the mid 1990’s, the spacious ‘front lawn’ of Dusit Thani Hua Hin has been turned into a cricket ground and

Naturally, with far fewer fielders, runs are easier to score and sixes matches are typically frenetic affairs. This year, from 5th – 9th April, 13 teams from 6 countries, including reigning champions KCC Woodbines from Hong Kong, will brave the searing heat of the Thai summer to compete for the Cup and Masters titles. Line-ups will include players of all levels from once-a-year ‘beer-match’ players to stars of the game, including the 4 current professional cricketers profiled below, who have all appeared in International cricket and/or Australian Sheffield Shield or English County Championship cricket. No matter whether you are a regular cricket watcher or someone who is seeing

played host to the Hua Hin Cricket Sixes, one of a series of Cricket Sixes tournaments held across the length and breadth of Thailand from Chiang Mai in the north, Phuket in the south, Pattaya in the east, as well as Bangkok and Hua Hin in the Central Region of the country. For the uninitiated, Cricket Sixes is a very short version of the sport, played by teams of only six players. Each team receives one innings with a maximum of only five overs. Each player is allowed to bowl a maximum of one over and wides or no balls score extra runs for the opposing team. A batsman who reaches 35 or more runs must retire.

the game for the very first time, if you are staying at Dusit Thani Hua Hin or around the Cha-am/Hua Hin area between 5th and 9th April, you are most welcome to amble over to the cricket ground. Take a seat in the shade of one of the marquees, get yourself a cold drink – available at special prices during the tournament – then sit back and enjoy the banter and action as leather hits willow or vice-versa. Admission is free and our front office staff will be delighted to update you with the day’s fixtures and hours of play.

mountain range that serve as a backdrop to this 7030yard par-72 course with four sets of tees. The course has many dramatic and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, the lush mountains and Hua Hin town. Khun Pirapon designed the course to be one of the best in Thailand and since he has a vast experience of working on the best, his thoughts and ideas are well respected, not to mention eagerly sought after.

Featured course of the month

Lake View Located 18 kilometres from the hotel, this 36-hole, 440-acre championship golf course enjoys a backdrop of rolling hills and lakes and is widely acclaimed by top golfers. Designed by Roger Packard, the course was completed in January 1993 and has many interesting water features.

Palm Hills Just 3 kilometres from the hotel, this Max Wexlerdesigned course is one of the most open and enjoyable courses in the area, particularly for the high handicapper. With lovely rolling scenery and sea views, it often has cooling sea breezes, particularly in the afternoons.

Black Mountain Golf Club World-class golf courses linked to a hotel and spa resort, high-standard surroundings and relaxed atmosphere.

SPRINGFIELD ROYAL COUNTRY CLUB SIGNATURE HOLE: The 167-yard 6th hole is the shorter of two par 3s on the course. Hit your tee shot to the heart of a beautiful undulating green that is surrounded by deep bunkers.

MICHAEL DIGHTON

MARK CLEARY

Country: Full name: Born: Current age: Major teams: Nickname: Playing role: Batting style: Bowling style: Fielding position: Height:

Country: Full name: Born: Current: Major teams: Nickname: Playing role: Batting style: Bowling style: Height:

Australia Michael Gray Dighton April 24, 1976, Toowoomba, Queensland 33 Netherlands, Derbyshire, Hampshire, Tasmania, Western Australia Dighta Opening batsman Right-hand bat Right-arm medium Occasional wicket keeper 1.93 m

MICK LEWIS Australia Mark Francis Cleary July 19, 1980, Moorabbin, Melbourne, Victoria age 29 Leicestershire, South Australia, Yorkshire Ice All-rounder Left-hand bat Right-arm fast-medium 1.87 m

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Country: Full name: Born: Current: Major teams: Nickname: Playing role: Batting style: Bowling style: Height:

DAVID BANDY Australia Michael Llewellyn Lewis June 29, 1974, Greensborough, Victoria age 35 Australia, Durham, Glamorgan, Victoria Billy Bowler Right-hand bat Right-arm fast-medium 1.83 m

Country: Full name: Born: Current age: Major teams: Nickname: Batting style: Bowling style: Height:

Australia David Charles Bandy July 19, 1978, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia 31 Western Australia Chopper Right-hand bat Right-arm medium 1.75 m

8 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Doorstep Attraction

Performing with art in their heart So what is it about Vic and the performing arts? It all started getting on for 250 years ago, back in 1776, with the opening of one of England’s first theatres, the Theatre Royal, now the base for the Bristol Old Vic repertory company. Some half a century later saw the opening of the now legendary Old Vic in London’s East End, followed by the United States contribution, the Vic Theatre in Chicago, whose doors opened just before the start of the 1st World War. More recently has seen the opening of aptly, though perhaps inevitable and hardly originally-named offspring in the shape of the Young Vic on London’s South Bank in 1970 and latterly, in 1986, the New Vic in the English Potteries area of Staffordshire. Not to be outdone comes a new local offering in the shape of the Vic Hua Hin multiplex, Hua Hin’s impressive performing arts venue, comprising the 300-seat Vic Hua Hin, an international-standard and energy-smart indoor theatre; Dome Dokmai (Dome of Flowers), an outdoor dome bedecked with flowers; the Art Camp, a handmade sculptured white earth/cement live-in residence; and the Promenade, an open multifunction performance plaza for activities and sculpture. In May, to coincide with the new academic year in Thailand, there will also

be the unveiling of the on-site Patravadi High School. The whole shebang is the brainchild of Khun Patravadi Mejudhon, founder and artistic director of Bangkok’s reputed Patravadi Theatre, her name and the theatre are both synonymous with the performing arts scene in Thailand, Khun Patravadi more often than not being lovingly referred to be her nickname ‘Kru Lek’. The Vic Hua Hin complex, situated on 300 rai of land in Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, is easily accessible by car thanks to its location beside the main Petchkasem Road, just after the flyover and turn off to Khao Takiab on the way south from central Hua Hin. Having kicked off in late January through to mid-February with the internationally-acclaimed and highly-successful

2010 Hua Hin Fringe Festival, an event which caused huge and excited ripples in both the Thai and expatriate community thanks to the eclectic blend of Thai and Western arts on show, there was much eager anticipation about Vic Hua Hin’s follow-up production, entitled Eclipse, which opened at 7.30P.M. on 20th March, with shows each Saturday through until 1st May. Restaged by the company’s 2005 Silpathorn Award winner, Manop Meejamrat, ably assisted by classical vocalist Siyon Daoratanahongse, a graduate of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana’s foundation for the funding of gifted young musicians, together with the a new generation of artists and artistes from Ratchaburi, Eclipse, rated as one of Thailand’s top ten productions of the past decade. The show, conducted by Rachasak Ruengjai, an upand-coming star of the burgeoning Thai musical arts scene, has been critically acclaimed as “Visually stunning and aurally pulsating” by Thailand’s English-language press and further described as “A contemporary rhythm moving across the face of traditional Thai drumming and dance”. Following on from Eclipse is a staging of the musical drama Sudsakorn, a contemporary Thai likay, each Saturday evening through the remainder of May, except 22nd May. Visitors are also welcome to join the Workshop and Classes at Dome Dokmai, held every Sunday from 5.00 – 7.00P.M. and costing just Baht 400. Tickets for either Eclipse or Sudsakorn are priced at 500Baht, 800Baht or 1,000Baht and if you would like to reserve tickets for one of these Saturday shows or the Sunday Workshop and Classes, our Front Office staff would be delighted to assist you with the booking. Footnote: In the next issue of Hua Hin Sun we hope to feature an exclusive interview with Kru Lek herself, to find out more about Khun Patravadi’s views on Thai performing arts and her hopes for the Vic Hua Hin.

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Music, please, maestro as Hikotaro sets the tempo As is their wont, Silpakorn University Faculty of Music have scoured the globe to come up with a conductor they feel can influence and do justice to the outstanding talents of the young musicians of the Silpakorn Summer Music School, thus ensuring the success of their orchestral concert here at Dusit Thani Hua Hin and in Bangkok at Shrewsbury International School. Therefore, there is a certain irony that they found their man right here in Asia in the form of the vastly experienced Japanese maestro Hikotaro Yazaki. Born in Tokyo in 1947, Mr. Yazaki studied mathematics at Sophia University, Tokyo before graduating from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music as a conductor. For two years, from 1970, he was Assistant Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra under the Musical Director, Seiji Ozawa. In 1972, he made a concert tour of Switzerland conducting the Tokyo Youth Symphony Orchestra. Mr.Yazaki then moved to Europe to con-

tinue his musical training under the tutelage of some of the great conducting teachers: Franco Ferrara, Sergiu Celibidache, Zdenek Kosler , Hans Swarowsky and Pierre Dervaux. During this time he was a laureate at numerous competitions, such as the 1st John Player International Conductors’ Award (1974), the Concours International de Besancon (1975) and at the Concorso Internazionale Gino Marinuzzi (1976) Mr.Yazaki is much in demand both in his native Japan and in Europe, where he appears with orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Orchestras, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Orchestre National de Lyon, Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo and the orchestras of the Opera de Paris and Opera Royal de Wallonie. In 1994, Mr. Yazaki became Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre de Chambre National de Toulouse and in

2000 was appointed Honorary Guest Conductor of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Since 2002, he has been Principal Guest Conductor of the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra and laterly a guest conductor of the Galyani Vadhana institute Orchestra. He has held posts with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Norwegian

Radio Orchestra and as Music Director of the Hofer Symphoniker. For his continued contribution to French music and culture, Mr.Yazaki was awarded the “Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres” in 2000 and the “Officier dans I’ordre des Arts et Lettres” in 2008 by the French Government.

Bangkok. Once primed, the ensemble will from 7th – 10th April round off the camp by performing 2 chamber concerts here in the Lobby of Dusit Thani Hua Hin, followed by a full orchestral concert in the majestic setting of our own Napalai Ballroom before giving a closing performance at Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok.

A staggering 1,000 musicians, ranging in age from 14 to 25, have auditioned for SSMS. Those selected for the full-scholarship and part-scholarship programmes study with an exceptional array of principal players from renowned symphony orchestras around the world, including the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Symphony Orchestra, NHK (Japan) Symphony Orchestra, as well as those in Italy and the USA. The special guest conductor for the orchestra this year is musical maestro Hikotaro Yazaki, who will be wielding his magical baton over a magnificent concert programme featuring works from Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 in G. The free chamber concert programme in the Lobby of Dusit Thani Hua Hin will be performed by the students from 5.30 P.M. on both 7th and 8th April, with a gratis orchestral concert taking place on 9th April in Napalai Ballroom at 6.00 P.M. A closing concert will be performed the following evening, 10th April, at Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok at 7.00 P.M., where tickets will be priced at 200 baht or 100 baht for students. Further details regarding any of these concerts can be obtained by calling Silpakorn University Faculty of Music on 02-4245505, 02-8808660 and 081-4847462 or Dusit Thani Hua Hin on 032-520009.

In time with the classics

It has oft been said that Dusit Thani Hua Hin is the Hua Hin hotel with the classical touch and once more for three days in April we go one step further towards justifying the compliment by once again welcoming members of the 6th Silpakorn Summer Music School (SSMS) to hotel where they will be showcasing their budding talents in a

mini-series of free chamber and orchestral concerts. The 80 SSMS students are amongst the finest young musicians from all over Thailand. Chosen through highly competitive auditions, they are together for a week each summer, at the Rehearsal Camp on the beautiful campus of Silpakorn University Hua Hin, 2 hours away from

10 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Timeless Fashion @ Dusit Shop Hua Hin’s select & only Fashionarium

50% off through April-May 2010

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Past time - present celebrations Though the 3-day Songkran break from Tuesday, 13th – Thursday, 15th April is very much THE standout Thai holiday, the months of April and May compete with December as the Thai holiday season, with as many as seven days of bank holidays and one government holiday offering Thais the chance to pay respect, make merit, relax and enjoy themselves, something they usually need no second invitation to do. Look out for the following dates in April and May and don’t forget that banks and government offices will be closed:

Tuesday, 6th April: Chakri Memorial Day commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty of which the present ruling monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth king. People take flowers and incense to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to pay respect to former kings of the dynasty. The Pantheon, a building on the temple grounds adjoining the Grand Palace, housing statues of each king, is open to the public only on this day of the year.

Turn back the clock at the Devarana Spa Devarana, pronounced “Te-Wa-Run”, is a Thai-Sanskrit word meaning “garden in heaven” that was inspired by ancient Thai literature “Traibhumikatha” written by Phraya Lithai of the Sukhothai Dynasty in 1345 AD. Devarana Spa was established to offer spa lovers “outstanding spa services” at selected five-star hotels. With an emphasis on pampering and wellness, “East-meetsWest” Thai health and beauty practices have been sourced from age-old therapies and updated with modern knowledge to pamper and revitalize guests.

Wednesday, 5th May: Coronation Day marks the anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Inside the Royal Chapel of the Grand Palace, high-ranking government officials pay their respects to the king.

Friday, 28th May: Visakha Puja Day is another important Buddhist holiday, falling on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month. Perhaps the most sacred of all Buddhist days, this celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha.

For further details, please visit our website: www.devaranaspa.com Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Hua Hin Tel: +66 0 3244 2494

2010 Membership offer

It’s 2 for 1 at Devarana Spa

INDULGE IN A LIFE OF LUXURY PAMPERING, RELAXATION AND WELLNESS WITH DEVARANA SPA MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMME for only Baht 15,000 per person or just

Relax, indulge and revitalize yourself and a friend or loved one with two 90-minute treatments and receive one 60-minute treatment voucher with our compliments!

Baht 25,000 per couple, and be entitled to lots of complimentary vouchers, valued at Baht 22,700 in total, plus valuable savings and desirable privileges for one full year from all Devarana Spas and participating Dusit Thani and dusitD2 hotels in Thailand.

CONDITIONS: - Each booking must be a minimum 90 minutes - A complimentary voucher can be for any 60-minute a la carte treatment - Vouchers are valid for one month from date of issue - This offer is not applicable with other discounts / programmes - Vouchers can be used only at Devarana Spa, Hua Hin - Vouchers are transferable

SPECIAL BONUS: Existing Devarana members receive an additional 10% discount off the individual membership fee when renewing within one month prior to their membership expiry date. Come take pleasure in your regular visits with the exclusive Devarana Spa membership today!

Saturday, 1st May (Monday, 3rd May is Substitution Day): National Labour Day recognizes the important role of Thai labour workers and honours their contribution to the country.

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Thursday, 13th May (Government Holiday): The Royal Ploughing Ceremony takes place around the middle of May each year at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Basically a Hindu ceremony celebrating the beginning of the rice-planting season, seeds that have been blessed are ritualistically sown and the coming harvest is predicted by Brahman priests.

COMPLIMENTARY VOUCHERS 3 3 vouchers for 60-minute Swedish Massage 3 1 voucher for 90-minute Devarana Massage 3 1 voucher for 60-minute Aromatic Facial of Choice 3 2 vouchers for 60-minute Body Scrub of Choice 3 1 birthday voucher for 90-minute Devarana Massage

In the evening at nearly every temple, there are processions of people carrying candles; one of the loveliest of all Thai festivals. Please note that though sale is allowed in hotels, the general sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited on this day around the town.

OTHER BENEFITS & PRIVILEGES 3 25% discount on a la carte spa treatments 3 10% discount on signature treatments 3 10% discount on Devarana Spa retail products 3 10% discount on gift vouchers (excluding spa packages) 3 10% discount on Dusit Best Rates 3 10% discount on F& B at participating restaurants 3 20% discount on DFiT Membership fee 3 20% discount on Laundry & Dry-Cleaning at participating hotels PRICE: Baht 15,000 (per person) and Baht 25,000 (per couple)

PERIOD: Throughout 2010

VENUE: All branches in Thailand

Available now at Devarana Spa, Hua Hin : 2908, 2909

Tahitian magic Welcome the summer season with the magic of Tahitian spa treatments, complimented by world-class marine algae Algotherm products, formulated with the finest ingredients gathered from the Pacific Ocean. As soon as you lie upon the treatment bed the sea-inspired treatment begins as a beautiful Tiare flower, floating in a bowl, sets the mood and senses of the Tahitian sea. Then, a fine and creamy texture of sand-foaming body scrub, combining the effectiveness and the rejuvenating sensations of sand, powdered calcified lithothamnion, apricot kernels and papaya extract gently cleanses the skin and provides an energizing exfoliation of the epidermis, leaving it clean, unclogged, smoothed and glowing. After rinsing off, `Divine Cream with Deep Sea Water’ is applied to the whole body to help add hydration to the skin. It’s an exclusive formula enriched with the powder of Polynesian black pearls and Polynesian Noni, which are best known for their anti-oxidant, revitalizing and moisturizing properties. It also reinforces the natural defences of the skin as well as fighting against radicals and external aggressions. Your skin is left soft and delicately perfumed with ocean scents. Price: THB 2,400++ or PHP 3,000++ (60 minutes) Validity: April 1 – May 31, 2010 Venue: Available at all Devarana Spas

12 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Drink to it

Split-second memories

Clock this!: Double up with Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps at the Polo Bar Whilst many establishments offer a traditional Happy Hour, Dusit Thani Hua Hin always likes to do it differently whilst catering to our guests’ every need, so having seen how our guests enjoy a favourite tipple both before dinner or going into town and after dinner or coming back on the last hotel buses from Hua Hin, we now offers you two sessions when you can enjoy great discounts on our selected drinks. From the opening of the Polo Bar at 5.00P.M., through to 7.00P.M., we offer you “Happy Aperitifs”, with the added bonus of our Polo Bar Band playing between 6.00 and 7.00P.M. You might like to linger longer - and you’d be most welcome of course - but experience tells us that it’s the period just after seven when the most guests enjoy taking dinner.

Equally, as we are well aware that many of you like a little something before retiring for the night, we like to offer the same fabulous cutprice Happy Aperitif deals after dinner at “Happy Nightcaps” from 9.30 to 11.30P.M., again with the band entertaining. That means that even if you choose to eat out, you can still catch the last bus back from Hua Hin and relax in the opulent surroundings of the Polo Bar while enjoying all the standards belted out by the Polo Bar Band. We are pleased to say that even when the Polo Bar is closed on Tuesdays, to allow our staff and band to take their richly deserved days off, you can continue to enjoy Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps in the Lobby Bar where our regular pianist will be tickling the ivories for your listening enjoyment.

Featured cocktail of the week : Puck-Pao Puck-Pao, the Thai name for the puffer fish, is a prized but deadly delicacy in Japan.

Though we appreciate that many of our guests love us just the way we are, we also realise there’s always plenty of room for improvement and that change can often be for the better. With the above thoughts firmly in mind, we trust you will agree that a few small recent changes have brought about an improved choice that we hope will give you an even better dining experience in the evenings here at Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Effective from the 1st February, at every lunchtime or dinner buffet, we have been offering you, our valued diners, unlimited selected wine and draught beer for your enjoyment through our “Bottoms Up Bonanza!”. For a small surcharge of just Baht550 ++ you can now imbibe as much as you like during your meal by selecting from the following: • South African Mont Clair Sparkling Wine • Thai Monsoon Valley Blended Red and White Wine • French Chateau Vendome Prestige Red and White Wine

There’s nothing deadly about our delectable vodka-based Puck-Pao, just a hint of banana and lots of local pineapple: • ½ an ounce of Smirnoff Vodka • ½ an ounce of Blue Curacao • ½ an ounce of Lemon Juice • ½ an ounce of Syrup • ½ an ounce of Creme de Banane • 3 ounces of Pineapple Juice Available at all Food & Beverage outlets around the hotel Baht 220++ Only Baht130nett during Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps Go on – Give it a go!

Singha for your supper ... And for aperitifs too There’s an old chant that used to go up regularly in the bars of England and went something along the lines of “Beer, beer, we want more beer – get another round in, get another round in.” Well, now, for just Baht250 net, it’s so easy to make the old adage come true during Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps thanks to Boonrawd Brewery, makers of Thailand’s original and most popular beer, teaming up with us to offer an “Unlimited Singha Draught

Cheers! “Bottoms Up Bonanza!” not a ‘wined’ up

Beer” promotion. During Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps every night in the Polo Beer (or Lobby Bar on Tuesdays), just mention that you’d like “unlimited beer” and your glass will be automatically refilled or replaced as soon as it’s empty by our ever-attentive serving staff in the bar. Don’t forget that Singha Draught Beer is also now available by the glass in the bars, at the pools in the restaurants, and as part of our “Bottoms Up Bonanza!” at all inhouse buffets.

• South African Lion’s Cape Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay Wine • Singha Draught Beer It is our intention to rotate the available selection from time to time, but judging by the initial response, our customers are already happy with the wines on offer. So, come along and join the happy crowd. Remember that you are welcome to help yourself to as much food as you like from the buffet as often as you like, while you are free to mix and match as often as you like meaning you can pair great wines from around the world with your selection from the vast array of dishes on offer.

Congratulation to Mr. Sittisak Ruangsart who sent us this wonderful shot of our children’s pool and wins a dinner for two at a buffet of his choice. If you have stayed with us and have some snapshots of your time at Dusit Thani Hua Hin or from one of your excursions, we would like to show your pictures to the world. Simply send the photos by e-mail to [email protected] and if one is published in our next issue we will treat you to dinner for two at any one of our regular buffets. Photographs should be of at least 2 MB in resolution.

Executive Wings–Because your time is precious Live a truly executive lifestyle, fly where you want when you want in safety, style and first-class serviced comfort second to none.

There’s nothing quite like wine and beer for whetting your appetite and while it’s often levelled that wine is expensive in Thailand, due in no small part to the hefty excise duties imposed on both local and imported wine, this is a great way to enjoy the fantastic value for money that Dusit Thani Hua Hin always tries to offer our diners.

Featured seasonal mocktail : Summer Chaiyo “Chaiyo!” means “cheers!” in English and our fruity seasonal mocktail is packed full of fresh Thai summer cheer, made as it is from:

Asia is your oyster when travelling with Executive Wings. Our highly experienced operations staff and network of support personnel across the region will handle all the necessary arrangements, ensuring you a stress and hassle-free journey from point of pick-up to point of drop-off.

• 5 ounces of Mango Juice • 3 ounces of Passion Fruit Juice • 2 ounces of Pineapple Juice • 1 ounce of Lime Juice • ½ an ounce of Grenadine. Available at all Food & Beverage outlets around the hotel. Baht 160++ Only Baht 95 net during Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps. Go on – Give it a go!

Enjoy in-flight privacy and tailored service to match your requirements. Rest assured that an Executive Wings’ manager will oversee all aspects of your booking, monitoring the progress from start to finish, taking immediate action concerning any changes to your schedule or requirements that may occur.

Book your executive hassle-free flight to Thailand’s most guest focused resort, directly at reception or by calling 2071

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14 The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

The Hua Hin Sun, Apr/May 2010

Restaurants & Bars

Thyme to dine

EVERY MONDAY Carvery Night

EVERY WEDNESDAY Pasta Factory

The Restaurant

EVERY FRIDAY Thai Market Night

EVERY SATURDAY Seafood Barbecue

The gourmet watch features Benjarong, it is perhaps fitting that Thai cooking features five flavours: bitter, salty, sweet, sour and hot. Thai cuisine is indeed a harmony of taste, colour and texture, achieved by blending herbs and spices to enhance natural tastes and appeal to the senses, as well as to the palate. A typical Thai meal consists of an assortment of curry dishes, soup, salad, vegetables and dip sauces served simultaneously with plain boiled rice. At Ban Benjarong you will experience the very best of Thailand’s unique culinary offerings. Only the finest ingredients are used, and the utmost care is taken to ensure that classic, centuries-old recipes are prepared and presented to perfection.

Ban Benjarong: what’s in a name? What does Benjarong literally mean? Benjarong literally meaning “five colours”, is a Thai name given to a particular type of porcelain decorated in enamel of various colours. Lai Nam Thong is also decorated in several colours, but most importantly in gold, which heightens the brilliance of the colours – and also the cost. How is it made? The potter forms the mixture of refined kaolin and clay on a wheel into the desired shape and size. The pottery is then left to dry for about two days before undergoing the first firing at 700°C for about four hours. When the pottery cools down, an artisan paints intricate and exquisitelyexecuted designs by hand using special colours. Cobalt mixed with water is used in the blueand-white variety. The painted porcelain is then dipped in a porcelain glaze and put in the oven for the second firing at 1,300°C for about 18 hours. The blue-and-white porcelain is now finished. For Benjarong and Lai Nam Thong, the colours are painted after the glazed porcelain has been fired. The items are then glazed and fired again.

So why Ban Benjarong Restaurant? A masterpiece of the potter’s art, Benjarong at its finest was originally reserved for Royal and ceremonial use. It is thus a most fitting name for our Ban Benjarong Restaurant which strives to preserve the tradition of Royal Thai cuisine. Thai cuisine appeals to a wide variety of tastes and is not always fiery of taste. With a restaurant that

Sands of time delight

Open daily 6 A.M.-11 P.M. / Extension: 2499 ‘The Restaurant’ is our exciting all-day international fine-dining venue - featuring the Dusit Gourmet– totally spoiling you for choice. Saturdays – ‘Barbecue Buffet Dinner’ and the finest local seafood and imported meats chargrilled to perfection with salad bar and dessert buffet, all for 990 Baht (children 450) / 1,540 Baht with freeflow wine buffet. Sundays – ‘Sunday Lunch Buffet’. For only 600 Baht (children 300) / 1,150 Baht with freeflow wine buffet, you can enjoy a delicious leisurely buffet of local and international dishes. Mondays – ‘Carvery Buffet Dinner’. Selection of imported and local meats carved to your liking, with all the trimmings, assorted fresh salads, terrines, imported oysters and smoked Norwegian salmon priced at 850 Baht (children 400) / 1,400 Baht with freeflow wine buffet.

Daily Dusit Sprinter

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FROM/TO Dusit Thani, Hua Hin / Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok VEHICLE Mercedes Sprinter (12-seater minibus)



Departure Arrival

SCHEDULE Dusit Thani, Hua Hin Dusit Thani, Bangkok

11:15 Hours 14:00 Hours



Departure Arrival

Dusit Thani, Bangkok Dusit Thani, Hua Hin

15:00 Hours 17:30 Hours

RATE Adult - one way / Baht.600.Child under 12 - one way / Baht.300.-

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San Marco Open daily 6-10:30 P.M. / Extension: 2699 Enjoy Italian favourites in the delightful alfresco ambience of San Marco. Wednesdays - are ‘Pasta Factory Buffet Dinner’ nights – Our ever-popular Italian buffet, with a design-your-own-pasta station, antipasto buffet and a range of mouth-watering desserts and Italian ice creams, all for just 850 Baht (children 400) / 1,400 Baht with freeflow wine buffet.

Advance reservation is required.

MANGO CHEESE TART WITH BLUEBERRY

Stroke of midnight cocktails

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Ban Benjarong Open daily 6-10:30 P.M. / Extension: 2799 (Closed on Wednesdays) The unique cuisine of Thailand served overlooking the lagoon, either in air-conditioned comfort or outdoors on the terrace. Fridays - ‘Thai Market Night’, traditional buffet and range of foodstalls, with a great selection of regional and local Thai cuisine, accompanied by graceful Thai dance performances, priced at 850 Baht (children 400) / 1,400 Baht with freeflow wine buffet. DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Rim Talay Bar & Grill Bar & Grill open daily, weather permitting, from 6-10.30 P.M. Drinks to 11 P.M. / Food last order 10.30 P.M. (Closed on Sundays) International fine dining in a wonderful beachside setting. DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Ask our bartender which one it is this week

The Polo Bar Open daily 5 P.M.-1 A.M. (Closed on Tuesdays) Pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner cocktails, the Polo Bar is a relaxed and elegant place to get together. Our resident quartet entertains nightly. Try our speciality coffees. Nightly Happy Aperitifs 5-7 P.M. and Happy Nightcaps 9:30-11:30 P.M. DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Lobby Lounge Where can I buy some Benjarong souvenirs? The largest porcelain production centres in Thailand are in Lampang in the north of Thailand and Samut Sakhon, located between Bangkok and Dusit Thani Hua Hin.Thai craftsmen produce some of the most attractive blue-and-white porcelain, Benjarong and Lai Nam Thong for export worldwide. However, there’s no need to travel outside the hotel to pick up a valuable souvenir. Our Dusit Shop carries a range of Benjarong porcelain for you to browse and buy from. Drop in and have a look any day between 10.00A.M. and 8.00P.M.

Open daily 10 A.M.- Midnight A relaxing place to watch the world go by, enjoy the great views. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily. DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Sala Thip Open daily 10 A.M.-7 P.M. A great poolside location to relax, play and enjoy your preferred choice of drinks and light refreshments. DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Room Service 24 hours daily Please refer to the Room Service Menu in your inroom Directory of Services for a delicious selection of food at any time of the day or night.

Beauty salon Open from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. (closed on Wednesdays) Shampoo & Blow Dry Baht 350 Shampoo / Cut/ Blow Dry Baht 600 (Man)/Baht 1,000 (Woman) Baht 450 (Child) Hair Setting Baht 600 Hair Steam Treatment Baht 600 Permanent Wave (Perming) Baht 4,000 Manicure or Pedicure Baht 450 Paraffin Wax Spa Baht 450 Waxing / Beehive Baht 900 Hair Beading Baht 60/120 (Per string)

Water round the clock by Singha Dusit Thani, Hua Hin is the ideal location to unwind and it is no surprise that many of our guests enjoy relaxing by our swimming pools or on the beach. As we are located in a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25º to 35ºC, it is important to make sure you drink enough water, especially if you are exposed to the sun for

extended periods of time. We will give away complimentary water, or “nam” as it is called in Thai, twice a day, at 11A.M. and then again at 2P.M. If you are relaxing on the beach, or by the pool, then watch out for the people in the white T-shirts who will be happy to provide complimentary bottles of water sponsored by Singha.

Dusit Mineral Water is available throughout the day at 30 Baht per bottle and please feel free to choose from a variety of soft drinks, cocktails, wines and beers from our poolside service outlets. The hotel will continue to provide 2 complimentary bottles of drinking water in each guest room daily as usual.