The high demand for seaside condominium units in Hua Hin town has driven the land price of plots along the beach to as high as 150 million baht per rai (0.6 hectare), an international property consultant said.
Phattarachai Taweewong, research and communications director of Colliers Thailand, said land prices on the Hua Hin seaside in Prachuap Khiri Khan province had reached 150 million baht per rai.
The high land prices had prompted more property developers to develop condominiums in the middle of the town, away from the seaside and the hillsides, Phattarachai said.
He said hillside land prices were about 60,000 baht per square metre and condo buyers were more interested in condos developed there because the unit prices were not too high.
During the past 10 years, 71 condominium projects had been built in Hua Hin, Cha-am in Phetchaburi and Pran Buri in Prachuap Khiri Khan with 29,152 units and total value of 123.7 million baht.
Phattarachai said condominium sales in Hua Hin and Cha-am were booming in 2011 and 2012 with some 7,000 to 8,000 units sold each year.
Of the 71 projects, 31 were developed by listed firms, providing 16,188 units, and the other 40 projects with 12,964 units were developed by private builders.
He said Colliers Thailand had surveyed and found that 84.6 per cent of condo units along the seaside had been sold while 83.8 per cent of the units on the hillside had been sold so far.
He said buyers included Russian and Chinese people as well as Thai investors. He said Colliers Thailand expected real estate developers to continue developing new projects in Hua Hin this year as the demand is still high.
Australians were saddened and shocked to wake up to the news that Olivia Newton-John, singer of “I Honestly Love You” and “Physical” and star of the hit movie musical “Grease,” died on Monday at age 73 at her home in Southern California.
The death of the British-born, Australian-raised performer was announced on her Instagram account, saying she “passed away peacefully” at her ranch home “surrounded by family and friends”.
Flowers were left at Olivia Newton-John’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday after it was announced the British-Born Australian singer and actress had died.
One of her most fervent fans, Christine Taylor, 49, from Los Angeles laid flowers next to the star and told Reuters, “For me, it hits hard. When your idols die, it’s just like even a piece of your family too because you grew up with them.”
Another fan, Kira Pettet, 55, from Los Angeles, came out in a ‘Xanadu’ T-shirt and a Newton-John face mask to pay tribute.
Pettet said “She meant… means and meant everything to me, everything concerning her. She just like was always in the back of my mind – it sounds obsessive but her music just took me out of a lot of dark times.”
Others, like Bonnie Alexander, 70, from Calabasas, only learned of Newton-John’s passing by seeing people crowded around the star.
“I had no idea that Olivia Newton-John had passed away until I saw this and everybody here. I’m just totally shocked and very sad,” she said.
Newton-John, a four-time Grammy winner, had disclosed in 2017 that a recurrence of breast cancer had metastasized and spread to her lower back, forcing her to cancel performances. Twenty-five years earlier Newton-John had undergone a partial mastectomy, leading her to become an advocate for breast cancer research and other health issues and to establish a cancer treatment-research facility in Australia.
Newton-John, actress and singer was born in Cambridge, England in 1948. When Newton-John was six, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia where she appeared on talent shows and in a telemovie. After winning the prize of a trip to Britain, Newton-John travelled to her county of birth, where she recorded a single and toured nightclubs around Europe as part of a singing duo.
Among the favourites for the 1974 Eurovision Song contest was Britain’s entry of Newton-John with a song called ‘Long Live Love.’ Newton-John finished fourth behind Swedish pop group ABBA who won the competition with the song ‘Waterloo.’
The album released with the ‘Long Live Love’ single, included the hit ‘I Honestly Love You’ which earned Newton-John two Grammy awards with success on both the Adult Contemporary and Country charts.
Olivia Newton-John had her biggest career success with the 1978 film adaptation of the musical ‘Grease,’ which would become one of the most popular musicals in Hollywood history, starring alongside John Travolta as a high school senior.
The popularity of ‘Grease’ has endured since its first release in 1978 with numerous re-releases, and special screenings as a much-loved and classic film.
In 1980, Newton-John appeared in the film ‘Xanadu’ and in 1981 released the song ‘Physical’ shedding the ‘good girl’ image she had in Grease. The song’s accompanying video featured her in workout clothes and a headband, which fuelled a fashion trend. While filming Xanadu, Newton-John met actor Matt Lattanzi who she married in 1984.
In 1986, Newton-John had her first and only child, Chloe Rose Lattanzi. She later divorce Lattanzi in 1995. Before a planned tour in 1992, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she recovered from but which returned in 2017.
After her first recovery, Olivia Newton-John became an advocate for health issues and breast cancer and built the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia’s Melbourne. She also released a cookbook of healthy recipes in 2012.
In 2008, Newton-John married John Easterling and appeared on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars as a judge and in the television series Glee.
Newton-John remained most well-known for her role in ‘Grease’ and reunited with Travolta in 2018 for a special 40th-anniversary screening of the movie. In the same year, Newton-John also revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer for the third time, but later posted a video message on Twitter in 2019 to squash rumours of her ill health. She became an ardent advocate of medical cannabis after being diagnosed with cancer.
The smallpox vaccine that most people received as children have enough immunity against monkeypox for at least 88 years, an immunologist said.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Dr Chontavat Suvanpiyasiri, a dermato-immunologist at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, cited a study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2008.
The study, “Immunity from Smallpox Vaccine Persists for Decades”, is available on https://bit.ly/3vOZZVp.
The study covered 246 people aged between 13 and 88, of whom 209 had been vaccinated against smallpox at least once, eight had got smallpox as children, while 29 had no history of infection or vaccination.
The study found that those vaccinated or previously infected recorded no drop in antibodies against the disease for up to 88 years. It also found that 97 per cent of the participants had enough immunity against smallpox.
Hence, the study concluded that most people who have been vaccinated against smallpox are immune to monkeypox, while those who received a booster jab did not have significantly higher immunity.
Thailand national team goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan has returned to Muangthong United after five years.
Muangthong United revealed on Tuesday that the 32-year-old Kawin will play for the team in the upcoming Thai League 1 season.
Kawin had previously played for the club since 2008 and led the team to four Thai League 1 championships and two League Cup titles.
He moved to Belgian club Oud-Heverlee Leuven in 2018 and Japanese club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in 2020 in a loan transfer, but he failed to find a place in the starting lineup of both clubs.
In the previous season, he came back to Thai League 1 with Port FC before joining Muangthong United this season.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he thanked former and current Leicester City chairman Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Sansiri director Srettha Thavisin, and Muangthong United’s vice president Rawi Lohtong for helping him get a chance to play in Belgium.
He said that the move led him to a world that he had never experienced before, including a new language, culture, and livelihood.
Kawin said that the competition was fierce and he faced pressure every day, but it was good pressure. There were both joyful and sad moments while he learnt several things on and off the pitch.
He also thanked his family and Thai fans for taking care of him while he was playing in foreign countries, including his former teammates.
Kawin thanked another club, Consadole Sapporo, and their fans in Japan after spending a year with the team. He also thanked Port FC chairwoman Nualphan Lamsam, and the team for a short stay last season.
He thanked Muangthong United’s executives for bringing him back to the team where he had spent 10 years in the past. He said that he was excited to experience the usual atmosphere again.
World Athletics has certified Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson as the new 100 metres world record holder in the under-18 category.
Puripol, 16, ran 10.09 seconds in the semi-final of the 100m at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Colombia last Tuesday (August 2).
The Thai sprint phenomenon set the new U18 record at the age of just 16 years and 210 days.
However, his disappointing time of 10.12s in the final saw him narrowly miss out on a medal at the championships.
His semi-final run shattered US sprinter Anthony Schwartz’s previous U18 world record of 10.15s.
Meanwhile, Puripol currently lies third in the list of all-time fastest 200m runners in the U18 category, with a personal best of 20.19s. Erriyon Knighton holds the U18 world record of 19.84s while Jamaican legend Usain Bolt is second on the list with 20.13s.
The previous Thai national U18 record for the 100m was held by Jirapong Meenapra, who ran 10.45s on July 11, 2009. That time stands at 231st in the world ranking, which is now topped by Puripol.
The Thai men’s volleyball team will play their second group A match against South Korea on Tuesday in the AVC Cup 2022 competition at Nakhon Pathom Sports Centre Gymnasium.
Hosts Thailand had opened their campaign on Sunday, thrashing Hong Kong 3-0, while South Korea defeated Hong Kong on Monday.
Also on Tuesday, Japan will play Australia at noon in group C match while Bahrain will play China at 6pm in a group D match.
Fans can watch the matches and follow updates on PPTV HD channel, the website http://www.pptvhd36.com, PPTVHD36 YouTube channel, and AVC – Asian Volleyball Confederation Facebook page.
Tickets are available for those who want to watch the match at the venue. The price is 50 baht for Thais and 100 baht for foreigners, while students in uniform can watch the matches free.
Set, lighting and sound elements are enhancing our dancegoing experience more than before
Attending a dance performance, we usually expect to clearly see a group of highly skilled dancers on the stage decorated with set and lighting that correspond to the narrative or theme of the work. A joy of attending a contemporary dance festival, though, is that we should always expect the unexpected.
At the beginning of Cullberg’s “On Earth I’m Done: Mountains”, the audience at the Theatre J.C. Carriere in a northwestern suburb of Montpellier saw a beam of green light over a massive object occupying most area of the stage. It looked as if in this dance work by Swedish national contemporary dance company’s associated artist Jefta van Dinther there were no space for dancers to move. Slowly, we started to see a sole dancer, Cullberg veteran Polish dancer Agnieszka Sjokvist Dlugoszewska, crouched next to it.
Later, the lighting unhurriedly and meticulously revealed she was holding a long staff that connected this sole human to the object which we soon realized was a large fabricated landscape. Afterwards, this futuristic set piece designed by Austrian-Croatian collective Numen/For Use—whose “Tape Bangkok” we enjoyed crawling through during Bangkok Art Biennale 2018—would, after Dlugoszewska stood up, unfold and change into different shapes and forms either by her actions or Jonathan Winbo’s nifty lighting design. There’s no final answer here if the human has her control over the nature, or vice versa; it’s definite, though, that one has to live with the other on this earth. Accompanied by Dutch composer David Kiers’ sound design, the 70-minute experience was visually otherworldly yet thematically relevant to the here and now.
After the 20-minute intermission during which some audiences were discussing what we had just seen over snacks and drinks, we’re treated with van Dinther’s newest work “On Earth I’m Done: Islands” that just had its world premiere a month prior in the eastern Swedish city of Umea.
With a strong ensemble of 13 dancers in the same attire/uniform who were without solo parts, the sparse stage was again diversely painted by Winbo’s deft lighting design. Different from interrelationship between the human and the nature in “Mountains”, the focus was more on the humans themselves. Evident in the choreography were poignant discussions on social dis/order, kinship, communication, community, belonging as well as authority. Noticeably, the lighting almost always left some parts, or someone, in the dark. In the ongoing pandemic in which we all become more aware of ourselves as well as others and our governments use different measures in their attempts to return life to its normalcy—whatever that means—, “Islands” is truly apposite to 2022.
Presented as a diptych at Montpellier Danse, either “Mountains” or “Islands” is actually complete in itself as a full-length work and could also be enjoyed on a different evening. Together, though, they give a more fulfilling experience while asking us to think more about the earth we live in—and we cannot yet be done with it—especially now that global warming is back in our conversation again. It’s also noteworthy that while the company was founded as Cullberg Ballet 55 years ago, the B-word was omitted a while ago. These two works clearly explain why: You don’t have to be a dancegoer to fully enjoy Cullberg’s works.
Nonetheless, the design elements do not have to always be this intricate to support the human performance, or those moving limbs in dance works. That’s evident a few evenings earlier in the same festival at the Theatre de l’Agora. The stage was almost bare except for the scenography featuring movable white partitions designed by Berlin-based Georgian visual artist Thea Djordjadze.
French choreographer Noe Soulier’s, now director of National Centre of Contemporary Dance (Angers), new work “First Memory” attempts to prove that “The experience of our corporal actions, whether in the present moment or in our memories of them, is always partial,” and “Some parts of the body, objects and sensations are central, while others are left to one side.” Accordingly, his seven dancers’ movements were as unpredictable as the accompanying music by French composer Karl Naegelen. They’re frequently in solo and even when they’re in group sometimes they’re not interacting with one another. At times, they looked like kinetic sculptures and that’s also thanks to different arrangements of partitions and corresponding lighting.
In the end, the 42nd annual edition of Montpellier Danse has shown us different ways contemporary dance makers are communicating their thoughts and ideas to us dance lovers who look forward to visiting this small town every summer for years to come.
A mother’s love is universal greatness, therefore a gift that represents undying bond and exceptionally pure love between a mother and child takes extra care and attention.
Mikimoto, the number on pearl jewelry brand from Japan, also shares the same sentiment when the brand transforms high quality, pure natural pearls into uniquely exquisite jewelry wonders with meticulous craftsmanship of its veteran artisans.
For this coming Mother’s Day celebration, Mikimoto is presenting precious gifts for every family’s number one lady. The special collection, Mother’s Day, comprises various outstanding designs from many timeless collections. One selection is White Southsea Pearl and Golden Southsea Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp where lustrous, perfectly round natural Southsea pearls in white and light gold are laced in multicolor order to create a charming necklace that complements every neckline.
For ladies with contemporary tastes, M Code Collection is an ideal choice. Comprising Akoya Pearl Pendant, Akoya Pearl Bracelet and Akoya Pearl Earrings, the design concept takes inspiration from Morse code that symbolizes pulsating, vibrant rhythm of life.
Haute craftmanship at Mikimoto transpires Feather Collection, a series of magnificent, detailed designs that reflect timeless beauty with wings of faith and joy taking to the skies. A perfect harmony of ethereal imagination and carefully selected Akoya Pearl, the collection include stellar pieces such as Akoya Pearl Earrings with Diamond, Akoya Pearl Pendant with Diamond and Akoya Pearl Ring with Diamond.
If “less is more” is a lady’s style motto, and one statement piece is sufficient to express her elegance, Wonderland Collection is the selection to go. Constructed with heavenly white Southsea pearls, the collection includes understated luxe pieces such as White South Sea Pendant with Diamond, White South Sea Ring with Diamond and White South Sea Earrings with Diamond that shine flawlessly with sparkling diamonds.
Discover the best gift that stands for the greatest and purest kind of love this coming Mother’s Day at Mikimoto Boutique, located at Level M of Siam Paragon, between 29 July – 12 August 2022. For more information, please contact 0-2129-4444-5.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa on Monday (August 8) presided over the academic conference of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP).
This year, the annual conference was held under the topics of ‘47th Anniversary of ONEP in Promoting Sufficiency Economy for Sustainable Development’ and ‘30th Anniversary of Environment Fund’.
Varawut gave a special lecture on ‘Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and the Driving of Natural Resources and Environment Operations’, highlighting how the government has adopted the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) in protecting Thailand’s natural resources and biodiversity.
He pointed out that although Thailand takes up only 1 per cent of the Earth’s area, we contribute to 10 per cent of the global biodiversity thanks to over 102 million rais of virgin forests or more than 31 per cent of the country’s area. “These forests are the sources of biodiversity and serve as carbon sinks that absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere,” he said. “The government has been using SEP in raising participation from related parties and setting a holistic management mechanism based on the principles of moderation, rationality, and preparedness to lead the country towards sustainable wealth and stability.”
Varawut added that the Ministry has also been adjusting the management strategy of Thailand’s natural resources and environment following the global development trends, as well as establishing a cooperation network with both domestic and international partners, to ensure that the socio-economic expansion can progress along with the balanced usage and fair sharing of natural resources and environment. This will ultimately lead to people having a better quality of life while leaving a better world to the next generation.
After the lecture, Varawut gave Environment Fund Awards, EIA Monitoring Awards 2021, and Best Municipality Awards 2021 under the Asean Working Group on Environmental Sustainable Cities (AWGESC) to the ministry’s partners in government and private sectors, community organisations, private development organisations and education institutes.
The conference at Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok was joined by over 400 participants including minister’s secretary Thanespol Thanaboonyawat, ONEP secretary-general Phirun Saiyasitpanich, and ministry’s executives.
The Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced that the Thailand Climate Action Conference (TCAC) was a resounding success as it promoted participation and received suggestions from the environmentally conscious new generation.
The event was held on August 5-6 at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok.
In his closing remarks on August 6, Varawut said the forum has successfully created awareness and propulsion among target groups from all sectors to work together on Thailand’s climate issues. “Throughout the two-day event, we also realised the full potential of Thai people when working together to bring about the change, especially among the new generation who wish to see an improvement in the country’s climate change management,” he said.
He added that groups of young participants have proposed that the government increase the efficiency in educating the public on environmental issues on top of providing financial and technological support, as well as amend the laws to maximise public access to renewable energy. He said the ministry would discuss with related agencies about adapting these suggestions into its action plans.
Varawut said the meeting also helped agencies realise and understand the government’s long-term policy that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had announced in the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021 that Thailand aims to become carbon neutral in 2050 and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2065.
He added that his ministry is preparing Thailand’s Long-term Low Emissions and Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) to be submitted to the office of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) before the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) is held on November 6-18 in Egypt. The ministry will also act as Thailand’s representative to present the country’s progress in climate change to the global community during the COP27.
“As minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Member of the Parliament for Suphan Buri, I have witnessed first-hand how climate change has impacted the lives of nearly 67 million Thais, especially farmers who have suffered greatly from floods,” he said. “The ministry promises to continue working with all provinces to achieve the long-term goals in climate change. These goals are no longer an option, but rather our only chance of survival in the changing world.”
Varawut then thanked over 3,000 participants of the TCAC, including ambassadors from over 50 countries and representatives of over 20 international organisations who joined the event to witness Thailand’s commitment to tackling climate change issues. He also urged them to support Thailand in its climate change endeavour by providing financial and technological support impartially, especially in renewable and clean energy.
Phattarachai said condominium sales in Hua Hin and Cha-am were booming in 2011 and 2012 with some 7,000 to 8,000 units sold each year.
He said buyers included Russian and Chinese people as well as Thai investors. He said Colliers Thailand expected real estate developers to continue developing new projects in Hua Hin this year as the demand is still high.
Newton-John, actress and singer was born in Cambridge, England in 1948. When Newton-John was six, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia where she appeared on talent shows and in a telemovie. After winning the prize of a trip to Britain, Newton-John travelled to her county of birth, where she recorded a single and toured nightclubs around Europe as part of a singing duo.
