A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the central Philippines on 15th October, 2013, with "an energy equivalent to around 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs."                            At least 144 people  are reported dead, including at least 134 deaths in the cultural center of Bohol. In addition to loss of life and injuries, massive damage was done  to beloved heritage sites dating back to the 1500's and 1600's. In particular, local people in Bohol are devastated about the collapse of several historic churches.

คุณจะช่วยได้อย่างไร?         How can you help?

You can either 1) transfer funds to the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute's Bank Account or 2) through the Family Tree's Paypal account. 

ท่านสามารถโอนเงินเข้าบัญชี “สถาบันการท่องเที่ยวโดยชุมชน” ธนาคารกรุงไทย  เลขที่บัญชี  521-0-19366-7              (หรือใช้ ระบบPaypal - โปรดดูที่ด้านล่าง)

 **เงินบริจาคของท่านจะไม่มีการหักค่าใช้จ่ายในการดำเนินการ จะจัดส่งทั้งหมด
**There are no administration fees. 100% of donations will be sent to the Bohol relief effort.

  
Why are we raising funds to help the people of Bohol?

   
This call for assistance for recovery in Bohol is being supported by:

Makham Pom Foundation         CBT-I  Thailand                         The Family Tree Hua Hin        WEAVE Foundation
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The Family Tree have been invited to share our work at LIKHA ASYA, NCCA PHILIPPINE ARTS FESTIVAL, Bohol, Philippines, 27 February to 2nd March 2013. 
LIKHA ASYA 1  is a cross-cultural exchange of experiences and expertise in the creative industries, community theater and arts, and community-based tourism between the LIHOK BISAYA and other Philippine groups, and similar groups in Asia striving for sustainable livelihoods through tourism. 

Twenty tourism, arts, and heritage workers from Asian countries will be sharing insights and expertise in the creative ingenuity of the ASIAN peoples in the various aspects of eco-cultural tourism in  Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Delegates are key personalities from both the civil society and governance sectors in the field of ecological-cultural tourism.

The LIKHA ASYA envisions to:

• Demonstrate the experience of the Asian countries in the field of community-based cultural tourism, community theater and the creative industries;
• Provide a venue for a dynamic sharing of ideas, insights, skills among the ASIAN region frontliners of the culture and tourism industry;
• Provide a forum for planning future collaboration and exchange.

Events include a conference; workshops on community and traditional theater, creative industries and  community-based tourism;  a festival of performances by community-based eco-cultural groups from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, an arts food fair and creative market!

Participants may avail themselves of a especially guided tour of the heritage sites of Bohol.
For more information, please contact Mr. Rogie Pantaleon, LIKHA ASYA Coordinator:
likha.asya.ncca@gmail.com 

Prachuab Khirikhan province, including Hua Hin is famous in Thailand for delicious pineapples...  Tucked around the corner of Phetchkasem Road, Soi 37, next to the Royal Palace, you will find an interesting row of local vendors, who have been supported by the Community Development Department, Hua Hin district, to sell local products, under the very successful ‘One Tambon, One Product’ (OTOP) scheme. 

It’s worth making the journey to taste fresh Prachuab Khirikan pineapple, as well as typical Thai sweets and snacks made from preserved fruits. All vendors are registered with the OTOP scheme. The local vendors have limited English, but with a smile and a little patience, you will have a fun shop!

"Pom yaak chim saparot krup" spoken by a man or
"Chan yaak chim saparot ka" spoken by a woman
 means  "I would like to taste some pineapple please!"

The Royal Project shop is a great spot to enjoy a fragrant cup of organic coffee, top quality Oolong and herbal teas, and healthy snacks. This homely shop also sells fresh fruits and vegetables, preserved foods from Royal Project centers in Chiang Mai, and some charming  souvenirs including handmade cotton scarves, fresh and dried flowers.

For over twenty years, the Royal Project Foundation, initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has worked tirelessly to improve the livelihoods of remote, Thai highland communities. The Royal Project team has helped villagers to replace opium cultivation with chemical-safe agriculture, such as delicious, cool-climate fruits and vegetables. The Royal Project shops help to bring these products to the market.  

Address: 214 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin. (Next to Soi 84. )
Tel: 032-514 085
www.royalprojectthailand.com/shop_hua-hin

Anantarak Health Training School aims to help Thai women find decent work as nurses, while also providing essential health services to children and the elderly around Hua Hin.  In addition to paid services, the school organizes regular social activities, including free check-ups and house cleans for the elderly, activities with school children and beach clean ups. 
Visitors in Hua Hin who wish to join activities are very welcome.  Interesting news for senior travelers or the retired community in Huua Hin is that Anantarak also organize professional care and transportation for elderly or disabled visitors, to help them fully and safely enjoy the sights and flavours of the area.

Contact: Pornrawee - 081 646 6374www.anantarak.com
anantarak-huahin@hotmail.com
pornrawee.seeluangsawat@gmail.com

Thailand is a very friendly country. People always appreciate when a foreigner makes the effort to speak some Thai. Even just speaking a few words of  Thai is enough to show your hosts that you are making an effort.

If you are in urban areas, where many people speak good English, you may find it more difficult to practice Thai. You will probably find that lots of people would prefer to practice their English with you!

If this is the case... head to the local markets. Have a bowl of noodles or a Thai coffee and chat to the owners. This is a great fun way to practice small-talk in Thai.

Baan Talay Dao, or “Home between the Sea and
the Stars,” is stylish and sophisticated, with a green and welcoming heart. You can enjoy the comforts of home in lush, natural surroundings and a comfortable, yet rustic atmosphere . The resort offers four types of accommodation. Design is a fusion of traditional Thai and contemporary. 

Ban Talay Dao is a smoke-free, 3 Greenleaf  certified hotel, operating according to the motto, “Save the Environment and Sustainable for the Earth”. The team have a vision and mission to help Hua Hin to develop as a sustainable destination. Hotel policy is to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Re-buy.” Practical initiatives include water and waste management, chemical management, energy conservation, reducing plastic, using natural or recyclable products or materials and prioritising healthy food. 

Eighty percent of the staff comes from Hua Hin and nearby areas. All staff are paid above the provincial minimum wage, plus service charges and other welfare above legal minimums such as accident and life insurance, health checks, staff parties and zero interest loans,  external and in-house training.

The hotel supports the community by supporting social activities in Khao Takaib Village and Hua Hin areas, such as sponsoring and donating money during the Songkran Festival and Children’s day and sponsoring the Tourism Police football team. The hotel donates food and blankets to the Pala-Uo underprivileged communities every Christmas eve with Hua Hin College School. Guests are encouraged to visit Takaib Fishing Village to experience fisher folk culture with a local guide.

Awards

• 2010 # 8  Outstanding Awards for hotel/resort of less than 80 rooms, Thailand Tourism Awards
• 2007 Environmental Friendly Hotel,  Thailand Tourism Awards

Information sourced from www.mekongresponsibletourism.org/ 
The online guide to responsible tourism in the Greater Mekong Sub Region.

Address : 2/10 Soi Takiab Village, Phetchkasem Road, Nong-kae, Hua-Hin, 
Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand
Phone : 66-32-536-024 to 30 
Fax : 66-32-536-031
E-mail : baantalaydao@baantalaydao.com

For reservation requests, you can contact BANGKOK OFFICE at 66-2-7516854,
66-2-7518068 , 66-81-8215438 Customer Service at 66-81-845-2809
www.baantalaydao.com

Traditional Thai massage is a highlight for many visitors to Thailand, and blind masseurs are renowned amongst Thai people for their expertise.  At  'Thai Massage for Health by the Blind', guests can relax and enjoy  a menu of traditional Thai massage treatments, including Thai foot and body massage and herbal compress, offered by trained and certified blind masseurs.* 

Two clean and reputable salons are run by a friendly couple of retired teachers. They employ masseurs who have been trained at the well known Skills Development Center for the Blind in Koh Kret. The salon uses high-quality massage oils and lotions, including those produced in the local area.

*Note: Thai massage is intended to exercise the body, and can be vigorous. Always inform your masseur if have health problems, or you require a more gentle massage. 

Opening times: Daily 07.00 – 21.00
Contact: 081 005 0327, 081 944 2174 (2 branches: Hua Hin Soi 37, and Nabkahad Rd)

There are several, very simple Thai vegetarian 
restaurants set in a small side-street off Petchkasem Road, Soi 70. Turn off Petchasem road into Soi 70. After 30 metres, you will see a Chinese temple on the right. Walk towards the temple and take the first, small street on the left. Look out for small, yellow, triangular flags, which indicate vegetarian food. Many western and Indian restaurants also serve some vegetarian dishes.