3rd Full Moon Marathon Koh Phangan, race day

This was a race I looked forward to although the circumstances weren't ideal for me participating. My Mum in law is in hospital on Koh Samui and seriously ill so from hat point my participation was doubtful and secondly, I couldn't book a hotel online in Thong Sala, since during every Full Moon the hotels only take 3 night bookings and not single nights. I did go over to Koh Phangan though with the afternoon ferry and there were enough options available. I ended up in a very small and cheap room but it was all I needed for my purpose.

The start/finish area near the international pier in Thong Sala also served as registration point yesterday

My first surprise came when during registration I was told that the quarter marathon for which I signed up started at 4am and not at 5am! The event's brochure lists in Thai 4am and in English 5am! Good that I asked and found out.

Just for the record, the full marathon started at midnight!

If you're familiar on Koh Phangan, this is the route we ran for the quarter marathon

The route was nice to run and the lighting was actually fairly good although there were a few passages where it was pitch dark. As usual in races throughout Thailand, the actual distance you end up running is most of the times slightly more than advertised. Today the quarter marathon or 10.5km ended up being 12.3km.

Boy was I glad to see this sign at 5am!

My strategy was simple after last weeks disappointing (time wise) half marathon on Koh Samui; just start as hard as possible and see where the ships sinks! A strategy I felt comfortable with since I had some good runs mid week and a 10km distance is just good enough or long/short enough for me to get away with this strategy.

A bunch of marathon runners enjoying their prices

The race was not a massive event as in Phuket, Hat Yai or Samui which gives it a big 'cozy' factor! Even the two Kenyan runners I talked to and who travel around the region running races each weekend, told me they loved the atmosphere on the island.

The marathon had around 40 runners and the quarter marathon (the only two distances available) had around 60 runners.

The price ceremony, 2nd place in my age group

My strategy paid off and I ran the 12.3km in 50'18.9 minutes which earned a 2nd place in my age group! My first trophy since I started running 2 and a half years ago! I was very happy and I had a good time as well. Out of the 60 runners I think I finished between 15th and 20th spot.

My trophy for 2nd place and the race medal

 All over I'm glad I could make it over, it was a good run for me and possibly this could be the last race this year for me. Looking forward to some more races next year!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Goodbye to September, 2012

It's time to say goodbye to September 2012!

The weather has been fairly good for a September, plenty of sunshine although towards the last third of the month we had some strong wind and an occasional shower although nothing too major or serious.

This is pretty much in sync with the last 4 recorded Septembers by me on this blog. Only in 2007 it was not such a nice month.

Now we're slowly getting ready to see the monsoon or rainy season coming, although October can be fairly nice as well.

Buddha at Putta Chedi Laem Sor, nicely hidden in the forest

This was  a good month for me since I could stay all month at home and spend time with the family. It also means that as a consequence business wasn't that great. Hopefully that will pick up next month again!

It was a good month for running, the 2nd of September saw the 1st Samui Hill Challenge, followed by the 3rd Samui marathon on 23rd September during which I run the half marathon, after having participated in the quarter marathon races in the previous two editions and today I ran the quarter marathon as part of the 3rd Koh Phangan Full Moon marathon where I got a 2nd place in my age group.

Looking forward to October folks, hoping to see you on the island and don't be afraid to post on my comments section for this blog!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th September, 2012

Today's weather;

A late update today since I just got back from Koh Phangan where I participated in the 3rd Full Moon marathon and I ran the quarter marathon and got 2nd place in my age group.

Back here on Samui the sun is out, weak, but definitely out! Current temp at noon is 29.3C

My view at 5am this morning; the finish line! 12.3km in 59'18.9 minutes as part of the 3rd Koh Phangan Full Moon marathon

Yesterday saw a dry day with some strong wind at times and mainly overcast. Max temp reached 31C

Around 1am I got woken up in Koh Phangan by the hard rain but by 3am when I had the alarm go off for a 4am start in the quarter marathon, it was dry again.

The forecast shows more sunshine with an occasional shower and strong wind for Thursday and Friday.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th September, 2012

Today's weather;

This weekend starts out windy and cloudy on Koh Samui but it's dry at the moment, although I would expect some rain during the remainder of the day. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C 

Later today I will go over to Koh Phangan, for tomorrow's full moon quarter marathon. All hotels and guesthouses can only be booked for a minimum stay of 3 nights, so I hope I can find something once I'm in Thong Sala where the run starts tomorrow morning at 5am.

The brand new Guang Yu shrine in Hua Thanon, the 'Grand opening' is today. Although the old temple or shrine had lots of atmosphere, this looks very impressive as well

Yesterday was mainly cloudy and around 2pm there rushed a mini storm over Samui for a short while with strong winds and heavy rain. Max temp reached 31.7C

The forecast has now really eased down, net week will see some wind rushes and some rain but nothing like it was predicted a week ago.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th September, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has some serious overcast to show for this morning although the recent strong wind is in a lull right now. Current temp at 7am is 25.2C

Nathon, is this the start of an early rainy season?

Yesterday saw overcast and rain spread out all over the island although I managed to be at various parts of the island and I never hit the rain! At times there was also some very strong wind. Max temp reached 29.5C

The forecast is starting to ease up, at times strong wind up until Monday morning and then the sun could start popping out again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's merely overcast around Koh Samui this morning and the roads are still wet from rain last night. Current temp at 7am is 25C

The government hospital in Nathon yesterday, a sharp contrast to 4 years ago

Yesterday saw a cloudy morning, a sunny afternoon and an overcast evening with a very wet night with plenty of rain. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast eased down a bit, there's still wind predicted but not by far as strong as originally predicted and also the rain seems to be less prominent now for the next 7 days.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th September, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has mainly overcast to show for this morning. The wind has momentarily receded but is likely to pick up again as of tomorrow. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Some 'Porn laundry' in Lamai, more funny Thai related pictures can be found at my TIT or This is Thailand group on Facebook, just ask to be added in the group

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny day around the island. There was also overcast but you could still get a tan on the beach. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast is going up and down at the moment. After the very bad weather patch for Friday was gone yesterday, it's back again today's forecast with rain to top it off! Rain is expected pretty much every day until the weekend. Mid next week the sun may pop out again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Food on Wheels; Chow Kuay

It's time for the monthly 'Food on Wheels' series update, the 40th addition already.

This time it's about a something I saw at the market in Lamai, near Tesco Lotus. Around the corner is one of my fave eateries in Lamai, this Khao Man Gai place.

Front view

Besides the by now typical three wheel motorbike, where a side car is attached to the bike, something is being sold that is not seen that often, which made it interesting to me, black jelly or chow kuay (เฉาก๊วย)

Preparing the add-ons

The add-ons are very simple, a bit of syrup and crushed ice. You mix all together and you're ready to go.

The black jelly, left how it is cooked and carried around by the sales person, on the left in the bag for the customer

Apparently it helps to cool down a hot stomach, according to my wife. It's the first time I've seen this black jelly for sale in almost 14 years!

Side/back view

There you go, Thailand just never ceases to amaze me and come up with new things. Keep your eyes open at market places and for the small bikes and carts that sell food, a lot of times there's some interesting food to be had and it's always worthwhile trying it out, since it won't break the bank, even if you don't like it. Most of such meals and/or snacks are in the 20 to 30 Baht range.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th September, 2012

Today's weather;

A fair breeze is blowing this morning and the sky over Samui is mostly overcast with various blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Over the weekend our neighbors had this 100 year old tamarind tree cut down, very sad

Yesterday saw a dry but mixed bag kinda day with bits and pieces of sunshine and overcast. Max temp reached 31.5C 

The forecast was changing a lot yesterday and at some stage the prediction for Friday was looking very bad with 32 knot wind gusts, high waves and lots of rain. Now only the lots of rain bit is left and the wind and waves have reduced. It's still going to be choppy over the weekend though.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th September, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has mostly overcast to show for this morning with an occasional blue spot. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C 

Bang the drum at Putta Chedi Laem Sor

Yesterday it was really nice and sunny during the morning and day time but as soon as darkness hit it started to rain for a while. Max temp reached 32.5C

The forecast shows plenty of wind coming up with a peak on Friday evening and night. Rain will come along with the wind, mainly over the weekend.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Princess' Cup, Samui Island Marathon; race day

This morning saw an early wake up call. 3am the alarm was set, so we could leave at 4am for Nathon where at 5am the start for this years half marathon was scheduled as part of the Princess' Cup Samui island marathon.

We arrived just in time to see the start of the marathon and both groups of runners in each of these two categories seemed smaller compared to last year.

The stage is set

Just after the start of the marathon, the announcer mentioned that instead of 5am the half marathon now would start at 4.45, if all runner could please report to the start line. Thanks, warming up down the drain and of course the start was still at 5am, so a nerve wrecking 15 minutes was spend at the start line for no reason at all.

Sticking out at the start line

Straight after the start signals I felt my legs not giving the service I was hoping for and it became a very hard run for me rather quickly. Especially the turning point was located at a hill, so up we went, hoping to turn at the top but unfortunately the turning point was at the bottom, so up we went again. A few not so nice thoughts were happily send to the organizers at this stage. My legs were burning as well by now!
In the end I finished as 133rd out of 239 and came 12th in my age group.

Glad it is all over, with the kids!

After the race I was drained, my time was 2 hours 2 minutes and 3 seconds, my 2nd best time on a a half marathon yet but I was really hoping for a time under two hours. Alas, it was not to be today, the last kilometer was not pretty at all and all my energy was spent! It took me a while after I finished to get myself sorted again and I never had such a muscle pain as after this race.

Another shirt and medal for the trophy cabinet

Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to the next run, although I'm not sure when and where that will be. The next one I would like to run is the Koh Phangan quarter marathon, next weekend, but it proofs rather difficult to find accommodation in Thong Sala, due it being Full Moon, all guesthouses and hotels only take bookings for at least 3 nights.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd September, 2012

Today's weather;

Today's morning sky is turning blue with an occasional cloud, although it started out as a very black morning since wake up calls were at 3am for a 5am Samui half marathon start, more on this later. Current temp at 8am around Koh Samui is 26.2C

Warm up for the Samui half marathon in Nathon with my kids looking on

Yesterday saw mainly blue skies all day long around the island which made for a warm day and a max temp of 33C. During the evening there was some drizzle.

The forecast shows strong winds culminating over next weekend when there should be plenty of rain as well.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Princess' Cup, Samui Marathon 2012 registration

The Samui marathon has had a bit of a professional lift up. Today is registration day and only today. The previous two years you could just show up on the morning and get your BIB or start number.

The registration tent, pretty busy when we were there shortly after noon today

Some 3,000 runners in all categories are expected tomorrow morning, which sounds like a boost compared to last year.

It all kicks off very early, at 4.30am the marathon runners start and at 5am it's show time for the half marathon runners.

My BIB number and my running shoes for tomorrow

This is going to be my third half marathon already this year! After Phuket and Pattaya, it's my first half marathon on Samui. In the previous two editions of 2010 and 2011.

The 2010 quarter marathon was one of my first races. I've come a long way since! 

My current running shoe collection, on the left very old Vibrams, next to it a pair of black Vibram Bikila LS, bought in the Philippines, a pair of Merrell's bought in Indonesia and a white pair of Vibram Bikila LS. The latter will be my race shoes tomorrow

I'm looking forward to a good race tomorrow and will be happy if I can stay under two hours. Although I'm all carbed up and well trained and rested, I don't think that I will be able to run a personal best but most certainly I will enjoy the race.

Good luck to all participants!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's cloudy this morning around Koh Samui and no sun is in view at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Tomorrow is showtime, the Princess Cup or Samui marathon is being held and I will be participating in the half marathon. This afternoon we will go to Nathon to pick up the Bib and time chip.

Namuang waterfall # 2 during dry season

Yesterday saw mainly cloudy weather with a few attempts of the sun to break through. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast was pretty erratic yesterday but this morning it settled for a fairly good forecast, the wind is picking up tomorrow during the day time and culminating in strong winds by the end of the week, possibly with rain.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's mainly overcast around Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Putta Chedi in Laem Sor  

Yesterday saw for the most part blue skies with a few clouds in it although at moments there was complete overcast. It remained dry and warm with a max temp of 32.7C

The forecast changed drastically and now we have some windy but dry days until Sunday afternoon when strong winds kick in for the remainder of next week and more or less non stop rain as of Wednesday. Let's see and wait how this develops, many times the forecast looks much worse compared to the actual circumstances.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th September, 2012

Today's weather;

The sun is battling it out with a fair bit of overcast this morning. Plenty of blue spots but also plenty of clouds. Current temp on Koh Samui at 7am is 26.3C

Car for sale in Nathon

Yesterday saw plenty of sunshine and the wind picked up a bit during the afternoon. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast shows windy days leading up to the weekend and after the weekend we could be served with much stronger wind.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th September, 2012

Today's weather;

We have a nice blue sky around Koh Samui with a few white clouds scattered floating around. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

This morning I completed my last training run before the this Sunday's Princess Cup or Samui Island Marathon with start and finish in Nathon, during which I will participate in the half marathon.

Baan Bang Kao beach, Southern Koh Samui

Yesterday saw a slightly cloudy morning but soon the clouds evaporated and the rest of the morning and day were bright and sunny and uh, yes, hot! Max temp reached 33.7C

The forecast shows plenty of wind for the next 7 days with the possibility of a tropical shower.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's mainly cloudy with a few blue spots, it could go either way today, some sun or some rain or possibly both. Current temp on Koh Samui at 7am is 25.3C

Privat bay and beach at the Silavadee Resort in Lamai

Yesterday it remained dry with a couple of sunny moments although it was warm. It wasn't until the evening when it started to rain but than it rained for a long time. Max temp reached 33.7C

The forecast is showing an increase in wind but it should stay rather dry.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy around Koh Samui this morning but the sun is trying hard to get back into the game again with a couple of blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

Yesterday at Chaweng lake during the car free week event, picture credit ภาพ Danai Samui

During the morning and early afternoon it rained but after that it remained dry around the island. It was cloudy all day long though with a max temp of 28.6C

The forecast shows a slight increase of wind during the coming week with more cloud formations.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Car free weekend meet at Chaweng Lake

This morning saw the start of the Koh Samui car free week, where we are asked to walk  and drive bicycles more and use our cars less.

It wasn't until 1994 that the first calls were made for car free days and within two years a movement had started that is now worldwide. this coming 22nd September is world wide car free day.

The event being opened by a couple of speeches

On my way to seeing a friend I made a small detour on purpose, in our car(!), just to see what was going on and I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out. I would estimate that around 250-300 bicycles plus their owners showed up. Not bad at all for this first time event on Koh Samui.

A view over part of the riders

As a fairly consistent runner in the Bang Rak / Choengmon / Chaweng area, I can say that bicycle riding has become increasingly popular around the island with a few bicycle groups that each over a hundred members. Well done!

I was only there around 9.30am when it was cloudy but dry, however, about an hour later it was raining, pretty hard at times, so i hope that enough people stuck around to make it a success.  On our way home we saw plenty of individual riders peddling around on their way home.

I'm sure that the regular press around the country will report on possibly this event but surely on the Bangkok and other events around Thailand.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th September, 2012

Today's weather;

Overcast is all around Koh Samui this morning and it won't surprise me if we have some rain sooner or later today. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Chaweng beach road, the left is where now a big block of buildings is being demolished and rumor has it that the Central brand will build a shopping mall on the area (approx 36 rai) within the next two years

Yesterday saw plenty of overcast all day long but the expected rain didn't really come down. There were bits and pieces of rain but not that much. The wind was moderately strong. Max temp reached 29C

The forecast shows light wind strength over the next 7 days with an occasional shower.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Ibis Koh Samui Trophy 2012 race day

Right now it's in full swing in the greater Maenam area, this years version of the Ibis Koh Samui trophy. The finish is expected around noon at the Ibis hotel.

The race is done by teams and consists of swimming, kayaking, running and a bicycle part.

I just got back from some of the action and here are a few impressions. Good luck to all participants of the Samui Runners Club!

A great action shot of a team taking the curve before entering the back roads and jungle of Maenam

It's hard enough to be at the right place at the right time to see some of the participants in action, since they move constantly from one place to the other. We were lucky enough to see 3 out of 4 parts; the kayaking, a 1km run and a bicycle part.

Arrival of a kayak team

After just having missed the last team departing for the kayak part, we reached the arrival point of this part of the race in time to see a few teams set foot on land again, just to ge ready for a 1km run to their bicycles.

From the kayaking straight into a 1km run

It's a challenge with no rest for the wicked indeed. You finish one part of the race just to start a complete new and different discipline straight away! Respect to the participants, this must be really grueling.

Arrived from the run, getting onto the bike

There weren't many spectators around since I found it difficult enough to find the race at all! It looked like all participants that I saw were having a good time though.

Silent witnesses

It looked like a lot of fun to me and if I would have a bike, I would sign up. Who knows, maybe something for next year.

Results will be known later today, I hope all had a good time!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's mainly overcast this morning around Koh Samui and rain is in the air! Current temp at 7am is 24.5C

Late evening at the Seatran pier in Bang Rak

Yesterday saw a fair;y nice morning with even a few bits and pieces if sunshine but around 3pm there was some hard rain. followed by more hard rain during the night. max temp reached 31.4C

The forecast still predicts heavy wind and light rain for tomorrow, the rest of the week looks a lot nicer.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's mostly cloudy around Koh Samui although earlier on there was a little bit of sunshine in our part of the island. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Laem Chor Chedi, as blogged about in 2007 and 2010

Yesterday it was nice until the afternoon started, strong wind came up and after a very strong blow through, around 3pm, we had some rain, It rain wet-tish all afternoon with occasional drizzles and on and off strong wind blows. Max temp reached 30.4C

The forecast is shaping up fairly nicely in contrast reports earlier this week. Strong wind culminates over the weekend with rain, but not as much anymore as originally predicted. Come Tuesday it's all blue skies again!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's mainly cloudy this morning, there are still blue spots in the sky but it looks the sunny days are over for a few days around Koh Samui. Yesterday evening we had already some strong wind. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

Catching fish bait in Ban Saket

Yesterday saw once more a very sunny and warm day. Max temp reached 33.1C

The forecast is still predicting strong wind, starting as of today and culminating over the weekend with plenty of rain but all back to normal come Monday afternoon.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Dutch elections

Although not really Koh Samui related, it does give insight into the live of an expat, a Dutch expat in this case.

Today the Dutch elections for a new government are being held. Since I still hold my Dutch passport and am a Dutch national, I also have to right to vote.

Being a Dutch national is something I'm reminded of today as well in a different way, since I need to visit the Immigration office in Nathon today to pick up my new one year visa.

The voting billet I received by mail early September

Although we live in the 21st century and a lot of my life nowadays is done and dealt with online, the Dutch government still hasn't found a secure enough way to allow online voting for the approximate 500.000 Dutch expats around the world who represent 6 seats in parliament. With a fairly complicated registering process, the Dutch expats can vote however.

This fairly complicated registering process means that you need to register with the city of Den Haag (The Hague) well in advance of the election date, by filling out an online questionair. I received a confirmation that I was registered a while later and you should then receive an envelope a few weeks before the election date with all you need to be able to vote. 

This envelope contains the voting billet, as pictured above and another, orange envelope, in my case addressed to the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. Cast your vote, with a red pencil, otherwise the vote is invalid (!) and mail back to the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok and hope that the mail arrives safely and in time at the Embassy. No way to find out if your letter made it in time. I was able to send the return envelope in early September, which should be in time at the Embassy but in other regions or parts of the world where the votes can't be send to the nearest Dutch Embassy, the letters may reach the Netherlands way passed the voting deadline.

Some 8 years ago there was once the option for voting online, in which I participated and it was a piece of cake, compared to all the complicated procedures I had to go through ever since. I do hope that the Dutch government finds a way to allow online voting again.

Any expats of other nationalities have similar difficulties when they want to cast their votes? 

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th September, 2012

Today's weather;

The sky is blue this morning but clouds are on the look out and a light cloudy blur is partly obscuring the blue sky in places around our parts of Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Old style coconut farm/house in the greater Baan Namuang area, this is how o lot of people on the island used to make a living before tourism took over

Yesterday saw another sunny day around the island although the wind slowly starts to pick up and there was a sort drizzle during the early evening. Max temp reached 34.4C

The forecast is still predicting strong wind starting tomorrow now with a high over the weekend and plenty of rain. It still looks like a naughty weekend ahead of us but not as bad as originally was predicted.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th September, 2012

Today's weather;

It's a blue sky this morning over Koh Samui with a few fluffy white clouds. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Local kids playing and swimming at the Namuang waterfall 2

Yesterday was a sunny day. Was it warm, I do think so with a max temp of 34.4C

The forecast has toned down a little bit but it seems that nonetheless some strong wind starts Wednesday evening continuing more or less all week with rain starting on Friday.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Hawksbill turtles released in Samui waters at Silavadee Resort

It's been 21 years ago since there had been recorded Hawksbill Turtle nesting on Koh Samui! In April 2012 one of the Silavadee Resorts beach staff, Khun Nong, discovered turtle tracks on the resorts secret beach and within two days a nest was located. The General Manager of the resort, Mr. Conor O'Leary coordinated with the Fisheries Department of Surat Thani province and 87 eggs were collected to incubate at Samui Aquarium. This turned out to be a nest of Green Turtles. This is an endangered species in the Gulf of Thailand and around the world.

A baby Hawksbill turtle, shortly before being released

A month later, 133 eggs were found and brought once more to the Samui Aquarium for incubation. After inspection of these eggs, they were confirmed as as being Hawksbill turtles, which was much more of a surprise as these are listed on the critically endangered species list around the world. This is when it was noticed that there had been no recorded Hawksbill turtle nesting since over 21 years on Koh Samui.

Following these findings the Maritime and Coastal Resources Research Center (MCCRC) were informed and came to visit the beach. With educated calculations they were able to roughly advise when the next nesting should be. This was all done under the supervision of Khun Nipavan Bussarawit, the director of the MCRRDC center in the Gulf of Thailand.

With Khun Phannapa on the left and Khun Chonlada on the right side of this picture, managers and  part of the family that owns the Silavadee Resort in Lamai, who made all of this possible

All 8 species of sea turtles are classified under CITES as endangered and in need of protection. Unfortunately sea turtles are near extinction. In Thailand 5 species are found; Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, leatherback turtle, Olive Ridley turtle an Loggerhead turtle. The first two species can be found in the Gulf of Thailand.

108 baby Hawksbill turtles waiting to be released

Back to Silavadee however, on the night of 26th may a team from the resort and from MCRRC camped out on the beach and were able to witness their Hawksbill Mum slowly make her way up the beach in search for a good location, carefully dig a hole and lay 147 golf ball sized eggs.

Mr Conor O'Leary during his speech in front of all invited guests, which included high ranking staff from Bangkok Samui Hospital, Bangkok Airways and local politicians among others.

Then every 2 weeks for 4 more visits this fantastic and wonderful natural miracle repeated itself and a totl of 1,003 eggs were collected from the resorts beach. The last 5 nested eggs were moved to MCRRC head office in Chumpon province for incubation and expected to keep until 1 year old before release.

Children from Lamai International school were invited to release turtles and they were mightilly impressed

However, with the successful hatching of more than 400 eggs the MCRRC are overwhelmed with baby turtles and the decision was made to release 108 baby turtles today.

The event was planned on a fairly short notice but the turn out was still impressive and hopefully future generations of turtle Mamma's will use the Silavadee beach for hatching their eggs.

Turtles are being released by Khun Ruengnam Chalkwang, president of THA on Koh Samui

The fertility ages of turtles are around 8-10 years and a pregnant turtle chooses a peaceful beach, above the highest water mark at high tide to lay eggs. A mother turtle can produce 50-150 eggs each time. A single mother can lay eggs up to 10 times.

When my wife, who is a local Samuian, was still a young kid, she can tell stories how they used to find turtle nests on Choengmon beach. Unfortunately with the arrival of tourists and later the resort all over the island, many beaches disqualified themselves in the eyes of pregnant turtles.

A good turn out was noted!

Even though a turtle is capable of laying many eggs, the survival rate of baby turtles into adulthood and into a fertile age is only a few out of a thousand! That's one of the reasons why it's so important that turtle nests are being treated with care nowadays.

The turtle that I was about to release today!

This was my second turtle release event this year. I was lucky enough to witness a turtle release event on Gili Air in Indonesia in February. PADI 5* IDC Center Oceans 5 has a turtle conversation project on an ongoing base and 20 Olive Ridley turtles were released.

Go buddy, swim and survive!

There are many reasons why the numbers of sea turtles have decreased. Certain fishing gear leads to the capture of many females preparing to nest and over development along the coast line, as already mentioned, is reducing the availability of nesting habitats. Often the eggs are collected for various reasons.

If you have seen dead marine endangered animals such as turtles, dolphins, dugongs, whales and whale sharks, please do call the help center of MCRRC at 077 505 141-2

With thanks to Gavin and Conor for inviting me to this rare and beautiful event!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille