Travel Tips - Cambodia - Thailand - April 2005

Roman Wanderaugh/National Radio Text Service

The Man That Named Serendipity Beach - Sihanoukville's Victory Hill A Miniature of Pattaya's Walking Street? - Chris Hill Foreigners Help Line - Dr. Beat In Siem Reap, Cambodia - Non-Condom Wearing Sex-pat Dead - Phon's Kandal House Restaurant - BEWARE OF THAILAND'S SONGKRAN HOLIDAY

Monday April 11, 2005

SERENDIPITY BEACH CHUCK GRIDER WINS RIGHTS TO NAME

After a two-year fight in Cambodian courts retired US serviceman Chuck Grider won the ownership rights to the name Serendipity Beach. We now deem the 'Serendipity Chuck.'

In 2000 the now 69-year-old Grider was the first to set up a business at the then uninhabited beach. Grider opened Chucks Place restaurant in the shadow of a large tree that he loved.

The site became popular and changes were made. Rocks and boulders at the site have since been removed and replaced with sand creating a lager beachfront. A small path from the Golden Lion Circle that was the only access to his site has been enlarged.

Since that time numerous business have flocked to Serendipity and use the name Serendipity Beach in their advertising. The name has been recognized in the Lonely Planet and other guidebooks and maps.

On March 4, the courts awarded Grider ownership to the Serendipity Beach name and ordered Unkle Bob's to pay Grider US $15,000 and a group calling themselves Buzz to pay $5,000. Grider originally asked for $95,000 in damages. Payments are to be made within 60 days.

Regarding the decision Grider said, "I feel great. For two years I've been fighting this. I feel like I got out of jail with this court decision."

Should he collect the money he said of his plans for the future, "I'm going back into business at Serendipity Beach with a bar and restaurant."

Unkle Bob's proprietor Erlin Osterhaud is contesting the decision. The Buzz owners Dean Stanton and his partner Bali can't be located.

Grider's email address is: serendipity_shv@yahoo.com

SIHANOUKVILLE - GOING THROUGH THEM CHANGES

There was a song sung by Buddy Miles called 'Going Through Them Changes' that is applicable to Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

In 1999 the Victory Hill area was a small village with vacant lots and wooden shacks. Cows, pigs, chickens and ducks were roaming the streets where children played. There was only one foreign owned business on the hill.

At that time a major reason of concern was the removal of trees on the main thoroughfare Ekreach Street that caused an uproar from local expats. That was then, this is now.

Neon lights now illuminate the area. Concrete buildings housing foreign owned bars filled with taxi girls are growing in numbers.

Victory Hill children have been exposed to a foreigner living in the village dying of a drug overdose a few months ago. Two other foreigners that owned business in the area were brawling in the street. Drug dealers and motodops working the area selling most anything a drug addict would want including HEROIN.

The disturbances exemplify a lack of consideration for children that have to study, do their homework and obtain a good nights sleep so they can go to school in the morning fresh and alert enabling them to learn to earn and improve their lives. That option is now somewhat being taken away from them.

The good news if the villagers that once had very little money are now smiling and doing well by Khmer standards. Their lives have improved.

They are making money with businesses ranging from operating outdoor stands selling water, soft drinks and cigarettes to renovating their homes to be guesthouses and restaurants.

The reality is they won't be driving a Rolls Royce any time soon but their lives are improving…somewhat… FOR NOW. BUT…. At what price… the sacrifice of village children?

Full story coming 'Innocence Lost.'

CHRIS HILL'S FOREIGNER'S HELP LINE

Pattaya, Thailand's Chris Hill is in Belgium for treatment of a severe respiratory problem. The former Rhodesian Army Major heads a group that helps foreigners in jail or in trouble. His assistants are currently filling the void during Hill's absence. Help line telephone:: 038-370-551

DR BEAT IN SIEM REAP

Dr. Beat Richner is most notably known for two things... building children's hospitals in Cambodia and playing the cello. Dr. Beat performs in Siem Reap at Jayvarman Hospital Saturday nights at 7:15pm.

NON-CONDOM WEARING SEX-PAT DEAD

Last year we reported on a foreigner that came to Cambodia and Thailand for sex holidays that extended up to six months a year. The sex-pat sought out low priced sex sometimes seeking three prostitutes a day.

He bragged about having sex with prostitutes without wearing a condom. He was asked why. He replied because "it feels good."

He was then asked how good do you think it will feel when you're dead.

Two years ago the sex-pat took three of his favorite prostitutes to the doctor for an aids check. Two of the three had the virus.

He then had sex with one of the infected prostitutes without a condom for the thrill of it all and to challenge danger.

Via email the sex-pat took exception to our report. The sex-pat died last month in his home country at the age of 50. Full story coming.

BEWARE OF THAILAND'S SONGKRAN HOLIDAY

Thailand celebrates Songkran April 13-15.... BEWARE

Many Thais and tourists celebrate by shooting you with a water gun or throwing water and powder on passersby.

Sewer water from the canals is often used. The canals are Bangkok's sewers. Boats use the canals adding gas and oil to the mix. Your option to avoid having your clothes ruined and being showered with filthy water is to avoid Thailand during this time or confine yourself to your hotel.

Tourists and shopping areas near canals include, Siam Square and the World Trade Center.

In recent years this celebration has gone overboard to where it is so dangerous that it can and does cause a loss of life.

A tourist had a dangerous experience in Phuket several years ago. While driving a rented motorbike down a steep hill around a curve buckets of water were thrown on us by a crowd of youths. He hit a water slick and skidded off the road over an embankment.

His legs and arms were skinned up and a trip to the hospital was required.

The foreigners clothes were destroyed from excessive rips and tears. Clothing worn after the injuries could not touch the abrasions in order for them to heal properly. The healing process took over a month. His holiday was ruined. He took his wounds back to his country.

When he related the story to a Thai they found the incident humorous. Go figure.

During Songkran excessive drinking takes place in celebrating the holiday that results in many drunk-driving accidents on the road.

The powder thrown combined with the water creates a chalk like film that can cause damage to your clothes. If you choose to venture out of your hotel during Songkran it is advisable not to wear any jewelry and particularly a watch.

Many tourists enthusiastically join in on the festivities. Unless you're an adult juvenile who likes to shoot water guns and throw buckets of water at people stay away from Thailand during Songkran.

If you're holiday is booked through this period and you would like to avoid the water nuisance take a trip to the bordering countries Cambodia, Lao, Burma or Malaysia.