Holiday destinations around the world, especially those which are a little off the tourist map, have regular visitors who tend to make it their own special place. They return time after time, often just once a year, but the friendships they make can last a lifetime. Springfield Beach, just south of Cha-Am, is not that much of a secret but there are also beaches nearby to the more popular area which are less well known and have been claimed by the regulars as their own special location. We discovered one particular beach where around 30 regular visitors have their own social agenda and have become very innovative about how to amuse themselves and a reason to party.
They may indulge in parlor games, perhaps dominos or something more adventurous involving the local horse riders on the beach; we’ll leave that to your imagination! They have a self-styled group name – the ‘Ban Bang Khwai International All-Rounders’. During our visit 20 or more of these regulars had figured out a new form of amusement. We’re not sure whether this was a form of bocce, bowls or pétanque. However this ‘sport’ was based on the use of …………………. coconuts! The aim was to throw, bowl or somehow get your larger coconut closest to the smaller coconut; lawn bowlers would call that nearest to the ‘jack’.
The point of the game was really more about the party with visitors from France, UK, Australians and local Thai people all joining in the rather raucous fun. John and Jean from Australia were declared the winners from a young Thai guy known as Knot in second place, then Frenchman Giles. However the results are still open for appeal and discussions into the night. It’s great to see such simple pleasures on the beach, away from the more commercially oriented attractions, as a way to have such a good time and to fuel their enduring friendships. We hope that these travellers will be able to spend many more happy holidays at their ‘secret beach’, maybe same time year? ……………………………..
