Rafael Nadal planting trees in Hua Hin

[buksida]

World No 1 tennis player Rafael Nadal arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday to take part in the US$608 000 PTT Thailand Open, which will be held at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani from Saturday until October 3.

The Spaniard, who recently won his first US Open - and a career grand slam - ran into a media army at Suvarnabhumi Airport. But he took a ride straight to Hua Hin for a short break along with eight male friends.

Before he plays his first match in Bangkok, Nadal will participate in a tree-planting ceremony at Kasetsart University Veterinary Hospital in Hua Hin next Tuesday (Sept 28) as part of PTT's "One Million Trees for the King" project to fight global warming.

Nadal will meet Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at Government House the next day (Sept 29) at 1pm. He's due to play his first match in Thailand after the official opening ceremony for the PTT Thailand Open 2010 on Sept 30, at 6.45pm, which will be presided over by the premier.

Source: Asiaone

Thought: Is this tree planting project right next to the military golf course that levelled hundreds of trees?

[Johan]

University Veterinary is near the military golf course yes.

[buksida]

I know Johan, it is called cynicism and sarcasm.

[Winkie]

Hope he has a Work Permit!

[caller]

Thought: Is this tree planting project right next to the military golf course that levelled hundreds of trees?

Brilliant!

Still, the lucky man is meeting Abhisit - must be the highlight of his trip.

[PeteC]

Per that article it appears he's in Hua Hin for a full week before heading back to Bangkok on the 29th. Where do foreign celebrity guests usually stay in HH? Pete

[poosmate]

My daughter informs me that Nadal is staying at the intercontinental Hotel.

[hhfarang]

Yeah, I think the Intercontinental is the new destination here for celebs. The ones who want some relaxation without the notoriety usually stay in Chiva Som.

[pitsch]

But he took a ride straight to Hua Hin for a short break along with eight male friends.

Will there be a "special" room service at the Intercontinental?

[PeteC]

I went to their web site and no mention of any tennis courts at all. Seems strange as assume he would want to stay tuned up. Quite extensive fitness centre though. Pete

[buksida]

Here are some vids from yesterday for those that didn't brave the hoards:

[pitsch]

I read, Nadal got almost 1.5 Mio US-Dollar just for coming to Thailand. For this money I would have planted more than one tree.