What is your full name and age?
My name is Jaco Kleinloog and I am 49 years old.
What is your current Job Position?
After being in education for 9 years overlapping with dog rescue for 4 years, I opted to take a bit of time out since May 2019. I was keeping an open mind and looking for a different opportunity that is still in line with my passions. Hutsadin Elephant Foundation approached me, and I am currently advising the Foundation on creating a volunteer program. My dad will say I am the greatest philanthropist with the least money.
How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin?
I have been living in Hua Hin since October 2011. Almost 9 years.
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?
To be honest, absolutely nothing. I was approached by a local organization where I became their TEFL Trainer. I came for the interview and moved a week later. All I knew when I arrived the first time was that this was going to be home.
What do you like most about your profession?
I love using my skills and experience in creating a volunteer program that will make Hutsadin Elephant Foundation more sustainable while having a vision of no cruelty towards elephants and an environment where all elephants are free roaming.
What do you like least about your profession?
I wish more people would read up about the Foundation, its Vision and its Rescued Elephants before they visit. One must see the whole picture and not only bits of it. Then one will appreciate what is being done. I find that people are quick to judge without knowing the history of, or the vision that we have for the elephants.
What do you like most about Hua Hin?
It has absolutely everything. Seeing the sun rise over the ocean. Every day, I am reminded that I live in one of Thailand’s gems. As I did not know anything about Hua Hin, I always considered it to be one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. I am never more than a 30 minute drive from any of my favorite places. The beaches, temples malls and markets are on my doorstep.
What is your favorite restaurant and why?
Hmmm , this is not fair. There are so many lovely places…. If I have to choose, it would have to be the little restaurant on the beach at Sai Noi. I arrive and they start streaming my favorite South African Radio Station. I am also a creature of habit and enjoy my Egg Benedict at Morning Bread in soi 94. They know I like it on a croissant and they make a great, no frills Latte.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I go to the gym because I am almost 50 and working towards a healthier lifestyle. I also enjoy cooking Thai and Western food.
What would you recommend to newcomers to do in Hua Hin and why?
Look at joining some clubs/organizations. Research this incredible town and make a list of things you would like to explore. Expect your plans to change, accept it, it’s okay. See it as an adventure.
Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?
Before moving to Hua Hin I skippered yachts on ocean crossings and had an encounter with a Human Trafficking vessel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing the open oceans has led me to become a modern day recluse. Something I am looking at changing.
What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done and why?
I swam across the equator in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I have a huge problem with height and wanted to see if depth was an issue. The opportunity presented itself while sailing from Cape Town to Croatia and I took it.