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Remembering Chinese Taiping Rebellion

Pattaya City Expats Club members and guests learn about the Chinese Taiping Rebellion, the 2nd bloodiest war in history, at their Sunday, December 8 meeting.

Pattaya City Expats Club was fortunate to have popular author Dean Barrett as guest speaker for their meeting on the 8th of December, with Dean’s topic being his new book ‘“A Love Story: The China Memoirs of Thomas Rowley”.

The speaker was Dean Barrett, the well known author of over a dozen books with a Thailand or China theme. His latest book is “A Love Story: The China Memoirs of Thomas Rowley” which takes place during this period in China’s history.
An excerpt from a review of this novel notes it “... is written with impressive sensitivity and attention to detail... A story of doomed love that is both erotic and touching.” The novel is set against the backdrop of the Taiping Rebellion which was a massive civil war in southern China from 1850 to 1864; pitting the Taiping rebels against the ruling Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. The rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan who claimed that he had received visions in which he learned that he was the younger brother of Jesus.
Between 20 and 40 million people died, mainly civilians, in one of the deadliest military conflicts in history. Only the Second World War had more casualties. Dean said that the Taiping Rebellion made the American Civil War look like a tea party. Dean explained that he became interested in the history of China when he was training as a Chinese linguist at the (U.S.) Army Security Agency in 1966. For this, he needed to understand what was happening during the cultural revolution in China, and that meant also knowing about Chinese history and culture going back a couple of centuries.

Board member Lawrie McLoughlin presents Dean with a Certificate of Appreciation as thanks for a very informative talk and a new and interesting subject for most of the audience.

Hong Xiuquan established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom with its capital at Nanjing. The Taiping army, which was largely a peasant army, controlled large parts of southern China - at one point ruling about 30 million people. The rebel agenda included social reforms such as shared property, equality for women, and the replacement of Confucianism, Buddhism and Chinese folk religion with their form of Christianity. Because of their refusal to wear the queue - a hairstyle favoured by the Manchu in which the hair is gathered up into a ponytail, often braided - Taiping combatants were nicknamed “longhairs” by the Qing government. The Qing forces besieged the Taiping armies throughout the rebellion and eventually crushed the army with the aid of French and British forces. (Actually, Dean said, there were foreigners fighting on both sides of the conflict.)

Dean autographs a copy of ‘Thomas Rowley’ for lucky PCEC member Janet Smith.

The Taipings were regarded as fanatics, while the Manchu were seen as corrupt, decadent and arrogant. Dean explained that civilians caught up in the fighting, as cities were conquered by one side and then re-conquered by the other, had a hard time knowing which hairstyle they should be wearing on a given day. Further, that this struggle has certain parallels to what is happening today in Thailand - the well off and the well educated in one camp versus the less well off and less well educated in the other.
Many people thought that the Taiping forces would emerge victorious, but Dean mentioned that Hong Xiuquan paid more attention to his 100 concubines than he did to the conduct of the war. Although the Taiping rebels did not manage to win the war, they succeeded in loosening the Qing government’s control of the central areas of China. The Manchu dynasty hung on until 1911, but the cracks were already apparent.
Dean said that the Taiping Museum in Nanjing is a very interesting place to visit. During his research for the novel, he learned that the Taiping forces had some all-female units and that the women were very tough fighters. He used that is his book. The protagonist, Thomas Rowley, a foreigner fighting on the Qing government side, is captured by such a unit. He thinks of escaping, but then falls in love with one of the women fighters. Eventually, there is a battle, and Rowley has to decide whether to fight with the women or fight with the Qing government forces.

Board member Richard Smith advises members of the many activities in the Amari over the festive season.

Dean explained that he set up his novel to read like non-fiction. Dean, as the author, is shown as writing some notes at the beginning and at the end of the book, but the vast middle section is presented as being an old man’s memoirs that have just surfaced.
For people interested in learning more about the history and culture of this period in China, Dean recommended three books: (1) “The Devil Soldier” by Caleb Carr; (2) “God’s Chinese Son” by Jonathan D. Spence; and (3) “Autumn and the Heavenly Kingdom” by Stephen R. Platt. Dean also mentioned a two-volume work written in 1866 by Augustus Lindley, an English officer and supporter of the rebels. The title is “Ti-ping tien-kwoh.” The book is available free in e-book format (see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39735).
Dean Barrett is known for his humour as much as for his history-based mystery books. You can learn more about Dean, his mystery books, and his sense of humour by visiting these websites: http://www.dean barrettmystery.com/ and www. deanbarrettthailand.com/welcome_to.htm. For a more complete biography, visit http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?AuthorID=679


Tesco Lotus expands online shopping services

Rolling out upcountry and launching “Click and Collect”

Tesco Lotus Marketing Director Wanna Swuddigul announced the extension of Online Shopping service upcountry, starting with Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Tesco Lotus is also introducing a new “Click and Collect” service enabling shoppers to order online and pick up shopping from their local store.

Tesco Lotus is extending its popular Online Shopping service upcountry, starting with Pattaya and Chiang Mai. To cater for various consumers’ lifestyle Tesco Lotus is also introducing a new “Click and Collect” service enabling shoppers to order online and pick up shopping from their local store.
“Customers in Bangkok love the Tesco Lotus Online Shopping service we started 6 months ago,” said Tesco Lotus Marketing Director Wanna Swuddigul. “They have told us Tesco Lotus Online Shopping service makes their lives more convenient and saves them time and money on travel. Customers also enjoy a wide range of fresh food and grocery products available for them to choose online at Tesco Lotus prices.
“With the positive feedback we have continued to add our Online Shopping service capacity in Bangkok and are now expanding the service upcountry, starting with Pattaya and Chiang Mai on 22 and 24 October respectively, before rolling out to other big cities in Thailand soon.”
Tesco Lotus Online Shopping is the premier destination for fresh food and grocery shopping in Thailand with over 20,000 product lines on offer. Tesco Lotus remains the only retailer in the country that offers online ordering and delivery of fresh food. It uses specially designed vans with separate compartments for frozen products, chilled products and non-perishable groceries for delivery to customers’ doorsteps.

After choosing products online, the customer can pick one of six delivery timeslots available from 10 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week. For customers who would like to pick up their shopping by themselves, Click and Collect service will be available from 6 November 2013 starting at Extra Ramindra store.
“All online shopping orders are sorted by our professionally trained Personal Shoppers who seek out the freshest produce and longest expiry dates just like our customers would do. The shopping will then be delivered to customers’ doorsteps based on the specified time slot or customers can collect the items at selected Tesco Lotus store,” said Wanna.
Tesco Group now offers Online Shopping service in 10 countries, including South Korea, Malaysia, China, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the UK and Thailand which have together grown sales by 54% over the last six months.
“Online Shopping is a part of Tesco Lotus strategy to grow our business through multi-formats. Apart from online service expansion we continue on our plan to open around 300 new stores this year across all formats including Extra, Hypermarket, Department Store, Talad and Express. Our comprehensive set of store formats will help us meet the needs of various consumer groups and changing lifestyles,” concluded Wanna.
Online: http://shoponline. tescolotus.com/


Royal Wing Suites and Spa celebrate re-opening with a Night of “Ultimacy”

(l-r) Dr. Virachai Techavijit with his wife Thiphavan, H.E. M.R. Thepkamol Devakula, H.E. Alexander Mariyasov, Russian Ambassador to Thailand, Royal Cliff Hotels Group Managing Director Panga Vathanakul, Irina Mariyasova and Chan Vathanakul.

Dr. Iain Corness
The legendary Royal Wing Suites and Spa officially held its Grand Re-opening celebration with a night of “Ultimacy” on Saturday, November 23.
Following the complete make-over of the Royal Wing Suites and Spa, to celebrate this, a cocktail reception was held by the poolside of the Royal Wing.
A sumptuous buffet spread accompanied by free-flowing drinks including award winning wines was served throughout the evening. A spectacular fireworks display and an excellent Jazz band made the night an enjoyable one for all.
Details of the history of the Royal Wing were given by Vitanart Vathanakul, the executive director of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group. He addressed the guests saying that the grand re-opening celebration was a culmination of a long and fruitful process. Since its opening in 1986 by the Crown Prince of Thailand, the hotel has had a rich history of having renowned individuals from all over the world.

(l-r) Nichawaline Baegaroonrung; Wiluck Lohtong, President, Siam Sport Syndicate; Vathanai Vathanakul, Vice-President of Royal Cliff Hotels Group; Vitanart Vathanakul, Executive Director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group; Voravudh Bhirombhakdi, Vice-Chairman of Cavallino Motors and Amarapat Julkasian Vathanakul.

It was closed down for two months this year to undergo a total makeover resulting in a sophisticated, new luxurious atmosphere while maintaining the core essence of the Royal Wing spirit: Ultimate Luxury. This transformation has paved the way for an array of new luxurious suites and conveniences intended to provide guests with the ultimate hotel experience.
Royal Wing’s newly renovated features include an exclusive new entrance, which on the night of the re-opening had one Porsche, two Ferrari’s and a Lamborghini in executive parking!
The upgraded suites are now furnished with Thai-inspired décor from its opulent bedroom extending beautifully to the lounge area and through to the luxurious marbled bathroom, which is equipped with a circular jacuzzi and a separate walk-in rain shower.
The Presidential Suites have been redesigned into a 3-bedroom Presidential Heritage Suite and the 2-bedroom Presidential Platinum Suite. The Presidential Platinum Suite now features two bedrooms with breathtaking views and complementing generous living spaces adorned with wide windows to encourage enjoyment of the tropical surroundings. The spacious main bathroom now features a new jacuzzi bathtub located near the panoramic window to provide for relaxing baths and spectacular tropical sunsets. It now possesses a main living room with its stylish bar positioned as an important entertainment implement for guests and a home office space, tucked away amongst platinum luxury. These prestigious suites are accompanied with Presidential Salas that embody the essence of Thai-style beachside relaxation and luxury with its well-appointed interior and brand-new Jacuzzi.

Vitanart Vathanakul proudly presents the Royal Wing Suites and Spa’s newly renovated features.

In addition to this, new innovation and technologies were also installed and all the suites now feature Internet Protocol Television system (IPTV) so guests can enjoy high definition television, huge movie and music selection and many more features.
The grand reopening was a breathtaking and glamorous event and signified the continuation of Royal Wing’s long lasting saga of exclusivity and ultimate luxury!
Panga Vathanakul, the managing director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, led the entire executive team in warmly welcoming the renowned guests who took part in celebrating another milestone for this world class all-suite hotel.
Distinguished guests who participated in this auspicious event held at the Royal Wing poolside included Privy Councilor, H.E. M.R. Thepkamol and M.L. Radeethep Devakula, Russian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Alexander Mariyasov and Irina Mariyasova, Former Advisor to the Thai Prime Minister and Founder and Chairman of the Regent’s Schools, Virachai Techavijit, Pramote Nonthapun, Vice-chairman of Ferrari dealer Cavallino Motors, Voravud Bhirombhakdi, Superstar actress & singer Pakkaramai Potranan, Economic Reporters Association’s President, Amornrat Charoonsmith, Chairman of the Board of Siam Sport Syndicate Public Co. Wiluck Lohtong and Melissa Horn, Managing Director of NK Auto Import Pitinun Kisadatanont and Pol. Maj. Thitisun Utthanaphol.
For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.peachthailand.com.

Superstar actresses & models Amarapat Julkasien, Pakkaramai Potranan and Nichawaline Baegaroonrung were as charming as ever.


Charity teddy bears usher in holiday season at Amari Orchid

Brendan Daly, GM of the Amari Orchid Pattaya, joins children from Ban Tung Klom School (left) and from the Pattaya Orphanage (right) to light the giant Christmas tree at the Ocean Tower Lobby.

Warunya Thongrod
The Amari Orchid Resort & Tower kicked off its holiday season by lighting a Christmas tree and selling teddy bears to raise funds for charity.
General Manager Brendan Daly hosted the Dec. 9 tree-lighting event. It was decorated with teddy bears dressed in Santa Claus suits. The bears were put on sale, with proceeds going to help needy children.
Thirty orphans from Ban Tung Klom School and the Pattaya Orphanage closed the event by performing holiday songs.
Bears remain on sale through Jan. 15. Profits will be used to purchase educational and sports equipment, books, and toys for Nok Peed School in Loei and Na Chompoo School in Udon Thani.
The holiday fundraiser is just one of many charity events organized by the Amari.


 
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]

Remembering Chinese Taiping Rebellion

Tesco Lotus expands online shopping services

Royal Wing Suites and Spa celebrate re-opening with a Night of “Ultimacy”

Charity teddy bears usher in holiday season at Amari Orchid

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