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Prateuang Boonpraphan, music genius in need

His Majesty the King presented Prateuang a special award for his contributions to Thai music 30 years ago.

by Somkhuan Pholrat

The Lord Buddha taught that nothing is permanent. People’s lives are constantly changing direction, like the course of a stream.
Buddha also reminded us that we come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing. The purpose of our lives is to do good and beneficial works which we can leave behind and take with us on our journey through the universal cycle.
Everyone agrees that this is a good philosophy.
Everyone also accepts that in the present day, money is god. It is the only thing with which we can obtain almost anything. Money can even buy good looks.
There are two things that money cannot buy. One is true love and the other is genius. Very few people are lucky enough to have these things and money too.
There is a genius living in Chonburi. Prateuang Boon-praphan, now 67 years old, is one of Thailand’s greatest songwriters.
He has diabetes and low blood pressure and must visit the doctor twice a month to stay alive, and is unable to care for himself. The person who has this responsibility is his older sister Mrs. Amnuayporn Thantaranon, 73. His sister has been his confidante and friend since the days when Prateuang was writing many of Thailand’s ‘classic’ songs.

Geniuses as well as the poor suffer from societies neglect.

Even today, she must take him to Somdej Hospital in Sriracha. This is made even more difficult for the 73 year old sister as Prateuang is not able to walk and must use a wheelchair. He is also totally blind.
He receives a bit of money from his adopted daughter, Ms. Chidchom Boonpraphan, 26, who lives in Bangkok. She sends Prateuang as much money as she can. Her resources are limited though, as she must work and is studying in university at graduate level. She visits Prateuang twice a month. The rest of the time, Mrs. Amnuayporn must care for Prateuang herself because his best friend, singer Samai Oonwong, is now dead.
Mrs. Amnuayporn told me that when her brother was healthy and able to write songs, he had many loving friends in the entertainment industry. She said he was a generous man with his friends and never denied a plea for help.
Prateuang’s sister con-tinued, saying that he had a spontaneous genius for composing. Most so-called ‘composers’ of popular music plink on a piano or plunk away at a guitar until their fingers stumble onto something. Prateuang’s melodies came to him as spontaneous inspirations. Mrs. Amnuay said they often came at inconvenient moments. He once wrote a melody on one of her handkerchiefs while they were in the mountains, as he had no paper and was afraid that he would forget it. A sunset, the motion of the sea, almost everything would cause melodies to come into his head.
Many of the songs he wrote decades ago are being arranged and sung by today’s singers, although the vocal ranges must be made narrower. In the past, Thai singers were all thoroughly trained and had large ranges. Prateuang says he does not mind this, although it does take something away from the drama and shape of the melodies, as high phrases are always transposed down.
Prateuang wrote songs for singers such as Charin Nantanakorn, Suthep Wongkanhaeng, Sawali Phakaphan, Thanin Intrathep, Ruangthong Thonglanthom, Yard Naphalai and ML Thanatsri Sawatdiwat. These are the Thai equivalents of Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald. The list is so long that it is not possible to list them all here.
These singers became identified with Prateueang’s songs, which made them famous.
Prateuang’s own favourite is Suthep Wongkhamhaeng who, aside from his singing career, has been a member of parliament. Prateueang’s sister says he mentions Suthep frequently and would like to see him again.
Prateuang has won several notable awards, one from His Majesty the King. His Majesty presented Prateuang a special award for his contributions to Thai music. This was about 30 years ago.
For a while, Prateuang suffered from loss of appetite but is now able to eat due to an enlightened western style physician who has prescribed Chinese herbal medicine to stimulate his appetite. As this medicine must be imported from mainland China, it costs 2,000 baht a dose.
The other funds needed for Prateuang’s medical care come from old songs which he wrote but did not publish. There are not many left, but companies are still very willing to buy them. They pay him 10,000-15,000 baht a song. For this amount, the purchaser receives full rights to the song and Prateuang receives no further payment for performances or airplay.
Mrs. Suthanisa, or Khun Lek, of the Ban Dontri Music Company, takes care of the sale of the songs. She said that Thai music producers take advantage of composers and do not pay what a song is worth as they tell the composer they can ‘make a bad song a hit. All it takes it promotion.’
She takes care of all of Prateuang’s business as Prateuang and his sister are busy trying to make ends meet. All the money is used to pay for health care bills.
Sometimes, when they don’t have enough money, Mrs. Amnuay sells one of the few valuables she has left.
Prateuang’s sister said the house they now live in was ‘mortgaged’ to a generous businessman 2 years ago to obtain money to pay medical bills. The man has been kind enough to tell them they could take all the time they needed to pay this off. The money is now spent.
Prateuang asks that those who perform his songs to please think of their meaning He feels sad that today all songs must fit into a certain ‘style’ for audiences to accept them. He believes that singers should be able to sing a song according to its character, like a good actor who can portray different personalities. He does not like the practice of singers forcing a song into an often inappropriate style to conform to their character.
He also said that if he knows that people are listening to his songs, it makes his heart glad, even though he does not receive any financial benefit when they are used.
It may be a rather vulgar comparison, but this is a classic example of music companies who ‘kill the goose who lays golden eggs.’
Maybe they’re not killing it, but they are certainly keeping it on starvation rations.


Drug Center gets overhaul

Thai naval men get last minute instructions before “falling out” and pitching in.

A group of 100 men from the Thai and US navies helped to make improvements at the Ban Poonsri drug rehabilitation centre on June 27-28. The sailors took food, clothing, and sports equipment to the residents of the centre. They also gave the buildings a paint job, making everything ship-shape.
As there are more than 50 residents at the centre, it is often lacking needed funds and supplies. Police Lt. Colonel Jirat Phichitchai, an inspector with the drug division of the Crime Suppression Division could not stand by and let young people be destroyed by drugs. The centre, founded by the Colonel, is a non-governmental, public non-profit organisation. The centre accepts young men, ages 13-19 for rehabilitation. The centre receives as-sistance from the public. Vegetable sellers often donate their unsold yet still fresh vegetables to the centre at the end of the work day.
The Thai and American Navy men joined residents in a banquet after the centre was painted, followed by Colonel Jirat’s interview to the media on the importance of drug rehabilitation for young people.

Fixing the lights might brighten things up a bit.

Firing up the Barby - hard work deserves a good meal.

A new coat of paint can make a big difference to the surroundings.


A Precious Jewel - the Curry Queen

East meets West. Executive Chef Amari Orchid Resort Samuel Lehmann and Felicia Sorensen.

by Elfi

I arrived a bit late at the cooking class in La Gritta Restaurant, Amari Orchid Resort. Merry laughter greeted me, and then I heard the strong voice of the ‘Precious Jewel’ giving advice on how to prepare curries, and making jokes besides.

Sikhamani Felicia Wakwella Sorenson, a stunning woman, isn’t actually a chef. She’s a self-made woman.

E: “You are the most charming chef I’ve ever met.”

F: “Because I’m not a chef. I have never worked in a restaurant as a chef.”

E: “You must have gained your knowledge about cooking somehow. Where did you get it?”

F: “I went from Sri Lanka to England to study. For quite a while I worked as a qualified dietitian in a hospital. There I learned the basics on how to cook European food. Later on I worked as a professional model and I got married to the most charming Norwegian man.”

E: “I was wondering about your name. Sorenson doesn’t sound very Sri Lankan.”

F: “You’re right, it isn’t. Anyhow, after we got married we went back to Sri Lanka and lived on the most beautiful tea plantation. I had 5 servants in my very luxurious house and everything one can ask for. Being quite an energetic woman, I simply got bored after a while. Then I had an idea. None of the Sri Lankan ladies knew how to prepare European food and so I started to teach them. One thing led to another. I went to Hong Kong and worked for the Hilton as an Assistant Manager, later I was Banquet Manager at the Lee Gardens Hotel and until 1977 I was the Managing Director of Felitex Fashion. Finally, since 1977 I have been the president of Felicia’s Kitchen in Sri Lanka. I have done all that besides giving cooking lessons to foreign ladies there. Of course, not about European food, but to teach them how to cook Sri Lankan food. I brought all the spices with me and sold them after the classes to my students. Soon enough I had to deliver the spices to a lot of hotels and Delis.

“One day, the Hilton asked me to put together a promotion. You know - a big show, with plenty of reporters around, and after that other hotels became aware of me. That’s how I became famous. Star TV asked me to give cooking lessons via television and soon I started traveling all over the world promoting food from Sri Lanka. During my spare time I wrote a book: ‘The Exotic Taste of Paradise’. See, I did what I always wanted to do: 1. Get famous, 2. Write a book, 3. Be a self-made woman.”

E: “A self-made woman you are and a real special one. Haven’t you ever been afraid, not being a chef, to make shows in front of such a big audience?”

F: “If I do something, I’ll go all the way. I am lucky to have a personality, I’ll always manage. Being a model before, I know how to walk, to act and to present myself. That has helped a lot. I’ve made shows on television in Austria, (your home country I believe. Oh, I just had a marvelous time in Vienna), Australia, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macao, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka of course, Thailand and the USA.”

E: “That saves me one question: to how many countries you have been. Traveling around so much, have you ever had time to taste food from all the countries you went to?”

F: “Of course. This is very important. But,” she laughs, “believe me, I don’t go to fancy places to learn about food. I’m usually sitting on the beach, talking to native women, or many times I just walk into their houses and ask them to show me how they cook. I always have some small presents to exchange for the lessons I get.” She smiles sweetly, “You wouldn’t believe how friendly people are. Many women are quite happy when someone pays attention to them.”

E: “I am sure, with your friendly and charming attitude, nobody can resist you.”

F: “I guess you are right. I am not overly educated. I am street-wise and a typical Aries. I want to be a leader, not a follower and still, wherever I go, I play the female part. You know, asking guys for their help. All you need to do is delegate and you get all the help you need.”

E: “I sure believe you can twist the guys around your little finger. How many awards or trophy’s have you got so far?”

F: “Well, a few. In 1980 I received the Escoffier Award Les Disciples d’Auguste Escoffier. I became the Confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs in Sri Lanka, I was a guest chef at the Resort Mondavi Winery at the Great Chefs Weekend Event, I was a guest chef on Seabourne Spirit Cruise Line and I am the food consultant to 10 hotels and restaurants. But the greatest honor I received was from the president of Sri Lanka.”

E: “What was that?”

F: She smiles proudly and tells me: “I got the Sri Lanka Presidential National Honours. I was knighted on 22 May 1992 on National Day by President Premadasa. I got the title: ‘Sikhamani’ which means ‘Precious Jewel’. This was in recognition of my single-handed promotion of Sri Lankan food all over the world. I was the first one ever to receive this honor in the field of cooking, even though I had spent 30 years in Hong Kong.

E: “Congratulations. You can be very proud. What about the other women of Sri Lanka? You seem to be so different from them. Are they jealous of you or do they still accept you the way you are?”

F: “I was always different than the other woman back home. That’s why I went to study abroad after my first marriage with a Sri Lankan man broke up. I never could imagine being the very obedient wife only. I always wanted to be me. You have to see it like this: Everybody loves a winner. People are not jealous of me, they think I am a star. That gives me a big advantage. Even both my former husbands accept that fact and we are still very good friends.

However, please don’t believe I feel I am a star myself. I don’t drive a big car or need other signs to show off who I am. Every day I thank Buddha for giving me so much luck and pleasure in life. I thank him for every little bit. I believe someone has to be happy with small things, never be angry, jealous or envious. It shows in your behavior and your face. People want to see happy people. I guess people understand me, understand what I want to be. I am me, though somehow I am a star, and though I love luxury, I am still humble.”

E: “What a wise word from a great lady. Now my next question: is this the first time for you in Pattaya?”

F: “No. I love Pattaya. I came here for the first time in 1972. Since then I’ve spent many of my vacations here. I have good friends in Pattaya.”

E: “Can you see any changes in Pattaya?”

F: “Definitely. When I came here the first time, Pattaya was a dreamy fishing village and it still was the place to spend your vacation, especially for the foreigners who lived in Hong Kong. Within a few years Pattaya grew much too fast and with it came all the problems due to wrong planning. Now, Pattaya still struggles but it has become much better within the last three, four years. It’s such a busy, big town now. Unbelievable, when someone used to know it before. I believe Pattaya is on the right track now. I hope so, for I’d love to come back all the time.”

E: “We all hope you’ll be back many more times. How about retiring. Do you ever consider it?”

F: “No way! I’d like to become more famous. I love my work and I’ll be probably doing it for the rest of my life.”

E: “Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to talk to you. It was a great pleasure for me and I sure hope to see you again soon.”

Felicia with the management and staff in Sri Lanken costumes.


French connection reconfirmed

Find of rare proof King Rama V medal illuminates historic tour

by Michael Brady

Two 25 cm commemorative 1897 Rama V Royal Tour bronze medals.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) could not have known it at the time, but in one sitting, nearly one hundred years ago on 17 September 1897, he set the course that was to forever change one of the most ordinary items of everyday life in Thailand: its coins.
On the previous day, the King had visited Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint). He had been so impressed by the exquisite engraving of the coins produced there that he requested that The Mint strike a medal commemorating his eight-month royal tour of Europe. The Mint obliged, and offered the services of its Chief Engraver of Coins, Henri Auguste Jules Patey, an artisan just three years younger than King Rama V, then three days short of his 44th birthday.
There’s no record of the conversation between King Rama V and artisan Patey, although the King did describe it later in a letter to his daughter, Princess Nipha. But the King and the artisan must have found rapid rapport in their common denominator of appreciation of the arts in technology. Mr. Patey modelled King Rama V in a record single sitting, and thereafter rapidly produced a proof medal 50 mm in diameter. The King was so pleased with the work that he asked that it also be issued in reduced 30 mm size, so it could be hung on a ribbon and worn as a decoration. Both the 50 mm and the 30 mm medals were then struck in gold, silver and bronze.

Jan Olav Aamlid holding two 25 cm commemorative 1897 Rama V Royal Tour bronze medals.

The design of the medals is beautiful yet simple. Around the rim, there is an inscription in French which reads MONNAIE DE PARIS, BRONZE. The obverse shows King Rama V facing right with his name round the edge. The reverse bears an inscription in Thai that in translation reads To Commemorate the Royal Tour of Europe from April 7 to December 16, Rattanakosin 30 Era 116.
Unique confirmation of the historic sitting has just come to light in France. Two bronze medallions, 25 cm in diameter, that feature the obverse design of the commemorative medals have been purchased by Mr. Jan Olav Aamlid, a recognised expert on the coins and medals of Thailand and a resident of Pattaya for part of the year.
Mr. Aamlid explains that the large medallions are not freaks, but a result of the production process used at the Paris Mint at the time the smaller medals were struck. “First, Patey modelled King Rama V from life in a wax relief, 25 cm in diameter. Then a negative plaster cast was made of the wax relief. In the third stage, the Thai lettering was inscribed in the plaster negative. Then a plaster positive was made and Patey’s signature was added. The final stage of full-size working comprised making a plaster negative and coating it with graphite to make an electroformed copper negative. From there, reducing machines cut the dies of the 50 mm diameter and 30 mm gold, silver and bronze medals. The large medallions were cast directly in the third stage plaster mould of the obverse. Each has a small metal loop attached to its reverse near the uppermost edge, so obviously the medallions were intended to hang on walls”.
The find of the two medallions is nigh unique, as only ten of them are known to exist, whilst hundreds of the 50 mm and 30 mm medals are in public and private collections. In addition, though rare, a 41 mm diameter silver medal commemorating the royal visit and depicting The Mint on its obverse is still more numerous than the large bronze medallions. Mr. Aamlid admits that the historic value and rarity of the medallions is reflected in their value, “around a hundred thousand dollars each”.
Aside from the worth of his find, Mr. Aamlid points to the far-reaching consequences of King Rama V’s 1897 visit to the Paris Mint. In 1897, the Thai monetary system converted to the decimal system, as used in France, and was based on the Baht, divided into 100 Satang. In the years that followed, Patey and the Paris Mint produced the bulk of the new designs for Thai coins. Most notably, artisan Patey designed the patterns of the 1908 - 1910 silver Baht, Half Baht and Quarter Baht coins.


HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]

Prateuang Boonpraphan, music genius in need

Drug Center gets overhaul

A Precious Jewel - the Curry Queen

French connection reconfirmed

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