Pattaya Mail — Features

Henry J. Bean's opening in Pattaya

Henry J. Bean’s Bar and Grill, at the Amari Orchid Resort, Pattaya, will celebrate its grand opening on November 9, 1997.

The full name of the bar is actually Henry J. Bean’s ‘but his friend’s just call him Hank’ Bar and Grill, and is listed as the longest bar name in the world.

The bar is a slice of classic Americana with old tin posters, road signs, vintage photos and other things that recall America of the ‘comfortable era.’

Hank throws three monthly theme parties and will be open on Sundays for what Khun Run, HJB’s Manager, promises to be ‘a not to be missed brunch.’ This brunch is designed for families and will feature foods for kids, such as ‘mini-burgers’ and other treats. There will also be entertainment to complete a relaxed Sunday.

Enjoy an experience in the best of American home cooking. Hank’s waiting to welcome you!

Last minute withdrawals and first try mix-ups don't spoil the show

by Ken Bailey

Although a big success as a public display of the spectacular, Thai’97 was not without the inevitable hiccups. Chiefly effecting exhibitors, whose frustrations were evident at times, these issues were the talk of the foreign press and passed off as "this is Thailand" by locals.

Beyond the organisers control was the non-appearance of several exhibitions, such as Russia’s Sukhoi-37 jet fighter plane and Ka-50 attack helicopter, which were eagerly anticipated by public and official visitors alike. Elements of the foreign airshow media indicated that Russian military aircraft withdrawing from airshows may be anticipated, while most in Thailand would understand that the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General Chavalit Yongchaiyadh has had matters of great importance to attend to, which may explain his absence despite being on the official program. Also noticeable by their absence was the scheduled flight demonstration of the Royal Thai Navy’s Sea Harrier and F16 Falcon.

Organisers experienced the difficulties that must be faced when staging such large events here in Thailand. Planned public transport did not materialise; while on the opening day, what has been put down to a break down in communications, saw some minor public disquiet. Day one, scheduled as a trade only day, was somehow promoted to the public, who upon paying their 250B entrance fee were handed a program which advertised a flying display for 2 p.m. When 2 p.m. came and went with no aerobatics, a large gathering of public confronted organisers, demanding an explanation. Quick to address the situation, organisers acknowledged the error and commenced refunding entrance fees.

Photo: In one of the most breathtaking feats of precision flying and human courage, Royce Barr transferred from a Boeing Stearman bi-plane to the landing skid of a helicopter-in flight!

The public was discomforted throughout the exhibition by the lack of shade in the hot conditions. Having already crowded the few marquees providing shade, visitors formed airplane outlines as they occupied the shade cast by every parked aircraft’s wings, fuselage and tail. Discovering that the exhibition halls were air-conditioned, people formed groups, sitting in and around the exhibits eating, drinking and resting. This caused some anxiety among exhibitors who were trying to conduct business discussions with potential buyers and joint venture partners.

Organisational obstacles mainly effected exhibitors, yet many expressed opinions that Thai’99 would be much improved as a consequence. Local skydivers Siam Air Sports were effected when, due to military restrictions, they were prevented from demonstrating their tandem skydives after the first day. Marketing Director David Fishwick said that having been covered by Thai television networks, many people enquired of the tandem’s absence during the remainder of Thai’97. David says that a lot of people came expecting to see a tandem skydive and to them he would like to apologise. He did point out, however, that the Siam Air Sports exhibit drew a lot of interest and attention.

Other issues which affected exhibitors included Thai’97s timing. Many companies like British Aerospace expressed concern that Thai’97 was being held in the same year as the Bangkok based arms exhibition. Some exhibitors spoke of no schedules being distributed concerning tours by VIPs who were potential buyers. Eagle Aircraft stated that they had expected to be given flying time for demonstration flights with serious potential buyers of their eagle 150 light aircraft, and that they were disappointed their requests were turned down. Companies such as Fairchild Dornier and Israel Aircraft Industries were disappointed that public attendance was permitted on scheduled trade only days and felt that this reduced the exhibition’s value to exhibitors.

Yet the positive aspects were highlighted by many exhibitors as everyone gained something from being there. Gulfstream International Corporation’s Regional Vice President for the Asia/Pacific, Vincent Restivo, believes that for a first time show, Thai’97 was well attended by potential buyers, and that his company’s corporate jet sales would benefit from their attendance. Mr. Restivo went on to point out that he was looking forward to participating in Thai’99.

Staging an event of this magnitude in a developing country like Thailand for the first time is bound to present an enormous amount of difficulties. That was evident at Thai’97. Despite this, however, the look on every face watching every flying show, and the fascination with which people poured over the technology on display, stands as evidence to the event’s success and was a credit to all those involved. No doubt that with Thai’97 as a bench mark, Thai’99, with lessons learned, improved regional economies and a longer run-up period, should be an even bigger spectacle.

Ground displays give public insight into world of high technology

by Ken Bailey

Thai’97 not only entertained visitors with its spectacular flying displays. A range of parked aircraft and military vehicles combined with two huge exhibition halls and the defence equipment manoeuvre park to provide a gamut of interest.

Permanently surrounded by hordes, a Royal Thai Navy AV-8H Sea Harrier from 1 Squadron OPHC was popular. Sea Harriers are based aboard Thailand’s aircraft carrier the HMTS Chakri Nareubet, which was also on display at Sattahip naval port. On hand were commander of 1 Squadron Lieutenant Commander Piya Atmungkun and his crew of pilots to educate the public on this unique aircraft. Parked alongside was an S-70B Seahawk helicopter of 2 Squadron OPHC, also stationed aboard the Chakri Nareubet, and an A-7 ‘White Shark’ jet bomber of 104 Squadron based at Utapao. Making cameo appearances was a Royal Thai Navy Dornier 228 transport plane, also based at Utapao.

Not to be left out, the Royal Thai Army displayed a few of its light aircraft, which, like the Australian made N-22B Nomad, are used extensively for chemical cloud seeding. The Russians and Americans contributed to this static display with a visiting United Sates Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane from Okinawa stopping by while on a mission, and the Mi-17 helicopter being joined by a huge Aeroflot jet transport aircraft. Civil aerospace was also featured with a variety of light and ultralight aircraft on display.

Out on the much talked about defence equipment manoeuvre park, the Russian BMP3 Infantry Combat vehicle and the General Motors of Canada Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) demonstrated their abilities over a series of obstacles. Both entertained the public daily by bouncing and tearing around the course. Proving most entertaining was the Russian BMP3, which became bogged on the second day and needed to be towed free.

Inside the two huge air-conditioned exhibition halls, representatives from around the world showed off their companys’ latest weaponry, vehicles, aircraft, communications equipment and even model planes. Most impressive here was the very professional British Aerospace stand, the large Russian Rosvoorouzhenie display and the detailed Chinese weaponry exhibit. Also featuring in the exhibition halls were local guys Siam Air Sports which offer skydiving to the public and Eastern Flying School who provide dazzling Microlight flights along the coast.

Taking the vows

After three years of hard work at the Pattaya Mail, engaging in writing, reporting and general social work, Amorn Malhotra, Administrative Editor of the newspaper, took some much needed time off to enter the monkhood. Two of Amorn’s friends joined him in taking the vows.

The ordination ceremony was held on October 19th at Chaimongkol Temple, under the auspices of Abbot Phra Khru Phiphithakijajarak.

Photo: Amorn Malhotra (white robe, left) and his group of friends pray so that spirits won't enter their bodies. White robed, they are Naks, literally halfway between being ordinary people and Buddhist Monks. After a ceremony is performed to purify their souls, they will don the Saffron robes.

Benevolent patrons of the ceremony were Pol. Sergeant Khunthong U-Ngern of the Tourist Police; Niphon Nimanong of U-Piak Kar-Kare, (the father of ‘the Wonder Child’); Assistant Inspector with the Tourist Police, Police Lieutenant Thanomsak Intrabutr; and Pratheep Malhotra, the Executive Managing Editor and owner of the Pattaya Mail.

Amorn wanted to take vows for a long time, as he wished to study the Dhamma and Buddhist scriptures in a proper and solemn way. As the exigencies of life will only allow him to stay in the temple for a shorter period of time than he wants, he told patrons and friends that he must exercise truly monastic discipline in order to make maximum use of the time.

All monks rise at 4:00 a.m. for meditation and prayers and then begin accepting alms at 6:00 a.m. During the morning hours there are periods of study and meditation. Another meal is taken before noon and monks do not eat solid food until the next morning.

After his spirit is fully laundered, Amorn will be back at his regular duties at the Pattaya Mail office.

Health and Nutrition Facts

How to avoid food poisining

by Laura Zubrod, Registered Dietician

You can get food poisoning from just about any food: a meal you prepare at home, a lunch from a restaurant or a snack from street vendors.

Food-borne illness, usually called food poisoning, comes from eating contaminated food. Symptoms often include: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, dizziness, muscle aches, chills, mild fever, and vision problems. Extreme cases can result in death. Symptoms appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 weeks after eating contaminated food, but usually occur within 4 to 48 hours after eating and pass within 24 to 48 hours.

Rest and plenty of fluids are the best ways to treat food-borne illnesses. It is important to receive care from a doctor when diarrhea is bloody or vomiting and diarrhea is excessive. It is also imperative to seek medical assistance when the victim is a young child, elderly person, or pregnant, when symptoms persist longer than 3 days, or when these three symptoms appear together: stiff neck, severe headache, and fever.

Your body can handle small amounts of bacteria with no threat to your health. You are at risk for food-borne illness when bacteria multiply to very large numbers in your digestive tract. No two people are the same and each may react differently to eating the same contaminated food. One person may become very ill while another shows no symptoms. The reaction depends on how much food was consumed, the degree of contamination, and the individual’s susceptibility to the bacteria or toxin. Anyone can be a victim of food-borne illness. Those at increased risk of becoming ill are: infants, young children, pregnant women, older people, and those with weakened immune systems caused by HIV/AIDS and cancer.

The best conditions for bacteria to survive and multiply are food, moisture, and warm temperature. Many bacteria also need oxygen. Bacteria thrive on protein foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and milk. The ideal temperature for bacteria to grow is between 40( F (4(C) and 140( F (60(C). Temperatures above 160( F (71(C) kill bacteria. Refrigerator temperatures below 40( F slow the growth of bacteria while freezing stops bacterial growth but does not kill it. Bacteria multiplies very quickly and can double in numbers every 20 to 30 minutes under the right conditions.

If you suspect food is contaminated, don’t even taste it. You can’t see, smell, or taste bacteria that cause food-borne illness. This means food may look, smell, and even taste OK when it’s no longer safe to eat. Discard the food where neither humans nor animals can get to it. These are some of the more common bacteria that cause food-borne illness:

Salmonella is found in raw or undercooked poultry, meat, eggs, fish, and unpasturized milk. Salmonella has also been found on the outside of melons.

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) spreads from someone handling food. It’s carried on the skin, nose, throat, cuts, sores, and intestines. Toxins, or poisons, produced by staph are not killed by ordinary cooking.

Clostridium perfringens is present everywhere and grow when there is little or no oxygen. It is often called the "buffet germ" and grows fastest in large portions of food (casseroles, stews, gravies) held at room temperature.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacteria that exists in your intestinal tract. There are different strains that are found in contaminated drinking water, raw or undercooked beef, and unpasturized milk.

Listeria monocytogenes is less common but potentially fatal. Listeria is commonly found in milk and cheese made from unpasturized milk, raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and in soil.

Bacteria are responsible for most cases of food poisoning, but parasites and viruses can also be culprits. Hepatitis A is a virus that comes from food that has been contaminated by feces, most likely from hands of the person preparing the food. Other sources of food contamination are insects, rodents, dirt, and household cleaners.

Follow these basic rules to keep food safe:
Handle raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs as if they were contaminated.
Never eat shellfish such as oysters, clams, or mussels, unless they have been thoroughly cooked.
Marinate raw meat and poultry in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
Keep food clean by using clean work surfaces, towels, sponges, and cooking dishes and utensils.
Microwave sponges on high for 30 to 60 seconds to kill bacteria.
Let cleaned utensils and cutting boards air dry to kill bacteria.
Wash hands frequently and always after using the bathroom.
Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
Never keep raw meat or leftovers at room temperature for more than 4 hours.
Wash all fruits and vegetables.

Food-borne illness can occur anywhere. At home you have more control over sanitation and how the food you eat is handled. Eating at restaurants and from vendors places you at greater risk for food-borne illness since you must trust them to provide you with food prepared in a sanitary manner. If you do choose to eat from vendors, check for a clean, sanitary appearance. The vendor’s hands and utensils should be clean. Make sure cooked food is hot, look for fresh ingredients, and avoid eating protein foods (meats and eggs) that have been held at room temperature for extended periods.

Readers may write Laura care of the Pattaya Mail with questions or special topics they would like to see addressed.

Rotary makes presentation of Handclasp Goods

On Sunday the 21st of September at 4 a.m., two mini-buses, loaded with 8 Singer Sewing Machines and 1000 meters of material with boxes of various patterns, set out to drive to the Good Shepherd Sisters’ Regina Centre in Nong Khai. This project was sponsored by the US Handclasp Project and the Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya.

Jack Morse, Director of Handclasp Project USA, who had travelled from the USA for 4 days to oversee the presentation and report back to the other five directors of this massive world wide organisation, accompanied the goods on their journey northward. Also present were E.T.I. Mark Best and IMT Shawn Ross from the US Navy. Members of the Rotary Club present included Lt. Commander Carl Bindman, Dr. Dan, Peter T., Community Chairman Jon Tellefson and Dennis Stark.

The charitable contingent arrived in Nong Khai at 3:30 p.m. and went to the Regina Centre to unload the buses and meet Sister Pranee, the head of the Centre. All arrangements were made for the official presentation at 11:30-13:30 on Monday the 22nd.

At 6:00 a.m. on Monday, Director Jack, Carl, Shawn, Dr. Dan and Peter T. set off to Udon Airport to meet HE, the US Ambassador to Thailand, Mr. William H. Itoh. After several courtesy and official visits, the Ambassador arrived at the Regina Centre. Following an excellent lunch, the Ambassador presented the sewing machines to needy women from the outlying villages selected by the Sisters. The presentation was well represented by Rotary club of Nong Khai and two clubs from Udorn Thani. Thanks to PDG. Sawat. The group was then given a tour of the Centre and visited the girls making handicrafts, then on to the showroom where the good were on display and for sale. Everyone bought some things, thanks to the good sales talk by Sister Louise from Bangkok and Sister Lakana.

The US Ambassador and Cmd. Carl left for more official visits, including the Voice of America, still active in this area. The rest of the group went to visit the needy villages 30-40 kilometres from Nong Khai with the sisters from the Centre. They were also taken to another Centre where 50 girls were also employed making handicrafts for sale.

The group eventually arrived in Udorn after a very full day. It was dark when they arrived and finding the hotel was a slight problem, but they made it. The club held a meeting in Dr. Dan’s room and discussed all the events of the day and many for the future.

The next morning at six, Dr. Dan and the navy contingent set off for Pattaya. Peter T., Jon and Dennis strayed on to meet PDG. Sawat and PDG. Prapas to discuss many items of Rotary and build relations for the future regarding projects in the Northeast.

The rest of the crew then set off for home. During the journey a message came through on the mobile phone from Director Jack Morse, who was so delighted by the handling of the Handclasp Goods he donated US$200 to the handclasp project fund. Thanks, Jack.

Some special thanks also to Pres. Narinder of the Rotary Club of Bangkok South for the presentation of material to this project. Also to Mark and Shawn, who brought a holdall full of toys presented by Peter and Dr. Dan to a Nursery in Nong Khai.

All in all, this was a most successful visit.

Alfred Meister - master over 7 islands

The German name Meister means Master translated into English. And, Alfred Meister is a Master of business in the true sense of the word.

Born on March 13, 1934, in Erbendorf, a very small town in Germany, after finishing high school in 1958 he took over his parents up-country general-store. After working there for a few months, he went to a seminar and it was there when he got the idea to sell in larger amounts. For example, apples; not by the kilo but in cartons or sacks. Six weeks after he implemented his new system, he had sold 29 tons of apples, compared to app. 2 small cartons over the same amount of time before.

When he realised how well his system was working, he moved to a bigger town and opened his first Supermarket. "I got big headaches then, for two weeks after I settled the business two other huge supermarkets opened. I had to work very hard and stick to my ideas to make maximum profit with maximum volume. It worked."

Alfred smiles, absorbed in memories. "By 1964 I already had 18 Supermarkets in various towns all over Germany. Each was the size of Lotus here in Pattaya. 7 were rented, but I built 11 myself and I put a lot of new ideas into each building."

After another 16 years he thought he had worked enough and sold everything to Metro, the largest Supermarket Concern in Europe. With all the money he made, an estimated 14 million US Dollars, he went to Nassau, Bahamas to spend the rest of his life in peace and with a holiday-atmosphere. At least that was his intention.

"I soon got so bored and I needed to do something. I am the type of person who cannot rest," he admits. Alfred found an 180 acre island, located in front of famous Paradise Island. He saw it, he loved it and he bought it.

Cruise ships from Cape Canaveral and Miami soon came twice a week with passengers. Clever Alfred again used the idea of big volume. He offered the cruises a rate of 6 US$ per person (which companies included in the price of the cruise) to visit his island. The passengers had to bring their own lunch, but he prepared drink, gift and sport shops. Now, more than 380,000 visitors visit his island every year.

Other cruise companies became interested, so Alfred divided this island to make a second harbour for another cruise. Removing the soil and sand, he was able to create a new island out of it.

One year after starting in this new trade, he bought Treasure Key Island, blessed with perfect white beaches. By 1989 he could call 7 different islands his own, with names like Treasure Key, Columbus Key, Clipper Key, Sunrise Key, Great Guana Key, Gualumi Key and Blue Lagoon.

"Actually I have a few more, but they are so small I don’t count them," he says. "I know when I start something, I can never stop, and problems are a challenge for me. On most of the islands I had to build electricity poles, channels and everything that’s necessary to make holidays a success. Now we have hotels there, even a huge golf-course was built on one of the islands. But we not only have tourists on the islands, part of the land was sold to developers and home-owners. Now, we have a nice, small community of 820 people there."

From the before and after pictures of his reconstruction, one wonders how a single man can do so much. Even the Walt Disney Company tried to buy Treasure Island where he has constructed a castle on the bottom of the sea, every day newly discovered by divers.

Alfred never runs out of new ideas. On one of his islands he built a lake-dwelling village out of old telegraph poles and planted 23,000 coconut trees from Costa Rica around them. Again Walt Disney cruises made a contract with him and go there twice a week.

Alfred is also very fond of his dolphins. "I found out that two dolphins were living in a very small concrete basin, in a closed sea-floor aquarium. They had a way to a nearby big swimming-pool, but there was never water inside. Those poor creatures almost couldn’t move in this small cage. I had a huge dock on Treasure Island, so I bought the dolphins and put them there. Right after their arrival, they were probably so happy about their new freedom, the dolphins started to make a show by themselves. The tourists loved it, since it was the first thing they saw at their arrival on the island. Now I have 12 dolphins performing in a daily show. Three of them are pregnant right now. We moved them again to Nassau into a "dolphinarium", which I had built. Not a usual one that you can see everywhere, but one people can swim with the dolphins and play with them in the water. My dolphinarium is rated as the number one in the world as a playground for humans together with dolphins."

Alfred explains why. "First, people start with petting them in the water. Then the other programs follow. The absolute adventure for everyone is scuba-diving with the dolphins."

The number of visitors on all islands increased through the years to 520,000 per year. No wonder, they can find everything possible there, from paddling boats and para-sailing to deep-sea fishing. No wonder also, that the movie "Flipper", featuring "Crocodile Dundee", was shot on one of his islands. Many famous stars are regular customers of his, including Tony Curtis, Kevin Costner, Muhamed Ali, Michael J. Fox, Bjorn Borg and Dan Quaile (former Vice president of George Bush), just to name a few.

Alfred also went out for a few drinks with Elvis Presley one time in the States, and also while Elvis was stationed in Germany. Alfred says: "But that’s a different story since it is such a long time ago."

When asked how long he will continue to carry on with his work, Alfred smiles and says, "Well, not too much longer. I am really ready to retire, since age is catching up to me and I do have two sons to take care of my business. Soon, they will take over." He smiles again and adds, "But one never knows what the future might bring. Maybe there is something else waiting for me to do."

Shopping-Spree

Beauty-, Fashion, Handicraft - and many other shopping tips

The House of Teak

The House of Teak Co., Ltd. is a renowned manufacturer and exporter of beautiful Rosewood and Teak furniture. The company was founded 30 years ago in Bangkok and has had a branch in Pattaya for the past 13 years - and claims to be the oldest furniture shop in town and the only one with its own factory.

Manfred Hackinger, a German, together with Vilroy Chongsuksuri, one of the shareholders, are full of very interesting information about the manufacturing and the origin of the wood.

Manfred explained that there are only two types of wood which cannot float, Rosewood and Ebony. Rosewood is, contrary to its name, very solid and a small closet can weigh about 300 kg. Rosewood is by far the better wood out of those two, and is also better than Teak. It takes app. 300 years before a Rosewood tree can be cut, compared to teakwood which takes only 80 years.

The company has created a special lacquer for Rosewood - the ingredients are a secret - to help preserve the wood. Manfred tried to burn a hole in a table with one of my cigarettes - I would have been much better in doing so, since I have a lot of training - but there was no mark of burning at all. They’ve also tested it with lemon-acid, one of the most destroying acids, and even this couldn’t do any harm.

The wood is imported from Laos and Burma, but all the store’s furniture is produced by hand in their own factory, and it takes, for special manufacturing, about 3 to 4 months. The factory can fill special orders of any kind, including Chinese, Thai, European - or even re-productions of antique furniture. Orders can be produced in 5 different shades, sizes and also made to measure. Plain or carved, or an inlay with mother of pearls, nothing is impossible.

House of Teak uses saltwater mother of pearl, which keeps its shine over many years. 1 kg of saltwater mother of pearl costs Baht 2000, and it is just enough to decorate one chair. Still, the prices here are 5 times less than in Europe. For example: A Rosewood dining table with 8 chairs, including transportation, with all insurance, shipped to Europe will cost only US$ 3,100. Most of the company’s furniture, about 80 %, is being exported to 34 different countries, and the company in Pattaya can proudly look back on more than 4,000 satisfied customers all over the world.

The showroom of House of Teak covers two floors and has a nice selection of furniture, but also a catalogue for customers to choose what they want. Smaller souvenirs, like elephants, wooden carved pictures, statues, jewelry boxes and vases are also available, made out of Rosewood or Teak.

250 carpenters, technicians, sales people and office workers, besides the European management, are taking care of a smooth-running business on behalf of their clients.

House of Teak is located in North-Pattaya at 437/140-141 Soi Yodsak (Soi 6). Tel. & Fax: 426 114. The staff speaks English, German, Japanese and Chinese.

Copyright © 1997 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaez