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Greek nation celebrates National Day
March 25
A brief look at Greek history
Greece has a history stretching back almost 4,000 years.
The people of the mainland, called Hellenes, organized great naval and military
expeditions, and explored the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, going as far as the
Atlantic Ocean and the Caucasus Mountains. One of those expeditions, the siege of Troy, is
narrated in the first great European literary work, Homer’s Iliad. Numerous Greek
settlements were founded throughout the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and the coast of North
Africa as a result of travels in search of new markets.
 The temple of Athena Nike.
During the Classical period (5th century BC), Greece was composed of
city-states, the largest being Athens, followed by Sparta and Thebes. A fierce spirit of
independence and love of freedom enabled the Greeks to defeat the Persians in battles
which are famous in the history of civilization - Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis and
Plataea. It also enabled them to create democracy as a form of government for the first
time in history. The belief in the human being as a value, also led Greeks to the constant
effort of improving their mind and body. They developed philosophy, science, art and for
the first time in history, athletics, establishing the Olympic Games in the city of
Olympia.
In the second half of the 4th century BC, the Greeks, led by Alexander
the Great, conquered most of the then known world and sought to Hellenize it. In 146 BC
Greece fell to the Romans. In 330 AD Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman
Empire to Constantinople, founding the Eastern Roman Empire which was renamed Byzantine
Empire or Byzantium for short, by western historians in the 19th century.
 Andronikos Kyristes’ clock, also known as the
Tower of the Winds.
Byzantium transformed the linguistic heritage of Ancient Greece into a
vehicle for the new Christian civilization. Since most of the citizens of the Byzantine
Empire were hellenized, soon Greek influence became dominant in the new empire. Greek
became its official language and the orthodox Christian faith its official religion.
Byzantine scholars converted the neighboring Slavic peoples to the orthodox Christian
faith and created the Cyrillic alphabet for them. Byzantine civilization lasted for more
than 10 centuries.
The Byzantine Empire fell to the Turks in 1453 and the Greeks remained
under the Ottoman yoke for nearly 400 years. During this time their language, their
religion and their sense of identity remained strong.
On March 25, 1821, the Greeks revolted against the Turks, and by 1828 they had won
their independence. As the new state comprised only a tiny fraction of the country, the
struggle for the liberation of all the lands inhabited by Greeks continued. In 1864, the
Ionian islands were added to Greece; in 1881 parts of Epirus and Thessaly. Crete, the
islands of the Eastern Aegean and Macedonia were added in 1913 and Western Thrace in 1919.
After World War II the Dodecanese islands were returned to Greece.
Message
from Mr. Vassilis Papadopoulos
Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of Greece |
On the 25 of March
the Greek nation celebrates the 1821 uprising against the Ottoman occupation which finally
led to its resurrection and the creation of an independent Greek State seven years later,
in 1830.
 The year 1821 is therefore a landmark for Greek
history. Our forefathers aimed not only in liberating their land and chasing away a
foreign tyrant; they also wanted to reaffirm their national and cultural continuity and to
express freely their national tradition. To reunite their destiny with the European
mainstream; to become once more an integral part of the humanistic and democratic ideals
that were born in classical Greece, redefined in Orthodoxy by Byzantine Hellenism and
transplanted to modern Europe through the Renaissance.
It was a struggle for independence as well as a movement for cultural,
spiritual and political renewal of society. Our forefathers, drawing strength from the
fountainhead of Greek history and culture, sought to build a modern sequel of a cultural
stature worthy of their past achievements. One hundred and seventy seven years later
Greece is a modern Parliamentary Democracy, a member of the European Union with a per
capita GDP close to 9,000 U.S. dollars. Greece is located in a very unstable part of
Europe, which is still torn by ethnic strife, economic hardships and international
problems. Nevertheless, it is working hard towards promoting friendly and constructive
relations with all the countries of the world, thus being an island of stability and
prosperity in the Balkans.
The bilateral relations of Greece and Thailand have always been
excellent. Both countries represent ancient civilizations, share similar economic and
political systems and a mutual respect for freedom, democracy and peace.
The opening of Embassies in Athens and Bangkok at the end of the last
decade has contributed considerably towards enhancing these relations and expanding them
to the economic, commercial and cultural field. Although the annual volume of trade
between Greece and Thailand is still small, it is gradually increasing, in spite of the
recent Asian financial crisis.
Both countries are members of the ASEM process, which is a larger
effort to bring closer Europe and Asia and has already created many new ideas and
opportunities for closer cooperation and stronger ties between its members.
One of the most important factors in the strengthening of the bilateral
relations of our countries is the increase in tourism between them. Several thousands of
Thai people visited Greece last year enjoying the mild weather throughout the year, the
numerous ancient monuments and Greece’s natural beauties. Furthermore, the number of
Greek tourists visiting Thailand is increasing each year. Greeks are fascinated by the
tropical landscape, the hospitality of the Thai people, the beautiful islands and the Thai
cultural heritage.
On this auspicious occasion for Greece, I would like to convey to H.M.
the King Bhumibol Adulyadej who reigns in Thailand with wisdom and devotion, my warmest
wishes for long life, happiness and prosperity and also to the people of Thailand my
heartfelt wishes for progress and development, on behalf of myself as well as on behalf of
the Greek people.
Mr. Vassilis Papadopoulos
Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of Greece |
National Day of Bangladesh - 26 March
The economy
Bangladesh has essentially an agrarian economy but is moving in the
direction of rapid industrialization. Presently, agriculture accounts for one third of the
GDP and employs two thirds of the workforce. The share of the industrial sector was a
little over 11 percent in 1996. The government is facilitating economic growth by
initiating reforms and promoting a pro-investment policy. The commitment to market reforms
has encouraged the private sector and led to elimination of unproductive public
expenditures. The GDP rose by 5.7 percent in fiscal 1997 while growth of up to 7 percent
has been forecast in the coming years.
 Beautiful people of Bangladesh.
The trade regime has been liberalized and incentives given to boost
exports. The readymade garment industry is one of Bangladesh’s success stories. Other
industrial exports include jute goods, leather products, chemical fertilizers, ceramics
and pharmaceutical products. Besides raw jute, the agricultural commodities which are
exported are tea, frozen fish and vegetables. Exports of rice have been forecast in the
near future with production of the staple rising. Company laws have been updated,
financial services strengthened and operations of the Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges
are being overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Laws have been framed to
raise efficiency of the banking sector in keeping with better monetary management.
 Tea plucking.
War of Liberation
The victory in the Liberation War of 1971 is
considered the proudest moment in the history of the Bangalee nation. The war led to the
creation of Bangladesh, the newest independent and sovereign state in South Asia. The war
was fought to establish a democratic state wedded to secular values and with the goal of
setting up an exploitation free society, which will respect human rights and justice.
The war was thrust upon the unarmed Bangalee nation when the then
ruling Pakistan military junta launched a merciless army operation on 25 March 1971 to
obliterate the independence loving people. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered the
historic 7 March 1991 address, which became the Magna Carta of the people and inspired
them to fight the heavily armed Pakistani army. The Bangalees through a guerilla offensive
wore the occupiers down. Every river, hill and the lush rice plains of the country became
a launching pad for attack on the invading enemy. The strength of the Bangalee freedom
fighters grew day by day and their ultimate success was inevitable. The war was waged in
the name of the Bangabandhu and under the Swadhin (independent) Bangla government in
Mujibnagar in a liberated area of Bangladesh in 1971.
Message
from H. E. Akramul Qadar
Ambassador of Bangladesh |
On the 28th Anniversary of the
Independence and National Day of Bangladesh it is with great pleasure that I would like to
extend to my fellow citizens very warm greetings and congratulations. On this auspicious
day we solemnly remember the supreme sacrifice made by millions of our brothers and
sisters to liberate our beloved country.
 Today we turn another leaf of the nation’s book of
history. As we browse the records of the past year, we have reasons to be satisfied with
what has been achieved while having full faith in our determination to pursuing attainment
of the goals set by our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The
Government of Sheikh Hasina took a bold step in concluding a peace accord with the leaders
of the tribal people in Chittagong Hill tracts on December 2, 1997. The year 1998 saw the
implementation of the provisions of the accord opening the prospect of massive development
work in that area. The opening of the Bangabandhu Bridge over the River Jamuna was a big
leap forward in connecting the south with the northern part of Bangladesh which has the
potential of transforming the quality of life of the people of the region through
generation of multifarious economic activities. Efforts were geared up to boost the
country’s exports while programmes were launched in the socio-economic sectors to
raise the standard of the poorer section of the people.
The Government’s efforts were, however, rudely jolted by the worst
ever floods that visited Bangladesh in recent memory. Two-thirds of the country remained
under water for nearly three months, creating morose disarray in the basic economic and
agricultural infrastructure. Through indomitable courage, fortitude and spirit the people
of Bangladesh faced the devastations inflicted by the flood and fought back to restore the
normal life, supported by the massive relief work carried out by the government during and
after the floods. With singular determination, the government not only ensured proper
rehabilitation of the affected people but also warded off the grim threat of starvation
and famine through prudent policies of food imports and distribution. The government
deservedly earned accolades from all over the world for the deft handling of the
situation.
The Thai-Bangladesh relations during the last year also witnessed
several positive developments. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister led a delegation to
Thailand for the Joint Commission Meeting with his Thai counterpart. The Bangladesh
Commerce Minister also visited Thailand at the invitation of his counterpart, while the
Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand visited Bangladesh - all of which contributed
immensely towards cementing further the bonds of friendship existing between the two
countries. The Ministerial meeting of BIMST-EC also took place in Dhaka which was
participated, amongst others, by the Thai Deputy Foreign Minister.
There were exchange of visits by the trade delegations of the two
countries during the last year which also resulted in better understanding of each
other’s trade potential. The increase in the trade figures is the testimony to that
effect.
I firmly believe that relations between Bangladesh and Thailand, based
on mutual trust and respect as they are, would continue to thrive in the days ahead to the
mutual benefit of the two peoples. On this auspicious occasion I proffer our best wishes
and profound respect to the King of Thailand His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and to
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on behalf of the President of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh. My warmest greetings and best wishes are also extended to the Government and
the People of the Kingdom of Thailand on behalf of the Government and the People of
Bangladesh.
Long live Thai-Bangladesh friendship.
Thank you,
Akramul Qadar
Ambassador of Bangladesh |
Pakistan National Day - 23 March
A journey of friendship
Pakistan and Thailand have enjoyed close, friendly and
cordial relations ever since the establishment of formal links. On this auspicious
occasion of Pakistan’s National Day, it is worthwhile to recount the landmarks of
this relationship of trust, respect, amity and cooperation.
As members of the erstwhile South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)
Thailand and Pakistan came together in an arrangement of close partnership in the early
50s at the height of the cold war. It is a matter of great satisfaction that the path
charted by the Free World has now touched most countries of the globe.
As steadfast adherents to the principles of the UN Charter, Pakistan
and Thailand have cooperated both regionally and internationally. In the regional context
Pakistan enjoys close relations with ASEAN in its capacity as a sectoral dialogue partner.
Pakistan is also a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), both of which interface with ASEAN.
International cooperation is well reflected in the mutual support extended to each other,
particularly in the peaceful settlement of the issues of Cambodia and Afghanistan under
the aegis of UN. In addition to extending political support in the settlement of the
Cambodian crisis, Pakistan also contributed troops to the United Nations Transition
Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). Similarly, the Royal Thai Government extended consistent
support towards the peaceful settlement of the Afghanistan problem.
The historic 12-day visit to Pakistan of Their Majesties King Bhumibol
Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in March 1962, laid a firm basis for a flourishing
and a mutually beneficial relationship. Another Royal visit was paid by His Royal Highness
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to Pakistan in July 1991. The people of Pakistan still
carry fond memories of these Royal visits.
After the visit of Their Majesties, Prime Minister General Prem
Tinsulanoda paid an official visit to Pakistan, which was returned by late President
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who visited Thailand in October 1987. Pakistan’s
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee as well as the Chief of Army Staff paid official
visits to Thailand.
Mr. Gohar Ayub Khan, foreign minister of Pakistan, paid a two-day
official visit to Thailand in September 1997 and signed the agreement for establishment of
Pakistan-Thailand Joint Economic Commission (JEC). He also exchanged the instrument of
ratification of a bilateral Cultural Agreement signed earlier.
The Government of Pakistan again had the honour to host the visit of
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn in March 1998. The Crown Prince was accompanied by his
daughters Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Her Serene Highness Princess
Siriwanwaree Mahidol. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Foreign Minister of Thailand also accompanied
the Crown Prince.
M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand led the
Thai delegation for the inaugural session of the JEC that was held at Islamabad on 16-18
March 1999.
Mr. Wanmuhamadnoor Matha, Speaker of the Thai Parliament is scheduled
to visit Pakistan at the head of a 15-member Parliamentary delegation at the invitation of
the speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr. Ilahi Bux Soomro.
Message from H.E. Sher Afgan Khan
Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand |
On the auspicious
occasion of the National Day of Pakistan I would like to offer profound regards to Their
Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit and members of the Royal family. I
would like also to convey my warm regards to the Government, the friendly people of the
Royal Kingdom of Thailand and to the members of the Pakistani community residing in this
great country.
23rd March is of special significance for the people of Pakistan as on
this day, 59 years ago, the idea of a separate home-land for the Muslims of the Indian
sub-continent was conceived. The "Pakistan Resolution" was unanimously adopted
at the historic meeting of the All India Muslim League which met at Lahore under its
charismatic leader Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The dream of the founder of Pakistan
for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent came to fruition in the short
span of seven years when Pakistan attained independence in 1947.
Despite tremendous odds which Pakistan faced at its inception it
attained impressive industrial and agricultural growth rates. It was able to register an
average growth rate 6% during the three decades from 1960 to 1990. This incidentally was
the highest growth rate in the whole of South Asia.
Since the elections of February 1997 the era of hung parliaments is a
thing of the past and Pakistan has a stable Government under the inspiring leadership of
Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Mohammad Nawaz Sharif. Soon after assuming office, the present
Government moved quickly to introduce a home-grown programme of economic reforms and
structural changes with a view to restoring macro-economic stability. These measures have
yielded positive results with visible signs of improvement in key macro-economic
indicators. An ambitious programme of vision 2010 has been launched to usher in a
"knowledge-led, just, tolerant, enterprising and prosperous society". This
programme, inter alia, envisages to double the per capita income to US 1000, to increase
the literacy rate to 70%, and to raise investments, savings and exports.
The auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s National Day serves both as
a reminder of the existing close ties between the Governments of Pakistan and Thailand and
as an opportunity to look ahead for ever deepening of our close, warm and cooperative
relationship which are based on our unflinching adherence to the established principles of
international law, human rights, freedom of the right of peoples to self-determination as
enshrined in the UN charter.
It was in the early days of our growing bilateral relations that the
historic and memorable 12 day State visit to Pakistan of their Majesties King Bhumibol
Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit took place in 1962. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Maha
Vajiralongkorn paid an official visit in July 1991 and again in March 1998 at the
invitation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It is significant to mention that during the
1998 visit, Pakistan became the first country where H.R.H. the Crown Prince was
accompanied by his daughters Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Her Serene
Highness Princess Siriwanwaree Mahidol.
With a view to further enhance and to institutionalize our bilateral
economic ties, the two governments, signed, in September 1997, an agreement on the
establishment of Pakistan - Thailand Joint Economic Commission (JEC). The inaugural
meeting of the JEC was held in Islamabad only last week. His Excellency M.R. Sukhumbhand
Paribatra, Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand, led the Thai delegation to the JEC meeting
where important decisions were taken for long term cooperation in the economic and
commercial fields including; Trade, Investment, Technical Cooperation and Tourism.
Pakistan is a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN, with which we have a
most useful interfacing. Pakistan is also a member of Economic Cooperation Organization
(ECO) and the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Both these bodies
enjoy formal relationship with ASEAN.
It is a matter of immense satisfaction that bilateral trade between
Pakistan and Thailand is again on the increase and the two way trade has reached the
figure of US$ 200 million in 1997-98 from US$ 161 million in 1996-97.
I should like to avail of this opportunity to compliment the Royal
Government of Thailand for the bold and courageous steps taken, under the able and
sagacious guidance of His Excellency Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, in tackling the
financial crisis which is already showing signs of a welcome economic recovery.
As the May 1998 nuclear tests by Pakistan had raised concerns in
Thailand it is only appropriate to briefly recount the facts. India’s overt
nuclearization had resulted in the collapse of the " existential deterrence" and
posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security. It also threatened the peace
and security of the region and the world. Pakistan expected a swift and befitting
international response against the Indian action which was in utter disregard of the world
community’s aspirations of having a world free of nuclear weapons. Sadly the
international response was indecisive, weak and fragmented which forced Pakistan to cross
the nuclear threshold to restore the strategic balance. Pakistan did so with a high sense
of responsibility and our nuclear capability is solely meant for national self-defense. It
will never be used for offensive purposes. Pakistan has an effective command and control
structure to govern its nuclear weapon systems. Pakistan remains opposed to an arms race
and has not and will not transfer sensitive technology or equipment to any other country
or entity. Pakistan’s commitment on nuclear non-proliferation is unequivocal and we
remain wedded to he goal of universal nuclear disarmament. Regional states require to give
consideration to jointly address the implications of nuclearization of South Asia with a
view to evolving effective non-discriminatory and verifiable measures to promote peace,
stability and enhanced confidence in the Indian Ocean and adjacent regions.
Like Thailand, Pakistan is a peace loving country desirous of having
friendly relations with all its neighbours. Accordingly Pakistan has been consistently
striving for peaceful settlement of all outstanding issues including the core issue of
Jammu and Kashmir. In this context, the recently signed Pak-India "Lahore
Declaration" on 21st February 1999 is a clear manifestation of Pakistan’s
sincerity to settle disputes through negotiations.
It is my honour to be representing Pakistan in a country which it sees
as a natural partner and I look forward to maintaining the excellent relationship in the
next year.
Sher Afgan Khan |
Bj Bar - the end of an era
After nearly 25 years sitting at his little corner in
the midst of the Golden Mile in South Pattaya, William A. Jones, better known as BJ, will
soon be pulling down the iron shades on BJ Bar for the final time. A countless number of
people have passed through his place. It will be missed. Following is BJ and his
bar’s story, as told by BJ himself...
I first visited Thailand in December 1967 on R&R
from Vietnam. That was before Pattaya Beach was even heard of. Bangkok was the place, with
all the bars and nightlife. It was said that there were upwards of 25,000 U.S. Military
Personnel on leave here, with another 50,000 or so stationed throughout the country.
 The walls came down and BJ’s became an
open-air bar.
Upon completion of my contract as a civilian in Vietnam, I returned to
the "Land of Smiles" in January 1971 and made my way to this, so called,
"sleepy fishing village", as it was referred to at that time. Little did I know
that this small paradise by the sea would be my home from then till the present.
I actually ‘worked’ for over 3 yrs., before my lovely Thai
wife Lek and I opened BJ Bar on July 4, 1974. At the time, business was easy, because
there was no competition. My boss, Mr. Bill S., owned the lease and, like all of my
friends, advised me against taking the place. It was called Ohm’s Law, since we all
worked as Electronic Techs, but became to be known in the end as, Ohm’s Law Gay Bar.
The adjacent street, in turn, was nicknamed Soi Kratoey.
I had no idea that when the bar opened as BJ’s, for the next 25
years I’d have to explain that Soi BJ actually stood for my initials and not the art
of oral sex! Back then, a person could stand in front of BJ Bar and see both ends of what
is now commonly referred to as "The Golden Mile", which by the way, wasn’t
paved at the time. There were only six other places one could go to party after the sun
went down (Fantasy, Sandbox, Dino’s, Harbour Light, Hank’s Hideaway, and
Outrigger Piano Bar), no massage parlors, and only two hotels of any size, the Nipa Lodge
and the Pattaya Palace. What was to become Pattaya City in 1980 had a population of less
than two thousand residents. Today, unofficially, there are over two hundred thousand
people of every nationality living and working in this city of lights by the bay.
 Kickin’ back on the beach in front of the
Rajrudee Bungalows near where the Siam Bayshore now stands. Check out the skyline in the
background. There’s nothing there but trees.
Shortly after we opened in July ’74, I decided to stay with the
bar as long as it made a profit, or until I lost my job. It was on October 10, 1974 that I
thought our short time in the bar business was going to end. After days of rain caused by
several depressions moving through Thailand, South Pattaya began to float. We really
thought it was all over. Then, when the floods finally began to subside, we experienced
the most business in one day since we had opened three months earlier.
I found out in February of ’75 that my contract with Federal
Electric Corporation was finished and had to make the decision whether to stay with the
bar or look for employment elsewhere. It seemed only right to stay with the bar, and so we
decided to ride the horse ‘till it fell. Little did we know it would last 25 years!
That’s when I decided it was time to visit home and reunite with
the family, after not having returned for 8 long years. Upon my arrival back in Pattaya,
something was different, there were tourists and lots of them. Plus, a friend from work,
Rick Lopez, had opened a small outdoor bar, Honey’s Hot Dog’s, across the street
in front of what would become known as the Marine Bar. I thought my friend had a great
idea, as he had lots of business, so, when he was forced out by the landlord, we decided
to come out front as an open air bar. Takin’ down the walls wasn’t a problem, as
we let members of the 7th Fleet destroy ‘em!
 Jerry “Hot Dog” Bryant in his early 20s.
It was that same year that Jerry Bryant got shot by an off-duty cop.
The town was so quiet at that time, I actually heard the shots fired! Fortunately for
Jerry he survived another 17 years and fathered two fine kids. His wife, Dang, still
operates Dang Hot Dog and till this day, makes the best pizza in town!
My wife and I were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jenny &
Jackie, in 1977 and 1979, respectively. Today, Jenny will be continuing her education at a
college in Bangkok, after spending two years in City College, San Francisco. Jackie has
found her forte in Tattooing & Art for the past year, having opened a Tattoo shop
above BJ Bar. She is presently preparing to launch her singing career after debuting at
Delaney’s Irish Pub in Pattaya.
I think the best years for business in BJ Bar would have to be from
1978 ‘till the late 80’s, because of all the oil field trash that visited
Pattaya from employment in the Middle East. It was during this time that U.S. Navy Seals
and Special Operations troops discovered the bar. They designated it as their new
"home away from home" and it became a muster point from then till now. The
numerous U.S. Navy visits during those years were not only good for business, but added a
lot of color to the non-stop party atmosphere of Pattaya. Actually, the 80’s were
kinda like the 60’s, if you can remember ‘em, you probably weren’t there!
In 1983 we developed BJ Guesthouse & Restaurant on the north end of
the beach, 3 km from the bar. It proved to be a much quieter lifestyle than the south end.
However, we’ve continued to maintain BJ Bar throughout the past 25 yrs., mainly for
nostalgic reasons!
One of the more memorable contributions which BJ Bar gave to Pattaya
would have to be the Pattaya Hash House Harriers, which originally was referred to as the
Pattaya Mixed Hash. It was created in January 1984 and I was proud to be one of the
Founding Fathers. The original name meant that the women were invited, but was changed to
reflect a more macho running club. However, 15 years on, the women are still out-running
the men!
The 90’s kicked off with apprehension and concern over the
situation in the Middle East. With the Gulf War in ’91 and terrorist’s
activities on the increase throughout the world, tourism nose-dived, while, at the same
time, Pattaya was being lambasted, via the media, by every other country that happened to
be involved in tourism.
On December 3, 1992, BJ Bar was reopened on the corner again, after
being closed for 7 months in order that the landlady could build a four story building
which would cover the entire block. It was on Christmas Eve, three weeks later, that
Pattaya suffered the worst storm in memory, nothing less than a small scale typhoon. Some
25-30 fishing boats were destroyed that evening, but we were partyin’ so hard, no one
had any idea the storm was that devastating.
A few years back, a fellow from England began writing a book about a
story, a combination of fiction and fact, which had it’s beginning at BJ Bar. It
seemed appropriate at the time because of the fact that BJ’s was the only bar
remaining in Pattaya that had been established during the Vietnam War era. It had an
intriguing plot which involved many things from Chinese mercenaries operating in Pattaya,
to clandestine missions involving U.S. Special Operations Teams and the continuing search
for MIA by the JTFFA based in Thailand. I’m certain that it would’ve been a best
seller, but I’m sorry to say, it still hasn’t been sent to the publisher. When
it will, if ever, is anybody’s guess.
 Oct. 10, 1974 - when South Pattaya began to
float.
The six year contract which we signed in ’92 would prove to be
non-profitable, mainly because of the slowdown in business in South Pattaya and
competition from the new areas of entertainment, such as Soi#2, Soi#8, Pattaya Land, and
Naklua Road.
It appears now that the time has come for BJ Bar to become a relic of
the past in the history of Pattaya. The reason for closure is not the economic crisis in
Thailand, but more so, a greedy landlady! As it has been said, all good things must come
to an end, but this is one that won’t be forgotten for a long time to come.
Our present plans are to open a small annex of BJ Bar on the premises
of BJ Restaurant on the North Beach, in front of the Regent Marina Hotel. Also, our future
plans include a New BJ Bar at the center of the "Walking Beach", recently
proposed by the Mayor of Pattaya, Mr. Pairat Suttithamrongsawat. The plans are to create a
new area of entertainment along the one kilometer stretch of beach front which extends
from the Police booth on Jomtien Beach to Pattaya Park. If promoted properly, this area
could become the "Party Place for the New Millennium"! Chinese philosophy
states, "Life is a big circle", and maybe this could be the new beginning for BJ
Bar, not unlike 25 years ago!
I’ve said that I won’t miss watchin’ Big Screen TV, or
as I’ve referred to it, "The River of Life". I really feel surviving 24
Song Krans is enough! At the end of the day, I have to admit that I leave the best
pervin’ corner in town with mixed emotions, kinda like seeing your mother-in-law
drivin’ off a cliff in your new car! I’ll miss it all right, like the hair I
never had!
Today, Pattaya is a bustling tourist center with family malls, movie
theaters, supermarkets, and an abundance of dining outlets, both fast and slow, not to
mention over 1000 bars, nightclubs, discos, a-go-go’s, and massage parlors. In other
words, plenty of action, every day is a holiday, and every night is a party! There’s
entertainment for everyone, single, or married with children.
There is no way of knowing how many nice folks have found a bit of happiness at BJ Bar.
If you were one of those fortunate ones, please contact us by telephone, fax, or E-mail
and help us remember the good times of the past. If you weren’t fortunate... hey,
contact us anyway, we’d love to hear from ya! Party on! Telephone (66)(38) (421147),
Fax (66)(38) (421148), Email — "William A. Jones"<[email protected]>
Copyright 1998 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 Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek. |
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