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   FEATURES

HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:
A weekend of Beauty by the Bay

Rotary leaders of District 3340 R.I. meet in Pattaya

World governments adopt framework for action at the World Education Forum

Kong Khao Ceremony held in Naklua

Thought for the week

Uncle Sam needs YOU

Surprise birthday party for Chonburi Parliament Chairman

Singing with your supper

An adventurous cruise aboard the Superstar Aries

A weekend of Beauty by the Bay

76 Miss Thailand hopefuls visit Pattaya

The pulchritude of Pattaya increased dramatically the weekend of May 5-7 when 76 Miss Thailand contestants paid the city a visit as part of their preparations for the Miss Thailand 2000 contest at the Queen Sirikit National Conference Center in Bangkok on May 13.

Oh, those lucky guys... Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan (seated 3rd left), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives Santsak Ngamphiches (seated center), Bang Lamung District Chief Vichien Chawalit (seated left), Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat (seated 2nd right) and a host of other guests at the welcoming party for the Miss Thailand 2000 contestants at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.

The bevy of beauties were wined and dined at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort and the Dusit Resort after receiving the key to the city from Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and a council full of admirers.

(l-r) Two extremely beautiful contestants flanked by Gen Chanin Chandarubeksa, President of the Vajiravudh College Alumni, Chetseni Dhanarajata District Sales Manager Thai Airways International, hosts for the evening, and Jaran Chalermrutichai, Executive, Dusit Resort Pattaya.

Pattaya City Hall was the first stop on their whirlwind tour, when at 11:00 a.m. on May 5th, accompanied by escorts and news hounds, the Miss Thailand hopefuls were greeted by Mayor Pairat and the entire city administration. The contestants first paid respects to the city shrine of H.M. King Taksin the Great in front of city hall, then received the key to the city and souvenirs commemorating the occasion.

Mayor Pairat eagerly hands over the key to the city

The Royal Cliff Beach Resort prepared a reception party on their first night in Pattaya to welcome the 76 contestants from all provinces in the six regions of Thailand.

The following evening, Thai Airways District Sales Manager in Eastern Thailand Chetseni Dhanarajata arranged another welcoming party at the Pattaya Dusit Resort. Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives Santsak Ngamphiches and the President of the Wachirawut College Alumni Association General Chanint Chantarubekcha also took part in the festivities.

The Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was chosen as the official health caretakers of the pretty Miss Thailand hopefuls and a little sunshine was the prescription of the day.

During the girl’s stay in Pattaya they visited Larn Island, attended activities at the Pattaya Park Beach Resort and visited the One Million Year Old Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, and attended a number of other activities.

On the evening of May 7, Pattaya City again played host to the 76 beautiful women at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, giving the contestants a fond sendoff before they went on their way to other locations to prepare for the finals on May 13 in Bangkok.

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Rotary leaders of District 3340 R.I. meet in Pattaya

Assistant District Governors and Presidents Elect receive leadership training

Pattaya Rotarians played host to more than a hundred Assistant Governors elect and Presidents elect in a training seminar held at the Pattaya Redemptorist Center. This seminar is held every year to train the incoming leaders of the Rotary districts and Rotary clubs all over the world.

Two determined Lady Presidents Elect looking forward to a challenging year.

Learned speakers from the various clubs in district 3340 shared their knowledge and feelings to the incoming leaders who will be taking on their responsibilities as of July 1st 2000. The seminar was organized by District Governor Elect Premprecha Dibbhayawan of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya and presided over by District Governor Somchai Jiaranaiphanit. Past District Governors Prasart Euprasert, Som Indra-prayong, DGN Prasart Kraturuek, past presidents Chalor Pharanand, Pratheep Malhotra, Prasert Chaimano, Thongchai Lohtrakarn, and President Kittisak Rimchaisit made up the team of speakers on the various subjects pertaining to Rotary leadership skills. Of interest to Rotarians and members of the community alike is the following excerpt from Rotarian Norma Gamble of Oakville, Ontario.

“You get old when you trade your dreams for regrets and you get old, not when your skin wrinkles, but when your soul wrinkles... We don’t get old when our eyesight goes, just when our vision goes. Rotary keeps our souls alive and gives us a vision of what is possible.”

Past District Governor Som Indra-payong (left) studies his notes while District Governor Somchai Jiaranaipanit watches over the proceedings

Like many Rotarians, giving something back to the community is one reason for their involvement, but an additional factor is the suggestion that “Rotarians have one team and one goal... No one person cares about taking the credit (for a successful service project). Rotary takes credit.”

Rotary also gives members an opportunity to meet other community leaders and be part of a respected group, “doing extraordinary things.” In addition to local community service, “Rotary impacts the lives of thousands of people in third world countries with their world community service.” This is very rewarding and forces members to stretch themselves during the process.

DGE Premprecha Dibbhayawan with his new Rotary team at the ready to tackle the problems of the new millennium

The Rotary Wheel can give our life balance with its spokes representing various aspects of satisfaction such as: community and international service, social, companionship, camaraderie of breaking bread together, and family involvement. “It feels good to be in the (Rotary) winner’s circle with other successful people.”

Most people grow up, learning values similar to Rotary’s, but a word of caution - members should “never forget we’re on earth to serve others.” One should strive to be “other-centered” and not “self-centered” during a life-long learning process. “Rotary can give this.”

Through involvement in Rotary projects and experiences one can learn many lessons and leadership skills. Communication, teamwork, innovation, delegating and counting on others are all part of the package. “Rotary is an expression of concern, one for another. It represents power with people, not power over people.”

“If you feed your body you are set for the day. If you feed your mind, you are set for life. Rotary makes us feel good about ourselves.”

“... and if you’re looking for Self-Actualization from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Rotary gives it to you on a silver platter.”

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World governments adopt framework for action at the World Education Forum

From the Child Labor News Service

Dakar, Senegal: Delegates from 181 countries adopted a Framework for Action committing their governments to achieve quality basic education for all, with a particular emphasis on girls’ education and a pledge from donor countries and institutions that “no country seriously committed to basic education will be thwarted in the achievement of this goal by lack of resources.”

The 1,500 participants at the World Education Forum, the largest education conference in the past decade, emphasized that while there had been significant progress in many countries, it is not acceptable that more than 113 million children (mostly girls) have no access to primary education.

The Dakar Framework addresses the challenges of the twenty-first century by focusing on the importance of girls’ education, quality learning and reaching those who continue to be excluded from education (girls, working children, children of ethnic minorities, and children affected by violence, conflict and disabilities).

Education was defined as a fundamental human right and the key to sustainable development and peace.

The participating governments committed themselves to, among other goals, ensure that by 2015 all children have access to complete free and compulsory primary education of good quality; eliminate gender disparities in education by 2005 and achieve gender equality by 2015 and; achieve a 50 percent improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015, especially for women.

In order to achieve these goals, the delegates pledged to develop accountable systems of educational governance and management, meet the needs of educational systems affected by armed conflict, create safe and friendly schools, harness new information and communication technologies and systematically monitor the progress towards the goals.

They also committed themselves to encourage the participation of civil society in the monitoring and implementation of strategies for educational development. The strategies will mainly be implemented through existing mechanisms, primarily at the country level.

Participating countries will prepare a comprehensive National Educational for All (EFA) Plan by 2002, at the latest, with the consultation of national civil society. The plan will be prepared in the context of wider poverty reduction and development strategies and will, among other things, specify reforms, include mid-term performance indicators and establish budget priorities for achieving the goals no later than 2015. Concrete strategies for those currently excluded from education will be identified.

The World Education Forum was a follow-up to the World Conference on Education for All, which was convened in Jomtien, Thailand in March 1990. It synthesized the results of a two year Education for All Assessment which was conducted in 181 countries.

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Kong Khao Ceremony held in Naklua

The “Kong Khao” ceremony was revitalized in the Naklua community three years ago to preserve its ancient customs and traditions, and to act as an added tourist attraction. Sri Racha holds the biggest Kong Khao ceremony in the province. This year, the ceremony was included in the annual Songkran festivities.

Local spirits in the community are represented and appeased, as are spirits of mountains, rivers, trees and whatever spirit is fancied, including are spirits with no living relatives. Community members prepare foods for the spirits and have a feast afterwards.

People following the Kong Khao tradition believe that performing the custom will appease the spirits, and good fortune and health will follow for the entire community. Prepared foods are brought to the temples with rice preparations presented to the spirits. In the past, this ceremony attracted such large numbers of people that the rice was placed in a collection area; this custom has now become part of the ceremony.

The spirits worshiped include “Mae Thoranee” the Earth Goddess, “Mae Phosob” the Rice Goddess and the Songkran Goddess of Rain. Parades of people bring along foods and worship the varied spirits, including local and foreign spirits alike. The ceremony is celebrated afterwards with everyone joining in the feast followed by traditional entertainment, games and athletic contests.

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Thought for the week: How do we communicate?

by Richard Townsend, Corporate Learning Consultant http://www.orglearn.org

The method by which information travels around our organization can either thrill us or kill us!

Communication, remember, is ‘the shared understanding of what has been transmitted, about what has been meant, successfully received and confirmed by appropriate feedback.” If confirming feedback is required to achieve ‘real’ communication our method of dissemination must be astutely chosen and appropriate to both the message’s content and receiver’s need. I had the misfortune once to listen in on an exec’s thirty-five minute voicemail that was not much more than blatant chest beating. The masses of ‘spat out’ technical and financial details, smart *r$# big words and jargon made it impossible to remember the facts let alone understand the what he was on about. I am sure he thought he was a great communicator; however the listeners had a very different perspective. It is vital for us as senders to ensure that the methods we use are really communicating and that we are not just throwing out confusing information (or worse disinformation). A memo would have been this idiot’s much better option, particularly with lots of technical detail.

Many companies (read senior executives) claim to communicate well. Surveys and observation tell us that between 50% to 65% of employees tend not to believe what the management says, or... believe that they are not well informed or... that decisions are inadequately explained. Could this be because most executives really do lie, cheat and deceive, or is it a communication problem?

In the case of formal communication, networks can be chains (A to B, B to C, C to D, D to... and so on), wheels (A to everyone B, C, D, E, etc.) or “all-channel” where two-way communication occurs between all parties. If accuracy and speed is essential, wheels and all-channel obviously work the best. The common practice of sending messages ‘through the formal authority or status based network’ (chain) that is most often used I suggest for political, power, prestige or ‘face’ reasons, is usually the least effective option. Not only is too slow it gives those in the chain with malice in their hearts a chance to withhold or alter information, a great way to manipulate others in the chain.

So get rid of the old... ‘I’ll tell division, division will tell the branches... branches tell the departments... departments tell the supervisors, supervisors tell staff, etc.’ Too much time is wasted, too much interpretation is inserted and feedback is ‘filtered and biased’... that is if you get any feedback at all. With modern technical innovations the old practices are no longer required, although tradition often dictates that they are still used. Form a corporate culture that allows all employees to know all appropriate information across work groups and levels directly from the source and encourage responses directly back to source. You may be amazed at what you will find out and how much you will learn!

Worth a thought!

To contact Ric mailto: [email protected]

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Uncle Sam needs YOU

‘Star-Spangled Coalition’ calls for volunteers, sponsors, donors; Needs help for American Independence Day

American Independence Day, to be celebrated at the New International School of Bangkok (NIST) on Saturday July 1, needs a few good men, women - and sponsors - to extend the Spirit of ’76 in the year 2000.

Prizes and sponsorships make the event a great opportunity to have a great time and to help a Thai charity.

Americans from all over Thailand (and Asia, from Beijing to Diego Garcia) will join Thai and international friends to have the best Independence Day celebration ever.

Event co-chairs are Al Mavro of GDM Couriers and Alan Cooper of ANE-Asia Associates, who headed the event last year after a lapse of several years.

“Were you with us last year for our good old-fashioned, traditional Fourth of July celebration?” asks Mavro. “Remember the hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs and chicken? The ice cream and soft drinks? Barrels of beer! Children’s games, the US Marine Corps trooping the colors? The President’s personal greeting (delivered by the ambassador) and an amazing fireworks display?”

According to Mavro and Cooper, the Star-Spangled Coalition needs a few more volunteers - men, and women - to show America’s Thai hosts and friends how Americans do a family picnic and party, and to demonstrate America’s thanks for Thailand’s year-round hospitality.

The Coalition includes the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Joint US Military Advisory Group, the United States Embassy, New International School of Bangkok, the American Women’s Club and the American Chamber of Commerce.

Proceeds will go to parents and children affected by HIV/AIDS. I-Day’s designated charity, The Population and Community Development Association, headed by Khun Mechai Viravaidhya, will receive the funds at the event from H.E. Ambassador Richard Hecklinger.

How can you or your organization help? Contact Mavro at <[email protected]> (Fax: 285-3985, Tel: 285-3512) or Cooper at <[email protected]> (Fax: 741-7545, Tel: 311-4488).

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Surprise birthday party for Chonburi Parliament Chairman

A surprise 47th birthday party for Chonburi Parliament Chairman Chanyut Hengtrakul, was held last week. Also celebrated at the same time was his in-law’s wedding anniversary.

MD of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co. Pratheep Malhotra wishes Chonburi Parliament Chairman Chanyut Hengtrakul a happy 47th birthday.

The local politician and social assistance advocate was surprised on the evening of 26 April. Upon returning to his home in North Pattaya his loving wife, Mrs. Wilawan, had a small gathering of friends and relatives waiting with a prepared birthday celebration for her husband.

Attending Chanyut’s 47th birthday party were members from the PAO, Chonburi Development Party members, led by MP Rewat Phonluk-In, Pattaya city council members, Nong Prue administration organization members, local media and members from local charitable organizations and clubs.

Chanyut thanked everyone for attending the party and apologized for not personally sending out the invitations.

Before blowing out the candles, Chanyut wished his family many happy returns. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening as Chanyut mixed with the crowd of well-wishers.

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Singing with your supper

The diners at the Captain’s Corner got even better value for money last week when Ib and Kannikar Ottesen hosted an evening with live entertainment. With talent drawn from Pattaya, the guests were soon clamouring for more, with encores being the order of the evening.

Ib “Johnny Cash” Ottesen

The entertainment began quietly with John Winward (guitar) and Monika Rottmann (vocals) performing a medley of jazz numbers. They were followed by an energetic duo, rejoicing under the name of Rick and Harpic (she’s “clean round the bend”) who cleaned everybody up with Ike and Tina Turner’s Nutbush City Limits and other songs. The man who came to Thailand 28 years ago with his guitar over his shoulder and 2000 baht in his pocket was next up - this was Ib Ottesen himself who entertained with some Johnny Cash numbers, followed by the delightful Rattana, another vocalist.

To say the evening was a success would be an understatement and we believe that Ib and Kannikar are planning on another concert evening next month. Stay tuned!

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Topping off Tiffany’s

Last Sunday Sutham Phanthusak, the Managing Director of Tiffany’s Show held a ceremony to mark the topping of the dome high above the Tiffany Theater. This marked a major milestone of the renovations being carried out at the world famous show place.

The event was presided over by Parinya Chavalit-thamrong, Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat and the master architect Proffesor Krisada Arunwongse Na Ayuthaya of the Casa Co. Ltd.

Former Pattaya City Council Member Prarinya Chawalitathamrong cut the ribbon during the opening ritual ceremony before raising the new dome atop of Tiffany’s Show Place.

The breathtaking feat performed by a massive crane driven with calculating precision saw the raising and topping of the dome which was witnessed by hundreds of guests and on lookers.

The renovations of the theatre itself are a unique feat of architectural genius. Another 500 seats were added to the existing 500 seats accommodating the spectators to the very popular shows. The design called for the construction of a second floor balcony overlooking the stage. The trick was how to do it without having to close the theater and thereby canceling all the shows.

Tiffany’s show, the original transvestite cabaret, has grown from its humble beginnings almost 30 years ago in a small club at the far end of South Pattaya Beach to now one of the most successful attractions in the world. Moving to its present premises 19 years ago, the theatre has periodically seen expansion to accommodate more spectators, but not to such a scale. The 100 million baht being poured into this project will see the latest technology in light and sound. Fire prevention and precautions have been top priority. New elevators for the use of the spectators, including the handicapped, have been installed.

The dome being raised by a crane atop of Tiffany’s.

The engineering consultants are the Seaside International Company. One of the major achievements of this company was engraving by laser of the Buddha image on the side of the mountain at Khao Chee Chan.

Suchai Rujivanijkul, Managing Director the Seaside Company, spoke with Pattaya Mail. He said, “Originally the theatre was 24 meters wide. It has been widened to 30 meters. The roof has been raised by 4.7 meters to a total height of 14 meters. The stage has been pushed back 2.5 meters and widened from 18 to 20 meters. The storage room of stage equipment has been raised to 20 meters and the total height of the dome is 25 meters.” He went on to say that the materials used were “prefabricated” and that the whole project was constructed at the factory, tried and tested, then dismantled and reassembled into place at the theatre. “This is a unique method of construction, never before seen in Pattaya.”

The renovations are very timely and it is expected that the renovations will be ready for the “Miss Tiffany Universe 2000” contest to be held on the 19th and 20th of May. The winner of this beauty contest will earn the pride of representing Thailand in the “Miss Queen of the Universe 2000” contest in the USA. It is to be noted that last year’s “Miss Tiffany Universe” went on to conquer the crown of Miss Queen of the Universe in Los Angeles.

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Copyright 2000  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]

Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.