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   FEATURES

HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:
UK celebrates National Day - Long Live the Queeen

Brits say Thank You to St. Andrews

Chaine forges new links

BCCT - Seminar: Communication Skills for Front Office Staff

Roger Welty enhances PILC’s June meeting

Final farewall to Del Schloemer

New Zealand: The North Island

Thought for the week

Would you like to sleep on a bed of flowers?

UK celebrates National Day - Long Live the Queen

Sincere friendship between the Royal Famities of Thailand the United Kingdom

The fond relationship between the Royal Families of Thailand and the United Kingdom has a long and illustrious history. In 1960, for instance, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a most gracious host during a State Visit from His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who has been a renowned International Dragon Class helmsman, visited Thailand in October 1996, to pay respects to the King on the Golden Jubilee of his accession to the throne. The Duke recalled during that visit, the time that he sailed against the King - and lost - in a dinghy race on Pattaya Bay in 1965.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the King’s state visit to the United Kingdom

The following excerpt is taken from the book, “His Majesty King Bhumibol The Great: Monarch for the Millennium”, by Peter Cummins:

“On that occasion, the King held an ‘Island Regatta’ from Pattaya Bay to Koh Larn and return, to honour a visit to the Kingdom on 7 March 1965 by Prince Philip, the British Royal Consort and a Dragon Class sailor of considerable skill. It was, indeed, a ‘battle royal’, with the King, Prince Bhisadej, Prince Philip, Prince Birabongse Bhanubandh, H.E. Sebastiao de Castello-Branco, the then Portuguese Ambassador to Thailand and Dr. Rachot Kanjana-Vanit, a pioneer of yacht racing in the Kingdom, among many competing for the honours.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (left), Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (centre with hat) and Prince Birabongse Bhanubandh before the an ‘Island Regatta’ from Pattaya Bay to Koh Larn and return on 7 March 1965

As Prince Bhisadej remarked after the event, his wife M.R. Datcharee sailed with Philip and the King “won his spurs”, finishing first of the 27-boat fleet. And where did Philip and Datcharee finish? “Well,” Bhisadej said, scarcely stifling a chuckle, “let’s say it was not the Prince’s best race.”

The Portuguese Ambassador noted that, “while the race was not much of a sporting event, a great picnic at Koh Larn and later a banquet hosted by Their Majesties were ample rewards for all participants.” The Ambassador won the OK dinghy section of that race.

Nevertheless, Prince Philip so enjoyed the picnic outing, greatly enhanced by the friendly ambience created through the hospitality and informality displayed by Their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as other members of the Thai Royal Family that, upon his return to England, he sent a wooden catamaran as a gift to the King - the first multi-hull to enter the Kingdom.

The King’s great sense of humour was revealed in several ways, especially upon the arrival of Philip’s catamaran. The King was not only delighted with the new craft, but was also amused that the British Royal Consort would like to commemorate his crushing defeat on the waters of Pattaya by sending a boat to Thailand.

So, what to call the new arrival? It is catamaran, so why not call it “cat fish” which, in Thai is “pla duek”? A gift from a Duke, then “Pla Duek” is the perfect name.”

 Message from Lloyd Barnaby Smith
British Ambassador to Thailand

As we celebrate the Official Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I welcome this opportunity to offer some thoughts on relations between Thailand the UK.

Those relations are very close, underpinned by the friendship between the two monarchies, which was in evidence again last December when the Duke of York visited Thailand to participate in celebrations marking the 72nd (sixth cycle) birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. HM King Bhumibol has now become the longest living monarch in Thai history. In the UK, we are likewise preparing to celebrate the long life of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, who will be 100 years old on 4 August 2000.

These milestones in the lives of two Royal Families are reminders of the shared traditions that bind Britain and Thailand. But what also binds the two countries is an ability to draw on the strength of our traditions in adapting to the challenges of the future.

Just over a century ago, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited Europe as part of his far-reaching efforts to develop Thailand’s international relations and open the way for technological exchanges. Today, the cutting edge innovations of the era in which Britain led the way have come to seem traditional. But, then as now, Thailand and Britain remain close partners in the pursuit of the latest wave of innovation and progress.

Today’s challenge is globalisation. What could be more ‘global’ than the City of London, the world’s most important financial centre? London is also a world centre for fashion and design, combining home-grown talent with an ability to harness the best ideas from abroad. It is a major international tourist destination (as, of course, is Thailand, which last year attracted 500,000 tourists from Britain alone). British popular culture, from music to sport, plays to a global audience. Manchester United is the best-known football team in the world, as many Thai will confirm. We are building on these strengths in our bid to host the World Cup in 2006.

In other cultural fields, British films again found receptive audiences in Thailand, both at the mainstream box office and in the film festivals promoted by the British Council and European Union. A British theatre group, the David Glass Ensemble, recently worked with Thai children and childcare workers to stage inspiring performances in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Later this month, the British Council will host an exhibition of new British art, part of it displayed on the Council’s popular website (www.britcoun.or.th).

Underpinning these cultural exchanges is the enormous Thai interest in the English language and British education, which led to the British Council to choose Thailand for the launch of a revolutionary new long-distance language learning package using the Internet. The British Council is working closely with Thai schools across the country to help improve standards of English teaching. Educational reformers from the two countries are working together to find innovative solutions to issues of common concern, ranging from university autonomy to vocational training. A number of British schools have set up branches in Thailand, and the network of collaborative links between British and Thai universities grows ever wider and stronger. The UK remains the destination of choice for thousands of Thai students, and Britain has been working to attract even greater numbers by expanding access to scholarships, including the flagship Chevening Scholarship scheme.

Creativity and innovation are also increasingly important themes of the Embassy’s investment and trade promotion work in Thailand. We have been working for some time to share British experience in the area of privatisation, a process pioneered in the UK that has resulted in better value for money for consumers around the world. In recent years, British companies have demonstrated their confidence in the future of the Thai economy through new investments in sectors ranging from banking to retail. Thailand is now the natural gateway to ASEAN for many UK firms. Likewise, Britain, with its commitment to Europe and the principles of free trade, is the natural gateway to the EU for many Thai businesses. Indeed, British retailers are now working with their Thai partners to increase Thai exports to Britain.

The close partnership between Thailand and Britain is evident also in the fields of politics and diplomacy. Both countries are engaged in a process of Constitutional reform, including restructuring of their Upper Houses of Parliament, devolution of power to local authorities and measures to strengthen protection of fundamental human rights. And as they pursue these reforms at home, both countries are also increasingly active in promoting democracy and human security as part of their foreign policy. To cite just two examples, Britain and Thailand have continued to work closely together on child protection as part of a wider Asia-Europe initiative. And British Army Peacekeeping experts have organised training for Thai troops, including those destined for East Timor. The strength of UK-Thai cooperation in these and other areas was highlighted by the recent two-day visit to Thailand of the British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook.

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Brits say Thank You to St. Andrews

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) held another of their successful Pub Nights last weekend helped enormously by the Irish and the Scots. In fact, as any Scot will tell you, “There will always be an England - as long as Scotland’s there!”

BCCT Executive Director Greg Watkins (center) and David Nardone (left), President of Hemaraj Land and Development Plc in deep conversation at the BCCT Pub Night at Delaney’s Irish Pub, Pattaya.

However, the Scottish and Irish assistance that was given to the BCCT was from the St. Andrews International Schools group and Delaney’s Irish Pub, who were the sponsors for the evening.

BCCT’s Graeme Macdonald (left), St Andrews International School Headmistress Jill Thomas (2nd left) and Delaney’s Pattaya Manager Kim Fletcher (right) laugh it up.

While everyone in Pattaya knows of Jill Thomas, everyone’s favourite Headmistress from St Andrews International School at Green Valley (and vice chair of the BCCT on the Eastern Seaboard), what most did not know was that there are four St. Andrews International Schools in Thailand - and they all have Lady Heads of School! Lovely Scottish girl Mary Gibb, from the Soi 71 St Andrews School was seen chatting amiably with Welsh Jill, Thomas using Sudhipan Charumani from Hemaraj Land and Development as the interpreter.

The informal nature of the evening seems to aid the exchange of business cards and the BCCT can chalk up last week’s event as another success.

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Chaine forges new links

The local branch of the international Chaine des Rotisseurs held an informal evening at the Moon River Pub, to introduce the concepts of the group to Pattaya at large. While the members of the Chaine understand full well the fun and camaraderie that comes from fine food and wine, there have been some people who were just a little reticent to approach such a select group.

Walter Jack Heller (r) congratulates the Thai Garden Team for a superb buffet. (l-r) Charan Thonghom-Exec.Chef, Sanich Benjaman-Exec. Asst, Manager, Daisy Vogt, Michael Vogt-General Manager Marion Vogt -Guest Relations.

However, under the leadership of Walter Jack Heller and with such stalwarts as Michael Vogt from the Moon River Pub promoting the concept, the Chaine was rewarded with a very good roll-up for the informal event.

Magarete Treubig 89 years young (Daisy’s great grand mother) was a special guest at this Chaine Fellowship

With Executive Chef Saran and the Food and Beverage Manager Sanit making sure everything was of the highest standard, members and friends enjoyed a very special buffet evening. Amongst those who were seen participating were Walter Tenisch, the Executive Chef from the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, and his family; the incoming President of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club, Erika Keller and the leader of the local Seaboard Sounds, Monika Rottmann and husband Peter.

Micahel Vogt the effervescent GM entertains (l-r) Walter and Michael Thenisch, Brendan Richards, Mio and Jan Olav Aamlid

While the formal Chaine Dinners do have a degree of pomp, custom and circumstance, the informal Chaine evening certainly did help the group form new links with the Eastern Seaboard community. Further information about the Chaine can be had from Walter Jack Heller, (038) 427 777 (mornings).

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BCCT - Seminar: Communication Skills for Front Office Staff

The British Chamber of Commerce in association with First Training presents half-day seminars entitled ‘Communication Skills for Front Office Staff’. The seminars will be held in separate morning and afternoon sessions at First Training, Silom Complex, 5th Floor on Tuesday 20th June 2000.

The morning session will be held from 10:00 a.m. (registration) - 13:30 p.m. and the afternoon session from 14:00 p.m. (registration) - 17:30 p.m. Each session is limited to a maximum of 20 participants and will be conducted in the English language.

The seminars are aimed at receptionists, telephonists and other front office employees. The following topics will be covered: greetings and introductions, when the person called is out, leaving/taking a message, the wrong number/extension, communication problems, making/changing appointments.

The cost per participant is Baht 600 inclusive of VAT, course materials, certificate and coffee break. Lunch is not provided but there are many eating outlets in Silom Road.

Please fax or e-mail the name/s of participants to the BCCT office (fax: 02 651 5354, e-mail: [email protected]). Due to difficulty in collecting payments for previous seminars, payment must be made in advance to confirm bookings. Please make cheques payable to “The British Chamber of Commerce”. The bookings received with payment will be accepted. Please ensure that attendees do not change their bookings without informing the BCCT.

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Roger Welty enhances PILC’s June meeting

Roger Welty, renowned author and lecturer, was the guest speaker at the Pattaya International Ladies Club’s June luncheon held at the Siam Bayshore Hotel.

Roger Welty enjoys lunch with President Ffion Mercer, past President Mary Harris, Welfare Carol Smith and some other guests.

Roger spoke of his life in Thailand and the many experiences he has had during his 40 years stay. Originally from California, Roger Welty runs Eastern Horizons Co., a travel outfit, and is a lecturer at Ramkhamhaeng University. Roger is also the author of the book, “The Thai and I” and of many articles on various regional topics.

After an excellent buffet prepared by the Siam Bayshore Hotel, Roger’s adopted son Ott explained to the eagerly listening ladies about the outfits worn by Buddhist monks.

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Final farewell to Del Schloemer

The recent sudden passing of Del Schloemer at age 67 has left the Eastern Seaboard community grieving. Many people turned up to the Sawang Fah Temple in Naklua to pay their last respects to one of Pattaya’s most respected engineers, and hopefully give some comfort to his widow Cherie.

Del, who had been resident in Thailand since 1981 and in Pattaya for the past ten years, was a career engineer who had made his mark as a brilliant project manager in many fields throughout Asia. One of his many achievements was getting the Queen Sirikit Oilfield constructed and commissioned on time for its dedication by Her Majesty, the Queen of Thailand. There was only one man who could have undertaken that task, and that was Del Schloemer.

During a eulogy given by Hans Westphal, the managing director of Reickermann Thailand and Del’s last employer, the assembled mourners were reminded not only of his engineering tributes, but also of his life long passion - motor sport, where he not only worked as an engineer in the pits for some of the world’s best, but was also a very successful race driver in his own right, even winning the inaugural race at the local Prince Bira Circuit here in Pattaya when he was by then 54 years old.

With his passing, another page in Pattaya history has been turned, and the Pattaya Mail also pays its respects to his memory and along with all his friends and acquaintances, offers its sympathies to his widow Cherie.

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New Zealand: The North Island

Story & Photos by Peter Cummins

This Pattaya Mail correspondent was recently sponsored by the New Zealand Tourism Board and Air New Zealand to explore a little of the country’s North Island. The first story, which appeared in last week’s Mail, featured a look at Auckland, the gateway city and some of the surrounding areas.

A vineyard tour at Stonyridge overlooking the vines, with the blue, blue Gulf shimmering in the distance

This time we take a day-trip to Waiheke, one of the myriad islands easily accessible from Auckland. Successive stories will feature the Maori heartland in Rotorua, the extensive Bay of Islands in the Northland and historical as well as cultural sites throughout the North Island.

Arriving in Auckland is a good introduction to what to expect from one of the world’s cleanest, greenest countries with enough parkland, waterways and open spaces to offer a ‘playground’ - about the size of Monaco - to each and every one of its some 3.2 million citizens. Even the sheep estimated at 42.5 million (March, 2000) have so much space that it requires packs of sheepdogs to round them up for corralling.

Riding the Waiheke “Vineyard Explorer”: time to stop for a taste and a word from the vintner

Right opposite the downtown Auckland waterfront, there are some 50 islands dotted across the vast expanse of Waitemato Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf which cover around 3,500 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. Easily accessible and in pristine condition, most of these islands are available for the enjoyment of all.

On any given weekend, the Gulf is a pattern of sails, powerboats and ferries, heading to a “favourite island”. It is small wonder, then, that Auckland is known as the “City of Sails.”

Waiheke - Paradise Just Minutes Away

With a few hours at my disposal, I boarded a Fullers ferry from the wharf, which was all of three minutes from the quayside Copthorne Hotel. In just 25 minutes, a whole new world - the lovely island of Waiheke appeared out of the Gulf. Waiheke is to Auckland what Greenwich Village is to New York (without the pollution, crime and confusion): the domain of artists, ‘bohemians” (whatever that means today), and armies of tourists seeking the peace, tranquillity and “joie de vie” which is life on this island.

Three Japanese girls enjoying a Waiheke wine-tasting experience

Waiheke means “cascading waters” in the Maori language and, although I saw no waterfalls as such, almost 100 kilometers of beautiful coastline, many bays, inlets and headlands and white, white sandy beaches leave little time to look inland for some of Nature’s other wonders.

Waiheke is the ultimate “walkers’ dream” with the three principal beaches - Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi - all within a few kilometers from the Matiatia Wharf landing, along tracks rich with flora and foliage which give the impression that one is alone with only Nature as a companion.

Waiheke must have the clearest water I have seen for many a year and, on some days, visibility of up to 30 metres depth is not regarded by the locals as extraordinary. Not even forgetting to carry a swimsuit was any great problem for there are so many deserted beaches where one can plunge into the surf - with or without a swimsuit.

Citizens of the “City of Sails” head out to the Gulf and their favourite island every weekend

How I wished for more time but, as my friends at the Tourism Board, knowing well my proclivities, had booked me aboard the “Vineyard Explorer” I soon proceeded to sample some of the incredibly good wines of Waiheke. Stonyridge Vineyard, Peninsular Estate and the Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant were the three principal areas visited, with the Stonyridge Larose, aged in genuine oak ‘barriques’, regarded as one of New Zealand’s most exclusive. Although a limited edition, Larose is rapidly being acclaimed as one of the world’s best Cabernet blends.

After tasting this delightful, Bordeaux-like wine on the Stonyridge terrace overlooking the vineyards, with the blue, blue Gulf shimmering in the distance, it was hard to recall the trials and tribulations which beset us all through life. In fact, after a few ‘refills’, it was hard to remember one’s own name. There was no need to...!

The island, once the exclusive haunt of the artistic set, has become a haven for visitors from everywhere, ranging from the ubiquitous backpackers taking advantage of accommodation as cheap as NZ$15 (Baht 250), to jet-setting film stars who seek beach-side accommodation - regardless of the cost - for privacy, relaxation and escape from the public scrutiny.

Even tranquil, laid-back Auckland seemed a little frantic after a few hours’ sojourn on Waiheke.

Going There

With the Thai Baht at around 17.50 to one New Zealand dollar, it must make New Zealand one of the best-valued tourist destinations in Asia. Good transport services, first-class roads, internal airlines and safe, reliable ferries make travelling around the country a delight.

Accommodation and restaurants are top quality, reasonably-priced and well located throughout New Zealand. Great seafood, viands, fruit and vegetables, complemented with some of the world’s best wines, bring an excellent meal well within Bangkok prices at around Baht 500 - 600.

Air New Zealand is a member of the Star Alliance and thus is well connected to and from New Zealand and all other major destinations. All enquiries regarding flights, packages and connections should be addressed to Air New Zealand, Sindhorn Bldg., Tower 3, 30-32 Wireless Road (SET Building), Bangkok 10330. Tel (662) 254-8440-9; fax 253-1296-99.

Any enquiries about a New Zealand holiday should be directed to: The New Zealand Tourism Board, 9th Fl., ITF Tower, 140/11 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel. (02) 634-3001-2; (02) 634-3284; fax: (02) 634-3004; E-mail: [email protected]

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Thought for the week: Departmental Purpose Analysis (DPA) ... How to do it!

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

As I mentioned last week, whether you are setting up a quality programme or just looking for improved performance a “DPA” is a great tool to find out what is really happening in your organisation.

It is obviously beneficial (if not essential) for all involved in various parts of your organisation to be fully aware of the ‘prime purpose’ of their department and to be encouraged to focus on efficiency and ways of reducing waste through their work activities. The department manager, (who should run the exercise) needs to understand the DPA process and why it is important. Modern business demands we keep an open mind towards change and encourage staff to question whether activities add value or just suck energy.

The basic steps of DPA are:

1. Form the DPA group from staff representing all department functions.

2. Conduct brainstorming sessions to list all the departmental tasks.

3. Agree and list the department’s five or six main tasks.

4. Define the position and role of the departmental manager.

5. Review the main activities and for each activity identify the ‘customer(s)’ and ‘supplier(s)’.

6. Consult the customer(s) and supplier(s) by means of a suitable questionnaire.

7. Review the customer/supplier survey results and brainstorm how improvements can be made.

8. Prioritise improvements to list those to be tackled first and plan how.

9. Implement an improvement action plan, maintaining encouragement and support.

10. Review the progress made and then repeat the DPA process.

Initially the DPA group should confine itself to resolving issues that are within the department’s control to ensure real progress (a change in behaviour) can be accomplished.

How many of our staff really understand how their work practices affect the company’s overall performance in the eyes of the customer?

Worth a thought.

To contact Ric mailto: [email protected]

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Would you like to sleep on a bed of flowers?

by Elfi

At last, for most of the past 5 years, it has been, and still is possible to sleep on a bed of flowers without sleeping in the park or having to spend a fortune buying roses. As soon as I walked into the showroom at Pattaya Cane & Fabric, located on Sukhumvit Road, I realized how.

Hard at work making furniture from water hyacinth

Beautiful, lavender-colored water hyacinth, originally from South America, provides the solution. These flowers were once presented to one of the wives of King Rama V, who appreciated this gift very much and gave an order to have it planted on the lakes of the castle. As usual, it soon found its way out of the palace and spread out on all the rivers and waterways, where this once rare flower is now considered a pest. Every year, especially during the winter months, the plants will wash up into the rivers, hindering even big ships on their way.

Eventually, some clever people found out that its stalk, which can reach up to 1-meter in length, makes a perfect alternative material to rattan to build furniture. After harvesting the hyacinth by hand, the stems are dried and assorted by size and length. Before cutting into strips, the material is specially treated with pesticides, which will be completely washed out, leaving no toxic material behind, yet giving protection against any kind of insects. The dried strips of the water hyacinth, elastic and amazingly sturdy, are then tied into cords, ropes or are braided. The end product looks similar to rattan, yet it is softer and has a warmer look, with its colors varying between off-white and medium brown. Since every step of the process is done by hand and therefore takes a lot of time, the prices for water hyacinth furniture are app. 10 % more expensive than for rattan.

Ms. Jatuporn Pisalvaled receives the “Thailand’s Brand” award from Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.

One of the few factories that produce this type of furniture is Pattaya Cane & Fabric. The factory’s owner, Ms. Jatuporn Pisalvaled began to produce rattan and water hyacinth furniture about six years ago with only a handful of carpenters. After following the adage that only good quality will lead to success, she now has 120 employees and a second factory in the North of Thailand. Pattaya Cane & Fabric last year received from Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai the distinction “Thailand’s Brand”, the number one award for quality in Thailand.

Pattaya Cane & Fabric produces both water hyacinth and rattan furniture - and is one of only two factories that produce furniture out of a mixture of both materials. It gives any piece of furniture a very interesting and different look and anybody who purchases something like this can proudly claim that he owns a very special product.

The German sales manager, Joerg Swalkiewicz, who has been with the company for 7 months, told me a secret. “We are now starting to produce furniture with new wicker-work technique, looking like antique Chippendale,” he said. “Quality is our first priority and therefore it will take a while until we can start to produce that new style on a regular basis.”

Joerg added that the finishing work of all furniture is according to Western standard. “All our chairs have plastic knobs around their feet and all the doors contain hinges imported from Germany. The drawers we make have self-closing slides of the same origin.” Joerg added that it takes some 4 - 6 weeks delivery time for tailor-made orders.

All cushions and pillows for the furniture are produced at the factory as well, to “make sure, everything fits perfect,” Joerg explained. He also informed me about their export business. “No matter if you buy furniture here and export it to wherever in the world, our prices, including all freight costs are still 50 to 60% cheaper. We can proudly say that besides our low prices, our quality of furniture is at least at 95% as good as at leading European factories.”

I was very impressed with all that I had learned during my visit. After watching the craftsmen at work and getting insider information how it is done, I took a last look at the well-decorated showroom. I really felt a bit sorry for having my own house filled up with too much furniture already. Still, at last I was lucky, since I caught a glimpse of some very interesting kitchen furniture at the side of the showroom, which I hadn’t seen before. Joerg said that Pattaya Cane & Fabric is working together with famous kitchen furniture manufacturer Mogen. Very stylish and modern, yet very practical, this kitchen furniture was exactly the style I was looking for.

At the end of my visit, Joerg asked me to write that Pattaya Cane & Fabric wants to open a branch in Koh Samui and anybody who is interested in becoming a business or franchise partner should contact him at tel. 421398, fax: 410853.

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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.