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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:
Asarnha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Lent (Khao Pansaa)

Thought for the week: We can't motivate others, so how do we build a motivated team?

Peter Cummins addresses the ATCC on ‘Sailing with H.M. the King’

US Navy courts Mermaid’s in massive ID4 sea clean-up

The German Thai Chamber buoyant

Oriental Collection, opens at the Amari Orchid

Thoughts on Marathon Running

Chaine des Rotisseurs tries a Seafood diet - and voted it tops.

Asarnha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent (Khao Pansaa)

The Buddhist Holy Day of Asarnha Bucha falls on the 15th night (15 kham) of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist Luanar calendar equating to 16 July. Asarnha Bucha” means paying homage and worshiping on the day identified according to the Lunar calendar during the eighth month, Asanha being the name of the eighth month in the Pali language.

Asarnha Bucha Day is worshipped because of three important events occurring on the day called the “Triple Gem” commemorating the first sermon given by the Buddha called the “Dhammachakapavattama Sutta” concerning the “Four Noble Truths” presented to the Buddha’s first five disciples. The sermon set in motion the “Wheel of Dhamma”, which is the meaning of “Dhammachaka”.

The sermon concluded that 1. All things are a source of suffering from the constant cycle of birth, disease, old age and death. 2. Desire or the inability to obtain what one desires is the cause of suffering resulting from cause and effect. 3. Freedom from suffering can be obtained after the complete cessation of desire. 4. The last of the Four Noble Truths is the “Middle Way”, or the path between extremes of asceticism and indulgence leading to the eliminating of desire. The Eight-Fold Path consists of possessing the correct: Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, and Meditation (or Concentration).

Secondly, the day is considered to be the birth of Buddhism as the Buddha departed the location where he obtained his enlightenment two months earlier and then coming to a forest area in the city of Pharansi where he showed favour to five ascetics who became his followers. Also recognised on the same day is the first person listening to the Buddha’s sermon realising the truths contained therein and becoming the first Buddhist monk creating the Buddhist order “Sangha” and is known as “Sangha Day” as well as Asarnha Bucha Day.

The Thai government established the observance of Asarnha Bucha Day in 1958, with Buddhist Temples throughout the Kingdom arranging ceremonies venerating the important historic events in the past. Devout Buddhists participate in the ceremonies by presenting offerings to the monks and listening to sermons and performing ritual prayers.

The entire day is revered and certain precepts are adhered to by the more devout Buddhist or by those who have the inclination and opportunity to do so. The Wientian ritual ceremony is performed in the evening as many go to nearby temples bringing candles, flowers and joss sticks completing three trips walking around the Temple area sacred grounds.

“Khao Pansaa” (July 17)

The day following the start of Buddhist Lent (Asahalabucha Day) another important Buddhist Holy day begins in Thailand with the custom called Khao Pansaa. This day falls on the first full moon (1 kham) of the Buddhist Lunar calendar during the eighth month of every year, which this year equates to 17 July and ends on the 15th full moon (15 kham) of the 11th month of the Buddhist calendar or in mid-October. During a leap year it is identified during the second eighth month.

The term “Khao Pansaa” can also translate to entering the months of the rainy season when monks return to the temple for the duration of the rains, usually to the temple where they were ordained staying for approximately three months. The monks are not to depart the temples staying overnight at any other location during the months of rain. Although, the rainy season is considered to be longer than three months lasting up to four or even more, monks are only required to remain at the temples for three of the four months. During the last period of the rainy season they can then go elsewhere when the “Katin” ceremony is performed presenting robes to the temples.

In ancient times monks going into the temples during the rainy season was not yet a custom and temples were not yet established with monks roaming from one domain to another. Monks continually went about giving sermons and instructing people in the ways of eliminating suffering and disseminating Buddhist beliefs during the entire year. This was unlike other religions of the time while most personages including merchants and heretics alike refrained from travel due to the hazards and difficulties involved.

Initially, monks traveling during the rainy season concerned the idea that it was inappropriate to walk about during the rainy season for monks when many small living creatures were about and the rice crops were in the ground not to mention inclement weather. Therefore, it was established long ago that the monks would remain in temples during the rains for three months discussing and studying Buddhist scriptures, following Buddhist disciplines, meditating and performing ritual ceremonies.

The custom of Khao Pansaa has continued on to this day with three classes of ceremonies, a Royal ceremony conducted by the King of Thailand, ritual ceremonies for devout followers of Buddhism throughout the Kingdom and ceremonies performed by monks in the temples.

The Royal ceremony is similar to the ceremony performed by the general public but more elaborate as the King and members of the Royal Family perform ritual ceremonies paying homage and presenting Khao Pansaa candles and the traditional garments worn by Buddhist monks including other items used in ritual ceremonies.

Other followers of Buddhism all over Thailand will attend temples in the morning bringing in foods, necessity items, money, the traditional candles, garments and ceremonial items for the monks with flowers and candles in hand. For those people having devout faith they may refrain from the recognised eight offences for the duration of the three month rainy season just as monks do, while others may give up a single vice, with yet others recognising the 5-8 offences for the day.

The ceremonies performed by monks in temples revolves around rituals accepting new monks taking the vows for periods up to the three months with some staying even longer. Senior monks at each monastery perform other ceremonies leading followers in worship and prayer.

The two main items presented to monks during Khao Pansaa are the candles and garments worn by monks, specifically the bathing robe. The candles were essential in former times and needed for both ceremonies and studying scriptures and performing various other functions with the candle offering developing into a custom still followed.

The presentation of garments worn by monks is said to have originated from methods of bathing in former times commonly done in community areas using streams, rivers, ponds and other sources of water with monks requiring a bathing robe. The garments worn by monks continued to develop until the custom included presenting the entire arrangement worn by monks.

Khao Pansaa, 17 July, is recognised as a government holiday with many others taking time from the work place recognising the importance of the Buddhist Holy Day. Everyone is invited to participate in the temple ceremonies and to refrain from offensive behaviour for the day and to also make the same effort thereafter.

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Thought for the week: We can't motivate others, so how do we build a motivated team?

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

People must motivate themselves... all motivation comes from within. So what do we do when the company asks us to build a motivated team? We need to create an environment where self-motivation is both possible and probable. If we need to lead, our mission is to inspire others to do their best, which they will only do for their own reasons, whatever those reasons may be. The key to creating an inspired environment not as hard as many of us may think. It does however take a certain amount of open mindedness, maturity, selflessness and perhaps wisdom. On second thoughts looking at some old style bureaucratic companies, managers in some organisations may find it impossible. Assuming that you and I are ‘smart’ enough not to work for one of these ‘dinosaurs’, here are the first three of seven rules to follow when you set out to inspire the people you work with: Inform all those you lead precisely and in detail what you expected of them. Clear instructions and a thorough outline of the results expected leads to confidence in where a team and its individual members are headed. A good start is a ‘shared vision’ and an ‘agreed mission’. If your workgroup does not have both of these a solid team of motivated employees is unlikely.

Neutralise the ‘nasties’. Research shows that most employees set a high priority on doing ‘meaningful’ work. Inspirational leaders it follows need to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of the type and variety of duties, particularly the mundane and repetitive stuff. Nothing destroys a positive employee faster than being the dumping ground for the ‘grunt’ duties. Variety and responsibility improves job satisfaction, employee motivation and helps to maintain higher levels of morale.

Shhh be quiet...listen... most people are happiest when they are being noticed, particularly if this attention is coming from someone they respect. Hopefully as a leaders you (and I) are respected, listening to our followers ideas and opinions gives them a sense of worth, a feeling of belonging and promotes the idea that the follower is seen as a ‘value adder’ rather than an ‘energy sucker’. Listening to another’s opinion reinforces respect between both parties.

Four more motivation thoughts next issue!

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Peter Cummins addresses the ATCC on ‘Sailing with H.M. the King’

Pattaya Mail” special correspondent, Peter Cummins, was guest speaker at the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce luncheon held on Thursday, the sixth of July, in the splendid ballroom of the Sheraton Grande Hotel. About 40 ATCC members and guests attended to hear the “old lad” recount his experience on the two occasions he had sailed with His Majesty the King off the Klai Kangwol Palace, Hua Hin, in July, 1985 and again in June, 1986. David Wright introduced the speaker with a few well-placed remarks about Peter’s ancestry (?) and experience and then Peter, in his own inimitable style, launched into a few jokes related to his UN “career”, as he called it. “It is, indeed, a great pleasure to be here with you today and for this I thank the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, particularly President Max Lindsay and Executive Director Kathy Lindsay who ensured the extremely good arrangements,” Peter noted.

Peter in his “stand-up” address. The red shirt and ASEAN Games necktie ensure that he can, in fact, be seen

He had special thanks for Gary White who, Peter remembered, “has already sat through my first presentation - to Rotary Club, Bangkok South, last year. Could one say that Gary’s second attendance could be likened to the old clich้ about a second , or subsequent, marriage: the triumph of hope over experience?” Peter offered.

He welcomed Peter Malhotra, owner and publisher of the “Pattaya Mail” and a member of the ATCC, as well as Gamini Abeysekera, Representative of the UNICEF Office in Thailand and Urai Singhpaiboonporn, UNICEF Communications Officer. Gamini referred to the launching of the book, “UNICEF in Thailand: a journey of 50 years” which is dedicated to Thai children with the blessing of His Majesty the King.” (Note that “Pattaya Mail” of Friday, 19 July, will publish a review of the UNICEF book). Peter was grateful for the number of participants who had cut into busy work schedules to come along to the luncheon, singling out QBE Insurance CEO Ron Sparks. Peter combined the talk with some 120 transparencies in both black and white and colour many of which gave an intimate look at a pristine Pattaya Bay of the early 1960s. In those halcyon days, the King, the Queen, the royal children, leading Thai people and, indeed, more than a few visiting Royals, ambassadors and other folk came to Pattaya, sailed and enjoyed the “Regal ambience” which Their Majesties created. To place the presentation in perspective, this reporter refers directly to Peter’s introduction: “My presentation, ‘sailing with the king’ is a little broader than just ‘sailing’ and includes a set of black and white slides from the very early days of sailing in a pristine Pattaya Bay, when members of the Royal Family, visiting royals and many others enjoyed the ambience of the 1960s. Then follows my own, rather personal experience, sailing at the King’s own Royal Chitralada Yacht squadron, housed at the Klai Kangwol palace, Hua Hin, on two occasions: June, 1985 and July, 1986. Both times, I was fortunate to be the ‘Farang Con Dio’. This latter was the source of a special colour supplement of the “Bangkok Post”, published on 9 September, 1987. I remember it well, for it appeared on the same day that my good friend Neil Davis was killed in an abortive coup.

ATCC members with Mr. Gamini, second and Peter, third left. David Wright between President Max and member Gary, “stoops” (not to conquer, but to equal size!)

The third part features various yacht-related activities of their Majesties around Klai Kangwol, appearance at M.C. Bhisadej’s 70th birthday in Bangkok and candid shots of H.M. the king in and around the dinghy world. Finally, part four shows the King and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officiating at various United Nations functions in Bangkok: specifically, the opening of the United Nations Secretariat building on United Nations Day, 24 October, 1975 (with P.M. Kukrit Pramoj) and the opening of the United Nations Conference Centre, on April 9, 1993 (with the then UN Secretary General and P.M. Chuan Leekpai. I was fortunate to be assigned as the official accredited photographer for these events, so I was able to take some candid ‘close-ups’.

A number of the pictures and sections of the book, “King Bhumibhol Adulyadej the Great: Monarch for the Millennium,” published by the “Pattaya Mail”, are incorporated into the text. It is available here, if anyone would like a copy.” It was, in the opinion of this observer, a most interesting and intimate look at some activities of the Royal Family, in the very informal ambience of the special world of dinghy sailors: a portrait of the King, particularly, which few people have ever seen.

As a finale, David Wright, on behalf of the ATCC, presented Peter with a bottle of “French wine” As was evident from his introduction of the speaker, David knows his man: it was, in fact, a bottle of “Broken Hills Cabernet Sauvignon” from a South East Australian Vineyard, Peter’s favourite wine!

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US Navy courts Mermaid’s in massive ID4 sea clean-up

By Elfi

The US Navy is in town yet the crew felt so far away from home on Independence Day this biggest day for any red blooded American boy, Stephen Blumenthal of Mermaid’s Dive School decided to make this one of the most meaningful and memorable days not only for the Americans, but also for the people of Pattaya. Steve decided to organise an underwater clean-up day around Sak Island together with members of his dive team and divers of the USS Safeguard.

Participants in that Independence Day Clean-up seem immensely contented after a day’s hard work on a worthwhile project

He called for help and help he got, a lot of it. Dave Chandler, together with his two sons, Neil and Peter led a team of lady divers including Ms. Wilairath and Ms. Laryssa, together with the two Sarahs and one Rebecca from the US Navy. Who could blame them, looking at the pretty girls? Peter Scott and the sweet Ms. Noriko Takahashi, a Japanese woman, joined some of the male US divers, Dan, David, Mark and Jeff. Matt, Chad, Tim, Dave, Mike and Jimmy. The rest of the 13 person strong crew of the US Navy were complemented by Kevin Harwin and Don Johnson. What? No, not that Don Johnson, but a similar handsome guy of Mermaid’s.

Stephen the “Garbage Collector” receiving more and more trash found by the divers.

On their first dive, they brought up lots of garbage, which was received by Stephen, who proclaimed himself as the ‘Garbage Collector’ of the day, assisted by me, the only one on board who was not capable of scuba diving. However, Stephen gave me the necessary equipment and I was snorkeling around the Island, very much appreciating the sight of the many amazingly corals.

After a hearty lunch in a very relaxed atmosphere and an hour of rest, all the divers went into the sea to go about their cleaning business. More and more garbage was loaded onto the boat, until it was time to go back to Pattaya.

Stephen invited all participants and guests to his TQ2 club in South Pattaya for huge Pizzas and many litres of, no, not beer but Coke. Stephen is an American national and as he told me, this clean-up day together with the US Navy was the best way for him to spend the American Independence Day.

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The German Thai Chamber buoyant

The German Thai Chamber of Commerce had their bi-monthly meeting (“Stammtisch”) at the Moon River Pub last weekend. As with so many of the Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, they have found it necessary to hold meetings on the Eastern Seaboard, since so many of their members have large scale factories in this region.

Jo, Sahra and Johanna Stetten from the Amari Orchid Resort Enjoying the evening

The Chief of the Business Economics and Advisory Division, Stefan Buerkle, interviewed on the Pattaya Mail Channel said that in his opinion, the economic woes were now well and truly behind us and the German investment in Thailand was growing. This represented not only expansion of existing businesses, but the introduction of new enterprises as well.

Gerd-Udo Hauser and friends enjoy the evening

Gerd-Udo Hauser, the representative for DaimlerChrysler AG in this country was another of the Chamber members who felt that business was on the up and up, with the release of the new C Class Mercedes and buoyant sales, he could see no reason for gloom either. Despite some infighting in the car market with the grey importers of MB vehicles, the overall position was sound and with the new S class Mercedes Benz cars going to be assembled in Thailand after Xmas, it was full steam ahead for DaimlerChrysler.

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Oriental Collection, opens at the Amari Orchid

For most of the people, the word Kashmir is synonymous with carpets, handicrafts and embroidered shawls that have, through the centuries, become a byword for elegance and luxury all over the world.

The proud owners, Abeed Chashoo and Yunis Mir, together with Johanna, Sahra and Jo Stetten pose in front of the newly opened shop.

Now, Pattaya has a shop selling those precious items too. CMW, already represented in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is located at the Amari Orchid Resort and offers a wide range of carpets of all kinds, made of wool or silk, beautiful shawls and scarves, assorted silver items inlaid with semi-precious stones and Papier Mache arts.

The General Manager of the Amari Orchid Resort, Jo Stetten, officiated at the ribbon cutting ceremony together with Abeed Chashoo, the Managing Director and Yunis Mir, the Chairman of CMW.

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Thoughts on Marathon Running

by Dr. Iain Corness

Kenichi Kawakubo strides
in as this year’s winner

For the past two years I have thought about entering the Pattaya Marathon, however after lying down for a while, the urge always passed away. After watching some of the Marathon I think it was the right choice.

I came home late on the Saturday night to find my parking spot outside my house was filled with a large sign proclaiming 33 KMS. Awakening early I saw a constant stream of sweaty, weary runners going past the 33 KMS marker. One factor was immediately apparent - none were smiling. I felt that decision of mine taken in the recumbent position had indeed been correct. Masochism isn’t my bag.

This Runner just couldn’t go any further

The diversity of the competitors was quite amazing. Young women with their plaited hair swinging behind them, young athletic looking Thai guys covered in sweat as they pounded the pavements, some older men (though I wondered whether they had been young men when they started the race) and the occasional farang weekend warrior. And then there were the wheelies, gloved hands gripping their wheelchairs, children trotting alongside their parents and the occasional dog. A motley crew, but all had their eyes set on an unseen finish line many more kilometres down the road.

Free-Wheelin’

It was probably the resolve in their attitude that was the most outstanding feature. They were all going to make it, no matter how long it took. Some were at walking pace, wiping the sweat from their faces with sponges, others almost shuffling as they tried to keep up a momentum that their bodies were rejecting. But they all got there in the end.

I salute all who ran in the various competitions - you did better than me. Perhaps next year I might try. I’ll just lie down and think about it for a little! After all, I’ve got twelve months to make up my mind.

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Chaine des Rotisseurs tries a Seafood diet - and voted it tops.

The local chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs had all our local gourmands at the Royal Garden Resort to experience a special Seafood and Wine Tasting dinner.

Erik Cornetet expounds on his wines

With French wine expert Erik Cornetet from Italthai Cellars on hand to explain the origins of the five French wines on offer, it was an evening of exploration as well as ‘degustation’.

The members of the Chaine include executive chefs, hoteliers and hospitality providers as well as others just interested in fine wining and dining.

Jan Olav Aamlid and Mio entertain their friends

With two wines each from Burgundy and the Alsace regions, plus one from the Loire Valley, the Chaine had enough liquid refreshments to down the various dishes which the Royal Garden Resort’s master chef, Boonchom Thipsoda had prepared for the evening.

Ranjith and Chitra Chandrasiri were all smiles

Commencing with a Seafood terrine, the members then went on to experience a very piquant Asian Bouillabaisse which had sixteen separate ingredients, including prawns, fish fillet, scallops, clams and mussels. Eaten with a Gewurztraminer Hugel 1998, from Alsace, the smoothness of the wine was judged to be the perfect partner for the shrimp based soup.

Have some more wine mein schatz

Also with this wine the chef presented a Soft Shell Crab on a base of spicy salted egg and basil leaves. One reviewer from the Chaine just annotated one word for this dish - “exquisite!”

Probably one of the best dishes that evening was the steamed Snow fish, with lemon sauce, spinach and carrots. The pure white fish meat just falling apart, but yet having soaked up the tantalising flavours in the sauce, including celery, tomato, capers, coriander and sweet pepper.

Douglas and Bjorn contemplate soup

A selection of fine cheeses, including Boursin with herb and garlic, Camembert and Louraine was appreciated by everyone.

The evening’s dinner had all the hallmarks of fine dining, and the final result, in the minds of the Chaine members, was that this had been one of the best dinners experienced by the Pattaya chapter for many years.

Those interested in joining the Chaine, a group with a history dating back to the 13th century can contact Walter Jack Heller on 427 777 (mornings).

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Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.