Korean’s celebrate 4,333rd National Day October 3rd

Message from Kim Kook-chin, Ambassador to Thailand from the Republic of Korea

On the occasion of the 4,333rd Korean National Foundation Day on October 3, 2000, it is a great honour for me, on behalf of both the government and the people of the Republic of Korea, to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to Their Majesties the King and Queen as well as the people and government of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Kim Kook-chin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

Both the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand, as medium-sized countries located in East-Asia and sharing a common cultural heritage of the region, have made a great success in transforming themselves into modern industrial states espoused with market economies and democratic institutions. In terms of geo-politics, Korea and Thailand, straddling at the strategic locations, as well as playing important roles, in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia respectively, have continuously enhanced mutual cooperation in international security forums. These and other factors have helped forge a strong and enduring bond of good will and friendship between our two countries.

In mid-June, the landmark inter-Korean summit meeting was successfully held in Pyongyang as vividly witnessed by the world community. It was the first meeting between the top leaders of South and North Korea since the 55 years of division of the Korean peninsula. Afterwards the two Koreas have exerted strenuous efforts in structuring a working peace system on the Korean peninsula, thus enhancing the peace and stability on the regional and global level as well. In August, 200 members of families separated across South and North Korea met with their loved ones for the first time in half a century. The tearful embraces were truly a moving human drama. The reunion of the dispersed families will be further expanded between the two sides.

President Kim and Chairman Kim respond to cheers at a dinner the President hosted in Pyongyang after they signed the South-North Joint Declaration.

Recently, Thailand made a significant contribution toward easing tension on the Korean peninsula just as she rendered noble sacrifices for the cause of freedom and democracy for the Republic of Korea during the Korean War a half century ago. Thailand succeeded in having North Korea join the ASEAN Regional forum (ARF) in late July. North Korea’s participation in the ARF, as inspired by all the concerned countries over several years, would be greatly instrumental in easing tension on the Korean peninsula and thus contributing to the peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Most assuredly, Thailand deserves the full credit for leading North Korea to join the ARF.

The economic crisis which swept the region in 1997 had slowed down the economic relations between our two countries for the last three years. However, our two countries have made strenuous efforts to maintain their cooperation in every field at the highest level while undergoing the painful crisis period of difficulties and challenges. Both Korea and Thailand have extensively launched reforms in economic, financial and public sectors, thus regaining international confidence. This has led them to come out of the economic crisis much earlier than it had originally been anticipated.

Changdeokgung Palace - a Joseon Dynasty summer palace.

The trade volume, which severely dropped for some time after the economic crisis in 1997, has been restored and continuously increased. The volume in 1999 reached 19.3 billion dollars which represents 31.1% increase compared to the previous year. It is expected that the trade volume of the year 2000 will be restored to the pre-crisis level.

Besides, between Korea and Thailand the relations in academics, culture, arts, tourism, and so forth have been steadily strengthened. We wholeheartedly welcome that the interest in Korean Studies across major universities in Thailand has been increased, albeit gradually. The Prince of Songkla University and Burapha University started offering the Korean language as a major subject last year. In addition, there are many universities which have begun offering the Korean language as a minor, optional subject, as well as general courses for the Korean language for the public.

Both Korea and Thailand have exerted their continuous endeavors toward enhancing mutually better understanding and relations through cultural exchanges and holding a variety of cultural events, such as performances, concerts and other genres. The number of tourists who visit each country has increased. As of July, the number of Thai tourists to Korea has risen to 58,000, a 60.1 percent increase, while Korean tourists to Thailand number 192,000, an increase of 31 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

I strongly believe that the existing close friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand will be further strengthened in the years to come, thus contributing to the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The Sun shines on Skal

Attendance on the rise

Skal International Pattaya and the East were treated to a great lunch at the Sunbeam Hotel for the September meeting, with a record attendance of over 25 professionals from the tourism and travel industry.

Members of Skal International Pattaya and the East met at the Sunbeam Hotel for their September meeting

President Murray Hertz welcomed all members and guests to the meeting, stating the need for participation and commitment to promoting Skal throughout the region, keeping friendship as the basis for Skal. Murray also thanked Manit Bunchim, Director of the TAT Region 3 for kindly hosting the cocktail party earlier this month at the Royal Cliff during which the National Committee for Thailand of Skal International visited.

The appointment of Vason Temsiripong of the Sriracha Tiger Zoo to the committee was applauded by all, and was followed by an inspiring speech by Vice President Peter Malhotra motivating all members to commit to promoting Skal and tourism throughout the region, which in turn will benefit all business in the region.

Future plans for Skal in Thailand include the International Skal Meeting in 2004 when members from around the world will be invited to attend. More to the present, a number of clubs from the Philippines have also shown interest in visiting Pattaya.

Skal International members are from the Tourism and Travel Industry with at least 3 years experience in the field. This includes hotel management, travel agents, tour operators and travel publications. All are invited to attend the next meeting on October 19th - the location will be announced soon. For more information see the ‘Clubs in Pattaya’ Section of the Pattaya Mail.

Jester’s Charity Pub night a hoot

The 3rd Jester’s Charity Pub Night, held this year at the Henry J Bean’s outlet of the Amari Orchid Resort, was a sell-out. A night of bands, entertainment, auctions, raffles and food and drink - all to aid the Charity Drive spearheaded by the Jesters Motorcycle Club. A night that has swelled the coffers of this year’s Charity Drive (bike ride, fair, auctions, raffles, pub night and corporate sponsorship) to around 2 million baht.

Graham Macdonald (left) hands winner Cameron Atolison (right) his Qantas/British Airways return tickets for two to Sydney.

Yes, you read it right! The people from Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard raised 2 million baht to help the needy children in this city. Children who will now receive an education and a full tummy every day - thanks to the hard work of the organisers and the generosity of the donors.

Everyone who is anybody in this city was there to lend their support. Some of the organisers, like Woody, ran out of voice in the end, calling the bids for the auction items. And there was no shortage of items or bids. Even the novel swimming fish went under the hammer for over 10,000 baht. A high price for a plastic fish - but a very modest investment in caring for and educating some young, needy children at the Fountain of Life Centre.

(L to R) Graham Macdonald, Sister Joan, Neil Sandilands and Alice Poulsen get into the spirit of the evening.

Sister Joan, full of courage as usual, was there at Henry J Bean’s as well, rubbing shoulders with the Harley Davidson set - even though it was long past her bedtime!

With Platinum sponsor Niel Poulsen, the GM of Chonburi Siam Steel Works Services away in China, it was left to wife Alice to rush around whipping up the enthusiastic responses. And whip she did! Enthusiasm even running as far as the antics of a few on the dance floor, including restaurateur Kannikar Ottesen and dynamic singer “Harpic” following her great stage act with another on the floor!

Ron Amero (left) and friends enjoy the night

Even newcomers to the local scene, like Nick and Mary Deighton of the Siam Thani group, have been swept up by the way Pattaya has got behind this good cause and so donated something for the raffle. But it was not just Pattaya that got behind it all - people like “Big Dave” Hoyle of Jools Bar in Soi 4, Bangkok, sold raffle tickets like hot chips, continually ringing up and requesting more books, as he had sold the last lot. Thanks, Dave!

The Amari people had recovered well enough from last week’s fair and Jo and Johanna Stetten, Dominic, Tippawan, Stefan Heller and all the crew were rushed off their feet too. “Henry J Bean’s has never seen a crowd like this,” said Jo - all wide eyed at the beginning of the night. You should have seen him at the end!

Kim and Woody call out the lucky numbers

Chairman of the organising group, Graham Macdonald pressed a torn scrap of paper in my hand half way through the evening. I read it the next morning and written on it was, “Corporate 800,000; Bike Ride 500,000; Auction 160,000; Fair 285,000, Anonymous 55,000 - total 1,800,000. Plus Raffle X.” The Jesters hard working group were still counting at that stage, so “X” was not known - but Graham was confident that the 2 million target would be reached.

The concept of the annual Jester’s Charity Drive is excellent, the hard work put in by the organisers unbelievable, and the recipients very deserving. Pattaya, you have done well.

Just a jammin’

The Jesters Care 4 Kids raffle ticket winners were: 1. Two return tickets to Sydney (Qantas/British Airways): Cameron Atolison (ticket no. 04856). 2. 1 return ticket to USA (United Airlines): Chris Q (00924). 3. Royal Garden Gym Family Membership: John Wonnaberger (04429). 4. Dusit Gym Family Membership: Glenn Murray (12987). 5. TV/Video: Khun Ae (11505). 6. Two return tickets to Singapore SAS): Erik Sorensen (12823). 7. One year free Carvery at Shenanigans: Randy Kenny (01071). 8. Eastern Star Annual Membership: Max Rundle (01357). 9. Ladies and Gents Mountain Bikes: Khun Jum (00044). 10. Amari Ankhang Package: Caramba (03340). 11. Amari Chang Mai Package: Reaper (08122). 12. Amari Atrium Package: Andy and Wendy (10023). 13. Shenanigans Package : Khun Kokiet (00280). 14. Amari Boulevard Package: Roger Brown (10891). 15. Amari Airport Package: Mal Moxom (11413). 16. Global Silverhawk Package: Alan Cottington (09948). To collect the prizes, call Woody on 01-3444680

Jesters Children’s Fair raffle raises record sum

The Jesters Care 4 Kids Children’s Fair took place in the very nice gardens at the Amari Resort on Saturday 16th September, to raise money for the Fountain of Life Children’s Centre in Soi Marina.

Mike ‘Dabber’ Dabanovich (center) hoists his newly won “Bertie the Bear”, announced by Mike Franklin (left) and last year’s winner Tracy Fletcher (right).

The Children’s Fair Raffle, sponsored by the Pattaya Sports Club and individual donors of valuable prizes, raised a record B.57,000 on the day for the Kids. The Raffle, organized by Mike Franklin for the Jesters, fielded a strong team of helpers, with Harry Riley PSC Charity Chairman, and Neera, Dawan and Neil from the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.

Star prize was the giant bear, Bertie won by Mike ‘Dabber’ Dabanovich with a ticket drawn by Tracy Fletcher, last year’s winner of ‘Darren’.

As mentioned in the Fair Program, Tracy had offered to donate Darren to this years’ fair but the bear, clearly very happy living at the Fletchers with all the children and dogs, had declined. We wish Bertie and Dabber much fun and happiness together; they make a fine pair. Bertie was last seen reclining by the pool at The Haven on Soi 13, where Dabber currently resides between work assignments.

A great day out and a very successful Children’s Raffle thanks to the many individuals and families who gave generously in buying tickets on the day.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Well if you had too difficult a Saturday night and were unable to awake at 8 a.m. you missed a heck of a triple-header Championship fight day from Las Vegas. The three champions William Joppy (WBA Middleweight), Joel Casamayer (WBA Super feather) and Sharmba Mitchell (WBA Super Lightweight) all won. As expected. The bouts held at the MGM Garden Arena like a looking glass may hold a picture of the future.

Joppy won a unanimous decision over Frenchman Hacine Cherifi but was unable to put him away while landing more blows than a short changed bar girl. Joppy also showed that he can be hit which is bad news should he run up against WBC/IBC champ Bernard Hopkins or get really silly. Drop down to 154 for a big money fight against Felix Trinidad or Frenando Vargas who meet in November.

Casamayor, a Cuban refugee now living in Miami, was simply brilliant by stopping previously unbeaten Radford Beasley at 56 seconds of the 5th round. Casamayor’s manager screamed to ringsider Floyd Mayweather (WBC Champ) remarks that suggested he (Mayweather) might be a candidate for the chorus line at the Tiffany’s. That fight won’t be next but probably either Diego Corrilas (IBF Champ) or South American’s Acelino Freitas (WBO Champ) who is suppose to be the next Roberto Duran.

Sharmba Mitchell showed his lack of activity, first fight of the year, when we won a decision over Felix Flores (Puerto Rico) who has a big time future. In only his 16th fight he gave Mitchell all he wanted and then some. Mitchell will be smart if he stays away from either Zab Judah (IBF Champ) or Kostya Tszya (WBC). Either one at this time would have “their way with him”.

On October 8 get up early as Johnny Tapia and Paulia Ayala meet for the second time. Last year’s match was voted fight of the year. Also on the card is Eric Morel who took Thailand’s Sornpichai Kratchingdaeng to the woodshed last out. AND if that isn’t enough there’s Mia “Hubba Hubba” St. John who’s got a set of headlights that would stop a Moose dead in its tracks.

The Olympic Boxing will reach a climax with the quarter finals, semi and finals starting September 26 and running through the first of October. Aussie TV has all live. Enjoy.

Holiday Bazaar 2000 gets closer!

Preparations are now all in place for the Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Holiday Bazaar 2000, which will take place on Saturday 7th October at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.

This year’s bazaar will be bigger and better than ever, with vendors from all over Thailand bringing quality goods for sale. Entrance to the Bazaar is only a very small 100 baht donation, which goes to charity, with children under 13 free, so feel free to bring the kids along, all you Mums. There is something for all the family with a children’s colouring contest being held throughout the day with prizes in each age group, a cafe set up by Royal Cliff Beach Resort for fatigued shoppers to refresh themselves (and give husbands a chance to recover).

The committee and supporters of the PILC would like to extend their grateful thanks to the generous sponsors for this event, Four Winds International Moving, and to the many local businesses who support the PILC charitable efforts.

The PILC is sure that this will be a wonderful event, and look forward to seeing you there. If nothing else, think of the bargains!

by Peter Cummins

How often have we heard the old cliche, “it’s a jungle out there?” Well, last Saturday night at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s splendid Convention Centre (PEACH), there was not a cliche in sight. It was the “Jungle Night” dinner, hosted by the Resort to entertain and proffer hospitality to the huge international gathering attending the “Convention Promotion Seminar and Convex” held at PEACH from 22 to 24 September.

Khun Panga Vathanakul addresses the seminar participants at the “Jungle Night”. Photo Peter Cummins

On hand to greet the guests were, of course, Tarzan and lots of beautiful Janes, marvellous entertainment and sumptuous “jungle fare.”

Panga Vathanakul, the Managing Director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, addressed the gathering, pointing out the ongoing success of PEACH as a conference/seminar venue, which is greatly enhanced by its highly-motivated, professional staff, its superb facilities and, not least, by its most enviable location overlooking the Gulf.

This beauty could have been right out of New Zealand’s Rotorua. Photo Peter Cummins

A highlight of the evening was a great arrangement of Polynesian and Maori song and dance. Having just returned from an extended visit to New Zealand, I was certain that the group had just arrived from the cultural heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, so authentic were they. Certainly, they had just arrived - from King Kong Island at Bang Plee!

As I left the beautifully-arranged and decorated auditorium, I did not go out swinging from a vine like Tarzan; rather, I went out swaying from the wine. The Royal Cliff hospitality does that to one!

The Rotary Club
of Jomtien-Pattaya

Skal International

Pattaya Fun City
By The Sea