A bright moon was shining over the Moon-Lit Night 2001

by Elfi Seitz

The Foster Wheeler Party enjoyed the evening very much.

The Pattaya International Ladies Club held their annual Charity Ball in the Siam Ballroom at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort on Saturday, November 24. The organization and preparation, which took more than three months, was once again in the reliable hands of Ms. Arlette Cykman, who is widely renowned for her talent to handle such events.

Lovely smiles from the ladies.

The huge ballroom, decorated in blue and silver, with stars dangling from the ceiling and with a big moon overlooking the scene, was crowded with elegantly dressed guests, many of them clad according to the theme. All of them came to contribute to charity, yet they also were looking forward to an exciting evening. No one was disappointed.

Illustrious guests from the Montessori School with friends.

The welcome cocktail party was interesting, since many guests gathered to have a chat and take pictures. The food and the wine were excellent, as usual at the ‘Cliff’. The music, the “New Image Band” from Bangkok, a very talented Filipino group, played all night long and the guests kept dancing to their rhythm until almost 3:00 a.m. A big surprise was the “Pabba Show”, by teachers of the ISR, who got a lot of applause for their professional performance.

(Front row, L to R) Arlette Cykman, Father Brennan and Pat Burbridge. (Back row) Saengrawee and Alvi Sinthuvanik, Brother Dennis and Mr. Daniel Cleary.

The president of the PILC, Julie Garrat, made a welcome speech, in which she thanked all the guests and the many sponsors for their generosity. Thanks to Julie, the auction was a big success, with the biggest piece, an antique Chinese Cabinet, by Kalae, auctioned to a member of SCC Dow Group for baht 44,500.

Charming, beautiful ladies brightened the moonlit ballroom.

The total proceeds of this event reached around baht 350,000, a sum Father Ray Brennan accepted thankfully. This money will help him to finish the building for the new Street Kids Girl’s home. Now all we have to do is save money and wait for next year’s event organized by, who else, Ms. Arlette.

Lions Club of Pattaya-Pratumnak party for local charities

Chakrapong Akkaranant

Super models Sue, Judy and Maarit

President of the Pattaya-Pratumnak Lions Club, Lion Lamai Pheawthong, and members from the club organized a “Charity Night” on the evening of November 22 at the Banglamung School athletic field.

The party included lively entertainment, dancing and the presentation of certificates of appreciation. Sonthaya Khunpleum, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, conducted the opening ceremony.

VIPs doing the ‘ramwong’ Kanchana Kittiviroj with H.E. Sonthaya Khunpluem (l) Lamai with Preecha Kamolbutr Deputy governor of Chonburi (r)

The proceeds collected from the evening’s activities will be donated to underprivileged students, the Sight First program and other charities supported by the Lions.

Lions and friends danced the night away.

The evening afforded the members of the Lions Club to get acquainted with members from other clubs and people from the local communities around Pattaya. During the evening’s entertainment a fashion show was held with well-known models invited to help raise funds for local charities.

Old company makes new friends at British Chamber

The well attended British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) networking evening at Shenanigans was the event at which the Lexzau Scharbau group of companies showcased its products and capabilities.

The gentlemen form TRW Automotive George Strampp (left) and ‘Dham’ Dhamodharan (right) live it up.

Lexzau Scharbau was formed in 1879, but is better known these days by the name Leschaco. Under the direction of MD Volkmar Winzenborg, a German with 28 years of experience in Thailand behind him, he has been steering the Leschaco (Thailand) arm of the parent company since its inception here three years ago.

Dennis Willett (right) and friend find a quiet spot to plan the Pattaya Sports Club Charity Classic Golf tournament.

Volkmar decided that the way to really introduce his company to the Brits was to sponsor the latest networking evening. Not only did he sponsor the amber fluid, but he also managed to fill the Shenanigans car park with a huge car transporter. Since much of Leschaco’s business is in automotive logistics - in other words, getting parts and even complete cars moved around, this was a very graphic display of their capabilities. Another side of the Leschaco portfolio is in chemical movements and distribution; however, Volkmar did not bring several drums of sulphuric acid for the BCCT to sample!

The landlord Kim Fletcher has his arms around Jeab. Fortunately the others* didn’t notice his antics as they were intently looking at the camera so he got away with it. *The others are Andrew, the Doc, David, Archie, Ken, Albert and “Alice”.

As always, the BCCT managed to attract a varied group, with the “educationists”, Alan Dighton from the Garden Education Centre, Susan Joyce from the Asian University of Science and Technology and Ken Sly from the Garden International School all seen chit-chatting about things pedagogical. It was also noted that Ken was wearing an incorrect name card, having brought the wrong one from work. His report card said, “This child should pay more attention to his work.”

The hosts, Volkmar Winzenborg (centre), managing director of Leschaco (Thailand) Ltd., with Graham Macdonald BCCT (2nd left) and the rest of the team were on hand to ensure that the networking evening drew everyone into a web of friendship and goodwill.

“Dham” Dhamodharan, the new plant manager for TRW at the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate was seen in conference with some of the TNT personnel, who were probably shoring up their logistics contracts with TRW, in the face of the Leschaco invasion.

Investment and asset managers Keith Woodward (St. George) and Scott Malone (Royal Heritage) were also seen huddling (or was it scrumming?), while Paul Dobbs from Global Silverhawk/Santa Fe was his usual happy self, obviously confident in his company’s secure niche in the moving marketplace.

Chris bear hugs Jerry ’Oh how they missed each other’

And even as the sponsored amber fluid ran dry, and the bar snacks stopped, the BCCT members were seen continuing networking - it is at evenings such as these that the astute forge business contacts that will ensure the prosperity of their own businesses.

Children say “thanks” for educational support

The annual get-together of the gracious supporters of the “Family Educational Assistance Program” sponsored by the Y.W.C.A. chapter in Pattaya was held at the Grand Hall on the 5th floor of Mike’s Shopping Mall on November 29. Pattaya’s mayor, Pairat Suttithamrongsawat presided over the festivities.

The educational assistance program is one of many activities organized by the Y.W.C.A. chapter in Pattaya. The program has continued to support deserving students in need of financial assistance each year since the program was first organized by former Y.W.C.A. president, Sophin Tappajug, in 1990.

Pattaya Sports Club President Carl Engel receives gifts of thanks from children helped through generous contributions from 117 sponsors of the YWCA “Family Educational Assistance Program”.

Each year the program looks for supporters to continue providing educational assistance to students from disadvantaged families in Pattaya and around the Banglamung area.

President of the Y.W.C.A. chapter in Pattaya, Mrs. Premrudee Chittiwutikarn, and Mrs. Wilawan Hengtrakul, chairwoman of the “Family Educational Assistance Program” welcomed the many guests and supporters from the community, which included members from the Pattaya Sports Club, Rotarians from Taksin-Pattaya and the club in Jomtien.

361 students now receive educational support from the YWCA program, many of whom participated in the annual get together with sponsors. Pattaya Sports Club supports 120 of them (gathered above)

The program currently has 117 sponsors supporting 361 students, each receiving a 1,500 baht donation to help fund their education all the way through secondary grades. The student support is divided up among the 10 Pattaya city schools, 23 schools in Banglamung district and three other separate schools outside of the area.

Teachers and school administrators select deserving students to participate in the program and members on the “Family Educational Assistance” committee monitor student progress on a routine basis tracking educational development.

Marion Vogt knighted as Chancelier President of Bailliage De Pattaya

by Miss Terry Diner

Pattaya honoured by Chaine des Rotisseurs World President

The newly knighted Chevaliers with the national and local committees.

Dr. Kurt Fisher, the Grand Chancelier (World President) of the Chaine des Rotisseurs was in Pattaya last week for the induction of new members into the famous gastronomic organization. The Chaine des Rotisseurs began in 1248 AD and can trace its heritage down the ages, right till the present day. Also present were the president of the Thailand chapter (called the Bailliage), Warren Gerig, and the new local Baillie for Pattaya, Mrs. Marion Vogt.

What Chaine function would be complete without the adornment of the charming ladies all bejewelled for the ball.

For the gourmands of Pattaya, it was a most auspicious evening commencing with the ceremonial induction which includes being “knighted” as a Chevalier of the noble order and then culminating in a gala dinner held in the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.

Swearing in new members before receiving their knighthood.

Executive Chef Walter Thenisch and Benjarong Chef Fabian Strutz of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, both also members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, produced a multi-course dinner for the 52 members which commenced with a goose liver terrine with quince compote and mini brioche as starters. To accompany the first courses, a Hardy’s Nottage Hill Chardonnay was chosen.

(l-r) Chancellier President Marion Vogt, Kannikar Ottesen, Michael Vogt, Oi Thenisch and Daisy Vogt.

The soup which followed was considered to be quite superb by everyone at my table and was a chestnut cream soup with rabbit fillet wrapped in smoked bacon. The outstanding feature of this dish was the three distinct tastes of the principal ingredients (chestnut, rabbit and bacon) were still all preserved.

Marion Vogt is knighted as Chancellier President by Dr. Kurt Fisher, the Grand Chancelier, as president of the Thailand chapter, Warren Gerig looks on.

The celebrated guests and members then moved through an oven-roasted quail on wild mushroom ragout in a potato basket, then freshened their palates with a wonderful Riesling sorbet.

At this juncture, the red wine was poured, an award winning Hardy’s Tintara Shiraz 1998, a wine that was also given the seal of approval by the Royal Cliff Wine Club’s captain, the Royal Cliff Grand’s resident manager Ranjith Chandrasiri.

Walter Jack Heller presents certificates of appreciation to executive chef Walter Thenisch (center) and chef Fabian Strutz (right) of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort for their outstanding performance.

The “main” course of roast venison loin on “Servietten Knoedel” (braised red cabbage, red current and game sauce) was again a splendid dish, with the red cabbage offsetting the strong venison meat.

After a reasonable “settling” period, and more red wine, an assortment of boutique cheeses was presented, with some very special Tasmanian King Island Blue and King Island Camembert for the members. General manager of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Andrew Wood was most impressed with the blue variety.

Members and guests gather for a group photograph.

Of course, it had not ended there. There was an almond-chocolate souffl้ with Calvados sabayon and poached fig with honey as dessert followed by coffee or tea and royal pralines. Dr. Fisher, the Grand Chancelier of the Chaine des Rotisseurs looked suitably impressed and led the ovation given to the chefs for an inspirational gustatory evening.

Of note was the fact that the service staff and chefs numbered over 60 of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort personnel, a ratio of greater than 1:1 compared to the diners. This fact was not missed by the local Chaine des Rotisseurs, who presented certificates of appreciation to them.

Further information on this prestigious organization and opportunities to join may be obtained from the Pattaya Baillie Mrs. Marion Vogt, email [email protected]

Miniature jets fill Pattaya skies

30 countries compete in World Championship Remote Controlled Miniature Jet Aircraft Competition

Representatives from over 30 countries entered the exciting World Championship Remote Controlled Miniature Jet Aircraft Competition on November 24 at the Pattaya Airport in Sattahip. The International Jet Model Committee (IJMC), in conjunction with the Tourist Authority of Thailand, organized the event.

Franz Walti from Switzerland won the open class with his radio controlled miniature aircraft, REFALE B 01. Second place went to John Tappin from England with his F-100, and taking 3rd place was Alex Lau from Hong Kong whit his F-80 miniature jet.

Each country enters a miniature jet aircraft to compete in categories for speed and technological design. The event is divided into “open” and “individual” classes. These miniature aircraft cost anywhere from 100,000 to one million baht to design and build.

Stephan Voelker from Germany took the individual class championship with his Mig-29. Reto Senn from Switzerland and his Hawker MK-58 placed 2nd, and German Guenther Sedlmeier took 3rd place with his remote controlled model of an F-16A.

Franz Walti from Switzerland won the open class with his radio controlled miniature aircraft, REFALE B 01. Second place went to John Tappin from England with his F-100, and taking 3rd place was Alex Lau from Hong Kong whit his F-80 miniature jet.

In the individual class, Stephan Voelker from Germany took the championship with his Mig-29. Reto Senn from Switzerland and his Hawker MK-58 placed 2nd, and another German, Guenther Sedlmeier took 3rd place with his remote controlled model of an F-16A.

Amazing how realistic these miniatures appear

During the contest, owners and designers display their aircraft, demonstrating the technological designs involved in the various types of miniature jet aircraft.

At the close of the competition, representatives from the International Jet Model Committee awarded trophies to the contest winners. The owner of the Pattaya Airport, Jira Ratanarat, and the director of the TAT central region area 3 office, Manit Boonchim, accompanied the presentation as eyewitnesses to the event.

Roger that, tower, taxi to runway 45 L

The contest was the fourth of its kind. It has been held every two years since 1995. The first contest was held in Germany, followed by England in 1997, and Austria in 1999.

The number of countries participating continues to grow, with this year’s list including Norway, Argentina, Japan, Belgium, Holland, France, Australia, North Ireland, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Namibia, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador visits Pattaya for first hand look

Visits Tourist Police, Pattaya after dark and the Children Remand and Correctional Home

Gamini Abeysekera, the UNICEF representative in Thailand and Emmanuelle Beart, the Goodwill Ambassador from the French National Committee of UNICEF, along with her entourage slipped quietly into Pattaya last week to observe first hand the plight of the children in Thailand. This was all on a most positive note as the UNICEF National Committees in all countries are there to assist in awareness creation, fundraising and technical support for programmes for children. The team also consisted of many members of the French media.

Pattaya Mail MD Peter Malhotra shares a moment with Gamini Abeysekera, the UNICEF representative in Thailand.

On arrival they were escorted to the offices of the Pattaya Tourist Police where they were briefed on the many aspects of crime and cases of child abuse that had been committed. Frank discussions between the police and the French team proved to be very interesting and the visitors left with a feeling of confidence that the officials in Pattaya were serious in their conviction to bring an end to any cases of child abuse in Pattaya.

Khun Sophin Tappajug talks with Ms. Emmanuelle (left), whilst Mike Franklin, who does much for the betterment of Pattaya, has a chat with Gamini Abeysekera (right) during a break in the tour.

Wanting to get a first hand look at the situation, the team decided to ply the streets of Pattaya on their own at night, which brought comments from some members that they were quite disappointed as they did not find the bad scenes or situations as had been so blatantly written about in their own press.

The next day members of the local NGOs and service organizations, led by Sophin Tappajug, associate judge for the Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court invited the UNICEF Goodwill team and accompanying journalists to the Chonburi Juvenile Remand and Correction Facility in Banbueng, Chonburi Province to observe conditions of the young people at the home.

Khun Sophin translates as one of the UNICEF representatives interviews a young girl at the Chonburi Juvenile Remand and Correction Facility in Banbueng, Chonburi

The Chonburi facility currently has 301 youths, 18-years-old and below, undergoing behavioural training, of which 31 are females. Ms. Beart was introduced to the young people in residence after touring the facility and observing the conditions, with an eye on the individual rights for children. She gave a short speech at the facility, and applauded what she termed the satisfactory conditions. She also complemented the training and guidance the counsellors give to help redirect young peoples’ lives.

During the visit, a luncheon was arranged for the group of visitors and the young people, and members of the Pattaya Music Club provided entertainment.

(Foreground, L to R) Peter Cummins, Gamini Abeysekera, Emmanuelle Beart and facility director Sutham Chansuwit address the crowd.

UNICEF representative Gamini, speaking to Pattaya residents said, “This is a breakthrough that we have been working for. I have travelled to Pattaya so often in the last few years to observe the situation. I have spoken to so many concerned people here and we have all decided that we want to work towards creating a ‘Children Friendly’ lifestyle here. The word is reaching the higher ups in UNICEF, and I am confident that by now they must realise that the citizens of Pattaya are adamant in their fight against all crimes committed against women and children.

“Not only have I seen your determination to abolish these injustices, but I have also seen that you go even further by caring for those who have already taken the wrong path. Not by punishing them but by giving them love and understanding, not to mention a lot of caring. I am most touched by your concerns to try to bring them back on the right path,” he concluded.

Ms. Beart’s team travelled on to observe the support provided by UNICEF to Thailand at the Children’s Rights Protection Center in Chiang Mai and at the Children’s Assistance and Welfare Department in Chiang Rai.

On departing, Ms Beart thanked her hosts and one could detect a touch of suppressed emotion as she whispered, “I wish it wasn’t such a short visit. I would have liked more time to be with all of you.”

Pee Wee Golf: Disadvantaged Children Outright Winners

Story and photos by Peter Cummins

The first “Pee Wee” golf tournament was played out recently at the splendid Eastern Star Resort and, according to Mike Franklin, it was an outstanding success - on and off the links, with the day’s proceeds donated to retarded children.

Mike Franklin interviews H.E. Anand for the Pattaya Mail Channel outside the Conference Hall of the Easter Star Resort where the event was held.

Mike, who is also pro-active in the many charities aimed at helping disadvantaged children along the Eastern Seaboard, was there at the resort to interview H.E. Anand Panyarachun, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ambassador to Thailand.

The occasion was a charity drive (to use a golfing expression) to raise funds for disadvantaged children - in this case, the mentally retarded - who need all the help, love and sympathy the able-bodied can provide. There was an abundance of all three, as the sweet children danced and received gifts from H.E. Anand.

“When I was Prime Minister some 10 years ago,” H.E. Anand told Mike, “I was asked to establish a ‘Special Olympics’ and I was impressed with all those who subsequently participated, particularly the children.”

It was all smiles at the presentation.

Many volunteered to assist in this good cause. “I do not recall the age limit, but I think it was for children under 16 - or, maybe 18 years,” he said. “At the time, the contributions received far exceeded our expectations,” H.E. Anand concluded.

Dr Sarit, rector of Thammasart University, informed the assembly that, “Thammasart opens opportunities for people, especially those who are under-privileged and people from rural areas.”

Now, through the “Special Olympics”, we recognize that this is an opportunity, “particularly for the unfortunates who suffer mental illness - a group comprising 3 percent of Thailand’s population,” Dr. Sarit emphasized.

A major problem in reaching this disaffected group is that there is a stigma on the families having mentally-retarded members and, “The parents, particularly, do not want their children to be seen in public,” Dr Sarit added.

H.E. Anand presents souvenirs to the children.

In the golf played that day, Mike Franklin reports: “Some fine golf scores were returned, with count backs to contest each of the three team trophies. Unfortunately, many handicaps were not available on the day and, thus, the tournament results of the “Four-Ball Team Scramble” were decided on the basis of the gross scores returned.

The fourth and fifth placings, although not enough to usher the players into the limelight of the winners’ podium, were, nevertheless, very commendable.

The team of M.R. Thep Devakul returned a gross score of 66, just behind the Media Two team with 65 and losing on count back to EGAT. There was a tie for both the winner and runner-up teams both on 64. Runner-up was Singha, just one stroke behind overall champions, KrunThai Card.”

Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak

Donate blood to the Thai Red Cross

Pattaya residents comprising of members of Thai, Sikh and foreign communities turned up in force at the Sikh Temple in Soi 17 to donate blood to the Thai Red Cross in celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith.

Gianiji (the keeper and teacher of the faith) chants from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Hundreds of Sikh men, women and children congregated at the Sikh temple last Friday, capping off a three day festival of prayer and jubilation.

Sikh women and men chanted prayers, Akhand Path from the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs) on a continuous basis around the clock. For three days, Sikhs flocked to the Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to pay their respects to the Holy Father, making merit and giving to charity. Women jovially assisted in cooking the Guru ka Langar or community lunch for the hundreds who would come to sit side by side on the temple floor, enjoying the wholesome meal and wishing each other love, health and prosperity.

Amrik Singh (5th left) and members of the Sikh Community donated blood to the Thai Red Cross to celebrate the holy day of Guru Nanak’s birth.

Amrik Singh Kalra, the hard working chairman of the Sikh Community in Pattaya said, “This is one of the most holy of holy days for the Sikhs. We rejoice and celebrate the birthday of our ‘Babaji’. The Sikh religion preaches benevolence, relief, and brotherly love. We are taught that all men are created equal in the eyes of God and there is only one God. We are also taught to be charitable. That’s why we donate our blood to the Thai Red Cross, so that it may be useful to save many lives when needed. Our philosophy is that of peace and the search for truth.”

Jamming for charity

Successfull MUIC concert raises funds for drug treatment center

After a most successful charity concert held at the Mahidol University International College, the president of the MUIC Music Club and two of the committee members travelled to Pattaya to present the proceeds of their fund raising project to Pol. Col. Jirat Pichitpai, the 'father' of the Ban Poonsri Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Tony Malhotra (center), president of the MUIC, Nattakit Udomsrirat, vice-president, and Jeremiah Lipatapanlop, club advisor receive a token of thanks from Col. Jirat Pichitpai, the ‘father’ of the Ban Poonsri Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Each year students of the university meet to discuss and plan a major event for the good cause of society. This year the Music Club of Mahidol University International College (MUIC), under the presidency of Suwanthep ‘Tony’ Malhotra and his committee, decided to organize a major charity concert to raise funds for two organizations that they thought would benefit from the funds raised. One was the Wildlife Fund of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen and the other was to help the youths who are being treated at the Ban Poonsri Oupatham Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Pattaya.

Amongst the musicians who kindly participated in the fun filled charity affair for no monetary gain were, P’ Num T-Bone, P’ J Monthon, ‘flow’ - playing cuts from their album ‘Seeds’, Skaladinner, P’ Pook and the DJ, P’Chai & The Blues Maniacs. Special appearances were made by MUIC students themselves, topped off by the craze of the day, Modern Dog, not forgetting to mention the Cheer and Dance Club who did their preview rendition of Beauty and the Beast.

The auditorium was packed with more than 400 students who had bought tickets to see ten hours of solid entertainment, whereby also helping to raise money for the charity projects.

During one of the breaks in the entertainment, some of the proceeds were presented to a representative of the Wild Life Fund of Thailand. The rest of the proceeds were to be presented in Pattaya to the Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Last week Tony led his team including Nattakit Udomsrirat, vice-president of the club, and Jeremiah Lipatapanlop, club advisor to Pattaya to make the presentation of 20,000 baht to the center.

The delegation was honoured by the presence of Khun Sophin Tappajug, associate judge for the Juvenile and Family Court of Chonburi, who presided at the function. Pol. Col. Jirat Pichitpai and the ‘patients’ of the center warmly welcomed the visitors amongst whom were also Tony’s proud parents.

Khun Sophin, Tony and his proud parents Pratheep and Rani, Col. Jirat and MUIC committee members Nattakit and Jeremiah gather for a group photo with the residents of the center.

Khun Sophin plays one of the most vital roles in Pattaya and other areas in Chonburi, working tirelessly for the betterment of children’s welfare. She is one who believes in giving love and care to the mislead rather than to punish them. “I am so proud of Tony and his friends,” said Khun Sophin. “It relieves me and makes me so happy to see that there are so many youths who do care about the well being of their fellow countrymen. These children prove to us that all is not lost and that the underprivileged people of our community can always count on such kind hearted people.”

On making the presentation, Tony, who was born and raised in Pattaya, said, “This moment is one of the proudest moments in my life. Pattaya is my home, and even if I am away anywhere in the world, I shall always remember that whatever I can do to assist the people of my community I will always do it. Earlier this year whilst I was studying at the La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, the idea struck me. Last year we had organized a small charity concert, but it was enough to send a group of students to a Volunteer Camp in Phitsanulok to help the rural people. So I thought, why not make a bigger one this year and help more people. This concert was a tough one to organize. It took me and my team 6 months to put together, of course with the tireless help of all the committee members and friends and our families. I wish to thank all the musicians who gave us their valuable time and performed at no charge for this worthy cause. Without them this charity work would have not been possible.”

The Crocodile, the Elephant and the Monkey - Conclusion

by Geoffrey A. Franklin

“Gone, gone where?” screamed the frenetic Lingy breaking an unusually long silence for him from behind Patchy’s ears.

“Not you,” snapped an irritated and somewhat bruised and battered Took. “Patchy and Toothy have a problem, not you. Can you make it?” he asked of Patchy sympathetically, who was really quite old and clearly exhausted by her previous effort.

“If you say I must, then I will try my best. But my feet really do hurt a lot from these hard roads and those bendy things that I trod on back there, and I’m very tired,” she sighed, suppressing a huge yawn.

In that short statement, Took came to better understand the very genuine affection and high regard Thai people held for these giant pachyderms whose ancestors had played no small part in helping build the Kingdom.

“Let’s try then,” said Took humbly, a now even wiser policeman. It had taken nearly a half hour for them to reach the sea as Patchy had had to limp painfully, wincing at every step she made down the hill to the beach. Dawn had not yet broken as Toothy slipped silently off Patchy’s shoulders onto the cool soft sand. Patchy heaved a great sigh of relief and seemed to grow taller. Lingy jumped down from Patchy’s head and immediately proceeded to search fervently for fleas in his monkey’s tail.

They were soon approached by two beautiful young Thai women. One had long golden hair down to her waist. The other’s hair was shorter and a shiny jet black.

“What kept you?” enquired the golden haired lady.

“Traffic,” Took replied tersely.

“Never mind,” she answered, “you’re here now, and just in time. Oh, you poor dear,” she said. “Whatever happened to your feet? They look awfully sore,” she asked Patchy. Patchy looked down balefully at her but didn’t answer. “Never mind,” she said, “they will soon get better in the sea.”

Patchy looked enquiringly toward Took. “This is Marmalade my Mermaid friend,” said Took, nodding his head toward the smiling golden haired young women. “When she comes ashore she changes into the lady you see before you now. This is Tiffany my Dugong friend,” he continued, referring to the black haired lady. “She can change into either a handsome young man, or a beautiful young woman when she leaves the sea. They both change back into sea creatures when they return to the water. They believe that they can help you Patchy, and you Toothy, to lead happy lives in the sea elsewhere.”

Patchy’s eyes blinked apprehensively, and Toothy eyed Took with one eye opened very wide indeed, most suspiciously.

“Maybe,” said Patchy, “but wouldn’t I be lonely?”

“Never,” interrupted Tiffany the dugong. “We are whale family and we love big strong, gentle, creatures like you. We whales are friendly creatures and talk to each other a lot. You will become one of us.”

“Alright,” said Patchy, an elephant of few words but one of loyal devotion. “What would I eat?” she asked, ever conscious of the diminishing food supply on land.

“That’s no problem,” replied Tiffany. “You will soon find the foliage and plankton in the sea will taste better than the bamboo and bananas that you eat here. What’s more, it’s more abundant and nutritious.”

“Sounds good to me,” said a reassured Patchy.

“That’s alright to her, but what about me?” enquired the suspicious Toothy.

“Oh it’s easier for you,” replied Marmalade. “I will pilot you to Australia. There are lots of crocodiles there. They live in the sea and there are many creeks and rivers. They seem to love it there.”

“I like the occasional farang with lager beer in his belly. Do they have those there too? “asked Toothy.

“Quite a few,” replied Marmalade tactfully, “but you will soon learn to lose that particular taste with the plentiful supply of other food.”

“Are there more mermaids like you there?” asked Toothy admiring Marmalades graceful form.

“Of course there are, there are mermaids everywhere don’t you know, but you have to learn to appreciate their qualities first,” she replied with a subtle wink.

“Hmm,” growled Toothy. “How far away is this Australia place? I’m an orphan crocodile and I need to think about these things.”

“Well you both have about three minutes before sunrise,” interjected Took. “Tiffany and Marmalade must leave soon. Let’s be honest,” continued Took, “there is virtually no place left in modern Pattaya for either of you. Rightly or wrongly, that is the situation.” He turned slightly and added, “Patchy, I love you dearly, but your time here has passed. Toothy,” he said, “you are another creature who cannot survive here much longer. It’s time that you both find somewhere better and more suitable to live. You have about two minutes left now before the sun rises. After that,” his voice tailed off. He shook his head sadly; he really didn’t know what to say.

He looked imploringly toward Tiffany and Marmalade for help, who were both preparing to re-enter the sea. They each smiled serenely back at him and redirected his look to the oncoming tide and the vacant spaces on the beach where Patchy and Toothy had previously been standing. The horizon was now a brilliant scarlet as the sun arose. Their footprints in the sand led to the water’s edge where they were being slowly washed away by the ebb and flow of the tide.

Unnoticed by Took, both Patchy and Toothy had slipped silently into the sea to embark upon their new futures. There had been no farewells, no long goodbyes, simply an animalistic acceptance of their fate and a taking of the opportunity of survival that had been afforded them. They were, quite simply, gone. Took turned to thank Marmalade and Tiffany for their help, but they too had returned to their place in the sea and to help and guide the elderly elephant and the youthful crocodile.

“Me, me, me,” cried a tearful Lingy. “What about me? I loved them both.”

“You,” said an emotional Took discreetly wiping a tear from his own eye, “You are a natural survivor. Your environment is not threatened yet but it might be one day. Then you may have to choose just as Patchy and Toothy had to. I’m late for my early morning duty and must face my commanding officer again with an excuse for my lateness.” He added tetchily, “You don’t have to face responsibilities of any sort do you?” He immediately wished he had not said that. He had not slept last night; he was tired and hungry and he was talking to a monkey after all.

“Aagh,” screeched the irate monkey and scuttled away to scramble up the nearest tall tree he could find, baring his teeth at Took as he climbed. Once he achieved the highest branch he turned his head away to search the sea for any sign of his departed friends. The sea was still and silent.

Later at the police station a dark eyed, unshaven Took attempted to explain the sequence of events to his fresh and alert sergeant who, having listened intently to Took’s tale, heaved a deep sigh and said, “Took, you are a good policeman with a first class record. But you do seem, even allowing for this being Pattaya, to get involved in the strangest situations.”

“It’s all true sir,” pleaded Took, “believe me.”

“I do believe you,” acknowledged his tolerant sergeant. “Reports have come in of a wrecked car in the Klong and a drunken driver from the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital on the Sukhumvit. Also of five squashed Mercedes Benz limousines outside the Gulf Siam Hotel. All these corroborate your report, but please Took,” his sergeant begged, “please do not submit a written report. True, some expensive cars have been destroyed, but they aren’t so important. Of course no one would believe you or I. I shall have to try to explain these cars away somehow. A written report would give us both big headaches. Leave it with me, I’m sure I can work something out. Tell me Took, have you ever considered a transfer to emigration? I would be pleased t support your application. You seem to have a rare talent for that department.”

“Thank you very much Sir,” replied Took ignoring his sergeant’s heart felt question. “A policeman’s lot is not a very happy one,” he mused. Where had he heard those lyrics before? A Gilbert and Sullivan opera he guessed. He loved some of that old music and like Toothy, he liked Elton John’s ‘Crocodile Rock’ too. It was so rhythmical as Toothy had said. He shuddered at the thought.

Updated every Friday.
Copyright 2001  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

Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]

The Rotary Club
of Jomtien-Pattaya

Skal International