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Proud Srifuengfung family legacy to live on at “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms Theme Park”
Celebrates grand opening during Year of the Golden Horse
The Srifuengfung family patriarch, Kiarti Srifuengfung
made it a long way from being a country boy in Suphanburi to building a
vast, international business empire (please read letter below). He
accomplished seemingly everything he set out to do in life, but
unfortunately, Father Time caught up with him before he was able to
complete his most cherished project - his Chinese Pagoda and theme park.
(above)
Police Gen. Pramarn Adireksen cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the opening
ceremony of “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms Theme Park”. Boonsong
Srifuengfung, the chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce,
Chainarin Srifuenfung (far left) and members of the Srifuengfung family
also took part.
 (right)
Janie (centre) the matriach of the Srifuengfung dynasty cuts the
ceremonial ribbon to the great joy of Chaikhiri and Aly
His family took up the task, and after 10 years in the
making, on Chinese New Year, February 12, the beginning of the Year of the
Horse, “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms Theme Park” officially came
to life.
The Srifuengfung family, now perhaps best known for
their Horseshoe Point Resort and Country Club, invested hundreds of
millions of baht to complete the magical park in honor of their father.
 Chana,
Chanai and Arayanee Srifuengfung, dressed in traditional Chinese costumes,
at the opening ceremony of “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms Theme
Park”.
Long time family friend, Police Gen. Pramarn Adireksen
was asked, and accepted the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. A host
of honored guests attended the ceremony, including the deputy governor of
Chonburi, Veerawit Viwatnawanich, the mayor of Pattaya, Pairat
Suttithamrongsawat, and, of course the Srifuengfung family and their many
friends.
 The
Srifuengfung family patriarch, Kiarti Srifuengfung watches over his dream
come true.
The park, set upon 30 rai of land in Moo 9, Pong
sub-district of Banglamung, showcases elaborately decorated buildings
constructed in Chinese mythical style. The setting depicts the romantic
“Samkok” theme, preserving proverbs and the story of three rulers in
three kingdoms in ancient China.
 Looking
every bit like a Chinese goddess, Chanya ‘Cherie’ Srifuengfung,
mounted on a beautiful steed, invites guests to visit the Chinese pagoda
built to honor her father.
There are six beautiful buildings, some 5-stories high,
housing museums outlining the history behind the story of
“3-Kingdoms”. Each is decorated in mythical Chinese style.
The park also features separate areas devoted to the
Chinese female goddess “Mae Kuan Im” and a “Kuan-U Shrine”.
For more information call 038-421428-9.
An Open Letter to the Descendants of Kiarti Srifuengfung
 Dear
Descendants,
How are you at your time of reading this letter? I am
fine except that I live on Sunset Boulevard and must prepare myself when
the sun in me sets and I must journey into the unknown. I can go onwards
only when I have completed what I have set out to do in this lifetime. I
have done everything except for the pagoda.
My legacy to you is to last a lifetime, and your
children’s’ children’s’ lifetime. There is wisdom in heeding to
the teachings of your ancestors. Hold my teachings to your heart and they
will be your guiding light, in good as well as difficult times. You will
be charged with my vibrant energy and my unending zest for life.
Where do I start? I start with the now of May 1991. The
Persian Gulf War between Iraq and the Allied Forces led by the United
States has ceased, while Thailand just had her martial law lifted since
the February 23, 1991 coup d’etat toppled the Chartchai Choonhavan
government. The National Peacekeeping Council under General Sunthorn
Kongsompong and General Suchida Kraprayoon has appointed Anand Panyarachun
as the prime minister and the caretaker government until the next
election. What happens in our country and in the world are very important.
Stay informed because we are all interrelated in small and big ways.
In politics, have friends in high places, but do not
enter politics, nor side with one party against another. I tell you this
so that you will have no enemies. All the parties are working for the good
of the country; that, is all that is important. It’s the same for
religion. All religions teach people to be good and avoid evil. Therefore
say not that one religion or ideology is better than another, but give
homage to all good and great leaders and allow free thinking in your home.
Thailand is a prospering country with very high
economical growth in the last five years. We have become a newly
industrialized country (NIC). We have also entered into the computer age
as well as the age of pollution. There is a price to be paid for
development and modernization. Nothing comes free-of -charge. I have
created 50 or so companies and factories. In doing so, I have made many
baskets that are independent and viable on their own. Do not consolidate
them. Have many nests, not just one, so that if something happens to one,
the others are still all-right and unaffected. In other words, do not put
all your eggs in one basket.
I pass on to you a vast business empire. Take good care
of this great inheritance and maintain these companies on a steady,
stable, and non-risk balanced growth policy. Operate the business not on
credit, but on cash according to the resources it has on hand. If you want
to take risk, do it on your own money, do not take from “Gongsie”
(holding company) to do so.
The fortunes of life are uncertain. If you have extra
money and your good friend is in need, lend him the money, but do not make
“guarantees” for him. Along this same line, teach your children the
value of money. Allow them to learn to help themselves and to earn their
own keeps. Do not provide more than what is necessary for them. Instill in
them the value of diligence, sincerity, and perseverance.
It is very important to learn how to survive against
all odds. My father was a gambler. Sometimes for months, I would get no
money from home for my food and school fees when I was going to school in
China. I had to learn to survive. Life has a way of turning suffering into
blessing. I hope you too will look at the suffering in your life and turn
it into an asset.
As I look back, I can see that I have come a long way
from the country boy of Suphanburi. I have visited more countries than I
can name. I have made businesses and partnerships with people from all
over the world. I stand tall among the great men, not only in Thailand,
but also in the world. I gave splendor to my life transforming a family of
humble origins into magnificent productive people.
It is my deepest wish that the spirit to excel be
maintained and carried on by all of you, in big and small ways. Be
anything your heart aspires to, but be the best that you can be.
Accept responsibility for your life and your action.
Remember that there is no limitation to your ability to achieve all that
you desire, save only for that which you believe in your own mind.
Above all be grateful to your parents and ancestors for
all that you have. I would not want you to be complaining about what you
do not have, like a weak person looking for excuses to continue to loaf.
Work with what you have, and when you have made enough, work to give it
back to the society and country that gave it to you.
Good luck and have fun.
Kiarti Srifuengfung
May 1991, Bangkok
The River of Kings III - The Great Conquerors
Spectacular Riverside Extravaganza on the Chao Phraya River now through February 28
The River of Kings, now in its third year, is
presenting a spectacular light and sound extravaganza titled “The Great
Conquerors”. The show is running now through February 28.
 The
River of Kings III The Great Conquerors runs through February 28, and
presents the country’s largest computer-choreographed fountains rising
15 meters in height, engulfing light and sound technology and the largest
Pyro Techniques fireworks, an overwhelming cast of more than 700 actors
and actresses and 2 elephants.
The show portrays the glory of the Kingdom and
legendary greatness of the nation’s Kings who have been loved and
respected as providers, creators and philosophers. Retold and relived in a
grand theatrical production with sensational special effects, the
performance features a cast of celebrities, including Ploy Pailin Janzen
singing a musical highlight, “The Great Conquerors”, Saranyoo
Wongkrajang, Pornchita Na Songkla, Pimlak Kamolpetch, Chatchai Ngamsap and
Kriangkrai Ruangrairath.
Feel the thrills of exciting animated presentations on
3 panoramic water screens raised in the middle of the river to create
enchanting and exhilarating experiences that can be sensed from every
angle of the stadium.
Delight in the country’s largest
computer-choreographed fountains rising 15 meters in height, engulfing
light and sound technology and the largest Pyro Techniques fireworks, an
overwhelming cast of more than 700 actors and actresses and 2 live
elephants portraying the most spectacular royal procession ever to honor
the great kings.
Spectators can choose to enjoy this magical event in
two ways: From the floating stadium at Rachaworadit Pier or from the
luxury yachts. Riverside 2 or Riverside 3 accommodate 800 and 1,100 seats
respectively. Drink and food are served through the entire trip.
Show times: 2 shows nightly - Show I: 7.00 p.m. - 8.15
p.m. Show II: 9.15 p.m. - 10.30 p.m.
From the floating stadium: tickets are Bht. 400 and
600.
Stadium Tickets are available from the Bureau of the
Royal Household, tel. 0-2623-5500 extension 1120-1122 and Amway (Thailand)
tel. 0-2371-8000.
Riverside Cruise Tickets are Bht. 800 including food
and drink through the entire trip. - Trip I: 6.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Trip
II: 9.00 p.m. - 12.00p.m. (Please arrive 30 minutes before embarking time)
Tickets are available from Counter Service at leading
department stores, or tel. 0.2631-1100, and at the Riverside Hotel, tel.
0-2883-1588-94.
Diana Group invests in long staying tourists
Retired residents, the disabled, and industrial estate
employees are categories of people targeted by Diana Group’s newest
project, “long stay” resort facilities unlike any other in Pattaya.
Diana Group’s managing director, Sopin Thappajug,
recently revealed the plans which identify long staying tourists as a
group having significant importance and are who welcomed in the community.
 Sopin
Thappajug, Diana Group’s
managing director
Soon to open on four rai of land located on North
Pattaya Road are luxurious apartments and eight housing units (Thai Lanna
style) complete with swimming pool, driving range, fitness center, and
close to first rate hospitals, air-conditioned bus transportation and
shopping facilities galore.
The existing apartment complex, with its 48 units, is
to be augmented with a six-story apartment building that will add 70 more
units fully equipped with necessary conveniences to provide comfort and
security for seniors and disabled persons.
Located just 200 meters away from Sukhumvit Road, and
minutes away from the beach, residents will have easy access to shopping
and the town’s city center. International hospitals providing first rate
health care are in close proximity and the bus-terminal, with
air-conditioned transportation leaving to Bangkok every 30 minutes, is
within walking distance.
Diana Group’s business interests over the past 20
years include condominiums, apartments, hotels, pubs, tours and a golf
driving range. Facilities for long stay tourists are considered to be a
unique addition to the wide range of businesses under Diana Group offering
tourists from around Thailand and foreign countries another option from
which to choose.
Sopin explained that the new apartment complex is a
B60m investment in itself and the eight Lanna style homes are already
under construction preparing for tourists looking at staying in Pattaya
for extended periods, renting for 1-5 years or as long as 10 years or
more. She expects the new resort will be a valuable addition to the
options available in Pattaya and hopes it will be available soon to
provide a unique living experience.
A Grand Cru from Bordeaux
 by
Ranjith Chandrasiri
Nestled along the western coast of France, Bordeaux is
lush with acres of vineyards planted in more than 50 different
appellations contr๔l้es, each producing its own distinctive
wine.
Bordeaux always has had its charms. It’s one of
France’s largest cities and boasts some of the country’s finest 18th
century architecture, particularly the Grand Th้โtre, a
stunning example of the style and the technical expertise of the time.
Around the corner from the Grand Th้โtre is the Rue Saint
-Catherine - the “High Street” and the main shopping area since the
days of ancient Burdigala. Bordeaux city, authentically regional yet
sophisticated in style is home to fine historical monuments and grand old
structures along side the chic boutiques and lively restaurants.
But Bordeaux’s heart is in the vineyards. Wine has
been its lifeblood since the time of the Romans. Bordeaux’s
centuries-old reputation is, however, built on a handful of wines, most of
them red, never amounting to more than 5 percent of the whole production.
The best of the chateaux make outstanding wines that improve with age, in
taste and often in value. Out of the 54 different wine regions in
Bordeaux, some of the major appellations are: Pomerol, Graves,
Pessac-Leognan, St.-Emilion, Sauternes and Medoc.
The M้doc region with its concentration of world
renowned chโteaux is a peninsula extending north west of the
Bordeaux city. Its wines have become the reference points for Bordeaux and
all Cabernet-based reds. The whole region is called the M้doc and
its appellations are complex and overlapping, with each sub-district
claiming its own AOC. The southern point is the most prestigious Haut-M้doc
and the other important inner appellations are Margaux, St.-Julien,
Paulliac and St.-Estephe. St.-Julien, a small picturesque village on the
banks of the Gironde about midway between Bordeaux and the Atlantic,
enjoys the most homogenous terroir of all the M้doc AOCs and
reliably produces among the most balanced and satisfying red Bordeaux.
Chateau
Branaire
Terroir is the essence of the natural factors such as
the soil type, microclimate and altitude that distinguishes one vineyard
site from another. Good terroir encourages optimum fruit maturity and
stamps the wine with its unique character. As the French understand it,
the winemaker’s goal is to reflect the elements specific to the terroir
in the wine, to express its character in the bottle. It is the prime
responsibility of the chateaux (wine producer) to provide the maximum
quality and the character in the wine made from the grapes grown on unique
soil in a highly individual climate.
Just three elements determine the fundamental character
of every Bordeaux. In order of importance, they’re the chโteau (or
producer), the vintage and the appellation. The more you know about each
element, the more you will know what to expect from the wine, and the
better you’ll understand it. Fortunately, all three elements are
prominently displayed in any Bordeaux label.
Top Bordeaux have a well-known reputation for being
very expensive, but it is still possible to find reasonably priced,
high-quality Bordeaux. The secret is to focus on wines from a reputable chโteau
in very good to outstanding vintages, such as 1995 and 1996.
There are many well known as well as lesser-known
chateaux in Bordeaux, which meet these criteria. Situated in the
picturesque Saint-Julien village, Chโteau Branaire (fourth growth
rated in 1855) is one of them.
History of the Chโteau Branaire dates back to the
17th century. It became a separate plot from the Beychevelle estate after
the death of Bernard de la Valette, Duke of Epernon, when his assets were
turned over to the French Crown to pay off his debts. In 1680, After Jean-Baptiste
Braneyre acquired it, his descendants, the Duluc family, had the current
Chโteau built in circa 1824. Since 1988, it has been the pride and
fortune of the Ducru family.
The current managing director, Philippe Dhalluin is
proud of his fine plot of terroir and his unique wine. He confides,
“Handling the berries with the greatest care brings out the distinctive
taste of the fruit, which shows the quality of the vineyard. Since 1991,
we have used a state of the art ‘vat room’ using a gravity-flow
system. It eliminates the need to pump the berries, juice and wine, from
one level down to another. By doing so the character of the Branaire
terroir is preserved in the wine. After traditional aging in French oak
barrels, and fining with fresh egg whites, the wine is bottled at the Chโteau.”
The Chโteau Branaire wine, a typical Bordeaux
blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot is
well structured and has a remarkable potential for aging. It perfectly
exemplifies the unique class of an outstanding terroir.
Thorough and careful restoration of the estate over the
past ten years and ongoing pursuit of excellence, notably, the creation of
the second wine (Duluc) confirm Chโteau Branaire’s spectacular
come back to Bordeaux’s top wine forefront.
During a recent visit to Bordeaux, I extended an
invitation to Philippe Dhalluin and to my good friend Eric Hostein, a well
known wine negociant, the president of Louis Vialard and Chateaux Cissac
in Bordeaux to visit our tropical paradise in Pattaya. They have
graciously accepted the invitation and will be here to share their passion
and the vast knowledge about Bordeaux wines with Royal Cliff Wine Club
members at the end of this month. To make the most out of Phillippe’s
kind offer to bring along few bottles of Cheateu Brannaire, I entrusted
our culinary expert chef Thenisch and his team with the task of matching
their gastronomic delights with the fine Brannaire drop. The outcome is a
fantastic occasion for the wine lovers of Pattaya, to indulge in fine food
and wine, scheduled for February 28 in the delightful Grand Ballroom of
the Royal Cliff.
Ranjith Chandrasiri is resident manager, Royal Cliff
Grand, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Pattaya, Thailand. Email: [email protected]
or [email protected]
Australian-Thai Chamber starts 2002 in style
by Peter Cummins
The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ATCC) started
2002 with a real blast, with three major functions held within a few days
of each other. First was the Ambassador’s Australia Day celebration,
with the usual superb function at the embassy - “the best diplomatic
party in town”, I overheard being said on several occasions during the
evening of the 25th of January.
 Ambassador
Miles Kupa spreads the Ozzie hospitality far and wide
It was a “full house”, with H.E. Ambassador Miles
Kupa mingling with the assembled diplomats, Thai government officials and
a broad cross-section of Thailand’s expatriate community. The food was
great and the drinks never stopped. The very talented “Imbosima”, the
salsa/dance group which has captivated Australia, entertained the capacity
crowd of more than 1,000. It was an ambience of conviviality, good
fellowship and warm inter-changes, continuing Australia’s tradition of
hospitality and comradeship to all.
Then followed, on Saturday 26 January, the Australia
Day Ball, which opened the Chambers’ 25th anniversary celebrations.
“Imbosima” also featured at the Ball, with the Irish-Australian band
“Life after Nine” continuing the non-stop fun and action throughout
the evening.
 Guests
enjoying the Australia Day ambience
A raffle raised funds for the ATCC’s Community
Services projects.
Finally, the first Sundowner of the year was held at
the Embassy on Wednesday, 6 February. Here, too, a capacity crowd of
around 300 attended, with the corporate sponsor Market-Edge Asia which
presented each attendee with a CD “Giving you the edge”. It will,
doubtless, prove invaluable to many.
Actually, this first Sundowner set a pace which will be
very difficult to emulate throughout the year. The Banyan Tree Bangkok,
located next door to the embassy, provided probably the best spread ever
seen at a Sundowner - even at some dinners. “Hors d’oeuvres” it was
not. There were fresh oysters and delicious salads. There was lamb, beef,
smoked salmon and there were some marvellous ‘kanoms’.
An endless flow of wines, spirits and beer ensured that
the ‘networking’ ambience was foremost.
Well done Anita and the ATCC staff and a great big
thank you to the sponsors.
Let’s look forward to the first Eastern Seaboard Sundowner soon!
The return of African fertility statues
Millions may have seen them on television or read from
newspapers and magazines, but hundreds of women claimed to have become
pregnant by touching them. The statues are arriving in Pattaya. Ripley’s
Believe It or Not! Museum is inviting all those who have difficulty in
conceiving a child to come to the museum from Monday, February 18th
through Sunday, March 17th and touch Ripley’s all-time favorite exhibit,
the African Fertility Statues.
 The
famous African fertility statues have returned to Ripley’s Believe It or
Not! Museum.
These sacred fertility statues are returning to
Ripley’s Museum for the third time, after having performed miracles for
hundreds of women around the world, including a few Thais. One of these
lucky Thai women is Kanaka Chanprasartporn. After countless hours of
fertility treatments, she and her husband tried their luck on the statues;
they came and touched them. In 1996 she gave birth to twins.
The same miracle also happened to Yupin Tacome. She
also came to Ripley’s Museum and touched the statues. A year later a
healthy son was born to Yupin who had been trying to conceive a child for
nine years.
Come to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and
experience the same phenomenon that brings happiness and joy to countless
families and at the same time astonishes the medical world. The statues
are on display daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the
Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya. The cost is free and the process is painless.
To celebrate the return of these fertility statues,
Ripley’s Museum is offering a special admission of just 400 baht (the
price is normally 540 baht) for all couples who come and touch the
statues. Every purchase of these special “couple tickets” will entitle
the holders to a lucky draw and a chance of winning one of three LA
Bicycles.
The statues have no known powers and Ripley’s cannot
endorse them as the answer to a would-be mother’s prayers. Neither can
the Museum guarantee that touching them will make women pregnant. In fact
the Museum recommends that women discuss with their doctors all proven
methods of fertility. It is true many women have become pregnant after
touching the African fertility statues, but exactly how this happened is a
mystery wrapped in faith and coincidence, not science.
Green Bottle Pub ready to shake hearts back to the 60’s
Tomorrow night, February 23, the Green Bottle Pub on
Pattaya 2nd Road is celebrating the festive month of February with an
evening of music from the 1960’s.
Thanya Sudprasert, Diana Group assistant general
manager announced the special night of entertainment is a continuation of
the month’s celebrations following the Chinese New Year and Valentines
Day.
During the evening, the pub will also feature special
menu prices, plus a free bottle of scotch when ordering two bottles of
Chivas Regal or 100 Pipers - and the first round of mixers is free, plus
you get a special gift.
If you come in a group of six or more, you will also
receive a free bottle of 100 Pipers.
And if that’s not enough, buy two bottles of
Seagram’s Gin and get a third bottle for free. Or buy7 two cocktails and
get the third one free.
Anyone dressing up in garb from the 60’s also
receives a complimentary cocktail.
Everyone is invited to the 60’s Night at the Green
Bottle Pub on 2nd Road next to the Diana Inn Hotel on Saturday, February
23rd; the music starts at 7 p.m. For more info call: 038-429675, 429870.
Royal Cliff Beach Resort to host “A Night at the Opera”
Royal Cliff Beach Resort in association with D&M
Music Studio, Pattaya Mail and the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya,
proudly present a gala dinner concert titled “A Night at the Opera” on
Wednesday, March 13th, 2002 at 7 p.m. in the grand ballroom of the Royal
Cliff Beach Hotel Pattaya (please see ad on page 24).
The evening will feature a troupe of Korean opera
singers, members of the National Opera Company in Korea; namely Bae Ki-nam
(soprano), Jin Kwi-ok (soprano), Kim Un-jiu (soprano), Yu Heui-up
(mezzo-soprano), Lyu Jae-gwang (tenor), Kim Hong-tae (tenor), Park Soo-kil
(baritone), Kim Bum-jin (baritone), Lim Hae-chul (bass) and Park
Seon-jeong (pianist).
The audience will be treated to the most popular operas
and worldwide acclaimed selections from “The Magic Flute”, Samson et
Dalila”, “Don Giovani”, “Tosca”, “The Barber of Seville”,
“Don Carlo”, “Il Trovatore” and excerpts from “La Traviata”.
The ticket is priced at 1,200 baht (for a five course
set dinner). Advance bookings are available by calling the hotel at tel.
(038) 250 421-40.
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