OUR COMMUNITY
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya says “Thank you”

Lions Club Chonburi-Sattahip organizes charity bowl to raise funds for HIV victims

Rieckermann holds staff party for Christmas

Siam Hotels Group throws thank you party for customers and travel agents

Gen. Niphon Pharumnit appointed advisor to PIC Group

Jazz and wine lovers treated to fun festival at Central Festival Center

Pattaya School of Languages and Computers treats students and teachers to a Christmas and New Year’s party

Sheri Ferguson Christmas cheers

Christmas at the Captain’s Corner

Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya celebrates an early Christmas!

First Pattaya community sports activity day brings joy and fun to participants from 15 Pattaya communities

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya says “Thank you”

The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya held a ‘Thank you’ Party on December 21, themed ‘Rock and Roll”. The event was organized by general manager Andrew Khoo to show the hotel’s appreciation to all members of society who have supported the hotel during the year - mainly friends, customers, members of the press, and travel agents.

(From left) Surat Mekavarakul, president of the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association and the chairman of Pattaya Anti-Drug Project; Alvi Sinthuvanik, former president of Rotary Club Jomtien-Pattaya; Pol. Lt. Col. Jirat Phichitpai, founder and administrator of the Ban Poosri Uppathom Drug Treatment Center and Andrew Khoo, the Hard Rock Hotel’s general manager.

The night started with guests mingling with each other and enjoying the snacks and drinks that were on offer. The guest band provided the entertainment, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Andrew Khoo then commenced the proceedings by giving a speech. He thanked everyone for attending and said, “It has been a great year for Hard Rock Hotel, and I wanted to thank everyone here for supporting us during 2002.”

The night also included a prize for the “best dressed” person in the room, games, and a lucky draw. It was another fun-filled night, something that seems to have become a regular occurrence at the Hard Rock Hotel.

The hotel has supported a number of different charities and events during the year, under the 4 precepts that govern the Hard Rock philosophy - “All is one, Save the Planet, Love all-serve all, and Take time to be kind.” Their contribution to society has been immense and will continue for years to come.

Hard Rock Hotel set up a 40,000 baht fund for Ban Poosri Drug Rehabilitation Center, which was received by Pol. Col. Jirat Phichitpai, director of the center.

Most recently, the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya staff, led by Andrew Khoo, general manger, recently put hands and hearts together to donate 40,000 baht cash to the Pattaya Drug Treatment Center “Ban Poosri Uppathom” represented by Pol. Lt. Col. Jirat Phichitpai, founder and administrator, as part of the hotel’s motto “Take Time to be Kind”.


Lions Club Chonburi-Sattahip organizes charity bowl to raise funds for HIV victims

The special charity bowl was presided over by Surapol Tiansuwan of Sattahip municipality with winners vying for the Tanpuying Pansavalee Kittiyakorn Trophy.

Surapol Tiansuwan of Sattahip municipality cuts the ribbon to open the charity bowling tournament.

The aim was to raise money for HIV infected patients at Queen Sirikit hospital, scholarships for students of Sattahip District, and the rest will go to the fund for Lions Club charitable activities.

The competition was divided into 3 categories: VIP teams, general teams, and individual teams for males and females, with winner and runners up receiving Tanpuying Pansavalee Kittiyakorn trophy, Admiral Yongyut Noppakun trophy and Lions President Sumet Techakraisri trophy respectively.

Vice Admiral Vichai Chutapakdeeprasert, Vice Admiral Terdsak Satiensawat, Vice president of Lions Club 310 C, General Takueng Mung Tanya, and Rear Admiral Virot Ruttiwat the director of Queen Sirikit hospital presented the awards.


Rieckermann holds staff party for Christmas

Suchada Tupchai

The executives and staff of the Rieckermann Thai Engineering Co., Ltd, recently held their Christmas party at Chan’s Bistro, organized by MD Hans-Dieter Westphal.

The executives and staff of Rieckermann Thai Engineering Co., Ltd. enjoyed a fun-filled Christmas party at Chan’s Bistro.

During his evening speech, Westphal thanked his over 50 staff members for their hard work and dedication, which has helped make the company successful in Thailand for over 50 years.

The party was enjoyed by all with a special show from the Alcazar Cabaret, sumptuous dinner and gift exchange.

The management of Rieckermann also handed out rewards and gifts to their staff. Then the dancing started, which carried on into the late hours.

Rieckermann Thailand provides consultation and workforce in engineering and has been one of the most important centers acting as the representative for the international manufacturing industries.


Siam Hotels Group throws thank you party for customers and travel agents

Songklod Kaewvisit

The Siam Hotels Group, which comprises 3 hotels: Siam Bayshore Hotel, Siam Bayview Hotel, and Siam City Bangkok, held a special “Thank You” party for their loyal customers, travel agents, and many members of press who have had longstanding relationships with the Siam Group.

Saran Nimihut (left), hotel manager of the Siam Bayview Hotel, and Hans H. Spoerri, group general manager (2nd left) welcomed loyal customers, travel agents, and many members of press who have had longstanding relationships with the Siam Hotels Group to the group’s special “Thank You” party at Siam Bayview Hotel.

Group General Manager Hans H. Spoerri welcomed the guests and gave a speech to express Siam Group’s thanks and appreciation.

Held on December 13 at Siam Bayshore, the highlight of the party was the Thai traditional wedding ceremony which was set up to proclaim the hotel’s readiness in organizing wedding parties, particularly for those who are looking for a place to celebrate.

The ceremony was colorfully grand and impressive. Flamboyant bartender shows and dancing rounded out the entertainment and a selection of exquisite international cuisine was served to the guests.

Siam Group Hotels are placed on the top 10 hotel list in Thailand and are equipped with quality facilities and rooms for moderate prices.


Gen. Niphon Pharumnit appointed advisor to PIC Group

General Niphon Pharumnit was recently appointed as an advisor to the executive board of the PIC. The PIC Group feels that General Niphon will make a great contribution to the board, as he is a learned and much accomplished man.

Dr Sunya Viravaidya (right), Managing Director PIC Group, welcomes General Niphon Pharumnit (left) to his new position as advisor to the PIC executive board.

General Niphon’s working principles are simplicity, probability, and economy. The people must be able to benefit directly, and all of his developments must be permanent.

Some of his notable achievements have included being Assistant Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army (beginning in 1998), Deputy Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army (beginning in 2001), Advisor to Royal Projects (beginning Sep 01, 2002), Director of Royal Projects in Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, Prachinburi, Srakaew, Petburi, Prajuabkirikhan, Chiangmai, and Maehongson from 1985-2002, and President of the Directing Committee, Reserve and Rehabilitate Project at Khao Nangpanturat Area (Chaolaiyai Mountain) from 1997-present.

General Niphon has been working in Chonburi for a long time, and he is a true warrior and a versatile developer. “It is truly an honor for our companies that he takes this position in order to develop the PIC Group and the city of Pattaya to even more prosperity,” said Dr Sunya Viravaidya.


Jazz and wine lovers treated to fun festival at Central Festival Center

Songklod Kaewvisit

Central Festival Center held a Jazz and wine festival to promote jazz and fine wines in the community. Presided over by Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, the festival ran December 21-25.

Fine jazz performances were presented by many bands and individual performers including Bangkok Connection, Black Beat, Arnond Jazz Band, Paiboonkiat Keawkeaw, and Tawan Sabsaenyakorn, Thailand’s number one saxophonist.

Fine jazz performances were presented by many bands and individual performers including Bangkok Connection, Black Beat, Arnond Jazz Band, Paiboonkiat Keawkeaw, and Tawan Sabsaenyakorn, Thailand’s number one saxophonist.

Prizes for lucky winners included Thailand’s largest Santa Claus, kids joined the Santa Kid Star contest 2002 and many other fun activities made the festival a huge success.

A wide selection of wines was stocked for sale including Georgian Wine, a type of wine with a unique taste, fermented under sunlight and in a pure atmosphere. Many Thai brands are also available, including Chateau De Leu, a fine tasting wine with quality comparable to many imported wines.


Pattaya School of Languages and Computers treats students and teachers to a Christmas and New Year’s party

Songklod Kaewvisit

The Pattaya School of Languages and Computers (PLC) held a special party for students and teachers at its Pattaya Klang premises on Christmas Night. School manager, Lion Lamai Pewthong treated her team of teachers, students and special guests to an evening of fun and games as they celebrated year another successful year at the school.

The Pattaya School of Languages and Computers (PLC) held a special party for students and teachers on Christmas Night when school manager, Lion Lamai Pewthong (seated 3rd from left) treated her team of teachers, students and special guests to an evening of fun and games.

Plenty of great food and beverages were available and gifts were presented to the group.

The Pattaya School of Languages and Computers is one of the few schools in Pattaya that has received certification from the Ministry of Education. A wide range of subjects can studied. The language department offers studies in English, Thai, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Italian and the school offers a range of computer subjects.

The language courses focus on reading, writing and stress conversation and comprehension. Advanced levels with native-speaking teachers to assist students in their studies are a part of the school’s curriculum.


Sheri Ferguson Christmas cheers

Since Larry Ferguson passed away 5 years ago, his wife Sheri had been celebrating Christmas alone. Well, not totally, as she continuously receives unconditional love from her 3 dogs, Buster, Happy and Lucky come Christmas or not.

The happy bunch, (l-r) Alisa, Susie, Ann Laurie, Liz, Sheri, and Sandra. (Standing) Dave, Eddy and Sue.

“But I just don’t know who to cook Christmas turkey for,” Sheri told her friends a few days before.

So to make her Christmas more objective, this year friends gathered at her home to give her a Christmas cheer, and of course to savor the large turkey, complete with dressing, and the works.

After that presents under the Christmas tree, carefully placed by Santa for everybody the night before, were opened, putting big smiles on all the receivers.


Christmas at the Captain’s Corner

Santa Claus paid a surprise visit to the Captain’s Corner, handing out presents to all the children there.

Panida and Nanthida, Ib and Kanikar’s beautiful daughters, sample the traditional Scandinavian Christmas buffet at the Captain’s Corner Restaurant.


Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya celebrates an early Christmas!

Don’t forget the Rotary Money Mile

Akshay Singh

The Rotary Club of Jomtien -Pattaya held its Christmas dinner last Wednesday night at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. This annual event has always been an opportunity for Rotarians to bring their families and friends along so they can all join in the festive fun.

President Bruno (center) and the dancing Santa Claus with all the ladies (and a couple of gents) who attended the Christmas dinner.

The Rotary warmth was as evident as ever, with Pattaya Mail MD Peter Malhotra and President Bruno Keller commencing the proceedings in their typically exuberant manner. All those who attended enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner and were treated with flawless service by the Royal Cliff Beach Resort staff.

Each week, Rotarians seem to dig deep into their pockets to provide funds for charity, and must be commended for their generosity. At the Christmas dinner, the fundraiser consisted of a raffle and an auction.

A Christmas wreath and a flowerpot were the prizes for the raffle; the former was won by Al’s beautiful wife and the latter by Jon Tellefsen’s lovely wife.

A ‘Swinging Santa’ went on the auction block and after several bids were placed, the cute but loud toy was finally purchased by Bancha Mungchana for 2,000 baht. In total, 6,500 baht was raised towards charity; another admirable achievement.

The Rotary Club is also organizing a major charity event this weekend. The ‘Money Mile’ will be held on Pattaya Beach Promenade, on Sunday December 29 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The public will be able to purchase charity coupons from cashier stations in the area, and will be provided with a sticker as proof of donation. All funds raised will be donated to charity, and all donations will be greatly appreciated.

The highlight of the evening was a speech by Past President Peter Malhotra. Not only did Peter explain the real meaning of Rotary and what Rotarians are all about, but he also expressed his sincere belief in the club and what great achievements could be made if everyone worked together as a team. His words were described as “the most touching words heard at Rotary for years”.

As always, the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya held another successful meeting. Well, this occasion can’t be called a meeting since it was far too comfortable and relaxed for that. More importantly the evening was an occasion to celebrate the Christmas season in the spirit of fellowship and was truly enjoyed by all.


First Pattaya community sports activity day brings joy and fun to participants from 15 Pattaya communities

Songklod Kaewvisit

Five hundred participants showed up to support a new community sporting event. Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat opened the ‘First Pattaya community sports day’ held at the Pattaya City Hall.

Cheering on the green team from of Nong Yai, Soi 5 Thanwa, Central Pattaya, and Soi Chumsai communities.

Cheerleaders young and old kept the games lively.

Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat banged the gong to officially get the games underway.

The competitors came from 15 Pattaya communities and were divided into 4 teams of different colors - green, blue, red and yellow.

The red team consisted of Krathing Rai, Wat Chong Lom, Nong Ket, and Koh Larn communities. The yellow team consisted of Sal Chao Mae Taptim, Soi Post Office, and Ton Krabok Mosque. The green team consisted of Nong Yai, Soi 5 Thanwa, Central Pattaya, and Soi Chumsai communities. The blue team consisted of Wat Thamsamakkhee, Nong Pang Khae, Soi Kor Phai, and Wat Chaimongkol communities.

Winners received prizes from the mayor in the evening. Colorful cheerleaders from different color teams spurred on the athletes and kept up the excitement throughout the day. The mayor said the activity was aimed at uniting and strengthening Pattaya’s communities. Besides, sports leave participants with better health and said that the activity will be organized again next year.