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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

AustCham Wing-Ding at the Royal Cliff

Local Skål members return to their origins at the May meeting

TAT announces new “Hansa; Happy Pattaya-Chonburi” tourist campaign

Young Chiang Mai lad wins cold underwater “marathon”

Sheik Muhammad Ali Mosque holds fundraising fair to build new school building for Islamic studies

Pattaya City hosts Family Health seminar

International jamming comes alive at Jazz Pit

Bai Mai Khaew Foundation holds “Hotels with natural preservation” seminar

AustCham Wing-Ding at the Royal Cliff

story and photos by Peter Cummins

It was, indeed, a great evening at the Royal Wing’s splendid Benjarong Restaurant, for the year’s second AustCham Seaboard Sundowner. Intended to be held pool-side, the seasonal downpour necessitated a switch to the inside foyer of the Benjarong - one of the Royal Cliff’s best restaurants. The evening was still able to proceed in a pool-side ambience, however, due to the open-fronted area of the Benjarong, facing the pool and the Gulf.

AustCham’s new elected committee and directors.

(L to R) Something of a ladies night out for business, Sandra Lambrinos, Supharat Haemachewin, Rachanok Khamsaeng and Jitrapan Moore create their own circle of networking.

(L to R) Archie Dunlop, Pat Gosset, Andrew Wood, Anil Singh, Pater Cummins and Graeme Moore were not to be left by the wayside, had their own Seaboard Sundowners meeting in among the activities.

H.E. Australian Ambassador Miles Kupa graced the gathering with his inimitable, most friendly and informal style and Royal Cliff GM Andrew Wood, welcoming the group to the Royal Cliff for the first time, pointed out the negative impact which SARS was having on Thailand’s erstwhile burgeoning tourism industry. Like any good sailor, though, Andrew reasoned that we must ‘ride out the storm’ to be able to sail into the calmer waters of yore.

Given the heightened frequency of terror attacks, Ambassador Miles informed the gathering of the precautionary measures - especially fore-warnings of potentially dangerous areas - frequently updated and available on-line to all Australian citizens and AustCham members. Miles also referred to the development of the proposed Australian-Thai Free Trade Agreement which was coming to fruition. Sponsored by Melbourne-based Swinburne Tummasiri’s Laem Chabang office, delicious food and the usual flow of beer, spirits and the red and white rivers which all AustCham members and their guests have come to expect, the evening. We were even regaled by a lovely Thai dancer whose deft hand movements and graceful demeanour enthralled the group.

(L to R) H.E. Miles Kupa, Australian Ambassador (left) and Annie Weber, AustCham executive director (right) present Rangsiya Leeaswat, Swinburne’s marketing assistant a bouquet of flowers for her beautiful dance performance at the Seaboard Sundowners.

(L to R) Geoffrey Harrison, director Swinburne Tummasiri, Annie Weber, executive director and David Wright, AustCham president chat about the current climate.

(L to R) Dale Maxewell, Rod Cummins,Tom Grant and Ranjit Chandrasiri discuss the Royal Cliff’s Wine Club.

(L to R) Dale Maxwell, Tom Davies and Vicki Emmanuel enjoy the AustCham networking night.

(L to R) Pat Burbridge, Xena Gonzales, Ranjit Chandrasiri and Yanisa Musiksawat talk about Swinburne Tummasiri’s latest developments in English language courses.v

Geoffrey Harrison, director, Swinburne Tummasiri explained the training role played by Swinburne, noting that a number of innovations for further education were being tabled.

Newly-elected president of AustCham, David Wright, commended Executive Director Annie Weber and her trusty lieutenants who were implementing very active programmes of great benefit to the members and the networks.

Following the most successful evening, AustCham members proceeded on Saturday morning to the school supported by the Chamber for some English teaching for the children.


Local Skål members return to their origins at the May meeting

by Brendan Richards

The first Skål Club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers, following an educational tour of Scandinavia. The idea of international goodwill and friendship grew and, in 1934, the "Association Internationale des Skål Clubs" was formed with Florimond Volckaert as its first president, who is considered the "Father of Skål".

Members and guests had a great time at the Jomtien Boathouse & Grill.

Skål International today has approximately 25,000 members in more than 525 Clubs throughout 80 nations.

In 2003 and half a world away, members of Skål International Pattaya and East Thailand returned to their Scandinavian roots at the Jomtien Boathouse for their monthly luncheon.

Ib Ottesen explains the finer details of a traditional Danish smorgasbord lunch.

Ib Ottesen and his team laid out a Danish style Smorgasbord lunch complete with herring, cold cuts and cheese. The superbly prepared lunch exceeded the expectations and appetites of Skål members in attendance.

At last month’s meeting Dr. Iain Corness spoke on SARS and urged people in the tourism business to impress upon the public the real truth about the problem and not to be so quick to push the panic button. Many of the region’s hotels and travel professionals are still struggling with the current climate, but the operators are hoping that good news would soon be forthcoming.

With the return of president Murray Hertz, new committee members were elected with the main focus being the upcoming Skål Eco Tourism awards.

David Smith, general manager of PMCI’s environmental section was elected as a committee member to spearhead the operation along with Vice President Peter Malhotra and Secretary Andrew Wood in conjunction with the government appointed committee to focus on submitting an application on behalf of Pattaya and the eastern region for the 2003 Skål Eco-Tourism Awards, which is the path to sustainable tourism.

More good news was the announcement of the recent mobile cabinet in Pattaya whereby the political heavyweights were in town to review the city’s status as tour destination and look at improving the overall perception and economic output.

Andrew Wood, club secretary and Royal Cliff general manager announced the upcoming Mega Fam Trip by German travel agents. "Over 100 travel agents from around Germany will visit Pattaya in the following week. The trip is sponsored by Thai Airways and we are part of the itinerary in which we have planned activities. The group will get a chance to swim in the bay and visit the islands," added Andrew.

As local businesses batten down the hatches for tough times, good news such as this is a welcome ray of sunshine for the future of tourism and business in Pattaya.

The next Skål meeting will be a dinner at the Moon River Pub whereby everyone is invited to attend from 7 p.m. June 20.


TAT announces new “Hansa; Happy Pattaya-Chonburi” tourist campaign

Discounts for domestic tourists to boost sluggish sector

Suchada Tupchai

During the recent mobile cabinet meeting trip to Pattaya City, Purachai Piumsomboon, deputy prime minister, the cabinet, and governmental officials were invited to the Bali Hai Marina to attend the opening of the ‘Hansa’ or ‘Happy Pattaya-Chonburi’ campaign in the presence of Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, Thawit Chaisawangwong, chairman of Pattaya’s city council, Chansak Chavalit-Nititham, Chonburi MP, local officials and business operators.

ter visited the Mini Siam booth.

Police Captain Purachai (right) and Juthamas Siriwan (left), TAT governor.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Central Region 3, Pattaya City, Pattaya Business and Tourism Association and many local business operators cooperated in organizing the campaign in hopes of aiding Pattaya businesses that are feeling the crunch triggered by the SARS scare, and regaining tourists from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

At the beginning of May Pattaya business groups, mainly hotels, held a road show at Sirikit National Convention and Exhibition Hall, Bangkok to promote the 50% discount price to Thai tourists in order to help the city’s economy. Some hotel room prices, including breakfast price, are now ranging from 499 baht to 3,999 baht per night.

Popular musician Thewan Sapsaenyakorn and his band entertained the crowd during the ‘Happy Pattaya-Chonburi’ campaign launch.

Local artist Prasart Sajjatham set up a booth to display his talented sculptures.

The opening of the ‘Hansa Pattaya-Chonburi’ exhibition included musical shows by Thewan Sapsaenyakorn, famous Thai Saxophonist, shows from Million Years Stone Park, Nong Nooch Garden, Tiffany Theater, and booths promoting several tourist attractions in Chonburi and Pattaya City.

Pattaya Beach Road will hold a variety of fun activities and interesting attractions along the seaside opposite Soi 4 on Saturday June 21, June 28, July 5, and July 12.


Young Chiang Mai lad wins cold underwater “marathon”

Earns 30,000 baht for staying under 3 minutes 32 seconds

Suchada Tupchai

Nineteen-year-old Chiang Mai lad, Sakpat Musikboonlert stayed submerged in 5 degree Celsius water for 3 minutes 32 seconds in the semi-final round of the Underwater Marathon held at the fountain at Royal Garden Plaza last Saturday.

Steve Blumenthal (back row left) from Mermaids Dive Center, Manit Boonchim (back row center), Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 3 director, and Somporn Naksuetrong (back row right), GM of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! with other dignitaries present prizes to all the winners.

Manit Boonchim (left) presents the top prize to winner Sakpat Musikboonlert from Chiang Mai.

The feat was achieved during the Mermaid’s Dive School, Royal Garden Plaza and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum sponsored contest, and earned him a place in the final round of the competition.

The contest drew thirty strong men; most of them from the navy, to challenge each other in the cold-water diving contest. The temperature of the water in the 2.4-meters long, 1.6 meters wide, and 1.7 meters high tank read a chilly 5 degree Celsius.

Contestants were asked to dive under the water, and the person that stayed under longest would win the grand prize and a certificate of recognition from the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum.

The Amazing fire-eaters from King Kong Island.

It took deep concentration to stay submerged for any length of time in the cold water.

Whilst setting the contest’s best time, Sakpat shocked the audience when his nose started to bleed in the third minute.

Sakpat went into the final round with 5 other men, and even though he did not stay in the water long enough in the final round, the judge crowned him the winner since no other men could beat the time he set during the prior round.

Sakpat received 30,000 baht, a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not certificate, and Mermaid’s Dive School voucher. The 5 runners-up received 2,000 baht each.

Manit Boonchim, Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 3 director, presided over the opening ceremonies and presented the winning prizes.

The contest also featured a fun performance by the dancers from King Kong Island.

The next big event will be Thailand’s Hot Dog Eating Championship II on Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on the 1st Fl. of the Royal Garden Plaza, Pattaya. 50,000 baht goers to anyone who can eat 25 hot dogs and buns within 12 minutes. 10,000 baht for near misses.


Sheik Muhammad Ali Mosque holds fundraising fair to build new school building for Islamic studies

City pledges 1 million baht towards construction costs

Boonlua Chatree

The Sheik Muhammad Ali Mosque on Siam Country Club Road opened a fundraising fair last Saturday evening. Tuanhaji Manoon Srisanarm, vice president of the Islamic Council of Ayutthaya was the guest of honor for the opening of the tea drinking ceremonies.

Chansak Chavalit-Nititham (3rd from left), Haji Musa Wongharn and the committee at the Sheik Muhammad Ali Mosque fundraising fair to build a new school building for Islamic studies.

During the ceremonies, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat announced that the city will support the education of children in the area and the Islamic community by partially funding the construction with 1 million baht. The announcement was well received by the community.

The Imam of the Sheik Muhammad Ali Mosque, Haji Musa Wongharn, said, "The charity tea drinking activity was organized as part of the effort to raise funds for the new building. The school will be a center for education in Islamic religion, philosophy and improvement of general skills to the children in the community before they graduate and become contributing members of society. The only thing missing is the required funds to complete the building."

Funding for the center has been undertaken by local community donations.


Pattaya City hosts Family Health seminar

Education is the key to healthy living

Suchada Tupchai

Over 80 people from Pattaya’s surrounding communities attended a seminar on Family Health at Pattaya City Hall last Friday morning. The seminar, organized by the Pattaya Department of Health, Hygiene and Environment in cooperation with the Pattaya Health Club was organized to educate local citizens and community leaders on various health issues faced by individuals and families.

Suwanna Apichartsorakai (right), president of Pattaya Health Club listens intently to the presentation.

Dr. Chaicharn Limtongcharoen from Banglamung Hospital discussed bone disorders with the assembled people from Pattaya’s surrounding communities who attended a seminar on Family Health at Pattaya City Hall last Friday morning.

The city’s health department is attempting to inform residents on how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, thereby reducing the burden on families and the region’s health system.

The project is well supported by local organizations such as the Pattaya Family Health Club as well as community leaders who recognize the importance of disease prevention and lifestyle improvement for local families.

Special guest lecturers at this second seminar were Dr. Chaicharn Limtongcharoen, who discussed bone disorders and Dr. Piya Chiewprasit who addressed the subject of SARS.

Both medical professionals are from Banglamung Hospital. The hospital has been very supportive of health education projects in the district.


International jamming comes alive at Jazz Pit

Sue K.

Fed up with plaguing news about Saddam and SARS that have sent a lot of businesses down the drains and people into miseries, the Jazz Pit came up with an idea to liven up the city and lighten up the weary hearts.

Alex Sergeenko saws away at the fiddle during the international jam session at the Jazz Pit.

Nikolai Popravko (left) and Vilena Pikkarainen add their cool sounds to the evening.

Pattaya International Jamming sessions during the weekend of May 16 & 17 drew unexpected large crowds, both patrons and jazz jammers.

The in-house trio Vilena, Ramil, and Nikolai were joined by friends from Bangkok and abroad, Konrad, Hans, Gregory, Alexander and Roustem, just to name a few.

Gregory (center) joined the in-house trio of Vilena, Ramil and Nikolai, adding his own style to create a wonderful new sound.

Packed on both nights, various pieces were played out on keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, cello, and drums.

From classical jazz to contemporary and blues, even some rock and roll upon the guests’ requests.

Enthusiastic and not so enthusiastic jazz lovers saw themselves singing, swaying and dancing along as the group of professionals played and sang into the wee hours of the weekend mornings.

It was indeed a fun weekend for all who were there. We were promised by Dr. Sanya that many more jam session can be expected in the near future in Pattaya, and only at the Jazz Pit.


Bai Mai Khaew Foundation holds “Hotels with natural preservation” seminar

Songklod Kaewvisit

The Bai Mai Khaew, or Green Leaf Foundation, held a seminar themed "Hotels with the natural preservation" at Dusit Resort Pattaya on May 12. Dr Jirapol Sinthunava, secretary of the foundation and Jampoon Chawasiri, the assistant of the foundation both addressed the audience comprised mostly of Pattaya and eastern region hoteliers.

Dr Jirapol Sinthunava urges the assembled crowd of hoteliers to strictly follow the city’s resource and waste management regulations for the good of the environment and the welfare of the region’s residents.

The Bai Mai Khaew Foundation works in conjunction with the region’s hotels to preserve and protect the natural environment. During the seminar hoteliers were urged to strictly follow the city’s resource and waste management regulations for the good of the environment and the welfare of the region’s residents. Hotels were also encouraged to become members of the foundation.

The Bai Mai Khaew Foundation stresses the importance of marine life and seashore preservation in Pattaya and nearby provinces. The seminar was held to create more awareness on this topic in the hotel and travel industry.


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