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Santsak Ngamphiches celebrates his birthday amongst hundreds of wellwishers

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital receives Prime Minister’s award

Lions declare first stage renovations of Nongphangkae Public Clinic ready for use.

Erika Keller celebrates her birthday in style... Oh Boyz!

Aussie’s and Kiwis meet at Seaboard Sundowners

Adisorn promises to wed Jyoti

Todd Hoppe sets off a grand slam of celebrations

Santsak Ngamphiches celebrates his birthday amongst hundreds of wellwishers

Suchada Tupchai

Over 100 local businesspersons and political figures visited Santsak Ngampiches on the occasion of his 62nd birthday. Provincial heavyweight, and mayor of Saensuk municipality Somchai Khunpluem joined Santsak to wish him a very happy birthday and stayed to attend the morning’s religious ceremonies.

Somchai Khunpluem, mayor of Saensuk Municipality attended the religious ceremonies to bless Santsak Ngampiches on his birthday.

A constant stream of well wishers turned up through out the day, many of whom stayed for the afternoon party at the Grand Sole Hotel, provided by Santsak, who is also president and CEO of the hotel.

Santsak Ngampiches was born in 1941. During his younger years he strived towards education, graduating with a mini MBA in business management from Rachamongkol Institute of technology before moving onto a degree in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University as well as an honors degree from the University of Western Pacific in California, USA.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi and his family convey good wishes to the former MP.

Upon returning to Thailand, Santsak then began his long political career, holding numerous positions over the years until present day as advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Santsak’s business life has been equally fruitful. He is the CEO of the Grand Sole Hotel, president of the Grand Ocean Co. Ltd., New Chonburi Business Co. Ltd. and vice president of Burapa Golf Co. Ltd.

Nittaya Patimasongkroh wishes Santsak a Happy Birthday.

At the community level, Santsak has a long list of achievements. He is a past president of the Jaycees of Thailand, past president of the Chonrasadorn Alumni Association and head of the Parents Teachers Association of Assumption College, Sriracha, and advisor to the Lions Clubs of Chonburi as well as advisor to the Chonburi Chamber of Commerce. Even at 62, Santsak continues his busy life without signs of slowing down.


Bangkok Pattaya Hospital receives Prime Minister’s award

Outstanding Business Most Recognized by Foreign Patrons

The Bangkok Pattaya Hospital grabbed this prestigious award under the “Private Hospital” category for 2003. It is the recognition for excellent medical and health services provided to international patients. This takes into account not only the quality of the medical care given, but also the efforts to bring international patients from all over the world to Thailand for treatment.

The Bangkok Pattaya team proudly display their award after the presentation (l-r) Neil Maniquiz, Marketing Excutive, Dr. Weerasak Pongpattanapan, Assistant Director, Neera Sirisampan, Assistant Director-International Operations, Dr. Pichit Kangwolkij, Director, Satit Viddayakorn, Managing Director, Dr. Pirus Pradithavanij, Deputy Director

Former Prime Minister, H.E. Anand Panyarachun, initiated the Prime Minister’s Export award in 1992, which represents the degree of excellence regarding aspects of production processes and overall product quality. The award scheme is driven by a vision of developing original and unique Thai products for the world market. The presentation of the Prime Minister’s Export award is one of the measures, which the Royal Thai Government is undertaking to capably and continually increase export growth.

A commerce ministry spokesman said that, “This year, the Ministry of Commerce initiated an additional award to recognize businesses that have managed outstanding performances and most recognized by foreign patrons i.e private hospitals and educational institutions.” He added, “For the award winners, the Prime Minister’s Export Award is one of the quality assurances, which significantly enhance their capability when exposed to the world market with pride and total confidence. In addition, foreign importers and consumers can greatly appreciate the products and services that meet their preferences in price, design, taste, and satisfaction.”

His Excellency Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra presented the awards at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok last week.


Lions declare first stage renovations of Nongphangkae Public Clinic ready for use.

Songklod Kaewvisit

It was a long haul but the tireless Lions Club of Jomtien-Pattaya finally declared the first stage of renovations was ready for the Nongphangkae Public Clinic on Thursday afternoon. Lions Club members, led by front man and president Peter Smith officially handed over the new room to Clinic Director, Sunee Phiromplad.

Peter Smith, president of the Lions Club of Jomtien-Pattaya led his members to hand over the completed renovations to the happy directors.

The renovations cost 200,000 baht and will allow patients to recover in peace and quiet in clean environment. The Lions Club donation doesn’t stop there. Further plans by the Lions Club are underway as the next project includes the purchase of further hospital equipment, medicine and hospital beds for patients. The government run facility had been pressed for money and no extra funds to refurbish the busy center.

Sunee told reporters, “This new room that the Lions Club of Jomtien-Pattaya has made for us will enable our patients to recover in peace. The new projects will provide a more convenient facility for them to use and with this addition we are very grateful for their contribution to improve the quality of life for our patients.”

The construction process lasted just over one month with the funds being provided by the Lions Club through a number of fundraising activities.


Erika Keller celebrates her birthday in style... Oh Boyz!

Erika Keller, past president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, also known as the iron lady of charity projects, celebrated her birthday on August 19. Of course as birthday parties go, they are supposed to be a surprise. So to keep with tradition Bruno Keller threw one for her at Casa Pascal. What a surprise! Friends brought her happiness and good wishes with flowers and lots of presents. Erika showed her appreciation by treating them to champagne, wine and an exquisite meal.

Erika is delighted to be surrounded by Boyz, Boyz and Boyz. Bruno (center) and Pascal (right) had no time to change into their glittering dresses for this picture.

Bruno related the story of how he met Erika and described in vague detail about some of the lighter moments in Erika’s life. Erika just smiled at these stories, but we wonder why Bruno had a black eye the next day, later to be revealed that he walked into the bathroom door.

A show by dancers from the Boyz Boyz Boyz was the highlight of the party, which was enjoyed by one and all.


Aussie’s and Kiwis meet at Seaboard Sundowners

The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) held an intimate gathering of members and guests for a Seaboard Sundowners networking evening at the Garden Beach Resort in Pattaya last weekend.

With a number of committee members attending a meeting in Bangkok, the details were left to the very bubbly Chanakarn Peeratantikun, Office Manager for the Chamber. The evening’s event was co-sponsored by resident Kiwi Rod Skinner, managing director of Transport Maintenance and the Garden Beach Resort Hotel.

AustCham networkers enjoyed a cool evening by the beach.

A live band played while stalwart networkers went about chatting and enjoying an evening by the pool and the beach. Chris May from Executive International movers was vigorously schmoozing, being his usually joyful self, and chatting to anybody and everybody. Rod Cummins from JVK was seen chatting with his ‘father’ Peter Cummins, and though they are not related, both play on the fact of having the same last name.

Steele Lambrinos rolled up to take part in the proceedings and introduced Rod to the group. Rod spoke of how great the venue was and would like to see more networking nights organized on the beach. He also announced further developments in business by adding the extra dimension of building boats, due to begin soon.

With plenty of food and wine for all, the evening was a delightfully refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of most networking nights.

Chanakarn also urged all members to join in teaching English at the Ban Huay Mahad School in Rayong, one of their three teaching projects in Thailand. The next Sundowners is scheduled for Friday November 14. Don’t miss it.


Adisorn promises to wed Jyoti

Wadhai ceremony attended by over 400 relatives and friends

by Randharimhar

There is something captivating about an Indian bride, or one to-be, which never fails to leave one in awe. The grace, that shy smile, her lowered gaze, the jewellery and that stunning dress will enchant just about anybody. And you can only imagine how Mr. Adisorn Singh Kwatra, son of Mr Surin Singh Kwatra, owner of Siam International Tailors, one of Pattaya’s oldest settlers felt on the evening of Saturday August 16, when he saw his lovely fiance Jyoti. Jyoti is the daughter of Mr. Balbir Singh Madan, a prominent businessman in Nakhon Phanom.

Lovely Indian girls dressed in colourful traditional attire brighten up the lives of the ‘Promised Ones’

Adisorn’s family invited Jyoti’s family to come to Pattaya for the ‘Elaan’ and ‘Wadhai’ ceremonies. The ‘Elan’ ceremony is the announcement of the commitment and took place in the morning at the Sikh Temple in Soi 17. The prayers in this ritual, ask God for His blessings as this newly engaged couple take their first step towards a life-long union. Relatives and friends of the family from far and near were gathered to witness this auspicious occasion.

The ‘Wadhai’ ceremony celebrates the get-together of both the families in a ritual of blessings and gift exchanges. The ceremonial proceedings were held at the Dusit Resort, Pattaya later in the evening. The ballroom was painted in bright colours as guests dressed in their finest Indian formal wear filed in for the celebration. The family of the groom to-be staged a dance medley of the latest Bollywood music that had the audience moving with joy in their seats. The delicious food, that feeling of love in the air and the wonderful performance all in all made the evening one that will be remembered by the young couple for a long time to come.


Todd Hoppe sets off a grand slam of celebrations

Last week, Todd and Jennifer Hoppe made a quick trip to Thailand to visit their parents. Both had only a week before the start of university classes on August 25. They flew in from Michigan, USA to see their parents, Bruce and Judy Hoppe. Daughter Jennifer is a junior at Michigan State University. Son Todd is a third year law student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

(Front row, L to R) Apple Hoar, Nittaya Noyes, Todd Hoppe, Jennifer Hoppe, No Sinthuvanik, (Middle) Susie Zofkie, Chittima Tobarameekul, Sue Kukarja, Bruce Hoppe, Judy Hoppe, Alvi Sinthuvanik, Al and Pat Caudullo (Rear) Tom Zofkie, Dave and Pauline Morrison, Tom Hoar

Since the family will not be together on Todd’s birthday, September 12, they decided to round up some of their Thailand friends and have an early birthday party for Todd. Apple Hoar suggested holding the party at her new restaurant, Your Hut Caf้, in Naklua, on the south side of Soi 12. Since Apple has not formally opened her new cafe as yet, she made it the first event of her soft opening. The Thai food, cooked by Apple, was delicious. Everyone loved it, including the vegetarians in the group. The Your Hut Caf้ will be open for several other soft opening events as Apple finalizes her menu. This new, cozy, restaurant will officially open about September 9.

Bruce Hoppe presents his son Todd with a cartoon drawing of Todd proposing marriage on the beach of Lake Michigan.

Todd recently asked his girl friend of several years, Robin Lileikis, to marry him. Both Todd and Robin attended Michigan State University. It is a tradition for couples to become engaged by Beaumont Tower, on the MSU campus. Todd decided to carry the tradition to the beach of Lake Michigan where Robin’s parents have a condo. Instead of going to Beaumont Tower to propose,

Todd Hoppe constructed a sand sculpture of Michigan’s State University’s Beaumont Tower on the Grand Haven beach recently before proposing to his girlfriend, Robin Lileikis. The Beaumont Tower has traditionally been the location for many marriage proposals over the years at MSU.

 Todd brought Beaumont Tower to the beach. He built a sand castle replica and that was where Todd proposed to Robin. When Todd and Robin got engaged on the beach, it was big news in the local Grand Haven, Michigan newspaper. A story about the happy couple and their picture with their sand castle were on the front page! Bruce and Judy decided to give Todd and Robin something else in remembrance of that event. They presented him with a cartoon drawing of the happy occasion.

Everyone had a fun evening with good food and many memories.