HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Jesters ‘Care for Kids’ Charity Drive 2003 crosses the finish line a winner

Satin textiles raise the Thai flag at Brussels Fair

U.S. Franchise Delegation in Pattaya to inspect and assess business opportunities

Rotarians invite one and all to their festival of friendship

Chateau de Loei officially launches their 2003 vintage

Jesters ‘Care for Kids’ Charity Drive 2003 crosses the finish line a winner

4 million baht raised

Brendan Richards

Riding high on the crest of the previous week’s successful children’s fair, this year’s Jesters ‘Care for Kids’ Charity crossed the finish line with a record of 4 million baht plus in the charity coffers.

(L to R) Kim Fletcher, Shenanigans landlord, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Sophon Cable TV MD and Peter Malhotra, Pattaya Mail MD chatting away at the start of the night.

The team at Shenanigans was prepared for a rowdy night as the crowd gradually built up to a roar. Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood officially declared the last round of the charity drive, thanking everyone for the support; moreover, all the sponsors, the community for attending both events and the committee for an outstanding effort in this year’s fundraising effort. Over six months of planning, numerous meetings and discussions with sponsors had reached the pinnacle of success for the children of Thailand.

(L to R) Eddy ‘the ... auctioneer’ Henheffer, Kim Fletcher and Woody discuss plans prior to the start of the evening’s events.

“Welcome everybody to our grand finale, our last dance for this year’s charity drive ... The best thing is we’re on the brink of 3 million already,” said Woody at around 7.30 p.m., then continued, “I would especially like to thank all of you, you are the stars of this charity drive, and all of you make it possible. I’d like to thank you for your compassion for the kids. For giving back to the community, our community. Caring for the kids in need, the kids who need: from broken families, the kids who need a break from the cycle of generations of poverty. The kids who need a brighter future through education and vocational training and you’re all doing this by assisting us through our charity drive.

(L-R) Mike ‘Dabber’ Dabanovich, Pascal and Anne from Bangkok, Pistol Pete and Scar were seen enjoying this year’s Pub Night.

“We cover, rather YOU cover, 60 percent of the operational expenses for the Fountain of Life. That includes documentation, for without documentation they can’t go to school, can’t get a job, can’t qualify for the 30 baht health scheme from the government, basic education, scholarships in government schools, or medical expenses.

Tawan Thonglim (Aom) representing platinum sponsor Shenanigans (front center left) presents the 100,000 baht cheque to Bill Freeman (center right), Jesters committee treasurer for the ‘Care for Kids Charity Drive. They are joined by the Fountain of Life Sisters and Gerry Carpenter (back right) and the lovely Moo (back 2nd from left) also representing Shenanigans.

“We covered heart operations, pediatric arthritis, epilepsy, and dental treatment (which was) a major project this year, helping kids who would otherwise lose permanent teeth. (We also helped) the blind school, many of whom are orphans. We’ve been able to expand the dorms, dining area and purchase musical instruments. At the Eastern Child Welfare Center at Huay Pong, you helped build the boy’s dormitory last year and a school building this year. We will complete the other one next year.

Graham Macdonald announces the final auction items of the evening, two David Beckham signed footballs, presented by the Fountain of Life Sisters.

“A fourth project this year is ‘Our Home’ run by Khun Tiew. She takes in students from Huay Pong and gives them a home and vocational training, where otherwise they would go back to living on the street.

Diane Connelly presents the first of a long list of auction items.

“YOU also have allowed us to bring the children to the fair, something they would not get to attend or experience. This is all because of you and you (the community) should feel ownership in the charity drive and we hope you continue to support us, for the benefit of our community.”

This framed oil painting reproduction of Ernest L. Blumenschein’s 1913 ‘The Peacemaker’ was well liked and went to deserving home.

Woody also thanked all sponsors for their generosity and support in this year’s Charity Drive, including Joe St. Laurent, a staunch supporter of the ‘Care for Kids’ and a gold sponsor this year who made a special trip to Pattaya for both the fair and the pub night.

Tending the Shenanigans store for the evening were (L to R) Pen Sandilands, Jester ‘Pistol Pete’, Jester Neil Sandilands and Mamo Kerr.

Once the pub night was underway, the fun and games began, comperes for the night Neil Smith and Andy Francis took command of the microphone to introduce Eddy Henheffer, auctioneer for the evening. Eddy’s incredible professionalism and effort raised over 480,000 baht in the auction alone. Noteworthy items such as a signed Manchester United jersey signed by David Beckham went for an astounding 43,000 baht, while the two footballs brought in just as much; the final three items raked in over 120,000 baht alone.

Toy Ryser looks after her daughter during an evening of fun and mayhem, all in the name of charity.

As the evening rolled on, more entertainment was on tap, with Declan on acoustic guitar to break up the multitude of auction items and numerous spot prizes, as well as ‘Elvis’ detouring from the nearby 7 Eleven to whip out a few tunes for the crowd.

Phil Dunn trying to con his way into cheap flights from the British Airways/Qantas Hataiporn Suwanmethajarn, marketing & distributing manager, Thanitta Laksanalami, corporate sales executive and Supeepun Poorripanyawanich, sales manager.

Winding on through the night the ladies from Qantas/British Airways were seen relaxing in the library awaiting their final moment when they could present the first prize in the grand raffle. The winner, in fact, was in Bangkok. The support of BA/Qantas over the last six years is greatly appreciated by the committee and the lucky prizewinners.

Gez Tracy scores one of the coveted Beckham autographed footballs for hefty price.

Pattaya’s community was out in force for a wild party in aid of charity and they didn’t disappoint, even Bernard Trink stopped by for a quick meal and to check out the evening’s events.

Once all the formalities were said and done, everyone switched into crazy mode with Pop’s Allstars hammering out live music with Pattaya’s own divas, Harpic Bryant and Victoria Newman, providing some very powerful vocals to great music.

Shenanigans staff were kept busy all night with the constant demands of a thirsty crowd that came in to join in the evening’s charity event.

As the ‘Care for Kids’ Charity Drive for 2003 drew to a close the official announcement came, with all the Jesters present, along with Shenanigans landlord Kim Fletcher, that the total of 4 million baht had been broken.

At the end of the announcement everyone continued to celebrate the achievement until the very early hours of Sunday morning; many reportedly saw the sunrise.

The crowd hit the dance floor when ‘Elvis’ entered the building.

The most successful charity drive in its 6-year history, an outstanding effort by the community at large, businesses, in support of the region’s underprivileged children, WELL DONE to all of YOU and thank you for your support. Hope to see you all again next year!

Satin textiles raise the Thai flag at Brussels Fair

story and pix by
Peter Cummins

The Thai flag flew high and proudly over the spectacular exhibition complex (former site of the world’s first international expo held in 1958) at the recently held 25th Global Decosit Fabric Trade Fair, held at Brussels earlier this month. Schle Wood-Thanan, managing director of Thailand’s Satin Textiles Company, had very good cause to celebrate. As in previous years of the ongoing trade fair, Schle’s company, the ONLY Thai representation among 370 exhibitors from 20 countries which participated this year, won the first nomination in the “Decosit Fabrics Award”.

Khun Rathiya accepted the award, on behalf of Satin Textiles from Decosit GM Patrick Geysels.

It was hardly by chance. Satin Textiles’ success in 2003 marks the third successive occasion to take the honours in one or another of the categories in this highly-competitive and prestigious event, which brings together the leaders of the world’s furnishing and fabrics manufacturers. Satin Textiles won the “Decosit Trends Award” in 2001 and again in 2002.

An overview of the exhibition area at Hall Seven: a total of 20,000 sq m. of exhibition space in 2003.

No wonder that the very attractive Thai stand at Decosit was totally packed with clients, visitors and the just-plain “curious”. Even as the huge consignment of some two tonnes of fabrics, furnishings and equipment was being opened and assembled, the Thai booth was overflowing with people. Situated in a corner of the expansive Hall Seven of the Fair, Satin Textiles became, literally, “check-point Charlie” (for those who can remember the hyper-busy entrance-exit to Eastern Germany in the Cold War days), as crowds surged in one entrance and out the other, many clutching order sheets.

The beautifully-appointed Thai stand: “Check-point Charlie”?

The winning nomination, according to the team of judges was, “Awarded for a fur-like, silver lurex shiny fabric, with lustre and matte finish interwoven.” The judges’ panel was most impressed that the iridescent sections of the fabric were supple and not rigid, as would be expected in such a textile.

Khun Schle (facing left) discusses progress with the Thai ambassador to Belgium (back to camera).

The breakdown of the exhibits at the fair, which was attended by some 14,000 visitors from 100 countries around the world, showed again a varied and large range of upholstery fabrics: 4 percent Terry, 15% pile, 27% flat woven fabrics plain, 30% Jacquard, 18% printed fabrics and six percent leather and simulated products.

Clients, visitors and the “just-plain-curious” pack in to Satin Textiles’ stand.

Decosit focuses on both the residential and contract business, with three quarters of the exhibitors aiming at both sectors, a quarter solely on the residential market and the rest specifically on contract business.

The Satin Textiles Company has specialized in the production and export of home furnishings since 1986, when the operation was a small weaving mill in the Pra-Padaeng District of Samut Prakarn, on the outskirts of Bangkok.

When Khun Schle took the helm (he is an accomplished sailing helmsman as well), as a first priority, the company aimed at research and development to improve its design and production technology, and invested in its principal resource - people.

Now, almost two decades later, Satin Textiles operates an ultra-modern facility near Ratchaburi, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to produce textiles from special yarn preparations to jacquard weaving, with unique dyeing and finishing processes, as well as sewing units for home production.

The company exemplifies quality and service, concentrating also on environmentally-friendly manufacturing, aiming at the principal markets in Europe, USA, Australia and Asian countries which comprise some 80 percent of exports. Thailand is also a consumer market for Satin Textiles.

In keeping with the company’s innovative philosophies, emphasizing Thai arts and crafts, a “hand-spun yarn” project was started in the remote villages in the northeast of Thailand in April, 2001.

After a series of machine modifications and improvements, Satin Textiles has successfully developed a small practical hand-spun machine for the villagers to process a most “cost effective” hand-spun yarn for industrial use. New fabrics from this project were very well accepted at the International Home Textiles Fair in Switzerland in May this year.

Satin Textiles has now entered the retail market, through the medium of its unique products under the brand “Pasaya”, prominently displayed at the Pasaya Textile Gallery recently opened on the top floor of Gaysorn Plaza. This is the new trademark for both fashion fabrics and home textile items.

Thus, the Satin Textiles Company, as evidenced by the ongoing award-winning performances at Brussels, is now well-established as a leader in home fashions, competing on the world stage with the established industry “giants”, Austria, France, Spain, Turkey and the USA, to mention some of the top ‘players’.

U.S. Franchise Delegation in Pattaya to inspect and assess business opportunities

by Kornshulee Traisaksuriyan

The Thailand-U.S. Business Council (TUSBC) and the U.S.-Thailand Business Council (USTBC) organized the first ‘U.S. Franchise Delegation’ to Thailand last week. This excursion included visiting sites and speaking to business people in Bangkok and Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard.

Ross Tyler (left), executive director of US-Thailand Business Council presents a gift of appreciation to Bruce Hoppe, MD of Copeland Corporation.

The Thailand-U.S. Business Council (TUSBC), based in Bangkok, and its counterpart the U.S.-Thailand Business Council (USTBC), based in Washington D.C., are the first bilateral syndicate, created to facilitate Trade and Investment in a business-to business capacity between Thailand and the United States of America. TUSBC/USTBC have provided opportunities to build long-term relations with key U.S. and Thai private and public sectors. The councils organize briefings, training programs, seminars and trade missions, provide information on political, economic and regulatory developments both in Thailand and U.S.A.

Chanyuth Hengtrakul (Center) speaks to the delegation on the benefits of investing in Thailand, supported by Peter Malhotra and Sue Kukarja to his left.

One of the TUSBC/USTBC’s current initiatives involves supporting the economic development of new business opportunities with U.S. franchisors expanding their networks using Thailand’s entrepreneurs. During September 13-16, TUSBC/USTBC ran their first U.S. Franchise Delegation, held at the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok. This gave the motivated Thai entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to have one-on-one, private discussion with representatives from the U.S. franchisors and to learn of the business opportunities available.

The U.S. Franchise Delegation in a relaxed and jovial mood after the presentation at the Royal Century Hotel before they left on their inspection tour of the town.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA), and the International Franchise Association (IFA) supported this U.S. Franchise Delegation led by Ross Tyler, executive director of US-Thailand Business Council (USTBC). Participating franchisors in this program included successful food related and service-based U.S. franchisors. Members of this high powered delegation to Thailand included Thomas F. Faherty, director of global franchising for Papa John’s Pizza; Ned Lyerly, vice president international and Michael S. Voida, director of franchise services-Asia, both of CKE Restaurants; Mary Ellen Sheets, CEO/founder of Two Men and a Truck International; Marcel R. Portmann, vice president of emerging markets & global development for the International Franchise Association, executives from Fitness Together, Sign-A-Rama, Carl’s Jr., La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill and Church’s Chicken. The group received staunch support from Bussabavadee Soralump, franchise development manager at Realty World Alliance Co. Ltd., and Kornshulee Traisaksuriyan from the TUSBC.

The delegation visited Pattaya on Sunday September 14. On arrival they were met by Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Advisor to the minister of tourism and sports and MD of Sophon Cable TV; Bruce Hoppe MD of Copeland Corporation, a division of Emerson Electric (Thailand) and Peter Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail.

Each of the Pattaya businessmen gave a talk on the potential and viability of such ventures in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard.

Chanyuth Hengtrakul confirmed that it was an opportune time for US businesses to expand their business ventures into Thailand. He said, “The investment climate is good and the government is encouraging such contacts. Thailand has come out of its recession and we don’t owe the IMF any more money. The government’s policy is to help the people at the grassroots level and such ventures would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.”

Peter spoke of the history of Pattaya and the long-standing friendship between Thailand and the US. He confirmed that Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard are thriving and have the strategic location conducive to excellent business opportunities. “I cannot tell you about Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai, but I can assure you that Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard have adequate infrastructure and resources to support your businesses.”

Bruce spoke of the growing trend of the industrial sector on the Eastern Seaboard and said that he was confident that there was enough potential for US businesses to consider expanding their franchises into Thailand and the Eastern Seaboard. Bruce stressed again that, “What’s so great about this country is that the people are just so friendly and easy to work and live with. I am here with my wife Judy and one could not wish for a better place to live (except my home in Tennessee of course) than here in Thailand.”

The group toured the city to observe the market opportunities, and concluded that the city, along with Bangkok, make an important and strategic market for their international expansion plans. All the U.S. franchisors within this delegation indicated that the results of their visit to Pattaya and Bangkok exceeded their expectations, and looked forward to a continued dialogue with the Thai entrepreneurs.

Rotarians invite one and all to their festival of friendship

Receive district governor and celebrate 6 birthdays

Peter Malhotra

Friday, September 12 at eighteen hundred hours, all roads led to the Jomtien Boathouse on Jomtien Beach. It was the coming together of almost one hundred party revelers from the Pattaya community. Friends met and kissed, business acquaintances cordially greeted each other, and for some it was a reunion of a long lost friend or loved one. The UN building would have been the only place that could have boasted a congregation of more nationalities than of those at the Boathouse. They all came for one purpose and one purpose alone, to join hands, sit together and eat, drink and rejoice in the spirit of fellowship.

District Governor Charn Chanlongsawaitkul delivers his keynote address.

This joyous occasion was organized by the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya to welcome and receive Rotary International District 3340 Governor Charn Chanlongsawaitkul and his wife Wallapa on their official visit to the club.

To make this an even more Pattaya style of welcome, not only Rotarians but also members of all the other service and charity clubs in the region, including their spouses and friends, were also invited to join in the festivities.

Nic Demet, Elfi Seitz and Bruce Hoppe jointly huff and puff out the candles on their birthday cake.

In his welcoming speech, Past President Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra said, “This gathering of people from all walks of life just goes to show that no matter what your profession is and no matter what club you belong to, we are here to prove to the world that we Pattayans have but only one wish, that all humankind can come together and live and work together in the true spirit of tolerance and international understanding and to set a good example for the peoples of the world, so that they may stop wars and bring peace to all humanity. By doing so, it gives inhabitants on this earth a chance to work without fear towards alleviation of poverty, hunger and sickness, the dismal scourge that inflicts millions of men, women and children.”

Peter Malhotra presents Bert Elson with his lucky draw prize, a brass lamp compliments of Decorum. Bert instantly wore the shade on his head and glowed a bright crimson. I think it was the booze.

District Governor Charn was visibly moved by the warm reception afforded he and his wife by the community. “My wife Wallapa and I find it very difficult to put into the proper words to express our appreciation and gratitude for the love you give us today. We thank you sincerely. As governor of this district, which covers all the northeast and eastern parts of Thailand, I have to travel to visit all the Rotary Clubs in my jurisdiction. I care for the clubs and their members. My job is to assist them to do whatever is necessary so that they may effectively carry on Rotary’s work of serving the community and to do everything possible to help those who are less fortunate. I bring the message from our RI President Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, who is truly concerned about poverty alleviation, health, literacy and education, and promoting the family of Rotary.” He quoted the RI President saying, “Our clubs are where we find the core of our Rotary family. I ask every club to form a Family of Rotary Committee to find more ways to create and nurture that atmosphere of warmth and caring.”

Dennis presents a birthday gift to Elfi on behalf of the club.

“But,” said the Rotary district governor, “we can easily achieve these daunting tasks if we all come together in friendship, lending a hand to each other and the work becomes easier for all of us.” DG Charn encouraged not only Rotarians, but also everyone to “come together in the spirit of fellowship.”

And that’s exactly what everyone did. The Jomtien Boathouse’s team of chefs had prepared a magnificent and abundant buffet fit for Holger Danske and his army. Birthdays were also celebrated in abundance. Elfi Seitz, Bruce Hoppe, Nic Demet, President David Jeater in absentia, who had gone home to England for medical treatment, Heinz Fritz and Johanna Stetten, all were born on or around the 12th of September. With so many birthdays in September, one is convinced that the best time to activate the plan to have children is during the Christmas and New Years holidays.

Khun Wallapa presents Nic with a bouquet of flowers wishing him a Happy Birthday.

George Sinatra, the house musician, on seeing so many presents and flowers being given, lost his head, thinking that he was at a wedding reception, and started played Felix Mendelssohn’s Wedding March much to the delight of the crowd who clapped their hands and stomped their feet.

Vic presents the Victoria Inn prize to a thrilled Sandy, president of the PILC.

Raffles were drawn for many prizes, which were donated by the many businesses in the Pattaya community. But the cr่me de la cr่me of the draw was when Kannikar Ottesen announced two special prizes, only for those who had their entry tickets. This actually encouraged those who thought they could get away without paying to make a beeline to the cashier to get theirs. The reason being, that the prizes were two exquisite specimens of the most beautiful works of celadon matched only by the finest produced during the Ming dynasty. Bruce Hoppe and Nayana Stark won these valuable works of art.

Kannikar Ottesen (left) presents the valuable celadon bowl to Bruce Hoppe. Judy (center) is already planning to use it as a water bowl for her cat.

Ib and Kannikar Otttesen must be thanked wholeheartedly for their magic touch in managing the happy event. But the greatest of gratitude goes to members of the Pattaya community for being there to help make the festival of friendship a most successful and memorable one.

Noi Stark is ‘over the moon’ as she receives this work of art from Ib Ottesen.

(l-r) Mr. Schwarz, Fishy, John Morgan and Dave Doll listen intently to the district governor’s speech.

Chateau de Loei officially launches their 2003 vintage

Suchada Tupchai

Thailand’s latest addition to wine circles was launched last week at the Amari Hotel with a wine tasting and cocktail party. Wine producers, CPK Plantation Company Limited opened the evening’s proceedings at the Amari Orchid Resort.

Chateau de Loei was first produced in 1995 and since then the standards of production have improved over the years in the northeastern province of Loei. As a result of improving facilities and knowledge, under the guidance of Dr. Chaijudh Karansuta, Thailand’s first wine has now attained a level of acceptance on the world market.

The evening at the Amari attracted both Thai and foreign wine enthusiasts and featured displays and entertainment for guests to enjoy with the wine. Prizes were given to lucky winners and those ordering cases of wine.

Ornaem Tuerdprawat, managing director of C.P.K. Plantation addresses the assembled crowd of wine lovers, providing an informative speech concerning the improvements of the wine.

Pira Pongruetkrailent (center), marketing manager of C.P.K. Plantation, and the lovely presenters toast to the success of all.

A wine lover has a taste of Chateau de Loei.