|
People throughout the Kingdom join together to pay respects
to King Chulalongkorn the Great
Suchada Tupchai
District officials, community leaders and residents
turned out for the official ceremony in observance of King Chulalongkorn
Day held on the morning of October 23 at the Rama V monument of the
beloved King of Thailand, located in front of the Banglamung district
office building. The ceremony is performed all over Thailand, as October
23 marks the day that the great King passed away in the year 1910.
 King
Chulalongkorn the Great was instrumental in modernizing the Kingdom of
Thailand. He established the Council of State, set up 12 different
ministries, reorganized the government administrative system, abolished
slavery, promoted contact with foreign governments, and modernized the
country by introducing revolutionary changes such as police security, a
postal system, hospitals, and railroads.
District chief officer, Surapol Tiensuwan presided over
the ceremony, and everyone attending laid bouquets of flowers, wreaths or
garlands with sacred offerings in front of the monument.
The crowd of people attending included Mayor Pairat
Suthithamrongsawat, city officials, and people from the business
community, members from local charitable organizations, the private sector
as well as many local residents; all paying homage to one of the greatest
and most highly revered Kings of Thailand.
King Chulalongkorn was instrumental in modernizing the
Kingdom of Thailand with many accomplishments including the establishment
of the Council of State, setting up 12 different ministries, reorganizing
the government administrative system, and abolishing slavery.
Other achievements included contact with foreign
governments and modernizing the country by introducing revolutionary
changes such as police security, a postal system, hospitals, and
railroads.
The great King was also instrumental in maintaining the
nation’s sovereignty during a critical period when powerful nations were
expanding their influence and colonizing neighboring countries.
District
chief officer, Surapol Tiensuwan was the first to light incense, after
which everyone attending laid bouquets of flowers, wreaths or garlands
with sacred offerings in front of the monument.
District
chief officer, Surapol Tiensuwan presided over the official ceremony in
observance of King Chulalongkorn Day, held on the morning of October 23 at
the Rama V monument of the beloved King of Thailand, located in front of
the Banglamung district office building.
Scouts,
army navy, in fact all the services were in attendance to pay respect to a
revered King.
Local
police also uphold tradition, and were there in force to honor a respected
monarch.
The
YWCA was amongst the many organizations that solemnly attended the
ceremony.
City encourages communities to wipe out narcotics once and for all
End of November target date for eradication
Suchada Tupchai
Over 1,000 residents, government officers, police and
local business operators and employees attended an address given by
Banglamung district chief, Surapol Tiensuwan in front of Pattaya City Hall
on Monday afternoon as part of the regional efforts to eradicate narcotics
from the district once and for all.
 Hundreds
of people enthusiastically sat outside city hall to learn about crime
prevention methods.
During his address, Surapol urged everyone from all
walks of life to join together to fight the drug menace by becoming the
eyes and ears of law enforcement agencies and remove producers, dealers
and rehabilitate drug users in the area. The renewed drive against
narcotics aims to have drugs removed from every corner of society by the
end of November this year.
 Mayor
Pairat Suthithamrongsawat ended the evening with a motivated speech
concerning the safety of Pattaya City.
Since the government’s war on drugs began on February
1 this year, in Pattaya alone, 689 users have turned themselves over to
the authorities and have gone through rehabilitation programs, 38 dealers
have turned themselves in, 268 dealers have been arrested 9 have had
assets confiscated as of September 30. Since October 1 an additional 15
people have been detained on drug related charges.
Many
locals gathered to participate in the crime prevention program, aiming to
help protect residents and tourists.
District
chief, Surapol Tiensuwan introduced the program to the assembled crowd.
Those
who came to listen to the “pep-rally” included city council members,
politicians, and local businessmen.
Penang Hill
Kathryn Brimacombe
I step out of the railway car that has just transported
approximately 40 tourists of countless nationalities, including myself, 800
metres up to the top of Penang Hill, on the island of Penang in Malaysia.
The temperate mountain air is a relief after almost 30 minutes of close
confines with sweaty bodies and the occasional crying child, despite the
open windows, whirring fans and canned mellow music.
 I
follow the fragrance through the gate to a brightly decorated Hindu temple,
covered with smiling figurines and sculptures painted in brilliant pinks,
blues and greens, the colours of the saris worn by Indian women in
Georgetown, while yellow flags run along the edge of the roof.
Escaping the throng of people exiting the railway car, I
walk to the edge of the barricaded precipice, which overlooks the city of
Georgetown and the blue waters of the Straits of Malacca below, leaning my
elbows on the railing. The sun was kind enough to come out this afternoon,
after the clouds and rain of last night’s storm scrubbed the sky clean,
leaving no trace of haze. The city looks like a miniature model, white
skyscrapers standing tall against shopping centres and rows upon rows of
shophouses and homes; in the distance I can even see the city of Butterworth
on the mainland. I focus my gaze on the many peaks that make up Penang Hill,
covered with lush, dense forest and jungle, nestled softly against the crisp
blue of the sky, while large blood-red hibiscus blooms dance with each other
in the breeze.
 Throughout
the 19th century ... the trip up could only be made on foot, horse, and
Achehnese pony, or by being carried in a covered litter along a jungle path
that zigzagged up the hillside. Requiring a more convenient mode of
transportation, the idea of a railway was broached in 1897, but it wasn’t
until 1924 that the funicular railway to the top of Flagstaff Hill was
built.
The mountain peak that I’m standing on was originally
called Flagstaff Hill. Used as a hill station in the early 19th century by
the British, who governed the island of Penang, the flagstaff at the
governor’s residence on the mountain top was used to signal to the
flagstaff station at Fort Cornwallis down below in Georgetown.
 The
city looks like a miniature model, white skyscrapers standing tall against
shopping centres and rows upon rows of shophouses and homes; in the distance
I can even see the city of Butterworth on the mainland.
The temperature in these mountains is considerably cooler
than at sea level, and the hills gained popularity throughout the 19th
century with the Europeans as a resort to escape the sweltering tropical
heat. However, during that time the trip up could only be made on foot,
horse, and Achehnese pony, or by being carried in a covered litter along a
jungle path that zigzagged up the hillside. Requiring a more convenient mode
of transportation, the idea of a railway was broached in 1897, but it
wasn’t until 1924 that the funicular railway to the top of Flagstaff Hill
was built.
I tear my eyes away from the spectacular view and follow
the paved road that winds farther up the hill. I pass by several souvenir
shops during my ascent, as well as an old Indian man with a long white beard
selling different kinds of dried and steamed beans, peas and legumes from a
cart underneath a wide umbrella, before I come to a fork in the road. I
decide to continue my journey upward, and taking the left fork arrive at the
Penang Hill Mosque, only slightly out of breath despite the steep incline.
I circle slowly around the small white-and-blue painted
mosque; it is silent and shut - worshippers would not be coming to pray for
several more hours. Despite the peacefulness of the place, the silence
becomes enormous as I stand alone; the only sound is the wind rustling the
leaves of the tall trees. Feeling relieved when the breeze lifts the scent
of cloves and incense around my shoulders like a silk shawl, warm and
comforting, I follow the fragrance through the gate to a brightly decorated
Hindu temple, covered with smiling figurines and sculptures painted in
brilliant pinks, blues and greens, the colours of the saris worn by Indian
women in Georgetown, while yellow flags run along the edge of the roof. I
glance inside, the darkness warmed by the haze of sweet incense smoke and
deep rumbling laughter.
After several minutes I leave the temple and continue my
exploration of the summit of Penang Hill, taking the road down to the
historic Bellevue Hotel. Walking around the lush gardens of the hotel, which
was a residence during the 19th century, I pass an aviary that is said to be
the home of many species of birds indigenous to Penang.
Continuing around to the front of the hotel, I am again
greeted by panoramic views of the city of Georgetown and the deep blue
waters of the ocean. I breathe in the scents of moist earth and the heady
perfume of flowers as my eyes sweep across the incredible view, and decide
to rest awhile with a cup of tea on the patio outside, to drink in more of
the landscape.
My eyes never leave the view as the sky changes from
bright blue to dusky purple in the late afternoon light as the sun sets
behind the mountains, and as puffs of pink and orange clouds float languidly
above. As the city lights begin to twinkle like jewels and stars, I sadly
take my leave of Penang Hill, once again joining the throngs of people on
the railway to the bottom of the mountain. I understand now the draw of the
early Europeans to Penang Hill, and am happy to have found another place of
peacefulness and pristine beauty, which I will visit again.
Kirwan Industrial Services rocks through its 5-year party
The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya’s Hall of Fame was selected as the venue
for Kirwan Industrial Services’ 5th anniversary celebration. Managing
Director Steele Lambrinos feeling that five years on the Eastern Seaboard
and becoming the leading player in the field was one of two good reasons to
host a celebration. The other was that Aussies just like parties!
Five years ago, when Kirwan Industrial Services first
came to Thailand, they had three contracts, which had resulted from
referrals from the parent company Kirwan Australia’s auto manufacturer
customers who suggested that this new overseas Kirwan venture should look at
what their companies were doing in Thailand.
Five years later they are servicing 60 companies
including GM, AAT (Ford-Mazda), BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi and TRW in the
automotive industry. Their expertise does not stop with motor vehicles,
however, with the Thai Kirwan Industrial Services also being involved with
companies involved with food processing, electronics, hotels, restaurants
and even bars.
To make the Australian connection even more visible, a
large contingent of the parent group executives came up for the birthday,
two of whom were actually celebrating their own personal birthdays. Enjoying
the Thai hospitality were Ron Kirwan, the chairman and his wife Sylvia;
Angus Collins, managing director Kirwan Industrial Services Australia,
Sheldon Kirwan, managing director Kirwan Non Technical Cleaning Australia;
Suzane Hausschmid, managing director Kirwan Media and Garry Anderson, the
finance director.
A brief run-down on the Thailand operation was given by
Dr. Iain Corness, who was followed by representatives of the local staff who
wanted to voice their appreciation of the efforts of their MD, Steele
Lambrinos. The final speech was given by Steele himself, who noted the
assistance he had been given by the parent company in Australia, but made a
special acknowledgement of the efforts done by the 300 staff here in
Thailand, to help make Kirwan Industrial Services the company it is today.
The night finished in fine style, with the guests rocking
away with Pop and the All Stars band. The Aussies certainly know how to
party!
(L to R)
Steele Lambrinos, Ronald J. Kirwan and Angus Collins accept a gift from the
staff.
Enjoying
the Thai hospitality were (L to R) Steele Lambrinos, Ron Kirwan, Tom and
Helen Bell.
Chanyuth
Hengtrakul, advisor to the minister of tourism and sports, with Tina and
John Hamilton, helped celebrate this auspicious occasion.
MD
Steele Lambrinos noted the assistance he had been given by the parent
company in Australia, but made a special acknowledgement of the efforts done
by the 300 staff here in Thailand, to help make Kirwan Industrial Services
the company it is today.
Angus
Collins spoke about the Australian Connection.
(L to R)
Pattaya Mail special correspondent Peter Cummins, Som, and the good Dr. Iain
Corness are truly enjoying a typical Aussie party.
Dr. Iain
Corness, witty and engaging as always, gave a brief run-down on the Thailand
operation.
Literally
hundreds of people crowded into the Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya’s Hall of
Fame for Kirwan Industrial Services’ 5th anniversary celebration.
Supaporn
Ardner voiced her appreciation of the efforts of their MD, Steele Lambrinos.
The
night finished in fine style, with the guests rocking away with Pop and the
All Stars band. The Aussies certainly know how to party!
Pattaya ‘Bavarians’ celebrate
Oktoberfest at the Amari “Wiesn”
Elfi Seitz
Munich isn’t the only place that celebrates the annual
“Oktoberfest”. Even in places as far away from “Bavaria” as Pattaya,
events are held to celebrate this fun time of year. One of the places in
Pattaya that enjoys this tradition is the Amari Orchid Resort, which can
almost compete with the “Wiesn” in Munich - not by its size, but by its
beauty.
 Members
of the Rotary Club of Pattaya-Taksin and guests join in the Oktoberfest fun.
After heavy rain all day, the skies cleared towards the
evening and by the time guests arrived at the entrance to the
“Oktoberfest” event, they could already see that it was about to be much
fun again.
Although there were no ferris wheels or ghost trains
waiting to give visitors a thrill, everything else was reminiscent of the
original “Oktoberfest”, with the long benches and tables, the draft beer
counter and the appetizing buffet heaped with all kinds of Bavarian dishes.
The nicely decorated stage featured the true colors of Bavaria, and the
renowned navy brass band performed the music.
 A
delicious German buffet was prepared for the event.
Michael Goetz, the resident manager of the Amari Orchid
Resort welcomed the guests with a short speech and declared the
“Oktoberfest” officially open.
After the guests dug deep into all the goodies from
Bavaria and had filled their stomachs to satisfaction, plus indulging in all
the beer served in mugs, a few of the bolder ones danced and sashayed along
to the Bavarian country music, much to the delight of the on-lookers.
 Dominik
Stamm (right), general manager Amari Orchid Resort, Michael Goetz (center),
resident manager Amari Orchid Resort, and the Amari staff lift their
“Bierkrug” (beer mug) in true Oktoberfest spirit. Bottoms up!
Not a Bavarian, but an American and a Swiss friend began
the log sawing competition, successfully cutting off a huge piece. The
genuine Germans didn’t want to let this matter rest, so members of the
Liebherr Company showed how sawing really should be done. In a record time
of 43 seconds, they cut off a piece of the log, not minding that the sawing
trestle almost capsized, only to be saved by Boss Eberhard Podleska and his
wife Monika.
Peter Thorand, charter president of the Rotary Club
Taksin Pattaya, who many people whispered might have started his career in
Canada as a lumberjack, came forward and competed with the treasurer of the
club, Marliese Fritz. Yet, besides having all that experience, they
couldn’t beat the Liebherrs.
When the music stopped playing at 10 p.m. everybody was a
little sad, for this signaled the end of the Oktoberfest.
A few unswerving guests, believed to members of the
Rotary Club, kept sitting and it is assumed that they can still be found
there next year when it will be announced “Ozapft is”.
Pattaya Powerboat and Buggy Racetrack opens new restaurant for added customer value
Suchada Tupchai
A Hawaiian style party was featured at the opening of
what is soon to become the latest addition to the city’s tourist
attractions when the Pattaya Powerboat and Buggy Racetrack opened their new
restaurant on October 21.
 Pattaya
Powerboat and Buggy Racetrack provides small powerboats, which are very
popular among those that love fast action sports.
Located in Soi Naklua 16, the Pattaya Powerboat and Buggy
Racetrack attracts numerous customers throughout the week and even more on
weekends.
 Off
they go, and the race is underway.
The track’s manager, Pongsak Kritkamol said, “We
provide small powerboats and buggies for our customers, which are very
popular among those that love fast action sports. Due to the increase in
clientele, we thought it would benefit the business if we opened the
restaurant focusing on a relaxed style within natural surroundings.”
 A
Hawaiian style party was featured at the opening of Pattaya Powerboat and
Buggy Racetrack’s new restaurant on October 21.
The new restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to midnight daily
and serves noodles through the daytime. The opening party attracted numerous
residents and visitors who came to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
 The
new restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight daily and serves noodles
through the daytime. The opening party attracted numerous residents and
visitors who came to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Located in Soi Nonghin, in Naklua the Pattaya Powerboat
and Buggy Racetrack is open from 8 a.m. to midnight daily and is fast
becoming a popular spot for speed addicts looking to satisfy their adrenalin
rush, albeit on a smaller scale.
A night of top wines from Ruffino and delightful flavors of Italy
The Royal Cliff Wine Club offers a spectacular wine
dinner on November 28, at the Rossini, Royal Cliff Grand. The event is the
highlight of a month-long “Sapori D’ Italia” Italian food festival
promotion which starts on the 1st of November.
The event’s six-course menu will be put together by
visiting Italian gourmet chef, Stefano Zamboni and Royal Cliff Beach
Resort’s own resident culinary master, executive chef Walter Thenisch.
Several of Chef Stefano’s signature dishes which were inspired by regional
Italian flavors will be showcased during the “Sapori D’ Italia” food
promotion.
A seasoned chef and globetrotting gourmand, Chef Stefano
has worked in several Michelin-star restaurants around the world including
the San Giorgio in Denmark, La Corte Di Ozzano and L’ Incontro Ristorante
in his country. He has also worked in equally prestigious restaurants in
Germany, Tunisia, Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Japan, and India.
Dishes in the six-course menu include shrimps and
cantaloupe melon salad with port wine dressing, scallops “Arancini”
served on red and yellow capsicum sauce, pumpkin cream soup with bitter
almond drops, saffron ravioli filled with salmon, broad beans, tomatoes and
pecorino cheese, roasted beef fillet wrapped in Italian speck served on sage
cream with sabriose potatoes and stuffed zucchini, Italian boutique cheese
assortment with fresh pears and nuts, and tiramisu “Rossini” accompanied
with amareti in a hand crafted chocolate box.
Complementing the two chef’s gourmet collaboration are
Italy’s legendary Ruffino Wines. These are Ruffino Orvieto Classico Docg
2000, Ruffino Aziano Chianti, Classico Docg 2000, Ruffino Riserva Ducale
(Gold Label) 1997, and Ruffino Grappa Riserva Ducale. As a special treat,
Royal Cliff’s own Italian Chardonnay 2001 will be offered during the
reception along with delicious royal antipasti.
The Ruffino Winery was founded in 1877 by Italian cousins
Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino. The two began their enduring venture when they
purchased raw wine from local growers (and producing some wine themselves),
cellaring, finishing, bottling the wine, and selling it under the Ruffino
name.
Only a few years later the name Ruffino quickly became
associated with quality Chianti throughout Italy and abroad. It was awarded
with a Gold Medal at the 1881 Milan Exhibition and a Gold Medal in Bordeaux
in 1895.
In 1913, brothers Francesco and Italo Folonari,
third-generation wine merchants and national figures in Italy, acquired the
winery. The Folonari family has nurtured Ruffino ever since, expanding its
vineyard holdings and leading Ruffino into the modern era.
Today, with more than a century of success behind it,
Ruffino is still privately owned by the Folonari family. The viticultural
skills that created Ruffino’s classic vintages continue to bear fruit with
innovative blends such as the Super Tuscans. It is a testament to their
efforts that the Ruffino name remains famous throughout the world for the
quality and prestige of its Tuscan wines.
The wine gala dinner on the 28th will be co-sponsored by
Ambrose Wines Limited. The company’s managing director, Ron Batori will be
there to present the wines. Due to limited seating inside Rossini, prior
reservation is essential. Aside from enjoying the usual discount privilege,
Wine Club members may also bring an unlimited number of guests and would be
given the same special rate. Please indicate your table preferences;
separate table (for minimum 4 pax) or joining table with other guests. RSVP.
Price for this exclusive wine dinner is at Baht 1500 net
per person (inclusive of a glass of each variety of reception and dinner
wines, grapa, royal antipasti, dinner, service charge and VAT). For more
information or reservations, please call the Royal Cliff Wine Club at Tel.
nos. (66) 038-250-421 ext. 2782 (from 09:00 to 18:00 hrs) or guest relations
at ext. 2007 or 2037. Email wineclub@ royalcliff.com
|
