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PILC kicks back for a night on Abbey Road

Enterprising expats on a mission to save a species

Pattaya represented at Skal International Tourism Congress in India

PILC kicks back for a night on Abbey Road

The prime event on Pattaya’s social calendar is the Pattaya International Ladies Club annual charity gala ball. This year, almost 300 members of the region’s social crowd kicked back in to retro mode for “A Night on Abbey Road” complete with Beatles covers from the Better Band, who played all the favorites of the Fab Four. Thailand’s own Abbey Road foursome opened the night as diners slowly made their way in from the lobby after an intense photo session complete with Beatles memorabilia and a multitude of cocktails.

Differing from previous years was the fact that many people shifted into party mode before dinner and flocked to the dance floor, each working up an appetite for the four-course dinner to come, complete with wine and all the trimmings. The Better Band, alas, eventually had to leave pending another function in Bangkok; however, they were suitably replaced by another group who played the very best music from the 60s and 70s, which included songs from the Shadows, complete with the classic Apache and FBI, plus countless other renditions of good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll.

As the entr้e of smoked salmon was fluidly brought in by the attentive staff at the Royal Cliff, and the Better Band handed the musical side over to their late evening counterparts, Drew Noyes took to the podium to “perform” as emcee for the evening, welcoming everyone. Honored guests included Rewat Pollukin, deputy chairman of the Chonburi provincial administration organization, Surapol Tiensuwan, Banglamung district chief, Mayor Pairat Sutithamrongsawat, and Niti Kongrut, TAT director central region 3 office, all of whom were later seen gracing the dance floor with a few PILC ladies.

However, the main agenda for the evening was to raise funds for charity and ensure that everyone enjoyed the evening.

First up was the lucky draw prizes and the silent auction, both of which were very successful, for dedicated PILC members busily made their way around the room selling raffle tickets for a chance at one the abundant prizes on offer.

After a quick break and more dancing, the main course was brought in; a choice of baked snowfish loin on herb seasoned mushroom stew and parsley potatoes, or herb crusted beef on ratatouille vegetables, rice croquette and cabernets jus, both served with a choice of red or white wine. Miss Terry, had she been there, would have waxed eloquent, extolling the virtues of such fine fare.

As the evening continued, the party mood became more festive, spurred on by the band’s picked up pace that brought soft shoes out to flood the dance floor, many wearers of which had already wined and dined to the limit, and took to this energetic exercise in order to make way for desert.

A mini auction, even though there were only a few items, was nonetheless extremely successful; one bidder out-bid all else for a hand carved Thai cabinet from Arlette’s private collection of over 30 years, and generously paid almost the same price as it cost when it was new. Drew successfully talked bidders into buying another “Caucasian Afghan Rug”. When the auctioneer banged his gavel for the last time, the auction had raised over 100,000 baht.

Dessert served, raffle prizes awarded, and auctions complete, it was time to thank those responsible for all the hard work put in to arrange such an event. The ever-smiling Sandy Langford, PILC president, called Arlette to the podium in recognition of her efforts, and in turn she recognized her sub-committee, Judy Clausen, Judy Hoppe and Sherie Ferguson for their invaluable help over the last 6 months.

A few birthdays were also celebrated - George Rothstein, Sherie Ferguson and Jitsupa Richards were each totally surprised at the simultaneous appearance a 2-pound chocolate birthday cake, courtesy of Arlette and her team. This was greatly appreciated by all three, thank you.

Charity events don’t just happen and of course sponsors are always welcomed, and the PILC thanks all their sponsors for their support both in cash and in kind, making a very successful evening equaling if not bettering last year’s total of more than 400,000 baht.

A touch of pomp and haute couture are a welcome event in the annual social calendar, and this year it was truly an enjoyable night.


Enterprising expats on a mission to save a species

And there’s no horsing’ around

Brendan Richards

What do ‘special effects’ and seahorse have in common? Absolutely nothing - except for two enterprising individuals who both work in stage and theater have engaged in a project to preserve the ever-decreasing population of seahorses in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

The ever-vigilant seahorse saviors - “The grim reality is that the only way to save them is to farm them commercially,” Andy told Pattaya Mail.

Andy Sutton and Simon Phillips who both hail from the UK have teamed up with a Thai partner to research to viability of farming seahorses. But why?

Andy explains, “The greatest threat to seahorses at the moment is Chinese medicine. They make everything from aphrodisiacs to traditional medicine from them. Some of it might work. After all, one billion Chinese can’t be wrong. The grim reality is that the only way to save them is to farm them commercially. The Chinese aren’t going to stop eating them, so that’s not an option in reality. We have no intention of going into farming. We’ll do the research and pass the information on to someone who is interested. However, we are several years away from developing a system to farm them.”

Sathit Boonpar (aka Boon) separates shrimp. The smaller ones are suitable for feeding seahorses while larger ones make up a delicious hot spicy salad for humans.

Starting off the project around 10 months ago, Andy and Simon set up a container on a small piece of land in the back blocks of Ban Chang which is owned by their Thai backer to investigate the issue.

The seahorses are mostly collected by local fishermen. Not far from the beach, seawater is readily available but requires extensive treatment and purification processes, which include filtering, ozone and UV treatment to sterilize the water so it is fit enough for the seahorses to breed and grow. They also have special tanks to nurse injured or diseased seahorses back to health.

Andy takes a look at a combination of algae and plankton samples.

The project, however, has come at a price. They have invested over 2 million baht to start the project and keep it going, but funds are running dry.

“We need help, we’re looking for sponsorship to keep everything running and perhaps move to better premises, but until that time we’ll stick it out as long as we can.”

Seahorses are strange and amazing creatures. One can be easily mesmerized just by watching them.

Andy has also spoken to Burapa University and they have shown interest but were non-committal in their approach.

Feeding the hungry seahorses is also a full time job, as Simon explains, “Their favorite food is shrimp. Currently we are feeding them brine shrimp, which actually have no nutritional value... However, I make up a cocktail of vitamins and minerals and feed this to the shrimp. Once the shrimp feed on this, they make a tasty, nutritious meal for the seahorses. In the wild they also eat bacteria. We recently gave 40 seahorses away to an abalone farmer who was having problems with bacteria at his abalone farm. So they act as natural cleaners of the sea.”

To feed the shrimp algae, an algae or plankton production unit has also been created in the hope of finding alternative and less expensive food resources. The animals are unique in their reproduction habits and are very susceptible to the slightest changes in environmental conditions.

But as to why Simon and Andy, along with his family and their two helpers are persisting with their efforts, Andy said, “I believe the seahorse is the only animal where the male carries the babies. The female lays them in a pouch on his stomach, much like the pouch of a kangaroo. Then they are fertilized and eventually he gives birth to up to 150 fully formed and self-sufficient babies. He doesn’t look after them, though. I don’t think he has much interest in them once they’ve hatched. He just wants to mate again - like most males,” says Andy with a wry grin.

“I’ve always had a fascination with them and if we can do our part to help save them, then we’ll try,” concludes Andy.

If anyone would like to find out more details or offer sponsorship, Andy and Simon can be contacted by telephone 038-801137 or via email: [email protected]


Pattaya represented at Skal International Tourism Congress in India

Yes, Pattaya was once more in the international limelight - this time in Chennai India. From October 19 - 25, Pattaya was represented by local Skalleague Bob Lee in promoting our fair city’s tourism industry to the world market.

(L to R) The Thai delegates Malai Sakolvipak (from the Skal Club of Bangkok and an international councilor for Skal Thailand), Robert de Graaf (president of Skal Phuket - which will host the Asian Congress in 2005), Elmarie & Bob Lee proudly represented Thailand.

Every year Skal International hosts a congress at an interesting global destination. In 2002 it was Cairns, Australia and this year it was Chennai. In 2004 the congress will be in Durban, South Africa, 2005 in Zagreb and in 2006 the 67th Congress to be held - yes, right here at home in Pattaya.

Malai Sakolvipak, Bob & Elmarie Lee with Mary Bennet, president of Skal International 2002-03.

Annually, approximately 1,300 hospitality/tourism professionals participate in these conferences. The host city prepares for their arrival, attendance and enjoyment long before they reach the host country. In fact things are already underway to make sure that Pattaya will be a “Rocking Good Congress” which has so much to offer these important tourism leaders. Pattaya expects in excess of 1,500 Skal members and their guests during the 5-day seminar which will be held during October 2006. This in turn relates to nearly 500,000,000 baht generated in tourism income - not too shabby for 5 days!

We caught up with Bob Lee on his return from India to question him on how he thinks we might stack up against other Skal International Congresses that he has attended in the past. Here is what he had to say:

“Well, we have everything to offer these VIP’s of the industry. We have wonderful weather - and this plays a very important part in the proceedings - the Thai baht (compared to other currencies), beautiful and well-serviced hotel and restaurant establishments, the world renowned Thai smile, exotic foods, unique culture, a first rate standard of service, and the amazing sights, sounds and excitement of Pattaya speak for themselves. Our wide range of souvenirs, clothing and other goodies that the average visitor is always on the look out for, especially at our prices, also make Pattaya a shopping paradise.

“As far comparisons are concerned? With the expertise that we have available not only from the local Pattaya Skal members but also those from Bangkok, Phuket, and the soon-to-be-registered Samui Club, I do not foresee any problems whatsoever. I am convinced that we can put a great show together. The clubs are close, well organized and the knowledge on tap is abundant.

“This Congress gives our city and country the opportunity of promoting ourselves to the rest of the world. Did you know that there are 25,000 members in 525 clubs throughout 80 nations? This is too big a market to ignore. Remember that these members are all in the hospitality industry and hopefully, once we show them what Pattaya and other parts of the country have to offer, they will go back as ‘unpaid ambassadors’ for Thailand and promote us to their clients.

“With the interest of the government, the people and the commercial sector we can really pull this off. In fact, it would be to one’s own detriment if one didn’t jump on board. Let’s face it - there will be approximately 1,500 visitors out there for 5 days who need to be fed, bedded, entertained, transported and shown what we have to offer.

“Another great plus for us is that the new International Airport will be operational by that time, so there will be no long trek from Bangkok. What a pleasure!

“There is so much going on in the way of expansion and construction in and around Pattaya City at the moment that by 2006, can you imagine what we will have to offer then?”

And what about India?

Bob went on to say, “The Congress was well run, the itinerary was full, interesting and well thought out. You know it’s a good congress when you just flop into bed at night totally exhausted but satisfied that a great day was had. The speakers were of an international caliber, the entertainment, although a little too much in the way of Indian culture, was astounding - but I suppose that’s my opinion only, as most of the other delegates had not been to India before.

“The Skal Chennai Club of India must have done an “APEC” before we arrived as the city was sparkling clean. No beggars to be seen - very little ‘beef’ on the street. We were looked after and transported to the various venues like royalty. Well done Chennai! You deserve all the praise that was lauded upon you.”

And the interest in Pattaya for the 67th Congress?

Bob answered, “What can I say? Here comes that word again - ‘amazing’! I managed to speak to over 90 percent of the delegates (I am not a shy person), and honestly, after Skal Bangkok hosted a previous Congress some years ago, a lot of delegates are already making plans to come back for another visit in 2006.

“I felt quite proud when a number of participants mentioned the positive changes that they had read about in various worldwide publications and on the web regarding the fantastic “clean up” operations that have been introduced and implemented in the Eastern Seaboard - especially when it came to our beaches.

“Remember too, that Messrs. Malai Sakolvipak (from the Skal Club of Bangkok and an international councilor for Skal Thailand) along with Robert de Graaf (president of Skal Phuket - which will host the Asian Congress in 2005) were also on hand in support of generating tourism to our part of the globe.

“And it would be remiss if I did not thank and mention the members of our local Pattaya Skal Charter for their show of support and confidence in sending me to represent Thailand, Pattaya and the club at this most important marketing event.

“Well, we did win the vote in 2002 - and the international delegates who attended in Cairns did vote ‘with full force and confidence’ that the congress return to Thailand and in particular to Pattaya. In Cairns we were up against London! What a show the Skal Pattaya/Thailand members put on then!

“Yes, I am very excited about the whole project. I have been a resident here for only 5 years but the changes that I have seen in our ‘Extreme City’ during this period have definitely been more positive than negative. I certain that we can, and indeed will, continue to set even higher goals in the future.

“So come on everybody. We invite you to join us and prepare for a “Rockin’ good congress in Pattaya for Thailand 2006,” Bob concluded.

For more information on Skal International or the local Pattaya & East Thailand Club refer to the website www.skal pattaya.org or email Bob Lee at bobscous@loxinfo .co.th

Bob will only be too happy to answer any questions that you may have and send you further information.


Skal International