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Malinee Sariman elected YWCA Pattaya president for 2004-2006

Green Bottle Pub celebrates its 16th anniversary

Bangkok Airways announces Pattaya to Phuket direct flights

Hundreds say final goodbye to Shakey Pete, a true Pattaya legend

Pattaya says a fond farewell to Leslie Wright

YWCA going full speed ahead

Wild West woos the crowds in opening Street Party

Malinee Sariman elected YWCA Pattaya president for 2004-2006

Suchada Tupchai

Elections of all kinds seem to be going on everywhere lately, and the YWCA Pattaya recently joined in the fun during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting last week.

Jitra Wattanasin, president of YWCA Chonburi; Nitaya Patimasongkroh, Pattaya president 2002-2004; Mookda Maneeratjaratsri and Nittaya Jenwanich, president of YWCA Bangkok.

Malinee Sariman, chairperson of the YWCA Pattaya’s Warm Family Project Committee, was elected to be the next president of the YWCA Pattaya.

Malinee expressed her joy at the election results and promised to do her best to manage the club over the next two years and provide the best service to aid the community while in office.

Malinee Sariman (standing) was elected president of the YWCA Pattaya for the next two years.

Before the elections took place, Nitaya Patimasongkroh, president for 2002-2004, led the regular monthly meeting for the last time, and did so in the presence of special guests Nittaya Jenwanich, president of YWCA Bangkok and Jitra Wattanasin, president of YWCA Chonburi.

During the meeting, past activities were reviewed, including charity and fundraising events, donations to the community for scholarships, school lunches and a special project to purchase hearing aids for a young year four girl in the Khao Mai Kaew district.

New YWCA Pattaya president Malinee Sariman (seated third from left) and outgoing YWCA Pattaya president Nitaya Patimasongkroh (seated fourth from left), surrounded by YWCA members and friends, look forward to many more years helping the community.


Green Bottle Pub celebrates its 16th anniversary

Diana Inn’s Green Bottle Pub is one of Pattaya’s oldest and most popular meeting places. Its wholesome, friendly hospitality, great food and lively entertainment have made it one of Pattaya’s ‘institutions’ where friend gather to chat and the whole family is welcome. The Green Bottle celebrated its 16th anniversary on March 6 which also happened to coincide with Khun Noi’s March 4 birthday.

Family and friends arrived in droves to wish Khun Noi a very Happy Birthday and congratulate her on the auspicious occassion of the Green Bottle Pub’s 16th anniversary.

And there was good reason to celebrate. Sixteen years ago there was very little choice of family oriented venues in Pattaya. The Diana Inn was a small hotel, with 32 rooms and there was a need for a pub and restaurant that could accommodate guests and provide a happy atmosphere and fun entertainment for the whole family as well as a varied menu of great food.

Famous singer ‘Am’ Sawalak Leelabutr entertained the crowd with her beautiful voice.

The hotel’s first GM, Ian Harrington, came up with the name of “Green Bottle Pub” (borrowed from a small pub in England) which fell in line with the owner’s philosophy of appreciation of Pattaya’s natural seaside beauty, the awareness of protecting the environment and staunch family values. Not only the name, but the d้cor also reflected warmth, fun, originality and the feeling of an old-fashioned English-style pub. Green bottles were used in imaginative and artistic ways as an accent to the interior. Green also stood for environmental awareness.

Prasart Saengtaptim, the executive chef rolls in the birthday cake.

Live music, darts, pool table, a big screen TV which shows sporting events and a delicious food all make for a welcome venue where the whole family can come to enjoy themselves.

The Green Bottle Pub’s 16th birthday party was a joyous event. The day was really amazing. Located in the heart of the city on Pattaya Second Road, the place was packed with well-wishers, and famous singer ‘Am’ Sawalak Leelabutr provided the entertainment. A special menu was on offer during the anniversary week that included delicious spicy salmon salad with varieties of whiskey and cocktails to order, selections of fine wine from around the world and on top of the list was a free Chang Beer with the purchase of 5 bottles.

Khun Noi and Am cut the birthday cake to mark another milestone for the Green Bottle Pub.

The Diana Group has grown since its humble beginnings 16 years ago and now comprises a complex of hotels, long-stay residences, driving range and is a major contributor to the community through many charity groups.

Khun Noi, along with special guests and the management, pour the sparkle into the pyramid of champagne glasses.

But the Green Bottle Pub is still homey, gracious and family fun-oriented, and has won the hearts of the whole community. Happy Birthday and best wishes for a long and prosperous future.


Bangkok Airways announces Pattaya to Phuket direct flights

Parties at the Hard Rock Hall of Fame to celebrate 36 years as a boutique airline

Staff reporters

Bangkok Airways last week celebrated their 36th year as a boutique airline, and to do so, invited travel agents from all over Pattaya to be their guests at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Hall of Fame.

Chonlada Chevathakorn (right) presents Natida with air tickets in the lucky draw.

Chonlada Chevathakorn, deputy sales director for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, was quick to point out that the airline was not joining the rush to be another low cost operator, but with all their planes being under five years old, they were concentrating on superior service to keep their customers happy. They also offer destinations and routes that are not covered by the low cost operators, the new Pattaya-Phuket direct being an example of these. These flights are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Chonlada Chevathakorn (far left), deputy sales director, Bangkok Airways presents the award for Best Marketing Support to the representatives from KN Travel, Bri & Joy and All Seasons Travel.

Bangkok Airways is also very proud of their destinations outside Thailand, including three exotic cities in China - Guilin, Jinghong and Xi’an. Other flights are to Angkor (Siem Reap), Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh, Singapore and Yangon (Rangoon).

Phuwanart ‘Aun’ Phoonpalin, well known Thai TV star and performer, was emcee for the evening’s events.

This boutique airline is also justifiably proud of the fact that some of the destinations could not previously be reached, until Bangkok Airways built their own airports to service the passengers. In this way they have had a marked effect on the development of the island of Samui and now Trat.

Further information can be obtained from Bangkok Airways at www.bangkokair.com

Niti Kongrut, TAT Central Region 3 Office director presents airlines tickets to representative from All Seasons Travel.

Niti Kongrut, TAT Central Region 3 Office director and Thanet Supornsaharungsi, PBTA president joined in the Bangkok Airways’ promotional evening.

The ever present Pattaya Mail were out in full colors at the Hard Rock Hotel for the Bangkok Airways night.


Hundreds say final goodbye to Shakey Pete, a true Pattaya legend

PSC Charter Member, Founding Member of VFW POST 9876

Pete Crerand, known to all as Shakey Pete, passed away on the morning of March 10, after an extended hospital stay.

To summarize Shakey it might suffice to say that he was proud of his American citizenship, fond of his Irish heritage and felt blessed to reside in his adopted country of Thailand for more than 30 years.

Pete Crerand, known to all as Shakey Pete

Born in New Jersey, Shakey began his residency in Thailand as a member of the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Udorn. After receiving his honorable discharge from the service he found his way to the then small fishing village of Pattaya where he was to own a number of bars around town, many of them simply known as “Shakey Pete’s”.

As Pattaya grew, Pete assisted it. In 1978, Shakey joined with Bill Gilmore and about 30 other visionaries to put together what is now the cornerstone of Pattaya’s sports and social scene, the Pattaya Sports Club. Shakey assumed an active role in the leadership of the early PSC and further supported it by directing the darts league, the horseshoe competitions, pool and bowling, the latter sponsorship running to this day.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Radford Mays (right), United States Marine Corps (retired) presents a final salute, as Rick Larsen, owner of the Hogsbreath Saloon, which serves as the VFW Post, says a final farewell to one of Pattaya’s true legends.

Additionally, and in concert with many of the same retired American military personnel who shaped the PSC, Shakey Pete was instrumental in founding VFW Post 9876 in Pattaya. He later served as the Post’s Commander. Pete is survived by his loving wife Som and is missed by legions of friends here and abroad.

Hundreds of people came to say their final farewell to a Pattaya legend, Shakey Pete Crerand.

It was noted by Shakey’s numerous friends that he died just a week shy of his favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, and there was some speculation that he wanted to be through the Pearly Gates by the 17th of March so that he could tip a wee one of Tillamore Dew with old St. Pat himself.

Shakey Pete’s wife Som accepts the American flag from an honorable and decorated veteran, Master Gunnery Sergeant Radford Mays, United States Marine Corps (retired). Witnessing is George Bell of the Pattaya VFW Post.

Whether that be true or not, the lads and lasses raised a glass to Shakey Pete and closed a chapter on Pattaya lore, with the Irish toast, “May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows your dead.”


Pattaya says a fond farewell to Leslie Wright

Long time resident and respected Pattaya Mail Family Money columnist, Leslie Allan Wright, managing director of Westminster Portfolio Services, received a fond farewell from close friends in the community when he was cremated on Thursday, March 11 after losing his two-year battle with the crab, lung cancer, on February 29. He was 55 years old.

Leslie Allan Wright
June 7, 1948 - February 29, 2004

A British national, Leslie attended Cambridge College of Arts and Sciences, graduating with a National Certificate, Part 1 in 1968. That same year, he began his career as an export sales executive with Composil Limited in Surrey, U.K., advancing his way up to executive director and partner in the company. During his time with Composil Limited, Leslie travelled extensively, eventually discovered his fondness for the Orient and decided upon a life overseas.

Leslie lived in the Philippines for over a decade, from 1979 until 1991, partnering two companies, Composil Traders (Phils.) Inc and A.T.A. Trading Corporation.

Some of Leslie’s many friends say a final prayer for him.

In 1991, Leslie relocated to Hong Kong, at the invitation of Finexco (HK) Ltd., and began his new career in financial services. He said of his new career, “In this I have been very fortunate, successful and have gained an international reputation for integrity and professionalism in always giving ‘best advice’ to my clients.”

Leslie had a successful career with Finexco, at the time one of the leading international financial service companies, rising rapidly up the corporate ladder, becoming managing director & compliance officer by 1996.

Saffron-robed monks led Leslie’s final procession around the temple and ultimately to the funeral pyre, as his closest friends follow, silently recalling memories of a lost friend.

However, Leslie said he did not wish to remain in Hong Kong after the handover to China, and saw that his services were needed in Pattaya. So, in August 1997, Leslie established Westminster Portfolio Services (Thailand) Limited, which he proudly said was “successful beyond my expectations.”

Early in 2003, Leslie was invited to join Who’s Who of International Professionals, one of the very few international financial advisers in Asia to be so honoured.

Of his many hobbies, one of his favourites was writing, and he began writing his Family Money column for Pattaya Mail in January 1998. When the Chiangmai Mail first started in October 2002, Leslie was an eager contributor to the financial pages. Leslie also wrote a compelling series titled “Battling the Crab”, which was full of insights into his prolonged battle with lung cancer, and the way he handled learning of, and dealing with, the devastating news that he had such a short time left. He bravely continued to contribute his Family Money column to both newspapers, even through his illness, until the “crab” finally prevented him from doing so.

Funerals rites were carried out at Chaimongkol Temple, as many paid their respects to this very private man, yet well known among the community and around the world through his writing.

At around 1 p.m. mourners gathered for their final goodbyes, and, led by Buddhist monks, walked around the temple grounds 3 times.

Leslie earned much respect for his financial advice over the years and his column was widely read. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

RIP Leslie, the battle is finally over.


YWCA going full speed ahead

Elfi Seitz

This had always been the motto of the YWCA. Together with the spouses of the foreign ambassadors in Thailand, it will go on even better.

The three most important ladies of the evening (from left) Chitra Wattanasin, Alexandra Tomasikova and Noreerat Noparatanaraporn.

During a common charity cruise on the luxury liner - a swimming fantasy on the smooth waves of the Chao Phraya River, 500,000 baht was collected for HIV/AIDS infected children. The Canadian ambassador, Dr. Andrew McAlister, acted as the master of ceremonies and welcomed the high society of Bangkok.

Canadian Ambassador Dr. Andrew McAlister gives his speech.

Alexandra Tomasikova, chairwoman of the evening and wife of the Slovakian ambassador, gave a short speech to warmly greet her present colleagues, vice-chairwoman Chitra Wattanasin, the Canadian ambassador’s wife, Bente McAlister, the Danish ambassador’s wife, Christina Hellweg-Larsen, the Italian ambassador’s wife, Marcia Starace Janfolla and members of the committee Porntip Pongpairoj and Noreerat Noparatanaraporn.

The embassies of Armenia, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and the USA sponsored of all the wines, which were served in abundance during the evening.

A mix of Taksin and YMCA (from left) Hans Schaad, Peter Thorand, Stefan Ryser, Nittaya Patimasongkroh and Dieter H. Precourt.

Naturally there were guests from Pattaya: Nittaya Patimasongkroh, Thongpoon Gutalaeng, Elfi Seitz (all from YWCA), Marliese und Heinz Fritz, Peter Thorand, Dieter H. Precourt, Hans Schaad, Erwin and Susi Rohner, and Stefan and Toy Ryser (all from Rotary Club Taksin-Pattaya).

The entrance tickets were used as lottery tickets and many prizes were drawn. Thiraphan Boonmakajorn from Bangkok Christian Hospital won the first prize, a return flight to Chiang Mai.


Wild West woos the crowds in opening Street Party

The Committee of the PGF with the co-operation of all the businesses in Pattayaland Soi 3, “Boyztown”, held their opening event in this year’s Pattaya Gay Festival to continue the raising of money to help Dr. Philippe Soer treat the 900+ HIV/AIDS patients under the banner of HEARTT2000 by transforming the street into a Wild West set.

People crammed into the small soi to enjoy the entertainment. (photo by Ariyawat Nuamsawat)

The evening got off to an early start with a rodeo bull (mechanical) set up in the street outside Panorama Pub, My Life bar and Serene Bar to challenge all who had simply come for a casual drink before the event. This became something of a serious competition not only for the young men but also many farangs, male and female, not wishing to be out-done. Thanks to the sheriff for keeping everything in order!

Yeehaw! Ride ‘em cowboy!

At 9.30 Toy from Le Cafe Royale kicked off the proceedings in fine style followed by spectacular shows from Pattaya Stunt Group, the Throb-Splash Showboys, Boyz, Boyz, Boyz, My Life Bar, and Topman. The night had everything, glitz, glamour, humour, cowboys and indians and a show down at the OK Corral.

Came the witching hour of midnight and the grand draw saw the usual collection of TV, DVD players, stereos, rice cookers, collection of vouchers for meals at many of the top restaurants in Pattaya, and bottles of wine and spirits. Thanks here to Ambiance Hotel, Amor Restaurant, Body Club, Boyz Boyz Boyz, Bruno’s, Cafe Royale, Casa Pascal, Dick’s Cafe Jomtien, Exxit, Funny Boys 2, Icon Hotel, Mata Hari, Panorama Pub, Star Treff Cabaret, Topman.

The evening got off to an early start with a mechanical rodeo bull set up in the street. (photo by Ariyawat Nuamsawat)

At the end of the day the supporters continued to spend a little more time and money back in the saloons who were also generously giving 20% of their takings during the evening to the charity funds.

To everyone, the organizers, those who willingly took on riding the bull for the entertainment of the more faint-hearted, the members of the casts of all the shows, the sponsors, those who donated prizes and especially the 400 plus people who attended and put their hands in their pockets to help raise the fantastic total of 210,000 baht towards continuing helping HIV/AIDS patients through the work of HEARTT2000.


Skal International