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Thrilling air show draws record crowds to Pattaya Sun n’ Fun Fair 2004

Brave Vikings “invade” Pattaya

A truly memorable evening

Thrilling air show draws record crowds to Pattaya Sun n’ Fun Fair 2004

Suchada Tupchai

The spectacular air show held on November 11 at the Pattaya Air Park in Banglamung drew spectators from all over the country to watch an event which was the first of its kind held in Thailand.

An interesting paint job – hopefully passengers won’t be “praying mantises” once the wheels are off the ground. (Photo by Patrick van den Berg)

Thrilling displays of aviation and parachuting skills drew gasps from the crowds and throngs of people filled the booths that displayed exhibits of various airplanes, held practical demonstrations and provided general knowledge of air flight.

It’s not very big, but it does fly. (Photo by Patrick van den Berg)

At 10 a.m. Chaiyasak Angsuwan, director of the Air Transportation Department presided over the opening of the “Pattaya Sun n’ Fun 2004" fair. The event was organized by Nawaporn Sawetwong, president of the Thai Aircraft Preservation and Development Club, Eastern Branch, the G.M. of the Fun Flying Thai Air Service Co. Ltd., administrators of the Landing Strip Pattaya Air Park, and teams at the Pattaya Air Park Airfield in Banglamung district.

Up, up and away!

The “Pattaya Sun n’ Fun 2004" fair was held to celebrate the 72nd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and was the first time an air show of this scale was held in the kingdom.

There were exhibits showing more than 50 private airplanes and more than 10 different types of parachutes were on display. The entry fee for the public was 300 baht per adult, and 150 baht per child. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of Thai Aircraft, under the sponsorship of HM the King for the purpose promoting air travel.

Strapped in and ready to go.

After the official opening ceremony, festivities started with a breathtaking air show given by the 604th Royal Air Force Flight Group. This heart-stopping show of skill and courage included parachute jumping and a display of the largest Thai flag in the world; measuring 105 x 95 feet, with a weight of about 60 kilograms.

Spectators held their breath as Captain Vinai Sricharoenpol from the Royal Thai Air Force skillfully fought for control of the flag which unfurled against the clear blue sky amidst strong winds.

Spectators held their breath as parachutists skillfully fought for control of the flag which unfurled against the clear blue sky amidst strong winds. The jumpers showed their excellent coordination by landing on target with the large Thai flag flown in full glory.

The flag allegiance ceremony given by the Royal Navy’s Communications Department.

Amongst great fanfare, a flag allegiance ceremony given by the Royal Navy’s Communications Department provided spectators with a rare spectacle of military pomp and pageantry.

Andreas Gietz and John Phillips from G-Force Composites Show Team put on large scale radio-controlled plane demonstrations. (Photo by Patrick van den Berg)

Private, commercial, and military airplanes were on display for the public to view and a flying contest was held for the Royal Cup. Other fun things included flights for sightseers to see Pattaya City from the air and remote control piloting of a large airplane. A superb jet air show was performed by aces from Europe.

Pattaya from the air - an aerial photo taken from a small “Five star” airplane.

The exhibition booths included demonstrations on the construction of an airplane, repairs, airplane assembly, and information on flying.

The air show provided by the 604th flight group was a popular attraction.

The “Pattaya Sun n’ Fun 2004" fair was held under the sponsorship of His Majesty the King. The air show aimed at furthering the sport of recreational flying and encouraging the nation’s youth to become more interested in flying and aircraft maintenance as a profession.

An officer answers questions asked by interested children.

Flight simulators were a popular pastime at the show.

Brave Vikings “invade” Pattaya

Hard work, relentless determination bring one man to his feet

Dr. Iain Corness

The Vikings have always been a people prepared to travel the world. The bravery of the Norwegian crews has been the stuff of legends for the past 1000 years. That bravery still exists today and is being shown by the efforts of two Norwegians in Pattaya, Jan Aril and Bjorn Tore.

Learning to walk, throw a ball and other movements, Jan has been coming to the hospital three times a week, and is now even able to feed himself.

Jan and Bjorn are living in Baan Sabaijai and both are paraplegics. Jan in particular has been in a wheelchair for the past nine years, and was even unable to feed himself, being totally dependent on carers.

After nine years trapped in his wheelchair, you could see the joy in Jan Aril’s face as he stood up and walked (with assistance) between the parallel bars.

The Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, which had won the Prime Minister’s Export Award for the work it has been doing to attract overseas patients to Thailand, was approached by Oskar from Baan Sabaijai, who felt that perhaps something could be done. This resulted in a plan of rehabilitation that was mapped out for the two injured Vikings, in association with the Physical Therapy department of the hospital and Mats-Erik Karlsson, one of the coordinators at the hospital.

Bjorn’s progress has been slower but no less determined.

After nine years trapped in his wheelchair, you could see the joy in Jan Aril’s face as he stood up and walked (with assistance) between the parallel bars, with his physiotherapist egging him on.

Like a child learning to walk, throw a ball and other movements, Jan has been coming to the hospital three times a week, and is now even able to feed himself. He has a long way to go, but his Viking spirit is strong.

Jan is a study in concentration as he takes those first few steps.

Bjorn’s progress has been slower, and since he has to fund his own rehabilitation, he can only stay for another month before he will have to return to Norway. However, he is going back to actively canvas for funds to allow him to return.

As Mats-Erik Karlsson pointed out, the costs in Thailand are so cheap compared to the costs in Scandinavia, these Vikings can come over, stay and receive rehabilitation for less than the cost of rehabilitation alone in their own countries.

That this has been a successful concept can be seen in Jan Aril alone. Left for nine years chair-fast in Norway, he is now well on the road to being independent. Baan Sabaijai and the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital are to be congratulated on this fine example of how Thailand can help the world.

A truly memorable evening

Hugh Millar
(Chaine de Rotisseurs)

“An evening to remember” was the consensus from all who travelled to Bangkok to celebrate the Chaine de Rotisseurs 30th Anniversary and the induction of new members. Altogether 36 members and guests of the Pattaya Baillage made their way to the Oriental Hotel on November 6 to celebrate the occasion, begging the question, “Are there any chefs left cooking in Pattaya?”

Regional Bailli Kassam leads the top echelons of the Chaine de Rotiisseurs in Thailand in cutting the anniversary cake.

The first part of the evening involved the induction of new members to the Chaine and Kassam Gooljary, Regional Bailli and Conseil Magistrate (from Hong Kong) flew in to perform the ceremony with all its pomp and splendour. Luckily no heads were lost with Khun Kassams’ flourishes with his sword and 10 new members from Pattaya were awarded their chains.

From there, it was onto the dinner. Picture yourself entering one of the most graceful ballrooms in the world. The tables beautifully decorated and the centrepiece is a 5 foot high floral arrangement cascading downwards. Chamber music drifts across the room from the string quartet. You enter and take your places in the dimly lit room. As the 50 waiting staff enter the room carrying the tuna tartar with avocado mouse and tomato jelly first course, a switch is thrown and 100s of tiny white bulbs light up from beneath your table shining through the clear top illuminating your place settings. The first surprise of the evening but not the last! Accompanying this course we were served a Maison Verget, Macon Burgy En Chatelaine 2000, an excellent partner for the tuna.

Newly inducted members pose proudly with their badges and collars.

The arrival of the sea scallop carpaccio served next probably caused the greatest sensation of the evening. The waiting staff arrived at the table carrying large silver plates on top of which was placed what looked like miniature flying saucers (or maybe this was too much indulgence with the Domaine de Bouzeron Rully Les St Jacques 1996 served to accompany the scallops!). On closer inspection the flying saucer turned out to be 12 inch wide ice carvings in the likeness of the Chaine medallions glowing from within from a light bulb placed in the ice, in which the scallops were then placed on top. Truly spectacular.

Steamed barramundi with nicoise vegetable was then served accompanied by a beautiful Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling 2001 followed by a very unusual soup made from egg plant and Arabica coffee and another change of wine to the Domaine Ponsot Morey St Denis, 1996.

Siam Spoon was all the menu said about the sorbet course. How simple could it be? Not at all was the answer. Laid out in front of you were four individual portions of sorbet all with their own dainty spoon representing the most famous fruits of Thailand, mango, mangosteen, rambutan and Thai lemon. Just what was needed before the main event of crepinette of oxtail served with a Chateau Brane Cantenac 1990. The crepe had been placed in a mould and filled with the stewed boneless oxtails, creating a dome on your plate, eliminating the difficulty usually involved when eating this flavoursome meat. A great presentation.

And so we continued. Where was “Oliver” the boy who wanted more, when you needed him?

A fantastic goats cheese followed the oxtail and suddenly the final course was reached. We started with champagne and we were going to finish with champagne, in the form of a Champagne ice parfait with oven baked pineapple presented with great swirls of chocolate. For the lovers of dessert wines they were not disappointed with the Chateau Doisy served to compliment it.

After the coffee and hand made chocolate were served all 94 staff were called to the stage and amid thunderous applause were presented with certificates of appreciation from the Chaine.

It was a truly memorable evening.