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The mission continues…3 more shelters on way to Phuket and Phangnga
The first shelter has been completed with the
combined efforts of Dave, Kevin and Middy Campbell who were in Phuket to
build them. The shelter has been presented to the Kamala Beach School where
by the children are now using it as their classroom during the day and the
monks using it as a temple in the evenings. Their original school building
was destroyed by the tsunami that hit the south of Thailand and many other
countries in the Andaman sea and the Indian Ocean.
Judy Hoppe,
President of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya presents a donation of funds
collected from generous Rotarians, to go towards the construction of
shelters in Phuket. Receiving the donation are (l-r) Kevin Fisher, Dave Doll
and David Garred, all members of Lodge Pattaya West Winds.
There is still a need for more shelters as the people
must be moved out of the ‘tent ghettos’ into proper and hygienic
shelters. The three volunteers are taking another 3 shelters down to Phuket
and Pangnga next week. Many residents of Pattaya have already signed up to
join the team going to Phuket and help them in their noble task.
The
first shelter has been handed over and is being used as a multi purpose
lodge for schooling and for praying.
This is a letter sent to David Doll and expresses the
true feelings of someone who is down in the south doing whatever he can to
help.
Dear Dave,
You are right about one thing... this shelter is
getting some attention.
I just got a call from the chief abbot of Kamala
Temple this afternoon, there was a visiting group of senior monks from Khao
Lak (the war zone area), PhangNga.
They saw the shelter that we put in and one the
monks from Bang Niang (Khao Lak) whose temple was destroyed, spoke to me
requesting if our organisation would be kind enough to put one in for them,
as they face the same problems, no help going to them.
I replied that we will be in Thap Lamu sometime next
week and we will see if there is a need for it.
Talking about needs, the temples are the least on the
government’s priority list. If the Freemasons do have their temples
in the old days, I am sure they will take care of the modern day temples as
well, if they saw the situation they are in.
While both the disaster victims and the schools
are all awaiting for more permanent buildings, which may still take
months before something will commence for them.
The temples and monks were the least mentioned,
even those monks that died both here in Phuket and Phang Nga were not
mentioned at all.
I wish the Freemasons can see this point so that the
shelters go to a more deserving use.
David
Phuket
The assistance to the victims of the devastation is made
possible only by the kind donations of the various organizations and private
individuals. These volunteers 1are individuals who are sacrificing their
time and money to help the homeless get shelter as swiftly as they can.
To help please contact the following persons.
David Garred: Tel 04 755 3100, e-mail: d_garred@ yahoo.com, David Doll,
e-mail: [email protected] and Middy Campbell, e-mail: [email protected]
Tsunami survivors face insomnia,poor concentration
Adult survivors of last month’s tsunamis are still reporting mental
problems ranging from insomnia to a lack of focus and poor concentration,
according to the director-general of the Department of Mental Health, Dr. M.L.
Somchai Chakrabhand,
Dr. Somchai said that information gathered from survivors
over the past month showed that children between the ages of one and five had
become clingy, afraid of the dark and were experiencing sleeping and eating
problems. Survivors up to the age of 11 were exhibiting more attention-seeking
behavior, while also reporting poor concentration and fear of school. Children
aged 12-14 were also engaging in attention-seeking behavior, at the same time as
reporting unexplained physical symptoms.
From the age of 15 upwards, the top mental problem to emerge
was insomnia, reported by 15-19 year-olds along with feelings of lack of
confidence outside the confines of the home. Physical symptoms ranged from
headaches to respiratory problems.
Those in the 20-59 age group, meanwhile, were experiencing
insomnia and unfocused thoughts, while those aged 60 and above said that they
could not sleep, were depressed and were unable to balance their emotions.
But asked what they needed most at the present time, the
survivors interviewed by the Department of Mental Health put psychiatric
assistance in third place after money and accommodation and help with
employment. (TNA)
Public urged to donate wheelchairs for tsunami victims
The Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Center in Nonthaburi Province
on the outskirts of Bangkok has urged the public to donate wheelchairs for
people who have been left disabled by last month’s tsunami disaster.
The center is facing an acute shortage of wheelchairs after a
large number of them were used by foreign tsunami victims during their return
flights and not returned, the center’s director, Dr. Pattariya Jarutas said.
Despite a five million baht donation from the German
government, the centre still needs more wheelchairs for disabled tsunami
victims, she said. An estimated 800 people were disabled in the tsunami
disaster, around 30 of them could lose both their legs, said Dr. Pattariya. One
wheelchair costs 3,800-4,000 baht.
The agency is implementing a four-step project for disabled
victims, said the director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, Dr.
Chatri Banchuin. It began with collecting information about the victims,
producing prosthetic parts, providing rehabilitation specialists to give advice
to the victims, and supplying the victims with equipment. (TNA)
La Royale Beach ready to glitter Eastern Seaboard market
For those who prefer modern conveniences in relaxed surroundings, passion the
beachfront activities and favor luxury living, La Royale Beach project is
something you are looking for.
David Gray
(sitting), Gade Magee (right) along with their team ready to offer you the best
of service.
Starting from 59,000 baht per square meter for a 2 bedrooms
unit, this project will altogether offer a 34-storey condominium consisting of
124 two and three bedroom units and 3 duplex apartments, 8 garden triplex
villas, 6 beachfront villas with its own private swimming pools. Additional
facilities include 2 lap pools, children pool, fully equipped fitness center,
beautiful gardens and play ground area, dry dock and boat storage, stores,
coffee shop and many luxury facilities that you can expect from the magnificence
La Royale Beach.
Appointed by the Wise Power Group, project owner and developer, David Gray
the director of East Coast Real Estate, the sales agent announces the initiation
of the sales phase of this exclusive condominium. David with the assistance of
Gade Magee the general manager along with their professional team is now ready
to offer you the best of service. For more information and the price quotation
contact David at [email protected] or call 038 362 416-7.
The U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation 2005
Call for Proposals
The U.S. Embassy and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the
U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce the 2005 call for proposals for
the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The Fund was established to help countries preserve cultural
heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures. The Fund is aimed
at preserving cultural sites or objects that have an historical or cultural
significance to the cultural heritage of Thailand. The deadline for submitting a
proposal is February 18, 2005.
Proposals may be submitted targeting the following criteria:
a) A cultural site or sites. This might include, but is not
limited to, preservation of an archaeological or historical site, sacred place
or monument, an archaeological survey as a component of a preservation plan,
preservation management planning for a site or sites in a region, and
documentation of a site in a region for preservation purposes.
b) An object or collection of objects from a site, a museum
or similar institution. This might include, but is not limited to, conservation
of an object or collection of objects, inventory of a collection of objects for
conservation purposes, creating suitable space and conditions for a collection
of objects, and specialized training in the care and preservation of
collections.
c) Other forms of traditional cultural expression. This might
include, but is not limited to, recording traditional music or dance forms,
compiling a dictionary of an endangered language, recording oral history or
traditional poetry, and support for training in the preservation of traditional
arts or crafts that are threatened by extinction.
Note: Only Thai organizations or institutions are eligible to
apply for the Fund. The Fund cannot be used to support conservation or the
purchase of privately owned residential or commercial property or collections,
to pay for international airfare for foreign specialists, or to construct or
reconstruct buildings.
Each proposal must be in English and should include:
1. A description of the project and participants, including
the time frame for completion.
2. A description of the importance of the cultural or sacred
site (or sites), object (or collection), or form of expression.
3. An explanation of the relevance of the proposal to
Thailand.
4. An indication of the urgency of the project.
5. An indication of the impact of the U.S. contribution to
the preservation project.
6. A detailed budget indicating expenditure of funds.
7. A resume of the Project Director.
8. An indication of other funding sources, if any.
The proposal should be submitted to Kenneth Foster, Cultural
Affairs Officer, RE: The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, Cultural
Affairs Office, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok
10330.
For more information, please contact Kanchalee Jitjang at
tel. 02-205-4597 or fax 02-650-8924.
To obtain proposal guidelines, please go to http://bangkok.
usembassy.gov/news /press/2005/proposalguidelines2005.htm
For additional information of the Fund, please visit the
following website http://exchanges .state.gov/culprop/afcp/
Bon Cafe launches brand new image in Pattaya
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
In its seventh year of operation the Bon Cafe Co. Ltd. has
undergone a facelift and acquired a new image. Extensive renovations and a more
upbeat atmosphere now treat Pattaya customers to a totally new look and lots of
great amenities. Deputy governor Weerawit Wiwattanawanit presided over the
re-opening which was attended by many well wishers who brought baskets of
flowers for congratulations.
 Maleerat
Thanaprchoom GM of Bon Caf้ is all smiles, as Chonburi deputy governor
Weerawit Wiwattanawanit tastes a cup of aromatic coffee.
Bon Cafe Co. Ltd. runs a coffee production business and
distributes a full circuit service such as coffee machines, service after sales,
several high quality coffees for the food industry, and beverages for hotels,
restaurants, department stores, clubs, and golf courses.
Their head office is situated in Bangkok and the production
factory is in the Bor Win Sub-district, Sriracha. They also have a distribution
center for their customers around the country to fulfill customers’ demands.
Bon Cafe distributes to first class department stores and well-known hotels
domestically and abroad including The Grand Hyatt Erawan in Thailand, and 5 star
resorts and hotels under the Al Jumeriah Group in Dubai for The Republic of Arab
Emirates.
Maleerat Thanaprachum, GM of Bon Cafe Co. Ltd. said, “Success in this
business means it is essential to make the customer recognize our goods and to
support them. Therefore we invested in change and adapted the organization to be
more international, which started with a change of the logo, packing and the
shop decoration to be more modern and fit with the times. We also changed the
colors from brown to bright orange, which gives a higher energy feeling. The
Pattaya branch is the 1st of 12 branches in Thailand, which has an after sales
service center. This center is for advice and consultation on their products
including repair and maintenance to make sure that the customer receives quality
service.”
Fascino launches a new generation health and beauty center
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The spa and health industry is taking off like a rocket in
Thailand and Pattaya has become a favorite location for high quality centers
that provide clients the best in health and beauty care.
Widely known throughout Thailand, Fascino Co. Ltd. launched
its 51st branch here in the city on the morning of January 22. Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn presided over the opening ceremonies during which there was a
fine turnout of VIPs and members of the general public who came to convey their
wishes for success.
Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn and Chaiyasen Pisarnwalert jointly cut the ribbon to open the
new premises.
Fascino is a business center for health and medicine, medical
supplies, high energy health foods and medical accessories. The company invested
over 70,000,000 million baht in this latest branch which is situated on 1 rai on
North Pattaya Road beside Pattaya City Hall. The company owns a chain of Facino
Pharmacy Group shops which are centers for top quality health and medical
supplies. This latest venture is intended to provide modern health standards for
Thailand’s eastern region.
The company has experience in the health business for over 17
years, and long experience in the wholesale and retail side of the industry.
They sell retail supplies and deliver medicine, health and beauty products,
medical equipment, and patient equipment, providing over 6,000 items.
Their management methods are of a modern medical shop and
provide the highest quality of items for reasonable prices, with a staff that
provides warm service and a caring touch for people’s health.
Fascino’s policy is to lift the standards of public health
and their new modern pharmacy aims at preventive care as well as providing the
best treatment for illnesses. They have a staff that is very qualified, and for
this reason they will extend the business in standard pharmacies to service the
public in all countries using the business chain method.
Small investors who have specific qualifications can be
business owners of these high-standard pharmacies. These people must have good
ideas for this new style of pharmacy, and an approved location for a pharmacy
with an investment budget of 1.5 million baht.
The Fascino shop has a special image, depicting a combination of a medical
center and pharmacy. They also have enough area for consultation and to run
health tests such as blood tests, blood sugar and fat tests, hearing tests, and
health information service. A refreshment corner is also available to service
the customers and the center is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Chutarat Yunprayong
is the fairest of them all
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Ittipol Khunplome, advisor to the Ministry of Tourism and
Sports presided over the Miss Chonburi 108 contest 2005, held on January 22, at
the Pacific Park Center in Sriracha where contestants vied during the final
selection for cash prizes and trophies.
Miss
Chonburi 108 2005 Chutarat Yunprayong is flanked by the runners-up who are just
as pretty. Ittipol Khunplome is at left.
A total of 133 students entered the contest and 30 made the
finals. The event was well attended by the public as crowds gathered to view the
event.
Chatramongkol Khaemapirat, president and Chonburi 108.com
magazine administrator, said, “This is the first time we have held a contest
such as this. The purpose is to select students between 17-24 years of age who
are learning to be marketing representatives and to promote Chonburi as a
tourist destination.”
Chutarat Yunprayong 17, from Chon Kalayanukul School was crowned Miss
Chonburi 108.com receiving more than 100,000 baht, a decorative sash and a
commemorative plaque. Runner up Pratsanee Suksudet, 20, from the Human Resources
Faculty at Burapha University received 50,000 baht. Second runner up Chanisa
Panommak from Chon Kalayanukul School received 30,000 baht. All of the winners
will participate in the information and public relations campaign for Chonburi
Province.
Hard Rock donate much needed funds to children and tsunami victims
Andrew Khoo, general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel together with Bundarik
Kusolvit, president of the Thai Hotels Association - Eastern Chapter (THA-EC)
met with Mayor Nirun Wattanasartsathorn last week to jointly donate 100,000 baht
to go towards helping the people of southern Thailand whose homes and businesses
had been struck down by the waves of destruction.
Andrew Khoo
(2nd left), Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya general manager hands over the cheque to
Bro. Denis Gervais CSSR, Pattaya Orphanage assistant director at city hall as
Bundarik Kusolvit, THA-EC president (left) and Pattaya Mayor Niran
Wattansartsathorn witness the donation.
After presenting 100,000 baht cheque to the mayor, Andrew
Khoo and his team handed over a further 183,720 baht to the Father Ray
Foundation in aid of the Redemptorist Center’s projects, namely the Pattaya
Orphanage, Street Kids Home and School for the blind. Bro. Denis Gervais CSSR,
Pattaya Orphanage assistant director received the cheque on behalf of the
foundation.
Andrew Khoo
(2nd left), Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya general manager and Bundarik Kusolvit,
THA-EC president (2nd right) hand over the cheque to Mayor Niran
Wattansartsathorn to help tsunami victims in the country’s south.
The total amount raised for the Father Ray Foundation was the result of the
Christmas tree lighting and charity buffet and concert on December 7 last year.
The Hard Rock Hotel organized and hosted the event in cooperation with the
Pattaya Mail and the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya.
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