HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Thousands turnout for Makhabucha Day ceremonies

India back in “Chaines”

Regent’s Tsunami Relief Week tops half a million

On the buses

Thousands turnout for Makhabucha Day ceremonies

Merit also made for tsunami victims

Staff reporters

Many people listen to monks preach the Dharma.

The holy day of Makhabucha Day fell on February 23 this year. This important occasion for Buddhists marks the first sermon of the Lord Buddha to 1250 monks.

In Pattaya, thousands of followers turned out at local temples to conduct ceremonies and make merit for themselves and their families. Additionally, many also made merit for the tsunami victims in Thailand and throughout the region.

Many people made merit for the tsunami victims in Thailand and throughout the region.

“In the last year many bad things have happened in the world and I wanted to bring my family to make merit for those who lost their lives in the tsunami tragedy. This is also a means of improving the family bonds and teaching my children good things regarding our religion,” said one member of the congregation who had gathered at one of the larger temples.

The morning ceremonies were filled with people presenting offerings to the monks and performing “tak baht” and listening to the monks preach the Dharma or teaching of the Buddha.

You’re never too young to learn about your faith.

These were continued at evening ceremonies with many performing the “Wien Thien” whereby believers lit candles and circled the temple’s prayer room three times.

This holy day commemorates the miraculous event when 1,250 disciples of the Buddha, Gautama Sakayamuni, traveled to meet with the Buddha with no prearranged agreement, at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the area of Rachakhryha, India.

Worshipping or ‘Bucha’ occurs in the third month or ‘Makha’, identified in the middle of the 3rd lunar month.

The day gained official recognition in Thailand during the reign of Rama IV and became a nationally observed day with all government institutions closing down and observing the rituals associated with Buddhist commandments.

In Pattaya, thousands of followers turned out at local temples to conduct ceremonies and make merit for themselves and their families.

Devout followers participate in morning ceremonies, making merit and listening to sermons at local temples, and later in the evening return to the temple to perform the “wien thien ceremony” - walking three circuits around sacred grounds, paying homage to the “Triple Gem” or the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. The day is observed all over Thailand.

The morning ceremonies were filled with people presenting offerings to the monks and performing “tak baht”.

Other countries where the Buddhist faith is predominant and where Makha Bucha Day is officially observed as a national day include Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and India. Other countries with populations observing the day but in limited numbers include China, Korea and Vietnam.

Disseminating the Buddha’s teachings and the journey to meet with the Buddha on the 15th night of the 3rd lunar month are part of the historical events that include the sermons and truths spoken by the Buddha.

Many people pay homage to the “Triple Gem” or the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Having good intentions, not harming others, avoiding evil actions and making the heart and mind pure in thought were among the truths spoken by the Buddha. Additionally, other truths spoken by the Buddha cautioned individual restraint in all that attracts one’s attention, to include desiring possessions belonging to others, and exploiting others for personal gain.

Before departing, the Buddha also referred to the people’s interest in making merit, gaining self-esteem and a comfortable reassurance that moral integrity exists. More importantly, having faith in the “Triple Gem” (Phraratanatrai) was illustrated by emphasizing the importance of avoiding drunken, irresponsible and immoral behavior, and maintaining focus on supporting loved ones while being content in one’s existence with friends and without selfish greed.

At evening ceremonies, many perform the “Wien Thien” whereby believers lit candles and circled the temple’s prayer room three times.

India back in “Chaines”

Miss Terry Diner

No, it was not a renewal of the British Raj, or a farewell to Mahatma Gandhi, but the first Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner for 2005 held at the Indian by Nature Restaurant. And with the ebullient Louis Noll from Mata Hari leading the throng, everyone knew, if nothing else, it would be an entertaining evening.

Louis Noll Baille de Pattaya, from Mahatma Hari welcomes the Chaine members in his inimitable style.

The night began in an Indian fashion, with the 51 members and guests being ceremoniously “dotted” on the forehead with red, apparently a sign of good luck! Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital’s Dr. Iain thought it was an epidemic, which he called “Indianitis”, but he was also sure he had a cream that would remove it.

The reception wine was very well received, being described by Louis Noll on Pattaya Mail TV as a “white with bubbles” before referring to it by its correct appellation of Prosecco di Conegliano DOC from Italy.

Av Khanijou resplendent in her sari, along with Richard and Janet Smith make for a pretty picture.

Still recovering from her 50th birthday was Pat Dixon, who claimed very loudly that she was not drunk on that birthday evening. Eye-witnesses were heard to say that she was perhaps somewhat sparing of the truth. Pigs were also judged as being able to fly.

Jack Khanijou (right) with his family and friends who flew in for this special occasion.

Buddies spotted at the reception and at the dinner were Fredi Schaub (Bruno’s) and Pascal Schnyder (Casa Pascal), both of whom were trying to see what the other was producing new in their respective menus.

Anxiously keeping a close watch on the proceedings was hostess Av Khanijou, resplendent in a 20,000 baht sari, if husband Jack could be believed. Being an Indian restaurant that was being experienced, this also brought down the Indian heavyweights from Bangkok, who judging by their demeanor at the end of the evening, enjoyed it immensely.

Pascal Schnyder and Hugh Millar enjoy a relaxing moment on the ‘jhoola’, the swing of the maharajas.

Or perhaps their smiles were merely following the “Indian” belly dancer called Julia, who shimmied her way through one complete tour of the restaurant, and then followed this up with an encore, to the delight of the Belly Button Brigade, and the Pattaya Mail on TV cameraman, who looked as if he would have followed her home, given half a chance.

However, there were those who managed to retain their dignity despite the dancing dervish, with the perfectly polished young Otto Kreuger from Bang Saen’s Scandinavian Village hardly raising an eyebrow, whilst his Bang Saen compatriot, however, Chris Kridakorn-Odbratt, looked as if he were quite capable of raising something else while peering over the top of his glasses, and his wine glasses.

MBMG International’s Jeff Burrows was seen earnestly describing the medicinal value of the Vidal Estate Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, and it will be interesting to see if a side effect of such medication the next morning might have been a slight headache!

It was an interesting Indian evening, and a very good gesture by the local Chaine des Rotisseurs to hold their first dinner for 2005 at the newest member’s restaurant. Khun Av certainly tried hard (perhaps too hard at times), when all that was needed was to capitalize on the ethnicity of the venue and food, both of which are remarkably good without embellishment of a more “international” culture.

Regent’s Tsunami Relief Week tops half a million

In light of the tragic events of 26th December 2004 within the South East Asia region, it was very important that The Regent’s community responded directly to the problems now facing the South of Thailand with the familiar fund-raising spirit that is associated with us being a Round Square School.

Thai Rak Thai team.

The students and staff chose the week beginning 7th February 2005 as ‘Tsunami Relief Week’. The target was to raise at least 240,000 baht that could be put towards the cost of building two family homes (120,000 baht each) for the people of Koh Jam Island near the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi. After the first service group visited Koh Jam 4 weeks ago to help the Thai Army build the houses, it was discovered that funds were no longer needed for the actual construction. Instead there was a large demand for utilities (electricity generators and water tanks) and fishing boats within the devastated community.

The Domestic Divas.

Mufti Week - the Primary Student Guild formulated the idea of a Mufti Week. Students were invited to wear non-school uniform for the entire Tsunami Relief Week. The only catch was that the cost of each day’s Mufti increased by 20 baht - the total week costing 300 baht. This was a great success and many a student and staff’s pocket money was sacrificed for the week. The Primary School raised 75,300 baht and the Secondary School 70,100 baht.

Swimathon – the Regent’s Swimathon in aid of Tsunami Relief took place on the 11th and 12th February at the Regent’s swimming pool. A total of 16 teams entered the 24 hour event, the youngest being The Tiny Torpedoes (early years) and the oldest probably being The Incredibles (the parents). Each team was encouraged to swim as far as possible during 24 hours and raise as much sponsor money as possible. A total of 270,000 baht was raised through sponsorship. Notable achievements were: the Shark Tales (Year 7) who raised 41,000 baht; GO GO Gappies (the Gap students) who raised 40,000 baht; and The Tiny Torpedoes who raised over 46,000 baht. Many thanks also go to the Cosmopolitan Lions Club of Jomtien for donating 10,000 baht towards the swimathon and the Domestic Divas (Connelly, Walker and Thornbery) for providing delicious food (especially the bacon butties) and raising 12,000 baht over the 24 hours.

Girls wanna have funds.

Other events – there were many other events taking place during the week including: Valentine’s rose delivery, Art Auctions, IB music concerts, flower sales, comic sales, Simpsons showings, Play Station 2 games, young enterprise (snowstorm, evolution and chameleon cards), bake sales and computer room charges.

By Friday 25th February, the total amount of money raised during the Regent’s Tsunami Relief Week was 521,781 baht. By far the most money raised during a single event in the Regent’s history. More money is expected to come in from sponsorship, etc…

Finished at last!.

It is very important to remember the objective of this week and to ensure that the money reaches the people most in need. This last week, during February half term, the second Round Square service group went down to Koh Jam. In total, 35 students and staff from the Pattaya campus visited the new houses and the community affected by the tsunami. The group was able to take the first 180,000 baht down with them and pay for the installation of two new electricity generators. These generators were paid for by the efforts of all those involved in the Tsunami Relief Week and now supply 24-hour electricity to over 30 new homes.

The service group has been fortunate to help install the generators and work with the Thai Army on further construction projects. They have also visited one of the local schools and donated new books, stationary and sports equipment, as well as teach some English.

Obviously only a fraction of the money raised has been spent so far. It is important to note that there is no hurry in spending the rest. We want to make informed decisions, so the service group will report back to the school community on their achievements next week, and will outline other possible areas that the money could be donated towards. The next service group will visit Krabi during the Songkran holiday with a number of students from Round Square schools in Australia also attending.

Nong, Ming and Wong.

Many thanks go out to all those that helped support the Tsunami Relief Week at The Regents, especially all the students, staff and parents. The Round Square service group will continue to support the communities of South Thailand but will also return their focus on local service projects in the Chonburi area next term. If you have any outstanding sponsor money or would like to support The Regent’s service projects then please e-mail: [email protected]

On the buses

by Ian Frame

Every weekend and public holiday brightly decorated buses appear along Jomtien Beach. The youngish bus occupants are mostly school and college students who no doubt appreciate the vibrant colours of their surroundings. I consider the paint work on these buses to be works of art. No two vehicles appear to sport the same design. The subject matter is mostly schoolboy fantasy. There are mythological creatures, cartoon characters, animals, and sporting scenes. Much of the work has been done in the style of the urban graffiti artist, and in an interesting twist sometimes shows the subjects holding spray paint cans.

A chat with one of the proud bus drivers revealed that the art is hand done using an air brush (at least that was my interpretation of our discussion). In many cases the artist has also signed his art work, typically on the back of the bus, and a phone number is also frequently provided. The bus owner later uses stickers to add his company name on upper sections of the bus - sometimes even on the windows. I have seen many old trucks in the Middle East, India and Thailand with garish decorations, but to my mind this cannot compare with the paint work on the Jomtien buses.

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