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German Chamber of Commerce “Stammtisch” well attended
Elfi Seitz
The “Stammtisch’ (table of regulars) of the
German-Thai Chamber of Commerce was again very well attended on March 11th
at the famous Moon River Pub. And no wonder, since the buffet there is
always a sensation, the mood of the guests perfect and the band “Power
Jam” does all to increase this good mood with great music.
 (L
to R) Dieter H. Precourt, Paul Strunk and Dietrich H. Sarx enjoy the
conviviality of the night.
The boss of the chamber, Dr. Paul Strunk attended the
Stammtisch this time as well and spoke a few words to the guests before
officially opening the buffet.
As usual, the guests were eager to inform each other
about new projects and the networking went on all evening, but at the same
time, they had a lot of fun and private talks, which is another target of
such networking-events.
Alexandra Mller, the charming guest service manager of the Thai
Garden Resort took good care of the guests in absence of general manager
Rene Pisters.
Pattaya Immigration opens satellite office at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
Another first for Pattaya
Suchada Tupchai
It’s another first for Thailand and here in Pattaya as the
Pattaya Immigration Department has opened a new satellite office at the Bangkok
Pattaya Hospital. The new office is aimed at helping foreign patients with their
visas whilst staying the hospital.
The new
Pattaya Immigration center at Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital provides immigration
service to patients.
The opening ceremonies took place last week as Pol. Col.
Ittiphol Ithisarnronnachai, Pattaya Immigration superintendent was joined by
Worawit Saisupatpol, Banglamung district chief, Sopin Thappajug, Chonburi Family
Court associate judge and Prof. Dr. Somchai Pattana-anek, Bangkok Pattaya
Hospital director, for the ribbon cutting ceremonies.
Prof. Dr. Somchai said, “The Pattaya Immigration Center is
ideal for our many foreign patients and with numbers increasing each year, we
see a need for our patients to ensure their visas are also taken care of. Many
of our patients are unable to make the trip to the immigration office. This
added convenience came about when the hospital and immigration officials saw the
need for this new center.”
Having an immigration office inside a hospital is a first for
Thailand, and Prof. Dr. Somchai added that Thailand is quickly becoming a
medical destination with people traveling from around the globe to seek
treatment. “This can only improve Thailand’s image,” he said
Pol. Col. Ittiphol Ithisarnronnachai, Pattaya immigration
superintendent also said that he was happy to be part of the new service.
“This can only support the tourism industry. Each year there are at least
16,000 foreign visitors using medical services and this is just part of better
public relations and efforts by Thai’s to welcome visitors to our country,”
he said.
The new immigration department office is located in front of the Bangkok
Pattaya Hospital and will open twice per month on the second and fourth
Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. allowing in- and outpatients at the hospital to
use the service, which will also be available to those caring for ill family
members.
Swiss House donates 50,000 baht to Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya
Thomas Sassen
President Stephan Heynart had the pleasure to announce a few
highlights at the Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya’s March 10 weekly meeting at
the Woodlands Resort.
First, visiting president of the Rotary Club Toulouse Cent
from France, Patrick Gaucher, reported that 15 Rotary Clubs in Toulouse had
collected money for the tsunami victims through different activities, supported
by the Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya. They also took a close look in southern
Thailand and reported to the clubs where the money will be needed.
 Andreas
Wegner (left) donates a cheque for 50,000 baht, which was raised at Ning’s
(center) birthday party. Ning and Erwin Rohner (right) receive a certificate of
thanks.
Anand Raspatel of the Rotary Club of Corona, California, who
attended the meeting as well, reported that Rotary Clubs in California had
raised US$100,000 (about 4 million baht) to help the victims of the tsunami. He
said seven containers with goods are already on the way to the South and asked
the club to assist with the distribution.
Andreas Wegner, landlord of Swiss House Restaurant, and his
wife Ning also came to the meeting to deliver a cheque for 50,000 baht to the
club’s Ban Rokpet School project. This money was recently raised at Ning’s
birthday. Stephan Heynart thanked all the sponsors and presented them with
certificates.
Nick Demet, the president of the newly founded French speaking Rotary Club of
Pattaya Marina, invited all guests to join the PC Classic 2005 sailing-regatta
at the Varuna Yacht Club and the following big party on March 26 at the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort. He said all money will go the various projects of the Rotary
Club Jomtien Pattaya.
TAT and GMM Grammy host welcome party for Pattaya International Music Festival 2005 performers
Suchada Tupchai
On Saturday March 19, a cocktail party was held in the Sala
Rim Nam at Pattaya Marriot Resort and Spa to welcome entertainers from the
Pattaya International Music Festival 2005. Somsak Tanruengsri, the resort’s
general manager and his staff graciously greeted the group. Representatives from
the Tourism Authority and GGM Grammy Company organized the party.
Joey Boy
& Gancore Club enjoy the party.
GM Somsak said, “The hotel held this special party to
welcome the singers, bands and musicians who took part in the Pattaya
International Music Festival 2005, March 18-20.”
Famous singers and bands such as Joey Boy & Gancore Club, and Skalaxy,
along with more than 70 members of the staff, enjoyed a lavish buffet including
Thai, Japanese and European cuisine, and relaxed to the sounds of soft music
provided by the Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa band.
Underwater World announces aquarium diving experience
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya’s Underwater World recently announced new packages
for avid fish lovers. The promotion allows visitors and their families to dive
in the aquarium. Thai actress Daraneenuch Potepiti and her family attended the
opening of the event and were privy to the first diving experience in the
aquarium.
 Brave
Daraneenuch Potepiti takes the plunge and feeds a beautiful ray.
Since opening in 2004, Underwater World is aiming to attract
more families to the facility and now offers a variety of packages such as Sea
Turtle, Shark Family, Skin Dive and Diving with Shark packages. The packages are
open to everyone over 10 years old; however, anyone who is not a diver must go
through an hour and half training session before taking the plunge.
The tourist destination is also offering specials for birthdays and
underwater weddings as well as a new member club.
David Hong,
Pattaya Underwater World general manager with Daraneenuch Potepiti and her
family.
EDITORIAL: Government policies need monitoring
By Suchada Tupchai
Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra announced the “new”
government’s 9 main policies on Wednesday, March 23. The policies are aimed at
developing Thailand socially and economically in all areas.
1. The first priority is eradicating poverty, through
creating stronger communities, additional budget allowances for investment
funding for villages with residents managing the funds to solve their own
problems, and promoting agriculture by ensuring everyone has a plot of land to
earn a living.
2. Human development policy and quality of life: Create a
lifelong learning society through greater cooperation among families, religious
institutions, schools and the media.
3. Economic restructuring policy to create equilibrium and
competitiveness through restructuring the agricultural sector, the government
will support the value increase of agricultural products by encouraging research
and development of technological innovations, promoting community enterprises in
adding product value. Restructure the government’s management system to that
of a private company with the people in mind. Importance will also be given to
linking to Laem Chabang Deep Sea Port and Suvarnabhumi International Airport as
windows to the world market.
4. Natural resources and environmental policy: The government
will promote and accelerate the rehabilitation of soil and water conditions and
solve the problem of environmental degradation and pollution. Set standards for
managing public and private resources by encouraging participation of the
private sector and local community in order to attain a balanced approach.
5. Foreign and international economic policy: A proactive
strategy based on the principle of equal treatment, and aims to promote and
expand friendship and cooperation with foreign countries, in political,
security, economic, social and cultural aspects, with foreign affairs a key
instrument in enhancing the government’s economic and social development
policies and to continue to negotiate free trade agreements with various
countries for the greatest good of the country and to increase the
competitiveness of Thai business.
6. Development of the legal system and good governance
through developing a strong legal foundation, judiciary process, and good
governance, especially transparency and freedom from corruption at all levels
and in all circles, in both the public and private sectors.
7. Promote democracy and civil society processes where the
people can participate in national and local development, are important
mechanisms in ensuring that economic and social development are in line with the
people’s needs. Promote and elevate human rights to international standards.
8. National security: Solving the problems in the southern
provinces, mobilizing resources and improving administration and management
according to the principles of understanding, reaching-out in conjunction with
strict law enforcement to achieve peace and safety of life and property.
9. Directive principles of fundamental state policies to work
earnestly and honestly for the benefit of the nation as the main objective
according to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.
All nine of the government’s proposed policies, should they
come to fruition, would be dreams come true for the people of Thailand. In
reality they are, however, extensions of the previous four years. Some academics
and critics are wary of the policies, saying, “They are too broad, too open to
interpretation” and that the possibility for failure or running in circles is
quite high.
If this is the case, the opposition party will have to work
hard and closely monitor the government’s operations to their full capacity,
which is greatly important to the Thai people who must also closely monitor the
government’s progress in great detail.
NB: Further information can be found on the government’s
website: http://www.thaigov.go.th
Obituary
William Edward Lloyd
Born 3rd March 1942 Died 23rd March 2005
It is with sad regret we wish to announce the passing away of
William Edward Lloyd, better known as BW from Rosie O Gradys, Soi 7, Pattaya.
A tragic loss to his family and many friends.
OTOP/SMEs Festival
this weekend
You’ve seen them on TV; you’ve read about them in the
newspapers; now is your chance to see them first hand and take some of them home
with you.
This weekend, more than 150 booths will be set up at Tesco
Lotus Supercenter in South Pattaya to display OTOP and SME products from 15
northern Thailand provinces. Products include souvenirs, decorative items and
typical foods.
The festival will run from March 31 through April 6 from 10
a.m. until 10 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Thai memorabilia.
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