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Thailand’s Skål clubs rock into Pattaya
The National committee of Skål International, the
organization for tourism professionals, rocked into Pattaya to have their
national meeting at the Hard Rock Hotel. There they were met by Andrew Khoo,
the new president of the local branch called the Skål Club of Pattaya and
East Thailand. The other members came from Bangkok, Samui, Phuket and the
new instituted Chiang Mai chapter. With Skål International about to
celebrate 50 years in Thailand in 2006, they had much to discuss.
The
National committee of Skål International held their national meeting at the
Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya.
However, the main topic of discussion in the local group
is the Skål International World Congress which is being held in Pattaya in
October 2006. At this congress, around 1,500 delegates and their
wives/husbands will descend on Pattaya. These people represent the decision
makers in world tourism, so it is important that Pattaya show its best face.
This sentiment is also echoed by the mayor of Pattaya, representing the
municipality, and by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Following the committee meetings, the Hard Rock Hotel
Pattaya held a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner hosted by the
national committee.
With Thailand trying hard to regain its position in the world tourism
markets, it needs groups such as Skål International to get it back on
course, a fact that was discussed by all of the members over dinner.
Grab a pizza the action with Fresh Pasta
Suchada Tupchai
The Pizza Company introduced its new style outlet at the
Royal Garden Plaza branch on July 18, with a party that also launched a new
menu, Fresh Pasta, in which pasta dishes are prepared at guests’ tables.
Kriangsak
Naksaingsasn (senior operations manager of The Pizza Company) treated Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn to the latest Fresh Pasta.
Hosting the event were The Pizza Company’s senior
operations manager Kriangsak Naksaingsasn and area coach Kanchit Maneesuwan, who
welcomed Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and other local personalities.
The Pizza Company, Thailand’s own pizza chain, has two
other branches in Pattaya, at the Lotus stores in North and South Pattaya.
Kriangsak said that more than 30 choices of topping are
available, with innovative creations such as tom yam goong and tempura available
alongside the more traditional styles.
The consumer market is growing, said Kriangsak, and The Pizza Company will
continue to develop and add new attractions. To date, the new styling can be
seen at 15 outlets out of the total of 141 nationwide, and upgrading of the
other branches is proceeding at a rapid pace.
Ubon Ratchathani famed for Candle Festival
William Bryan
On the 21st and 22nd of July, Thailand celebrated the Lenten
Candle Festival. Where Sukhothai is famous for inaugurating Loi Krathong and
Chiang Mai for its amazing Flower Festival, so too is the northeast city of Ubon
Ratchathani famed for the Candle Festival.
The winning
float was truly magnificent.
For two days the city literally came to a stop as everyone
enjoyed a spectacular display of giant floats all moulded from coloured beeswax,
some many metres high.
The festival began on the 21st with the arrival of each float
slowly entering the city’s park, Thung Si Muang, to be viewed close up by
everyone. That event was a party in itself as throngs of people patiently
awaited the arrival of each display.
Eventually, after an hour or so of getting the displays into
position in the square, all were rewarded with the pleasure of viewing each
float close up. The myriads of cameras were put to full use as families queued
to have photos taken with the wax figures. This was accompanied by a huge
bandstand in the centre of the square where local folk dancing and bands played
traditional music well into the early hours. Fortunately it was a cool evening
to be enjoyed by all.
On the 22nd the city began the party again as the floats
started their procession throughout the crowded city centre. Each display was
followed by colourful trucks carrying various bands playing Issan music along
with groups of dancing girls elaborately dressed in local traditional fashion.
The procession began at 8 a.m. and continued until 1 p.m. Streets on the route
of the parade were closed to traffic during this time. Luckily, the weather
remained good, though dark rain clouds loomed in the distance.
This year there were at least 53 floats, all uniquely
commemorating the life of Buddha. In reality, of course, each float was in
competition with the other for the grand prize of 100,000 baht.
Although it must have been very difficult to choose only one
from so many grand displays, the winning float was truly magnificent. It was an
elaborately made float that displayed an enormous carved wax elephant at its
helm. Included were various scenes portraying famous moments of Buddha’s life
and death, one of which was an amazing wax relief of a reclining Buddha. After
the procession, each float was presented to the local temples.
For all of you who have not experienced this festival, make it a must-do
visit for next year. Be sure to book your hotel early and enjoy!
Long-drum performances enjoy a revival
Chatchanan Chaisree
Eleven long-drum players assembled recently for an ordination
ceremony at Thepprasit Temple, a revival of an ancient tradition that has become
increasingly popular in Chonburi province in recent years.
Uncle
Prachum, Auntie Sakun and Prasit gather to set up the next community long-drum
performance.
Uncle Prachum and Auntie Sakun Boon-In, founders of the
community long-drum project of Sattahip, said that the group first gathered four
years ago, in 2001, under its leader Prasit (Noi) Rodkram. Their debut
performance was on Drugs Fighting Day. Chonburi’s deputy governor admired the
group’s intention to revive this traditional music form and presented them
with 2,000 baht to train other villagers, who once they had the skills could use
them to increase their income.
Rewards for
the best long-drum.
Instruments used in long-drum playing, apart from the drums,
are small cup-shaped cymbals, large cymbals, a wooden rhythm instrument, and a
gong. Traditional music such as “khen” (a “walking” song), “bom
diew”, and “song bom” is played along with modern music for boisterous
occasions.
Events that call for long-drum accompaniment include ordinations into the
priesthood, weddings, and robe presentation ceremonies at the temples. Fee to
the group is 2,500 baht for one playing, and 4,000 baht for two. The group is
prepared to travel to other provinces or to Bangkok.
A street
vendor attempts the rhythm.
European and Issan food on the menu at new Hirsch Garten Restaurant
Narisa Nitikarn
The evening of July 16 saw the grand opening of Hirsch Garten
Restaurant, serving European and Issan food under the management of Lan Schwarz.
Thai and
foreign guests offer their congratulations on the opening of Hirsch Garten.
Along with a splendid array of food, guests at the party were
treated to glasses of punch. A display of blue and white balloons and soft music
set the scene, and many guests brought congratulatory baskets of flowers with
them.
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., tel 06-1348241 or 06-1574914.
Fresh food fair will showcase hygienic preparation
Narisa Nitikarn
Freshly cooked seafood at low prices will be the star
attraction at a fair designed to showcase Pattaya’s fresh and hygienically
prepared food at Larn Poh Market in Naklua from August 5 to 7, the fun beginning
each evening at 6 p.m.
The event is being organized by Pattaya City in cooperation
with Banglamung Health Department, Banglamung Hospital, the Restaurant Club of
Pattaya, and numerous participating hotels and schools.
The concept is good quality food prepared to hygienic
standards and without the use of potentially toxic additives, available at low
prices to the public from booths set up by hotels, restaurants and schools.
Also at the fair will be a range of OTOP booths distributing
their produce.
For more information please contact the Pattaya City Public
Relations Department, tel 038 410200 ext 191, 192.
Central Festival holds
10th anniversary party
Twins Fandee
and Fanden Chanyathanaporn interview teenage star Nong Tangmo-Pattarathida.
Suchada Tupchai
Central Festival Center held its Shopping Reality show on
July 22 as part of the celebrations to mark the giant mall’s 10th anniversary.
The event, opened by Central Festival Center’s director,
Saral Tantichamnong, was staged at the mall’s promotional area and included
twin performers Fandee and Fanden Chanyawattanakorn, Tangmo-Pattarathida and
Dodge B Mix.
A lucky draw was held with the winners given a 10-minute shopping spree
during which they could spend 5,000 baht.
Sikhs donate scholarships through YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre program
Narisa Nitikarn
The Sikh Club of Pattaya gathered at the Sikh Temple on Soi
17 to distribute scholarships to underprivileged children through the YWCA
Bangkok-Pattaya Centre.
Chairwoman of the centre, Nittaya Patimasongkroh received the
scholarships from Amrik Singh Kalra, head of Pattaya’s Sikh community, and
from Pratheep (Peter) Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing
Co Ltd.
A total of 51 scholarships, with a combined value of 76,500 baht, are being
distributed under the YWCA’s foster child care program.
Amrik Singh
Kalra, head of Pattaya’s Sikh community talks about how Pattaya’s Sikh
community is always willing help those in need.
(From
left) Okar Singh, religious lecturer at the Sikh Temple and Pratheep Malhotra,
managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd, representing Pattaya’s
Sikh community presented scholarships to Nittaya Patimasongkroh, chairwoman of
the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre (center), Premruedee Jittiwutthikarn, member of
the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre (2nd
right), and Ubonwan Ruksasuta, member of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre
(right).
(from left)
Ubonwan Ruksasuta, member of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre, Nittaya
Patimasongkroh, chairwoman of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre, and Premruedee
Jittiwutthikarn, member of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Centre thank Pattaya’s
Sikh community for their generous support.
Pattaya Mail MD relates newspaper experiences to Pattaya City Expats Club
The Pattaya City Expats Club chairman, Richard E. Smith, had
been successful in persuading Pratheep (Peter) Malhotra, owner and managing
director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Company to come and speak at one of
the club’s Sunday meetings at Henry J. Bean’s Restaurant at the Amari Orchid
Resort on North Pattaya Beach Road.
Pratheep
(Peter) Malhotra, owner and managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing
Company, speaks at the Pattaya City Expats Club Sunday meeting at Henry J.
Bean’s Restaurant.
When the date was finally agreed it just so happened to
coincide with the Pattaya Mail’s 12th birthday,
their 1st cycle anniversary. It was therefore with great
pleasure that Allan Sherratt, who was the M.C. on this occasion, welcomed
everyone to the meeting before introducing Peter.
The Pattaya Mail had had a monk ceremony on Saturday
(the 23rd) to which Peter had invited Richard, our chairman, who was supported
by a number of other club members. Despite a very heavy schedule the previous
day (and night) Peter spoke with feeling about his “Pattaya Mail Family”
and how the newspaper came into being.
In order to set the scene he briefly outlined the development
of Pattaya from its early beginnings after the pull out of the forces from the
many major, and secret, bases around Thailand. He spoke briefly about his own
development of the tailoring business and how he came to chose Pattaya as his
base.
Realising a need for the community to have access to
information he explained how the early days of the newspaper were not easy and
described how he had to spend many months working on getting a licence despite
the fact he is a Thai citizen. When once they were up and running then it was
still not easy, on occasions it was difficult even to pay for the weekly
printing. But eventually it all came together and Peter had to establish the
ground rules for editorial policy.
Peter said that he still saw and believed that the main
purpose of a newspaper was to give information to the community. He did not see
it as a forum to make comments or criticize individuals or groups. He emphasized
that a certain moral and ethical stance must be taken and with the freedom of
the press there should also be a respect for the freedom of the individual.
He spoke about the growth of the paper from early beginnings
through to the present time with the numerous employees who form part of what
they refer to as the family. Despite such a “homely” name there are many
very professional and proficient specialist writers and contributors working
under the executive editor, Daniel Dorothy, who has been with the Mail
under various guises since the beginning.
Peter expressed his thanks to those who have been supportive
over the years and encouraged anyone who has a penchant for writing to submit
anything that could be possibly published.
Peter took many questions from the floor including asking
about what the policy of “follow-up” on criminal cases and what are deemed
“lack of completion” of projects started by the local administration. He
also explained the “special status” that Pattaya City holds in the area.
The chairman of the club, Richard Smith, thanked Peter for his time and talk
before asking the final question and prior to Allan asking for the weekly
reports from the various groups. With an outline of the forthcoming events and
Thor Halland mediating the open forum session a very full and interesting
meeting ended.
Amor amasses magnificent 136,000 plus for PGF Charity
The Amor Restaurant in Pattayaland Soi 3 held its annual
Pattaya Gay Festival charity dinner in support of HEARTT2000 and other local
charities recently and raised over an amazing 136,000 baht.
The staff
from Boyz Boyz Boyz sold lucky number tickets, which, with the cash donations
received during the evening, swelled the charitable giving on the night to over
136,000 baht.
Richard Burk, the owner of Amor, was pleased to welcome 52
diners to his restaurant, thus putting 26,000 baht straight into the coffers of
the charity funds.
The five course meal included poached and smoked salmon,
cream of broccoli and blue cheese soup, a lemon sorbet with limoncello, roast
tenderloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding all rounded off with banana cream pie.
As the night went, the staff from Boyz Boyz Boyz appeared and
sold lucky number tickets, which, with the cash donations received during the
evening, swelled the charitable giving on the night to over 136,000 baht.
All details appear on the PGF website at www.pattayagayfestival.com along
with photos of the event.
The Charity Club of Pattaya receives its third platinum sponsor
The Charity Club of Pattaya has received its third 10,000
baht platinum sponsor from Vic & Jane King at the Queen Victoria Inn Soi 6.
 Vic
& Jane King at the Queen Victoria Inn Soi 6 became the Charity Club of
Pattaya’s third platinum sponsor.
The Queen Victoria Inn has always supported the Charity Club
of Pattaya and the club has held a few successful charity events at the Queen
Vic.
Vic is busy building his second Queen Victoria Inn in Chiang
Mai, but not too busy to become the third Platinum sponsor, as well as finding
time for selling raffle and dinner tickets for the Charity Gala Dinner, Grand
Prize Draw and Auction which will be held at the Dusit Resort Pattaya on
Saturday October 1, 2005.
The raffle prizes are now in access of 250,000 baht with 2
star prizes so far this year!
Ticket prices will be 1,600 baht. This will cover live
entertainment, a free bar and a Thai and international buffet. All the money
raised will be split between 3 charities.
For more information, contact Christina on 095454185, Malcolm 097441040, or
email charityclubofpattaya @yahoo.com
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