HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Message from Austrian Ambassador Arno Riedel

A water crisis in Pattaya?

Father Ray Foundation

Taken aback by full frontal assault

Lady Monsoon

Message from Austrian Ambassador Arno Riedel

It gives me particular pleasure to extend my congratulation to the Pattaya Mail on its 12th anniversary. Although still young in age, the Pattaya Mail is an institution that is highly respected, with a voice to be heard and an important source for information. It is therefore no wonder that this newspaper enjoys an ever-growing number of readers.

In particular I would like to commend the managing director of Pattaya Mail, Mr. Pratheep Malhotra and all of his staff for addressing so successfully the foreign community’s desire for information. I consider it very important that the foreign community in Thailand has a voice. The Pattaya Mail contributes in a unique way to the exchange of information and news.

As Austrian Ambassador in Bangkok I would like to stress the need for communication, being well aware that there are hundreds of Austrian readers which refer regularly to the Pattaya Mail. I am proud to say that during these 12 years of existence of the Pattaya Mail many Austrian topics were dealt with in this newspaper from political events to social and cultural events and last but not least culinary advice.

12 years may complete a first cycle. May many more successful years of the Pattaya Mail come. I am looking forward to a fruitful and successful cooperation with the Mail during my stay as Ambassador in Bangkok.
Arno Riedel

A water crisis in Pattaya?

Who says there is a water crisis in Pattaya? Look at this tree ‘thriving’ in the desert created by the developers’ bulldozers. I feel sure that the dogs are grateful that there is a tree to lean on... (Photo Peter Cummins)

Father Ray Foundation

Dear Friend

I would like to inform you of a very special evening we are preparing in Pattaya. The owner of the new 2,000 seat state-of-the-art Alangkarn theatre has offered the Fr. Ray Foundation free use of facility on the evening of Monday August 15.

On that date our aim is to hold an evening in memory for the late, great Fr. Ray, who is still sadly missed by all his children and loyal staff and of course by you, as friend of his. We’re planning it to be just the sort of evening he would like. Children and students from all of the projects he founded are preparing various performances, ones that always delight guests. We may have some Thai celebrities as well, but you can be sure that the real stars will be our children and students. The ticket price is at 1,000 Thai baht per person with all monies raised on the evening to be apportioned to the various Fr. Ray Foundation projects. The Fundraising aspect of the evening, however, is not our primary objective, but rather to commemorate the life of a unique and Holy man who selflessly achieved so much for others.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us personally on the evening. But for those who may be thousands of kilometers from Thailand, I realize this might not be possible. If you are unable to attend but would still like to support the effort, any help would be greatly appreciated. Should you wish to make a contribution please specify that it is for the “Fr. Ray Memorial Evening”. It is our intention to make a DVD of the evening, and once it is available we will announce it on our website: www.fr-ray.org

With the knowledge that you will be with us in spirit on that day, we can assure you of our thoughts and prayers,

Fr. Banchong Chaiyara C.Ss.R.
Director: Fr. Ray Foundation
E-mail: [email protected]

Taken aback by full frontal assault

Dear Editor,

I was somewhat taken aback at L. Scott’s full frontal attack (Friday 29th July) on my letter moaning at the offensive building site at the entrance to Dongtan Beach the week before.

Perhaps he should have actually read what I wrote instead of being consumed by righteous indignation at what he thought was a dig at Rabbit Resort and the lovely Deborah and talented Paisan.

What I said was I had contacted various departments in city hall as well as the Thai Tourist Authority with no response whatsoever. No Surprise!

I have great admiration for the Rabbit Resort, wish they had been able to build their lovely houses right along the beach, they had the foresight to do what everyone else is now doing in Jomtien, although not always as tastefully, and simply thought they might have some clout with the local authorities a mere expat farang does not.

I did NOT insinuate they had anything to do with the site in question, I simply thought they might think it offensive that Rabbit customers had to walk past that mess on their way to the wonderful Rabbit Resort, and they might know who was responsible for the mess.

I did not look to them for a “quick fix” solution Mr. Scott and I thought the Lord and Lady of Dongtan beach title was more a compliment than an insult.

They, too, ignored me!

Now Mr. Scott, I had no idea that View Talay owned the site, had I had that information in the beginning I would have never even started this debate.

Commendations on your staunch support for Rabbit Resort. Pity you can’t comprehend what you read.
Richard Walton

Lady Monsoon

She so delights in twirling her skirts
to whisk in spirals upliftings
of plastic, paper and leaf
from every side of road and path
crackling out her dazzling voltage
The clouded sky announces her performance
with troubled rumble
and explosive bang
Embracing all, in her urgent direction
this way and that – she changes suddenly
Then gathers in – to slap herself down
Her smile reflected in wet roads
Her beauty in clean air
And all green is grateful.
Jomtien Hotpapa

News | Business | Features | Columns | Mail Bag | Sports | Auto Mania
Our Children | Travel | Our Community | Dining Out & Entertainment
Social Scene | Classifieds | Community Happenings | Books Music Movies
Clubs in Pattaya | Sports Round-Up

E-mail: [email protected]
Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
62/284-286 Thepprasit Road, (Between Soi 6 & 8) Moo 12, Pattaya City
T. Nongprue, A. Banglamung,
Chonburi 20150 Thailand
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596

Copyright © 2004 Pattaya Mail. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Letters published in the Mailbag of Pattaya Mail
are also on our website.