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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Clean-up day leaves the beaches spic and span

Sattahip temple fair commemorates passing of revered abbot

Conserving the mangrove forest at Thoob Canal

“Ladies” from 25 different nations will vie for Miss International Queen 2005 crown at Tiffany’s

Retirement ceremony held at naval base

City prepares grand ceremony for entry into priesthood

As time goes by: Bruno’s Restaurant celebrates 9th anniversary

Jomtien Boathouse hosts Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya fellowship evening

Kamala Sukosol: My Journey

Khao Kheow Open Zoo organizes concert and a name-the-tiger contest

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital organizes a heart-to-heart to help avoid one of biggest killers

The auditor who says it with flowers

Clean-up day leaves the beaches spic and span

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and Pattaya City council organized a clean-up day for the beaches on October 8, with volunteers collecting rubbish and tidying up along the seashore from North to South Pattaya.

Santsak Ngamphiches, advisor to the deputy interior minister (left) presided over the launch with Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn (right).

Santsak Ngamphiches, advisor to the deputy interior minister, opened the event with Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Dr Chakraphan Phongsathian, vice president of Bangkok Pattaya Hospital in attendance.

More than 100 hospital employees and 50 municipal workers took part in the campaign. Most of the rubbish comprised plastic bags and plastic bottles, leaves and twigs. The clean-up didn’t take long as Pattaya’s beaches are becoming cleaner anyway due to the cooperation of deckchair owners and tourists and the previous keep Pattaya clean campaigns.

Come on … lets clean up our beaches.


Sattahip temple fair commemorates passing of revered abbot

District Chief Pongpat Wongtrakul presided over the ceremony and gave a bouquet of flowers to the monks.

Chatchanan Chaisree

A fair was held at Sattahip Temple from September 26 to October 2 to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the passing of Priest Worathepmunee.

Organized by the present abbot, Priest Wibunthammaban, in conjunction with District Chief Pongpat Wongtrakul, the fair included goods for sale, games, a shadow puppet show, and other activities for all ages.

Sattahip Temple was established in 1899. Two Sattahip residents, a Mr Kham and a Mrs Iang, applied for a royal warrant to build the temple on a plot of vacant land between the mountain and the sea shore.

In World War II Sattahip was an important strategic defense point, and Sattahip Temple was used as a refuge. Abbot Worathepmunee, Luang Por Ie, went into the temple grounds and waved a yellow robe with the text of a sermon. The enemy bombs missed the target and the naval base was saved. People considered it a miracle and Worathepmunee has been revered ever since.

A vendor grills “khanom wao”.

“Roti Saimai” ancient dessert

Tourists have fun with the dart games.


Conserving the mangrove forest at Thoob Canal

Chatchanan Chaisree

Air Fighter and Coast Guard Headquarters held a seminar on the preservation of the mangrove forests in the area of the naval base, with officers, teachers and students from Sattahip schools taking part.

Officers led the visitors to the mangroves.

Apart from the lecture the attendees visited the locations that are being preserved, especially the area around the Thoob Canal, where it runs into the sea next to the headquarters compound.

Mangrove forests are rich in natural resources and wildlife, and act as an effective barrier against coastal erosion. They differ from land forests because of the soil types and the fact that the plant life and trees thrive in salt water.

The Air Fighter and Coast Guard Headquarters is happy to act as an information point. Anyone interested in visiting the mangrove forest is advised to contact the Directorate of Civil Affairs at tel 038-431477 or 038-245736-65 # 0661035. Visiting hours are everyday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


“Ladies” from 25 different nations will vie for Miss International Queen 2005 crown at Tiffany’s

Suchada Tupchai

Another starry-eyed transvestite extravaganza is to be staged at Tiffany’s Theater on October 25-29, when “ladies” from 25 countries around the world will compete for the crown of Miss International Queen 2005.

Thailand’s representative will be Nong Noina, Tipkantree Rujiranont, the current holder of the Miss Tiffany’s Universe crown.

(L to R) Sutham Phanthusak, managing director of Tiffany’s, and main sponsors Dr Seri Wongmontha, chairman of the Miss International Queen organizing committee 2005 and Pinyo Tunwiseth, chairman of the Chonburi provincial administration organization announce the event.

Announcing the beauty pageant were Pinyo Tunwiseth, chairman of the Chonburi provincial administration organization, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, Dr Seri Wongmontha, chairman of the Miss International Queen organizing committee 2005, Sutham Phanthusak, managing director of Tiffany’s and deputy managing director Alisa Phanthusak.

This is the second time that Thailand has hosted this world-class event, in which transsexuals from all over the world will compete.

Transvestites who have brought fame to Thailand in the past (from right) Chanya Moranont (Nong Som) Miss International Queen 2000; Trichapa Phecharat (Nong Poy) Miss International Queen 2004 and Nong Noina, Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2005.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Thai Red Cross under the “Give back life to the parents for an AIDS free child” project.

This year’s pageant will include activities held in various locations in Chonburi, Pattaya and tourist destinations in other provinces to help promote Thai tourism worldwide.

Tiffany’s has long supported and promoted transvestites on the international stage. Contestants who have brought fame to Thailand in the past include Patreeya Siringamwongse (Nong Ai) who was crowned Miss Queen of the Universe 1999, Chanya Moranont (Nong Som) crowned Miss International Queen 2000, Thanyaporn Anyasirir (Nong Lee) crowned Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2002 and Nong Poy, Trichapa Phecharat, who was crowned Miss International Queen 2004 the first time the show was held in Thailand.

“I am what I am”

This year the beautiful Nong Noina of Rachapat Suan Dusit, crowned Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2005, will represent Thailand. She says that she is more than a little worried competing against contestants from all over the world and is concentrating on gaining experience from her elders who have been successful. She is also honing her English language skills.

Activities for Miss International Queen 2005 will commence on October 25. Other than the title Miss International Queen and the runners up prizes, there will be prizes for best national dress, a Miss Photogenic, best special ability, most friendly and more.

For further details and tickets contact Tiffany Show Company tel 03842 1700-5, 0 3842 9642, Woodland’s Resort Bangkok 0 2392 2159 or www. missinternationalqueen.com, www.tiffany-show.co.th or email [email protected]


Retirement ceremony held at naval base

Chatchanan Chaisree

Vice Admiral Weerapan Ngokngam, commander of Sattahip Naval Base, presided over a ceremony to honor the retirement of 32 people at the base, the personnel being divided equally between commissioned officers and permanent employees.

Captain Suchon Raksasuk, retirement representative, thanked the commander and on behalf of everyone said how much they would miss life on the base. The Vice Admiral presented everyone with a shield as a memento of their service.

Vice Admiral Weerapan Ngokngam, commander of Sattahip Naval Base.

The commander presents shields to the retiring officers.


City prepares grand ceremony for entry into priesthood

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over a meeting at city hall to prepare a grand entry into the priesthood ceremony on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s birthday on December 5. Also attending were deputy mayors Wattana Chantawaranon and Ronakit Ekasingh.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presides over a meeting to prepare for the ceremony for this year’s grand entry into the priesthood.

This year the meeting resolved to fix the priesthood at seven days for 81 people during the period December 2-9. The ceremony will commence on December 3 with participants having their heads shaved in front of city hall before dividing the candidates for the priesthood to be ordained in four temples, namely Krathinglai, Sawangfapruttharam, Nongyai and Chaimongkol. The new Buddhist priests shall sleep at Jitrapawan Wittayalai for the seven-day period.

Mayor Niran said that the project is not only to present royal merit on the auspicious anniversary of December 5, but it also revives the ordaining tradition. It is expected that lots of members of the public will come to watch the ceremony as in previous years.

Anybody interested and wishing to have more information should contact the education office of Pattaya at tel 0 38 371 123.


As time goes by: Bruno’s Restaurant celebrates 9th anniversary

Elfi Seitz

Fredi Schaub, owner and chef of Bruno’s Restaurant in Thappraya Road, wrote in his invitation: “As yet another year has passed, great changes were seen in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. The city and region continues to expand and we at Bruno’s try to keep up with the fast times and the ever increasing competition.”

(L to R) Bruce Hoppe, VP Asia Operations Emerson Climate Technologies; Bill Estes, VP Procurement Emerson Motor Company St. Louis; Ed Boon, President Emerson Hermetic Motors Division (EHMD) St Louis; Frank Jackson, VP Operations Emerson Hermetic Motors Division (EHMD) St. Louis; and Steve Stewart, VP & GM Asia Operations & Refrigeration Emerson Climate Technologies, Asia Pacific Headquarters, HK enjoy the festive evening.

At the 9th anniversary on October 9, Fredi and his staff prepared a big celebration dinner “done to the nines”.

Fredi thanked all his regular guests for their loyalty through the years and said that without their support Bruno’s wouldn’t be where it is today. He thanked also his staff for their support, which was “beyond comparison”.

Fredi’s friends and regular guests came along in great numbers and congratulated him with flowers and gifts.

Pattaya Mail congratulates Bruno’s as well and wishes the restaurant and Fredi many more happy returns.

Fredi Schaub (middle) amongst good friends from Switzerland.


Jomtien Boathouse hosts Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya fellowship evening

Graham Hunt-Crowley

What better way is there to spend a pleasant evening than with good friends and excellent food? Well, that is exactly what the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya did when they gathered for a fellowship meeting at the Jomtien Boathouse on Wednesday, Oct 12. Fifty-six people attended this Fellowship, welcoming everybody from their club, their spouses, other Rotary Clubs and guests. There was a Western and Thai buffet, and the resident “Elvis” kept everyone entertained.

President Chris Gibbins presented a plaque from the club to Ib and Kannikar Ottesen to celebrate the Boathouse’s 5th birthday, and to recognize all they contribute to Rotary and other charities in Pattaya.

President Chris Gibbins presented a plaque from the club to Ib and Kannikar Ottesen to celebrate the Boathouse’s 5th birthday, and to recognize all they contribute to Rotary and other charities in Pattaya.

The Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya is part of Rotary International, which has 1.4 million members throughout the world in 33,000 clubs.

The fun of the evening hid the serious work that goes on in the background to help those less privileged. An example is the system called “Matching Grants”. This allows clubs in other countries with more money to match “baht for baht” our projects, such as the Farm Project, which now provides vegetables for all the Father Ray Foundation groups. This project cost 1.4 million baht, which we alone could not have afforded. One previous project was the Smile Campaign, which gave reconstructive surgery to children with cleft palettes and those with burns. This way funds were available to over 350 operations, which improve those people’s lives forever.

Where do we get money locally? Each year the world famous PC Classic Yacht Regatta raises millions of baht for charitable purposes, which the RC Jomtien-Pattaya administers for worthy projects, both locally and up-county, such as Road Safety, Street Kids Home, scholarships and many more projects.

Another major Fund Raiser is the Annual Cross Bay Swim, which this year will be held on November 13. Last year enough money was raised at this event to feed the Bahn Jing Jai Orphanage for a year, and donate things like washing power and personal care items.

The Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Rotary Room, Royal Cliff Grand in the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. For more information about what the club does, go to www.rotary-jomtien-pattaya.org


Kamala Sukosol: My Journey

A Concert to benefit the Thai Red Cross Society’s Breast Cancer Center

Kamala Sukosol returns to the stage in her upcoming annual charity concert, “Kamala Sukosol: My Journey,” to be held at the Kamolthip Ballroom in Siam City Hotel November 24-26. Proceeds will again benefit the Thai Red Cross Society’s Breast Cancer Center and this year, the funds raised will go toward the purchasing of much needed medical equipment.

Kamala Sukosol and her family will be performing in November.

Kamala will charm audiences with her personality and captivate them with her powerhouse voice as she takes them on a musical journey visiting several countries around the world. She will be backed by the 20-strong Prachin Songpow Big Band Jazz Orchestra led by conductor Piti Kayoonpan. Joining her will be members of her family: Krissada “Noi” of the rock band PRU, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Daranee Sukosol Briones and granddaughter Natalia. The talented dancers from Aree School of Dance Arts will add grace and glamour to the performance.

The exciting program feature’s famous jazz selections, some Broadway numbers, Latin favourites, current pop hits and a section devoted to the late Prachin Songpow, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. Some of the most popular tunes include the hit single Live & Learn.

Tickets to the concert are 2,500 / 2,000 / 1,500 / 1,000 baht for adults and 350 baht for students with I.D.

A gala dinner will be held on Friday November 25, and tickets for the gala are 40,000 and 35,000 baht per table

Tickets can be purchased at the Siam City Hotel 0 2247 0123 ext. 1928, Asia Books (Sukhumvit Brunch) 0 2651 0428-9 and Asia Books (Peninsula Branch) 0 2253 9786-8. For more information call 0 2247 0123 ext. 1928 Khun Suwannee.

The concert is being organized by the Thai Red Cross Society and Siam City Hotel, and is being sponsored by the Government Lottery Office, Settrade.com, Siam Commercial Bank, Boonrawd Trading, Thanachart Group, Thai Pure Drinks Ltd., Nokia (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Thai Military Bank, UBC, The Nation, Krungthep Turakij, Kom Chad Luek, Virgin Smooth FM 105, Praew Magazine and Giffarine Cosmetic.


Khao Kheow Open Zoo organizes concert and a name-the-tiger contest

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is to hold a concert on October 23 dedicated to the memory of King Chulalongkorn. Those attending will also be able to view the animals on a night safari.

The zoo’s top attractions are Siberian tigers. They are the biggest tigers in the world and have been imported from Canada. There are two fully-grown animals, a three-year-old male called Dimitry and a four-year-old female called Kiera. Now the zoo has three new tiger cubs and invites the audience to take part in a competition to name the babies.

The Siberian tiger lives in cold areas, is around 13 feet long (measured from the end of the nose to the tip of the tail), weighs around 360 kg and is meat eating.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a special entertainment program planned by Ponglang Sa-on, a popular musician, and Janet Kheow, a highly talented singer.


Bangkok Pattaya Hospital organizes a heart-to-heart to help avoid one of biggest killers

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital held an Open Heart Open House day on October 1, World Heart Day, to help the public understand ways in which they can take more care of themselves and avoid heart disease, one of the country’s biggest killers.

Customers visit the Open Heart Open House day at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.

Deputy Director Dr Narin Chongcharoen was the project presenter, introducing patients who had undergone heart operations, and displaying advanced technology acquired by the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

The technique of balloon angioplasty was demonstrated, and there was a heart exhibition in the hospital lobby. Thais and foreign visitors were invited for a check-up with EST and ECHO equipment, while everyone was also invited to take part in the new generation of heart-check technology that involves creating a sliced cardiac scan.


The auditor who says it with flowers

Between the blooms and the balance books

Chatchanan Chaisree

Some people may think that Kanitsorn Wongkaew has a dry and dusty job. An auditor at the Pattaya Auditing and Revenue Department, his job is to provide information regarding accounting and taxation, duty fees, business law, balance sheets, and the correct accounting principles. So to ordinary mortals Kanitsorn’s work could appear a little less than exciting.

In front of Kanitsorn’s shop.

Perhaps because of this, and to escape the undoubted high pressures involved in auditing and reporting to the government, Kanitsorn relaxes in a way distinctly at odds with his professional life. He makes displays of artificial flowers.

Kanitsorn says that even auditors can appreciate beautiful things, and that he has a love of nature and wild flowers that he has turned into practical use. He began some years ago to make enough flowers to fill a small vase and encouraged by the success of that, he became more ambitious and began to make flowers for large vases for the home and garden. He began by giving them away to friends, and then found himself in demand.

Now Kanitsorn can make to order, preparing flowers for the vase or the flowerpot as the customer wishes. Just let him know about the color tone, the occasion, or the place the flowers will be used, and he will arrange the rest.

Kanitsorn said customers prefer to buy artificial flowers because the fresh ones will keep for only a few days. Before delivery he will coat the flowers with a spray to protect them against dust, and allow them to be easily cleaned.

There is at present a 10 percent deduction if you tell Kanitsorn that you heard about him from Pattaya Mail. Call 01-8221593 any day.