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Beauty and harmony during Loy Krathong

Student Yonlada takes Miss APSA crown at Alcazar beauty contest

Chaophya Park Hotel, Bangkok celebrates first cycle spectacular

Romancing the future through the past

Five Russian Navy ships moor at Sattahip in goodwill visit

Children thrill to circus as Pattaya Mail and Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya provide 550 tickets

The ‘Chaî๎ne’ turns 10

Beauty and harmony during Loy Krathong

1000 police officers ensure a safe and orderly festival

Once again, the greater Pattaya area put on a Loy Krathong spectacular on November 16. And even though there were fewer visitors this year than last due to the fact that the Loy Krathong festival didn’t fall on the weekend, thousands of people jammed the streets to take part in the festivities.

(From left) Kanthephorn Songyothin first runner up, Kanokkorn Jaichuen Miss. Loy Krathong 2005 and second runner up Ornkanya Kritpittayadacha

Bali Hai Pier and Lan Pho Public Park in Naklua were the two main centers of attraction, where special events were organized with the cooperation of government and private organizations led by Region 3 Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The pretty Nang Noppamases at Dusit Resort.

Although over 1,000 police officers were on duty to keep the peace, fireworks were still set off illegally this year.

Pattaya City council organized celebrations starting in the daytime with the Krathong Competition at Lan Pho Public Park in Naklua. The winners in the various categories were Pattaya Phanichayakaan School, who won the general youth category; Pattaya School #4 won the primary school category and Pattaya School #5 won the secondary school category.

Achara Snitworgse Na Ayuthya (MD.Montien Hotel.) congratulates the Natee Buadeag the winner of the Nang Nopamas Pagacit and the two runners up.

The 2005 Miss Loy Krathong contest held at Bali Hai Pier was won by entrant number 3, Kanokkorn Jaichuen, who was presented with 50,000 baht in prize money. First runner up went to Kanthephorn Songyothin who won 30,000 baht prize money and second runner up went to Ornkanya Kritpittayadacha, who took away 10,000 baht.

Pattaya and Jomtien beaches had a lot of tourists, but not as many as last year. Reporters said that fireworks were set off even though police and volunteer police carried out strict patrols. Traffic was fairly heavy especially around Bali Hai Pier, where parking space was hard to find. Many had to park their cars a fair distance away and walk to the pier.

Pattaya hotels including Dusit Resort, Thai Garden, the Montien and Royal Cliff Beach Resort held celebrations. Hotel staff dressed for the occasion in classical Thai dress and special buffets were arranged. Some hotels held Miss Loy Krathong competitions, the one at Royal Cliff Beach Resort being won by Prinyatip Somjaipheng, 26, a front office employee who takes care of guest relations. The hotel also prepared krathongs for guests and everyone floated them away together.

At Mabprachan reservoir, at the front of Wat Khao Poh Thong, large celebrations were held as they are every year. A Miss Loy Krathong contest was held as well as lots of other activities. An area was also set up for floating krathongs, with local and foreign visitors attending.

It’s almost time to loy your krathong at the Thai Garden Resort.

Dusit Resort held its annual Loy Krathong celebrations.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn opens the proceedings at Bali Hai pier.

At Mabprachan Reservoir members of the public light candles in worship.

Miss. Prinyatip Somjaipheng (center), 26, a front office employee who takes care of guest relations at Royal Cliff Beach Resort won the hotel’s Miss Loy Krathong pageant.

Pattaya School #5 wins the secondary school category for best krathong.

Water born animal life was on sale at Mabprachan Reservoir for those who wanted to buy them and release them to gain merit.

A beautiful fireworks display lights up the night sky at Bali Hai Pier.

Tourist Police help tourists as they step down to float their krathongs.

As always, Loy Krathong is beautiful at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.

Children take coins from the krathongs at Mabprachan Reservoir.

Youngsters barely know the meaning of the holiday, but enjoy it just as much as anyone else.

Prayers and wishes before you float your krathong.

The Krathong Competition at Lan Pho Park.

The Loy Krathong legend is played out on the Bali Hai pier stage.


Student Yonlada takes Miss APSA crown at Alcazar beauty contest

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

A 24-year-old student from Thammasat University has won the Miss APSA 2005 transsexual beauty contest staged at Alcazar Theater on November 5.

Chonburi MP Chanyuth Hengtrakul awards the Miss Popularity prize to Supapit Sri-A-morn.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over the opening of the competition, which was organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 3 and Alcazar Co., Ltd.

Income from this event will be distributed to the Social Development and Human Security Foundation to build schools in the three Southern provinces. Over 30 transsexuals from throughout Thailand took part in the competition. The winner received a diamond crown, a trophy, and 150,000 baht. The second and third places received 70,000 baht and 50,000 baht respectively and a trophy.

Miss APSA 2005 was Yonlada Komklong. Runner-up was 20-year-old Amataya Chaiyakod, and in third place was Supapit Sri-A-morn, 24, who also won a prize from the media.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presents the cup to Yonlada Komklong, Miss APSA 2005.

Amataya Chaiyakod (left) runner up and third placed Supapit Sri-A-morn (right) congratulate Miss APSA 2005, Yonlada Komklong.


Chaophya Park Hotel, Bangkok celebrates first cycle spectacular

It was a magnificent entrance. From the main hotel entrance leading all the way to the second floor of the Chaophya Ballroom, there were blossoms and orchids cascading throughout the hotel, along with ice carvings and the most spectacular picturesque landscaping. Interior gardens complete with animals from the magical world of Thai Classical storybooks were cleverly placed to form a natural entrance to the party.

The luckiest lady of the party, Yada Leelakajornkit from Sosuco Ceramic Co., Ltd. with her prize from Gulf Air presented by John Evans, GM on her left.

The evening was Thursday October 27, 2005 and greeting all the guests on arrival were Apinya Loychusak, the charming managing director of Park Hotels & Resorts and a beaming Andrew Wood, the hotel’s amiable general manager, with Dheerawat Bhunlapiwat - EAM and the entire hotel executive team and hotel sales managers.

Apichart Chayopas, CEO giving his salutations to honoured guests.

Over 700 guests ensured that this was not just a small cocktail party; it was an evening of celebration, with sumptuous displays of food presented by the 150 or so talented chefs and managers from the hotel’s restaurants. From delicious Chinese roasted duck and mouth watering suckling pig , to champagne and oysters, and even a fountain (literally) of chocolate and delicious pastries and desserts from the kitchen brigade, led by Executive Chef Yuthana Harngulwatana.

Peter Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. congratulates Apinya Loychusak, MD, with a floral arrangement.

The occasion was the hotel’s annual thank you party, which also coincided with the 12th Anniversary (or 1st Cycle) of the Chaophya Park Hotel. The decoration of the chandeliered ballroom was co-coordinated throughout, in keeping with the theme of the “New Look” Chaophya Park Hotel, on Bangkok’s popular Rachadapisek Road.

Stanley Ting, GM of Golden Billion Express Co., Ltd. accepts a top award from Andrew J. Wood, the hotel’s general manager.

Apichart Chayopas, CEO of the Park Hotel Group, was first to address the assembled guests, thanking each and every one for their past support and for taking time to attend this evening’s function. Up next was Andrew Wood who explained that the group now consisted of five hotels in Thailand, two in Bangkok and three in Koh Samui, and that the group had been working hard to re-position the flagship property - the Chaophya Park Hotel over the past 18 months.

Following extensive refurbishment of all 402 guestrooms, 12 function rooms and the opening of new restaurants, the Bali Spa and the Golf Driving Range and some Bt 100 million later the hotel was in good shape to face the next 12 years with confidence.

Sabaithong Chaiprapa, Thai Airways International Plc. receives her top award.

After the formality of the speeches there followed an up-beat AV presentation showing all the guests the new look and how US$2.5 million had been invested. It was impressive and unusually most guests were watching the presentation with keen interest and enthusiasm, it might have also been the perfect choice of music that caught their attention, whatever it was it had just the right affect - an appreciative audience.

After entertainment and live music, including a special musical presentation from the talented Dheerawat, who with PR director, Catareeya, was doubling as MC, it was time for the “Oscar Awards” of the Top Ten Accounts for 2005. The awards were presented to the grateful recipients by both Apinya and Andrew.

Dancing and more food, this time from the hotel’s Japanese Restaurant and famous Kao Tom Buffet. Afterwards there followed an exciting raffle draw prize with tickets, incidentally, cleverly fashioned from the hotel’s electronic key cards with a specially commissioned engraving. It was with a shriek of delight that Yada Leelakajornkit from Sosuco Ceramics, realised that she had won the top prize of a pair of return tickets to London, courtesy of Gulf Air. The grand prize was presented by John Evans, general manager of Gulf Air to a very excited Yada.

It really was a special evening, a great deal of planning and effort had gone into ensuring a memorable party and as the evening drew to a close (full cycle almost!) with guests collecting their special anniversary gifts, one could not help but think that a new chapter in the hotel’s history had well and truly begun!


Romancing the future through the past

Kids travel through the Three Kingdoms

Buddharika Suwannakaln (right), Three Kingdoms theme park general manager receives her flowers from Somjet Sripinit on behalf of the children.

Over three hundred children from the Wat Mai Nernpayom School in Aou Udom were given an insight into Chinese culture when they walked through the Romance of the Three Kingdoms theme park. The field trip and lunch was provided by the Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club Jomtien Branch, a local English speaking club, and the Srifuengfung Foundation last Wednesday morning.

Somjet Sripinit (left), Wat Mai Nernpayom School teacher presents Peter Smith, Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club Jomtien president, with a gift of appreciation handmade by the students.

Four busloads of children, primary school years 3 to 6 rolled up at around 10 a.m. to the waiting Lions Club members and staff at the theme park. Teachers presented handmade flowers on behalf of the students to Peter Smith, Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club Jomtien Branch president and Buddharika Suwannakaln, Three Kingdoms theme park general manager for their generosity in hosting the children.

Thirsts were quenched after walking around the grounds.

The students who attend the temple school are from the poorer sector of the community and are being supported by the Jomtien Lions Club through school lunch and scholarship programs.

“One of the reasons we support this particular school is because some of the kids’ parents are unable to afford the ten baht for lunch, let alone school fees and clothes,” said Peter Smith, Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club Jomtien Branch president.

Children from the Wat Mai Nernpayom with Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club Jomtien members.

The Srifuengfung Foundation, which raises funds through entry into the park, supports numerous projects supporting children in the region through scholarship, lunch and educational programs.

Buddharika Suwannakaln leads the 300 plus children to the main pagoda at the Three Kingdoms them park during the guided tour.

Following the formalities, Buddharika Suwannakaln led the children on a guided tour of the theme park telling the story behind its inception by Kiarti Srifuengfung, the family patriarch who used the philosophical aspects of the Three Kingdoms story to become successful in business.

Park construction began in 1995 with the doors opening to the public in 2001. Unfortunately Kiarti Srifuengfung passed away before it was completed but his family completed the project in his honor. A large statue of Kiarti can be seen in the eloquently decorated main pagoda.

Lions club members Felicity, Graham (center) and Peter happily hand out lunches to the kids.

With the tour of the park complete, the children were ready for lunch and waited eagerly and politely for Lions Club members and park staff to distribute lunch and water.

After a full meal, the kids played in the landscaped grounds of the Three Kingdoms Park before making their way back to school after not only looking into the past through the legacy of one man but taking back some knowledge that can build a future for themselves and their families.


Five Russian Navy ships moor at Sattahip in goodwill visit

Historic connection with Old Siam

Suchada Tupchai

Five Russian Navy ships, part of the Pacific Fleet, have been on an official visit to Thailand. They set off from Vladivostok Naval Base on September 20 to participate in the Indra-2005 exercises with the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal. Following the exercises the ships paid visits to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and then Thailand. After visiting Thailand the fleet left for Vietnam, the final stop in its tour of ASEAN countries.

Varyag (right) moors next to Admiral Tributz.

H.E. Yevgeny V. Afanasiev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Thailand and Rear Admiral Surasak Phumphoung, Commander of the Helicopter Carrier Squadron welcomed the fleet, led by Deputy Pacific Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Sergei Avramenko.

The missile cruiser Varyag, which carries normal and nuclear medium and long-range missiles, is the largest in the visiting fleet. All vessels including the Varyag, the anti-submarine vessels Admiral Tributz and Admiral Panteleyev moored at Sattahip Naval Base between November 15-19.The name Varyag has an important historical meaning for Thai-Russian relations. The first ship to bear this name travelled the world late in the 19th century, visiting Siam in 1891. The captain of the vessel was Czarevitch Nicholas, who later became Tsar Nicholas II. The crewmembers called on King Chulalongkorn, ( Rama V) to forge long-term relationships between Russia and the Kingdom of Siam.In 1905 Varyag entered the Russo-Japanese war. The Japanese fleet surrounded the ship but the Russians refused to surrender. With all their ammunition gone, the crew decided to scuttle the Varyag rather than let her fall into the hands of the enemy. Many of the Russian sailors lost their lives as the ship sank and the survivors refused to be taken prisoner by the Japanese. The event has become a legend for the Russian Navy.

Rear Adm. Surasak Phumphoung, Commander of Helicopter Carrier Squadron (right) welcomes Deputy Pacific Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Sergei Avramenko and the fleet.

Anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributz was first to arrive.

H.E. Yevgeny V. Afanasiev,(far right) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation and his wife Olga with Panga Vathanakul,(2nd left) the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong and Pratheep Malhotra, MD Pattaya Mail together at the official visit.


Children thrill to circus as Pattaya Mail and Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya provide 550 tickets

Pattaya Mail and the Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya have presented tickets valued at 135,000 baht for school children to visit the Royal London Circus.

Pattaya Mail joins up with Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club to give tickets valued at 135,000 baht to children to watch the Royal London Circus.

Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Company Limited along with director of marketing Suwanthep Malhotra and representatives of Jomtien Pattaya Rotary Club, led by past-president Judy Hoppe and Graham Hunt-Crowley presented tickets for the world celebrated circus to 550 Pattaya school children.

President Chris Gibbins, Graham Hunt-Crowley and Henny Vermay (standing rear) of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya with the group of children and Royal London Circus performers prior to the show.

Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranont, director of Pattaya District Education Department Wannapa Wansri, and representatives of the 10 Pattaya schools were on hand to receive the tickets. Paul L B Lee, owner of the Royal London Circus and his troupe also participated, adding color to the event.

Two dogs and a monkey manage to stay on!

“This presents a good opportunity for the children to see a world celebrated circus that has been showing in Pattaya since October 26,” said Wattana. “Many children have already seen the show, but many others have not had the chance because they come from poor families. The cooperation of Pattaya Mail and Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club in providing this opportunity to poor children is a fantastic gesture.”

On November 19, the Royal London Circus welcomed the 550 children who had been given the tickets, where they thrilled to the colorful acts, dancers and clowns, acrobats, clever dogs, ponies, acrobatics, and other spectacular performances. The final act of motorcycle acrobatics brought screaming applause from the children.


The ‘Cha๎îne’ turns 10

Miss Terry Diner

The 10th anniversary celebration for the Cha๎îne des Rôtisseurs in Pattaya was held at the ballroom of Royal Cliff Grand. This was a fitting venue for the event, as the first Pattaya Cha๎îne des Rôtisseurs dinner was also held at the Royal Cliff in the same ballroom, in November 1995.

Bailli Louis Noll, full of emotion, speaks of the milestone achieved by the Pattaya Bailliage.

Not only was the venue very fitting, but it was notable for the number of the original members who were still loyal to the ‘Cha๎îne’ from its inception 10 years previously. Not all the founding members had the opportunity to attend, but one of the originals was the Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s executive chef, Walter Thenisch, who had a huge influence on the first dinner, and here he was 10 years later to show that his culinary expertise was not dimmed, presenting a unique eight course dinner for the gourmet diners.

Hugh Millar an impassioned gastronome has imparted tremendous knowledge of the culinary arts to Chaîne members throughout the years.

The 1995 role call of office bearers included Fredi Schaub an original Chef Rotisseur (now of Bruno’s Restaurant), who was in such a rush to attend the 10th anniversary, he left his chain of office behind. Fortunately, Walter Thenisch had two, and loaned him one for the evening!

Another two of the original office bearers, still standing after 10 years, despite copious amounts of excellent wines consumed over the decade, were Treasurer Jan-Olav Aamlid, and the Pattaya Mail’s Peter Malhotra, the Charge de Presse.

The members and guests were welcomed to the event by the Bailli (president) Louis Noll (Mata Hari) who in his humorous address also mentioned some of those who were no longer with us, but were now in the “great kitchen in the sky”. These included Alois (Louis) Fassbind (who had joined the Chaî๎ne des Rôtisseurs in 1980), Bruno Forrer and Doug Rosario, and a few glasses of wine were raised in their memories that evening.

Jan Olav Aamlid narrates the history of Bailliage de Pattaya to the fascinated audience.

Hugh Millar (Symphony Brasserie) detailed the menu and the accompanying wines to the 10th anniversary dinner, which began with a Fines de Claire oyster with Kalamansi lime granite with an Oakridge Sauvignon Blanc 2003, from Australia’s Yarra Valley. This was a superb start, and honestly, I could have sat there all night and just savored more of these oysters. Magnificent!

The consomm้ of essence of pigeon perfumed with jasmine tea had a mixed reception, with half the group at our table loving it, and the others not so impressed; however, there was no dissent over the trio of duck foie gras. A wonderful expression of the art of the table, to be able to serve the same item in three decidedly different ways. This was served with a French Gewurtztraminer (Leon Beyer 2002, Alsace) which again was an accompaniment that drew much discussion, as should be the case when wine connoisseurs get together.

Two more courses whetted the appetite for the roast, which was a venison rack with savoy cabbage, a pancetta ham basket filled with mousseline potatoes on a venison reduction. The wine was changed to a Coonawarra Majella 2001, cabernet sauvignon from South Australia. These two items were magnificent and worth the dinner alone. Chef Walter Thenisch gets Miss Terry Diner’s seal of approval every time.

A multi-national gathering (L to R) John Gowan (Australian), John Nichol (Irish), Joop van Zantvoorp (Dutch), and Dave Thielen (American) discuss the finer points of finishing the wine before dinner.

The dessert was another of those incredibly ‘arty’ masterpieces that only pastry chefs can concoct, this time held together with edible chocolate ribbon!

By this stage in the evening, the ladies were being herded together for commemorative photographs, while the last bottles of the wines were being supped. Following this, the kitchen and service teams were given their certificates of appreciation by Bailli Louis Noll.

However, the evening was not yet over. On each table was an engraved lead crystal glass, with the crest of the Cha๎îne des Rôtisseurs and the date, indicating that this was a true memento of the 10th anniversary dinner. Each diner received one of these, described by our avid professional collector Jan-Olav Aamlid as an asset that would appreciate in value. Some extra glasses could be purchased, and Jan-Olav put his money where his mouth is, buying a set of 10. (Contact Jan-Olav if you would like to see if there are any left.)

It had been a memorable evening, commemorating 10 years of the culinary table in a spectacular way. Make your reservations for the 20th anniversary as soon as possible!

Marlowe Malhotra, Werner Kuhr, Elfi Seitz, Somsak Sarx, Malwinder Malhotra and Dieter Précourt at the cocktail reception.

Mio Aamlid, Richard and Janet Smith, Dr. and Som Corness enjoy a welcome drink.

Well done once again. Louis gives Walter Thenisch, Executive Chef of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort the accolades he truly deserves.

Sakchai Puekkasem (right), Banqueting Manager, Royal Cliff Grand head of the service team of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort receives a big thank you on behalf of his team.

Dinnie and Willem de Vries, sophistication at its best.

A complete dozen of the most beautiful ladies of the Chaîne.