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Pattaya Skål tackles the Americas
By Andrew J Wood
International Councillor
Skål Thailand
Much has been written concerning Pattaya’s preparation for the upcoming
Skål World Congress but now, with the clock ticking, it was time to take
the marketing of the Congress up another level.
 Andrew
Wood makes his presentation at the opening ceremony.
Inter-regional travel within the SE Asia region had been the focus of
the local organizing committee’s attention but it was time to tackle the
Americas. Some weeks ago Robert Lee, Skål National Committee Secretary,
had been dispatched to South America and Michael Swart, of the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort and organizing committee, visited several Skål clubs
throughout Australia. With the help and support of Skål Head Office and
Pattaya City’s sponsorship our sights were now set on North America.
As recently appointed International Councillor - Skål Thailand, I and
Director of PR & Communications of the 67th Skål World Congress
Committee, Peter Malhotra, were dispatched to hold a number of important
meetings and make presentations to North American Skål members during
the NAASC Congress.
The North American Association of Skål Committees (NAASC) hold an annual
congress with Skål clubs from 114 clubs in the USA, Canada, Mexico and
the Caribbean, representing 4,400 members from an estimated 23,000
members worldwide, or roughly 20% of the membership.
 Andrew
presents a gift to a thrilled Elaine as Stephen Elmy looks on.
This year’s 2006 NAASC Congress was the biggest for a number of reasons;
firstly its rather unusual venue, a cruise ship, the MS Oosterdam. A
huge ship of 82,000 tonnes, almost a thousand feet in length and 106
feet wide.
[For those that like statistics it had a total horse-power of 84,000 (a
lot of horses!) and 46,000hp of propulsion capable of cruising 1800
passengers and 814 crew at 23 knots. It is a truly magnificent vessel.]
A second reason is the growing importance and commitment of the Skål
movement in North America, which helps to ensure a strong attendance
from its members.
The cruise was to set sail from San Diego, California. Peter and I had
travelled for almost 23 hours, flying via Taipei and Los Angeles. After
landing in San Diego we were quickly boarded and the impressive MS
Oosterdam set sail heading north for San Francisco and its ultimate
destination -Vancouver, Canada.
 Peter
speaks to Skålleagues at a seminar held to give information on the
Pattaya congress.
The NAASC committee had very kindly agreed to allow the Thailand
representatives to introduce Pattaya to all the assembled delegates
during the opening ceremony, which took place on the first morning of
the Congress. Andrew was invited up first to make the opening remarks,
followed by the viewing of a specially commissioned Pattaya CD video
presentation promoting the 67th World Congress.
Next followed a presentation by Peter, who took as his theme the need
for Skålleagues to re-visit Pattaya; to support Skål; to support Skål
Thailand in its Golden Jubilee and to support tourism to Thailand.
 The
Pattaya B2B table was abuzz with Skålleagues requesting information on
the upcoming congress.
After the official opening ceremony, there followed numerous seminars
and B2B (business to business) opportunities, with the chance to
interact on a one-to-one level. A specially organized B2B Travel Fair on
board enabled the distribution of World Congress marketing materials and
to conduct further business meetings. It was very evident that one of
Skål’s core benefits of membership, “Doing Business Among Friends”, was
to be a tangible and very real part of the business of NAASC. In other
sessions there was the opportunity to conduct seminars in a training
format, to further promote the 67th Skål World Congress.
 Stephen
Elmy president of NAASC presents certificates of appreciation to Peter
and Andrew for their support of and participation in the congress.
We were honoured to have Skål International President Jan Sunde with us
throughout the 5-day Congress Cruise along with Phil Sims, Skål
International Director of Statutes, and his wife Joy, from Auckland, New
Zealand. In addition there were 8 other NAASC past presidents in
attendance as well as Charlie Power, Skål International Membre
d’Honneur.
Skål International Honorary Presidents Chuck Lawson, Joe Malone and
Salvador Buendia also joined the Congress and thoroughly enjoyed
themselves, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.
Jim and Claudette Main
together with San Francisco Skålleagues welcomed Andrew and Peter to the
flower city.
During the opening ceremonies NAASC’s first-ever
recipient of the “NAASC Club of the Year” Award was presented to Skål
International Miami. Tony Staikos proudly accepted the award on behalf
of his fellow Skål members from Miami.
There were many networking opportunities; one such opportunity was a
private cocktail party hosted by the charming SIUSA President Mok Singh
and his lovely wife Rajindra. During that party, Peter and I were given
assurances that everything possible was being done to lobby a strong
response from all the NAASC clubs to send at least one representative
from the 114 clubs.
During the President’s Gala Reception, Stephen Elmy, the much liked and
well respected outgoing NAASC president, gave credit to a hard working
and enthusiastic NAASC committee. In his final act as president he also
thanked the help and support of his colleagues and family by saying, “In
closing, I would like to take one more opportunity to thank the many
friends and fellow Skålleagues who made my 2-year term as NAASC
president so enjoyable. Thank you, as well, to the 37 clubs who hosted
me to various club functions and afforded Elaine and I such wonderful
hospitality when we were able to join you in your local Skål
festivities. Those of you who showered us with such amicable hospitality
are the backbone and epitome of what Skål should be like, and Elaine and
I will never forget you and your kindness.”
The Pattaya Congress was
given another boost at the Vancouver reception. (l-r) Peter Malhotra,
Mok and Rajindra Singh, Harvey Lee, President of Skål International
Vancouver, Jan Sunde, Skål International President, Andrew Wood and
Abelardo Vara, NAASC president.
Next on the agenda was the induction of the new NAASC
president, Abelardo Vara from Cancun Mexico. With the handover of
ceremonial Chains of Office completed, Vara in his presidential address
said he was especially proud that Mexico will play an ever increasingly
important role in the field of tourism and that he was honoured to be
recognized by NAASC in such a special way.
The 2006 NAASC Congress wound up in Vancouver on its last night with a
fantastic evening of Skål, hosted by our friends at Skål International
Vancouver. Once again Andrew and Peter had the opportunity to network
and promote the World Congress to the Canadian Club and Andrew was also
given the opportunity to make a short speech on behalf of the Pattaya
Club.
Earlier in the afternoon, after battling some exciting 25 foot waves and
a force 10 gale on the Pacific, the MS Oosterdam had delivered just
under 700 Congress attendees safely to Canada Place on the Vancouver
waterfront.
From my own personal observations there is, without doubt, a strong Skål
heart beating in North America, with an energy and enthusiasm that I
have rarely come across. Many in the association hope that this will be
infectious. Whilst politically America is not always seen in a positive
global light, the time is ready to have a North American representation
once again on the International Skål Committee and there appear to be
many suitable candidates. Peter Malhotra could not have put it better
when he said, “NAASC and Skål go a long way to showing the world that
Americans are reaching out with an immense respect for Skål’s
Presidential theme of Tourism through Friendship and Peace”.
In closing may we also offer our special thanks to Stephen Elmy, for his
great warmth and his help and assistance to Pattaya and to the Skål
movement in Thailand. We sincerely hope that we can repay his kindness
and hospitality when he visits these shores in October 2006.
Kamala and “All That Jazz”
The singing hotelier entertains delegates at the 55th PATA Conference
Sounds of frivolity, clinking of glasses, legendary
entertainment from a famous hotelier, entrepreneur, recording artist ...
yep, you got it ... it’s an evening with Kamala Sukosol, president of
Siam City Hotels & Resorts.
 Thailand’s
tourism industry is in good hands with Kamala at the helm!
Playing host to delegates of the 55th PATA (Pacific Asia Travel
Association) Conference, one of the travel industry’s biggest events,
Kamala and family presented a top-notch performance of “A Musical
Journey Around The World,” a fast paced show packed with explosive
creativity, energy, and All That Jazz!
With not an empty seat in the Siam Bayshore Resort & Spa’s lobby,
delegates were taken aback as Kamala introduced not only herself, as
president, but daughter, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, as the hotel group’s
vice president. Many were surely wondering, “How can this be?” President
and vice president, Mum and daughter, happily cajoling with song and
dance. Who’s taking care of business? As a matter of fact, business is
just dandy for the Sukosol family.
The family’s independent hotel group is planning a multimillion dollar
upgrade budget taking its portfolio of hotels to a premium positioning
in Pattaya and Bangkok, and adding a new Hip Hotel on the Chao Phraya
River, slated to open in 2009.
The Sukosols’ celebrated performances are a source of inspiration to
audiences in Bangkok and Pattaya not to mention all their fans from
around the world. Watching heroic amounts of energy hurled across the
stage, frankly, leaves audiences searching for extra vitamins! But, it’s
all part of a normal work day for Kamala. How does she do it? Juggling
her many roles is definitely the force behind that sparkle.
Towards the end of the performance, stage lights and sound made a brief
exit. A panic situation for most artists perhaps, but for Kamala, the
near catastrophe turned into an amusing interlude. ‘Ad-libbing,’ she
seized the opportunity to chat with guests. An overwhelmed audience,
still couldn’t quite believe their host is a famous hotelier and
performer.
A rousing finale of “One” from Broadway’s “A Chorus Line” seemed
awe-inspiring, and yet, apt for Thailand’s famous Diva. Audiences tapped
their feet and sang along in agreement. The evening began and ended with
and for her guests. Yes, you can rest assured Thailand’s tourism
industry is in good hands with Kamala at the helm!
Mommy with her very own
little bodyguard.
Brazil, we kissed and
clung together under the amber moon.
Mum and daughter, happily
cajoling with song and dance.
Little sister Daranee does
the hip hip.
Marisa wooed the audience
with her singing and dancing.
The fun and sun is in
Pattaya, you’ll fall in love in Pattaya.
Guests are welcomed by
staff in their glittering golden dresses.
Hans Spoerri (center rear)
takes a moment to get a photograph with his guests.
Michael Chow, Editor TTG
Asia congratulates Kamala and Marisa for a most entertaining evening.
Silverlake winery heads towards its first vintage
Napa Valley winemakers lend their expertise
Sue. K
Who would imagine that only 20 km from the hectic tourist town of
Pattaya, heading towards Sattahip, there are lush vineyards that are
anticipated to produce their first vintage this year?
 Several
kinds of grapes are grown in the shadow of the golden Buddha image.
A tiny little lane off Sukhumvit Road, just as you pass the Khao Chee
Chan Buddha image, leads to the glittering Silverlake reservoir and to
Chonburi province’s first vineyard and winery.
Set in a beautiful valley, this is a peaceful oasis under the gaze of
the Buddha image whose golden outline can be seen for miles.
To date 400 rai has been planted with a dozen varieties of table grapes,
on sale at a tented reception area together with fresh grape juice, jams
and other items.
In addition the growers are experimenting with shiraz and cabernet
sauvignon grapes to make wines after this year’s harvest, with the help
of experienced winemakers from California’s Napa Valley.
 Sue.
K interviews Surachai Tangjaitrong for Pattaya Mail on TV.
Surachai Tangjaitrong has plenty of plans for his winery, which he is
confident will make Silverlake an exciting attraction. The winery will
have its own tasting room, there will be horse and carriage tours of the
vineyard and surrounding areas, and an attractive restaurant commanding
views of the valley.
Music at Silverlake has already become something of a feature here and a
large event area has been built at the natural amphitheatre to
accommodate festivals and concerts, including the planned Jazz in the
Vineyard series.
A dozen varieties of table
grapes are on sale at a tented reception area together with fresh grape
juice, jams and other items.
The growers are
experimenting with shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes to make wines
after this year’s harvest, with the help of experienced winemakers from
California’s Napa Valley.
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