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Local Skål Club goes Japanese
Skålleagues and guests all set
to enjoy a Benihana evening.
Miss Terry Diner
The Skål International Club of Pattaya and the East lived up to its
“international” reputation by holding its monthly networking evening at the
Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, in the Japanese Benihana restaurant. With
there being a few drinks beforehand (including a very nice Australian
Penguin Chardonnay; thanks Dylan) everyone was in a fun mood by the time the
group settled in for some fun food around the electric grills.
Local Skål International president Andrew Khoo (GM Hard Rock Hotel) welcomed
everyone, and it was good to see many new faces that evening, including Guy
Lindsay-Watson (MD MusicTravel Thailand) and “my lovely wife Nat” (he must
have left the not so lovely one at home) and a group of young ladies from
Pattaya Dot Com, led by Piyanuch (Nuch) Thanasakrungruang.
Towards the conclusion of the evening, VP Peter Malhotra spoke on the recent
Pattaya promotional trip he took to America with Andrew Wood (GM Chaophya
Park Resorts). Peter reported that there was very strong interest amongst
the North American Skål International clubs in coming to Pattaya for the
World Congress, which will be held here in October.
Andrew Khoo also reminded everyone of the significance of this event, where
it is expected that around 1,500 travel executives and partners will descend
upon Pattaya, giving the local economy a small boost, but even more
importantly, giving Pattaya the opportunity to become a favored resort
destination for the tourism professionals, who can foster tourist interest
in the region.
Those who are interested in being involved in the local group of tourism
professionals can contact the secretary Ingo Raeuber by email
[email protected]
Dr. lain (left) as jovial as
ever with Nat and Guy Lindsay-Watson, Oranuch Tao-um and President Andrew
Khoo.
Pattaya Personalities (l-r)
Piyanuch Tanasakrungrueng, Paul Sinclair, Oranuch Tao-um, Alan
Kirkland-Roath, Supaporn Tadthongtaew and Daniel Docto.
Suvarnabhumi taking off
Caspian Pike
On a bright and breezy Sunday morning, ensconced in the relaxed atmosphere of
Henry J. Beans, Dr. Stephen Buttling, resident engineer of Suvarnabhumi airport,
entertained the caffeine enriched audience of the Pattaya City Expats Club. Five
years of working on this gargantuan project had clearly had little impact on Dr.
Buttling’s sense of humour, although listening to him regale the meeting with
myriad tales of the unexpected, one would not have been in the least surprised
to find him utterly mirthless.
 The
audience listens intently as Dr. Stephen Buttling talks about the new
Suvarnabhumi airport.
His experiences encompassed the sublime, the ridiculous, the incredible and the
almost unbelievably frustrating. Yet he had retained a very English sense of
equanimity throughout the whole engagement. His presentation was augmented by a
thoroughly comprehensive and chronological series of technical photographs,
which precipitated a series of often hilarious anecdotes.
Suvarnabhumi airport officially opened last year to a fanfare of different kinds
of trumpeting and, not quite fully operational just yet, is undoubtedly an
extraordinary undertaking. Personally (and chatting to a number of the patrons
they seemed to concur) I have always found Don Muang one of the easiest airports
around the world to navigate. Arriving in Thailand is a blissfully simple. The
immigration officials actually smile. There’s no Heathrow style trek, no Aussie
grilling, no Yankee-esque offence. It’s discreet, it’s charming, it’s very Thai.
So imagine the new airport, designed to provide a substantial improvement in
efficiency and ease of movement, the cost of which we might never truly know, or
understand.
Suvarnabhumi marries the cream of cutting edge twenty first century materials
and technology with aesthetic architecture of the highest order. They unite in
apparently symbiotic beauty. It’s going to be catering for up to 45 million
passengers a year almost immediately and there won’t be any traipsing from one
terminal to another. It’ll all be under one enormous and enormously impressive
roof. If you’ve walked more than two kilometres in the building, you’re either
lost or you’re shopping. King Power is a major player, working day and night to
fill your favourite nooks and crannies with your favourite things.
 One
of Dr. Stephen Buttling’s slides, which gives a bird’s eye view of the progress
at Suvarnabhumi airport.
I think the best example I heard about the kind of symbiosis between
architecture, materials and technology is the air cooling system. I say ‘air
cooling’ because it isn’t ‘air conditioning’ as such. Sunlight is purposely
allowed to rush through a glass panelled roof. Ordinarily, this would be
expected to heat up the floor below, except that in Suvarnabhumi, water cools
the floor and this creates two and half metres or so of cool, refreshing air
which (it is expected) will keep passengers below the boil. Interestingly
enough, Dr. Buttling didn’t appear to be overly concerned with the temperature
between two and a half metres from the floor and the roof!
It was interesting to note that an apparently unilateral announcement made by
former Prime Minister Thaksin, some time ago, that domestic air traffic would
remain at Don Muang, has not been confirmed. Indeed, Dr. Buttling pointed out
how unlikely it would be that international passengers, after a long haul
flight, would be interested in crawling their way across Bangkok to continue
their journeys within Thailand.
What will happen to Don Muang remains something of a mystery. However, there was
much excited discussion about the economic ramifications of the new airport on
Thailand as a regional and global base for travel. It was, many seemed to agree,
“The obvious choice” for travellers. A glance at the rising property prices
along the Eastern Seaboard and the increasing attention being given to the
already impressive infrastructure illustrates how Suvarnabhumi, officially
already open, is unofficially already having a profound effect.
As for Dr. Buttling, he’s off to Australia. If, that is, he’s managed to free
himself from the assembled Pattaya City expats, keen as they were, to squeeze
all they could out of this impressive, fascinating man. It had been an
invigorating morning’s brain work.
For more information on the Pattaya City Expats Club, check out their website:
http://www.pattayaexpats.com
Tamar Centre –
a safe place for women
PILC supports a 3 month’s course for 4 women
PILC is proud to be able to help
Thai women who would like a chance to lead a better life.
Helle Rantsén
PILC welfare chairperson
You feel right at home the moment you step inside the Tamar Centre. You are
greeted warmly by the director at the centre, a Dutch woman named Nella, who for
the past few years has been putting a lot of effort and hard work into the
creation of the Tamar Centre. She is not doing it on her own, but as a part of a
team of a few foreigner volunteers and a bigger group of Thai staff who, for
some time, used to work in the sex industry in Pattaya themselves.
What is the Tamar Centre? The main focus of the Tamar Centre is the dedication
to support the many bar girls in Pattaya by creating an alternative to
prostitution. How do they do that? Every year a small group of women sign up for
a 3-month course of counselling and job training. At the centre the women
receive training in the hairdressing salon and the bakery while they live at the
centre.
During the course the women who take part in the course can also make beautiful
cards, sold by the Tamar Centre, to earn a living to send home to their families
in the Isaan area. They need an income while they take part in the course
because their families somewhat depend on what the women can send them every
month. The income is sent to parents or others who look after their children
that they very often have left behind when departing for Pattaya to find a job.
Another very important part of the course is the counselling. The women will
learn how to believe in themselves again and the possibility of creating another
life for themselves using some of the skills they have learned during the job
training.
After the course a lot of the women stay connected to the centre or travel back
to their home town to start all over again.
In a city like Pattaya, there is a very big demand for centres like the Tamar
centre to give an alternative to the women in the service industry. PILC is
proud to be able to help Thai women who would like a chance to leave
prostitution for a much better life.
Art Cafe hosts Brothers
in Spirit art exhibition
From left: Art Café owner Jo
Stetten introduces the two artists Rene Lombard and Jieng Sai Jem as Pattaya
Mail MD Peter Malhotra looks on, before the unveiling.
The Brothers in Spirit art exhibition opening, featuring work
from artists Jieng Sai Jem and Rene Lombard, took place last week at the Art
Café in North Pattaya. The evening was a glowing success as many art lovers
gathered for cocktails and took advantage of the opportunity to talk to artists
from all over Pattaya.
Jieng Sai Jem, a self taught artist, was born in Hu-Nan, China. He studied
calligraphy for 2 years with teacher Han Hong Ming in Guang Zhou, China. Jieng
stated that he lives as a Zen and the philosophy of life ignites his art
creations.
Rene Lombard is a French national, born in Tunisia. He graduated in 1960 from
the School of Fine Arts in Marseille, France. Although he wanted to teach
drawing he eventually became an interior designer. His passion for painting
continued throughout his professional life allowing him to sell his art. He
stated that he loves painting because it is a combination of shapes, volumes,
colors and feelings; all must be carefully thought through so his art may be
built and constructed mirroring his feeling rather than evoking at random.
Peter Malhotra, managing director of the Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., presided
over the opening with a speech and quotes from Picasso. Art Café owner Jo
Stetten introduced the artists and welcomed all the guests, after which was the
unveiling of the art works.
Jo truly out-did himself again by putting on a wonderful buffet and selection of
wines. There were platters of smoked salmon, graved lax, saba, egg and tomato
mimosa, different kinds of salads, shrimp cocktails, beef brochettes, BBQ fish,
chicken, roast pork, steaks, gyros kebabs, and many other soups and dishes with
a wide assortment of breads, cheeses and mouthwatering deserts. An excellent
evening to welcome two new artists to Pattaya’s fast growing world of art.
The exhibition will be open until June 11 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily and 11
a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; closed on Mondays.
Country music competition names two new fledgling stars
Chanyuth Hengtrakul, MP-elect of
Chonburi, Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay and a number of city councilors pose for
a photo with all of the winning singers.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The finals for Pattaya’s Country Singing Contest were held on May 28 at
Pattaya School #8, with six contestants on stage for the judges to make their
final decision.
VC Spot Production Co Ltd was the organizer of the event, along with 104.75 MHz
FM Radio, working in cooperation with city hall, with the contestants performing
in front of 2,000 enthusiastic spectators.
Singing for the judges was Niyom Homchit, Ms Patchara Kwianwong, Niyom
Charoensiri, Ms Ketsarin Leeseng, Prasit Jiangraksa, and Ms Pinyo Tomyim. Radio
listeners were also allowed a vote via SMS.
Patchara, better known as Off, a 19-year-old singer from Prachuab Kirikhan was
the overall winner, also being the winner of the public voting. She received
15,000 baht and a trophy.
Prasit, or Jiang, a 26 year old from Nakhon Pathom was the male winner. He
received 10,000 baht and a trophy.
The female runner up was Pinyo, who received 7,000 baht, followed by Ketsarin,
who received 3,000 baht.
The male runner up was Niyom Homchit, who received 7,000 baht, followed by Niyom
Charoensiri, who received 3,000 baht.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul, MP-elect of Chonburi, Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay and a
number of city councilors were on hand to present the awards and trophies. All
six final contestants will record a special album with newly created songs for
Pattaya City.
The show also featured a concert by well-known singers Siriporn Ampaipong and
Ekapol Montrakarn. During the presentation of awards and trophies, the
organizers lit candles for His Majesty the King’s 60th anniversary.
PILC and RLC organize garage
sale to raise funds for
Ban Jing Jai and “Our Home”
The PILC and RLC garage sale in
Plutaluang was once again a huge success.
Helle Rantsén
PILC welfare chairperson
Always on the lookout for new ways to raise funds for charity, the Pattaya
International Ladies Club and Rayong Ladies Circle have for the past couple of
months been asking their members and all international schools in the area to
please donate “stuff” for a garage sale, which took place on Saturday June 3.
The garage sale was, as per tradition, held at Khun Tiew’s “Our Home” in
Plutaluang.
Tiew opened her house to 10 young women who had nowhere to go after they had to
leave the Huay Pong Women’s Protection Institute. Now they live as part of
Tiew’s family and are making the most beautiful quilts by order.
For the 10th time, a garage sale was arranged, attracting locals from a large
area around Ban Chang. By word of mouth they came in big numbers to have a look
at all the interesting things, hoping to make a good deal.
It was indeed a very successful day and worth all the hard work. Both clubs were
very pleased with the result. The proceeds will be shared between “Our Home” and
the PILC dental/health care program at Ban Jing Jai.
If you missed this popular event, don’t worry; on the 7th of October all
shoppers will have a chance to “go wild” at the PILC holiday bazaar at the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort, which is another of PILC’s charity events worth supporting.
First Sports Radio is on the air and looking for a winning DJ
Piyavadee Suvannahong
First Sports Radio celebrated its launch on May 28 with a party on the beach
at South Jomtien and a game of beach football between celebrities and station
DJs.
 The
Pom-Pom dancers from Dhurakit Bundit University put on quite a show.
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn presided over the opening of the celebrations
for the radio station, the first of its kind in Pattaya, and broadcasting on
92.3 MHz.
In addition to the football game, held on the beach football ground at South
Jomtien, there was a pom-pom cheerleading display organized by Dhurakit Bundit
University, and game booths to keep the crowds of well-wishers busy. Children
from the Redemptorist Center were amongst those joining in the fun.
Miss Nittakarn Naruchaisiitiphak, organizer of First Sports Radio said her
objectives are to air sports news and entertainment for Pattaya residents.
Would-be DJs are also being given an opportunity to take part in the First Sport
Radio DJ Search, listeners voting for participants by SMS and the winner being
offered a job as regular DJ.
New building for Pattaya Mail Media Co as cable TV business expands
Vimolrat Singnikorn
A blessing ceremony for the new Pattaya Mail Media Co building was conducted
on May 12 by Abbot Patarakit Wiboon and Priest Nopadol of Huayai Temple.
Pattaya Mail Media has grown, developed and made its mark on the cable networks
in and around Pattaya.
 The
blessing ceremony for the new building of ‘Pattaya Mail Media Co. Ltd.’ took
place May 12 and was conducted by Abbot Patarakit from the Hua Yai Temple.
With substantial investment in equipment and personnel the time came for the
media department to create an environment that will suit its ever changing and
expanding needs.
Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd, under its managing director Pratheep Malhotra,
is blazing a trail in electronic media across the screens for thousands of
expatriates and tourists.
Pattaya Mail On TV (PMTV) presents international news, lifestyle features and
entertainment on 4 major cable networks, giving a diverse audience an hour’s
worth of ‘all new’ material everyday.
 PMTV
Production Manager, Paul Strachan receives a blessing from priest Nobadol in the
new media centre offices.
Viewers of PMTV over the last year have witnessed that it has moved forward in
quality, range, production and format: the new building offers a wealth of
options for the team and, therefore, the progress that viewers have seen is
merely a glimpse of the things to come and Pattaya Mail Media will continue to
set the standards that others cannot begin to emulate.
At the official opening of the new office, Priest Patarakit blessed both the
employees joining the ceremony and the new building to bring good fortune and
success.
“Beyond the Beach”
with Andrew Watson
Gerry Rasmus, “The Pollution Solution”
“Beyond the Beach” - Andrew
Watson’s news series on Pattaya Mail on TV, starts with “The Pollution
Solution”, an interview with Gerry Rasmus.
Caspian Pike
Something special is happening in Pattaya. Economic growth is rampant and
the physical manifestations of the boom are all around us. Hardly a day seems to
pass without some impressive and prominent erection forging a new skyline in the
city. Pattaya is thriving and Pattaya Mail TV reflects all that is bright and
beautiful around us. Pattaya Mail TV have been trailblazers in bringing a
dynamic, unique and highly refined cutting edge to programming on cable
television in the region. The highly polished and professional product you see
is the result of hours of creative and disciplined teamwork. Now, following in
the footsteps of his hugely successful first series, “Perspectives”, Andrew
Watson is back.
“Beyond the Beach” is a talk show with a difference. From planning to
production, it’s unique and synonymous with quality and integrity. There’s no
three piece suite involved. The “Beyond the Beach” team prefer to get out and
about by following individuals of “considerable character” around their daily
lives, engaged in their everyday interests. From ambassadors to property
developers, artists and musicians to politicians, “Beyond the Beach” celebrates
the rich diversity of Thailand, bringing to screens from Chonburi to Sattahip,
colourful, vibrant personalities.
“Beyond the Beach” brings you local, regional and global variety of relevance
and real interest. Innovative and imaginative in equal measure, it combines the
highest standards of production from conception to realisation. “Beyond the
Beach” travels beyond the first idea, to see places and meet people that no
other programme on local cable TV has done before.
Andrew opens this series as he ended the last... from a beach: so much for
straying from the seaside! But he promises to cast his net far and wide.
Inevitably, it’s another beautiful Pattaya morning, the sun is out and there’s
at least a hint of a breeze coming in from the bay. Andrew runs into an
individual who embodies Mahatma Ghandi’s mantra, “Be the change you want to see
in the world” and he does it, from the beach.
Gerry Rasmus is larger than life. He is from the United States and he spends his
time setting an example to all of us on the Eastern seaboard by taking the most
personal care of the environment which we treasure most here - the beach. He is
a man with a message for us all and I think it’s going to be worth watching.
Andrew describes Gerry as ‘the Pollution Solution”, a sobriquet Gerry is happy
to handle. But Gerry’s life, we learn, hasn’t all been plain sailing. He bravely
confides that once he was a “waste of skin taking up space”. But by as long ago
as 1980, Gerry had seen the light. He stopped drinking and became part of the
solution, rather than part of the problem.
His effervescent character is nonetheless humble and yet it appears, his
devotion to cleaning up the planet is not completely altruistic. The cumulative
energy involved in picking up trash from the beach amounts to real exercise and
Gerry has invented a name for it - “Waistercizing”. And what to do with his
collected garbage? Well it appears that there are many strings to Gerry’s net.
He creates works of art with it all. So what’s his message, you might ask? Well
it’s simple. According to Gerry, if all of us took just a little bit of interest
in keeping things clean, the whole world might be a better place. And then
something more - ‘love each other’ says Gerry.
Catch Andrew Watson’s interview with Gerry Rasmus, “The Pollution Solution” on
“Beyond the Beach”, Sunday at the following times:
Sophon at 8:00am - Midday- 4:00pm- 8:pm and Midnight.
Chonburi at 9:40am- 2:00pm - 8:40pm and 40 minutes after midnight.
Jomtien at 9:00am- 12:30pm - and 9:00pm
Sattahip at 8:00am - 1:30pm - 5:00pm- 8:00pm and 11:00pm
In next week’s Pattaya Mail, I’ll be previewing Andrew’s next show, when he’ll
be talking to Anthony Moncrieff, “The Man from the Beeb”, who had a grandstand
view of the Suez crisis, fifty years ago.
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