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His Majesty the King receives
World Scout’s highest award
Suchada Tupchai
His Majesty Carl XVI Gustav, King of Sweden in his capacity as Honorary
President of the World Scout Foundation presented His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great with the World Scout Organization’s highest
award for his support and development of Scouting in Thailand.
 The
Bronze Wolf, the World Scout Movement’s highest award.
The presentation took place at Chitralada Palace where the Swedish
monarch presented the Bronze Wolf award honouring His Majesty’s
involvement as the head of Scouting in Thailand.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the Chief Scout and under his
patronage, scouting has flourished in Thailand. Many programs continue
to be developed to fulfill the needs of Thai young people and Thailand.
His Majesty is a role model to Thai Scouts and their fostering of
relationships and preserving the philosophy with other Scouting nations
in the Asia Pacific region and on a global scale. His involvement in the
international committee, through royal envoys, has provided a great deal
of wisdom and advice, which led to the 20th World Scout Jamboree being
held in Thailand in 2003.
The Bronze Wolf is inscribed with the Scout emblem and is presented only
to those persons in recognition of their outstanding service and who
have made significant contributions and great achievements in supporting
the World Scout Movement.
Herman C S Hui, Chairman of the World Scout Committee, H.E. Jonas
Hafstrom the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, Colonel UIf Gunnehed and
Thamnoon Wanglee, President of the World Scout Foundation (Thailand
Chapter) were also present at the auspicious event to honour His Majesty
the King of Thailand’s achievements.
HM the King of Sweden bestows honours to praiseworthy men and women in the World Scout Movement
Their Majesties join in a group photograph
with new members of the Baden-Powell World Fellowship and the Honours
Program.
On their arrival Their Majesties receive
bouquets from little Cub Scouts.
Thamnoon Wanglee makes his welcome address.
By Pratheep Malhotra
During the visit of Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf, and Queen
Silvia of Sweden to Thailand early this month to attend the celebrations
marking the 60th anniversary of HM Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the
Great’s accession to the throne, they took time out from the busy
celebration schedules to meet with local scouts and preside over Baden
Powell Fellowship reception at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok on June 13.
The Baden Powell Fellowship recognizes individuals for their financial
contributions to the World Scout Foundation to help support scouting
around the world. Receptions and other events are periodically held in
different parts of the world to bring members together and to present
insignia to new members amongst who ranks are prominent business,
government and Scouting leaders who want to help bring better Scouting
to more young people. Members of the Fellowship also include many
husbands and wives, their children, and even their grandchildren.
 Sutham
Phanthusak gives his report of the Baden Powell Fellowship.
His Majesty the King of Sweden is the Honorary President of the World
Scout Foundation usually bestows these prestigious recognitions
personally by traveling to many countries in the world.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Thamnoon Wanglee, President of the World
Scout Foundation (Thailand Chapter) wished HM the King of Sweden a Happy
Birthday, which he celebrated recently and went on to also extend hearty
felicitations on the occasion of the 30th wedding anniversary of the
Swedish Royal Couple.
Sutham Phanthusak Vice President of the World Scout Foundation (Thailand
Chapter) made his report to the King of Sweden saying, ‘With us today
are men and women who have continuously dedicated themselves throughout
the years towards the promoting of the noble cause and ideals of the
Scout Movement and more especially their contributions to the World
Scout Foundation.
 Thamnoon
Wanglee presents the donation for the World Scout Foundation Endowment
Fund to HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
‘Thailand is proud to say that at present we count on our roll 57
members of the Baden Powell Fellowship with 4 of them in the Honours
Programme.
‘The numbers are growing,’ said Mr. Sutham, ‘and I am very pleased to
report to you that three leading scouts in our country and one from the
U.S.A have shown their intention to join the ranks of the Baden Powell
Fellowship and another three are to join the Circles of membership of
the Honours Programme.’
The new members joining the ranks of the Baden-Powell World Fellowship
were Mrs. Usa Monsereenusorn, Miss Somchit Sirisena, Mrs. Yubol
Pumsathit and Douglas B. Peterson from the USA.
The three praiseworthy men and women who joined the circles of
membership of the Honours Programme were Mrs. Ladda Visavapolboon, Mr.
Sataporn Ratchatasup and Mrs.Vipapan Choosupya. The Honours Program
recognizes those who have attained higher levels of financial support to
the World Scout Foundation.
All the recipients have had long and illustrious careers in the
education field and are involved in many service organisations in
Thailand not to mention their dedication to the Scouting movement around
the world whose objectives are to help more young people develop the
knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to be responsible,
self-reliant citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.
 His
Majesty presents the Baden Powell Fellowship pin to Douglas B. Peterson.
Of note was new member Douglas B. Peterson from the U.S.A. ‘Pete’
Peterson served for 26 years in the United States Air Force. While on
his 67th combat mission over North Vietnam in 1966, he was shot down,
captured, and spent the next six and a half years as a prisoner of war.
Upon retirement from military service he joined the faculty of Florida
State University as the Director of a specialized psychological
treatment program for juvenile offenders. He was elected to the U.S.
House of Representatives where he served for 3 consecutive terms. He was
then appointed by President Clinton as the first Ambassador to post-war
Vietnam.
Mr. Peterson is also the President of The Alliance for Safe Children
(TASC), a global child injury prevention foundation whose mission is to
help reduce child death and disability due to preventable injury in
developing countries.
The World scout Foundation also encourages Baden- Powell Fellows to
become members of an exclusive group known as the Founder’s Heritage, a
most inspirational partnership with young people throughout the world.
They simply make a pledge to include a donation to the World Scout
Foundation in their wills.
Furthermore donations can be made to the Queen Silvia Fund, an endowment
which enables young handicapped people, all over the world, to benefit
through Scouting. It was created as a lasting gift to commemorate the
50th birthday celebration of Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.
These commitments ensure that the donors’ legacy will continue to work
to help young people achieve self-fulfilment, through Scouting and help
build a better world.
Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell founder of the Scout Movement said, ‘The
real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people.
Try to leave this world a little better than you found it and when your
turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you
have not wasted your time, but have done your best’.
Sutham Phanthusak Vice President of the
World Scout Foundation (Thailand Chapter), Jan Olav Aamlid , Asst.
International Commissioner, Mrs. Sumon Samasarn, member of the National
Scout Executive Board, Dr. Valerie McKenzie and Pratheep Malhotra at the
reception.
BCCT goes ‘arty’
Dr. Iain Corness
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) held one of their
very popular networking evenings last week, with even the organizers
astounded at the numbers of members and friends who turned out that
night at the Art Café, Soi 16 Pattaya-Naklua Road.
 Ron
Sinclair, Stuart Saunders and Freddy Karlsson enjoy a tipple, perhaps
discussing the merits of flossing with a business card.
There had been a late change of venues, and local chapter head, Graham
Macdonald of MBMG, thanked the Art Café personnel and its owner Jo
Stetten for having risen to the occasion at short notice. They certainly
had risen to the challenge, with a seemingly endless line of waiters
dispensing amber fluid and wine, and an army of cooks keeping the buffet
well supplied.
The beverages were sponsored by Thai Leighton, whose general manager for
Thailand and Indonesia, Steve Quinn, gave a very short address,
suggesting that libations loosened tongues, so the thirsty should get on
with it and network to their heart’s content. Many of the members
present were seen to smile openly at the invitation, and needed no
second calling.
The British Chamber certainly managed to bring in far more than just the
UK expatriates, with newcomer to Pattaya, Ross Burbidge, having arrived
here from Australia via several years in Japan with Tokachi
International, seen explaining the workings of the international rally
team that he manages. Sponsors with serious money were invited to chat!
Other Aussies included Peter Sterling of Milan Crosse, recuperating from
two heart attacks by drinking medicinal fluids, dispensed by the smiling
Art Café service staff, and Stuart Saunders, the dental floss man,
complete with his patented promotional “business card” dispensers of
floss for fang farriers. In the Down-under group, it was also good to
see Steve Fraser from NZ, on this occasion just on a holiday visit.
Of course there were the usual core of members both from Pattaya and
Bangkok, including Brit Simon Templeman (e-web solutions) from
ThaiSuperBikes, Frank Timmons from the US and the lovely Thai lady
Gornragan Phankum from Moody International, the QA specialists.
The BCCT, Thai Leighton and the Art Café certainly put on one of the
most well attended networking evenings this year. Well done!
(L to R) Paul Wilkinson, Gornragan Phankhun,
John L. Hamilton, and Philip B. Lewis momentarily break off their
conversation to smile for the camera.
(L to R) Steve Quinn, Som, Dr. Iain Corness
and Graham Macdonald are obviously enjoying each other’s company.
New Lions Presidents ‘roaring’ to start serving the community
Suchada Tupchai
Four Lions Clubs in Pattaya held a joint installation night at the
Town in Town Hotel on June 2, with new office bearers for their
respective clubs assuming their positions as part of Lions International
District 310C.
 President
Siriwan Somtua, Lions Club of Naklua-Pattaya and President Vice Admiral
Songphol Yusaeng, Lions Club of Chonburi-Sattahip.
The Lions Clubs of Pattaya, Pratamnak-Pattaya, Naklua-Pattaya, Jomtien
Pattaya, Chonburi-Sattahip and Sriracha joined the ceremonies.
Local dignitaries and Lions Club past and present district governors
took part in the ceremonies as the new committee and presidents were
installed and new members inducted.
Pakorn Phansema, Lions 310C district governor 2006-7 performed the
installation ceremonies for the four clubs. The new presidents for
2006-7 are: Jaran Kanokganchana, Lions Club of Pattaya; Tassanee
Khakhay, Lions Club of Pratamnak-Pattaya; Siriwan Somtua, Lions Club of
Naklua-Pattaya; and Vice Admiral Songphol Yusaeng, Lions Club of
Chonburi-Sattahip, all of whom duly assumed office for the coming year.
 President
Jaran Kanokganchana, Lions Club of Pattaya and President Tassanee
Khakhay, Lions Club of Pratamnak-Pattaya.
Lions International has over 1.4 million members around the globe in 190
countries. Their motto, “We Serve”, stands proudly as a commitment to
assisting the community and helping those in need. In Thailand this
extends to 10 main projects, such as helping the blind and visually
impaired, aiding the deaf and hearing impaired, promoting education,
promoting community relations and social stability, preserving the
environment, promoting health and hygiene, drug prevention,
understanding international communities and promoting better relations
across the globe and other free-style projects.
Lion Fueng Sithipreedanant (left) hands over
the presidency of the Lions Club of Pattaya to Jaran Kanokganchana.
Pattaya Deputy mayor, Verawat Khakhay was
guest of honour.
Lions carry out the traditional ritual of
inducting the new members into their clubs.
Siriwan Somtua is congratulated as the new
president for the Lions Club of Naklua-Pattaya.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul (center) took pleasure
in coming back to the Lions den.
Second CARAT phase underway in Thailand
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Melinda Larson,
Destroyer Squadron 1 Public Affairs
Sattahip, Thailand The Thailand phase of the exercise Cooperation
Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series officially began June 20 at
the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) Lam Tien Naval Base Frigate Squadron 2 pier
with a look back at the exercise’s unofficial and solemn beginning June
11.
 During
a break brought on by the weather, Utilitiesman Constructionman Tang
Tchandja, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40, teaches
Spider Solitaire to a Thai student at a school where NMCB 40 is
conducting an engineering civic action project. The project is part of
the Thailand phase of exercise CARAT. (U.S. Navy photo by Engineering
Aide 3rd Class William Siebuhr)
On that day, Sailors from the CARAT task group ship USS Salvor (ARS 52)
began six days of dive operations on wreckage in the Gulf of Thailand
believed to be that of the lost World War II submarine USS Lagarto.
“U.S. Navy divers from Salvor along with a Royal Thai Navy diver were
able to visit the wreck, a necessary step toward positive
identification, thereby helping us fulfill our commitment to honor our
war dead,” said Alexander A. Arvizu, deputy chief of mission at the U.S.
Embassy in Bangkok.
 Capt.
Al Collins, Commander Destroyer Squadron 1 and the five-ship exercise
Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) task group speaks as
Rear Adm. Surasak Roonreangron, Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Commander Frigate
Squadron 2 stands by during the opening ceremony for the Thailand phase
of CARAT. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
John L. Beeman)
While the Salvor divers’ findings, including seeing the word “Manitowoc”
engraved on the submarine’s propeller point heavily toward positive
identification, information including underwater video and still
photographs are being sent to the Naval Historical Center in Washington
for further analysis. Lagarto was one of 28 submarines built in
Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Lagarto and its crew of 86 was last heard from on
May 3, 1945.
Salvor’s crew now joins Sailors from the rest of the five-ship CARAT
task group in conducting a variety of training events with Royal Thai
Navy counterparts designed to promote understanding and professional
development.
Builder Constructionman Apprentice Eric
George, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40, teaches
English as a second language to a class of 50 Thai students. George is
teaching up to five, one-hour classes each day during NMCB 40’s ongoing
engineering civic action project at the school. The project is part of
the Thailand phase of exercise CARAT. (U.S. Navy photo by Engineering
Aide 3rd Class William Siebuhr)
“This exercise is a testament to the importance of the alliance between
our countries,” Arvizu said. “The waters surrounding Thailand are among
the most important in the world. Our ability to train together will help
us ensure that commerce flows freely, fisheries are protected, and
illicit trade is curbed in the region.”
CARAT is a series of bilateral maritime exercises held annually
throughout Southeast Asia. Thailand is the second of six phases for the
U.S. Sailors.
“Today being a Sailor means more than going to sea and protecting the
sovereignty of our individual nations and the sea lanes of
communications,” said Capt. Al Collins, Destroyer Squadron 1, CARAT’s
task group commander. “Unlike most jobs, our profession demands that we
become citizens of the world.”
Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from each of the five CARAT task group ships
stood in ranks next to their RTN counterparts for the ceremony. The
Sailors will quickly transition from standing at attention together to
working side by side during the rigorous week-long exercise.
 Thailand
(June 21, 2006) - Royal Thai Navy diver Ensign Mongkol Boontun and U.S.
Navy diver Damage Controlman 2nd Class John Marshall are raised from the
water on a diving stage from rescue and salvage ship USS Salvor (ARS 52)
during familiarization dives as part of the Thailand Phase of exercise
CARAT. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John
L. Beeman)
Visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) symposiums will provide the
tactical training that will be used during realistic pierside and at-sea
boardings. VBSS and law enforcement teams from the U.S. Coast Guard
cutter USCGC Sherman (WHEC 720) will share their expertise and exchange
boarding techniques with their RTN and Thai Coastal Defense
counterparts. Maritime interdiction operations are a primary focus of
the exercise series and legal professionals from both navies will review
international rules of engagement together.
“Out there we face a three dimensional threat – in the air, on the
surface and in the ocean’s depths,” Collins said. “Together we are
confronting these challenges; together we are finding ways to maintain
control in an every-changing complex maritime environment.”
At the deckplate level, Sailors will share how they tackle shipboard
floods and fires. Firefighting, plugging and patching, and shoring
techniques will be demonstrated during damage control demonstrations.
In the aviation arena, SH-60 Seahawk aviators and maintainers from
Helicopter Squadron Lite (HSL) 37 detachment 5 will host a presentation
on search and rescue techniques, anti-submarine warfare, and flight
control systems.
During the at-sea phase, RTN S70 helicopter pilots will hone their
skills during deck landing qualifications on USS Crommelin (FFG 37). In
a display of interoperability, the S70 pilots will conduct a vertical
replenishment (VERTREP) on USS Hopper (DDG 70) while the SH-60 conducts
a VERTREP and refueling with HTMS Taksin
Royal Thai Marines and RTN Sailors will embark USS Tortuga (LSD 46) for
an early morning amphibious raid to be held on the last day of the
at-sea phase. The Sailors and Marines will be transported to the beach
by landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit 5 detachment
Western Pacific.
Diving and salvage operations from Salvor, gunnery shoots, and mine
laying exercises round out the broad range of events designed to enhance
interoperability.
Ashore the two navies will contribute their time and energy during
numerous community service projects assembling wheelchairs, donating
hygiene and medical supplies, and interacting with blind and orphaned
children.
“By working together through our series of civic action and community
service projects in the exercise area, we are showing our compassion and
demonstrate our commitment towards all mankind,” said Collins. “We are
Sailors sworn to protect, but we always work for peace and understanding
in all our travels.”
Additionally, during medical and dental civic action projects,
healthcare professionals from both navies will share their expertise in
the medical field and provide medical and dental services in a nearby
province, while U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion 40 construct a multi-purpose building at a local school.
As many as five RTN ships and two Coastal Defense Command patrol boats
will take part in the exercise.
Commodore Collins is embarked aboard Tortuga, which operates from
Sasebo, Japan, as part of the 7th Fleet’s Forward Deployed Naval Forces.
Collins’ staff is based in San Diego. Hopper, Crommelin and Salvor are
homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Sherman in Alameda, California.
The CARAT series will continue through August with exercises in Brunei,
Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. CARAT Singapore ended June 13.
| CARAT is an annual series of bilateral
maritime training exercises between the United States and six
Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and
enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. |
Even through challenging
weather, Seebees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40, and
local Thai volunteers, press to complete the foundation of a new
building at a local school. The work is part of an ongoing engineering
civic action project during the Thailand phase of exercise CARAT. (U.S.
Navy photo by Engineering Aide 3rd Class William Siebuhr)
AmCham mixes it up at Shenanigans
Brendan Richards
The American Chamber of Commerce Thailand’s Young Professionals
(AmCham YPC) group made their way to Pattaya for their inaugural
networking night. Held at Shenanigans, the evening was the result of
repeated requests by members to include the region in their list of
event venues.
 (From
left) Rainer Roessler, Thai RDF Co Ltd. director and Harard Sandow, BFSG
Group mixed it up with the young professionals.
An intimate group turned out early for the night with many more making
their way to the popular Irish Pub for a chance to meet fresh faces and
soak up the festive atmosphere of Pattaya, especially during the World
Cup matches.
AmCham YPC committee members wee first to arrive on the scene with the
bubbly Sandy and Pro-Log Limited’s Michael Parnham helping to kick start
the event. Little was needed, as Simon and his team were well-prepared
for the group.
The AmCham YPC is aimed primarily at the up and coming members of the
business community but is not limited by it; this was evident with the
presence of many senior members (by comparison) such as Harard Sandow
from the BFSG Group who mingled easily with the small younger crowd.
 (From
left) Vikster and Lou Lou Lare
Tim Hansen, Membership Relations, Co. Ltd director and Tim Hadsel Mares
made their presence felt with their mingling and jovial conversation.
The small powerhouse, Fasai Srichan, Eclipse Management Ltd Marketing &
Communications manager was seen handing out invitations ‘left, right and
center’ for the opening of the company’s new restaurant ‘Circle’ due to
open in Bangkok on June 29, also coinciding with the YPC’s next event in
Bangkok. Fasai was well-counted amongst the pulchritude present, which
also included Kantamas Chongsupamongkol, Vikster and Lou Lou Lare, the
lovely Lalida Muanpimthong and Rojjana Rungrattwatchai, both account
executives for Big Chili Magazine, and Pornpassorn Muthukhan, Global
Validators inc. sales & marketing executive, aka Balmy.
Simon and his team at Shenanigans, who provided never-ending refills to
the snack buffet, were constantly on hand, in true Shenanigans style,
eagerly keeping glasses filled and everyone in a cheerful mood through
the night.
The next event in the region has yet to be announced but many of those
who attended are looking forward to it. Further details on AmCham can be
gleaned from their website: http://www.amchamthailand.com.
(From left) Kevin Morgenstern, Relocation
sales manager and Karnjana Jantawaro
The small powerhouse Fasai Srichan, Eclipse
Management Ltd marketing & communications manager was seen handing out
invitations to the opening of Circle in Bangkok in addition to their
already successful Coyote restaurant on Soi Convent.
(From left) Michael Parham, Pro-Log Ltd.,
Pornpassorn (Balmy) Muthukhan, Global Validators Inc. sales & marketing
executive, Zan Hollrorff and Michael Eiting.
(From left) Michael Parham Pro-Ltd. being
sweet-talked into advertising by Lalida Muanpimthong and Rojjana
Rungrattwatchai, account executives for Big Chili Magazine.
(From Right) Kantamas Chongsupamongkol,
accounting manager of Cyprus Accounting Solution Co., Ltd, Tong Hoe
Khong and Weng Wai Ho, engineering consultant of Delphi Automotive
System (Thailand) Limited.
(From left) Tim Hadsel Mares, Elijah
Bilotta, David Hammond and Tim Hansen, XL Results Foundation Co. Ltd
membership relations director taking time out.“
From Russia, with Opera
Caspian Pike
Those fortunate souls willing to forego the perhaps dubious pleasure
of the World Cup, preferring instead the stirring grandeur of the
Bolshoi Opera, were richly rewarded by another outstanding evening’s
entertainment.
 Dr
Nikolay Pomoshchnikov and his wife Olga, staunch supporters of the arts.
In celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of His Majesty the King’s
accession to the throne, the audience were treated to world class
renditions of arias, duets and Russian folk songs. It was an
intoxicating cocktail, incorporating Donizetti, Bizet, Rossini, Verdi
(of course) and a sprinkling of most welcome Russian composers.
Rakhmaninov is a personal favourite and it was wonderful to hear his
“Romance of a young Gypsy man” from “Aleko” sung with such rolling
passion by Tenor Alexey Dolgov.
Perhaps mischievously, lulled into a contemplative state by the honeyed
sounds so easy on the ear, I always find myself imagining the artists in
different guises. Dolgov, a graduate of Moscow State Conservatory, has
the build of an Olympic gymnast and the pure blond luscious looks which
might have been lifted straight from a Soviet ‘Socialist Realism’
poster, proclaiming ‘perfection in masculinity!’ I could see him in a
red vest, with ‘CCCP’ across the front, and those little white gym
shorts. Honestly, he was good enough to almost cause you to consider
changing your inclination!
 World-renowned
Soloist Larisa Rudakova wowed the audience with beautiful renditions of
classic arias.
Pianist Elena Ostroukhova, an honoured Russian artiste, has been working
in the Bolshoi Theatre since 1977. She has worked all over the globe,
from the Rimsky-Korsakov Festival in London to Bolshoi Theatre
performances in Japan, USA, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Italy and Hong Kong.
Such was her professionalism and apparently innate talent, (her ease of
movement across the keys suggested as much) that the insolent fluttering
of the sheet music early on in the performance was never going to
perturb her.
Once more I drifted and was slightly disturbed to find the image of Rosa
Kleb emerging to prominence. The image passed, no sooner than it should
have done, for I was shaken from my reverie by the duet of “Michaela and
Jose” from “Carmen”. Alongside the erect Dolgov, “singing with his face”
as my wife whispered to me, was Larisa Rudakova, a Soprano of immense
reputation. In light of the flurry of top quality artists from all over
the world that have descended upon Pattaya in recent months, it’s worth
considering just how big these people are.
 Tenor
Alexey Dolgov and Larisa Rudakova perform “Michaela and Jose” from
“Carmen”
Larisa Rudakova has been performing as a Soloist at the Bolshoi Theatre
since 1993. She won the Grand Prix at the 32nd Francisco Vinias
International Singers Contest at Barcelona in 1994. (What was she doing
in a car? No formula one jokes, please). In 1995, according to the BBC,
she was one of the five best young opera singers in the world. In 1997,
she was proclaimed “Honoured Artist of Russia”. In 2002 she was awarded
with the “Order of Friendship”. In short, Larisa is top of her game, as
experienced and mature an artist as you are likely to find; and when you
hear the quality, you also feel the quality. It fills you with a sense
of awe, you bathe in great happiness. I was genuinely astonished by
Larisa’s control over the smallest notes. The sound came close to my
idea of what beauty is; strength with mercy. There was such powerful
potential inside this woman, (and sometimes she let rip) that when the
sweetest, slightest sound emerged, as in Alibiev’s “Nightingale”, it was
a most moving moment; exquisite.
Larisa and Alexey Dolgov complimented each other as songbirds should. I
felt sure that I saw joy in Alexey’s eyes, joy in performance but also
in appreciation; for the music, for the occasion, for Elena Ostroukhova
and for his partner Larisa. Joined at the soul they were, whilst they
sang. The “Romance of Nemorino” by Donizetti poured forth both their
pleasure and their mirth. A balcony and trellis wouldn’t have been out
of place for Alexey at times, Larisa his ‘Juliet’, he’d have scampered
up to her in no time with a physique like his. He’s a prize winner as
well of course, awarded a special prize in 2005, at the E.V. Obrazcova
music contest in St Petersburg.
Among an audience properly infatuated by the gentle caress of sweet
sound and the arousal of unfettered emotion, there were to be seen, some
of the largest (and some of the prettiest) smiles this side of Moscow.
Two of them belonged to Dr Nikolay Pomoshchnikov, Minister Counsellor to
the Embassy of the Russian Federation and his divine wife Olga,
positively glowing; perhaps pining for the Urals?
Another belonged to Pattaya Mail’s very own Peter Malhotra, immaculately
coiffured, who is behind most of the good things, which happen in
Pattaya. He was taking the opportunity not to work.
On the record, I have to say that I’m delighted that the Royal Cliff
Beach Resort and the Pattaya Mail take the initiative and interest in
securing performers of this quality for the Pattaya public. Much the
same could be said for Khun Mongkol Chayasirisobhon of the D&M Music
studio in Bangkok.
Of course, the graceful Khun Panga Vathanakul, Managing Director of the
Royal Cliff Beach Resort was there, looking resplendent, nay glamorous.
Then I spotted the two most spectacular smiles of all. Sisters, I
thought, but no. Mother and daughter apparently, but how ageless Carolyn
Robbins looked, even alongside the rare beauty of her daughter, Brooke.
All this pleasure assailing the senses. The puritan in me felt
momentarily over indulged, but the feeling passed, sooner than it should
have done.
“Oh My Sweetheart”, a Russian folk song, swept me out to the steppes and
“Green Grass” brought me home again. Larisa and Alexey touched my heart
one last time with “Brindisi” from “La Traviata” and lulled me to
contentment with “Be My Love” by Brodszky.
It was done. Well done. We rose and hollered for more. Ranjith
Chandrasiri, Deputy General Manager of the Royal Cliff, led our
appreciation, which was profound and these fabulous Bolshoi Artists
disappeared into the night.
You can watch highlights of “A Grand Night at the Bolshoi Opera” on
Pattaya Mail TV on Saturday July 1st.
Bolshoi Opera artistes - Ms. Elena
Ostroukhova (2nd left), Mr. Alexey Dolgov (3rd left) and Ms. Larisa
Rudakova (centre) pose for a photograph with Mrs. Panga Vathanakul (3rd
right), Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and the Managing
Director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Dr. Nikolay Pomoshchnikov (2nd
right), Minister Counsellor and Charge d’affaires, the Embassy of the
Russian Federation, Mr. Ranjith Chandrasiri (1st left) the Resort’s
Deputy General Manager, and Mr. Peter Malhotra (1st right), Managing
Director of Pattaya Mail at “The Grand Night At The Bolshoi Opera”.
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