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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

HRH Princes Sirindhorn presides at consecration ceremonies of magnificent new structure at Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn

Banglamung and Huay Yai communities mourn the passing of Acharn Kan

Lamyai celebrates her 40th in grand style

IFHS returns to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre with new look and new feel

PCEC reaches milestone

Conduct your Dreams

Obituary

HRH Princes Sirindhorn presides at consecration ceremonies of magnificent new structure at Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided on behalf of His Majesty the King at the consecration of the new temple building at Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officiated on behalf of His Majesty the King at the opening of the new temple building at Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn in Chachoengsao on August 30.
The ceremonies included internment of the Buddha’s relics and placing the Look Nimit (round stones buried in the ground to mark the sacred limits of a temple) and pouring gold to cast a Buddha image for placement onto the 8th level in the arch of the temple façade.
The ceremonies were also attended by the governor of Chachoengsao province A-Non Promanart, Thirawat Kulawanit, director general of public works and city planning, and head of the committee for constructing the new temple building, and Jaturon Chaisang, acting on behalf of the Minister of Education.
The initiative for the construction of the new structure at Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn stemmed from His Majesty the King’s remarks on June 3, 1966, after performing religious ceremonies to mark Visakhabucha Day at the temple. As he was leaving the temple he said, “I have been meaning to come to pay homage to the revered Luang Phor Phra Buddha Sothorn for quite sometime. I note that the ceremonial chapel is unsuitable to house such a revered image, so a new one must be built in its place.”
For more than 20 years the temple administrators had attempted to adhere to His Majesty’s wishes. Then in 1987 they appointed architect Prawet Limparangsee to draft a plan for a new building, and this was presented to His Majesty for his approval.
On January 19, 1988, His Majesty and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn laid the foundation stone for the new temple construction. Her Royal Highness the Princess graciously accepted the role of chairperson of the construction project, and officiated at the opening of a new office for architects and designers of the project on November 21, 1988.
On June 5, 1992, Her Royal Highness attended religious prayers and rituals before the old ceremonial chapel was pulled down. The Princess has also closely monitored the construction progress ever since and chaired a committee to select construction and ornamental materials for the temple building.
The prominent and beautiful new ceremonial chapel combines the ancient traditional Thai architectural style with a touch of the contemporary.
The building is 123.50m in length and measures 44.50m in width. At the center is a square structure with four arches rising up into an eight levelled pyramidal roof 85m in height, topped by a 4.90m high tiered golden umbrella weighing 77kg.
The combination of the roofs of the area at the front and rear of the square structure meets in the form of a tetrahedron. Intricate materials such as Italian cacara marble and gold plated ceramics are used throughout the magnificent structure.
The new temple is build to last for centuries and is considered to be not only one of the most beautiful but also the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Wat Sothorn was built with a budget of over 2.04 billion baht. This amount was donated from the faithful all over Thailand and from around the world, who have come to pay homage to Luang Phor Sothorn throughout the years.
Legend has it that Luang Phor Sothorn was found floating down the Bangpakong River where it was retrieved and placed at Wat Hong, now known as Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn.
Luang Phor Sothorn image, cast during the Lanna-Lan Chang period, is an intricate bronze image depicting the Buddha sitting cross-legged in a state of meditation, measuring 165 centimeters from knee to knee, and 198 centimeters in height.
The image is said to have miraculous powers for bringing luck, prosperity and helping to accomplish tasks. It is an object of worship and devotion for people from all corners of the world.


Banglamung and Huay Yai communities mourn the passing of Acharn Kan

His Holiness Phra Khru Patrakijviboon.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
His Holiness Phra Khru Patrakijviboon, better known to his followers as Acharn Kan, abbot of Wat Huay Yai, passed away on September 13 at Queen Sirikit Hospital in Sattahip. He was 87. Acharn Kan, was a very well known and revered monk on the eastern seaboard who lived at the temple since childhood and preached there for most of his adult life.
The next day his body was brought back to the temple where his followers throughout the eastern communities gathered together in sadness to perform religious ceremonies and bathing rites.
Phrakroo Wimol Khunaporn, head of the clergy at Huay Yai sub-district, acting on behalf of the Huay Yai Temple abbot, led the ceremony. Banglamung district chief Supakit Thammasatitman was the layman representative at the bathing rites.
A date has yet to be announced for the funeral.

Over one thousand people attended the bathing ceremony for His Holiness Phra Khru Patrakijviboon, who passed away September 13.


Lamyai celebrates her 40th in grand style

Lamyai Choochanan (right), member of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina, presents a bouquet of flowers to her mother, thanking her for all her support.

Narisa Nitikarn
Lamyai Choochanan, member of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina, celebrated her 40th birthday with a party at the Gulf Siam Hotel on September 9, with club president Dr Olivier Meyer present and a beautiful dress contest, a singing competition and a karaoke contest all making sure the evening went with a swing.
Lamyai started the party by thanking her mother, and thanking her husband for throwing the party in her honor. She then gave tribute to His Majesty the King in this, the 60th year of his reign, and led the singing of the Royal Anthem, before the evening got underway with singing, dancing and toasts to friendships.


IFHS returns to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre with new look and new feel

The International Food and Hospitality Show (IFHS) 2006 was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from 6th – 9th September incorporating the newly launched “Hotel Restaurant Thailand” profile and welcoming the co-located event VFR (Vending, Retail & Franchise).

Ranjith Chandrasiri (center), chairman of the Wine Judging Panel, presents one of the trophies to general manager of California Wine Co. Ltd., Sorrasit Wongsantivanich (left). Also shown is Sanjog Modgil (right), president of the Food & Beverage Association of Thailand.

IFHS has very much strengthened its hotel, restaurant and retail profile this year, no surprise that it has become the chosen host of the Thai Hotel Association’s annual Congress, the retail Associations Conference and restaurant Association special event activity program. The International Wine Challenge organized by the Food and Beverage Association of Thailand (FBAT), the 12th Thai Chef’s Association International competition and the Metro restaurant Award were among the other highlights.
The FBAT International Wine Challenge 2006 was held on the opening day with 132 international wines being judged in 8 categories of Premium and Super Premium by a panel of 13 wine experts from Thailand’s wine, hotel and restaurant industries chaired by Ranjith Chandrasiri, president of the Royal Cliff Wine Club and deputy general manager of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
Among the winners in the premium category were Anekena (Reserve) 2005 (Chardonnay), Forest Ville 2004 (Savignon Blanc), Botalcura Rev, Char/ Vionier 2005 (Blended White), La Celia Reserve 2003 (Cabernet Sauvignon), Henrys Drive Pillar Box Red Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2004 (Blended Red), Pirramimma Stock’s Hill 2003 (Syrah/Shiraz), Evans & Tate Gnangara 2005 (Merlot), Angas Brut (Champagne & Sparkling wine) while the trophies for the Super Premium category went to Concannon Chardonnay (Chardonnay), Stone Wall (Sauvignon Blanc), Francis Coppola Pinot Grigio (Blended White), Majella Coonawarra Cabernet 2003 (Cabernet Sauvignon), d’Arenberg The Sticks & Stones McLaren Vale Tempranillo Grenache (Blended Red), McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004 Angove’s (Syrah/Shiraz), Francis Coppola (Merlot) and Duval-Leroy, Brut Champagne, N/V Flur de Champagne, Brut (Champagne and Sparkling wine)
Ranjith Chandrasiri, the chairman of the wine judges, presented the trophies and certificates to all the distributors of the above mentioned winning wines during the award presentation ceremony..


PCEC reaches milestone

At the Sept 3 meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) an important milestone in the club’s development was announced: Max Rommel, Co-chairman and treasurer, made it known that the 1000th membership card had just been issued.
At the Sunday Sept 10th meeting at Henry J. Beans, Dean Barrett was welcomed back as the main speaker. Dean is a prolific writer having produced five novels set in Asia based upon the 25 years he has lived in this region. He has also written an off Broadway play.
Dean was most entertaining, providing anecdotes of life in Thailand generally and by reading extracts from his diverse range of books. He also provided advice to those wishing to become an author and mentioned that often the most difficult part was ‘wrestling the white bull’ - when an author is faced with a white sheet of paper. He also advised that to build an audience producing a variety of books on different subjects was not the best approach!
Dean has an entertaining website at www.deanbarrett thailand.com
It was announced at the meeting that planning was underway in conjunction with TAT for a club trip to Kanchanaburi in the not too distant future. It is expected that details of the trip will be announced within the next two weeks.
On a more sombre note, recognition was given to the late Steve Irwin, the Australian television personality known as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ who was killed by a stingray while he was filming an underwater documentary. Steve’s achievements in the world of conservation were discussed.
The regular open forum was then underway and this proved to be a lively and entertaining session. A diverse range of topics were brought up including Branston Pickle, WD40, air compressors and experiences of the new immigration office.
For the Sept 17 meeting, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was kind enough to send the club Dr. Jimmy Kongcharoen from the Urology Department. A pleasant bespectacled man in his forties spoke to an almost all male audience on a subject dear to most of the aged present, i.e., incontinence, infection, disease and some of the latest advances in prostate care.
Bladder infections are one of the most common problems and are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and holding urine too long. However, the good news is that it is easily controlled with anti-bacterial drugs. Pain or burning sensation while urinating may be caused by an unspecified fungus or gonorrhea. Incubation is 1-10 days and both partners have to be treated or you may get a ping pong effect. Again we thank Buddha for antibiotics.
There were so many questions he ran out of time and promised to come back in the near future.
The club’s man from F.A.S.T. was also there to take more applications from those who were never notified after their subscription expired. They have two plans: Gold 2000 baht, Platinum 3000 baht.
For more information regarding, not only PCEC Sunday meetings but also the varied mid week activities, please see the Community Happenings section of Pattaya Mail or visit the club’s website at pattaya cityexpatsclub.com.


Conduct your Dreams

The countdown continues - the excitement grows

Andrew Watson
Only two weeks to go. My excitement grows, daily. My tickets are safely tucked away. Even in the current electric climate, where a deluge of world class performers pour sweet music into our grateful souls with increasing regularity, Bundit Ungrangsee just about takes the biscuit.

World renowned Thai conductor, Bundit Ungrangsee holds a press conference to announce the ‘Conduct your Dreams’ concert to be held Oct. 7 at Horseshow Point.

I had the pleasure of meeting this maestro, the man who conquered the Carnegie, at a packed press conference in Pattaya City Hall (I was thankful I didn’t need tickets for that!). For a gentleman with such a reputation, in my naivety, I was expecting a man of greater physical dimensions. But I couldn’t have overestimated Bundit’s presence, if I’d tried. He held the audience absolutely. He was calm, assured, confident and sartorial, with a smile for every greeting. Damn cool, actually.
It’s not often you hear a ‘Farang’ speaking Thai with utter assurance. I have the utmost respect for people who have taken the time and the trouble to master the language; it’s a source of constant shame to me that I have so far failed to do the same. World famous soprano Mary Jane Jones is one of those who have consummately succeeded where I have failed. She also happens to be the mother of two beautiful children (under the age of three) and Bundi’s wife. They have travelled the world in the past few years, children in tow. It’s an extraordinary tale of brilliance and resilience. Now, they have come home to Thailand and both are hugely looking forward to the concert “Conduct your Dreams” at Horseshoe Point on October 7. There will be an emotional sense of homecoming as Bundit conducts the International Orchestra of Italy, through a repertoire which includes Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Respighi, Gershwin and Bernstein.
Under the sensitive direction of erudite and articulate managing director, Jate Sopitphongsathorn, the Grand Arena of Horseshoe Point, a superb indoor riding ring, will be transformed into a magical stage in ‘the round’; 360 degrees of sensational sound. It’s an original and innovative idea from a group of people with initiative, flair and imagination. Horseshoe Point recognises that this is a wonderful opportunity to produce a quality classical music concert headlined by a prestigious, world-class Thai conductor.
The press conference was just about over when I received rather a wonderful invitation. The next day (after the deluge so to speak) I travelled through the puddles and temporary lakes to interview Bundit and Mary Jane for PMTV. Their elegance and charm spoke volumes. Stars they may be, but their humility, openness and perhaps most of all their sense of great calm, is a beautiful thing to witness. Music fills their lives. I felt rather fortunate thinking about those tickets of mine, kept in a safe place, that will enable me to share in what is going to be, without a shadow of a doubt, an evening of divine harmony.
Catch Andrew Watson’s exclusive interview with Bundit Ungrangsee and Mary Jane Jones, Friday September 22nd, on PMTV.


Obituary

Domenico Spadari

80-year-old retired Italian Domenico Spadari passed away on September 5. He was a special guest in Pattaya, having spent holidays in Thailand for 30 years, the last 25 in Pattaya (often twice a year) and until recently with his wife, 69, hotel keeper Deima Baldelli, who sadly passed away in 2002.

Domenico (left), shown here with his son Aldo and two Dusit Resort receptionists in 2003. He had been coming to Pattaya since 1978.

His last visit, in 2003, was a two week stay at the Dusit Resort with his son, Aldo, 43, Italian literature professor and journalist of “Il Resto del Carlino” in Ancona, the oldest and most respected newspaper edited in Bologna.
Domenico was fond of Thailand. So much so, in fact, that he decorated the family hotel, called “Panoramic” and located in Sirolo Italy (a pretty sea village on the cliff of Mount Cònero near Ancona City), in Thai style and filled it with wood furniture, sculptures and objects of value.
Domenico had many friends in Pattaya and he was well known, especially amongst local traders. “I have been traveling all around the world with my wife,” Domenico recently said, but he really considered Pattaya his “second home”. “The best place for a true holiday,” he said. “Everywhere (I went in Thailand) I met … many amusements, an incredible variety of shops, great and magnificent hotel complexes. This really is the land of ‘the culture of hospitality’. Many people are kind and smiling. Don’t lose these aspects,” he recommended, “It is most important for preserving tourism.”
His funeral in Sirolo, where he was very well-known for his character, likeability and friendliness, drew a large crowd from the town and nearby villages.
Ciao Domenico, big friend of Pattaya. We will miss you!