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Community leaders send their congratulations as Pattaya Mail celebrates its 14th anniversary
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Pracha Taerat
Governor of Chonburi
Many congratulations to Pattaya Mail, and
long may you continue your tradition of quality and of
representing the people of the Eastern region. These are amongst
the reasons Pattaya Mail has gone from strength to strength, and
reached the status it enjoys today. This is a newspaper that
conducts itself responsibly and with a high moral stance that is
a credit to the mass media. Long may you continue to prosper. |
Sopin Thappajug, Managing
Director of the Diana Group and head of the Associate Judges at
the Juvenile and Family Court in Chonburi
Congratulations to the Pattaya Mail team and
very best wishes for your 15th year. I know it is difficult to
be number one on the Eastern Seaboard, but you have achieved it.
Happy birthday to you all. |
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Chaiwat Charoensuk,
Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region Office:
Region 3
We have long enjoyed a good working
relationship with Pattaya Mail in providing news and information
on tourism activities, and we at TAT appreciate the superb
reputation the newspaper enjoys amongst residents and visitors.
A very happy birthday to you, long may you continue to prosper,
and may all your employees continue to lead happy and fruitful
lives. |
Pol Col Sutin Sappuang,
Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station
In the name of all the officers here at
Pattaya Police Station, I send heartiest congratulations to
Pattaya Mail and its staff on the occasion of your anniversary.
We wish you prosperity, and long may your reputation continue to
grow as the leader of the local English language media. Overseas
visitors to Pattaya look to the Pattaya Mail each week to see
good, objective news coverage and in this way the newspaper is
an integral part of local society.
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Pol Col Ittipol
Ittisarnronnachai, Superintendent of Pattaya Immigration
Very best wishes to the management and staff
of Pattaya Mail on your 14th birthday, and I hope the future is
as successful for you as the past 14 years have been. You are
doing an invaluable job, in great style. Congratulations. |
Niran Wattanasartsathorn,
Mayor of Pattaya City
Over the past 14 years, Pattaya Mail has
become essential reading for residents and visitors of our city.
The newspaper is greatly respected for its quality and its
impartiality, and is a highly important voice in the community.
Happy anniversary to everyone at Pattaya Mail, and may I wish
you ever more success in the future. |
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Chanyuth Hengtrakul Former
MP
of Chonburi
I would like to congratulate Pattaya Mail for
its success. You provide a medium for people to communicate in
English and in German, in Pattaya and Chiang Mai. I convey my
joy towards Peter, the Mail’s managing board and the reporters
after having been working really hard for the last 14 years. May
Pattaya Mail be with us forever. |
Dennis Stark
Rotary Club
of Jomtien-Pattaya
I’d like to wish Pattaya Mail all the best
for its 14th birthday. I still remember how it all started 14
years ago. The paper is getting better with each year. It has
reached the highest standards. What more can I say? I just love
it! |
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Chatchawal Supachayanont,
General Manager, Pattaya Hotel Association
Pattaya Mail is essential reading for all
visitors to Pattaya, and all of us at the Pattaya Hotel
Association send our best wishes and congratulations on your
14th anniversary. We feel you do an excellent job, not just in
reporting on this city of ours, but also in presenting a lively
and responsible image of the city to our visitors. Long may you
continue and prosper. Congratulations again, and thank you. |
Pratheep Chongsuebtham,
Banglamung District chief
Congratulations to Pattaya Mail on the
occasion of completing your 14th year. You are a very valuable
source of news and information for many thousands of people, and
you provide your service with a genuine sense of responsibility.
I wish you continuing future prosperity, and to your staff may I
extend my best wishes for happiness, health and satisfaction. |
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Andrew Khoo,
General manager of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya
On behalf of all the Band Members at Hard
Rock Hotel and Café Pattaya, I would like to send out a big
thank you to Pattaya Mail for 14 years of unparalleled community
service, through the Pattaya Mail newspaper, website,
television, and through the many charitable works they have
labored on throughout the years. Congratulations and keep on
Rockin’ guys! |
Graham Hunt-Crowley
Rotary Club
of Jomtien-Pattaya
It seems like yesterday that I congratulated
last time, and now it’s already the 14th birthday. Time just
flies! Congratulations on a great newspaper. |
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Bernie Tuppin,
Charity Chairman of Pattaya Sports Club
Pattaya Sports Club has become a Pattaya
Institution, and so too has Pattaya Mail. We have worked
together on many, many occasions to the advantage of both sides,
to PSC’s membership and charity activities, and to the readers
of Pattaya Mail. Congratulations on your 14th anniversary. Thank
you for supporting the local community. Happy birthday and all
the best! |
Premprecha Dibbayawan
Past District Governor Rotary District 3340
I am a Pattaya Mail veteran, having worked on
the newspaper in the earliest days with Peter Malhotra. It was
quite a struggle, but thanks to the strong efforts of Peter, the
paper became a huge success. Everybody knows the Mail. It has
done so much for the various charity organizations in our
community. Congratulations on your 14th anniversary. |
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Jan Koos Abbink
President Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya
On behalf of the Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya,
of which I am the current chairman, I would like to congratulate
Pattaya Mail on reaching its 14th anniversary. Personally, I
have always been a keen reader of the paper. From the point of
view of the club, and Rotary in general, you have always been a
great supporter of our activities. My wishes go to you for many
more years of success. |
Sanga Kijsamrej Chairman
Pattaya Entrepreneurs Club
You are to be congratulated in doing such an
excellent job in serving both the public interest and the
business community. Pattaya Mail has an enormous readership, and
provides essential information for everyone. As you enter your
15th year, may I say that I hope you will continue to play such
a valuable role for many more years to come. And may I add my
personal good wishes to the management and staff. For Pattaya
City to have such a good English language newspaper is a matter
of great pride to all of us. |
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Surat Mekavarakul, Chairman
Mike
Shopping Mall
As a citizen of Pattaya and as a long-time
friend of Peter, I am glad to see that this newspaper has
developed with such success, and that it’s still expanding. I
know that initially it was quite a struggle to set up an English
language newspaper with all the competition from the local Thai
papers. To launch an English paper, one has to understand the
spirit of tourists, the spirit of foreigners and the spirit of
Pattaya City expats. Peter hit the nail on the head. He also
joined me to promote our city in Australia and New Zealand. It
has always been his intention to help make Pattaya known to
whole world as a first-class international destination. With the
newspaper, the TV channel and the website, Peter reaches many
people all around the globe. I wish Pattaya Mail, Peter and all
the staff a great and successful future. With the German Pattaya
Blatt and also with the Chiangmai Mail, they show how to make
beneficial use of the media. I am very happy for Peter and his
company. |
Andrew Watson
The years race past but quality endures.
Witness another monumental twelve months of splendid journalism,
combining the very best of local, regional and global news and
views. Being a ‘runner’ for both the Mail and PMTV has always
involved copious amounts of fun and laughter, but I’m not at all
sure I’ve ever had more of the stuff. ‘Beyond the Beach’ has
continued to evolve into a slick, assured piece of TV, whilst
‘Learn to Live to Learn’ has taken on a distinctly academic
edge. Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering it’s all about
education. Thanks for watching, thanks for writing. To the
future; my other employer, Garden International Schools,
Thailand have been completely supportive and I look forward to
being a part of a new era and level of cooperation between the
school and Pattaya Mail Media. Thank you to many, but to three
people in particular; James Abraham, Paul Strachan and of
course, the Captain of the Ship, Peter Malhotra. Happy Birthday
and full speed ahead! |
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Steve Ryser
President Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard
All the best! I hope Pattaya Mail will
continue to provide us with news and views in the future just
the way it has done over the last 14 years. Thank you on behalf
of the Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya for all your support for our
club and its activities. All the best for your future! |
Som Indra Payoong
Past District Governor Rotary District 3340
I’d like to wish Pattaya Mail even more
success in the years to come. The paper is one of the best reads
on the Eastern Seaboard, and keeps us all in touch with news and
information that we would have a difficult time finding
elsewhere. You perform a great service! Long live Pattaya Mail! |
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Dujduan Ruangwettiwong,
Chairwoman of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center
Our thoughts and good wishes go to you on the
occasion of Pattaya Mail turning from 14 to 15 years old. We
hope you continue to be happy, prosperous, to have your wishes
fulfilled, to have very good sales, to be read all over the
world, and to be part of Pattaya City for ever. |
Verawat Khakhay,
Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City
I know that everybody at Pattaya Mail has
worked really hard to make this the number one newspaper for
residents and tourists here. Congratulations on your 14th
anniversary, and good luck for the future. |
| Fourteen done and the
fifteenth under way
 Mike
Franklin
July 23rd 2007 heralds the fifteenth year of publishing Pattaya
Mail, the Eastern Seaboard’s first and best English language
newspaper.
The
Pattaya Mail Media Group comprises a powerful and far reaching
organization with Pattaya Mail and Pattaya Mail Publishing,
Pattaya Blatt and Chiangmai Mail with many additional print
publications in the course of a year. Add to that PMTV,
broadcasting daily on four cable networks covering Chonburi,
Pattaya, Jomtien and Sattahip, with possibly more coverage to
come, and you have a Media Group of some strength.
However, in this IT day and age covering the Eastern Seaboard is
just the local reach as the Internet has made Pattaya Mail a
worldwide publication, available globally as the weekly news
up-date source for the many regular visitors to Pattaya and the
Eastern Seaboard. In an e-mail I received last week from a
regular visitor and friend from Ontario in the Canadian
military, commenting on the success of the inaugural Pattaya
Mail Golf Classic he said, quote: “Looking forward to another
week of Pattaya Mail – Fridays can’t come quick enough,” end
quote.
The Internet has greatly simplified the whole process of media
communication and provided the means to easily research
virtually any event or topic, in preparation for filing a press
report or preparing a feature to present on television. A recent
innovation has been ‘wireless’ photography with instant
communication from camera to computer and printer. A process
demonstrated effectively by Star Photo at the recent Pattaya
Mail ‘Mike Franklin’ Classic Charity Golf tournament.
Contributing voluntarily as a ‘special correspondent’ to Pattaya
Mail Publishing and PMTV, primarily in the areas of golf and
charity work, I continue to be impressed by the way the job gets
done due to the ease of communication with the Pattaya Mail
editorial and PMTV production departments. Routinely full
cooperation that is always forthcoming.
Congratulations to Peter Malhotra for another year of the
Pattaya Mail organization’s success and continued expansion. As
the energetic head of the Pattaya Mail ‘Family’ and the team
leader he continues, in his unique way, to make it all happen.
I am pleased to be named as part of that Family. |
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Pattaya Mail at 14: All the
attributes of an extended family
 Peter Cummins
The year, as I recall, was 1998 and the Pattaya Mail was
at the ripe young age of five, a ‘skinny’ publication, mostly
black and white, of some 24 pages. Although not all the staff
then were ‘skinny’, with only about 20 aboard, it was really a
‘skeleton’ staff.
As I have repeated my story “ad nauseum” how I was
‘press-ganged’ into joining the Pattaya Mail back then, I
shall not repeat it here.
But,
that fateful day, nine years ago, was to have a large influence
on my life. But, first, let me transgress a little. Although
math is not my ‘forte’ (I do not think I actually have a
‘forte’); nevertheless, when I do a few calculations, I find
that the year after I joined the Mail, was the first year
the newspaper received the Eastern Mass Media Association (EMMA)
Award, as the “Best (English-language newspaper) in the East”.
Now, without pushing my point too far, I find that, my ninth
year of work as a photo-journalist/special correspondent with
the paper, also represents the ninth successive occasion that
the Pattaya Mail has been awarded by EMMA, as the Best in
the East. Is this mere coincidence or are greater forces at work
here?
I had better refer this conundrum to our managing director Peter
Malhotra, executive editor, Dan Dorothy or - especially - to my
erudite and prolific columnist colleague, Dr Iain Corness who
may take a few minutes out from his extensive reporting/writing
and photographic assignments, to answer.
However, I would rather not know but, rather, live in the
reflected glory (such as it may be…!).
Now, back to the original thoughts to add to this, the 14th
commemorative issue of the Pattaya Mail.
Like many an expatriate, I came to Pattaya to seek a better
life, enjoy my leisure time by the sea, to be involved in
marine-related pursuits and maybe find a few new friends. It has
been a 100 percent hit-rate on all counts.
The bonus has been that, through Peter Malhotra, Dan Dorothy et
al., I also found a most satisfying occupation, plying my trade
as a writer, photographer and journalist.
But, at the Pattaya Mail, I have found more than that. Much
More. As Dan said it so succinctly at a “Bon Voyage” party which
Peter held for him prior to his (Dan’s) occasional trek back to
his homeland in Maine, USA, last week: “The Pattaya Mail
and all therein have become my family.”
Through Peter’s generosity and guidance, I, too, have found my
family. There is always a welcome at the office building
(especially from our staff of pretty girls), Peter’s home and a
myriad outside activities, dinners and parties. I have been a
welcome guest (Guest? – more like a ‘passenger!) at the Malhotra
household, where I am definitely one of the family. Not even the
dog barks at me!
No matter where I have been in this world, there is nowhere that
I could have found so many accommodating people, as in my circle
surrounding the Pattaya Mail and our environs.
From that same nowhere, I have been feted, published and yea,
even, emulated in some quarters. Through the columns of the
Mail, I have been able to publish several books and numerous
articles on the King and Queen of Thailand, a myriad pieces on
various topics, especially marine-related subjects and, even,
have a birthday regatta named in my honour - that, too, reaching
its fourteenth annual sailing early next year.
I could - or, possibly should - have remained an anonymity in
our beautiful City-by-the-sea. But through the influence of my
Pattaya Mail family, I rejoice in the contacts at all
levels of the society, the prestige and the plain lust for life
that this ambience has brought to me.
I hope and pray that I can keep going and be around for the next
14 years or more in the hearth of my Pattaya Mail family.
Thank you Peter for a great nine years for me personally and 14
for our Best in the East! |
Buddhist Lent begins next week
July 29 & 30
This year, the Buddhist holy days of Asalaha Bucha
and Khao Pansaa fall on July 29 and 30. Both are recognized public holidays,
and therefore banks and most businesses will be closed. It is also against
the rules to sell alcoholic beverages during the beginning of Buddhist Lent.
Many activities are planned throughout the city, especially at our temples,
and everyone is invited to take part.
Asalaha Bucha Day (July 29)
The Buddhist Holy Day of Asalaha Bucha falls on the 15th night
(15 kham) of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist Lunar
calendar, this year equating to Thursday, July 29. “Asalaha Bucha” means
paying homage and worshiping on the day identified according to the Lunar
calendar during the eighth month, Ahsala being the name of the eighth month
in the Pali language.
Asalaha Bucha Day is worshipped because of three important events occurring
on the day. Called the “Triple Gem” (the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), these
commemorate the first sermon given by the Buddha, called the
“Dharmachakapavattama Sutta” concerning the “Four Noble Truths” presented to
the Buddha’s first five disciples. The sermon set in motion the “Wheel of
Dharma”, which is the meaning of “Dharmachaka”.
The sermon concluded that: 1. All things are a source of suffering from the
constant cycle of birth, disease, old age and death. 2. Desire or the
inability to obtain what one desires is the cause of suffering resulting
from cause and effect. 3. Freedom from suffering can be obtained after the
complete cessation of desire. 4. The last of the Four Noble Truths is the
“Middle Way”, or the path between extremes of asceticism and indulgence
leading to the eliminating of desire. The Eight-Fold Path consists of
possessing the correct: Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort,
Mindfulness, and Meditation (or Concentration).
Secondly, the day is considered to be the birth of Buddhism, as the Buddha
departed the location where he obtained his enlightenment two months earlier
and then, coming to a forest area in the city of Pharansi, he showed favour
to five ascetics who became his followers.
The third of the Triple Gems is the Sangha. On this same day, the first
person listened to the Buddha’s sermon, realising the truths contained
therein and becoming the first Buddhist monk. This created the Buddhist
order “Sangha” and the day is known as “Sangha Day” as well as Ahsala Bucha
Day.
The Thai government established the observance of Asalaha Bucha Day in 1958.
Buddhist temples throughout the Kingdom arrange ceremonies venerating the
important historic events in the past. Devout Buddhists participate in the
ceremonies by presenting offerings to monks, listening to sermons and
performing ritual prayers.
The entire day is revered and certain precepts are adhered to by the more
devout Buddhist, and by those who have the inclination and opportunity to do
so. The Wientian ritual ceremony is performed in the evening as many go to
nearby temples bringing candles, flowers and joss sticks, completing three
trips walking around the temple area sacred grounds.
“Khao Pansaa”
(July 30)
The day following the start of Buddhist Lent (Asalaha Bucha Day),
another important Buddhist Holy day, begins in Thailand with the custom
called Khao Pansaa. This day falls on the first full moon (1 kham) of the
Buddhist Lunar calendar during the eighth month of every year, which this
year equates to July 30, and ends on the 15th full moon (15 kham) of the
11th month of the Buddhist calendar, usually in mid-October. During a leap
ear it is identified during the second eighth month.
The term “Khao Pansaa” can also translate to entering the months of the
rainy season when monks return to the temple for the duration of the rains,
usually to the temple where they were ordained. They stay there for
approximately three months. The monks are not supposed to depart the temple,
or stay overnight at any other location during the months of rain. Although
the rainy season is considered to be longer than three months, lasting up to
four or even more, monks are only required to remain at the temples for
three of the four months. During the last period of the rainy season they
can then go elsewhere when the “Katin” ceremony is performed presenting
robes to the temples.
Initially, monks were discouraged from travelling during the rainy season
because of the idea that it was inappropriate to walk about during the rainy
season when many small living creatures were about, which could be
accidentally stepped on. This included the rice crops. Inclement weather
also made it difficult to get out and about. Therefore, it was established
long ago that the monks would remain in temples during the rains for three
months, discussing and studying Buddhist scriptures, following Buddhist
disciplines, meditating and performing ritual ceremonies.
The custom of Khao Pansaa has continued on to this day with three classes of
ceremonies, a Royal ceremony conducted by HM the King of Thailand, ritual
ceremonies for devout followers of Buddhism throughout the Kingdom and
ceremonies performed by monks in the temples.
The Royal ceremony is similar to the ceremony performed by the general
public, but more elaborate. HM the King and members of the Royal Family
perform ritual ceremonies to pay homage to Buddhism and present Khao Pansaa
candles and traditional garments to Buddhist monks. The Royal Family also
donates many other items used in these ceremonies.
Other followers of Buddhism all over Thailand will attend temples in the
morning, bringing food, necessity items, money, the traditional candles,
garments and ceremonial items for the monks, with flowers and candles in
hand.
For those people having devout faith they may refrain from the recognised
eight offences for the duration of the three month rainy season just as
monks do, while others may give up a single vice, with yet others
recognising the 5-8 offences for the day.
The ceremonies performed by monks in temples revolve around rituals
accepting new monks, who take vows for periods up to the three months, with
some staying even longer. Senior monks at each monastery perform other
ceremonies leading followers in worship and prayer.
The two main items presented to monks during Khao Pansaa are the candles and
garments worn by monks, specifically the bathing robe. The candles were
essential in former times and needed for ceremonies, studying scriptures and
performing various other functions. The candle offering has developed into a
custom still followed.
The presentation of garments worn by monks is said to have originated from
methods of bathing in former times, commonly done in community areas using
streams, rivers, ponds and other sources of water, with monks requiring a
bathing robe. The garments worn by monks continued to develop until the
custom included presenting the entire arrangement worn by monks.
Many people take time away from their work on Khao Pansaa to recognise the
importance of the Buddhist Holy Day. Everyone is invited to participate in
the temple ceremonies and to refrain from offensive behaviour for the day,
and to make the same effort thereafter.
BCCT holds last networking in Shenanigans
Dr. Iain Corness
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) said at the latest
Eastern Seaboard networking evening that they will never have another
event at Shenanigans (under the Marriott Resort and Spa Garden Court
restaurant). This was not brought about by any animosity, but simply
because after August 9, Shenanigans will be gone!
 Simon
Dutton, GM of Shenanigans announces the move to a new location next
month.
However, not gone forever, as quickly pointed out by the Shenanigans
mine host, Simon Dutton. The entire pub, lock, stock and barrel is
moving across the street, to re-open late August as Shenanigans once
more, on the first floor at the new shopping center on Second Road, a
mere 50 meters further down!
Simon also invited anyone who has ever had a drink in Shenanigans to
come to the final evening on August 9, for the goodbye party. That being
the case, there will be a queue stretching back to Jomtien!
The main sponsor of the “final” evening was the Manpower organization,
which, according to the country manager, Simon Matthews, is definitely
bucking any depressive trends, opening up several new branches all over
Thailand. In an exclusive interview with Pattaya Mail TV, he said that
despite economic downturns in some industries, Manpower was receiving
increasing calls for people with skills. In fact, he invited anyone with
skills to contact his Manpower group, through their website www.
manpower.th.com, where they can interactively leave their details.
Employers looking for staff can phone Simon direct on 02 634 7273 or by
facsimile 02 634 7271.
 Bruce
Hoppe, VP Emerson Climate Technologies, Asia Operations held a mini
celebration for Judy’s birthday too.
It was certainly well attended, with estimates of over 70 packed into
the pub. Two of Thailand’s heavy lifters were there - Kevin Fisher, who
was mulling over prospects in the Congo (you’d have to have a death
wish) or Vietnam, and the other being Rod Cummins from UT1 Worldwide who
definitely was not going to the Congo!
AA Insurance Brokers were represented by their principals Peter Smith
and Malcolm Scorer who were very happy to announce a tie-up between
themselves and Northern Thai Insurances, represented that evening by
Northern Thai director John Seymour and Frank O’Neill. They believe this
will make them the largest group offering insurance and advice on the
Eastern Seaboard.
Other regulars at these functions were Maurice Bromley with the
delightful Renita (or was it Margarita?). Maurice, who used to work for
Henry Butcher, was seen in deep confab with a Clive Butcher, the MD of
Highfield Equity. Maurice, however, assured me that he was really
retired and was not going to open up a butcher’s shop!
Greeting everyone in his usual smiling gregarious way was executive
director of the BCCT, Greg Watkins, whilst Stuart Saunders (the dental
flosser) was there to tell everyone how to keep that toothy grin. Paul
Wilkinson, GM of AGS Four Winds International is another regular, and
assured me that his young son is ready to join the lift and carry
business. Since the little chap is still in nappies, they certainly
start them early these days.
It was an excellent event, the final networking evening at Shenanigans
(Mk I), and the members are looking forward to another evening in the
future at Shenanigans (Mk II).
Simon Matthews, country manager of Manpower
is interviewed
by Dr. Iain Corness for PMTV.
Dr. Adam Brooks, technical director Thai
Houghton 1993 Co., Ltd, Supreeya Nhuchantuek, Peter Malhotra, MD of
Pattaya Mail, U-Daporn Phookduang, secretary to the regional technical
director for Thai Houghton 1993 Co., Ltd.
Ken G. Robinson, Bechtel International, Inc.
and Renita Bromley, committee member / treasurer of Chiang Mai
International Cricket Sixes.
Antony Chapman, managing director of Blue
Wave Watersports Asia Co., Ltd, Peter Smith, director of AA Insurance
Brokers Co., Ltd. and John Seymour, director of Northern Thai Realty &
Export Co., Ltd,
Richard Rumsey, World Vision, Graham
Watkins, project procurement manager at Foster Wheeler International
Corporation Thailand Branch Office, Gornragan Phankhum, marketing /
development executive with Moody International (Thailand) Ltd., Paul
Wilkinson, GM, Eastern Seaboard of Four Winds International Movers.
Jack Levy, insurance consultant for MBMG
Insurance, Kevin Fisher, director of Cranes and Equipment Asia Co, Ltd,
Graham Macdonald, MBMG International Ltd. and Paul Grimes from Hunter
Stoves.
Nawaporn Fuengfoo, legal director of Oz Thai
Sport Co., Ltd, Wilaree Kleesuwan, Sukhothai Association Inter Law Co.,
Ltd, Nilnapha Chaichit, sales executive Eastern Seaboard branch of
East-West Air Service Co., Ltd, Okko Sprey, manager Asia of Moxba
Metrex.
À bout de souffle (Breathless)
Shamayim Watson, Year 10
The past year at Garden International School has been a blast,
from start to finish. But for my family and me it’s time to move on. Six
years have vanished, gone, finished, in the blink of an eye.
Tula – Getting Down
It’s just whizzed by and I can hardly believe it. I arrived when I
was nine years old and now here I am, almost sixteen. Sixteen! There
can’t be another period in life where the changes are so obvious, so
profound. So much has happened, some of it bad but most of it good but
now it’s over. It feels like ‘fin de siecle’ in Thailand. Anyway, time
to go to pastures new and explore another part of the world. By the time
you read this it will be all but over and a mighty jet will be roaring
me to the other side of the world, to Milan. Ok, so it’s not Rome, but
it is Italy. But it has all just flown by so fast that it’s left me
breathless.
This year, back at Garden International School (GIS) (what a great
decision that was!) has been typical. A million brilliant things, from
the Fobissea music festival, to a choir trip to Malaysia, “Totally Over
You”. And just when other schools thought it was time to ‘wind down’,
suddenly it seemed like there was a production going on every week, from
some or other part of our school. Actually, it has been unbelievable -
I’m not sure where the teachers found the time and energy!
 Rain
– Cool as a cucumber.
Following fast in the footsteps of a spectacular evening of dance and
song on ‘International Day’, the Primary department pulled off a
fantastic performance of “The Ban Chang Boogie”, an original musical
written and composed by the music magician Mr. Shane O’Shea. Can you
imagine? An original! A musical! He wrote it when working in Korea, for
children for whom English is a second language. In Korea it was called,
‘The Bremen Town Boogie’. With a little bit of tweaking, it became the
‘Ban Chang Boogie’.
When you go to a Primary performance, you kind of adjust your
expectations. It’s all about taking part and having fun. To add
something approaching a professional level of performance in timing,
delivery of lines, projection and movement requires something a little
bit special. Well, with the team at GIS, that is precisely what they
have. You can tell a lot about a school when someone like Mr. Berrin
Schofield, who teaches Science, comes and lends his theatrical expertise
to the show. He’s a lighting and sound expert with a background in
professional theatre in Australia, so there’s a real cutting edge about
everything that he does. GIS have invested heavily in lighting and sound
equipment, to match the quality and ambition of the staff and students.
Even knowing how good the shows are at GIS, I have to admit I was
surprised by the amount of flair and talent on show from the young stars
of the ‘Ban Chang Boogie’ in years four, five and six.
 Billy
– Strumming his stuff.
The story is about a mule called ‘Maestro’ who, tired of hard labour,
decides to seek his fame and fortune by travelling to Ban Chang - he
wants to make “a million bucks”! On the way he picks up various
characters and together they form a successful band. Naturally there are
some ‘goodies’ and baddies’ and some funny adventures along the way. I
suppose it’s a little bit like ‘Bugsy Malone’ meets ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
A packed hall responded with laughter and applause and I think,
increasing respect for the quality of what they were witnessing.
Actually, it got better as it went on. The finale included descants,
harmonies, a blur of dance and movement and a rip-roaring climax. If
you’re going to leave an audience with something, leave the best thing
until last!
Robert Grisdale, the ever popular Head of Primary, put in an incredible
amount of work but preferred to thank everybody else. Oh, and the
costumes were fantastic, manufactured by locally based experts Rocket
Products International <www. rocketfilmequipment.com.au>. So you see,
everything was in place. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised by the
quality after all!
A week later, as the latest deluge tipped down around us, people in the
hundreds were back at school again, to witness the Summer Carnival. No
amount of rain could dampen our spirits as an end of term feeling was
accentuated by ‘Battle of the Bands’. Four bands played their hearts out
as the older generations stoically sat through what probably sounded to
them like a constant barrage of unpleasant noise. The famous GIS burgers
and barbecue were all the rage again, as teachers mingled with parents
and students whilst clowns and magicians entertained the crowd. I even
spotted a couple of teachers on the enormous bouncy castle, lit up like
a Christmas tree. Hilarious. The rain abated long enough for a
sensational fireworks display to compete with the distant lightning -
this was classic GIS - as was the fact that two GIS students were
presenting the PMTV television coverage of a fantastic night.
Two bands played off for the championship. I have to say that ‘Stiff’
brought the house down with ‘Play That Funky Music White Boy’ and I
thought they’d win easily. Maybe I hoped they would, because I find
their keyboard player very attractive. Well? You should acknowledge your
bias!
Anyway, the other band, ‘Symphonia’, led by PMTV’s own Peng Janthasorn,
won. Sure they were good, but I found myself wondering whether the
judges knew anything about music! I think initially, when that man Mr.
Shane O’Shea (where does he get his energy from?) announced the result,
that the audience were a bit surprised too, but that quickly gave way to
a final flourish from ‘Symphonia’ which you could probably have heard in
Pattaya and Rayong! “A blinding evening.” I heard one smiling Londoner
say as he moved reluctantly towards the exit. I couldn’t agree more.
The next day was quiet. I woke up at midday, much to parents’ annoyance,
and looked out of my window. A big cloud was moving towards me fast,
changing the colour of the ocean from turquoise to violet. It looked
very beautiful. But it made me feel sad because I don’t really want to
leave. I know I’ll be back of course, but I don’t know when and until I
do, my life is going to change again. I’m going to miss Garden
International School and all my friends very much. It’s been a wonderful
place to go to school. Thank you.
Easy on the eye: Celine & Naz, the beautiful
new faces of PMTV.
Annika and Blue – All dressed up and
somewhere to go!
Peng Janthasorn – A familiar face to viewers
of PMTV.
Soft Rock in the shape of a bouncy castle.
Play that funky music!
YWCA and PSC combine to serve lunch to the kids of School No 6
Thank you for such a wonderful meal.
Bernie Tuppin helps serve the kids.
Y.W.C.A. Bangkok-Pattaya presidents, past
and present Dujduan Ruengwettiwong (left) and Nittaya Patimasongkroh
(2nd left) team up to help feed the children.
Dujduan Ruengwettiwong, Y.W.C.A.
Bangkok-Pattaya president, enjoys a treat with the youngsters.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center led by its new chairwoman Dujduan
Ruengwettiwong, and Pattaya Sports Club represented by charity chairman
Bernie Tuppin on July 17 presented lunch to the students of Pattaya
School No 6, otherwise known as Thamsamakkee Temple.
Dujduan said this was part of the YWCA’s program of providing lunch to
children in Pattaya’s schools, even though School No 6 comes under the
Pattaya City Education Department.
The children enjoyed noodles, sweets and ice cream. The noodles were
cooked in two sets for kindergarten children and for the older students.
The next YWCA lunch is due to take place on August 21, when scholarships
will also be presented at Mike Shopping Mall to youngsters in the
Pattaya City area in accordance with the Happy Family Project.
PGF Manhattan dinner a resounding success
Steve Dickens
Manhattan’s Steakhouse proved itself to be one of the premier dining
locations in all Pattaya on Sunday night, July 15 when it played host to
a fund raising dinner for the Pattaya Gay Festival. From being greeted
with champagne right through to the hand made petite fours with the
coffee, the evening was a resounding success both culinary, socially and
in raising funds for the PGF.
The dinner was a complete sellout two weeks prior to the evening with
all 60 places being taken, and with a combination of proceeds from the
dinner itself, a lucky draw and donations over B200,000 was raised to
support local charities.
Tom, the general manager of Manhattans was also pleased with the huge
success of the event, and welcomed the PGF back for a repeat performance
in the very near future. Based on this dinner, you had better book your
ticket for the next one well in advance!
The thanks from the PGF committee go to the owners and management of
Manhattans for making this such a memorable night.
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