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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Five regions create colorful culture display

Ariyawat married and promoted on same day

BCCT celebrates tenth anniversary of networking evenings on the Eastern Seaboard

Rotary District Governor makes official visit to local clubs

Santsak Ngampiches celebrates his 66th

“New” Shenanigans holds soft opening in The Avenue

International students complete “Asian Experience” at Asian U

Ingo ticks up another one


Five regions create colorful culture display

Jordanian Minister of Culture is guest of honor at extravaganza

Chonburi Deputy Governor Monthian Thongnit (center, left) presents H.E. Dr. Adel Tweisi, Minister of Culture from Jordan, with the key to Pattaya City.

Governor Pracha Taerat and H.E. Dr. Adel Tweisi and their entourage
tour the festival.

Boonlua Chatree
Bali Hai Pier was the location for the grand Five Regions Cultural Festival, held over the period August 23 to 26 and opened by Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat.
The event was organized by the Chonburi Cultural Office, under Mrs Nipa Jiamkosit, and had as its guests of honor the Jordanian Ambassador to Thailand, Mohammed Ali Daher Nsour, and the Jordanian Minister of Culture Dr Adel Tweisi and his wife.

Governor Pracha Taerat bangs the gong to open the festival.
Five elephants were provided to carry the Jordanian guests and the governor in a parade that passed through Walking Street and ended at the festival area around the pier. Then, at 8 pm, with the striking of a gong and the firing of 99 rockets into the sky, the festival was declared open.
On display were the arts, crafts and performing arts of the North, Northeast, South, Central and Eastern Regions of Thailand, and the Chantaburi Dance Art College and the Lopburi Dance Art College also performed stage shows.
Chonburi was well represented, with displays from Baan Sukhawadee, Nong Nooch Tropical Village, Million Year Stone Park, the Crocodile Farm, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Tiffany’s Cabaret, Alcazar Cabaret, Sanctuary Castle, Art in the Bottle Art, Mini Siam and Alangkarn.
The Thai Hotel Association Eastern Chapter put on an exhibition with displays on basketry, hammer smith work, Thai desserts, fruit carvings, and folklore.
Jordan’s culture was also on display, with a folklore art performance organized by Dr Adel Tweisi and his wife.
Nipa said the festival, organized to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King, was designed to promote tourism and as a cultural exchange between Thailand and Jordan. She said the intention was also to encourage youngsters to take an interest in Thai culture and tradition, and to join in arts activities.

Students from Chantaburi Dancing Art College perform a dance in honor of His Majesty the King.

Expert wood carvers display their craft.

Arts and crafts of the North, Northeast, South, Central and Eastern Regions of Thailand were on display.

Master hair stylists display their art.

Rungratree and Tony Malhotra emcee the event in Thai and English.

Five elephants carried the Jordanian guests and the governor in a parade that passed through Walking Street and ended at the festival area around the pier.

Local students show keen interest in this exhibition.

Jordan’s culture was also on display, with a folklore art performance organized by Dr Adel Tweisi and his wife.


Ariyawat married and promoted on same day

The bride, Nam-Oy Lertsiri and groom, Ariyawat Nuamsawat, pose during the wedding ceremony with parents and grandmother Chalaem Lertsiri.

Narisa Nitikarn
August 19 was a memorable day for Ariyawat Nuamsawat, a star reporter for Pattaya Mail. Firstly he married his fiancée, Nam-Oy Lertsiri. Secondly, during the reception afterwards, greatly to his surprise, Pattaya Mail MD Pratheep Malhotra announced that Ariyawat was being promoted to the position of editor of the newspaper.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat, a star reporter for Pattaya Mail now appointed editor and his fiancée Nam-Oy Lertsiri.
The traditional Thai wedding took place in Bangkla District, Chachoengsao Province, during the morning, followed by a reception during the afternoon at the Grand Sole Hotel on Pattaya Second Road.
Guests of honor at the reception included Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, former MP for Chonburi Chanyuth Hengtrakul, and Pratheep Malhotra.
Niran placed a garland around the neck of Ariyawat, and Chanyuth placed a garland around the neck of Nam-Oy. Pratheep then congratulated the couple and wished them and happy and prosperous future, and he then announced the promotion of Ariyawat to the position of editor of Pattaya Mail.
“Ariyawat began training at the company when he was a senior at university,” said Pratheep. “He joined the company after he graduated, and has continued to work here ever since. Today is an auspicious day, and it seems appropriate to announce that Ariyawat will become the new editor of Pattaya Mail.”
Hearty cheering greeted the announcement, and the happy couple began their lives together with the congratulations of everyone on this great double event.

Chanyuth Hengtrakul former Member of Parliament joined the ceremony.

Farooq Wongborisuthi, Sanit Boonmachai, Rattanachai Sutidechanai member of Pattaya City Council, the newly wed couple, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, Chutipon Kamolnath council member, Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Verawat Khakhay, join to congratulate the couple.

Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra Managing Director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. expresses good wishes to the couple and also announces the appointment of Ariyawat Nuamsawat as the Pattaya Mail editor while the parents Lieutenant Arin and Chatkamol Nuamsawat witnesses the appointment.


BCCT celebrates tenth anniversary of networking evenings on the Eastern Seaboard

Graham Macdonald
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand held its monthly networking evening at the Hard Rock Resort last Friday. The sponsors were SCI Double Impact who were represented by the Managing Director Bruce Darrington. SCI Double Impact is an accountancy company which is expanding here on the Eastern Seaboard.

The British Chamber is once again Platinum Sponsors for this year’s Jesters Care for Kids charity drive: shown here BCCT Executive Director Greg Watkins (left) and BCCT Vice Chairman Graham Macdonald (right), present their sponsorship to Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood.
There were many people at the event. Trevor Allen from Epicure Catering was on hand to give his opinion on the culinary delights that were on offer. Stuart Saunders of dental floss credit card fame was also there. Steve Graham from ESC was on hand to give advice on all forms of security systems. Jimmy Howard and his lovely wife Jenny were advising Joe and Bea Grunwell who was going to win the Rugby World Cup. Andrew Khoo was promoting the Hard Rock Resort to everyone he could. Peter Smith was there on behalf of AA Insurance whilst his partner Malcolm Scorer was hosting an event for the Elite Card programme at the Montien Hotel. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the whole evening was a huge success.

Joe Grunwell, Managing Director of Comcon Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd., James Howard, Managing Director of Katoen Natie Sembcorp (Thailand) Ltd. and Trevor Allen, Director of Epicure Catering Co., Ltd.
The evening marked another milestone for the BCCT as it celebrated its tenth anniversary of having a committee and networking evenings on the Eastern Seaboard. The chamber now has over sixty companies who are either in Chonburi or Rayong provinces.
The surviving founding members are GKN Driveline Ltd and MBMG International Ltd., and Graham Macdonald of MBMG Int. has been the chairman since the BCCT started here.
When asked what he thought the BCCT had to offer, Graham explained, “The chamber has many different functions. We are the oldest western Chamber in Thailand and have been here for over sixty years. In this time we have learned what people need and expect from us. We now have extensive experience in business presentations, business lunches, networking opportunities, Thai language functions, briefings, lobbying, publicity, sponsorship, trade missions, gathering information of all sorts, signposting, mini-ambassador programmes, mentoring, sports and social events, BCCT publications and the BCCT library. Basically, we are here to help out members run their businesses successfully. The chamber, under Executive Director Greg Watkins, has expanded to 640 member companies and the staff in the Bangkok office does an excellent job in helping with all sorts of enquiries and requests. We also do charitable activities and that is why I am delighted to see Lewis (Woody) Underwood here.”

Samuel Peter, Assistant Manager (F&B) of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Thatsanee On-on, Assistant Sales Manager of Mantra Restaurant & Bar and Elyes Ben Brahim, Director of Operations of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

Graham went on to say, “As you may know I am also president of Care for Kids and I am very pleased and proud to announce that the British Chamber will be Platinum Sponsors for this year’s Jesters Care for Kids charity drive. Woody and the Jesters have done a fantastic job over the last ten years and thousands of deprived children have benefited from the money that has been raised by Woody and his team. I would like to use this opportunity to encourage people to go to the Fair this coming Sunday. It is at the Diana Driving Range and all will be welcome - especially kids. I would also urge people to go to Jameson’s Irish Pub on Saturday, 15th September. We have many different items up for auction and all proceeds will go to Care for Kids. We will also have the Rugby World Cup on at the same time as well as Premiership football so it will be a fun time for all.”
The next BCCT Networking evening will be at Manhattans Restaurant later this month. Details of the event will be published in the Pattaya Mail closer to the date.

Stuart Saunders from EsDesign (Far East) Co., Ltd., Gerry Germenis, General Manager / Director of ESC and Michael Goetz, Resident Manager of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower.

Peter Johansson, Managing Director of Tellus Systems Limited and Clive N. Butcher, Managing Director of Highfield Equity Co., Ltd.

Nawaporn Fuengfoo, Legal Director of Oz Thai Sports Co., Ltd., Wilaree Kleesuwan, Lawyer of Sukhothai Associates Inter Law Co., Ltd. and Thatsanee On-on, Assistant Sales Manager of Mantra Restaurant & Bar.

Rene Christensen Dokbua from IT Mechanics
Group Corporation Co., Ltd., Ian Scrivener of ZedZero Two and Ian Sherratt
 from Scale Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Kevin D. Fisher, Manager Far East Region of Cranes and Equipment Ltd. Europe-Middle East-Asia, Graham Macdonald, Chairman of BCCT, Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood, Greg Watkins, Executive Director of BCCT and Steve Graham, Managing Director of ESC.

Gregory Pitt, Managing Director of Mackenzie Smith Law, John Hammond from Eastern Seaboard Properties (E.S.P.) International Co., Ltd., Barry J Hayles from E.S.P. Management Co., Ltd. and James Saville, Director of Corporate Services & Sports of Asian University.

Steve Graham, Managing Director of ESC, Andrew Khoo, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, Bruce Darrington, Managing Director of SCI Double Impact, Mark Butters, Director of BCCT and Hamish Dodds, CEO of Hard Rock International.

Allan Jackson from Sarens Asia, Richard V. Jones, Director-Interim Management, David Mandel, Director-Business Services Practice and Somkiat Ruentongdee, Executive Vice President of C.P. Land Co., Ltd.


Rotary District Governor makes official visit to local clubs

Conducts seminar to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace

Narisa Nitikarn
District Governor Dr. Arnon Chirajavala made his official visit to the Rotary Clubs of Pattaya, Sriracha and Laem Chabang on August 17-18.

The three gurus of Rotary, DG Dr. Arnon Chirajavala (center), Past District Governor Premprecha Dibbayawan (left), and Past District Governor Som Indra-payoong conduct the seminar.
This is a customary duty of a district governor whereby he visits every Rotary Club in his district at least once during his term in office.
District 3340 R.I. stretches from the north-eastern-most to the eastern-most provinces in Thailand, so a governor’s job to visit all 60 clubs for the purpose of instruction and giving advice is quite an arduous one.
At the end of his business meetings with the presidents and secretaries of the 3 clubs, the Rotarians jointly held a fellowship evening at the Town in Town Hotel to welcome the governor and ensure that his visit was not only all business but also an enjoyable one.
During the course of the evening DG Arnon presented club presidents Wiboon Rakthongsuk of Sriracha, Surin Ratanawicha of Laem Chabang and Preecha Peethong of Pattaya, each with a special pin of achievement from Rotary International President, Wilfrid J. Wilkinson in recognition of their induction of new members into their respective clubs.
The following day a seminar was held on Rotary Membership Development and the Rotary Foundation.
DG Dr. Arnon stressed on the importance of bringing in new members into the Rotary clubs as in the past few years the numbers were dwindling and Rotary needs members to help in their noble task of doing good in the world.
Dr. Arnon said that, “the mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.
“The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
“The Foundation’s Humanitarian Programs fund international Rotary club and district projects to improve the quality of life, providing health care, clean water, food, education, and other essential needs primarily in the developing world. One of the major Humanitarian Programs is PolioPlus, which seeks to eradicate the poliovirus worldwide. Through its Educational Programs, the Foundation provides funding for some 1,200 students to study abroad each year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers to teach in developing countries and for exchanges of business and professional people. Former participants in the Foundation’s programs have the opportunity to continue their affiliation with Rotary as Foundation Alumni.”
Dr. Arnon also spoke of the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program which was established to provide professionals from around the world the opportunity to be trained in conflict resolution and mediation strategies and to become better equipped to help prevent and resolve conflict, as well as foster policies and create settings that ensure peace, worldwide.”
Rotarians from 21 clubs in the eastern region of Thailand, attended this seminar and at the completion of the colloquium went off in their separate directions, vowing to implement the Rotary ideals and programs to make the world a better place for everyone.

District Governor Dr. Arnon Chirajavala pins the badge of achievement on club presidents Wiboon Rakthongsuk, Surin Ratanawicha and Preecha Peethong.


Santsak Ngampiches celebrates his 66th

Santsak Ngampiches, former member of parliament for Chonburi, held a party at the Grand Sole Hotel on August 20 to celebrate his 66th birthday. Joining Santsak to welcome guests from the worlds of politics, business and show business were his sons Poramet, also a former MP for Chonburi, and Ekasit, who is an assistant to the mayor of Pattaya. Amongst the guests were Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, former Chonburi MP Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Mai Chaiyanit, mayor of Nongprue Municipality, Banglamung District Chief Pratheep Chongsuebtham, Dr Thanakom Manthananon, director of Phyathai Hospital in Sriracha, and Surat Mekawarakul, executive managing director of Mike Shopping Mall Co Ltd. Pattaya City councilors and representatives of the Mass Media Club and Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd also attended the gathering.


“New” Shenanigans holds soft opening in The Avenue

A most revered monk chanted a prayer and anointed the main entrance.

Narisa Nitikarn
After spending 10 years hidden away under the Marriott Resort and Spa, Shenanigans Irish Pub shut its doors there for the last time after a raucous party on August 9. Ownership, management and staff then spent the next couple of weeks moving lock, stock and barrel across 2nd Road to their new home in the upscale ‘The Avenue’ center.
On August 25, as the grueling move was finally nearing completion, nine monks from Dharma Samakee Temple were invited to perform a blessing ritual to bring the new premises good fortune and prosperity. Trevor Allen, owner, and Simon Dutton, general manager, treated the monks to lunch, after which a most revered monk anointed the location with sacred symbols.
With the formal festivities finished, Shenanigans held a soft opening party with those in attendance able to lay claim to being the first to tipple a pint in the new surroundings.
An official grand opening is scheduled for sometime at the beginning of this month.

Nine monks from Dharma Samakee Temple were invited to perform a blessing ritual to bring the new premises good fortune and prosperity.

The soft opening included entertainment from the resident band.

A horseshoe shaped bar similar to the old premises has been recreated in Shenanigans new home in The Avenue on 2nd Road.

Sports on a large screen TV will be an attraction at the “new” Shenanigans Irish Pub.


International students complete “Asian Experience” at Asian U

Susan Joyce
After three weeks, twenty eight undergraduates and post graduates from ten different countries have just completed their “Asian Experience” with Asian University. They are returning to Europe with an enhanced knowledge of business and culture in Thailand.

Students visit Buddha Mountain.
They spent their first four nights on campus alongside the Asian U students, then four nights in Bangkok, and the rest of the time they stayed at the Grand Jomtien Palace hotel. They have had many new experiences. Four separate courses were included in their program, cross cultural management and communication in Asia, International Business: an Asian Perspective, Emerging Economies in Asia and Asian Culture and Philosophy.
The lecturers were all well known in their fields. Kriengsek (the Thai coach) enlightened everyone with information about some of the differences between us and had the delegates taking part in role plays about the way we interact with one another; James Rooney told the stories of several successful entrepreneurs, all based in Thailand; Dr. Narachai taught about the Thai economy; whilst Professor Krairit covered marketing and people management in Asia.
A special guest lecturer was Dr. Tengku Mahaleel Ariff from Malaysia, an ex CEO of Proton cars. He came to Asian U and gave an entertaining and informative talk on globalisation, from an Asian perspective. The auditorium was filled with the Summer University participants, as well as Asian U students and staff.

Ladies pose with a hedge carved into the shape of an elephant in Bang Pa In.
Asian U lecturers included David Tan, who gave the group a taste of Thai and Asian business law, and Kelly Ritchey who covered financing in Asia. Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya (president of Asian U) attended many of the events and gave several lectures covering the history of Thailand and some of his many experiences working in Thailand and elsewhere. Throughout the program, the participants especially enjoyed the informality and chance to talk with Dr. Vip and all the other presenters.
Apart from the classroom experiences, the students had the chance to visit businesses in this part of Thailand. The Thai President Food (Mama noodle) factory at Sriracha welcomed the group and Mama kindly provided a helpful guide to tell us about the plant and answer questions. Mama generously gave each delegate some samples of a new-recipe of the popular noodles.

Adam and Marta take their first ride on an elephant.
The Toyota Motor plant in Ban Po was new, big and very impressive. The environmentally friendly plant was opened at the start of the year, and assembles pick-ups for export. The group had the chance to see the assembly lines first hand, and again ask questions of the management.
The other visits were to the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, where again the hosts were senior staff, including Dr Iain Corness. After a presentation on the business side of the hospital, the effects of tourist nationalities and numbers, and information about some of the special medical treatments available, a guided tour gave everyone a chance to see for themselves. The European visitors were amazed, they thought they were in a five star hotel, not a hospital!

Come on in, the water’s lovely.
The final visit was to a real five star hotel, the Amari in Pattaya. Again, the general manager (Dominic) greeted the group and then Khun Sunday gave an interesting presentation about the hotel chain and the ongoing expansion and other developments. Dr. Vip was able to add some more about the history of the hotel as he has family connections. After the visit, the group enjoyed supper at Henry Bean’s, with Dr. Vip as host.
The students’ representative, Adam, from Aston University, England, gave a vote of thanks to Dr. Vip for all his input, advice and help with the program. Dr. Vip gave each delegate a special present from Asian U and Thailand; a gold badge to commemorate HM the King’s 80th birthday.

The students’ representative, Adam from Aston University in England, thanks Dr. Vip for all his input, advice and help with the program.
Of course there were also social events, a visit to Koh Larn for games; Thai culture, food and dance lessons from the Asian U students; sports and games in the university sports hall, with the Asian U students; and an international evening to give the Thais a chance to learn a little about the visitors’ countries.
Elephant riding was a first for many of the group, the talk on meditation from Chao Khun Suchart at Wat Yan was enlightening, a visit to Nong Nooch was fun and interesting, Thai cooking was another experience to take home. The delegates all enjoyed themselves, and they all learnt a lot: from the lectures, the visits, the Thai students that they met, and each other. Apart from the formal activities, they enjoyed exploring on their own, and having further adventures. Joao, from Portugal, said it was hard to identify the highlight, but it was probably the lectures in Bangkok from eminent Thais.
The final dinner was happy and sad, but everyone is leaving with a new group of real international friends in Thailand and Europe. The staff at Asian U are now sorting out the plans for next year’s Summer University!

Bronagh, Marta & Marta sip a cool drink on the river.

A novel form of transportation near Koh Chee Chan.


Ingo ticks up another one

Jessica assists as Ingo cuts his birthday cake.

Miss Terry Diner
Ingo Raeuber, the GM of the Pinnacle Resort and Spa celebrated his 42 years with friends last week. 42 years on terra firma, not 42 years as the Pinnacle head honcho!
As you would imagine, Ingo has a large circle of friends from all over the globe, and the folk at the birthday party reflected this, with many guests from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, UK, Thailand, Australia, Korea, France and Nepal being present.
The celebration was held at the Casa Pascal restaurant, with a multi-course banquet being offered, along with several wines, of which more than several bottles were consumed. The occasion was so important that Pascal and Kim Schnyder even gave themselves a night off from their work in the restaurant to just be able to sit down with their friend Ingo and the other guests.
For those who did not have a headache the following day, it had been a night to remember!

Ingo thanks all his friends for attending and most especially Pascal Schnyder for a tremendous banquet.

Christina and Malcolm Boden are flanked by a guest from Germany and Ingo.

The Casa Pascal ‘Song Birds’ sang Happy Birthday.

Friends from near and far were present to wish Ingo many happy returns of the day.