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BCCT gets the WOW and Jameson’s factor
(L to R) Dr. Salam A.
Hoshang, head of the MIS Department at the Asian University Faculty of
Business, Pattaravadee Wangvinyaphan, marketing executive
in the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s International Marketing Department,
Janya Rattanaliam, international affairs executive for Bangkok Hospital
Pattaya, Panit Nillibol from Asian University, and Prasan Rafeeq
Yeemafuang, international marketing at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.
Dr Iain Corness
The first British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) networking
night kicked off in fine style at Jameson’s Irish Pub last weekend. Not
only were the Brits out in fine force, but there was a strong
representation of Americans as well. With the US Presidential primaries
coming up, perhaps the Americans were giving themselves escape route
planning in advance!
 (L
to R) Peter Smith, director of AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd., Andrew
Mcdonald of Creative Solutions Thailand Co., Ltd. and Garry Kings of
Creative Solutions Thailand Co., Ltd.
Executive Director of the BCCT, Greg Watkins, said in an exclusive
interview on Pattaya Mail TV that even though democratic elections had
been concluded in Thailand, there was still much uncertainty in the
minds of British investors. The Foreign Business Act, for example, is
still up in the air, and unlikely to be the number one priority for a
new government. However, he noted the history of Thailand, which has
withstood coups, unfriendly governments, military takeovers and the
like, but has still managed to be one of the Asian ‘tigers’, despite it
all.
The co-sponsor of the night was Jameson’s Irish Pub itself, supplying
beer and finger food including some wonderful cheeses, satays and
tempura items, certainly raising the bar for the networking evenings of
2008. Jameson’s landlord Kim Fletcher was everywhere, teaching his new
staff by example, and did not spill a drop of red, as opposed to certain
members of the American group, who can go unnamed at this stage.
The fuel for the evening was supplied by Richard Waller from the other
sponsor, World of Wines (WOW), and the Broken Hill red was simply
superb. Richard was proud of the fact that his was the only wine company
in the world that had as its charter the aim of supporting charities for
the needy in Thailand. Those who have, by drinking his wines, will help
those who have not.
One organization that was very well represented came from the Asian
University with Dr. Salam Hoshang, Dr. Colin Black, Kelly Ritchie and
Raymond O’Reilly, whose members were seen in deep confab with the even
more numerous Bangkok Hospital Pattaya group, with Pam Supalarp, Ann
Wangvirayaphan, Nancy, Anan and Prasan.
Making sure that everyone was well protected was Scott Bernat from the
Force Protection Detachment of the US embassy, backed up by Ien
Fernandez. However, he did not say whether he would only protect
Americans.
The auto industry was also well represented with many members of the
Automotive Focus Group lead by the sartorially splendid George Strampp
and the skillfully shaven Sanjay Lamba from the Auto Alliance at the
Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate.
‘Real’ Brits present included Paul Wilkinson from AGS Four Winds
International Movers, Peter Smith and Malcolm Scorer from AA Insurance
Brokers and Jimmy Howard from Katoen Natie.
As the opening networking night for 2008, this was very well attended,
and bodes well for the next networking night in February. Notification
of the date will be posted in the Pattaya Mail.
(L to R) Raymond O’Reilly,
lecturer at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Asian University, James
Saville, director of Corporate Services & Sports at Asian University,
and Dr. Colin Gordon Black, head of the Mechanical Engineering
Department Faculty of Engineering & Technology at Asian University.
(L to R) Michael Passmore,
senior sales and marketing manager of Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Gregory
Pitt, managing director of Mackenzie Smith Law, Stephen Ashford, general
manager of Metalweb, Joe Grunwell, managing director of Comcon Group,
and Greg Watkins, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce
Thailand.
(L to R) Kevin Fisher,
director S.E. Asia of Cranes and Equipment Asia Co., Ltd.,
Ian Hamilton, John L. Hamilton, director of Transportation & Industrial
Services
of Waste Management Siam Ltd., Trevor Allen, director of the British
Chamber
of Commerce Thailand, and Mark Butters, CPFA, United Kingdom director
of RSM Advisory (Thailand) Limited.
(L to R) Panchaya
Hongpairoch, assistant manager of sales & marketing for Horseshoe Point,
Drew Noyes, managing director of Pappa Co., Ltd.,
Allan D. Sherratt, media director of Pappa Co., Ltd.,
and Nattapong Lertsampunsook, sales manager of K2N.
(L to R) Joe Grunwell,
managing director of Comcon Group, Dr. Iain Corness,
Greg Watkins, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce
Thailand,
and Graham Macdonald, vice chairman and director
of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.
Youngsters enjoy educational treat at Clownfish Farm
Patcharapol Panrak
Crowds of children and parents visited the Clownfish Farm at
Samaesarn on January 12, where Children’s Day was being celebrated with
special tours and games for the youngsters.
 The
fun included blowing up balloons.
The open day was arranged by Verawat Yomjinda, president of Maxima Studio Co
Ltd and Naruedom Pisitkasem, owner of the Clownfish Farm. Gif T-Skirt and
Ter Choenyim were the emcees who organized the games sessions and handed out
prizes to the winners.
In addition to providing fun for free, the intention was to help instill in
the youngsters the importance of protecting marine life. Naruedom said that
Thai children tend to overlook the natural charm of the world under the sea,
and pointed out that the clownfish has nearly become extinct.
The games included an egg-and-spoon race, blowing up balloons, painting a
picture of a clownfish, musical chairs, stepping on balloons, and impromptu
stage performances.
Many schools cooperated by bringing students, youngsters and parents, and
approximately 2,500 people attended.
Children learn about the
clownfish.
Impromptu stage performances,
emceed by Gif T-Skirt and Ter Choenyim,
were also a lot of fun for everyone.
Approximately 2,500 people
attended the event.
Backstage at Tiffany’s Show
A night out with the boys
In the ‘unisex’ changing area,
they all just quietly and efficiently go about their business; no petty
jealousies, no arguments, no drama.
Stage sets are quite
elaborate, too.
Dr. Iain Corness
Last week I had one of life’s great experiences. I spent a night
backstage at the Tiffany’s Show for Pattaya Mail TV, and by the time I left
I had a better understanding of local show biz, plus an unabashed admiration
for the performers and the behind the scenes workers.
Holding my hand (metaphorically, I might add) was the technical/creative
director Ken Smith, an Australian show biz professional, who gave me an
insight into the running, planning and perfecting that goes into a
production like the Tiffany’s Show.
 Dr.
Iain Corness interviews Ken Smith backstage.
Having a little experience of the theatrical business I was all prepared for
the fact that the Tiffany’s ‘girls’ would have nightly spats, the boys
likewise and even some across the great divide. When Ken said that this just
does not happen, I registered my disbelief, but he was correct. Here we were
with a TV crew backstage and in the ‘unisex’ changing area and they all just
quietly and efficiently went about their business. No petty jealousies, no
arguments, no drama.
With Pattaya Mail TV being a family show, I instructed the cameraman that
whilst the performers were quite happy for him to be there, I did not wish
for footage of the easily spotted ‘silicone valleys’ which were everywhere.
With 85 of the performers being lady-boys, there was a fair percentage of
silicone bouncing around!
 Dr.
Iain interviews one of the stars between numbers.
The next amazing fact I found from the foray backstage was the lack of a
timetable. There was no board stating that the Chinese number would commence
at 7.45, and the following French number to be ready to go on at 7.56. “It
just happens without any fuss,” said Ken. And he was right again. There was
no cajoling to be ready, just a well-organized group slipping in and out of
costume and waiting in order in the wings, ready to go on and perform.
By the way, being a performer is not all champagne and roses either. The
elaborate costume pieces which have two sets of additional arms, worn on
their backs in the Indian number weigh a considerable amount. “You’d have to
be a man to carry one,” said Ken whimsically.
 The
costumes are quite elaborate.
The backstage crew which gets the sets ready is another well drilled group,
dismantling one set and readying the second set very efficiently, while
others parked the ‘elephant’ used in the Thai number, for example.
If you have visited Tiffany’s Show recently, you would have seen the act
where one of the ‘girls’ floats through the air, suspended on wires, and is
lowered to the stage from about eight meters in the air. Before she went on
I saw her quietly praying, and wondered why. I was invited to follow her up
to the launching stage eight meters up and I could immediately see why. It
was a long way down, and undoubtedly she was asking for Providence not to
let the wire break. In fact it was so scary that my chief cameraman refused
to climb up, but fortunately the junior was not afraid of heights, and
filmed the take-off!
After observing the Tiffany’s Show katoeys at close range backstage I was
taken with the professionalism that they showed. They are a different group
of people in our society, but ones that can display an amazing talent, given
the correct vehicle to put those talents on show.
On TV I facetiously said that there were two toilets backstage. One clearly
marked “Boys” and the other clearly marked “Boys”! I made that up. The only
sign that would be necessary would be “Toilet”! They are a completely
integrated group.
If you haven’t been to Tiffany’s Show recently, it is well worth the
admission price, and a ‘must’ for tourists. My thanks to Tiffany’s GM Alisa
Phantusak and Ken Smith for making it possible for me to have a rather
memorable night out with the boys!
The elaborate costume pieces
that have two sets of additional arms,
worn on their backs in the Indian number, weigh a considerable amount.
Hand-making the costumes.
The backstage crew that gets
the sets ready is another well drilled group.
Sattahip children gather to pay respects
to memory of HRH Princess Galyani
Pairoj Malakul na Ayutthaya, director of
Sattahip SAO, leads the ceremony
at the Singsamut School Sports Field.
Patcharapol Panrak
Sattahip Sub-district Administrative Organization and Sattahip
Municipality organized a ceremony on January 12, Children’s Day, for
youngsters to pay their respects to the memory of Her Royal Highness Galyani
Vadhana.
Pairoj Malakul na Ayutthaya, director of Sattahip SAO led the ceremony,
which began at 6 p.m. and took place at the Singsamut School Sports Field.
The children gathered in front of an image of Her Royal Highness, where they
observed a one-minute silence.
Pairoj also read Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont’s letter for National
Children’s Day, which exhorted children throughout the nation to be united,
have self-discipline, seek knowledge, and uphold moral principles.
The prime minister also encouraged adults to give more love and attention to
children, so that the youngsters would grow up with confidence and a sense
of security, knowing their own worth and eager to pass on the same spirit to
their own children.
Thai society has Their Majesties the King and Queen, and the Royal Family is
at the center of everything for all Thai people, said the prime minister.
The Royal Family sets an example for all Thais and works to develop the
country in many ways, bringing happiness and security to the people.
January 12 also saw Narong Bunbancherdsri, head of Sattahip Municipality
leading a Children’s Day event at Sahachai Market, where children gathered
after returning from the various locations at which events were staged
during the day.
Youngsters in Sattahip pay their respects to the
memory
of Her Royal Highness Galyani Vadhana.
HTMS Chakri Naruebet opens
to youngsters on Children’s Day
This year there were more
visitors than before.
Patcharapol Panrak
HTMS Chakri Naruebet held an open day for children on January 12,
with groups of youngsters being shown around the aircraft carrier at
Juksamed Port in Sattahip by Royal Navy officers.
 The
Royal Thai Navy vessels HTMS Similan (shown here) and HTMS
Puthayodfachulalok are also available for guided tours.
Rear Admiral Soracha Sornpratum, commander-in-chief of the Helicopter
Carrier Squadron of the Royal Thai Fleet arranged for an F16 aircraft to be
landed on the ship’s flight deck, much to the delight of visitors young and
old alike.
Tours of the Chakri Naruebet are held regularly on Children’s Day, but this
year there were more visitors than before, most likely due to the coverage
obtained when the carrier spent a month recently undergoing a major
maintenance program at the Mahidol Adulyadej Naval Dockyard.
Admiral Pravit Srisukwattana, commander-in-chief of the Naval Operations
Department said that the number of people interested in visiting the HTMS
Chakri Naruebet has increased. If it were a tourist destination then it
would certainly be an international tourist attraction, he said.
The Royal Thai Navy vessels HTMS Similan and HTMS Puthayodfachulalok are
also available for guided tours.
Tours of the Chakri Naruebet
are held regularly on Children’s Day.
Admiral Pravit Srisukwattana,
commander-in-chief of the Naval Operations Department, said that the number
of people interested in visiting t
he HTMS Chakri Naruebet has increased.
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