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Khun Anand-UNICEF Cup in assured hands with AIA
Mike Franklin
In the 7th year of the Khun Anand Charity Golf Invitational for
UNICEF at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort, American International
Assurance (4) produced a winning net score of 64, just narrowly beating
the Eastern Star Real Estate team, also with net 64, on a Hole index 1
count-back. The AIA (4) team featured Polchet Thanaruengkit, Prayong
Tungtaisong, Krit Charncheal and Thammarat Taweesak. They received the
Champion Team Trophy, trophies for the team members, and the Khun
Anand-UNICEF Cup. Presenting the trophies was the UNICEF officer &
representative for Thailand, Tomoo Hozumi.
 His
Excellency Khun Anand Panyarachun delivers a speech at his traditional
eve of tournament party.
The runners-up, Eastern Star Real Estate, featured Glen Nobby, Gobpong
Bunnag, Kaweeporn Sukpasea and Khun Rujipas. There was a tie for 2nd
runner-up between American International Assurance (1) and Kasikorn Bank
(1), amazingly identical to the tie for 2nd and 3rd place in 2007! Both
teams returned a net 65 and the count-back went to Hole index 3 where
Kasikorn Bank scored birdie to AIA(1)’s par. The 2nd runner-up team
therefore was Kasikorn (1) featuring Sakchai Sombatsrisomboon, Vichai
Ditsri, Peerapol Karjornkiatsakul and Tiwakorn Suppalert. Both runner-up
teams received their trophies from Tomoo Hozumi.
The 7th occasion of Khun Anand’s Charity Golf Invitational was on
Saturday, February 9 on a fine, partly overcast, hot and windy day with
the course presented to its usual very high standard. Rain threatened at
the start, but the weather knows its place at these major charity events
and stayed away. However, rain a few days earlier had assisted course
superintendent Kaweeporn to present the course at its best for the
occasion with greens running at speed 9.
The nine technical trophies featured were claimed as follows:
Near pins by Nattaporn Supuckwimol (EGAT), Kirkchai Chaiyatham (SCB 2),
Khun Rujipas (ESR) and Thamarat Kaweesak (AIA4). Straight drives were
won by Thaissorn Watanapahu (DOW) and Peerapol Karjornkiatsakul (KB1).
Long putts were sunk by Sakchai Sombatsrisomboon (KB1) and Prasobsuk
Boondeck (SCB1), and finally the long drive was won by Pralachet.
Following the buffet, the prize-giving ceremony at took place at 4pm in
the Masters Conference hall at Eastern Star. On behalf of His Excellency
Khun Anand, the Board of Directors, the Organizing Committee and Tomoo
Hozumi, UNICEF officer and representative for Thailand, sponsors and
guests were welcomed to the 7th Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf
Invitational for UNICEF with this year the proceeds going to support
UNICEF’s Child Protection Program. “Helping UNICEF to address some of
the most urgent needs facing the most vulnerable children in Thailand.”
The generous support of the sponsors continued on this 7th occasion of
the tournament with grateful thanks to the Team Sponsors and donors and
this year, once again, to the Platinum Media sponsors:
Pattaya Mail Media and Publishing for press coverage in Pattaya Mail,
& Pattaya Blatt and design & print of the material and tournament
brochure, coordinated by Tony Malhotra.
Pattaya Mail Television (PMTV), on five cable networks with coverage in
Chonburi, Bang Saen, Pattaya Jomtien & Sattahip, advertising the
tournament poster.
Media support also came from the Point of View Media Group providing
poster coverage on display sites at prime building locations in Bangkok.
Thanks for that are due to CEO John Stevens, and POV Creative Services
Director, Sean Franklin, who organized the schedule and poster
placements.
A PMTV feature will include interviews with H.E. Anand Panyarachun and
Tomoo Hozumi at Khun Anand’s pre-tournament party, hosted at his Eastern
Star residence by the 14th green on the evening of Friday February 8.
That will be aired in the week of this Pattaya Mail issue. Khun Anand’s
poolside parties are always memorable for his warm hospitality, live
music and karaoke, and a sumptuous Thai & Western buffet with free
flowing wine. There will be footage, too, covering the tournament and
finally the prize-giving ceremony.
The Pattaya Mail issue of Friday February 8 ran a full page color
feature gratefully acknowledging all the sponsors. Namely:
Support Donations: Nichiworld
Bronze Sponsors: Bank of Thailand, Electricity Generating
Authority Thailand (EGAT), Bangkok Broadcasting & TV (Ch.7), Rim Talay
Co., GE Money Retail Bank, Dow Chemical, Thai Military Bank, Mitr Phol
Sugar, Siam Commercial Bank, and Glow Energy.
Silver Sponsors: Tisco Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Saha Union, Regional
Container Lines, and Eastern Star Real Estate.
Gold Sponsors: Siam Cement Group, Bank of Ayudhya, Siam City
Bank.
Platinum Sponsors: American International Assurance.
Media: Pattaya Mail Media & Publishing and POV Media Group.
Event Sponsor: Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.
Services: Ambulance - Bangkok Hospital Rayong; Accommodation at
Eastern Star- Sea-star Properties
Photographic services were provided by Star-Photo using their
wireless technology to produce instant photos for guests taken with Khun
Anand at his party, and for the teams as they completed their round.
Golf continues to be an ideal sport for charity tournament fund raising.
Eastern Star Country Club & Resort is a popular and ideal venue for
staging such tournaments thanks to the quality of the course, the
friendly efficient staff and the full co-operation from the management.
It will certainly be the venue for the 2nd Pattaya Mail ‘Mike Franklin’
Classic Charity Tournament Saturday, July 12 and, later in the year, the
10th Diana Gold Charity Tournament on Friday, November 14. However, more
imminent is the PSC Charity Classic at Eastern Star on Friday March 31.
In respect of the UNICEF tournament in its 7th year, thanks were
extended to the Board of Directors and the Organizing Committee. To
Kaweeporn, course superintendent, for the excellent presentation of
Eastern Star’s challenging 18 holes. To General Manager Pinij, Golf
Operations Manager Chinapat, Clubhouse Manager Tang, Administration Hack
and Sirila in the pro-shop and to all the staff involved on the day.
Sincere thanks as well to the UNICEF Private Fund Raising Sector team:
Kajorn, Suwakon and Sudhipanee for their efficient cooperation.
The presentation of technical and team prizes followed the lucky draw,
and finally Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Tomoo Hozumi
to the Platinum Sponsors: American International Assurance, Pattaya
Mail Media & Publishing, the POV Media Group and Eastern Star Real
Estate.
Yours truly, tournament consultant since the inaugural event in 2000,
was honored, too, with a personal Certificate of Appreciation that was
gratefully received.
That just left the highlight and main purpose of the tournament in
making a significant donation to UNICEF’s Child Protection Program.
Eastern Star General Manager Pinij Renangkul duly presented a cheque for
1,700,000 baht to Mr. Hozumi to add to more than 8.5 million baht raised
since year 2000.
Tomoo Hozumi concluded proceedings by giving a short address about
UNICEF’s work in Thailand to address some of the most urgent needs
facing the most vulnerable children and children at risk in Thailand
through the Child Protection Program.
He concluded with warm words of appreciation to all concerned.
All said it was another enjoyable and successful Charity Golf
Invitational in the name of H.E. Anand Panyarachun for the benefit of
UNICEF and the children of Thailand.
Rest assured it will be back in 2008.
The AIA (4) team: Polchet
Thanaruengkit, Prayong Tungtaisong, Krit Charncheal
and Thammarat Taweesak receive the winners trophy from the UNICEF
officer and representative for Thailand, Tomoo Hozumi (far left).
Eastern Star General
Manager Pinij Renangkul (left)
presents a cheque for 1,700,000 baht to Mr. Hozumi.
Tony Malhotra (right)
representing platinum sponsors Pattaya Mail Media & Publishing receives
a Certificate of Appreciation from UNICEF.
Tournament stalwart Mike
Franklin (right) with UNICEF’s
Tomoo Hozumi and Kajorn Veerapong.
Organisers and players
gather on the tee for the shotgun start.
Smiles all round - there’s
nothing like a good day out on the fairways.
Concentration is always a
key element in this game.
Even the caddie’s having
some fun.
Golfers of all
nationalities and abilities came from far and wide to play in this
year’s event.
Some colourful attire
adorns the first tee.
Pattaya Mail’s A-Team have
a plan to blitz the course.
His Excellency Khun
Anand’s parties are always well attended and provide
a popular entrée to the following day’s golf.
Aussie Chamber goes for Mooooore
Dr Iain Corness
Last Friday saw the Australian Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham)
hold their always well-attended Seaboard Sundowners in the new More Pub and
Grill (where Delaney’s and Shenanigans used to be, if you haven’t caught up
with the movings in Pattaya).
 (L
to R) Martin Kyle, executive director of AustCham Thailand; Sanjay Lamba,
executive general manager purchasing of Auto Alliance; and George T.
Strampp, managing partner of Automotive Manufacturing Solutions.
The venue deserves a mention for many reasons. There is a large enough area
for people to congregate and mingle, but there are also some more private
areas for more serious business other than just exchanging business cards.
With the central bar, the service staff is never too far from the supplies
for thirsty patrons (and Aussies do tend to get thirsty at times) and the
‘kitchen under glass’ produced some very inviting food. The Marriott’s
Australian Chef Louis Zamora knows how to handle beef. Keeping a ‘fatherly’
eye on proceedings was the Marriott’s Cluster GM Somsak Tanruengsri, whilst
the Moooore staff rose to the occasion more than once, with much Aussie red
and white wine being quaffed.
Other than the Marriott, the other sponsor for the evening’s networking was
Tinfish, a local industry on the Eastern Seaboard, which incidentally does
not tin fish! Managing Director John Fraser said all he wanted the throng to
remember was “Tinfish for sheet metal”. Speaking on Pattaya Mail TV, John
said that they could produce anything in sheet metal in their Eastern
Seaboard plant, “as long as it could fit through the doors of the factory.”
He also described himself as a seagull, flying in to the GM Paul Whyte’s
local Tinfish factory, eating his food, pooping on his head and flying out
again.
 (L
to R) Ken Bright, manufacturing engineering manager of PBR Automotive
(Thailand) Ltd.; George T. Strampp, managing partner of Automotive
Manufacturing Solutions; Jim Falla, director, Asean operations general
manager, TSST Rayong of TRW Automotive; and Chatchai Wiriyatammakul, senior
manager, operations of TRW Automotive.
The president of the AustCham, Garry Woollacott, expressed much more
confidence that the business climate was going to go ahead, following the
democratically elected government and felt that previously unpopular
legislation which had been lying on the table would not get acted upon.
Foreign investment is one of the key pointers for the new Thai government.
 (L
to R) Urs W. Zimmermann, group managing director Europe Asia International
Insurance Broker and Pornchai Dejthammarong, sales manager – corporate of
Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
One man with loads of confidence in the ‘new’ Pattaya was magazine tycoon
Colin Hastings, launching a new Eastern Seaboard glossy magazine called
“Pattaya Coast”. An up-market publication which he said reflected the upward
movement of Pattaya itself.
With most of the forward-thinking business enterprises in Pattaya attending
these networking evenings, it was good to see Clough Thailand’s Graeme Moore
(no the Mooooore Pub was not named after him, even though he has graced the
odd watering hole or three in his time) chatting with Paul Wilkinson, GM of
AGS Four Winds International, Joe Grunwell (father of young racer James
Grunwell - corporations looking to foster young talent should contact Joe on
01 617 4027!) and Peter Smith and Malcolm Scorer from AA Insurance Brokers.
 (L
to R) Graeme Moore, procurement and materials manager of Clough; Kevin
Fisher, director S.E. Asia of Cranes and Equipment Asia Co., Ltd.; and
Maurice D. Bromley, managing director of GoIndustry (Thailand) Ltd.
Others in the insurance business included Bryant Berry (Northern Thai
Insurances), with running mate John Seymour from the sister business
Northern Thai Realty (incidentally the oldest RE group in Pattaya) enjoying
the odd ale.
The executive director of AustCham, the vertically enhanced Martin Kyle was
on hand and presented a bottle of the Australian wine to George Strampp as
an appreciation for what he has done with the Automotive Focus Group.
George, even though he is an American has been slowly educated to the
delights of the grapes from Down-Under. Winner of the lucky draw (another
bottle of Aussie wine) was the delightful Ann Wangvirayapan from the Bangkok
Hospital Pattaya, who had been called away earlier, but Dr Iain said he
would make sure she got the bottle. He did not say full or empty!
The next Seaboard Sundowners event will be publicized in the Pattaya Mail.
(L to R) Peter Smith, director
of AA Insurance Broker Co., Ltd.; Freddy Van de Veire, real estate agent
condo-house rent / sale of Best Thai Properties; and Antony Chapman,
managing director of Blue Wave.
(L to R) Nisit Krutkaew,
Associate of Opus Executive Search; Mike Green,
regional consultant of Opus Executive Search; and Craig Donnelly,
managing director of Emcon Technologies Co., Ltd.
(L to R) Michael Diamente,
plant manager of Dana Spicer (Thailand) Ltd.;
Jesper Pedersen, director of Security Services Asia Ltd.; and Sanjay Lamba,
executive general manager purchasing of Auto Alliance.
TATC stages annual fair and
celebrates Austrian-Thai cooperation
At the opening of the
exhibition (L to R): chairman Phansak Rochanakart, director Watchara
Anusarsanakun and Arnold Obermayr, counselor of the Austrian Embassy.
Elfi Seitz
The Thai-Austrian Technical College (TATC) in Sattahip held its
annual exhibition on January 30.
Guest of honor was Arnold Obermayr, counselor at the Austrian Embassy. Also
present was Ing Mag Manfred Köppl, whose company, Fronius International, is
located in Wels, Upper Austria. Köppel, who taught at the TATC from 1973
until 1975, brought a special gift with him: a 3 kW PV-Solar electric power
plant.
Following the traditional cutting of the ribbon by TATC chairman Phansak
Rochanakart and Obermayr, TATC technical director Watchara Anusarsanakun
summarized how the facility was established. When Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
visited Austria in 1971, the Austrian government asked how they could
contribute to the development of Thailand. Her Majesty then suggested the
foundation of a technical college.
Director Watchara is confident that TATC will continue to play an important
role for this region as well as for the nation.
The establishment of TATC has been one of the most successful projects
Thailand and Austria have jointly realized, Obermayr said. The people in
Austria are proud that Thai students have the chance to be educated at an
Austrian college. “It is an indication of the general solidarity of both
nations. I hope that all students keep working and studying diligently, so
this project may continue to be successful,” Obermayr said.
Phansak said he feels honored to chair the college. “TATC has made huge
progress over the years. The exhibitions in particular are a display of the
effective cooperation with the government.” Phansak thanked all guests for
their attendance and officially opened the exhibition.
After the TATC director handed out gifts to all guests of honor, the
attendees toured the exhibition and the college campus. A joint luncheon,
prepared and served by college students, marked a nice end to the visit to
TATC.
Looking at photos of when TATC
was established.
Thai students are getting the
chance to be educated at an Austrian college.
(L to R) Ing. Mag. Manfred
Köppl (Fronius International) symbolically hands over
the PV Plant to TATC director Watchara Anusarsanakun.
The student’s attentiveness at
work is essential.
Souvenir shot after the
opening.
Chaine des Rotisseurs and entwined vines
Forty-five members and guests of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, the world’s
oldest gourmet group (commenced in 1248 AD) settled into the Sheraton Resort
in Pattaya for another evening of culinary exploration last week.
 (L
to R) Dr. Iain Corness; Dietmar Koegerl, general manager of Sheraton Hotels
& Resorts; and Ranjith Chandrasiri, deputy general manager of Royal Cliff
Beach Resort.
Venue hosts were Dietmar Koegerl from Germany, the new GM, and Joel Vivien
from France, the new Director of Kitchen, so one had to feel a little sorry
for them, being thrown in to the deep end for such an important dinner. Joel
admitting before the evening was truly underway that the menu had been drawn
up by his predecessor.
The last Chaine dinner held at the Sheraton was memorable for the décor and
demeanor of the highly trained, even choreographed, staff. This dinner was
no exception, with trellises over each table carrying extensive vines. Of
course everyone thought these were plastic vines, and everyone was wrong!
These were real vines, all that was missing were the grapes. However, the
fermented juice of the grape was supplied later, with several styles being
sampled by the 45 hardy souls.
The staff was fluid perfect in their synchronized motions, the men in black
suits, shirts and ties, with the women in burgundy dresses, complete with
long trains and elbow length black gloves. It was almost like sitting in the
middle of a fashion parade cat-walk.
The first wine with the dinner was a Veuve Clicquot Brut, the famous French
champagne, with chef Joel Vivien reminding everyone that a champagne can
only come from the champagne region of his La Belle France. Everything else
is an imposter, an upstart from the new world and merely ‘methode
champenois’.
Whilst I do agree with chef Joel that Veuve Clicquot Brut is a great drop,
by leading the dinner with a wine of that standard, it made the following
wines rather paltry by comparison. ‘Leave the best for last’ is something
other Chaine dinners might like to ponder upon.
The evening had the theme, “Welcome to Asia Tomorrow” which was a little
esoteric for some, and impossible to understand after a couple of quick
Veuve Clicquots! The theme was supposedly promising ingredients from all
over the world with a slant on Asian cuisine, but I think this was in the
mind of the previous Sheraton chef, as it certainly was not in the eye of
the beholder. Tartar of Akami tuna, capers, Feta and Sevruga caviar
certainly did come from all over the world, but the Asian slant? Never mind,
it probably sat next to a bottle of fish sauce at some stage in the
production, and I did enjoy it immensely.
For me, the dish of the evening was the snow fish with shaved truffle, lime
and soy. This was teamed with a Pouilly Fuisse, George Duboeuf, Burgundy
2004. A great item with a great wine.
The Bailli, Ranjith Chandrasiri ([email protected]) ended the evening
giving certificates of appreciation to all the Sheraton staff, and did
mention in his final address that the Chaine des Rotisseurs was also looking
at some different events during 2008, including wine tastings and cheese
appreciation. You can put my name down immediately, thank you Ranjith!
(L to R) Peter Cummins; Pascal Schnyder of Casa
Pascal Restaurant; and Joel Vivien, kitchen director for Sheraton Hotels &
Resorts.
(L to R) Fredi Schaub, chef & owner of Bruno’s
Restaurant & Wine Bar,
and Remy Hofmann.
(L to R) Dietmar Koegerl, general manager of
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts;
Dine and Willem de Vries, president & CEO of Vigilant Technology Co.,
Ltd.;
and Peter Cummins.
(L to R) Bruce Hoppe, Vice President of Emerson
Electric Asia; Hugh Millar of Symphony Brasserie; Jim Phillips; Pratheep S.
Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail; and Richard Smith.
(L to R) Dieter Precourt; Bailli Ranjith
Chandrasiri, deputy general manager of Royal Cliff Beach Resort; Piyawan
Phillips, Patterson, Martin H.A.P. Van Bree, Dutch artist with the Rotary
Club of Taksin Pattaya; and Jim Phillips.
Regent’s World Cup Football draw creates mouth watering anticipation for International Day
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Chang announces the
draw
and welcomes the special guests. |
Mr. Tasker draws a
team
in the Round of 16. |
Paul Crouch
On Saturday March 8 is The Regent’s School International Day, a day
for the family and the community to celebrate cultural diversity. At The
Regent’s there are 43 different nationalities represented and all 43 of them
will be celebrated on International Day.
Chang and his assistant Fiona conclude the draw.
Everyone is welcome to attend this
fun day and visit the 43 different countries with passports and to collect
stamps and experience the many different cultural delights. Visa control
(the gates) will open at 12 noon and the afternoon will conclude with a
parade of nations around the oval. As well as passport stamping, currency
exchange, fun games and stalls, a BBQ and drinks tent, an international cafe
and a world stage of national performances, there will be a World Cup
5-aside competition.
The draw for this competition took place in assembly last Friday in the
Globe Theatre and included 16 nations in the draw. The format will follow a
knock-out competition and there will be medals for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
placed nations. Teams are organised by students but can include family and
even friends from the community. The football tournament is being run by
Chang and Boon in Year 12 (IB students) and keen footballers themselves. All
matches will be refereed by the senior boys and will last 10 minutes each.
The World Cup football kicks-off at 10am on the day and will finish with the
finals just before 1pm.
All funds raised from The International Day will fully support Regent’s
Major Round Square Service Projects. These include: HIV/AIDS awareness in
and around Pattaya, Baan Ompai Hill Tribe Project, Baan Laem Tong Koh Phi
Phi Tsunami Project, and also Baan Subcharoen School in Korat.
A brief schedule of the day is as follows… all are welcome:
10.00am – 1.00pm World Cup football
11.00am – 12.00pm Country rooms preparation
12.00pm – 2.00pm Passport stamping, games, stalls and international cafe
2.00pm – 3.30pm Performances on the World Stage
3.30pm – 4.00pm The Parade of Nations
For more information please contact Paul Crouch at
[email protected]
The World Cup Football Draw:
1. Australia Vs. England
2. America and Canada Vs. Belgium, France and Holland
3. Armenia Vs. Ireland, Scotland and Wales
4. Thailand A Vs. South Korea
5. Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland Vs. New Zealand and
Philippines
6. Bhutan Vs. Bulgaria, Estonia and Slovakia
7. Thailand B Vs. India
8. Japan and Taiwan Vs. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore |
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