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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Montien will stage tennis tournament for fitness club members

Elvis is alive

Dusit Thani Pattaya brings to a close another exciting Pattaya Women’s Open

PCEC meets potential first woman mayor of Pattaya

BCCT and ITCC overrun Shenanigans

The Royal British Legion spreads its wings in Thailand

Mom Tri’s Boathouse Second Short Fiction Contest 2008

Montien will stage tennis tournament for fitness club members

Members of the Montien Hotel fitness club were treated to a party,
complete with a lucky draw.

Vimolrat Singnikorn
The Montien Hotel held a party for members of its fitness club on February 3, the highlight of which was a lucky draw with a total of 18 prizes such as free memberships and restaurant vouchers being handed out.
Fitness center manager Charat Chamnanmech announced during the event that the Montien would hold the Women’s Tennis Championship at the end of March, with competitors being drawn from members of the fitness club. The event will be held before the Montien Tennis Men’s Open Singles, an annual event that will see its seventh outing this year.
Charat said that the Montien fitness club currently has 120 members, of which 70 percent are foreigners. Most of them sign up on a one-year membership basis. He said that the club is run along very friendly lines, and that most of the members know each other. In this respect, he added, it really is a club, and events such as the tennis tournament attract a large and enthusiastic gathering.


Elvis is alive

Kavita Lamba
Elvis is alive! This was especially true on Saturday January 19 at the Vientiane Restaurant at the Elvis Extravaganza 2008 organised by the Rotary Club of Pattaya in aid of the Mercy Center. The event raised a huge 289,000 baht which will be donated towards the capital appeal to enable Mercy Center to purchase its current premises.

Diane Doell (left) and friend have a look at the original watch from Memphis that was auctioned off for charity.

The cheque was formally handed over to Pastor Fred Doell on Thursday January 31. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Yongyut of R.O. Genesis Water Filtration Plant and Paul of Taffy’s Bar.
Vientiane did a fantastic job of feeding four hundred and fifty attendees. The audience was entertained by not only one, but four Elvis impersonators, the San Miguel Rock Band and a group of Mercy Center’s own children. Chairman of the organizing committee, Alexander Valentine, along with his partner, danced to Rock Around The Clock. A motorbike was auctioned, along with an original watch from Memphis.
It was a truly memorable evening and the first of many, the Rotary hope to repeat this year with a different theme and for a different charity.


Dusit Thani Pattaya brings to a close another exciting Pattaya Women’s Open

Chatchawal Supachayanont (left), Dusit Thani Pattaya general manager, Ittipol Khunplome (3rd left), chief advisor to Pattaya’s mayor and Geoffrey Rowe (right), tennis tournament director, are seen with three of the tennis participants in the Pattaya Women’s Open, during the thank you party held at the hotel’s Lagoon Terrace.

Dusit Thani Pattaya recently wrapped up its hosting of the 17th Pattaya Women’s Open, in which Polish tennis star Agnieszka Radwanska emerged as the winner after defeating America’s Jill Craybas 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (4). It was the second WTA title for the tennis sensation from Poland.
Before the final match on Sunday, February 10, the hotel had been extending its full support to the tennis participants not only in the courts but also in the recreational time of their stay at the hotel. Part of the activities organized for the tennis players was a boat trip to the nearby Coral Island to show them the sights and other attractions in Pattaya.
A “Thank You” party was held Saturday night, February 9 at the Lagoon Terrace where the tennis participants and their families, along with the event organizers enjoyed a night of music, food and drinks prepared by the management and staff of Dusit Thani Pattaya led by the general manager, Chatchawal Supachayanont.


PCEC meets potential first woman mayor of Pattaya

The Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) meeting on Sunday February 10 at Henry J. Bean’s consisted of another typically full and varied morning. It becomes increasingly necessary to arrive early to get a seat!
MC John Lynham was welcomed back and started the proceedings by describing his travel experiences during his period of absence. Roger Fox then introduced the main speaker of the morning. The PCEC was privileged to welcome Alisa Phantusak who was the third of the mayoral candidates for Pattaya who chose to speak at the PCEC’s Sunday meeting.

Alisa shares her plans for Pattaya with PCEC members.
Alisa is the first woman to run for Mayor of Pattaya, which is not unexpected from a person who has the impressive credentials which she possesses. For example, she was selected as Woman of the Year in 2000 by Woman Magazine and in 2008 by the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawalee. Currently, she is the assistant managing director of the Woodlands Hotel & Resort, assistant to the managing director of Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, vice president of the Eastern Chapter of the Thailand Hotel Association, and chairman of public relations for the Thai Hotel Association. In 2007, she was a member of the Parliament of Thailand’s Constitution Drafting Committee.
Alisa spoke about her candidacy and her vision for the future of Pattaya. She recognised that while the mostly foreign members of the PCEC were not qualified to vote she valued their contributions and suggestions. She remarked that Pattaya was rapidly becoming the second city in Thailand with a permanent population approaching one million. Alisa had recognised five major issues which needed to be addressed; these were traffic and public transport improvements, environmental concerns, security and safety, illegal drugs, and the proper education and parental control of young people. Alisa commented that a large portion of her talk would be devoted to questions from the floor and many were forthcoming.
PCEC Chairman Richard Smith made a number of announcements. Firstly he reported on the highly successful club visit to the General Motors car plant where Chevrolet vehicles are assembled. 83 people took part in the visit and Richard thanked Bob Bisighini for organising the trip. Finally Richard stated that 374 plus photos of the visit were now available on the PCEC website (see later). Also the Photography Club was scheduled to take place on February 11 at the Markland Hotel when the settings of compact digital cameras were examined in order to give the best results.
Roger Fox returned to give the latest news on the planned PCEC trip to Cambodia. In conjunction with Narin Interface Tour and Travel, the trip will leave on March 3 returning on March 8, taking in major sites such as Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields.
Personnel from the Minus Five Ice Bar and Restaurant introduced the facilities available at this location and also introduced a special Valentines Day offer.
Richard Silverberg continued with his ‘Website of the Week’. This week is was www. newseum.org/todaysfrontpages. This website comprises 605 front pages of newspapers from around the world, updated daily. There are also international maps which show the locations where web newspapers are available. Web links are available so that the remainder of the newspaper can be read. Also available are archive pages where the news on significant dates can be viewed.
Hans Stroosnyder confirmed that the next visit to the driving licence centre was to take place on Wednesday, February 13th for those wanting a driving licence.
The regular Open Forum was then underway led by the duo of Bob L’Etoile and Sig Sigworth. As always, new attendees were asked to introduce themselves and the PCEC welcomed Ruby Hayes, described as a veteran jazz and blues singer whose is currently performing at ICEC in the Ocean Tower at the Amari Orchid Resort and Tower.
As always the Open Forum proved to be the usual lively and entertaining session. For more information regarding, not only PCEC Sunday meetings but also the varied mid week activities, please see the Community Happenings section of Pattaya Mail or, for more details, visit the Club’s website at pattayacityexpatsclub.com where the photos of the recent visit to the Chevrolet plant can also be viewed.


BCCT and ITCC overrun Shenanigans

Dr Iain Corness
The second networking evening in 2008 for the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) was a combined shindig with the Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC), and was held at the new Shenanigans. The word must have got out that there were free libations as over 120 thirsty members and guests from both chambers were in attendance. As always, no free offer is ever undersubscribed!
The chairman of the BCCT, Rodney Bain, was present, along with several of the BCCT committee, including Mark Butters and Trevor Allen (who managed to hold my attention on aluminium hotplates of all things). The executive director, Greg Watkins was also on hand, and had the unenviable task of telling the noisy throng that the beers and wines were finished, somewhat earlier than most people expected.
The Irish chamber had its founder, Liam O’Keeffee, (Property Care Services) there and in fine form as always. He is a man who was born in Ireland (and proud of it), but who became naturalized as a Thai citizen many years ago. Despite becoming a naturalized Thai, Liam is still very much an Irishman, with a brogue to prove it on Pattaya Mail TV!
Peter Mewes (The London Consultancy) arrived early with his lap-top computer under his arm and breathlessly asked the Shenanigans service girl if they had “wireless”. He was responded to with an affirmative and a bright smile and was given the “wine list”. Ah well, at least everyone now knows that Shenanigans has some reds and whites, even if the “wireless” situation is still up in the air.
The auto industry was well represented with many members of the Automotive Focus Group (AFG) present, led by the new chairman Mike Diamente and the once sartorially splendid George Strampp who admitted he had dressed down for the occasion, and the skillfully shaven Sanjay Lamba from the Auto Alliance at the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate. Maurice Bromley, the AFG honorary secretary from GoIndustry was also present with the delightful Renita.
The metal fabricators were represented by Paul Whyte (Tinfish) and Stephen Ashford (Metalweb), whilst the health industry was very well represented by Ann Wangvirayaphan, Nancy, and Anan, all from the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, plus Gavin Waddell, the training instructor from Phyathai hospital in Sriracha.
Being a predominantly British event, it was good to see Barry Kenyon, the Pattaya honorary consul, a man who is very well known to all holders of British passports on the Eastern Seaboard, and has helped more than one out of some sticky predicaments.
The insurance industry is always well represented at these networking evenings, with regulars Peter Smith and Malcolm Scorer from AA Insurance Brokers discussing business with their clients, and Jerome Kelly from Lawton Asia, one of the sponsors of the evening, who arrived somewhat late (and would have been lucky to get a beer down, after his trip).
‘Real’ Brits present included Paul Wilkinson from AGS Four Winds International Movers, and Jimmy Howard, the world’s oldest front row forward, the happy advisor to Milan Crosse and Simon Matthews the country manager for the Manpower organization.
PILC was also in attendance, with the new Newsletter editor Samantha Wilson sporting a new hairstyle, and Roseanne Diamente, bubbly and vivacious as usual, and other lovely ladies who always brighten up networking events. And, oh yes, there were several ‘homeless’ Americans, including Bruce and Judy Hoppe and Bobby Brooks, but who are always welcome at any event.


The Royal British Legion spreads its wings in Thailand

Says goodbye to colleague

Andy’s Family …

… and friends all attended his funeral.

Both the work and the word of the Royal British Legion have spread to the remoter parts of Thailand. Since the formation of our branch here in Pattaya we are now in the process of forming a sub branch in Korat and following that, Chang Mai. I am sure both of these will be a success, allowing us to get trained welfare officers in place and able to both visit and report on ex-servicemen / women or their dependants who may be in need here in Thailand … and of course meet up for social events as we do here every Sunday.
Our welfare officer and myself recently have been travelling to and from Buriram to visit an ex WWII RAF pilot who unfortunately broke his hip and was admitted to hospital. At 87 years old, Spitfire Andy, as the locals affectionately called him, was not with us long but the Legion ensured his wife had no worries about hospital bills. When he passed away we cleared all his outstanding bills. His wife Tu now becomes a dependant and once again is entitled to our help. However, thanks to Andy’s friends in Buriram this probably won’t be needed.
Both Glenn and I attended the funeral along with his friends and Tu’s family. To our surprise it was a Christian service, but held in the outback. Glenn read the words of remembrance, his farang friends read poems or spoke of Andy and out of the jungle a choir appeared singing with both meaning and heart.
It was a pleasure to have known Andy if only for a short time and an honour to attend his funeral. It made all the travel worth it and gave meaning the Legion’s motto “Service Not Self”.
Being the only branch in Thailand at the moment means we have to cover a country rather than a county as in the UK. We also do most of our travelling by bus as it’s efficient and cheap; however, with the increase of branches our coverage will get better.
Should you wish to join the Legion (you do not have to have been in the armed forces) please contact Bert or call in to Tropical Bert’s 2nd Road any Sunday afternoon. We hope to expand to Chang Mai soon, and a meeting will be announced in the Chang Mai mail shortly.
Bert Elson,
Secretary Royal British Legion
Chonburi Thailand Branch
BR3588
Mob 089 8072335


Mom Tri’s Boathouse Second Short Fiction Contest 2008

Part 1: Open to All
Part 2: Open to Age Group 15 – 18 years
The Boathouse announces the second Mom Tri’s Boathouse Short Fiction Contest and invites aspiring writers to pen up to 1,500 words of original prose.
Last year saw the first annual Boathouse writing competition which was judged by Jake Needham, Asia’s most stylish and atmospheric writer of such bestsellers as ‘The Big Mango’, ‘Laundry Man’ and ‘Killing Plato’ –a Jack Shepherd crime fiction story set in Phuket and starting in the Boathouse’s own Galley Bar.
The competition generated a large and enthusiastic response from which Chris Bonds was judged the winner. Chris went on to expand his short fiction piece into a full-length novel which was accepted by a New York Publishing House and will appear shortly. The Greater Phuket Magazine sponsored the competition and placed no less than three pieces of the best writing in its pages during 2007.
The second competition will be in two parts.
Firstly the adult competition open to all, requiring stories of 1,000 up to 1,500 words, containing the three key words: the Boathouse, Phuket and (the big) Mango. Deadline for Part 1 entries will be February 29 and winners will be announced March 12, 2008. Details and conditions can be found on www. boathousephuket.com
Secondly a competition open to young school age writers 15 to 18 years. To get the students going, the beginning of a short Jack Shepherd story is posted on www. boathouse.net/short_fiction _contest.htm. Students are asked to finish the story using between 800 and 1,200 words.
To help stimulate the creative imaginations of the students, Jake will conduct a workshop at Phuket’s International Schools on March 11 - 12 (details to be announced) and excerpts from Jack Shepherd books are available on www.JakeNeedham.com at the Podbooks section as audio files to listen to. Part 2 of the contest closes April 10, 2008. Three outstanding entries will be chosen and announced by the end of April.
Winners will be able to experience the famous Mom Tri experience first-hand; they will receive a voucher for a complimentary stay, with a dinner for two and a bottle of wine, at Mom Tri’s Boathouse and a spa treatment for two at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale.
Winners will also receive an autographed Jake Needham novel and the winning entries of Part 1 and Part 2 will be published in the Greater Phuket Magazine and posted on Mom Tri’s Boathouse website www. boathousephuket.com
For more information and contest rules, contact: Contact: Lisa Sol - PR Manager - Mom Tri’s Boathouse, Kata Beach Phuket Tel: 66-76-330015 Fax: 66-76-330561, [email protected] www.boathousephuket.com