|
Kenyans make it a 1-2-3 at
14th Pattaya International Marathon
Rain delays start but champion Rotich sets new course record
Martin Bilsborrow
Photos by Tom Brown &
Pattaya Mail reporters
A torrential downpour delayed the start of the 14th Pattaya
International Marathon last Sunday morning and had the thousands of
gathered athletes running for shelter, rather than the from the start
line, as the city streets became awash in the deluge.
 Nelson
Kima Rotich races towards the finish line to set a new course record in
the 2008 Pattaya International Marathon.
When the runners were finally able to get underway, it became a familiar
story at the head of the main marathon field as the strong, experienced
Kenyan athletes began to exert their authority on the race, as they have
done so often in the past.
The damp weather conditions certainly seemed to agree with the eventual
champion, 27-year old Nelson Kima Rotich, who stormed home in a new
course record of 2.16.07 to collect the first prize of 200,000 baht and
a trophy, plus an additional 50,000 baht for setting a new course
record.
Rotich was followed across the finish line by compatriots Loks
Kipicimoichelimo (2.17.01) and Christopher Kipkemboi (2.19.21) who
picked up cash prizes of 75,000 baht and 50,000 baht respectively for
their efforts. In the female marathon it was another victory for Kenya
as Fridah Chepkite Lodepa held on to finish just ahead of Thailand’s
Sunisa Sai-lomyen in a time of 2.53.35. Sunisa, a past multiple winner
of this event put in another great effort this year and crossed the line
in a time of 2.54.00 hours.
 Kenya’s
Nelson Kima Rotich celebrates his victory in this year’s marathon.
Lodepa was rewarded with a cheque for 200,000 baht and a trophy, whilst
the Thai athlete picked up a consolation prize of 75,000 baht. The final
spot on the female podium was taken by another Kenyan, Magaret F. Wangui
Niuguan, who finished in a time of 2.58.41 hours and received a cheque
for 50,000 baht.
The half marathon this year featured a special incentive for the Thai
runners, with the best local athlete in both the men’s and women’s
categories receiving an all expenses paid trip to Australia to take part
in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2008.
The men’s race was won by another international athlete, Richard Bett
Rotich in a time of 1.10.13 but the first Thai across the line was
Sakchai Namket in 1.10.55. The female race was won by a local lady,
Pacharee Chaithongsri in time of 1.31.03 and both Sakchai and Pacharee
will now go on to represent Thailand in Sydney in September.
 Sukhum
Namlun put in a great effort to finish third in the wheelchair marathon.
Aside from all the able bodied athletes, the wheelchair marathon was
also closely contested this year with the first three across the finish
line being Akachai Janthorn, Kajornsak Thamasophon and Sukhum Namlun in
that order.
The Pattaya International Marathon also featured both a quarter marathon
and a 5km fun run in which thousands of local athletes of all shapes and
sizes, and both young and old took part. Altogether runners from 12
different nations were represented in the various races on Sunday
morning and an approximate field of some 15-20,000 participants were at
one time or another trundling along Pattaya’s streets.
On Saturday evening a large party was held for all the runners and local
hotel operators and restaurants provided a banquet for all those taking
part.
Whilst the weather this year obviously didn’t help from a spectator
point of view, the atmosphere at the race was as buoyant as ever and the
increasing standard of athletes being attracted to take part in what is
now Thailand’s richest road race, with some 1.5 million baht up for
grabs, was borne out by a new course record being set.
Let’s all hope for more of the same for next year – albeit hopefully
with a little less rain.
Pattaya City Mayor, Ittiphol Khunplome (2nd
left) looks
on as Pacharee Chaithongsri (3rd left) and Sakchai Namket (4th left)
receive their
all expenses paid tickets to represent Thailand in this year’s Blackmores
Sydney Running Festival in Australia in September.
Fridah Chepkite Lodepa was the first to
cross the line in the women’s marathon.
A Pattaya Marathon tradition, “Jae Ma” and
her pet dogs at the start line.
The rain pelts down as the race gets
underway.
15 years that were…
Pattaya Mail began the 15 years young celebrations with a
well-visited exhibition at the brand new Vista Hotel on Beach Road Soi 4.
The exhibition presented a step back in time, displaying all 15 editions
that were featured in anniversary edition’s beautiful 15 years young
supplement.
 Pattaya
Mail’s Creative Director, Phromthep ‘Dave’ Malhotra (left), the mastermind
of the 15yearsyoung.com campaign at the exhibit with his brother Tony,
director of Pattaya Mail.
From the first issue of Pattaya’s first English language newspaper, right up
through to the latest “big”, community affecting headline, 15 editions of
Pattaya Mail, one from each year of existence, were laminated and on display
for all to get a close up look at.
The exhibition, entitled ‘15 years that were…’ and showcasing front pages
and news stories from 1993-2007, took place over the marathon weekend July
19-20. During the two day exhibition, many people left messages of thanks,
and provided helpful feedback, wishing Pattaya Mail further success.
 One
of the 15 selected front pages: ‘December 10, 1999’ issue dramatically
showing how firefighters fought the massive Thai Oil blaze.
The laminated front pages with their different colors, fonts, and graphics,
and how the news was delivered showed how the Pattaya Mail has gradually
progressed forward from the first issues of the paper until the most recent.
The exhibition was not only a history of the Pattaya Mail, but was also a
brief history of Pattaya. 15 years worth of news, brought to readers through
hard work, determination, and the commitment of many people. Pattaya has
experienced seemingly a lifetime full of events in the past 15 years, and
the Pattaya Mail has been right here to present them to you. So much has
happened, in fact, one wonders what the next 15 years will bring. Be sure
that Pattaya Mail will be here to report on it.
If you missed this first exhibition, don’t worry. There will still be many
more opportunities to visit it close up throughout the year. The next event
will be announced shortly in the Pattaya Mail.
The celebration has begun. Be part of it. Log on to
www.15yearsyoung.com
The Lobby of the Hotel Vista
was the perfect venue for the inaugural exhibition
to mark the 15yearsyoung.com campaign.
Tony Malhotra shows Chief
Warrant Officer Yuthakarn Wonganek the August 9, 2002 issue when Pattaya
Mail produced a full color supplement to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s
70th birthday.
Guests signs in and receive
special glossy supplements produced
by the Pattaya Mail media group graphics team.
Fans of the Pattaya Mail enjoy
San Mig Light,
which was sponsored by the hotel.
The very first issue of the
Pattaya Mail received lots of attention from the visitors.
15yearsyoung banners set up at
the entrance of the Hotel Vista.
New committees installed for five
Rotary Clubs in Chonburi area
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Five Rotary Clubs in Zones 5 and 6 in District 3340 held an
installation ceremony for their new committees for the period 2008-2009 on
June 29 at the Town in Town Hotel.
 PDG
Jin Srikasikorn welcomes everyone to the event.
Jin Srikasikorn, past district governor of 3340 during the 2005-2006 period
chaired the event at which the Rotary Club of Pattaya was the host and the
Rotary Clubs of Sriracha, Banbung, Panat and Laem Chabang were taking part.
Banglamung District Chief Mongkol Thamakittikhun, Deputy Mayor Ronakit
Ekasingh and Pratheep Malhotra, district governor of 3340 were amongst those
attending.
June of each year is the time that the new Rotary administrative committees
are installed, with five Rotary Clubs from Zone 5 and Zone 6 in District
3340 taking part in this joint occasion.
The ceremony started with PDG Jin presenting an opening speech, which was
followed by Som Inpayung, former district governor of 3340 for 1995-1996
taking the stage to present a toast.
 PDG
Som Inpayung leads Rotarian in a toast to Rotary International.
The emcee then introduced the guests and Rotarians who included members of
the Banpaew Rotary Club in Region 3330, the sister club of Sriracha Rotary
Club. Following this, the new committees for the five clubs were installed.
District Governor Pratheep then ceremonially pinned the badges on the
members of the five new committees.
Afterwards, Premprecha Dibbayawan, former district governor of 3340,
presented a Significant Achievement Award from Rotary International to
Wiboon Rakthongsuk, president of the Sriracha Rotary Club, in recognition of
his work in the project to provide free eye operations for the needy.
PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan
(right) presents a Significant Achievement Award from Rotary International
to Wiboon Rakthongsuk, president of the Sriracha Rotary Club, in recognition
of his work to provide free eye operations for the needy.
District Governor Pratheep
Malhotra (right) awards a medal to Wiboon Rakthongsuk, president of the
Sriracha Rotary Club.
PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan
presents medals
to outstanding Rotarians during the installation ceremony.
Congratulations Rotary Clubs
of Pattaya, Sriracha, Banbung,
Panat and Laem Chabang.
The 2008 - 2009 Administrative
Committees
for all five clubs are installed during the ceremony.
PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan pins
“Make Dreams Real” broaches on Rotarians.
Members of five Rotary Clubs
in Zone 5 and Zone 6 in District 3340 raise
a toast to the new administrative committees for 2008 - 2009.
Five Rayong Rotary Clubs install new committees
Pramote Channgam
Five Rotary Clubs in Zone 3 of District 3340 held a joint ceremony
on June 28 at the Golden City Hotel in Rayong to install their new
administrative committees for the period 2008-2009.
Rotary Clubs worldwide complete the installation of their committees before
July 1, and on this occasion the five Rotary Clubs of Maptaput, Rayong,
Sattahip, Plutaluang and the Ban Pae Koh Samet were holding a joint
installation.
Guest of honor was Chidpong Ritthiprasat, governor of Rayong Province who
said that he follows the activities of the Rotary Clubs in the province as
they create enormous benefits for the community, especially the
underprivileged, and have been doing so since Rotary became active in Rayong
37 years ago.
Pratheep Malhotra, district governor of 3340 said that the Rotary symbol for
the 2008-2009 year is of a mother tenderly carrying a child, and that it is
the duty of Rotarians to help underprivileged fellow countrymen and children
in our world.
The installation of the five new administrative committees then began with
the introduction of the five new presidents.
Prasit Taechathamakraikul is the new president of the Rotary Club of
Maptaput, Urisa Sripayungchant of Rayong, Chaweewan Adinan of Plutaluang,
and Capt Sanit Bunpuan of Sattahip. As the newest Rotary Club, Ban Pae Koh
Samet was the only club that had no changes. Following the inauguration of
the new presidents, the administrative committees were installed.
|
District Governor Pratheep Malhotra
congratulates the 5 Rotary Clubs. |
Prasit
Taechathamakraikul, President of the Rotary Club of Maptaput for
2008 - 2009, presents his closing speech at the installation
ceremony. |
|
Supachai Namthip,
President of the Rotary Club of Maptaput for 2007 - 2008, says
farewell. |
Rayong Governor
Chidpong Ritthiprasat addresses the gathering and gives his
congratulations. |
Chaweewan Adinan is installed
as President
of the Rotary Club of Plutaluang for 2008 - 2009.
Prasit Taechathamakraikul is
installed
as President of the Rotary Club of Maptaput for 2008 - 2009.
Capt. Sanit Bunpuan is
installed as President
of the Rotary Club of Sattahip for 2008 - 2009.
District Governor Pratheep
Malhotra welcomes Rotarians, both new and old.
Urisa Sripayungchant is
installed as President
of the Rotary Club of Rayong for 2008 - 2009.
The Rotarians congratulate the
administrative committees for 2008 - 2009.
Rugby handles PCEC questions with ease
The regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya City Expats
Club got underway on July 13 at the Amari’s Henry J. Bean Restaurant. Master
of Ceremonies Roger Fox opened the meeting by introducing Barry Kenyon,
Honorary British Consul. Barry commented on a recent change at Pattaya
Immigration regarding the 90 day address reporting requirement. He said that
some form of documentation is now required to show as proof of the reported
address. The document should have your name and current address. Acceptable
documents can be a house paper, a lease, or simply a recent bill for
electricity, water, telephone, cable, or satellite service.
 Immediate
past chairman Richard (right) introduces Chutipon “Rugby” Kamolnath,
secretary to Mayor Ittipol of Pattaya City. Standing in for the mayor at the
last minute, Rugby provided PCEC members with news about the future plans
for traffic and other issues in Pattaya.
He also clarified that if using 800,000 baht in a Thai bank to qualify for a
retirement visa, the funds must have been on deposit for at least 90 days
prior to initial application. However, if using a combination of funds on
deposit in a Thai bank and retirement income (certified by embassy letter),
there is no requirement those funds be on deposit for 90 days.
Chutipon “Rugby” Kamolnath, secretary to the mayor, arrived and noted that
Mayor Ittiphol was ill and would be unable to speak as planned. However, he
said the mayor would talk to the club at the July 27th meeting. Rugby said
he would discuss some of the mayor’s plans that are currently being
considered or are underway. He explained that the City of Pattaya has a
mayor and four deputy mayors. Each deputy has a particular area of
responsibility such as education and monetary matters, city sanitation, etc.
The city council has 24 members who represent the people from different
areas of the city. These council members monitor the mayor and deputy mayors
carrying out of their duties. Rugby said, as the secretary, he coordinates
all activities of the mayor and the deputy mayor. He said that his office is
on the 3rd floor of city hall and that if anyone has a suggestion or
complaint about city operations, to feel free to visit him or to telephone
him at 038-253-101.
 New
board member John Fishback provides an update into the new condominium act
of Thailand.
Rugby then commented on some of the mayor’s plans to address the city’s well
known problems. The city in conjunction with the Chonburi governor have
taken action to limit beach vendor sprawl so that there is more open area
for the public to enjoy. If a vendor continues to ignore the requirements,
they could lose their license. He also said they have budgeted funds to
purchase 2 or 3 beach cleaning machines for testing.
Another major issue is traffic. Rugby noted that the city is currently
studying several possibilities for improving traffic conditions, some of
which are short range and others are long range. Currently, they are
studying the feasibility of constructing four tunnels under Sukhumvit Road
for traffic, which will cause more congestion during construction, but when
completed, will improve traffic conditions.
 Incoming
chairman, Michel de Goumois, introduces the new PCEC governing board.
Also being looked at is the feasibility of building a couple of light rail
lines - one to serve the North and the other the South. Consideration is
also being given to constructing some underground car parks for cars and
motorcycles as well as building some outlying car parks for the tour buses.
The tour buses would use these car parks and passengers would be picked up
and dropped off using smaller vehicles.
Another concern is what to do about all the motorcycles for rent that clog
Beach Road. In arriving at a solution, Rugby noted that they need to come up
with some alternative for these vendors so that it does not severely impact
their livelihood.
Rugby then answered many questions. In response to inquiries about
complaints, such as illegal construction, he said that these matters should
be brought to his attention. In doing so, he said he would appreciate
receiving detailed information, pictures, and location whether it be illegal
construction or beach chair encroachment.
The new chairman of the governing board, Michel de Goumois, then introduced
the club officials for the coming year. These officials are Stuart Saunders,
vice chairman, David Meador, secretary, and Al Serrato, treasurer. MC Roger
Fox then brought us up to date on upcoming events. Following that, Bob
L’Etoile, ably assisted by Sig Sigworth, led a humorous and interesting open
forum session.
|
