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Pattaya Bike Week 2009 shakes earth
Staff reporters
Motorcycles and music in a peaceful environment was a potent
combination attracting thousands of motorcycle fans crowding Pattaya Bike
Week from February 12-15.
Organized and managed by members of the Burapa Motorcycle Club, the event
has dramatically developed and grown year by year.
 Mayor
Ittiphol Khunplome presents the Key to the City to Dato Shazryl Eskay
Abdullah, Honorary Consul of Langkawi, Malaysia.
Attendance this year was an astonishing 30,000 people with more than 10,000
motorcycles on show.
The club has always kept the event free and relied entirely on the goodwill
of sponsors, the essential support of the people of Pattaya and its
officials.
The clear message was that the event was a celebration of peace in a
gathering of motorcyclists from throughout the world in a spirit of
friendship regardless of race, creed or club colors.
There was emphasis on the anti-drug message and encouragement for the young
to get involved in the Honda C80 Classic motorcycle movement to help produce
safe and responsible big bike riders of tomorrow. The importance of the
wearing of helmets and safe riding was also promoted.
Celebrations started on February 12 with a street party in Jomtien Soi 4
featuring local bands and visiting international stars.
On lucky Friday the 13th, the main stadium opened in the grounds of Pattaya
Indoor Sports Stadium in Soi Chaiyapruk off Sukhumvit Road.
Music, bands and dozens of stalls selling food, clothing, videos, and
motorcycle gear added to the fun. On display were also the finest custom
motorcycles made plus the entire range of this year’s Harley Davidsons.
Saturday 14th was the main event day featuring paramotors, Wild West show,
American cars and classic motorcycle display.
A huge parade of motorcycles rumbled around Pattaya at about noon, shaking
the earth. The evening featured the best of Western and Thai rock music
culminating in a performance by the immensely popular Laem Morrison.
In its entire history this event has always been peaceful.
Riders and visitors came from over 20 countries. The numbers of riders
coming directly from Malaysia and Singapore has increased yearly and were in
the hundreds this year.
The Burapa club is on track to make this not only the biggest and best bike
event in Thailand but in the whole of Asia.
This year after the welcome speech at Hard Rock Cafe, Mayor Ittiphol
Khunplome presented the key to the city to visitors Dato Shazryl Eskay
Abdullah, Honorary Consul of Langkawi, Malaysia; Manim an Indian biker; and
Wittaya Sumon Singkalaon from the Harley Davidson Riders Thailand Group
Indonesia.
Pol Col Somnuk Changate, superintendent of Pattaya police was also there to
support the riders and promote safe rides, together with former mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn.
Former mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn (left) leads a line of bikers through town.
One of the many classics on
display.
Beautiful bikes, beautiful
women…
Some exotic designs are always
on display during bike week.
A cowgirl adds charm to the
proceedings.
Can’t have cowboys without
Indians in a Wild West Show.
Laem Morrison asks, “Are you
ready?”
The mayor makes a toast to the
bikers at the Hard Rock.
Former minister of tourism and
sports,
Sonthaya Khunplome addresses the gathering.
Pol Col Somnuk Changate
(right), superintendent
of Banglamung Police, fires up his big Harley.
On stage, Prasarn Nikaji
(left), president of the Burapha MC
and popular singer Tom Dundee (right).
The three amigos? No, it’s
part of the Wild West Show.
The Jesters’ Woody Underwood
(left) and his cohorts at the Hard Rock.
Thousands of motorcycles
rumble through town.
Paramotors arrive at the
event.
Dusit lands a D2 baraquda
Thanpuying Jongkol
Kittikachorn cuts the ribbon
to officially open the Dusit D2 baraquda.
Dr Iain Corness
Orange or blue was the order of the evening for the Grand Opening of
the new Dusit D2 baraquda boutique hotel on Second Road, Pattaya last
weekend.
The D2 branding, under the Dusit Thani management, is a bold new orange and
blue look in hotel presentation, and the local ‘guru’ Paolo Randone,
complete with orange plaited goatee, was making sure everyone received an
enthusiastic welcome. The reception was held around the freeform pool, and
despite several cases of champagne (and several predictions), nobody fell
in!
 Weerasak
Kowsurat, chairman of TAT, Pisit Boonchuang, deputy governor of Chonburi,
and Mayor Itthipol Khunplome prepare to jointly roll the drum signalling the
official opening.
D2 is synonymous with ‘style’ and it certainly was a stylish evening, with a
fashion show and Pattaya’s most stylish hostess, Cindy Bishop, working as
the emcee.
The official part of the proceedings, complete with the compulsory ribbon
cutting and drum banging, brought forward celebrities, past and present, and
the ‘movers and shakers’. Senior amongst the group was Thanpuying Jongkol
Kittikachorn, the wife of Thailand’s ex-Prime Minister (Field Marshall
Thanom Kittikachorn), and from the same era in Thai politics was Admiral
Chano Phenjati, looking very sprightly, despite being into his ninth decade.
 Sarun
Tuntijumnun (center), shopping center general manager of Central Pattana
PCL, Pattaya congratulates Paolo Randone (left), guru, dusitD2 Baraquda
Pattaya and Serm Phenjati (right), hotel owner.
Others to sample the D2 feeling included Dr. Suwit Yodmanee (former Minister
of Tourism and Sports) and Weerasak Kowsurat (chairman of the TAT) and
Jutaporn Ruengronasa (deputy governor of TAT), Pisit Boonchuang (deputy
governor of Chonburi) and Itthipol Khunplome (mayor of Pattaya City).
HE Ignazio Di Pace, the
Italian ambassador and HE Ivan Hot k, the Czech
ambassador, were present along with Prakit Chinamornpong, president of Thai
Hotels Association, Chutinun and Khunying M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi; Chalerm
Yuwiddhaya, owner of Red Bull and Siam Winery, Chanin Dhonavanik, CEO of
Dusit International and Vipada Dhonavanik, VP of Dusit International as well
as Chatchawal Supachayanont, the GM of the Dusit Thani Pattaya.
 Pattaya’s
most stylish hostess, Cindy Bishop, works as the emcee.
The staff of the new Dusit D2 baraquda were kept running as the throng of
well-wishers grew, all thirsty for the sparkling wine, and gorging
themselves on roast meats, oysters, hand made chocolates and cheese. The
young Singaporean chef from the D2’s s.e.a. restaurant was everywhere, but
he need not have worried. It all went smoothly. However, the Pattaya Mail’s
Ms Hillary was unable to attend, not having an outfit in the required orange
or blue, and has been in tears ever since!
Paolo Randone, the GM (or ‘Guru’ in D2 speak) has been very active in
promoting this new boutique hotel as another Pattaya attraction, and
everyone at the grand opening was impressed with the hotel, the decor and
the intelligent use of space - as well as being “in the center of town,”
said Paolo.
If you missed the grand opening, you can still visit at any time. Dusit D2
baraquda Pattaya, 485/1 M 10 Pattaya 2nd Road, tel 038 769 999, fax 038 769
900, email www.dusit.com/d2pa, www.dusit.com
After the fashion show, models
pose with Dusit D2 baraquda management.
(L to R) Narintorn Sukkaseam,
district sales manager,
eastern Thailand from Thai Airways, Paolo Randone,
Krittapon Chantalitanon, Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar director
of Thai Airways and Serm Phenjati.
Jenifer Kim charms the
audiences with her beautiful sound.
(L to R) Khunying M.L. Piyapas
Bhirombhakdi,
Daranee Yuwiddhaya, wife of Mr. Chalerm Yuwiddhaya,
Redbull and Siam Winery owner and Vipada Donavanik,
VP of Dusit International.
(L to R) Eriko Fujie, director
of sales and marketing, dusitD2 baraquda pattaya, Dorothy Helen Phenjati,
mother of Serm Phenjati (hotel owner), Vee Marr from Hi magazine and Paolo
Randone, guru, dusitD2 baraquda pattaya.
(L to R) Chanin Donavanik, CEO
Dusit International, Vipada Donavanik, VP Dusit International, Weerasak
Kowsurat, chairman of TAT, and Chatchawal Supachayanont, General manager,
Dusit Thani Pattaya.
(L to R) Mayor Ittipol
Khunplome, Serm Phenjati, Pol Col Sarayuth Sanguankokai, Superintendent of
Pattaya Police and Paolo Randone.
Swiss House celebrates 10th anniversary
Elfi Seitz
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe how fast time passes. The Swiss
House, located on Soi Diamond, celebrates (almost) 10 years of existence.
Actually, the birthday will be on April 1, but Andy has a weakness for
special dates, so he decided to fete on Friday, February 13.
 Ning
and Andy thank all guests for 10 wonderful years of Swiss House.
Over the years, host Andy Wenger established the restaurant as one of the
first dining addresses in Pattaya, in big part due to the efforts by his
charming spouse, Ning.
As usual, the party became a great success! Not only because of the many
Swiss celebrities, not only because of the luxurious and excellent buffet,
and not only because of all the fine wines, but also because of the
fantastic entertainment. Just like last year, the “Dorados” put the guests
in the mood with their inspiring rhythms. Before this, though, “Nikki &
Peter” performed on stage, while people enjoyed the food.
Singer Andy L., known and loved by all Swiss, bewitched the ladies with his
greatest hits, sung with his unique velvety voice. He was effectively
supported by his long-standing friend Bruno Schwartz, who played the drums.
 (L
to R) Bruno Schwartz and Andy L. during their hilarious act.
In addition to all his talents, Bruno is also a comedy genius. No one else
knows how to surprise fans by changing costumes so quickly and trigger
bursts of laughter than him. So, it’s to no one’s surprise that the Dorados,
which were founded in the 60s by Walter Grüter, were invited to perform on
TV in “The Greatest Swiss Hits” last year. Together with Polo Hofer, Beni
Turnherr, Francine Jordi, Nöggi and Peter Reber, both Andy L. and Bruno
received a flag with the logo of Swiss TV. That night, they handed it over
to Andy and Ning as their birthday present.
Andy and Ning were obviously touched. When they were called to stage, Andy
L. sang another Swiss song; however, he sang it in Thai.
Host Andy thanked all friends and guests in a speech. “Without you, we
wouldn’t have made it this far,” he said. Ning gave her speech in Thai. As
she added a few words of appreciation in English, she couldn’t hold back her
tears any longer, and hardly either could Andy.
So, “grüezi miteinand” and cheers to the next 10 years!
Tears of joy run down Ning’s
and Andy’s cheeks,
while Andy L. (right) sings in Thai.
(L to R) Bruno Schwartz and
Andy L. look on,
as Elfi Seitz interviews Walter Grüter for TV.
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