HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

PCEC goes solar

International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE) holds 17th Annual Congress

PCEC goes solar

The regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club got underway at the Amari’s Henry J. Beans Restaurant on Sunday, April 5 when master of ceremonies Les Edmonds welcomed everyone to the meeting. After the usual announcements, he called on “Sig” Sigworth to introduce the guest speaker, Wim Scheggetman.

Wim Scheggetman, of Technology Green Solutions Co., Ltd., which manufactures various products using solar and/or infrared energy, tells PCEC members of the environmental benefits of ‘going green’ with heat reclamation from air conditioners etc to hot water systems.
Wim, originally from Holland, immigrated to Australia when he was in his teens. He worked there for 20 years as federal government manager for a large multinational company in Canberra. In 1990, he set up his own business employing about 150 people. He has developed many products and is holder of 15 patents. He sold his business in 2000 and, like many of us, moved to Thailand to retire. However, his interest in solar and renewable energy has kept him busy here in Thailand. He is presently with Technology Green Solutions Co., Ltd., which manufactures various products using solar and/or infrared energy.
Wim began by commenting on the need for the world to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and described some of the things being done about it. However, he did caution that some gadgets currently on the market come from China without any quality control assurance of their effectiveness or durability. During the next five years, he anticipates there will be significant improvements in products designed to use renewable energy.

Wim also had his infrared radiator panel, and the Infrarelax ® wooden rocking chair. Ideal for colder climates, the Infrarelax chair can save energy by just keeping the person warm, rather than having to warm the whole building.
Wim pointed out that the sun can provide an enormous source of renewable energy. He gave a brief description of the solar panels that are available today. He said the panels his company makes are mostly exported to other countries, because Thailand has still not fully embraced the concept. Thus, he believes more education on the subject is needed for businesses, government officials, and others.
Wim mentioned some of the products they currently make or are developing. They manufacture and install hot water solar systems, hot water heat pumps, hot water waste heat recovery systems, solar photovoltaic (grids) systems, infrared heat technology products, and solar garden products.

Richard Silverberg shares his ‘website of the week’ with the PCEC audience.
He noted that solar panels used for generating electricity are different from those used to power hot water systems and explained why this was so. He also said that in installing solar panels they use simulation software developed by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which allows them to place the panels in a location that will best use the angle of the sun for the greatest efficiency.
Wim also described their infrared heat technology and products. He noted that infrared heat is efficient as it has a high reduction in energy usage, has no CO2 emission, does not dry the air, has no maintenance costs, is noiseless, and has no mold and dust movement; the latter making it ideal for those with asthma and sinus conditions. Wim encouraged those that were contemplating constructing a house or other structure to investigate using solar or infrared energy.
Wim also described a new product they are developing, called the Infrarelax ® wooden rocking chair. He had brought two prototypes to demonstrate. Two members of the audience were asked to sit in the chairs for a short period to experience the infrared heat - two brave souls did volunteer even though these were obviously “electric” chairs as they were plugged into electrical outlets.
Wim said the chairs not only provide infrared heat, good for sitting on a porch in cool weather (not Thailand, of course), but they also can relieve back pain. Our two volunteers said it was a pleasant experience and the chairs were comfortable. Wim said the chairs have controls to adjust the temperature and use 110 to 240 volts. He said his company plans to export the chairs in the near future.
Wim also provided some handouts with information on their products, which included the address of their showroom (Saraan House opposite Big C in South Pattaya). For more information on Wim’s company, visit www.tgs.co.th
After Wim answered many questions from the audience, emcee Les called on the club’s internet guru, Richard Silverberg. Richard said that this week he would not talk about a particular website. Instead he wanted to talk about some of the features of most email programs; primarily the ‘cc’ and ‘bcc’ functions. The ‘cc’ notation derived from the time that carbon paper was commonly used and stood for carbon copy (in today’s carbonless world, it is now often considered to mean “courtesy” copy). When you address an email using the ‘cc’ function, the recipients can see all email addresses of those receiving the message. However, if you wish to address a message, but do not wish to reveal the email addresses of the recipients, Richard said you should use the ‘bcc’ function, which means “blind carbon copy.” When this feature is used, the addressees of the message will not be shown each recipients copy.
Emcee Les then updated everyone on upcoming events and called on Hawaii Bob to conduct the always informative and often humorous Open Forum where information is shared on living in Pattaya and Thailand.

International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE) holds 17th Annual Congress

Over 400 medical experts in Gynecologic Endoscopy from different parts of the globe gathered for their 18th annual meeting at the Dusit Thani Pattaya.

(L to R): Dr. Charles E. Miller, Dr. Somchai Kovitcharoenkul,
Dr. John J. Sciarra and Dr. Arnold P. Advincula during pre-congress
cocktails by the Chaba Pool at Dusit Thani Pattaya.

The meeting included three days of plenary sessions, panel discussions, open forums and symposiums on topics ranging from Endometriosis, Endoscopic Surgery, Energy Sources for Gynecologic Surgery, and other subjects on the latest medical technologies, some of which are currently being introduced in Thailand.
The convention was made possible by Dr. Somchai Kovitcharoenkul, chairman of the ISGE’s Annual Congress. It was held March 25-27 at the Napalai Convention Hall of Dusit Thani Pattaya.
Special lecturers included, among others, Dr. Peter J. Maher, Dr. John J. Sciarra who spoke on Alternatives to Hysterectomy and Dr. Arnold Advincula who lectured on Robotic Surgery in Gynecology.
The opening ceremony was held on the night of March 24 with Dr. Kovitcharoenkul giving the welcoming remarks. The ceremony was highlighted by Thai folk dance performances after which light cocktails followed at the five-star hotel’s Chaba Pool.

News | Business | Features | Columns | Mail Bag | Sports | Auto Mania
Our Children | Travel | Our Community | Dining Out & Entertainment
Social Scene | Classifieds | Community Happenings | Books Music Movies
Clubs in Pattaya | Sports Round-Up

E-mail: [email protected]
Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
62/284-286 Thepprasit Road, (Between Soi 6 & 8) Moo 12, Pattaya City
T. Nongprue, A. Banglamung,
Chonburi 20150 Thailand
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596

Copyright © 2004 Pattaya Mail. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.