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Another successful networking for AustCham
Dr. Iain Corness
The November Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) networking
evening was held in the Dusit D2 baraquda resort on Second Road, with its
goateed guru Paolo Randone making sure everyone was being looked after with
fine Australian red and white wines being the most popular. In an exclusive
interview with Pattaya Mail TV he did admit that the spelling of his
property was a little off, but put it down to dyslexia.
 (L
to R) Geoffroy Bousselin, managing director of Inergy Automotive System
(Thailand) Ltd. and Peter Johansson, managing director of Tellus Systems
Limited.
Another sponsor was DTAC represented by a very smart young lady called Ice,
who could melt any heart. She was all excited about DTAC’s latest promotion
of the 004 prefix which would allow you to ring the UK for only 12 baht a
minute. However, since this was an Aussie function, perhaps her enthusiasm
was misdirected. You can get a list of countries and promotion call rates at
www.dtac.co.th.
The design group dwp (which incidentally designed the futuristic D2), was
represented by its MD Saeed Zaki, who also spoke on Pattaya Mail TV and
reported that he was very worried at the beginning of this year, but his
fears were groundless. His firm dwp has had a spectacular year, topped off
by winning some major world awards.
 (L
to R) John Seymour, managing director of Northern Thai Realty & Export Co.,
Ltd.; and Peter Randall, property consultant for Northern Thai Realty &
Export Co., Ltd.
The executive director of AustCham Brett Gannaway (and I promise not to call
him Brylcream Brett any more, because people are now insinuating that he is
wearing an Invisible Sirs hairpiece) was everywhere, and president Andrew
Durieux thanked everyone for coming, and mentioned the fact that members of
AusTrade were attending the function, if anyone wished to talk business.
Most did not, as wines (and finding a cool spot) were more the order of the
evening.
 (L
to R) Rodney Pattis and Stephen Morton from Travel Central.
Whilst there were plenty of Aussies attending, including Paul Whyte (now
into the manufacture of refrigerated truck bodies), there were plenty of
other nationalities enjoying the evening, including Brits John Seymour
(Northern Thai Realty), Paul Wilkinson (AGS Four Winds) and Thailand’s
oldest front row forward Jimmy Howard, plus Americans George Strampp and AFG
president Mike Diamente (Dana Spicer) and wife Roseanne, and South African
Maurice Bromley with his wonderful wife Wilhelmina. Of course there were
many Thais including the charming Dao Makkitti Wehrhahn (The Change
Initiative) and Prapaisri (Tooie) Pangtao (Northern Thai Insurances).
It was indeed another successful networking evening organized by the
Australian Chamber, who seem to have hit on the formula for success. The
next Seaboard Sundowners will be publicized in the Pattaya Mail.
(L to R) James Beeson,
operations manager of Kulthorn Metal Products Co., Ltd.; Ron Kosinski,
engineering technology advisor for Unity Industrial Co., Ltd.
(L to R) John Howarth, senior
consultant with Montpelier (Thailand) Ltd.;
Tim Golding, Prtr Eastern Seaboard director; and Peter Seully.
(L to R) Mark Butters, RSM
Advisory (Thailand) Ltd.; Andrew Durieux,
president of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Janira Khongton.
(L to R) Armin Walter,
production manager of EFTEC (Thailand) Co., Ltd.;
Reiko Minagawa Webster, purchasing executive general manager for Auto
Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Domenic Mileto, AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co.,
Ltd.;
and Brett Trigger, Auto Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
(L to R) Salisa Sangyimphan,
sales manager at DusitD2 Chiang Mai;
Paul Glew, sales executive for Transpo International Ltd.; Gary Cartlidge,
managing director of Form-Asian Co., Ltd.; and Kitsuda Binsedin,
sales executive with DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya.
(L to R) Alain Deurwaerder,
managing director of Katoen Natie (Thailand) Ltd.;
Frank Holzer, GM Thailand; Patrick T. Gossett, director & general manager
Materials Management & Engineering Co., Ltd.
(L to R) George Strampp,
managing partner of Automotive Manufacturing Solutions; Jittikan Thongmalai,
technical sales representative for Waste Management Siam Ltd.; and Simon
Nash, general manager gH design.
(L to R) Best selling author
Dr. Iain Corness from Pattaya Mail;
Gary Woollacott, AustCham past president; Paul Whyte, ESB AustCham
coordinator; and Lerrath Rewtrakulpaiboon from ExxonMobil.
Shaken, not stirred - PILC annual ball
brings out the secret agents in everyone
Kavita Lamba
On Saturday November 14, the Amari laid out the red carpet to
welcome 160 people for the event of the year, the PILC “Live and Let’s Dine”
Gala Ball, Bond style.
With an Aston Martin parked outside, James Bond played by Christopher
Parsons from Pattaya Players arrived in true Bond style with a Bond girl
attached to his arm. The lobby of the Grand Ballroom had the atmosphere of
Oscar night with various James Bond movie posters everywhere and many Bond
girls with their guns.
 Gillian
Thom (right) thanks Special Events Coordinator Chantal Oldaker (left) and
her team for their help organizing the ball.
The evening started with a glittering champagne and martini reception with
many of the guests arriving wearing elegant ball gowns and tuxedos. The
evening was opened by Mistress of Ceremonies, Rachel Hoag. She then invited
President Gillian Thom to thank all the members for their personal
contribution to the club’s success; to the many individuals and businesses
that had given donations over the years, and to the sponsors for their
continued support.
After a delicious five-course dinner accompanied by wines provided by Royal
Prestige Wines, Gillian Thom thanked Special Events Coordinator Chantal
Oldaker and her team for their help organizing the ball, and to the Amari
Hotel and General Manager David Cummings for the exceptional lengths they
went to in creating the scene for the ball. Presentations were made to all
the sponsors of the ball: Mermaid Offshore Services Ltd; John and Sukanya
Seaton from Seaton Lakera Trust; Mike Diamente from Dana Spicer; Gary Milton
from Foster Wheeler, Peter Malhotra from Pattaya Mail and Dave Tailors.
The evening continued with a charity auction, handled by James Bond himself.
Many individuals and businesses donated items for this auction: Antique
Chinese Style Dresser donated by Ursula Rothstein of Ursula’s Antiques with
complimentary delivery provided by AGS Four Winds International Movers; Two
110 cm hand-sculpted pure marble decorative columns donated by Eligible, a
beautiful new home ware boutique located in Bangkok; Intercity Transport
voucher donated by Transpo to move household goods within the Bangkok,
Chonburi, Pattaya and Rayong area; Chef’s dinner for 10 people, to be
experienced in a working kitchen of the brand new Holiday Inn Pattaya, the
menu will be cooked by the Holiday Inn’s executive chef (Jason Large); Two,
five day ‘International Yacht Training Certification’ sailing courses for
all levels of skill from beginner to advanced, donated by Tim Macmahon of
Gulf Charters Thailand; Prize for 3 persons, donated by Ronald Gentsch
managing director of BMW Manufacturing Thailand - Prize includes pick up at
home in a chauffeur driven BMW 7 Series and transfer to the BMW
manufacturing plant in Amata City, plant tour and presentation by Mr Gentsch
on the production of the new 7 Series, followed by refreshments and a
chauffeur driven transfer home. One night stay at the luxurious and
contemporary dusitd2 baraquda Pattaya Hotel in an ocean themed deluxe room
with bubbling breakfast for two persons and two spa treatment vouchers; A
decorated gold ring donated by Chong Suwichakronpongs of the World of Gems
South Road Pattaya, the proceeds of which will be donated directly to Baan
Jing Jai; and finally, an abstract 50 x 110 cm multimedia painting on canvas
donated by longstanding and esteemed PILC member Chitra Chandrasiri.
In addition to the live auction, there was also a silent auction. The
fabulous items donated were Ten Thai cooking lessons donated by accomplished
chef and lifelong PILC member Alvi Sinthuvanik; Pack of three Jim Thompson
Thai Silk Bags donated by PILC Vice President Connie Kwok; Pearls donated by
longstanding and esteemed PILC member Ivy Schlageter; Health Check Up
donated by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya; 5 Carat Topaz Gemstone donated by Tiew
from Our Home, longtime member of PILC and RLC; Ten professional golf
lessons donated by Sam Ritthaworn, Thai American PGA Pro at Palm Spring
Country Golf; Antique Buddha head donated by Ursula Rothstein of Ursula’s
Antiques; Chinese rice basket also donated by Ursula Rothstein; and Zumba
dance classes donated by Steps and Rhythm Dance Studio. The auctions raised
in excess of 200,000 baht.
Newly arrived from the Philippines, the band from Henry J Bean’s with the
help of DJ Matt Jacobs managed to keep the guests on the dance floor for the
remainder of the evening. The atmosphere was buzzing as everyone danced till
they dropped in the early hours of the morning.
PILC would like to thank all the sponsors, those who donated items for
auction, members past and present for their individual contribution over the
years and everyone who attended.
If you would like more information about PILC, how to become a members or
how to be involved as a sponsor, please contact Gillian Thom, President, 081
762 6003.
PCEC reduces carbon emissions
Master of Ceremonies Richard
Silverberg welcomed everyone to the regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya
City Expats Club on November 8 at the Amari’s Henry J. Bean Restaurant.
After the usual announcements he introduced the guest speaker, Andrew Steel.
Andy is the managing director of Equitech (Thailand) Ltd. He is also a
director of Asia Forestry Management Ltd., and the founder of the
Plant-A-Tree-Today (PATT) Foundation.
 Andrew
Steel, of the Plant-A-Tree-Today foundation shows PCEC members how to care
for the environment - planting trees for commercial oil production.
Andy started by describing himself as a social entrepreneur. He defined a
social entrepreneur as one who recognizes a social problem and uses their
entrepreneurial skills to manage a social change. He followed by presenting
a 30 second video clip about global warming. The video noted that the world
must change within the next 30 years or it will be too late. Andy pointed
out that this window is closing as the video was made about two years ago.
He urged everyone to do their part to limit carbon emissions.
One major problem to positive action against global warming is that many
companies are only interested in their profits rather than in what is good
for the environment and the future of our children. Andy said that is not
socially responsible.
 Newsletter
and webmaster Darrel tells members of changes to the website now underway,
to make the extensive information there even more accessible.
Because of his concern about global warming, he founded PATT in 2005 with a
mission to react to problems caused by the massive and increasing levels of
deforestation worldwide, to raise awareness of environmental issues and the
role forests play, to take action against climate change, to educate
children on these issues and to plant more trees.
Andy said that it takes three trees to replace the carbon emissions of one
aircraft making one flight from Thailand to the USA. It takes four trees to
replace the annual carbon emissions of an automobile.
He also pointed out the problem with deforestation. With the use of pictures
to illustrate his point, he said that if you travel to the Chiang Mai area,
on the Thai side you will see mostly open land whereas on the Lao side, you
will see lush forests. The deforestation of the land is a critical problem.
He noted that PATT is working in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other
areas of Southeast and South Asia to plant trees.
 Richard
Silverberg emcees the open forum, where you can hear all kinds of questions
about life and living in the Land of Smiles.
He then mentioned Asia Forestry Management as a company that has learned to
make profit from investing in the environment. This company is primarily
involved in extracting a product from Agarwood. This wood is formed from the
Aquilaria tree that is native to Southeast Asia. When the tree is infected
with a particular fungus, it becomes very dark in color. This Agarwood is
very aromatic and the wood can be distilled into oil that is used in
perfumes highly prized in the Mideast and Asia. Andy said that this oil is
highly valuable; one liter sells for about 35,000 US dollars. Also, the
byproducts of Agarwood are incense sticks and shampoo.
He told everyone that Asia Forestry has most of their Aquilaria plantations
in Trat province as the soil there is quite good. Presently, they have about
10,000 trees under management. In some cases, they have bought the land for
the tree plantations, but in others they lease the land from the farmer
providing them with a guaranteed income.
Previously, as a small grower, their income was not that great because only
a few trees become infected. As a result, only a small amount of oil can be
distilled. Further, the small grower has to sell to middlemen. Asia Forestry
has found a way to inoculate the trees so that they develop a much higher
yield. Thus, the farmer gets a better return by leasing the property and
Asia Forestry can attract more investors by offering excellent returns.
Further, he said, it is Asia Forestry practice to replace every tree they
harvest.
Currently, he says their 60 stills and one factory produce about 40 liters
of oil each month. Further, they have arranged to sell direct to the maker
of the perfumes, thus avoiding the middlemen. They plan to expand to nearby
countries. Andy explained that the change in soil make up in different
geographical regions produces different fragrances.
Right now, they are primarily involved in Agarwood, but hope to expand into
other areas such as biofuels. They haven’t done so yet because Agarwood oil
with its byproducts is such a lucrative market.
He concluded by noting that Asia Forestry has succeeded in meeting its
social responsibility while making a profit. He invited Club members to
visit their operations. Andy then answered several questions from the
audience about tree growth, inoculation of mature trees, and the time from
inoculation to harvesting.
Emcee Richard then updated everyone on coming events and called on Judith
Edmonds to conduct the always informative, interesting, and sometime
humorous Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about living in
Thailand and Pattaya in particular.
Finally, PCEC member Len Levine put out a call for singers to join a new
chorus. Those interested may contact him at [email protected]
Royal dancer performs fine arts version of school ceremony
Phasakorn Channgam
About 250 people reveled in ancient dances associated with the
traditional wai khru ceremony for the Thai Fine Arts Department hosted by
the Pattaya Cultural Council.
 Ajarn
Sombat Kaewsutjarit, advisor to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of
Culture, performs the wai khru ceremony.
Pattaya Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon presided over the Nov. 12
ceremony at Pattaya School #11 with Sombat Kaewsutjarit, an advisor to the
permanent secretary of Ministry of Culture and one of only five Thai dancing
artists royally appointed to perform the ritual for performing arts
students.
Wai khru is a traditional ceremony in which students pay respect and express
gratitude to their teachers and promise to learn with patience and
perseverance for their own prosperous future. The ceremony for primary
school students and arts students are different, however, as the latter
features “Khon” Thai dancing.
Khon dancing draws influences from the Hindu religion, so gods such as
Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Ganesha are honored and head masks of the
characters in Khon drama, such as Rama, are worshipped as the teacher gods
among the Khon performers.
In the wai khru ceremony, performers put the sacred head masks over the
heads of the students, meaning that the students are now accepted and the
spirits of the teacher gods would protect them and support them to
accomplish their goals.
This year’s ceremony by the Thai Fine Art Department was held by the Pattaya
Cultural Council as part of the “Preservation of Art and Culture of Pattaya”
event. It was promoted by the Ministry of Culture to encourage residents to
cooperate in strengthening the local community through cultures and custom.
The giving of the offerings to the respected teachers.
The traditional wai khru ceremony.
Jango music restaurant
celebrates 1st anniversary
Restaurateur Amornchai Nasueb (center)
blows out the candle on the anniversary cake.
Phasakorn Channgam
Pattaya community leaders were among the guests as the Jango
country-music restaurant celebrated its first birthday Oct. 29.
 Deputy
Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn congratulates Jango restaurant’s owner, staff and
management.
Restaurateur Amornchai Nasueb welcomed friends, family, the media and Deputy
Mayor Witthaya Rermkitkarn to the anniversary celebration at the Sukhumvit
road bistro.
Decorated in a natural motif with hints of Indian style, Jango offers such
special dishes as Jango fried fish while entertaining guests with Thai-style
country music.
Amornchai said his restaurant could hold more than 200 guests and he plans
to run special promotions for those interested in hosting parties there.
Jango is located at 218/1 M.11, Nongprue, Banglamung. For more information,
call 080-105-6996 or 038-489-188.
A
professional musical band plays a variety of music at the Jango restaurant.
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