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Rocking hard to help a school in need
Christmas tree light up heralds in the festive season
Marc Beales
Thai singer Amp Saowaluck was the star attraction at a glitzy annual
charity dinner that helped raise hundreds of thousands of baht for a
dilapidated school.
 General
Kanit Permsub makes his address at the opening ceremonies.
Amp sang her best-known tracks at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Christmas charity
party on December 12. The event raised badly-needed funds for an ailing
local school.
For the past eight years the Hard Rock has held this charity dinner, each
time raising money for different causes.
Last year 720,000 baht went to help children at the Baan Hinwong School in
Sattahip. This year the cash will go to help the 80-year-old Baan Amphur
School, also in Sattahip. The primary school desperately needs a facelift as
its toilets, canteen and buildings are in poor condition. Thanks to the Hard
Rock and its sponsors - which includes Pattaya Mail - work can now start on
improving life for the school’s students.
 General
Kanit and Khun Busyarat present a portrait of HRH Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn to the highest bidder.
The Christmas dinner kicked off with a bang as a spectacular fireworks
display lit up the beachfront as the hotel’s Christmas lights were turned
on. The hotel’s Christmas tree - in keeping with its rock’n’roll theme - had
a guitar rather than a star on the top of it.
Guests of honor were General Kanit Permsub, Deputy Chief Aide-de-Camp and
General to HM the King, and his wife Khun Busyarat Permsub.
General Kanit welcomed guests and thanked them for coming to support the
charities, which would this year help underprivileged children. He said that
as it was nearly Christmas and New Year now is the ideal time to think of
others and to help out. He said, “This year the funds are going to be used
to help a school that needs practically everything. We will also give funds
to the Princess Sirindhorn Foundation based in Ayutthaya, which provides
education for little children and underprivileged people. We will also spend
money on education of novices and monks in Ayutthaya and Ang Thong
provinces.”
 Tracy
Cosgrove, quite happy with the funds raised that night.
After the lighting-up service, guests enjoyed a buffet dinner with a
selection of seafood, meats and wines, before bidding on items in an
auction. Among the items going under the hammer were a giant teddy bear, a
guitar signed by Amp Saowaluck and portraits of their Majesties the King and
Queen and of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
After the auction, Amp Saowaluck took to the stage for an hour-long set that
featured many of her greatest hits. In the 1980s, Amp was part of a popular
girl group called ‘Sao, Sao, Sao’. Since then she has gone on to have a
successful solo career.
Her fame has spread beyond Thailand as one guest, Bob Lee, flew from Kuala
Lumpur in Malaysia just to see her.
 Amp
Saowaluck moved the audience with her emotional renditions.
Also there was Tracy Cosgrove, founder of the Melissa Cosgrove Foundation,
which builds day-care centers for the children of construction workers in
Thailand. She is helping coordinate some of the improvement works on the
school in Sattahip.
She began her foundation 16 years ago as a way of showing her children how
there was a need to help others - her daughter Melissa was also among the
guests.
George Hazard, general manager of the Hard Rock, said he was delighted the
hotel could again provide the dinner, adding that it was in keeping with the
company’s worldwide motto: “Take time to be kind”.
Hard Rock helps raise funds but also manages the restoration project,
looking after the painting, plumbing and carpentry, thus helping to save on
contractors’ fees.
George Hazard, GM of the Hard
Rock Hotel,
welcomes Khun Busyarat Permsub (2nd right) and other guests.
Kohkiat Sakchirapong, Amrik
Singh Kalra, President of the Thai Sikh Community
of Pattaya, Pratheep Malhotra and George Hazard.
President Helmut Buchberger of
the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya enjoying cocktails with a fellow member
and their lovely ladies.
A thrilled Weerattariya
Mahatanasakulwong and his family
receive the autographed guitar from Amp Saowaluck.
Rungratree Thongsai and Tony
Malhotra conduct
the auctions brilliantly, which raised over 300,000 baht.
Fireworks light up the sky as
the Christmas tree is lit up.
Makro Opens Pattaya Branch to serve HoReCa and small retailers
Cash & Carry concept attracts thousands of shoppers on first day
PM Reporters
Throughout the year excitement had been building amongst hoteliers,
restaurateurs and catering services when it was known that Makro would be
opening a super store right here in Pattaya before the end of the year.
 Suchada
Ithijarukul, President of Siam Makro PCL
Just as enthusiastic about the inevitable presence were residents of Pattaya
and the neighboring communities, because they knew that Makro was renowned
for stocking the largest selection of goods, offering the best service and
having the cheapest prices.
The much awaited grand opening was held December 16. Chonburi Governor Senee
Jittakasem and Mayor Itthiphol Khunplome presided over the ceremonies.
In her opening address, Mrs. Suchada Ithijarukul, President of Siam Makro
PCL said, “The Pattaya Branch is the 44th Makro store in Thailand. We are
here to serve the needs of hotels, restaurants and catering businesses
(HoReCa) and small retailers in Pattaya and nearby provinces in the Eastern
Seaboard.
“Currently, Pattaya’s economy expanding at a rapid pace as seen by the
increase in investments of large department stores and in the real estate
sector. We are quite optimistic about this growth as in just a few weeks we
already have signed up more than 30,000 members. Most of them are hotels,
restaurants, caterings (HoReCa) and small retailers.”
 Khun
Suchada welcomes Chonburi Governor Senee Jittakasem and his wife Chophaka,
president of the Red Cross Society of Chonburi province.
The 600 million baht Makro Pattaya follows the new “Eco Plus” concept. The
whole complex spans an area of over 44,000 square meters. The actual store
covers more 7,000 square meters, 80% of which is for the display and sales
of over 10,000 items of fresh and dry food, seasoning and beverages.
Suchada went on to say, “This branch is dedicated to HoReCa and small
retailers because the display is different than other branches. Fresh and
dry food including seasonings is located in the front area of the store to
facilitate and save time for HoReCa operators, because we expect them to
shop at our store quite frequently.
“Moreover, gourmet products, including cheese, sausages, dairy products,
imported quality beef and mutton, European bread, spices for Thai, Indian
and European food, imported sauces, black and green olive oil, and pickled
tomatoes for Italian and European food are also available.
“The opening of Makro here would help operators save time buying food
products and controlling inventory to increase cash flow as we just recently
opened the Cross Dock Distribution Center in Ayutthaya province which can
handle logistics to all branches within 24 hours to guarantee freshness and
availability. And Makro’s Cross Dock Distribution Center also received the
GMP certificate from BBQI increasing confidence of Makro’s members. This new
branch will enhance the image of Makro as the distributor of food materials
and equipment for hotels, restaurants and catering businesses in the
one-stop concept in Thailand,” added Suchada.
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Iain Corness, Suchada spoke of her
passion for helping small retailers, proudly telling us of the Retailer
Alliance Project. The vision of the project is to provide assistance and
support to small food retailers to enhance their ability to compete
effectively and to form a strong retailer network which is a key success
factor for them to not only survive but also grow in the highly competitive
market.
 Fried
sea maiden anyone?
“Mom and pop stores are part of the convenience store format and have
traditional management styles. We consider them part of our culture and want
to do business with them, not damage them. We help them to grow their
business. Mom and pop stores want to buy cheap and resell at a profit and
they want the full assortment. We are the only business with this kind of
format helping these small businesses grow and survive. They are competing
with modern convenience stores. It is our responsibility to help them
survive in this competitive environment. For this purpose we have
established the Makro Retail Alliance. We help each other. We give advice
and offer help with product selection so they do not waste money buying
products that cannot be sold. We have already helped 3600 shops through this
project. We consider this our social responsibility.”
Khun Suchada is Governor elect for Rotary District 3350, so the obvious
question was to ask her of Makro’s involvement in charity projects, to which
she promptly answered by giving us an insight into some of her community and
charity work. “Yes, we would like to participate in good causes here, like
the Rotarians that do good things for the world. I am a Rotarian, so I bring
a sense of ‘Service above Self’ into our organization. Just last Friday our
staff went to local schools to donate food and scholarships.
“This is our policy. And is an ongoing concept of Makro. Wherever we go we
would like to be good citizens. The specifics depend on the area and we
always consult with the local authorities, or those that take care of the
people in a given area.”
“I’ll have a piece of this
fresh delicious fish,”
Mayor Itthipol Khunplome seems to be saying.
A cooking competition was
held, attracting chefs from around the region to vie for the HRH Princes
Soamsawalee Trophy.
Thousands of customers rush
into the store
the moment the doors opened to receive the first customers.
Suchada presents scholarships
to children
from Pattaya School No. 7 as VIPs and teachers look on.
Air Berlin Goes Chick and Hip
The event included a fashion show of the latest styles.
Sue K
The management of airberlin took the opportunity to show their
recognition and gratitude to the travel agencies in Bangkok and Pattaya for
their dedicated support throughout 2009 by organizing a special yearend
event called “airberlin Chic & Hip Night”, which was held at Bed Supperclub
on Thursday, December 17.
There were many shows and entertainment put on by the Bed, including
modeling of outfits, music and more, but the main highlight of the event was
the door prizes, which included an Ipod, laptop computer, gift vouchers, and
of course 4 economy and business class air tickets to Germany.
The venue was packed with agents from near and far and the party was in full
swing.
Pattaya dwellers were picked up by a big bus that took us to Bangkok and
delivered us back home safely.
Stefan Magiera (2nd right), GM of Air Berlin Thailand with Sue (2nd left)
of Pattaya Mail on TV and Air Berlin girls.
Travel agents from Pattaya pose for a group photo.
Joint Foreign Chambers ‘Inn’ Holiday mode
(L to R) Jim Phillips; Clive
Welland, project director Foster Wheeler International Corporation; Bruce
Hoppe, VP Emerson Climate Technologies, Asia Operations; Geev Andre
Bahrampoori, director of operations Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa.
Dr Iain Corness
The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFCCT) met for a Xmas
function at the new Holiday Inn on Beach Road last weekend. With the
sponsors feeling in a Xmas mood and being very generous, there was no entry
fee for the event, and like all free offers it was certainly not
undersubscribed! Various estimates of the number of people attending ranged
from between 200 to 300, with the upper figure probably the closest.
 (L
to R) George Hazard, general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel and Café
Pattaya; Jason Large, executive chef; Steve Graham, managing director of
ESC.
Sponsored by Steve Graham’s European Safety Concepts (ESC), Holiday Inn
Pattaya and Fluid Asia Pacific, the fluids flowed freely, composed mainly of
Broken Hills red and white wines and draft Tetleys and Kronenbourg beers
(brewing since 1664!). Finger food was promised and there was sufficient
quantity, and this time the Holiday Inn did supply small plates, so the
pizza slices could be eaten decorously.
 (L
to R) Lenny Holden from European Safety Concepts; Michael E. North, North
Engineers & Design Associates; Colin Bartlett, managing director of Sutlet
Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
The members of the various chambers who attended included most of the usual
suspects, with Andrew Durieux (boss cocky of the Australian Chamber) along
with Graham Macdonald and Greg Watkins (vice-boss cocky and executive
director respectively of the British Chamber) plus a slew of folk who had
earlier been at the Lighthouse Club lunch which finished at 7 p.m.
Whilst 2009 has not been the best of years for most chamber members,
everyone was in a good mood to celebrate the end of the year and all had
very positive vibes about what 2010 would bring. Let us hope so!
(L to R) Gerhard Hein; James
Howard, consultant with Milan Crosse Creative Ltd; Geev Andre Bahrampoori,
director of operations Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa; Pratheep S. Malhotra,
managing director Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd.
(Front Row) Supannee
Starojitski, business development manager of Colliers International; Kusuma
Bualuang, sales coordinator of Colliers International; Warisa Raktham, sales
supervisor of Colliers International. (Back Row) Greg Watkins, executive
director British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; Chris Thatcher, chairman
Sutlet Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd; James Howard, consultant with Milan Crosse
Creative Ltd; Graham Macdonald, director of the British Chamber of Commerce
Thailand.
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Xmas Charity Bazaar
The best entertainment in any hospital in the world
Dr. Iain Corness
The Bangkok Hospital Pattaya held its Xmas Charity Bazaar on the
ground floor of the tower building, and it was a huge success from
everyone’s point of view. The visitors and patients were given a wonderful
selection of entertainment acts, the charities swelled their coffers by
offering many very inexpensive items for sale and disadvantaged children all
over Thailand were the recipients of the charity funds that were raised.
 Emcees
Pik and Dr. Iain keep the show moving.
The bazaar had opened at 9 a.m. and the hospital’s director, Dr. Pichit
Kangwolkij welcomed everyone to the hospital and expressed the hope that
everyone would be enjoying themselves. He did not have to worry - they did.
The center stage, managed by emcees Pik and Dr. Iain, saw many varied acts,
ranging from the classical ballet dancers from the Dance Studio to the very
unclassical dancers from Alcazar.
One of the most popular acts was an 11 year old girl from the Rayong English
Program School (REPS) who sang a Mariah Carey number, every bit as powerful
and professional as the established singing star. A star in the making.
 Dr.
Iain (left) shares a laugh with Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s director, Dr.
Pichit Kangwolkij.
Another group of performers who played to an encore was the Regents School
Jazz Band, made up of students and staff, who played some great old jazz
classics, while the children from Ban Jing Jai sang a Xmas medley. The most
energetic dancing was displayed by the California WOW dancers and the B-Boy
troupe, whilst the most elegant were the Thai dancers from REPS, while the
best novelty act was supplied by The Hard Rock Hotel.
The charities sold items and raffle tickets, with the prize for the most
tickets sold going to the 6’4" fairy from the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya. I personally witnessed one person giving the fairy B. 100
just to get away from ‘hir’ (that’s a combination of ‘him’ and ‘her’).
The World of Wines had some very cut-price bottles of wine on offer,
including the very quaffable Broken Hills at well under B. 500 a bottle. (I
should have bought a case at the price they were going out at!)
 Classical
ballet dancers from the Dance Studio perform brilliantly.
For the many children’s groups, such as the Mercy Center and Ban Jing Jai
kids, the arrival of Santa had all the magic that Santa stands for, but the
most touching were the blind children from the Maha Thai Redemptorist
Center, who would never be able to ‘see’ Santa, but could still experience
the Xmas spirit of giving, in receiving their gifts from Santa and his
little helpers.
This was the fifth charity bazaar, and undoubtedly the best. People stayed
until the end and enjoyed every minute. As Dr. Iain said at the close of the
bazaar, the population of Pattaya, and the hospital’s patients, had just
seen the best entertainment offered by any hospital in the world! What will
Neera and her team dream up for Xmas 2010?
The most touching visit to
Santa came from the blind children
from the Maha Thai Redemptorist Center.
The most energetic dancing was
displayed by the California WOW dancers.
The most elegant show was put
on by the Thai dancers from REPS.
Skål International welcomes Young Skål at the Xmas party
(L to R) Jo Stetten, Rene
Pisters, general manager of the Thai Garden Resort,
Ingo Raeuber, president of Skål International Pattaya & East Thailand,
Carl-Fabian Arp, managing director of Thai-Ger Line Golf, George Hazard,
general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya and Peter Malhotra,
vice-president of Skål International Pattaya & East Thailand pose for a
group photo.
Dr. Iain Corness
The Skål International club of Pattaya and East Thailand held its
Xmas party at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya last week, and invited the members
of the Young Skål organization to come and celebrate with the “older”
members.
 Rudolf
Scepka (left) talks about his pencil drawing as Dr Iain Corness listens
intently.
The event was held around the Hard Rock’s swimming pool (the largest
free-form pool in Pattaya) with a wonderful buffet for the guests. The pig
on a spit was so large it must have taken half of GM George Hazard’s staff
to rope him. A monster! Another very welcome live cooking station was the
raclette cheese, served with new potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins. Many
went back for seconds (including me).
President Ingo Raeuber (Pinnacle Resorts and Spas) gave a short address,
outlining the many functions and speakers the local group had arranged
during the year, followed by The Pattaya Mail Publishing GM Peter Malhotra
who spoke on the importance of fostering the younger tourism and hospitality
personnel to ensure the continuing future of Skål International. His
daughter-in-law Rung followed and introduced each of the Young Skål members
who all expressed their delight in attending the evening’s event. One of
their number, Huy Le Dinh Chung (Kevin) from Amantra Resort and Spa
reiterated those positive feelings and said he was very proud to be able to
present his business card with the logo of Skål International on the
reverse.
 Scott
Smith (left) Director of Young Skål Thailand and Huy Le Dinh Chung (Kevin)
from Amantra Resort and Spa talk about how good it is to be a part of Skål
International.
To help swell the coffers for next year, an auction was held, as is usual at
the Xmas party and 75,000 baht was raised from the many items, including
many nights stay at top properties, gourmet dinners at Casa Pascal and a
numbered pencil drawing done by artist Rudolf Scepka, who addressed the
audience.
If you are interested in ‘Doing business amongst friends’, the charter of
Skål International, you can contact Ingo Raeuber at email prjgm
@pinnaclehotels.com.
The Malhotras were also
present (l-r) Vicky, Malwinder, Marlowe,
and Rungratree Thongsai take a break from the festivities to have a chat.
The new Young Skål members
pose proudly
with their certificates together with the ‘old’ Skålleagues.
Elfi Seitz flanked by Rene
Pisters (left) and Jo Stetten.
Paolo Randone (left) GM of
Dusit D2 meets old chum George.
Christina and Malcolm Boden of
the Charity Club
of Pattaya enjoying a pleasant moment with Fabian.
Tony Malhotra and Rungratree
Thongsai were great with the kids.
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