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Pattaya prays for peace on Visakha Bucha Day
Buddhist
faithful at Wat Nong Yai light incense and ask that
the country remain at peace for a long time to come.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Buddhists crowded temples to pray for a return to
peaceful times as the nation once again celebrated Visakha Bucha Day, which
marks the birth, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana by Lord Buddha.
Pattaya residents began the day early, taking children
and relatives to make merit at local temples. Food and desserts were given
as offerings to monks, who returned the favor by teaching Dharma. Many
elderly worshippers followed tradition in wearing white and eating only
vegetarian meals on the holiest of Buddhist holidays.
In Sattahip, the 111-year-old Luang Por Ie Temple was
particularly busy, with crowds drawn to the candlelight procession around
Uposatha Hall in the evening. The temple invited people of faith to make
merit with flowers, candles and incense, to walk with lit candles in hand
around the temple. Virtually everyone interviewed said they’d come to pray
for a return of peace and tourists after last month’s deadly Bangkok riots.
Sattahip Mayor Narong Bunbancherd led municipal employees
in performing Buddhist worship at Buddha Sihingh Mingmongkol in Sattahip and
on Dongtan Beach in front of the Sattahip District Office.
Other Sattahip residents invited Khru Ba Chaosri Mokfa
Ngammuang to perform a ceremony and the offering of mathupayas sacred
rice to monks.
Locally, similar ceremonies were held at all Buddhist
temples, all culminating in the Wien Thien ceremony in the evening.
Visakha Bucha means the worship of the Buddha on the day
of the full moon in the sixth lunar month, which usually falls in May.
Sri Lanka proposed to the UNESCO meeting on December 15,
1999, that Visakha Bucha Day be recognized as the most important memorial
day in Buddhism and marked as a “World Heritage Day”. Thailand, which is the
permanent location of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, was chosen to
always host and celebrate this day.
Monks at
Luang Por Ie Temple lead the Wien Thien
candlelight procession around Uposatha Hall.
Pattaya
Buddhists make merit by offering food
to Buddhist monks on Visakha Bucha Day.
Buddhist
faithful take part in the Wien Thien candlelight procession around Uposatha
Hall Visakha Bucha Day.
Riverine, amphibious focus make CARAT 2010 a success
Patcharapol Panrak
With its emphasis on river-based maritime security and
amphibious assault, this year’s Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
naval exercise in Sattahip was called a total success by organizers.
ADM Supagon Buranadilok (left), commander of the Royal
Thai Fleet, and Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson (right), commander of the U.S.
Logistics Group for the Western Pacific, preside over closing ceremonies.
CARAT 2010 saw Thailand and the U.S. joined by navies
from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. Based out
of Royal Thai Marine Corps headquarters at Prince Chumporn Camp in Toeuyngam
Bay, the exercise now in its 16th year covered air defense, suppression of
submarines, defensive weapons firing, amphibious attack, psychological
operations and other tactics.
An attack boat prepares for the riverine exercise.
This year’s games saw the first “riverine” training,
units that, according to the U.S. Navy, “focus on conducting maritime
security operations and theater security cooperation in a riverine area of
operations or other suitable areas.” Riverine units cooperate with other
services “in an effort to close the seams in doctrine, tactics, techniques,
and procedures, and command, control, communications, computers,
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.”
Rear Adm. Chaiyot Sunthonnak, commander of the Royal Thai
Navy’s Frigate Squadron 2, said riverine training is especially useful for
Thai forces in suppression of narcotics trafficking.
Reinforcements are delivered via air support.
The week-long exercise also saw extended practice of sea
operations including amphibious assault.
The Thai forces, comprised of two ships, plane,
helicopter and 10 amphibious vehicles, joined the U.S. contingent led by
landing ship USS Harpers Ferry and a U.S. Marine Division at Yao Beach May
16.
A command unit first occupied the beachhead, which was
under simulated enemy control. A battalion was then sent to prepare, scout
and clear the beach. The first wave was supported with air bombardment from
the Thai aircraft. Amphibious troops then stormed the beach and secured it
with helicopters ferrying in support and medical personnel.
Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson, commander of the U.S. Logistics
Group for the Western Pacific, called the exercise a complete success and
said the Navy is looking forward to another exercise next year. However, she
noted, this will be her last CARAT as she is up for reassignment soon.
Helicopters lend support to the invasion.
Marines simulate an attack from the sea.
“Riverine” forces patrol the area.
Amphibious troops begin their assault on enemy territory.
Amphibious troops storm the beach head.
Troops storm the enemy stronghold.
Police Superintendent visits PCEC meeting
Master of Ceremonies Les Edmonds on Sunday, May 23,
welcomed everyone back to the location that has been the Pattaya City Expat
Club’s home for the past seven years. The Amari Orchid Resort had completed
most of the renovation of Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill into The Tavern by the
Sea. Les noted that the Club now has the distinction of being the first
customers of The Tavern.
Following an introduction by Sermsak, Police Colonel
Nanthavut Suwanlaong, Superintendent of the Pattaya City Police, who has the
distinction to be the youngest policeman to hold such a position in
Thailand, said that the safety of all persons in Pattaya, Thais, tourists,
and Expats that live here, is his prime concern.
The first order of business was for Les to call on
Sermsakdi to introduce the Club’s very special guest, Police Colonel
Nanthavut Suwanlaong, Superintendent of the Pattaya City Police. He has the
distinction to be the youngest policeman to hold such a position in
Thailand.
Col. Nanthavut said he appreciated the opportunity to
meet with the Club. He said that the safety of all persons in Pattaya,
Thais, tourists, and expats that live here, is his prime concern.
Since taking his position, he has increased the number of
patrols within the city. He noted that most crimes in Pattaya are drug
related. Since he became chief, the number of arrests for such offenses has
increased from 200 to about 500 to 800 per month.
MC Les Edmonds introduces guest speaker, Pascal Deville,
who had spoken to the Club previously to introduce the Nutrition Club of
Pattaya.
His view is bad people should go to jail. Although
increased police efforts help reduce the crime rate, it takes more than
that. He has enlisted the aid of motorcycle taxi drivers and other
volunteers to be alert and report suspected criminal activity. He asked the
audience to also be vigilant and notify the police of any suspect activity.
In case of emergency, you can call 191.
He also said that you should feel safe in Pattaya, but
you need to do your part such as driving safely and not wearing gold
necklaces that are tempting targets to thieves.
Pascal is also is an experienced wellness coach and
trainer. He briefly described the Nutrition Club, and reminded everyone that
free health checks are provided and guidance given for leading a healthier
life.
After a big round of applause for Col. Nanthavut, he
answered several questions from the audience.
Les then called on the scheduled guest speaker, Pascal
Deville. Pascal had spoken to the Club about one year ago to introduce the
Nutrition Club of Pattaya. Pascal has been involved in the health food
supplement industry for over 17 years and is still the consultant to the
Pattaya Nutrition Club located on Pattaya Central Road near Foodland. He
also is an experienced wellness coach and trainer. Pascal briefly described
the Nutrition Club and reminded everyone that free health checks are
provided and guidance given for leading a healthier life.
Pascal provided some statistics about various diseases
including cardiovascular, cancer, and diabetes. He said that 70 to 80
percent of deaths in the USA are caused by these diseases and that most of
the diseases are related to poor nutritional health.
Further, poor nutrition comes from bad eating habits
and/or lifestyle. Examples of a lifestyle that contributes to poor nutrition
is one that lacks enough physical exercise, provides too little time for
relaxation or eating, or involves excessive drinking of alcohol.
Also contributing to poor nutrition is the way today’s
food is processed and stored. Pascal noted that the amount of nutrients in
foods today is about 60 percent less than 30 years ago. Another factor on
nutritional health is toxins from pollutants in the air.
He cited Dr. Ray D. Strand’s writing about bio nutrition.
In his writings, Dr. Strand states that people need a strong healthy immune
system to protect health. Pascal pointed out that RDA (Recommended Daily
Allowance) charts are woefully out of date; having been developed some 60
years ago. He showed a comparative chart of what is recommended by today’s
bio nutritionists and the RDA and pointed out there were some very big
differences.
Pascal went on to explain the importance of getting
enough vitamins and minerals to maintain one’s health. He pointed out that
eating properly and giving the body what it needs is important. Further,
another benefit for those that are overweight is that it will also lead to
weight loss.
After Pascal answered many questions from the audience,
Les updated everyone on upcoming events and called on Harry “Sig” Sigworth
to conduct the always informative and sometimes humorous Open Forum where
questions are asked and answered about living in Thailand in general and
Pattaya in particular.
Wine lovers treated to excellent tasting of Bovlei Cellar wines
Paul Strachan
Bovlei Cellar staged an excellent tasting of their
selection of wines at the Holiday Inn Pattaya’s Havana Bar on Sunday May 23.
Herman Le Roux, general manager of Bovlei Cellar South Africa, talks a
little about the history of Bovlei Cellar.
Bovlei is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand, as
it boasts a wide range of wines that as are as pleasurable on the bank
account as they are on the palette.
For this occasion Herman Le Roux, the general manager of
Bovlei Cellar, flew in to talk abut his wine and find out more about the
market and his customers in Thailand.
This event was greatly aided by the South African - Thai
Chamber of Commerce, with its president, Maurice Bromley, and director,
Allan Riddell, on hand at the Havana Bar lending their support in bringing
South African wine to Thailand.
Allan Riddell, director of the South African-Thai Chamber
of Commerce, addresses the assembled group of wine aficionados.
In his address, Le Roux stated that this was his second
trip to Thailand, and now he is gaining experience on how to trade in Asia.
He also said that Bovlei was affirming its marriage with Nattachai Chaiprom
of BNK Pattaya Wine Gallery and that he was proud to bring quality products
from the rainbow nation, South Africa, especially with the kick-off of the
2010 Football World Cup approaching.
Lately, Bovlei has spent some time in redefining what
Bovlei stands for and what the factors and characteristics are that make
Bovlei unique. It is the second oldest cooperative wine cellar in South
Africa. Its members have a winemaking legacy originating in the French
Huguenots, settling at the Cape more than three centuries ago.
It’s a cellar that has evolved into a global modern day
business institution, well directed and managed, producing quality wines
with many national and international accolades.
One of the many Bovlei wines being served during the wine tasting event
at Holiday Inn Pattaya’s Havana Bar.
Many distinguished guests were in attendance, including
Royal Cliff Wine Club President Ranjith Chandrasiri, Mark Cawley from
Centara Grand Mirage, Ken Smith from Tiffany’s, Peter Smith from AA
Insurance, the owners of Cafe Des Amis and many others.
Although a wide selection of reds and whites were on
offer it seemed that the reds, especially the Shiraz and the Merlot were the
most popular.
Not one spittoon was to be seen and many of the guests
had to go back and re-check the wines many times, but this was part of the
fun.
By the end of the evening guest could be seen carrying
their purchases out into the hot balmy evening and looking forward to a
glass or two at home.
This type of event is greatly welcomed in what has been a
difficult time here in Thailand and it was one that brightened everybody’s
evening and yet again pushes South African Bovlei Cellar into the minds of
wine lovers here in the Land of smiles.
Royal Cliff Wine Club President Ranjith Chandrasiri (left) chats with
Nattachai Chaiprom, managing director BNK Pattaya Wine Gallery.
Geev Bahrampoori (left), director of operations
Pattaya Marriott Resort &
Spa and Tony Malhotra (right),
new managing director of Chiang Mai Mail,
sample the reds and whites.
(L to R) Allan Riddell, director of the South African-Thai
Chamber of Commerce; Maurice Bromley, president of the South African-Thai
Chamber of Commerce; Nattachai Chaiprom, managing director BNK Pattaya Wine
Gallery, and Herman
Le Roux, general manager of Bovlei Cellar South Africa.
Wine lovers mingle, comparing impressions of the Bovlei
line of wines.
The excellent staff at the Havana Bar are quite attentive,
making sure all glasses remain sufficiently full.
Bovlei Cellar staged an excellent tasting of their
selection of wines
at the Holiday Inn Pattaya’s Havana Bar on Sunday May 23.
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