Pattaya plans day of celebration Sunday Dec. 5 to mark HM the King’s birthday

Public holiday Monday, Dec. 6 in lieu

Pattaya will mark His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 83rd birthday Sunday, Dec. 5 with ceremonies and a parade along Beach Road.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m. in front of Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office where runners will gather to hold a Birthday Run to honor His Majesty the King. The runners will run down Pratamnak Road past Pattaya School No. 8, up Second Road up to Central Road, turn left to Beach Road, all the way down passed Walking Street to Bali Hai Pier and up the hill to finish at the TAT office. A total of 8 km.

The celebration’s finale will kick off at 4.30 p.m. with a parade starting at Royal Garden Plaza and finishing at Bali Hai Pier. Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome will preside over the ceremonies to pay homage and pledge allegiance to HM the King.

Festivities will be capped by candle-lighting and songs of praise and loyalty at 8 p.m.

Since His Majesty’s birthday falls on a Sunday this year, Monday Dec 6 has been designated as the Father’s Day public holiday, and as such all government offices, banks and many businesses will be closed. Many bank branches in shopping malls may be open to cater to foreign exchange. Shopping centers and most exchange booths throughout the city will be open. Places of entertainment are usually open without restriction.

Announcements

The New Zealand-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NZTCC) has announced the expansion of its presence to the Eastern Seaboard. Newly elected committee member Richard Prouse (of the Sutlet Group, who opened their Pattaya branch recently), will be the local representative for the Chamber. There will be a Pattaya and Eastern Seaboard networking evening on Thursday December 9th at the Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Beach Road, Pattaya (in the Garden Lounge from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.) and all are invited to attend. For more information email [email protected] or [email protected], or go to www.nztcc.org.

Events

The Father Ray Foundation SOS Rice Appeal 2010 will be taking place over the weekend of the 3rd to the 6th December in commemoration of the birthday of His Majesty the King. The Foundation appeals to the people of Pattaya to help it feed the 850 children and students who rely on the assistance they receive. Local supermarkets have agreed to help by allowing volunteers to collect rice from its customers over these four days, and we ask that you show your support by donating a bag of rice. Supermarkets taking part in the SOS Rice Appeal 2010 are local branches of Big C (North & South Pattaya), Carrefour, Central Food Halls, Foodland, Friendship, Makro, Villa Market, Tesco Lotus (North & South Pattaya), Tesco Express and TOPS (Central Pattaya & Tuk Com). For more information go to www. fr-ray.org or email [email protected]

The Lighthouse Club Pattaya is holding a “Movers & Shakers 2010” charity networking evening on Friday, December 3 at the Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya - an event jointly-promoted with the British Chamber of Commerce and AustCham. Beginning at 6 p.m. with a welcome reception and live music entertainment, the evening will progress with a ballroom party and food plus an exciting fashion show, more networking and tunes into the wee hours. A full bar will be available with Carlsberg Beer on draft; red and white wine; plus a superb flow of fine food buffet items... all free with the cost of admission! Admission fees are: THB 750 for all men and THB 500 for all ladies. Movers & Shakers 2010 is expected to be the biggest corporate network event of this year held on the Eastern Seaboard! For further information go to http://lighthousepattaya.com.

Clubs and Associations

The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be on Sunday, December 5. Everyone is warmly welcome. The speaker will be John Ryan, a person experienced in the use of Lie Detectors. He will be giving an interesting talk about “Truth Verification.” The Club meets every Sunday morning at the Tavern by the Sea Restaurant located on the north end of Beach Road (part of the Amari Orchid Resort). The program starts as usual at 10:30 a.m. with a buffet breakfast available from 9 to 11 a.m. Each week the PCEC usually has an interesting speaker to talk on various subjects of interest in an informal setting. The program is followed by the ever lively and often humorous Open Forum where questions are asked and answers given about living in Pattaya as well as an update on events in and around Pattaya. A full report appears each week in Pattaya Mail. For more information about the Sunday meeting and the numerous other weekday activities of the PCEC, see the Club’s website at www. pattayacityexpatsclub.com and learn more about the many and varied activities of the Club.

The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) organizes regular lunches and coffee mornings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. For more information email [email protected], or go to the website at www.pattaya-pilc.com

The Pattaya Irish Society meets every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Moonrakers in Pong. Call John on 086 112 0988 for details.

Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya welcomes you to their Wednesday meetings in the Rotary room Royal Cliff Grand Hotel: Time 18.30 for 19.00. Contact Lloyd Jones (Membership) 0878043943.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Pattaya: The Pattaya Group meets Wednesday and Thursday at noon (open); Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m. (closed) and Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (closed) at the Satree Pattana Center, Soi Skaw Beach (2nd Rd): contact Carl on 084 563 1671. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning at the Highlander Guest House, Soi Skaw Beach. All meetings are ‘open’: contact Mike 086 009 6276. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: contact: Bill 086 156 8102, Mark 087 096 6069, Bob 087 085 3356, Thai contact: Somchai 081 445 3302. The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515.

For the past 28 years the Samaritans of Thailand have been providing confidential crisis intervention services over the telephone. The English-speaking unit, Samaritans English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community. English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone. All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. Please call (02) 713-6791 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week).

The Rotary Club Pattaya Marina meets every Friday at 7.00 p.m. at the Pullman Aisawan, Wongamat Beach, between Soi 16 and 18 in Naklua. The evening meetings include a sumptuous international buffet. For more information contact Club President Eric Larbouillat at [email protected]

The Dutch Expats Club meets the last Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Feel free to see our website for the location address: http://nvtpattaya.org. New members are always welcome.

DACH-Club - Meetings of German speaking residents for dining, discussions, films and gemutlichkeit. Pat’s Leckerle, Soi 33 Naklua. Check website http://www. dach-th.org/location.html

The RLC (Rayong Ladies Circle), which operates mainly in the Ban Chang and Rayong areas, is a friendly and social group of international women. They hold a monthly coffee morning, amongst many other activities, on each second Tuesday of every month in the home of one of their members. Everyone most welcome to join! For more information contact [email protected] or visit www. rayongladiescircle.com

Dining

Christmas Day lunch at the Holiday Inn, Pattaya: Enjoy a perfect Christmas Day with delicious Christmas buffet and entertainment for the whole family at the Holiday Inn’s Cafe G. Carol singers will sing some lovely Christmas tunes and Santa Claus will also be visiting Cafe G to give presents to all the children. From 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Christmas lunch for only THB 750 per person. All kids under 12 eat free. Visit www.dining-experience.com/pattaya or call 038 725 555 for more information.

Theme Buffet Evenings at the Montien Hotel, Pattaya: Wednesday at La Mer Restaurant - Mediterranean Buffet Dinner 6.30p.m. - 10.00 p.m. Savour original culinary delights from the sunny Mediterranean. A rich array of southern European favorites available: Adults Baht 695++, Children Baht 400++. Friday at the Verandah (Coffee Shop) - BBQ & Seafood Buffet Dinner 6.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m., “Irresistible Seafood” with a net-full of fresh seafood and tender sizzling meats: Adults Baht 795++, Children Baht 450++. For reservations please call 038-428155, 038- 361340 ext 1620, 1621, E-mail; [email protected]

Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant, opposite Mike Shopping Mall, 2nd Road. Every Thursday is Roast Beef Night (330 baht), Friday Moules - Frites Night (350 baht) and Every 2nd Saturday Bouillabaisse Mediterranean (500 baht). For reservations contact Patrick 081 687 2410 or e-mail [email protected]

At The Peak Restaurant in December, the chefs will present a “Flavours of Cathay - reflections of China” culinary experience not to be missed! Take delight in the conpoy and seafood soup with shrimp, squid and peppercorns; braised stuffed duck leg with minced pork and shrimp in brown sauce and more. The regular Dim Sum lunch is also available daily with an extensive array of soup, dim sum selection and dessert on the a la carte menu. The restaurant seats 80, including 2 private rooms. The Peak is located on the 8th floor of the Dusit Thani Pattaya. Open every day from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. For reservations and more information on opening hours, please call (0) 3842-5611 to 7, ext. 2276.

In December, The Bay Italian Restaurant invites you to indulge in a nifty little combo of the best Italian gourmet festivals featured throughout 2010! Savour your most favourite culinary highlights of the year from the talented resident chefs. The Bay also hosts a fabulous BBQ Buffet Dinner every Saturday evening. Seating available for 200 people in both interior and terrace settings. The Bay is located near the Lagoon Pool of Dusit Thani Pattaya. Open every day from 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. For more information and reservations, please call 038 425 611-7 ext. 2270.

Restaurant Casa Pascal has re-launched its popular Sunday Brunch Buffet. The first and longest Sunday Brunch Buffet in town offers an overwhelming choice of food items and comes to you for just 899 baht + V.A.T. including a glass of Prosecco (children under 8 years 450 baht). Don’t miss this unique chance and book your table right now! First come, first served. For your reservation, please call (038) 723-660 or 081-983-4182.

Restaurant Poseidon offers a daily Breakfast and Lunch Buffet menu from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. featuring a host of favorites including freshly baked breads, delicacies, fruit, salads, hot dishes and the cooking station that offers bacon, ham, sausages, eggs of your choice, potatoes, fried rice, noodles and much more. The whole menu is available for only 165 baht per person. Also don’t forget the weekend BBQ dinner menu (every Sat & Sun night) which includes a whole smorgasbord of delicious food offerings for only 444 baht per person. For more information and reservations call (038) 303-300 or 081-983-4182 (Kim) or go to www.restaurant-pattaya.com

New and only at Moon River Pub! The After Work Club, Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to midnight, offers guests a Western or Thai evening menu. Groups of 30 people may choose from the European and Thai all you can eat buffet (booking 1 day in advance). The all you can drink (wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, etc.) counts for both offers. Price per person: 1,000 baht each. The Moon River Pub is located in front of the Thai Garden Resort, North Pattaya Road.

Jameson’s the Irish Pub has a weekly set menu, served from midday to midnight, 3 courses for 255 baht / 2 courses 230 baht / 1 course 195 baht. Starters include potted ham with thick toast & English mustard or homemade turkey broth or hot prawns in cognac. The main courses offer spaghetti with your choice of Bolognaise, vegetarian tomato sauce or Carbonara, or pork burger or grilled king mackerel steak (caught by manager Wanchai) served with boiled potato, peas & butter/lemon/chili sauce. Dessert includes a choice of chocolate brownie cake with cream or strawberry sundae or pineapple crumble with custard. This menu can be served within 45 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Tel. (038) 361 874, e-mail: [email protected], Website: www.jamesons-pattaya.com

Entertainment

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is holding a “Night with the Divas” Christmas charity light-up party and concert on Saturday, December 4 at the Hall of Fame Ballroom. Starting at 6:30 p.m. the night will be highlighted by the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, the ever sumptuous buffet dinner and unlimited free-flow drinks, and the performance of two delectable Divas: Kam and Panadda. Ticket prices are THB 26,910 for a table of 10 persons or THB 2,990 per person and can be reserved by contacting 038-428755-9 or purchased at the reception desk of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

Pattaya Players are proud to announce their very first Christmas Pantomime production of “Aladdin” on December 3rd-4th, 11th-12th and 17th-18th. This production will be free to everyone as a “thank you” for all the support and dedication audience members have shown during the last three years of the Pattaya Players’ existence. Each evening’s forty five minute performance will take place in a different Pattaya venue, allowing for geographic diversity as well as differing interests. More information may be garnered by visiting their website at www. pattayaplayers.org or by emailing [email protected].

The New Garden in Pratamnak Soi 4 has Charity Music Jam Sessions every Sunday at 6.30 p.m. Welcome! Phone 038-250971. See earlier videos at www.jomtienpeople.com

Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes at the North Star Library every Saturday at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact John 083 005 3006 or North Star Library 038 716 755, www.thaisahajayoga.com

Come and enjoy the live music at the Jazz Pit Pub from 8 p.m. to midnight every day (except Tuesdays & Wednesdays). Listen to great music by Thomas Reimer, one of the most famous European Jazz guitar players. If you play an instrument, you are welcome to come along and join in the jam sessions. The Jazz Pit is located on Soi 5 off Pattaya Beach and 2nd Road. Tel: 038 428 374.

The Captain’s Corner introduces the talented “Elvis” Arthur every Saturday and Sunday evening at 9 p.m. to continue the popular “Elvis live on stage” tradition. Come and enjoy the best Bar-B-Q in town at the Captain’s Corner and sing along to your favorite Elvis song. For reservations and free pick up service call: 038 364314. The Captain’s Corner BBQ restaurant is located at the Residence Suites, Thappraya Road on the way to Jomtien.

Liam’s Gallery displays exhibition of work by renowned Thai and international artists. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information please visit www.liamsgallery.com, telephone 038 306172 Geena or Liam or email [email protected].