AustCham watches the sun go down

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The September networking evening organized by the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) was held at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, one of the institutions of Pattaya having been founded in 1957, with their GM Duncan Miller ensuring everyone was properly fed and watered (well, wine and beer do have a good percentage of water in them).

The upstairs function room at the Royal Varuna was the ideal spot to see the sun extinguish itself in the waters of Pattaya Bay, making the Seaboard Sundowners a reality for all the members and guests.

A pretty picture against a spectacular sunset. (l-r) Mike Meissner, Attapon Sangserpo,  Nichanam and Rittiwat Bholat, Sales Consultant of Fragrant Property Ltd.A pretty picture against a spectacular sunset. (l-r) Mike Meissner, Attapon Sangserpo,  Nichanam and Rittiwat Bholat, Sales Consultant of Fragrant Property Ltd.

In the absence of President John Anderson, Vice-President Belinda Skinner did an admirable job in circulating and ensuring the evening went smoothly.  In an exclusive interview with Pattaya Mail TV, she spoke on the charity work carried out by the Australian Chamber, in particular the English language tuition in schools in this area (so if any young Thai child comes up and says, “G’Day Mate” you know who has been teaching him).  Belinda also went on to promote the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final event on October 1 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, complete with Aussie pies!  You can get more details on this uniquely Australian event on the website www.austchamthailand.com.

This is the winner of our most photogenic couple of the evening.This is the winner of our most photogenic couple of the evening.This is the winner of our most photogenic couple of the evening.

The principal sponsor of the evening was the Fragrant Property Group, a real estate developer better known in Bangkok for their ‘green’ condominium units (www. fragrantgroup.com).

Leasing and Resale Department Manager Michelle Niyomphan explained on Pattaya Mail TV that with recycling, the central costs to the building itself were contained and over time the costs to the individual became less.  Sales Director Nick Tangwacharapongse also discussed with AustCham members the relative merits of Koh Larn as a suitable area to look at developing in the future.

AustCham VP Belinda Skinner chats with Peter Scott (Info Comm).AustCham VP Belinda Skinner chats with Peter Scott (Info Comm).

These networking evenings do attract a diverse and wide-ranging group, including Louisa Girod (www. regardez-moi.com) with her beachwear, accessories and jewelry, Nathan Christoff (www.litehouseasia .com) manufacturers of dressings, dips and sauces, and regular movers Kerry Matisin and Sri from Allied Pickfords (and I don’t know about the shakers).

Lending a sort of semi-governmental bona fides were Tom Yates and Leigh Wilmott (Austrade) while Mark Bowling (Colliers International) seemed more interested in bowling maidens over.  The Australian media was represented by Raine Grady and Les Nyerges (Capital TV), with Raine in deep discussions with Peter Malhotra of the Pattaya Mail Media group.

The next Seaboard Sundowners will be held on the second Friday of the month (October 14) and full details will be posted on www.austchamthailand.com.

Old friends meet again, Peter Malhotra (Pattaya Mail), Raine Grady (Capital TV), Louisa Girod (Regardez Moi) and Dr. Iain Corness.Old friends meet again, Peter Malhotra (Pattaya Mail), Raine Grady (Capital TV), Louisa Girod (Regardez Moi) and Dr. Iain Corness.

Paul Whyte and Paul Wilkinson enjoy a glass of good Aussie wine.Paul Whyte and Paul Wilkinson enjoy a glass of good Aussie wine.

Stuart Mckenzie (Business Class Asia) poses with Belinda Skinner (Top Talent Asia- VP AustCham).Stuart Mckenzie (Business Class Asia) poses with Belinda Skinner (Top Talent Asia- VP AustCham).

Les Nyerges (Capital TV) and Paul Whyte shoot the breeze on the terrace overlooking the beach.Les Nyerges (Capital TV) and Paul Whyte shoot the breeze on the terrace overlooking the beach.

Veterans of chamber networkings get together. (l-r) David L.Bell (Ra-Kahng Assocites Limited), Salisa Burid, Adhi Leone (Deckworks Contracting) and Mark Carroll (Exec. Dir. AustCham).Veterans of chamber networkings get together. (l-r) David L.Bell (Ra-Kahng Assocites Limited), Salisa Burid, Adhi Leone (Deckworks Contracting) and Mark Carroll (Exec. Dir. AustCham).

AustCham executive director, Mark Carroll talks about what a great venue this is with Duncan Miller from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.AustCham executive director, Mark Carroll talks about what a great venue this is with Duncan Miller from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

The lucky winner of the name card draw receives his prize from Belinda Skinner. The lucky winner of the name card draw receives his prize from Belinda Skinner.

Women talk women talk and men talk men talk.Women talk women talk and men talk men talk.