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VFW donates money to assist activities for the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya
Suchada Tupchai
On January 19 at the Green Bottle Pub in the Diana Inn on
Pattaya Second Road, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars from the United
States) donated 21,000 baht to the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya organization. Funds
were donated to the president of the Saiyairak (“bonds of love”)
Project, Waraphan Sukhonthasit, and Diana Group MD Sopin Thappajug, and will
be used for children in need of scholarships. This donation is part of the
VFW’s activities for society and is held annually.
Waraphan
Sukhonthasit and Diana Group MD Sopin Thappajug of the Saiyairak Project
receive donated money from the VFW.
These VFW members are Pacific American War Veterans, and
there are currently over 700 members in this post. It is an important
organization that helps take care of war veterans from all countries. This
organization has been tied to Thailand since World War II, beginning with
Thailand’s support for the war effort.
At present the VFW has approximately 3 million war veterans around the
world. Their groups (posts) conduct many charitable activities for society,
such as donating money and supplies to orphanages, holding fund raising
activities for underprivileged children, and organizing charity events.
Local Expats Club gathers for tsunami relief buffet at Cafe New Orleans
Suchada Tupchai
Members from the Pattaya Expats Club in cooperation with Cafe
New Orleans Restaurant took part in a charity buffet dinner on January 16.
Customers paid 1,000 baht per head to dine at the restaurant with proceeds
aiding tsunami victims in the south of Thailand.
 Worawit
Saisupatpol (right), Banglamung district chief received monies from Steve Burke
(left) of New Orleans raised at the event to pass on to those affected in the
nation’s southern provinces.
Special guest of the evening was Worawit Saisupatpol,
Banglamung district chief who received the funds on behalf of the project to
help the south. The district chief will hand over the donation to the office of
the prime minister.
 Colin
De Jong, aka Elvis, spoke with Yvonee Ek from Sweden who was lucky enough to
live through the experience.
Among the diners were some who escaped the deadly wave on
December 26, declaring that they are lucky to be alive but feel for those who
lost their families, homes and businesses in the wake of the destruction. Their
stories of survival touched many attending the event.
The heartbreaking tragedy prompted the group to arrange the charity dinner to
show their support and sympathy for the victims of this terrible disaster.
Sammy’s celebrations help others
Party time to celebrate Mark’s Birthday and the new additional ownership of
Sammy’s Wine Bar at this recently-opened establishment in the Marine Hotel
Complex, helped raise funds for the tsunami victims and HEARTT2000.
Steve,
Chris, Mark and John and many friends celebrated Mark’s birthday and a new
partnership in the ownership of Sammy’s Wine Bar. Proceeds from the event went
to tsunami victims and HEARTT2000.
Text messages were being transmitted during the early evening
to remind people that despite the atrocious weather conditions “rain would not
stop play” and it didn’t!
The evening progressed through the eating of the usual pig
and trimmings, a beautiful selection of buffet items catered by White Night and
non-stop entertainment of various kinds by Mark’s friends through to the
fireworks display lighting up the night sky.
The staff added their dulcet tones with karaoke renditions of
Thai songs as the witching hour arrived to make the lucky draw. All items not
claimed on the night were then auctioned off to add to the donations for the two
charities.
Thanks must go to the generous bidders who bought then
re-donated the DVD player which by the time it was eventually bought had swelled
the funds by a considerable amount.
The outcome of the evening was conviviality for those who
attended, help from the money raised for the tsunami victims and HEARTT2000
patients, new friendships formed and the announcement of the addition of Steve
from Liberty Computers and Chris joining Mark and John in the ownership of
Sammy’s Wine Bar.
Sammy’s certainly proved to be a party place with all the facilities and a
fine addition to the places to be seen.
Food Wave in Royal Garden Plaza celebrates official grand opening
Diners’ delight – great food at the right price
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
At 1 p.m. on January 19 at Royal Garden Plaza, Amorn
Amornkul, general manager of Royal Garden Plaza Co. Ltd. opened the latest rage
in food centers, called Food Wave. By modifying the plaza for a new concept of
food center, the Food Wave is the first of its kind in Pattaya and the eastern
region.
The Royal
Garden Plaza’s Food Wave celebrated its official grand opening on January 19.
Spanning a space of over 5,000 square meters and with an
investment of over 180 million baht, this new food center sits right in the
heart of Pattaya’s central business and tourist district. A crowd of awed
spectators joined the group of VIPs from Pattaya and Bangkok for the opening of
this extraordinary center for food lovers.
Tasty, trendy and inspirational, the new food center is
eye-catching with a friendly atmosphere. Food Wave is divided into sections;
first class restaurants include The Zen, Oishi Ramen and Hot Pot. Another
section is Food Wave’s dining area of approximately 1,200 square meters with
500 seats, and to allow customers to enjoy Pattaya’s scenery, an open-air
terrace has been erected and is always crowed.
The central part next to the terrace provides 10 favorite
food shops serving specialties such as “Tamnan Thai”, Cantonese Chinese food
or “Jok Club”, which is prepared by a Chinese chef, “Accha” Indian food,
Italian food “Spicchio”, Daeng Dam noodle soup and Matador Steak, plus many
deserts and all kinds of beverages. The average price per person is
approximately 100-150 baht – reasonable prices and high quality food.
Food Wave is located on the 3rd floor of Royal Garden Plaza beside Beach Road
in a comfortable atmosphere with a tropical view. Guests get a bird’s eye view
of beautiful Pattaya Bay and can watch the world go by as they enjoy a delicious
meal.
Chairman praises progress
of Pattaya Gay Festival
Chairman of Pattaya Gay Festival, Michael Burchall, presented his annual
report of the PGF2004 at Le Cafe Royale in Pattayaland Soi 3 on Monday January
17.
This is the fourth year that PGF has been in existence and
Burchall reported, “In terms of finance it has proved to be our second best
year; in terms of entertainment and overall enjoyment and support of PGF
activities it must surely rank as the best.”
The chairman praised the efforts that took a total income of
1.7 million baht by October to a total almost double by the end of the year to
just over 3.3 million. Between 2001 and 2004 the PGF has raised the incredible
sum of nearly 12.5 million baht and with a balance of 2.6 million baht it will
ensure that HEARTT2000 will, at least for the ensuing year, receive the
sustainable level of a 200,000 baht donation per month.
Burchall thanked the resigning committee members for their
valuable voluntary work during their years in office; David Martin and John
Nicholl the treasurer for the past 3 years.
Burchall also acknowledged that the going had not always been
easy and, “The success of the Pattaya Gay Festival and its position as the
best festival of its kind in Thailand is a striking symbol of how adopting the
Buddhist principle of finding a middle way through all difficulties can achieve
something positive and rewarding.”
Thanks were expressed to Dr. Philippe Seur and Dr. Jerrarat
of Chonburi Hospital who continue “the magnificent work they undertake with
the HIV/AIDS patients in the area allowing them to be able to face the future
with hope.”
The chairman also placed on record the Festival’s special
thanks to Brian Wigley (www.boxertravels) for managing the PGF website (www.
pattayagayfestival.com) and ensuring greater publicity and exposure of the
events this year.
In December 2004, Dennis Dewsnap presented a cheque through
the PGF for 300,000 baht, to HEARTT2000 representing 50% of the income from the
sale of his book “What’s sex got to do with it”. The other 50% is being
donated to the Tangier Creche for Abandoned Children. The book chronicles
Dennis’s life with his partner for over 40 years, Syd Wood who sadly died in
2003.
During the year 2004 the Festival’s originator, Jim
Lumsden, was recognized by 2 very differing organizations. In the summer Pattaya
Rotary Club awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship and then towards the end of the
year Jim was presented with the Utopia Asia Award. Jim graciously accepted both
on behalf of the PGF and “such unsolicited awards have added considerably to
the credibility of the Pattaya Gay Festival in general as well as being
recognitions of Jim’s continued hard work.”
Burchall ended by thanking all members, sponsors and
contributors on behalf of the committee and those who have been helped during
the year.
Pattaya Finland Society engages
in reflective exercise and meditation
Relaxation techniques created by Thai meditation guru
Suchada Tupchai
The art of gentle exercise and meditation is a traditional
part of Asian culture. With this in mind, and to promote a calmer state of
being, the Pattaya Finland Society participated in such an activity at the Baan
Dvara Prateep here in Pattaya.
 Visuda
Sathanont, from the Standards Department of Thai Airways International Plc
presents the evening of relaxation at the Ban Dvara Prateep.
The evening’s activities were led by Visuda Sathanont, from
the Standards Department of Thai Airways International Plc. Tom Ogard, Pattaya
Finland Society president, began the relaxing evening.
Everyone in attendance performed Kasemsook Movement
meditation. This is a gentle form of exercise combined with breathing techniques
created by Kasemsook Phamornsathit, Mathura Human Society president. The
movements are performed to soft music, which further creates a meditative
atmosphere promoting better health in the body and mind.
Pattaya
Finland Society members look, and no doubt feel, quite peaceful during
meditation.
The night was well attended by society members who left feeling relaxed and
clear of mind, and less stressed from the pressures of modern life.
Amorn Malhotra celebrates birthday in grand style
Suchada Tupchai
Amorn Malhotra, managing director of THOSS (Thailand One Stop
Service Co. Ltd.) marked his 48th birthday with friends, family and
distinguished members of the community at the Jomtien Boat House Restaurant on
January 8. The festive evening included a host of well wishers and a night of
fun entertainment.
 Guests
wish Amorn prosperity and success.
The grand party was attended by honored guests including
Chalerm Det Chompoonuch, manager of the Government Housing Bank, Prateep
Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail Publishing, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor to
the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Pol. Col. Wutichart Leuansukahn from
Pattaya police station. Restaurant owners Ib and Kannikar Ottesen were on hand
to coordinate the celebrations and graciously receive guests.
The evening’s entertainment highlight was a lively
performance by Elvis Presley impersonator Suriya Prajamthee, who awed the crowd
with a fascinating selection of the “King’s” most popular songs. The room
rocked with applause of appreciation as the group tapped their feet and cheered.
After the performance a lavish cake was presented to
“birthday boy” Amorn, as his friends joined in a chorus of “Happy
Birthday”. After blowing out the candles, guests lined up to wish Amorn
prosperity and success.
All best wishes to Amorn for a bright future and many more birthdays to come.
A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant holds VIP party
Suchada Tupchai
A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant held a V.I.P.
party to thank their patrons and show appreciation for their support. The party,
held on the evening of January 16, was crowded with loyal customers, most of
them foreigners who enjoy the sumptuous cuisine offered on the venue’s lavish
menu.
A La Turca
Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant was crowded with loyal customers who enjoy
sumptuous Turkish cuisine.
A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant is located at
“The Market” on Pattaya Second Road. It is the first and only Turkish
restaurant in Thailand, and is managed by Arif and Serap Ilgun.
Arif and Serap love their national cuisine and want to share
it with those who appreciate good food with a touch of exotica. The pair decided
Pattaya’s international community would be the best place to set up business
since it is renowned for its multicultural population with a love of fine
dining.
The restaurant is open from 1 p.m. 11 p.m. For information and reservations
contact Khun Montra at 09-8211265.
PILC ship-shape
for the New Year
Gillian Thom
PILC held their first meeting of 2005 with a brunch at the
A-One Royal Cruise Hotel on January 18. The event was well attended by many of
the group’s members and their friends. The hotel put on a splendid buffet
feast, ruining the good intentions of many who had already expanded rather too
much during the Christmas festivities!
Business of the day included reports from the president,
Sharon Tibbits, who gave a round-up of the club’s activities in 2004. She also
advised that the AGM, for election of new committee members, would be in
February and asked as many of the members as possible (with friends) to attend.
 Diane
Doll (left) from Mercy Ministry presents a thank you certificate to Sharon
Tibbitts (right), as Liz Shepard looks on.
An announcement was made of the forthcoming opening of the
North Star Library, a generous donation by one of the club’s most active
members, Arlette Cykman. Arlette has presented the library building and all its
precious contents to the community of Pattaya in memory of her late mother, Vera
Cykman, and her mother’s friend, Maxine North.
 Aureen
Howell, Ina Buschhter and Marie-Therese Curschellas listen with much
interest.
Another high spot of the event was a presentation by Dianne
Doell, co-founder with her husband of the Mercy Ministry here in Pattaya, of a
plaque to PILC both in thanks, and to commemorate the help and support that the
club has given to the mission over the past years. The plaque was gratefully
accepted by Sharon Tibbits, and will be on show in the new North Star library
building.
Plans are now afoot for many more events during 2005, and anyone wanting more
information about the club’s activities is welcome to telephone Sharon
Tibbits, president, on 06 0956928 or vice-president, Avninder Khanijou on
038-374-303.
Vale Reggie Shiu - Senior VP Accor Hotels
Andrew J Wood,
General Manager,
Chaophya Park
Hotels & Resorts.
Over one thousand people attended the ceremony on 21 January
2005 at the Bangkok Convention Centre of the Sofitel Central Plaza Hotel. Many
came long distances just to be there and remember a great hotelier who went
missing in the tsunami disaster.
 No
matter how stiff lipped and up-beat one tries to be on such occasions, it was a
moving and emotional experience for all that attended. Partly because of the man
himself and the tragic loss, but partly as it was for many, the first pause for
breath following the disaster.
Reggie’s passing was indeed tragic, caught, whilst
vacationing in southern Thailand, in the tsunami that ripped into the Sofitel
Khao Lak. Within seconds sweeping away so many, including Reggie, his wife Grace
and two of their three children, Nicholas and Matthew.
The evening’s theme suggested that it should have been a
happier occasion, more so than a memorial service, but it was hard. Many of the
guests and hotel executives present, have been through enormous emotional
strains and stress, dealing with the families who had loss loved ones. No matter
how one plans and trains, no one could have taken this one from the pages of the
crisis management manual.
Reggie Shiu was one of the great hotel pioneers of the Asia
Pacific Region. When I first arrived in Thailand, Reggie had two years before,
opened the first Novotel in Bangkok. It was 1991 and the hotel was the immensely
successful Novotel on Siam Square - a property that launched Accor’s
phenomenal success in the region, becoming its flagship property.
Reggie was every part of that success. Until his premature
death, he was the Senior V.P. Asia, Accor Asia Pacific.
I remember my first meeting with him, so full of energy and
enthusiasm, immaculately dressed, as many Asian born hoteliers are. It was a
memorable time to be an hotelier in Bangkok, full of challenges and changes. The
Gulf War; Military Coups; a new style of government and later the baht
devaluation. New ideas to try, food, beverages, entertainment, they all had
their own mini revolutions and nowhere more so than at the Novotel Siam Square,
constantly striving to be on the leading edge. I watched with interest as Reggie
grew up the corporate Accor ladder. Always visible, always in the news, always
doing deals, for him it was all part of the process of being a good hotelier.
Reggie was born in Shanghai and educated both in Hong Kong
and in New York. He first worked in hotels during his student days, washing
dishes and setting tables as many great hoteliers did. He first joined Accor in
New York in 1980 and just three years later; he was General Manager of the Doral
Park Avenue in New York.
Reggie touched many people during his life, often forming
deep and lasting bonds. One such bond of friendship was formed with one of the
early investors in the Novotel Siam Square, Khun Piti Sithi-Amnuai, Exec Vice
Chairman, Bangkok Bank. Khun Piti gave an account, to all present, of his shock
on learning of Reggie being announced missing on that dreadful Boxing Day, 2004.
He also went on to describe how Reggie, in their first
meeting, had impressed him. Khun Pitti, sitting banker like and 20 years the
hotelier’s senior, Reggie still showed confidence, charm and professionalism.
In a speech from the heart, Khun Piti shared with those present the kinds of
feelings so often evoked with Reggie, with his special talent for being
passionate and fun. Even today, many of us cannot quite believe Reggie has
passed.
Reggie left behind scores of senior hoteliers that at one
time worked under him, many at the Bangkok property. It was of no surprise to me
to learn that on hearing of the disaster in the south, Oswald Pichler, a former
No. 2 to Reggie and now Director of Operations - Thailand, along with 40 other
brave Accor executives and long time friend Victor Pang, rushed immediately to
the scene. They helped co-ordinate the relief efforts at ground zero in Khao
Lak. Reggie would have been immensely proud of his executives.
As a result of the tragedy Benjamin Cohen, Exec Vice Chairman
who flew in from Paris for the ceremony, announced that Accor’s Board of
Directors had allocated 1 million Euros for restoration and relief work in the
region. The company also announced plans to help set up a fund for Reggie’s
remaining daughter, 7 year old Zoe.
Dear Reggie, we will miss you and you will be missed.
Accor Asia Pacific Chairman David Baffsky, spoke for many of
us, when he said, “Reggie’s loss will be felt by the wider hospitality
industry. A man of great natural charm and positive energy, he has inspired many
working with him to progress their careers in the industry. He will be missed by
all of his colleagues, and our deepest felt condolences go to his surviving
daughter, Zoe, who not only lost a wonderful father, but also her mother and two
brothers in this terrible disaster.”
[For more information about the ‘Accor Zoe Shiu Trust
Fund’, please contact Mr Tom Racette [email protected]]
Koh Samui Rotary Club raises over One Million Baht
in aid of the Tsunami victims
The Rotary Club of Koh Samui Tsunami Aid Concert Committee has raised
1,020,000 Baht at the Tsunami Aid Concert held Sat Jan 15th in Koh Samui,
Thailand, surpassing the goal set.
Having already donated over 560,000 Baht along with trucks
driven to Phuket overflowing with donated labour, goods and materials, Rotary
members will move forward with Tsunami Aid Concert donations to help rebuild
lives devastated by the tragedy. The Rotary Club of Koh Samui is
developing a long-term plan to meet the needs of survivors with the Rotary
Club’s ‘Adopt A Village’ Program.
“We’ve been blessed by the huge outpouring of support
that allows us to commit all the funds from the Concert to our ‘Adopt A
Village’ Program, noted Rotary President Paul Hawkins. Funds from the
Tsunami Aid Concert are entirely through cash donations and donated services and
goods. Rotarians Marc Ribail and Alex Andries noted the generosity of the
participating hotel and restaurant sponsors, coordinated by the Thai Hotel
Association Samui and the Samui Culinary Association. All together sixty
sponsors participated, twenty live musical performances were donated by artists
and musicians along with the professional event crew and work force of over
sixty volunteers. The artists performed live to a highly appreciative,
standing-room only crowd of several thousand holiday-makers and local residents.
It is estimated a total 5,000 people enjoyed the 14-hour marathon concert.
The mood was festive and upbeat as MC’s Ricky Zen and
Christy Ferrie kept the crowd rockin’ & rollin’,
continuously reaching into their pockets.
As the audience watched the stage, a giant screen shared
performing acts and captured Tsunami images. Linda Cartlidge, Tsunami Aid
Concert Chair, noted, ‘at the stroke of midnight, a minute of silence was
shared amongst all in attendance - then voices were raised on stage as the
musicians carried forth singing We Are The World for all to share.
At that moment all people were brought together and all nationalities joined in
memory of lives lost and hope for a better future for those left behind.
Rotary Club of Koh Samui President Paul Watkins stated, “We
plan to use these funds to be a blessing to those who are hurting.”
Rotary Club of Koh Samui is responding to the longer-term needs by helping
people of a selected Village obtain new boats and nets, helping farmers to
rehabilitate their fields, rebuild the school and medical center and help
families to build new homes so that they can move out of temporary camps and
start getting back on their feet. Rotary wants to help the selected Village with
a long-term development program that will meet the ongoing challenges of the
people of the Village. “We’ve been working in Thailand for many years,
and we are committed to working here for many more”, said Hawkins. “We
want to help a Village overcome this most recent disaster and other obstacles
that are keeping from a better future. Through the generous support of so many
on the sister island of Koh Samui and the unstinting generosity of those
involved in the Tsunami Aid Concert, we are now positioned to make a lasting
difference.”
For more information about this program and Rotary Club of
Koh Samui support, please visit www.rotarysamui.org.
Vigilant Technology officially opens
High tech facility to increase Thailand’s competitiveness
Elfi Seitz
With an impressive ceremony, designed by Willem de Vries’s
daughter Linda Beljone, the Vigilant Technology Co. Ltd. was officially opened
by HE Pieter J. Marres, the ambassador of the Netherlands, and Satit
Sirirangkamanont, secretary general of BOI. Many guests of honor took part at
this exciting affair, including almost all of the de Vries family.
Vigilant, a semi conductor assembly and test facility, was
founded in late 2002 by Willem de Vries, a Dutch national with over 35 years of
experience in the semi conductor business. The company was incorporated as a
Thai company with 2 million baht registered capital.
After agreements for cooperation with suppliers and
customers, Vigilant moved to the factory at Ladkrabang. The clean room and
production line were finished in early 2004, and internal and customer
qualifications were completed by May that year. Later, capital was increased to
75 million baht and the company was incorporated as a foreign company. Vigilant
achieved ISO9001-2000 in August 2004 and a month later production was started.
Vigilant currently has capacity for producing high-density
PDIP and SO semiconductor packages, and will respond to customer demand for
other types. Vigilant achieves exceptional customer service by, amongst others,
short cycle times, quick response time, high quality and highly competitive cost
of ownership.
The ambassador said in his opening speech that, as a
representative of the Netherlands in Thailand, it gives him great pleasure to be
at events such as this opening ceremony, and that indeed the establishment of
companies like Vigilant Technology brings together people from the two
countries. “The Netherlands and Thailand have had a long history of trade
relations. These relations started with true entrepreneurs. Many years on, we
have the internet, phones, cross-cultural courses and plenty of other resources
at our disposal, but it still takes adventurous people to start a joint-culture
enterprise. People like Willem de Vries and Somchai Siripanyanon, as well as
Vigilant’s investors are continuing this tradition, adding to the history of
the partnership between our two countries,” he said.
The ambassador also thought about the victims of the tsunami.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you who have lost
loved ones. We hope we can play a part in helping Thailand recover.”
Satit Sirirangkamanont added, “It is always a significant
event when a new company opens for trade. It shows us there is confidence in the
economy and trust in the country’s ability to support a business. The BOI
specifically targets the promotion of the semi conductor business in Thailand to
increase our nation’s competitiveness in this area. As such, we are pleased to
see Vigilant, a semi conductor assembly and test facility, open its doors.”
Willem de Vries, the president and CEO said in his speech
that he is very happy to see so many friends at this opening party. “It has
been a dream of mine for many years to start a semi conductor assembly and test
facility. Even though many people my age decide to retire (and some think I
should too!), I am very happy that I decided to pursue my dream,” he added
with a smile.
Somchai Siripanyanon, the managing director said, “With the
semi conductor market recovering, we believe the timing is appropriate. We are
confident of the strong demand for our selection of packages.”
For more information contact www.vigilant-techno.com
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