Pattaya Mail - FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 27, 2018 (Vol. XXVI No. 51) by Pattaya Mail Media Group

26th Year

Established in 1993

VOL.XXVI No. 51

Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper

FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 27, 2018

30 BAHT

Peace on earth, goodwill towards all

Read more news at pattayamail.com

During this special time of year, it’s important to take a little time to not only share the holidays with family and friends, but also to remember those less fortunate, and maybe even give a little to make their lives better. And if you’re still trying to find someplace to celebrate, have a look inside this issue and consider patronizing one or more of the great venues featured throughout. At this holiday time of warmth and happiness, the Pattaya Mail team wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Peace on earth and goodwill towards all!

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Utility wires burn in South Pattaya fire

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Nong Plalai to turn old phones into new books

Warapun Jaikusol Electric and utility wires behind The Avenue galleria caught fire, but caused no injuries. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames consuming the jumbles of wires on Soi 15 behind the mall. The Provincial Electricity Authority cut off power until repairs were made. Sayan Nadsantie, a security guard from Duangporndee Co. said a utility company technician was working on the wires when sparks

Electric and utility wires behind The Avenue galleria caught fire, but caused no injuries.

flew, causing the fire. No one was hurt, but several

motorbikes parked at the scene were heavily damaged.

Chonburi rabies ‘red zone’ downgraded Warapun Jaikusol The red alert status has been canceled for Chonburi as the province’s rabies epidemic eases. The Department of Livestock Development said Dec. 11 that Chonburi has been downgraded to a “yellow zone” for rabies infections. Department staffer Phot Sitnanukrit said there were no recent reports of rabies after a massive effort to vaccinate animals and educate the public. However, he said, more inspections in outlying areas need to be done. Phot said it will take 1-2 years for Phot Sitnanukrit said it will take 1-2 years for rabies to return to normal levels in rabies to return to normal levels in the province. the province.

Nong Plalai is asking residents to donate their old mobile phones to raise money to buy children’s books.

Warapun Jaikusol Nong Plalai is asking residents to donate their old mobile phones to raise money to buy children’s books. Nong Pinyo Homklan led a parade of sub-district officials at the Kednoi Market Dec. 14,

asking people to give away their old, unused phones. Pinyo said he hopes to collect 200 old handsets, which then will be sold to purchase schoolbooks at preschools. The fundraiser runs through Dec. 31. The project, sponsored by

Nanmeebooks Co., will accept any phone, regardless of brand, model or working condition. The hope is to raise enough money to purchase books for 1,000 children. People wanting to donate can visit the Nong Plalai Sub-district offices.

Beach vendors trained in CPR

Chonburi governor visits injured cyclists Chonburi’s governor has visited cyclists injured in the province’s recent Ai Un Rak royal bike event. Pakarathorn Thienchai and his wife Supaporn, head of the Chonburi Red Cross, arrived at Eakachon 2 Hospital Dec. 10 and gave flower baskets to the two unidentified cyclists, who crashed during the 29-kilometer ride from the provincial hall to Bangsaen Beach and back Dec. 9. The couple gave them flowers and Pakarathorn assured the pair that any medical

Pattaya-area beach vendors learned the basics of first aid and CPR in a lesson taught by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

Chonburi governor Pakarathorn Thienchai and his wife Supaporn visit cyclists injured in the province’s Ai Un Rak royal bike event.

expenses exceeding insurance provided by the bike

race would be covered by the governor’s office. (CPRD)

Pattaya-area beach vendors learned the basics of first aid and CPR in a lesson taught by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. About 440 beach chair vendors, masseuses and other sellers from Pattaya, Jomtien, Cozy, Wong Amat and Yimyom beaches joined the Dec. 12 workshop.

Hospital instructors taught emergency first response techniques including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of automatic external defibrillators used in cases of heart attack or heart failure as a result of

drowning and other accidents. Responding to a request from city hall officials, the beach vendors also pledged to keep their beaches clean and safe to promote a positive image among tourists. (PCPR)

Drones, street vendors banned for Pattaya Countdown

Aerial photo drones, Wi-Fi cameras and street vendors will be banned from the Pattaya Countdown 2019 zone at Bali Hai Pier on New Year’s Eve.

Pattaya officials said the prohibitions were to ensure safety for concert-goers as well as keep traffic moving. (PCPR)

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Local media advocates accurate Pattaya Countdown expands reporting of EEC undertaking with music, boxing Dec. 30-31

Pattaya Countdown will make a comeback this year, doubling in length to two days with music, fireworks and boxing to ring in 2019 at Bali Hai Pier. EEC Advisor & EEC HDC Chairman Apichart Thongyou (center, left) meets the press at Pattaya city Hall.

Staff reporter Thailand is the second largest economy in Asia, yet the country does not show significant economic growth and lags behind its neighbors who have become more competitive in various hightech industries. To attract investment and developments in Thailand and improve the sluggish economy of the last decade, the government came up with a plan to create a new mega economic zone to attract investors to develop advance technology in aviation and automation and other related industries. Considered to be the best strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard, Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong were designated to be the 3 main provinces at the heart of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Apichart Thongyou, EEC Advisor & EEC HDC Chairman, invited members of the media from Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao to a meeting at Pattaya City Hall on Dec 11, for a discussion on how best the media could help publicize correct news and information to the public in a timely manner. Apichart explained that when a country’s economy stagnates for 3 consecutive years, one starts to worry.

Not only has Thailand’s economy not shown any significant growth in this period, but instead has dropped even lower in the past 8 years. The government had to do something urgently to revive the economy. Thailand is bogged down by the so-called middle-income trap, where wage inflation makes industries less competitive. It was time to update the people and the country and move forward. To this end the EEC plan was hatched as part of the overall ‘Thailand 4.0 strategy’. Apichart said that pilot projects which are all set to start include, development of U-Tapao International Airport and the Aerotropolis, High-Speed Railway Airport Link between Don Muang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao Airports, Phase 3 of Maptaphut Port development, Phase 3 of Laem Chabang seaport development, U-Tapao repair, maintenance and overhaul center and the Thailand digital park. The EEC development projects include infrastructure, targeted industry, regional tourism, the aviation hub, human resource, education, research, and technology, new city (Chachoengsao, Pattaya, Rayong), regional PR and community-understanding

and the EEC agriculture, irrigation and environmental implementation program. Apichart went on to say that human resource, education, research, and technology development will help to improve and restructure the educational system which is “very old fashioned,”. He stressed the importance of vocational training which will give opportunities for young people to get better high skilled jobs. Apichart stressed the importance of the media in passing on correct information to the public so as to develop community understanding. He said that too often misinformation is spread by certain elements which cause misunderstanding and can create discord among the public. He asked the media to not only focus on problems and difficulties, but to give knowledge and solutions for challenging situations during the development period. He said facts and opinions have become less distinguishable in today’s news. The media must, therefore, raise awareness of the importance of factual reporting and the damaging effects of distorted or slanderous content. It must also develop communication channels that provide accurate information, free of outside interference.

International AIDS organizations meet in Pattaya Warapun Jaikusol The Thai National AIDS Foundation met with international counterparts in Pattaya to discuss efficient budgeting and fund allocation in campaigns to fight the disease. Attending the Dec. 13 meeting at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel were representatives from the Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, United Nations, United States Agency for International Development, and NGOs from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. This meeting was an

The Thai National AIDS Foundation met with international counterparts in Pattaya to discuss efficient budgeting and fund allocation in campaigns to fight the disease.

international forum regarding efficient budgeting and budget allocation for operations of anti-AIDS campaigns. Pattaya has a policy to

efficiently allocate budgets by using reference data and emphasizing people’s benefits as its main mission so spending is transparent.

Pattaya Countdown will make a comeback this year, doubling in length to two days with music, fireworks and boxing to ring in 2019 at Bali Hai Pier. Once a week-long festival, the Countdown shrunk to just six hours last year. With the Kunplome family now back in charge of city hall, the New Year’s Party is being expanded to Dec. 30-31, sponsored by Mono TV Channel 29, Government Savings Bank and Thipaya Insurance. Themed “Countdown 2019: Universe of Entertainment” the two-day party will feature musical acts such as Rose Sirinthip, Panatda Reungwuth, Pete Pera, King Pichet, and Ploy ChompuYaneen, plus the final round of Mono 29’s Top King World

Series of Muay Thai boxing. Roads surrounding Bali Hai – Walking Street, the Bali Hai flyover and the section of Pratamnak Road leading to the flyover – will be closed from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. both days. Aerial photo drones, Wi-Fi cameras and street vendors will be banned from the Countdown zone. Pattaya officials said the prohibitions were to ensure safety for concert-goers as well as keep traffic moving. Day 1’s first act features musical talents Tao Somchai, Panatda Reuangwuth, Tao S e t t a p o n g , K a n o mjeen Kunlamart, Rose Sirinthip, Lamun Band, Chayin, Pang Nattanicha, and Bell Lelanee. At 8 p.m. Ben Chalathip, Room 39, Stap Apiwat, Singto Numcho and DJ Kongkwan

take over the stage. At 5:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve will be the boxing match followed by music from Pete Pera, Tony Pee, Blue Gents, Zheeze, Senpon, Hi Q, Angie, Tung Pang, Nina, Mewly, Bua, Kiki, Pink, and Gelato. At 10 p.m. the countdown to 2019 begins with Ae Jirakorn Sompitak, Prang Nakarin Kingsak with 15 minutes of fireworks set for midnight. The party continues into the first couple of hours of 2019 with heavy metal band Retrospect and DJ Rabbit, who will draw raffle tickets for the Pattaya Countdown grand prizes, including a four-door pickup truck, two motorcycles and cash-filled bank accounts from Government Savings Bank. (PCPR)

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Drug addict arrested for stealing swimmers’ clothes

Neng Somsoda was arrested for stealing a mobile phone and 1,800 baht from the pockets of clothing left on the beach by two tourists who went swimming late at night.

Pattaya police chief Pol. Col. Apichai Krobpetch blamed the tourists for being careless and warned all people they should leave

their belongings with a minder, only swim in well-lit areas near lifeguards, and only in areas marked for swimming.

Northern drug runner caught with 200,000 speed pills bound for Pattaya Teerarak Suthathiwong A northern drug runner who spent 16 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamines is looking at an even longer stretch behind bars after being caught moving 200,000 ya ba pills in Pattaya. Chonburi and Pattaya police on Dec. 13 announced the arrest of Sophon Sainee, 46, at the PTT gas station on Sukhumvit Road in North Pattaya. Police said he confessed to working for a major drug-smuggling operation in the North. Sophon was caught in a sting operation with 60,000 methamphetamine tablets. Another 40,000 pills were found in his Ayutthaya apartment.

Girls 14, 17, found in raids on 2 Pattaya karaoke bars Boonlua Chatree

Teerarak Suthathiwong A repeat drug offender was arrested for stealing the property of two tourists who peeled off their clothes to go swimming on Pattaya Beach late at night. Neng Somsoda, 39, was taken into custody at his Naklua Soi 27 apartment Dec. 12. Police said he confessed to taking a mobile phone and 1,800 baht from the pockets of clothing left on the beach behind the Dusit Thani Hotel by a computer programmer and university student. After pilfering the pockets, he threw the clothing about 50 meters from where he found it. Neng, arrested six times for drug use, said he used the money to buy more narcotics.

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Human-trafficking police raided two Pattaya-area karaoke bars, rescuing four girls ages 14-17 pushed into the sex trade. A task force of human-trafficking, women and children’s division, and immigration officers stormed the Krua Lakhana club in Pattaya just after midnight Dec. 13. Two 17-year-old girls were found available for sex to both Thai and foreign customers. Owner Lukkhana Patthama, 46, was charged with human trafficking in prostitution, operating a brothel and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Also taken into custody were Janlai Sila Mahasarakam, 53, and Wassana Krimjai, 24, who

A Sattahip-based sailor died after suffering a freak attack from a needlefish while doing a training dive in Trat. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kriengsak Pengpinit sustained fatal blood loss after the large fish – also known as the houndfish – apparently sliced open his neck while 12 meters under the surface.

A further 100,000 speed pills were recovered from the roadside on Kanchanapisek Road in Bangkok’s Bangkae District where they were hidden with instructions for Sophon to pick them up and deliver to Pattaya.

All the drugs were to be sold in Pattaya, police said. Sophon was released from prison in July 2016 after serving 16 of his 17-year sentence for smuggling 2,900 ya ba pills in Samut Prakan in 2000.

were charged with pimping and pandering. The raid came a day after human-trafficking police raided the Jae Su karaoke bar in Nongprue where two

14-year-old were rescued. Manager Supap Kaewpua, 60, was arrested after undercover officers paid her to obtain sexual services from the underage girls.

Navy diver dies in freak needlefish attack in Trat Patcharapol Panrak

Sophon Sainee was caught moving 200,000 ya ba pills in Pattaya.

A task force of human-trafficking, women and children’s division, and immigration officers stormed the Krua Lakhana club in Pattaya, rescuing four girls ages 14-17.

Needlefish attacks are extremely rare, but experts say that when they do occur they are often fatal. The needlefish is long and slender and often referred to as a “living spear” because of its sharp snout. It can grow to up to 120 centimeters long. Kriengsak was participating in his last day of underwater training for the navy’s RECON program, a unit in

which his late father had served. He had one more month until graduation and achieving a goal he set to honor his father’s memory. Kriengsak is survived by mother Pannee Pengpinit, 46, and younger brother Peerapol Pengpinit, 17. The navy promised financial support for the family as Kriengsak died while on duty.

Dutch tourist hit by Jomtien jet ski compensated

Tourist Police shut down illegal parasailing operation Boonlua Chatree Tourist police arrested two Thais and two foreigners illegally providing parasailing tours in Pattaya. Wanalee Kanung, 49, the owner of Wanalee Island Co., was charged with illegally employing foreigners, using unregistered tour

guides and running tour services without a license. Her arrest came after tourist police officers caught Indian national Hitendra Anandbhai Khasatiy, 28, and Retha Yee Tar, 21, of Myanmar, working with Narin Nunurat, 59, on a parasailing boat Dec. 12. Narin, who was merely escorting the foreign workers,

said he was unable to speak Indian and so he had Khasatiy run the day’s tour. Retha Yee Tar was the ticket broker and secretary. Not only did Wanalee not use registered guides, but the company did not provide the required insurance for tourists or their staff, the tourist police said.

Wendy Wijmenga suffered a badly broken knee when hit by a jet ski on Jomtien Beach.

Boonlua Chatree Pattaya officials and police gave a Dutch tourist hit by a jet ski on Jomtien Beach 20,000 baht while she awaits surgery. Wendy Wijmenga, 42, suffered a badly broken knee in the Dec. 13 incident on Jomtien Beach. She will need to have it surgically repaired, either at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya or in the Netherlands. Wijmenga was walking into the sea when unlicensed jet

ski driver Porntiwa Karaket, 22, slammed into her, knocking the Dutch woman down. Witness accounts conflicted as to whether Porntiwa was speeding, but all agreed he drove the watercraft – which he had borrowed from a friend – through the swimming area to bring it onshore. He swerved at the last minute, but couldn’t avoid Wijmenga. Police have charged him with reckless driving resulting in injury. Banglamung District Chief

Amnart Charoensri, Pattaya, Tourist and Immigration police and a representative from the Pattaya Tourist Assistance Fund visited Wi j m e n g a a t h e r B H P hospital room where she reported she was recovering, but still needed an operation. She thanked everyone for their support and said she was impressed by the rapid response of paramedics at the scene. She said she holds no grudge toward Pattaya and will be back.

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Centara Grand Mirage lights Royal Cliff lights up Christmas Christmas tree for charity Warapun Jaikusol The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya lit is giant Christmas tree that will help raise money for charity. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and General Manager Denis Thouvard flipped the switch to illuminate the tree at the Wong Amat resort Dec. 14. Children from the Father Ray Foundation sang Christmas carols while dancer Nareethip put on a holiday ballet show. Jazz Vizard entertained with a short concert. The Centara Grand Mirage is selling holiday cards and ornaments to place on the

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and General Manager Denis Thouvard flipped the switch to illuminate the giant Christmas tree at the Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya to help raise money for charity.

tree through Jan. 6, with all proceeds going to the Father Ray Foundation. Funds for the charity also will be

The Tree Lighting was preluded by a wonderful performance by 40 lovely children from the Pattaya Orphanage who sang heartwarming Christmas songs, leaving the audience with big smiles.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group successfully held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and new lobby grand o p e n i n g o n T h u r s d a y, 6 December 2018, which marks the long-awaited beginning of wonderful Christmas season of 2018. On the day of the event, more than 100 guests composed of inhouse guests, hotel senior management and media friends gathered in the new lobby, filled with joy and warmth of the festival times together.

raised through cookie decorating, photos with Santa Clause and the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mascot C-Dee.

Children from the Father Ray Foundation warmed guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hearts with their Christmas caroling.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group Managing Director Panga Vathanakul (3rd right) poses with General Manager Prem Calais (2nd right), Royal Cliff Grand Hotel Resident Manager Jan Lorenzen (left), Royal Wing Suites and Spa Resident Manager Thibault Sellier (right), along with Ch. 3 actors Peter Denman (2nd left) and Mim Ummarapas, (4th right) and regular guests during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the new lobby of Royal Cliff Beach Hotel.

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Najomtien temple declared drug-free

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Pattaya prioritizes Mideast, North Asia in tourism-promotion plans

Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn, police and village chiefs witness the Dec. 13 drug tests by 35 monks, all of whom passed.

Patcharapol Panrak Wat Najomtien has declared itself a “white” temple free of drug use by monks and staff. Abbot Lai Aparano and Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn, police

and village chiefs witnessed the Dec. 13 drug tests by 35 monks, all of whom passed. Lai said the temple is a holy place respected by people and is the nation’s main institution. Therefore, monks must be completely clear and

pure to gain Buddhists’ faith. Hence, monks of Najomtien Temple in cooperation with Sattahip District and the Najomtien Police Station upgraded the temple to be “white” area, clean from drugs and vices.

ACDC takes anti-aircraft target practice

More than 2,000 sailors brought out the big guns as the navy’s Air and Coastal Defense Command practiced its anti-aircraft defense tactics.

Patcharapol Panrak More than 2,000 sailors brought out the big guns as the navy’s Air and Coastal

Defense Command practiced its anti-aircraft defense tactics. ACDC deputy commander Capt. Anuwat Dapiewdee kicked off the exercise Dec.

11 with anti-aircraft forces using live ammunition for target practice with guns including the 155-milimeter Howitzer, 40/70 mm, 40/60 mm, and 37-mm. cannons. The drill is one of many the navy runs throughout the year to keep sharp just in case the guns actually ever get used for real.

PATTAYA MAIL PUBLISHING CO., LTD. 62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Administration, Advertising and Editorial Offices: Tel: 038 411 240-1, 038 413 240-1 • Fax: 038 427 596 E-mail: ptymail@pattayamail.com • Website: http://www.pattayamail.com Managing Director Pratheep S. Malhotra e-mail: pratheep@pattayamail.com Executive Editor Daniel M. Dorothy e-mail: dan@pattayamail.com Deputy Managing Director Kamolthep Malhotra e-mail: prince@pattayamail.com Director-Business Development Suwanthep Malhotra e-mail: tony@pattayamail.com Editor Nopniwat Krailerg e-mail: editor@pattayamail.com Sports Editor Martin Bilsborrow e-mail: martin@pattayamail.com Executive Editor-Pattaya Blatt Elfi Seitz e-mail: elfi@pattayablatt.com Director of Communications Supa Kukarja e-mail: sue@pattayamail.com Senior Special Correspondent Peter Cummins e-mail: npetercummins@hotmail.com Advertising Department Nutsara Duangsri e-mail: nutsara@pattayamail.com News Department: Boonlua Chatree, Urasin Khantaraphan, Patcharapol Panrak, Theerarak Suthathiwong © Copyright Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. (e-mail: newsdesk@pattayamail.com)

Pattaya City Council’s Tourism and Culture Committee chairman, Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn (center, right) presides over a meeting to outline the 2019 calendar of roadshows, cultural events and sports tournaments meant to drive tourism in Pattaya.

Pattaya tourism officials will focus most of its efforts to bring more visitors to the city from the Middle East and North Asia. Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn, chairman of the city council’s Tourism and Culture Committee, presided over a Dec. 11 meeting to outline the full 2019 calendar of roadshows, cultural events and sports tournaments meant to drive tourism in Pattaya. Pattaya Tourism Promotion Department officials will join counterparts from the Tourism Authority of Thailand at trade shows and expositions in India, Dubai, Qatar, Oman, South Korea and Hong Kong, China and Taiwan in 2019. Only one tourism-promotion event is planned for the western world: The ITB Berlin show in Germany. MICE – Meetings, Incentives, Conventions &

Expositions – events are planned for Singapore, Vietnam and Germany. The TPD and TAT also will push hard for more domestic Thai tourists at trade shows in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Two domestic MICE events also are planned. City planners have prepared their usual calendar of events, including the Pattaya Music Festival, Countdown and Fireworks Competition. All the usual

holiday festivals also are on the calendar. Pattaya also will spend 3 million baht to install signs and do landscaping in Naklua to make it more attractive to tourists. On the sports calendar will be swimming, takraw, petanque, badminton, beach football, futsal, jet skis and the Pattaya Marathon. New in 2019 will be the AFC Beach Football Championship March 7-17 near Bali Hai Pier. (PCPR)

Dog attacks continue Editor; I too was attacked by dogs on my morning walk in a heavily populated area of the Jomtien Plaza Walking Street. I call upon City Hall to make it mandatory for dogs to be registered. Once the dogs are registered and if they bite someone then these medical bills can be passed to the registered owner. If the owner does not control the dog and it has attacked other people then the issue becomes more serious. This is the only way to solve this problem. I have run up considerable bills and although the Write to the Editor:

E-mail: mailbag@pattayamail.com

dog was collared, people that feed and house this dog denied responsibility. Some say that de-sexing the dogs will help, however if the dog is sick with rabies this will not help at all. Rabies is around and if you get it you die. 100%. Now I am on rabies shots, antibiotics, antiserum, pain killers, and the wound, a 6 centimeter gash, has to be cleaned and dressed every day. I explained to the owners of restaurants and bars in the area that having rabid dogs running around biting people is not good for business and that they should band together to get City

Hall to get dogs registered and then round up the strays. Let’s see? Anyone that has been bitten should email me and I will add it to the growing list of dogs attacking people. I know some will disagree and say that dogs only attack if provoked. Well the Canadian lady and myself did not provoke the dogs but they still attacked - I have pictures of the pain and suffering I am going through and can send them if you want. Thank You, Regards Kelvin Bamfield CEO Thai888 Law Co.

Note: Letters printed herein in no way reflect the opinions of the editors or writers for Pattaya Mail, but are unsolicited letters from our readers, expressing their own opinions. No anonymous letters or those without genuine addresses are printed, and, whilst we do not object to the use of a nom de plume, preference will be given to those signed.

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New NASA lander captures 1st sounds of Martian wind Marcia Dunn Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP) - NASA’s new Mars lander has captured the first sounds of the “really unworldly” Martian wind. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory released audio clips of the alien wind last Friday. The low-frequency rumblings were collected by the InSight lander during its first week of operations at Mars. The wind is estimated to be blowing 10 mph to 15 mph (16 kph to 24 kph). These are the first sounds from Mars that are detectible by human ears, according to the researchers.

“Reminds me of sitting outside on a windy summer afternoon ... In some sense, this is what it would sound like if you were sitting on the InSight lander on Mars,” Cornell University’s Don Banfield told reporters. Scientists involved in the project agree the sound has an otherworldly quality to it. Thomas Pike of Imperial College London said the rumbling is “rather different to anything that we’ve experienced on Earth, and I think it just gives us another way of thinking about how far away we are getting these signals.”

SpaceX Christmas delivery arrives at space station

The noise is of the wind blowing against InSight’s solar panels and the resulting vibration of the entire spacecraft. The sounds were recorded by an air pressure sensor inside the lander that’s part of a weather station, as well as the seismometer on the deck of the spacecraft. The low frequencies are a result of Mars’ thin air density and even more so the seismometer itself - it’s meant to detect underground seismic waves, well below the threshold of human hearing. The seismometer will be moved to the Martian surface in the coming weeks; until then, the team plans to record more wind noise. The 1976 Viking landers on Mars picked up spacecraft

Australia anti-encryption law rushed to passage Rod Mc Guirk & Frank Bajak

In this image taken from NASA Television, the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft full of Christmas goodies approaches the robotic arm for docking to the International Space Station, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (NASA TV via AP)

Marcia Dunn Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP) - A SpaceX delivery full of Christmas goodies arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday, Dec. 8, following a slight delay caused by a communication drop-out. The Dragon capsule pulled up at the orbiting lab three days after launching from Cape Canaveral. Commander Alexander Gerst used the space station’s big robotic arm to grab the cargo carrier, as the two craft soared 250 miles above the Pacific. It took two tries to get the Dragon close enough for capture. NASA called off the Dragon’s first approach because of trouble with the communication network that serves the space station. Equipment failure in New Mexico for NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system resulted in a temporary loss of communication with the station. For safety, Mission Control ordered the Dragon to back up. It was a successful take two - just an hour-and-a-half late - after NASA switched to

another TDRS satellite. The Dragon holds everything the station astronauts need for Christmas dinner, as well as mice and worms for science experiments, and more than 5,000 pounds (2,270 kilograms) of station equipment. The holiday food includes smoked turkey, green bean casserole, candied yams, cranberry sauce and fruitcake. There also are shortbread and butter cookies, with tubes of icing for decorating. Three of the space station residents will be on board for Christmas; the other three will return to Earth on Dec. 20. Until then, the station is home to two Americans, two Russians, one Canadian and Gerst, who is German. It is the second space station visit for this recycled Dragon; it was there last year, too. SpaceX has been making station shipments for NASA since 2012. This is its 16th delivery under contract. Two other supply ships are attached to the space station: One Russian and the other sent by NASA’s other commercial shipper, Northrop Grumman.

This Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 photo made available by NASA shows a view from the arm-mounted camera on the InSight Mars lander. The spacecraft arrived on the planet on Nov. 26. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)

shaking caused by wind, but it would be a stretch to consider it sound, said InSight’s lead scientist, Bruce Banerdt, of JPL in Pasadena, California. The “really unworldly” sounds from InSight, meanwhile, have Banerdt imaging he’s “on a planet that’s in some ways like the Earth, but in some ways really alien.” InSight landed on Mars on Nov. 26. “We’re all still on a high from the landing last m ... and here we are less than two weeks after landing, and we’ve already got some amazing new science,” said NASA’s Lori Glaze, acting director of planetary science. “It’s cool, it’s fun.” Online: Listen here: https:/ / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=IkpZXYrOCyg

Melbourne, Australia (AP) - A newly enacted law rushed through Australia’s parliament will compel technology companies such as Apple, Facebook and Google to disable encryption protections so police can better pursue terrorists and other criminals. Cybersecurity experts say the law, the first of its kind globally, will instead be a boon to the criminal underworld by undermining the technical integrity of the internet, hurting digital security and user privacy. “I think it’s detrimental to Australian and world security,” said Bruce Schneier, a tech security expert affiliated with Harvard University and IBM. The law is also technically vague and seems contradictory because it doesn’t require systematic weaknesses - socalled “backdoors” - to be built in by tech providers. Such backdoors are unlikely to remain secret, meaning that hackers and criminals could easily exploit them. Backdoors were central to a 1990s U.S. effort to require manufacturers to install a socalled “Clipper chip” into communications equipment so the government could listen in on voice and data transmissions. U.S. law enforcement officials, including Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, are again pushing for legislation that would somehow give authorities access to secure communications. The Australian bill is seen by many as a beachhead for those efforts because the nation belongs to the “Five

Eyes” security alliance with the U.S., Britain, Canada and New Zealand. “There is a lot here that doesn’t make any sense,” Schneier said of the Australian bill. “This is a technological law written by non-technologists and it’s not just bad policy. In many ways, I think it’s unworkable.” A leading figure in cryptography, Martin Hellman of Stanford University, said it appears the bill would “facilitate crime by weakening the security of the affected devices.” The law won final legislative approval late Thursday, parliament’s final session of the year. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was urgently needed. “This was very important legislation to give police and security agencies the ability to get into encrypted communications,” he told Nine Network television. “Things like WhatsApp, things like that which are used by terrorists and organized criminals and indeed pedophile rings to do their evil work.” He noted that the opposition Labor Party “had to be dragged to the table” and backed the legislation as an emergency measure out of concern extremists could target Christmas-New Year crowds. Labor lawmakers say they want amendments passed when parliament resumes in February. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said he supported the current bill only because he could not “expose Australians to increased (national security) risk.” Duncan Lewis, directorgeneral of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, noted during hearings that extremists share

encrypted messages that Australia’s main secret service cannot intercept or read. President Morry Bailles of the Law Council of Australia, a leading lawyers’ group, criticized the bill’s swift parliamentary journey though lawmakers knew “serious problems exist” with giving law enforcement “unprecedented powers to access encrypted communications.” Australian law enforcement officials have complained that the growth of end-to-end encryption in applications such as Signal, Facebook’s WhatsApp and Messenger and Apple’s iMessage could be the worst blow to intelligence and law enforcement capability in decades. Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said it hampers criminal investigations at all levels. But Apple, in comments filed with parliament in October, argued that “it would be wrong to weaken security for millions of law-abiding customers in order to investigate the very few who pose a threat.” The company’s iPhones, because of their strong encryption, are bulwarks of national security around the globe and help protect journalists, human rights workers and people living under repressive regimes. “The iPhone is national security infrastructure right now,” said Schneier. “Every Australian legislator uses

the systems and devices that that law will target and making them insecure seems like a really bad idea.” Apple also complained in October that the bill was “dangerously ambiguous.” One apparent contradiction confounds technologists. The legislation says the government “must not require providers to implement or build systemic weaknesses in forms of electronic protection (‘backdoors’)” but also says it can “require the selective deployment of a weaknesses or vulnerability in a particular service, device or item of software on a case-by-case basis.” Technologists say that the mathematics underlying encryption and the manner in which it is encoded into software make it impossible to decrypt a single user’s communications without affecting all users. Eric Wenger, director of cybersecurity and privacy policy for the U.S. technology giant Cisco Systems, warned during debate on the bill that Australia could be at a competitive disadvantage if its data was not regarded as secure. Australia was a major driver of a statement agreed to at the Group of 20 leaders’ summit in Germany last year that called on the technology industry to provide “lawful and non-arbitrary access to available information” needed to protect against terrorist threats.

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Viagorous exercise? The headline this week should be enough to get the interest of some of the older chaps out there. Correct? Unfortunately I can take no credit for the catchy wording, this was something I stole from our Miss Hillary, and how she knows about this, I dare not ask. Now ‘exercise’ is something that is talked about, but most people equate this with gymnasiums. Some of my friends attend these sweat palaces on a regular basis, and if nothing else, they are getting some regular exercise at the same time. I too have tried them, but I am afraid that pedaling a stationary bicycle to nowhere does not hold my attention for long. Unfortunately the commonest advice a doctor gives out at the end of the year is to lose weight and get some exercise. Was that part of the advice after your annual physical check-up? Very likely. However, there seems to be very little real understanding of what exercise should consist of, how often, what type, how long and what about sex? However, getting a little serious, exercise will be good for you, provided that you pick a form of exercise that is not harmful for you! Now I know that looks as if I have put my money on both horses in the race, but take that sentence at its face value. Enough research has been done to show that regular

exercise is beneficial for everybody, in both the physical and psychological aspects, but, and it is a big ‘but’, all forms of exercise have relative bodily risks, and this has to be taken into account before you buy a pair of expensive jogging shoes and tackle a 10 km trot in the middle of the day. True stories - a medical colleague in Australia took up playing squash when he turned 50 and dropped dead on the court of a heart attack, and another acquaintance of mine turned 40, decided he wasn’t fit, bought a bicycle to ride to work each day and was run over by a bus. I read an article that advised non-slippery shoes for the novice exerciser and suggested you choose appropriate exercise according to your ability. Never exceed your limit. Remember that it is not the harder the better. If you have acute medical problems (such as fever, or pain), stop exercising. If you have chronic medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease and arthritis), seek advice from your doctor or physiotherapist beforehand. All of these I agree with. If you are happy to take your body to your medical advisor when it is sick, take it back to your doctor for advice on how to tone it up as well. The form of exercise should be one that you enjoy, and it may be gymnasium work, or jogging, or walking, or swimming or something else reasonably vigorous. It should be

such that you raise a sweat, but not to the point of dehydration! Do not wait until you are thirsty. Take appropriate breaks. Do not over-exert yourself. Forget about “powering through the pain barrier”. Leave that for drugfuelled cyclists in France. As well as the form of exercise, there is the frequency. At least three times per week, 20-30 minutes (or more) is necessary each time, to derive the maximum benefit. But always remember, if there is dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, vomiting, nausea or severe pain during exercise, stop exercising immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Now I did mention horizontal folk dancing and some of you have been impatiently reading, while nervously fiddling with your expensive packet of Viagras, Kanagras, Cialis and other lead-in-your-pencil medications (I draw the line at tiger willy). OK, what about sex? The advisability of this form of exercise when you have some chronic complaint (such as hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, etc.), should be part of the advice you get from your doctor beforehand. The danger of over the counter willy stiffeners is that you don’t get advice with them. A fitter body means better sex. OK?

Study that took aim at ‘Joy Empty boxes top high-tech toys on doctor-recommended list of Cooking’ is retracted Lindsey Tanner

In this Dec. 6, 2016 file photo, Brian Wansink speaks during an interview in the produce section of a supermarket in Ithaca, N.Y. On Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, more work by the prominent food researcher has been retracted because of problems with the data. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

New York (AP) - More work by a prominent food researcher, including a study that took aim at the “Joy of Cooking,” has been retracted because of problems with the data. The Annals of Internal Medicine retracted a study that said the book’s recipes changed with updated editions to include more calories and bigger portions. It said a reanalysis by co-author Brian Wansink resulted in numbers that differed “many substantially so” from the published versions. The 2009 study had examined recipes in the cookbook to assess the role home cooking might play in fueling obesity. At the time, Wansink told The Associated Press he

wondered whether the focus on dining out was deflecting attention away from changes people could make at home. The retraction is the latest for Wansink, who resigned from Cornell University in September after a school investigation found he engaged in academic misconduct, including misreporting of data. The Annals of Internal Medicine said it subsequently reached out to Wansink, who said the study’s conclusions were unchanged despite the different numbers. Wansink has said the issues identified by Cornell’s investigation were relatively minor, and that he believes all his research findings are supportable.

Wansink has helped shape the U.S. dietary guidelines, and his work has been widely cited for years. But in 2016, he wrote a blog post that prompted questions about the validity of his work. Since then, several of his studies have been retracted, including one that said people eat more when served in big bowls. In addition to the study on “Joy of Cooking” recipes, the Annals of Internal Medicine also retracted a 2006 study this week that looked at people’s ability to estimate the calories in meals. The journal noted that the study reported average ages for the participants, even though another co-author later said that information was not collected.

(AP) - Skip the costly electronic games and flashy digital gizmos. Pediatricians say the best toys for tots are oldfashioned hands-on playthings that young children can enjoy with parents things like blocks, puzzles even throwaway cardboard boxes - that spark imagination and creativity. “A cardboard box can be used to draw on, or made into a house,” said Dr. Alan Mendelsohn, co-author of a new report on selecting toys for young children, up to around age 5. Many parents feel pressured by ads promoting tablet-based toys and games as educational and brain-stimulating but there’s not much science to back up those claims, Mendelsohn said. Their main misconception: “The toy that is best is the one that is the most expensive or has the most bells and whistles or is the most technologically sophisticated.” Simpler hands-on toys that parents and young children can play with together are preferable for healthy development, said Mendelsohn, a pediatrician at NYU Langone Health in New York. The report published Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics cites studies suggesting that heavy use of electronic media may interfere with children’s speech and language development, replace important playtime with parents and lead to obesity. Studies also have found that more than 90 percent of U.S. kids have used mobile devices and most started using them before age 1.

Toys sit on the shelves at a Walmart Supercenter in Houston. Pediatricians say the best toys for young children are simple, old-fashioned toys like blocks and puzzles rather than costly electronic games or the latest high-tech gadgets. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

The pediatricians’ group recommends no screen time for children up to age 2, and says total screen time including TV and computer use should be less than one hour daily for ages 2 and older. “A little bit of screen time here and there is unlikely to have much harm if a child otherwise has other activity,” Mendelsohn said. But he added that screen time can overwhelm young children and is difficult to limit and control. The academy’s website offers suggestions on ideal toys for young children, including balls, puzzles, coloring books and card games. Shopping recently at Dancing Bear Toys in Asheville, N.C., a store that doesn’t sell electronic toys, Leah

Graham Stewart said she supports the academy’s advice even if avoiding digital toys and games is tough. She said she’s noticed her two young boys tend to misbehave after playing on an iPad she typically reserves for long airplane rides. “We try to keep it as minimal as possible,” Graham Stewart said. “I just tell them to go outside and play.” Erika Evers, Dancing Bear’s co-owner, said the store’s mission is to give kids an alternative to tech toys. “Not that video games and electronic toys don’t have their place - in moderation, in our opinion,” she said. “But we feel like kids really need opportunities to socialize and interact with their environment in a way that is hands-on and tangible.”

FRIDAY DECEMBER 21, 2018

Odds and Ends The Associated Press

Mmm ... Bacon! Vending machine a hit on Ohio State U campus Columbus, Ohio (AP) - Many Ohio State University students are taking a break from studying for final exams by making a bacon run. Senior Sarah Page, who studies meat science, says the bacon vending machine at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has turned out to be even more popular than expected. It has to be restocked four or five times a day. It offers cooked bacon strips and bacon bits for $1. The Ohio Pork Council sponsored the machine, with bacon donations from Smithfield, Hormel and Sugardale. Pre-dental student Shay Merritte loves “the overall Ohioness of it.” And the bacon.

It’s now or never pedestrians: German town has Elvis lights Berlin (AP) - Keep your blue suede shoes behind the curb: the central German town where Elvis Presley was stationed as a U.S. soldier in the 1950s has installed three pedestrian lights with images of the American rock icon. The red shows an image of the singer striking a pose at a microphone and the green depicts his trademarked hip swivel dance. They went online last week in the town of Friedberg, where Elvis, who died in 1977, was stationed at the U.S. Army’s Ray Barracks from October 1958 to March 1960. He lived in nearby Bad Nauheim. Friedberg, north of Frankfurt, already has an “Elvis Presley Platz” - Elvis Presley Square - and decided to add the three lights as an added attraction for the many Elvis fans who already make the pilgrimage to the town.

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‘Pandemic’ rings warning bell about gene-editing technology Waka Tsunoda When there’s a scientific breakthrough, Robin Cook doesn’t just stand up and cheer. He uses his fertile imagination and writes a novel about its possible perils. In his latest medical thriller, “Pandemic,” Cook dramatizes the scary side of a miracle molecule called “CRISPR/Cas9,” which can easily be custom-tailored to seek out and alter genes in humans and animals. The story begins when a seemingly healthy young woman with a transplanted heart boards the subway in New York City but suffers abrupt respiratory distress and dies before she reaches her destination. Jack Stapleton, a medical examiner who appears in 10 of Cook’s previous novels, does an autopsy. He suspects that an unknown, flu-like virus is responsible for her death. He is duty-bound to identify and stop the virus before it can cause a pandemic and kill millions. Stapleton welcomes the challenge as a “diversion” from his many personal problems. To name a few, his daughter has just

been diagnosed with autism and his mother-in-law is blaming his genealogy for it. His wife, Laurie Montgomery, has unexpectedly been named the chief medical examiner, making her his boss both at home and at work. Stapleton’s investigation reveals that a hospital in New York performed the woman’s heart transplant at the request of the Dover Valley Hospital in New Jersey. Dover also paid all her medical bills. Realizing that “something weird is afoot,” Stapleton drives out to Dover and receives a warm welcome from its owner, Wei Zhao, a Chinese billionaire businessman who holds a double Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics. Wei, a body-building enthusiast who admires Arnold Schwarzenegger, makes an intriguing villain. The novel also offers an intriguing look at the subterranean world of medical examiners, but “Pandemic” goes far beyond just entertainment. By graphically showing what could happen were CRISPR/Cas9 to fall into the wrong hands, the author rings a much needed warning bell about gene editing technology. (AP)

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Jason Momoa swims but ‘Aquaman’ sinks Jake Coyle Los Angeles (AP) - Superheroes who travel by sea horse never get any respect. Since Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger first dreamed him up in 1941, Aquaman’s fate has largely been as the Rodney Dangerfield of DC Comics — a regular punchline for his not-so-potent powers. Sure, he can talk underwater and brandishes a big fork for a weapon. But like Luca Brasi, he sleeps with the fishes. Yet Aquaman’s day has finally arrived. And if there was one inspired stroke behind the first solo movie for the Atlantis hero, it was in casting Jason Momoa in the Justice League role, one he began in 2016’s “Batman v Superman.” It’s almost a dare: Try telling this guy your Aquaman jokes. In James Wan’s waterlogged, fitfully entertaining “Aquaman,” a heavy metal guitar riff blares at our first close-up of the long-haired, much-tattooed, shirtless Momoa. “Permission to come aboard?” he says with a sly, over-the-shoulder grin. It’s a welcome arrival. As

Momoa showed on his recent “Saturday Night Live” hosting gig, his charisma is as formidable as his brawn. So why is “Aquaman” so soggy with Atlantis mythology and drowning in special effects when all it really needs to do is let Momoa’s Aquaman rock? There are pleasures in Wan’s extravagant underwater pageant. It’s surely the only movie around where you can enjoy a floating Willem Dafoe (as Vulko, royal counselor to Atlantis ruler Orm, played by Patrick Wilson), see a gladiatorial showdown sounded by an octopus on drums and, in one of the many scenes where water is weaponized, witness death by Chianti, in a tussle that tumbles into a Sicilian wine store. “Aquaman” weighs in somewhere between the lugubrious “Justice League” and the less leaden “Wonder Woman” on the uneven scales of recent DC films. To both the movie’s benefit and detriment, the seas here are choppier than in the predictably (and sometimes boringly) smooth sailing of a Marvel movie. But the bright spots (Momoa, that octopus) can be difficult to really relish amid the oceans of exposition and a typically pulverizing, overelaborate screenplay.

This image released shows Jason Momoa in a scene from “Aquaman.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

A war is brewing underwater, but David Leslie JohnsonMcGoldrick and Will Beall’s script takes a while to get us there. They have origin stories to map out, beginning with Atlanna, the banished Atlantis princess (Nicole Kidman, a screen goddess without the need to play an aquatic one), washing up on the rocky Maine shores of a lighthouse keeper (Temuera

Morrison). They fall in love and have a child named Arthur (our Aquaman to be) before Atlanna is forced to return to the sea. As an adult, Arthur — trained by Vulko as a kid — moonlights as a hero in between happy-hour trips to the bar. But he’s reluctantly drawn into a struggle for the throne of the seven seas with his younger brother

Orm, who’s plotting a battle with “surface dwellers.” He regards Arthur as a “halfbreed” not fit for the underwater kingdom he grew up outside of. The red-haired Xebel princess Mera (Amber Heard), herself a formidable fighter, joins with Arthur on a globe-trotting mission to save Atlantis and prevent war by finding a sacred trident (oh, there is so very much trident action), with occasional, half-hearted gestures of romantic banter along the way. After centuries of invisibility and peace, Orm and his conspirators have had enough of the landlubbers above. (Why they weren’t earlier pushed over the edge by jet skis or, for that matter, “Baywatch,” is unclear.) In one tidal wave of vengeance, he washes the ocean’s garbage and warships onto beaches around the world. But “Aquaman” is too timid to take this thread seriously (or even to substantially include sea animals for Aquaman to, you know, talk to). Instead we have a tiresome tale of royal power struggle that could almost as easily happen on Krypton or in ancient Greece, albeit without the benefit of a floating Dafoe. Wan, the director of the “Saw” franchise and “Furious 7,”

deserves both criticism for soaking the film so thoroughly in kitschy CGI and praise for the glowing synthetic beauty of Atlantis. The movie zips along too quickly before we get much more than a float-over view of Atlantis. (Many mysteries, such as how plumbing functions on the seafloor, go unanswered.) But in almost “Tron”-like contours of luminous neon, Atlantis is a cinema world well built, at least on the outside. But the movie’s only truly visually stunning sequence is a deep-sea chase lit by a lone flare while hordes of frightful creatures close in. But both Wan and Momoa have a surprisingly firm grasp of who Aquaman is, and they ultimately — more than two hours later — steer their film toward sincerity and away from bombast. It’s surely some measure of accomplishment that “Aquaman,” for all its messy grandiosity, culminates in its hero therapeutically saying “Let’s talk,” and it’s uttered not to a manatee but to a brother. “Aquaman,” a Warner Bros. release, is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language. Running time: 143 minutes. Two stars out of four.

Getty museum says it has right to keep prized Greek statue Nicole Winfield Rome (AP) — The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles has vowed to assert its right to keep an important Greek statue after Italy’s highest court rejected its appeal of a ruling ordering the artwork returned to Italy. The Court of Cassation confirmed the appeal had been rejected Nov. 30 and will issue its written reasoning at a later date. “Victorious Youth,” a lifesized bronze dating from 300 B.C. to 100 B.C., is one of the highlights of the Getty collection. An Italian court in Pesaro had ordered it seized and

A woman takes a photo of a sculpture titled “Statue of a Victorious Youth, 300-100 B.C.” at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

returned in 2010, at the height of Italy’s campaign to recover

antiquities looted from its territory and sold to museums

and private collectors around the globe. The Getty says Italy has no claim to the bronze, which was pulled from the sea in 1964 by Italian fishermen, purchased by the Getty in 1977 for $4 million and on display at the Getty since. In a statement, the Getty said it would “continue to defend our legal right to the statue,” arguing that neither the law nor the facts in the case support returning the statue to Italy. It’s not clear if the Getty will now take an appeal to a European court. Also unclear is if and how the Italian government will try to get the statue back. The Cassation

hasn’t yet issued its written ruling explaining its decision. The Getty noted that the statue is of Greek origin, was found in international waters and has never been part of Italy’s cultural heritage. It cited a 1968 Cassation ruling that found no evidence that the statue belonged to Italy. “Accidental discovery by Italian citizens does not make the statute an Italian object,” the Getty said. The statue, nicknamed the “Getty Bronze,” is a signature piece for the museum. Standing about 5 feet (1.52 meters) tall, the statue of the young

athlete raising his right hand to an olive wreath crown around his head is one of the few life-sized Greek bronzes to have survived. Though the artist is unknown, some scholars believe it was made by Lysippos, Alexander the Great’s personal sculptor. In 2007, the Getty, without admitting any wrongdoing, agreed to return 40 ancient treasures in exchange for the long-term loans of other artifacts. Italy and the Getty have since worked on dozens of collaborations in restoration, exhibition and research projects.

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David Bowie: ‘Aladdin Sane’

mott@pattayamail.com David Bowie had already been written off as a one-hitwonder after he failed to follow up his hit single “Space Oddity” (1969) with any commercial success. His first full length album was just a hodge-podge of songs he had collected over the years, and certainly gave no clue as to what was to come. By 1970 Bowie had hitched up with guitarist/arranger Mick Ronson, who was to become the perfect foil during Bowie’s rise to fame. The next album, “The Man Who Sold The World” (1971), although a good album, suffered from too many long guitar solos, repetitive themes, and lack of direction from the man himself. “Hunky Dory” (1972) was a concerted effort by Bowie to catch up with his friends like Marc Bolan,

who was riding high in the charts. Even though it was brilliant, it just failed to spark the public’s imagination, or perhaps too much imagination as on the cover Bowie wore his hair long - and worse - a long dress, too. A quick re-think, a sharpening of the sound, a haircut and dye, the stage act re-shaped, and the band (The Spiders From Mars) solidified into the perfect little hard-rockin’ outfit, with the blonde haired bombshell Mick Ronson on guitar, the impossibly side-burned Trevor Bolder playing bass, Mick Woodmansey on drums looking like a reject from the Bay City Rollers, and the avant-garde keyboard player Mike Garson. Then came the startling appearance on Top of the Pops with the new single “Starman” and just like that, David Bowie was the most famous pop star in the world. Easy when you know how! The album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” was

a massive hit around the world. But could they follow it up? Could Bowie turn himself into a proper musician and not just some ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ pop star?

“Aladdin Sane” was written and recorded on the road, and that makes it even more of an achievement as it outstrips its predecessor in brilliance. It’s a record that defines the high-glam period of the spring and summer of 1973, a period that indisputably belonged to Bowie, The Spiders From Mars, and their millions of fans. By the day of its release, April 13th, 1973, “Aladdin Sane” had already chalked up advance sales of 100,000,

David Bowie in 1974.

making it the fastest selling British pop album since the heyday of the Beatles. It became Bowie’s first UK number one, a position it held for five weeks. It contained two Top 3 singles in “The Jean Genie” and “Drive In Saturday”, and was also the first Bowie album to reach the US Top 20. Indeed, “Aladdin

Sane” heralded a period of chart dominance for Bowie. During the summer of 1973 he had five albums in the UK charts at the same time for a total of 19 weeks. The songs on “Aladdin Sane” were the work of a man on the cusp of genius. The playing of the Spiders was inspirational (try the piano

solo from Mike Garson on the title track, or Mick Ronson’s guitar riff on “Panic in Detroit” to get some kind of idea). The choice of the Rolling Stones cover “Let’s Spend The Night Together” is perfect. But all the originals are masterpieces. Rating: 5 Stars Track List: Watch that Man Aladdin Sane (19131938-197?) Drive-In Saturday Panic In Detroit Cracked Actor Time The Prettiest Star Let’s Spend The Night Together The Jean Genie Lady Grinning Soul Musicians: David Bowie - vocals, harmonica, saxophone Mick Ronson - guitars, piano, vocals Trevor Boulder - bass, vocals Mick (Woody) Woodmansey - drums Mike Garson - piano Ken Fordham - Bux-saxophone, flutes

Buzzcocks co-founder Pete Shelley dies at 63 London (AP) — Pete Shelley, the singer-songwriter and co-founder of the punk band the Buzzcocks, died December 6 of a suspected heart attack at age 63, his brother announced recently. The Buzzcocks were part of the punk revolution which began in England in the

mid-1970s and also featured such groups as the Sex Pistols and the Clash. Like their contemporaries, the Buzzcocks scorned what they considered the pretensions and bloated style of mainstream groups and turned out brief, stripped down songs, performed at manic speed.

Their singles included “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve),” the explicit “Orgasm Addict” and “What Do I Get?” Their energy and intensity were worthy of punk, but they also had a melodic streak, with the song “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays” sounding

After a year full of tears, Ariana Grande comes out on top Mesfin Fekadu New York (AP) — Ariana Grande capped off a successful year as a pop star — but a trying one as a maturing young woman — at the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event earlier this month, where she was named Woman of the Year. The 25-year-old singer was teary-eyed at times during her acceptance speech as she reflected on her year, which included the end of her relationship with comedian-actor Pete Davidson and the death of her former boyfriend, the rapper Mac Miller. Last year, a bombing at her concert in Manchester, England killed 22 people. “I want to say that I find it interesting that this has been one of the best years in my career and like the worst of my life,” she told the audience in New York City at Pier 36. “I feel like a lot of people would look at someone in my position right

Ariana Grande attends the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event, Dec. 6, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

now, I guess, like Woman of the Year, an artist that could be at her peak ... and think, ‘She’s really got her (stuff) together. She’s really on it. She’s got it all.’And I do, but as far as my personal life goes, I really have no idea what I am doing.” “It’s been a very conflicting one,” she added. “I just want to say if you’re someone out there who has no idea what this next chapter is going to

bring, you’re not alone in that.” Grande’s successful year included another No. 1 album with “Sweetener” as well as multiple hits, from “No Tears Left to Cry” to “God Is a Woman” to “Breathin.” She sang “Thank U, Next” — her first No. 1 smash on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart — in front of the audience including Alicia Keys, Dua Lipa, music executives and honorees like Cyndi Lauper and Janelle Monae.

at times like a punk version of the Beach Boys. The Buzzcocks broke up in the early 1980s, but reunited in the late ’80s and continued to perform and record over the past three decades. Tributes poured in from around the music world and Peter Hook, the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, tweeted: “Pete Shelley - a true gent! He helped us so much at the start of our career out of a sheer love for all things punk. Without Pete & the Buzzcocks I would probably still be working at the Docks. RIP mate.”

Pete Shelley, of the British punk band Buzzcocks, performs in this May 19, 2018, file photo. (AP Photo/ Marco Ugarte)

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Pattaya Hotel GMs reinforce camaraderie at social evening Jacqui Cuthbertson

Jacqui Cuthbertson, GM of InterContinental Pattaya Resort and Dr Pakamon Wongyai, President of Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter get acquainted.

Pattaya Hotel GM’s met for their regular networking, this time at the Holiday Inn Pattaya on Thursday 13th December in Havana Bar. Created initially as a social event, the networking also allows for the sharing of industry news, keeping all members up to date on local and regional market conditions and events, as well as allowing connections and friendships to build. As one of the busiest regions in Thailand for the hospitality industry, with new hotel openings always in the pipeline, the Pattaya group is always expanding and welcomes new General Managers to join. (l-r) Steve Lockhart, GM of BHM Asia, Jacqui Cuthbertson, Rahul Gupta RM of Pattaya Loft Hotel, Joost Koedooder, MD of Koedooder Industrial Parts and Trolleys and Paech Jim Senior Sales Executive of Koedooder Industrial.

Rob Rijnders, Area GM of Amari Hotels, Martin Hurley, GM of Lancaster Bangkok, Rene Pisters, GM of Thai Garden Resort, Peter Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail, Paech Jim and Joost Koedooder.

The events held in Pattaya are a continuation of a networking group that started in Bangkok several years ago. In an industry that is both fast paced as well as ever-changing, the importance of sharing views with industry peers has been well recognized. The group also organizes key speakers from time to time who can add value to the conversation and meet directly with a broad base of hotel leaders. All events for both Bangkok and Pattaya are shared among members via the Facebook page which acts as the central hub for relevant news articles, special promotions, and country legal updates. Events currently take place bi-monthly. To join please go to “Thailand Hotel GM’s” on Facebook. Alternatively contact Jacqui Cuthbertson, General Manager of InterContinental Pattaya Resort, jacqui.cuthbertson@ihg.com to be added to the mailing list.

Simon Angove, GM of Pullman Pattaya Hotel G chats with Dmitry Chernyshew, GM of Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya.

Veteran hoteliers Philippe Delaloye, Rob Rijnders and Rene Pisters have more than 100 years of hotel experience between them.

Alex Parry, GM of Let’s Hyde Resort & Villas, Wouter Banning, MD Skypoint Hospitality, Jean-Pierre Trabut , GM of Movenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya and Rene Pisters, GM of Thai Garden Resort.

Jay Penno, Cluster GM for Best Western Hotels and Resorts, Kate Gerits Regional General Manager Thailand Central & South at InterContinental Hotels Group, Rene Pisters, Hans Banziger, MD of Swiss Paradise and Holger Groninger.

A big thank you from all of us to Kate Gerits for hosting a wonderful GM Networking evening in the Havana Bar & Terrazzo Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Pattaya.

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Indian Ambassador conveys message of joy and hope to NRIs in Pattaya Mangala V. Shanbhag

Amrik Singh Kalra (right) president of the Sikh India Community in Pattaya welcomes H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai and her husband former ambassador R. Swaminathan to the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple.

Paramjit Singh Ghogar drapes the sacred saffron shawl over Her Excellency’s shoulders.

H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai joins the congregation in prayer and listening to holy verses from the Guru Granth sahib.

It was nothing less than jubilation when the Honourable Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand Her Excellency Mrs. Suchitra Durai met up with the Indians residing here in Pattaya on Dec 16. H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai together with her husband, former ambassador R. Swaminathan, and her entourage met with the Sikh community at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple where they were welcomed by Amrik Singh Kalra, president of the Sikh India Community in Pattaya, and VP Paramjit Singh Ghogar. Her Excellency paid respects to the holy Guru Grant Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scripture and listened to the morning prayers. Her Excellency spoke to the Sikh congregation expressing her happiness for having the opportunity to meet with them. The ambassador said that next year the Indian embassy was planning to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Sri Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism with ceremonies and festivities in Bangkok and Pattaya. At the same time 2019 also marks the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which will also be marked by many traditional and colourful celebrations. Later that afternoon a high tea was held at the Centara Grand Mirage where Her Excellency met with more than 100 members of the Indian community living and working in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. The ambassador spent a most enjoyable evening getting to know the vibrant Indian community, their activities, contribution in all fields and their immense presence in Pattaya.

H. E. Mrs. Durai interacted and provided a few solutions to some of the genuine concerns the Non Resident Indians (NRI) residing here faced. She encouraged people to take initiatives in forming an association acting as a help desk which can be useful to both Indians residing here and those visiting as tourists. Similarly she said that she would propose and pitch the advantages of making use of the skill sets of the spouses of expats to the government of Thailand until which they can work voluntarily. The ambassador was impressed with the concerns of not having an online voting option for NRIs. She and her husband Ambassador (retd.) R Swaminathan explained why it is currently not possible and that the Government of India is working towards setting up a system. The couple was visibly delighted with the meeting and left the Indian residents gleaming with joy and pride and with hope in their hearts.

H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai addresses the Indian community during ‘high tea’ held at the Centara Grand Mirage Resort Pattaya.

The ambassador presents books of learning to a very talented India student.

Pattaya residents present a gift to Her Excellency.

The ambassadors are greeted by the Sikh elders.

H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai and her husband former ambassador R. Swaminathan pose for a photo in front of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple.

Indian residents of Pattaya and the eastern seaboard join in group photos with the ambassador and her entourage.

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E-mail: socialscene@pattayamail.com

Sanctuary of Truth honors the late HM Rama IX in 5 religions

Puttajan, abbot of Trimitwittaya Ramworawihan Temple, represents Buddhism at the event.

The Sanctuary of Truth honored the memory of HM King Rama IX with a five-religion ceremony for the late monarch’s birthday. The Naklua sanctuary’s Thammasak Rattanatanya opened the Dec. 9 event, which began early with the offering of alms to 600 monks and novices. He lit candles and incense that were placed before a portrait of HM the late King

Bhumibol before inviting Puttajan, abbot of Trimitwittaya Ramworawihan Temple, to receiving robes and other monks’ necessities. At 11 a.m., similar ceremonies began to honor the late king for his Dec. 5 birthday, with clerics leading Brahman, Hindu, Roman Catholic, Sikh and Islam services, all carrying the theme of “carrying on Father’s teachings for peace”. (PCPR)

PM Prayuth visits THAI Booth at Thai Silk Fair

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, together with his wife Associate Professor Naraporn Chan-o-cha, visited the Thai Airways booth at the ‘8th Celebration of Silk: Thai Road to the World 2018’ fair held at the Bangkok Convention Center recently. The event organised by the Tourist Assistance Foundation and the SUPPORT Foundation, under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, was held to honour HM the Queen of the Ninth Reign who supported further development of Thai fabric which gained international recognition in the fashion industry.

Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College marks 30th anniversary

Lions donate blood to commemorate Fathers’ Day

Deputy Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presided over the blood donation drive organized by the Lions Club of Pattaya Taksin to commemorate ‘Doing good with heart by donating blood on Fathers’ Day’ at Terminal 21 Pattaya recently. Representatives of Lions Clubs, city officials and Terminal 21 included Thawatchai Prukpipat, Papan Intuwisakul, Banjong Banthoonprayuk and Damrongkiat Pinitkarn.

Dusit Thani Pattaya participates in Krathin merit-making ceremony

Neoh Kean Boon, GM of the Dusit Thani Pattaya led his management team and staff in the Krathin religious ceremonies recently. They presented robes to Buddhist monks at Wat Kao Saothongthong Temple in Banglamung District. Hotel staff raised 194,349 baht in donations to support needy communities upcountry including the study of Buddhism. The Kathin festival is a Buddhist tradition held at the end of rainy season. The festival generally lasts for a month and is a time for temple patrons to express gratitude to monks. Robes are the most-common gifts lay Buddhists bring to make merit.

Rattanachai Sutidechanai, Advisor to the Executive Board, Udomchok Churat, school director, along with teaching faculty and students attended a religious ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities. Other than learning their chosen subjects, they are also taught their rights as proud citizens of Thailand. After finishing their education, they will have the knowledge, skills, self-esteem and the confidence to join the workforce as equals.

Pattaya Countdown 2019 to be the best ever

Pattaya City has hired Mono Broadcast Co., Ltd., to organize the Pattaya Countdown 2019 festivities scheduled for 30-31 December 2018. Deputy Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Bannasit Rukwong, director of Mono29 TV Channel hold up copies of the signed contract witnessed by Ornwara Korapin – director of Tourism Promotion Office and Nattapol Teerawuthwej, director of Arts and Culture Promotion for Tourism Section.

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Articles For Sale/Rent As611/01-52/ Pattaya Mail Cartoonist Michael Baird (M.J.B.) has 3 brand new cartoon E-Books out. These and his other 10 cartoon EBooks can be bought from www.amazon.co.uk or www.booksmango.com. You will now be able to see all of Mike’s cartoons in FULL COLOUR. His 3 new Kindle E-Books are “Pattaya Car-

FRIDAY DECEMBER 21, 2018 21

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toon Memories”, “Ladyboy Book 3” and “Pattaya Unforgettable Memories”. These cartoons are for grown-ups and would be unique gifts. You never know - You might see yourself in them!

2 bathrooms, 2 kitchenettes; 2-4 locked parking spaces; partly furnished; 4,900,000 THB or near offer; Joe: 092 753 9309, info@goproperty thailand.com, www. gopropertythailand.com

o.n.o.; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Articles/Services Wanted Aw01/01-52/ Missionary in Rayong sponsoring Little Duck Nursery needs help. Please - Any unwanted items you have would be appreciated. (Eng) Rev Stephen 086 600 5682, (Thai) 0875 381 586

Businesses for Sale or Rent Bop03/31-52/ Spacious Double Shophouse, Thepprasit Road, Soi 5; very good business location; land 240sqm; business space 150sqm; 6 rooms,

Bop02/31-52/ Guesthouse in the heart of Pattaya, Thappraya Road; Land: 210Twah (840sqm) and approx. 800sqm business space on 2 floors; 14 rooms; tropical garden; family owned since 30 years; 11,950,000 THB

Bop01/31-52/ Big Shophouse; located close Sukhumvit Road / Central Road; commercial space 200sqm; 19,950,000 THB o.n.o.; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Notices No01/30-52/ Looking for a game of snooker with a retired ex-professional UK snooker player? Tel. Mike on 089 152 3202

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Pattaya Emergency Numbers Pattaya Call Center ................................ 1337 Police Station .......................................... 191 - Pattaya ................................................... 038 424 186 - Banglamung ......................................... 038 221 800-1 Highway Police ....................................... 038 392 001 Fire Brigade ............................................. 199 Pat. Int. Hopsital ..................................... 038 428 374-5 Bkk-Pat Hospital ..................................... 038 259 911 TAT Central Office: Region 3 Pattaya . 038 428 750 Tourist Police ......................................... 038 429 371, 1155 . .................................................................. 038 410 044 (FAX)

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Pets Pets03/01-52/ Homeless puppies available for adoption to warm and caring homes! All puppies are healthy, vaccinated and acclimated to people. If you are looking for a friend for life, just call 088 402 6772 or e-mail to karin@carefordogs.org. Pets02/01-52/ **Free Cats and Kittens** We are still trying to find loving homes for over 40 cats and kittens. Please check the pictures on our website or ring Sandra. Call 085 287 5004 http:/ cats4youinpattaya.webs.com

Property for Rent Houses, Villas

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Prb06/51/ TOWNHOUSE, Off Soi Khaotalo, Like new, quiet, safe, two bedroom, one bathroom, patio, carport, Thai kitchen, air-conditioned, FULLY FURNUSHED, Guarded Subdivision, Communal Pool, One Year Lease Minimum, Bt.9,5000. Monthly, Bt.19,000. Security Deposit. English, 087805-5276 Prb05/47-51/ For Rent: Bt.10,900 Per Month, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 A/C, Furnished, Pool, Clean,

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Beautiful, Soi 53 Nern Plabwan at Soi 45. Tel: 084-3518254

Condos, Apartments Prc216/42-09/ Royal Park Luxury Service Apartments and penthouse suite, Jomtien: starting at 15,000 baht/month. 56-70sqm, one bedroom, large living area with balcony and European kitchen, Free internet. Enjoy our rooftop swimming pool. Short walk to the beach. Monthly and daily rentals, Contact 086 111 7414 or check on our website www. royalparkjomtien.com to see why we are number 1 in Jomtien Prc216/47-51/ Rent 22,000 THB/month – Sea-front condo with infinity pool, tennis – Banglamung - 204sqm, 2-bed, 2-bath. See pictures at: www.facebook.com/ thailand.bayview, Tel: 082 122 4335, Email: bay.view @live.com Prc215/48-52/ Markland studios, 48sqm, beachfront, sea-view balcony, furnished, internet, refurbished: 15,000 Baht/month, minimum 12 months. Contact owner: ian.thailand@hotmail.com, 087 137 1529

Property for Sale

electric wiring; must see! Great Opportunity! Only 6,200,000 THB; 092- 753 9309, info@gopropertythailand .com, www.goproperty thailand.com

Psb27/31-52/ City Villa in the heart of Pattaya; completely renovated; close to 3rd Road / LK Hotel; in walking distance to Soi Buakhao; 120sqm living space; land approx. 150sqm; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchenette; fully furnished; 2 new Flat TVs; 3 air-cons; big storeroom; garden, carport & parking; NO THROUGH ROAD- very quite; 3,950,000 THB; 092- 753 9309, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@goproperty thailand.com, www. gopropertythailand.com

Psb25/31-52/ Villa located on Pattaya East Side, only 5 min. from Sukhumvit/Thepprasit Road; Land size 760sqm, living space 350sqm; partly furnished; living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, guest toilet; Jacuzzi; European kitchen, security 24/7; private pool; tropical garden; garage; parking; 15,500,000 THB; 092- 753 9309, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Houses, Villas Psb32/47-51/ Bargain Pool Villa needs to be viewed. Refurbished very specious, 3 bed 3 baths, huge living room. Separate Euro kitchen and Thai kitchen Luxurious salt water pool with Jacuzzi and remote gate parking for 2 cars. Land 125TW, House 300m2. SP3 village Siam Country Club with excellent security 5.8 M Tel: 083 102 9293, also available for rent 40,000 baht per month. Psb31/46-08/ House for sale: 1,850,000 Baht. Location in Soi Nernblabwan. Tel: 0963979541, Line ID: domicil24, Email: duangpee. domicil@gmail.com Psb29/13-52/ 1-storey single house, living area 130sqm, land size 300sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, European Kitchen, close to Satit School: 3.75 million baht. Tel. Heiner 081-8611907

Psb28/31-52/ 5-storey Townhouse in Pratumnak; lobby, 9 rooms and 8 bathrooms; total area 320sqm; big garage; the property was completely restored in 2015; new bathrooms, new rooms, new air-conditioners; new

Psb26/31-52/ 3-storey Townhouse located in Pratumnak Hills close to “Royal Cliff Hotel”; living space 200sqm; fully furnished with high quality furniture; living room with dining area, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, guest toilet; 1 European kitchen; terrace; 2 balconies; Jacuzzi bath; 3 aircons; ceiling fan; WiFi access; storage room; carport; very nice and clean place to live; 4,950,000 THB;

Psb24/31-52/ Big Villa with 5,200sqm park similar land; located close to Huay Yai Road; living space 650sqm; fully furnished; 1 living/dining room; 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, full European kitchen; terraces; WiFi; private pool 10m x 5m; outdoor shower and toilet; small lake with sala; air-con in all rooms; fitness gym; many storerooms; 85sqm office in separate building; alarm; own well; pantry & laundry room; double garage; automatic gate; 3 BBQ’s; the property is completely walled in:

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 21, 2018 23

24,950,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Psb23/31-52/ 3-storey modern “BAUHAUS-Style Villa” and a wooden “Traditional Thai Style house” on 1 Rai of land located in Pratumnak, Pattaya; 360sqm living space on 3 floors with gallery; Thai house has 100sqm living space; short distance to the beach; both properties are partly furnished; open living room over 2 floors; dining room; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen; terraces; WiFi; storage rooms; private parking; 75,000,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Psb22/31-52/ Big Villa located in a clean & well maintained Resort in East

Pattaya, 12 min drive to Sukhumvit Road; quite & peaceful; 1,632sqm land; living space approx. 500sqm; fully furnished with custom made quality furniture; 1 living room; 1 dining room; 3 bedrooms, 3 ensuite bathrooms, guest toilet, 1 kitchen, maid’s house; pool 10m x 5m (salt water); many terraces; security 7/24h; double garage; fully air-conditioned; laundry, pantry, many storerooms; office; SOLAR hot water; double wall and roof insulation; emergency power generator; double glazed insulation windows; 25.000 liter water storage; 35,000,000 THB or

best offer; 092- 753 9309, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Condominiums Psc95/51-02/ Beachfront Condo at Bangsaray Condominium: 150sqm, 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, 300m from beach, only 137units in 20 rai of green landscaped surroundings in an exclusive residence. Excellent decoration, fully furnished, TV-LCD 50". Hot Sale 7.9 mil. 4x,xxx baht/ sqm. 081-3358102 (owner), for photos: pitipity@hotmail .com, Line: piti.t Psc94/51-52/Jomtien Plaza, 126sqm, Conner unit, high floor, beach views, 2 bedroom,

2 bathroom 2 balconies, foreigner owner, 5.95 million (Negotiable) Tel: 094 461 2395 Psc93/50-02/ Urban Downtown Luxury Residence: for Sale/Rent. Pool view, 2 bedroom, 87-sqm, 2 Balconies, 4th Floor Corner unit behind Avenue Mall, Soi 15, near Walking Street, Royal Garden, Central Mall, Sale price: 6,500,000 baht, Rent: 35,000 baht a month. Phone: 084 820 3979 Email: JLKBEACH@MAC.COM Psc91/48-52/ The Grass Pattaya Tai, New Condo, 1 bedroom, fully furnished, kitchen, living room, balcony, garden view, 2 floor, 1.65 million (Negotiable) Tel: 080-776 0602 Psc90/46-08/ Condo for sale: 750,000 Baht. Location in Soi Nernblabwan. Tel: 096 397 9541, Line ID: domicil24, Email: duangpee.domicil@ gmail.com Psc88/45-02/ PRATAMNAK, 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, Brand New! Sale: 3 Million Baht. High Floor, Includes furniture and appliances. Foreign name. Tel. 064 723-9972 Psc87/44-53/ Markland Studios, Soi 1, Pattaya beachfront road near new Terminal 21 shopping center: 48sqm, beach front balcony, furnished, refurbished, pool, fitness, foreign ownership, 3mio Baht, also finance options available by owner, details ian.thailand@hotmail .com, Tel. 087 137 1529

fitness gym, community pool, garage, “10 Baht Taxi Route”, supermarket, laundry close by: 1,600,000 THB; GO PROPERTY THAILAND 093 -161 5995, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Land for Sale 7/24h; community pool on beachfront; restaurant on pool side, parking; supermarket and laundry; 2,450,000 THB; (or rent 12,500 THB) 092 7539309, info@goproperty thailand.com, www. gopropertythailand.com

Psc76/31-52/ Seaview Apartment in Pattaya, Pratumnak Hills with 2 bedrooms, 11th floor; 3 balconies; living space 101sqm; fully furnished; living room; 2 bathrooms, 1 European kitchen; 2 new air-conditioners, ceiling fans; double security door, security 7/24h; fitness gym; sauna; steam room; community pool; parking; restaurants, bars, supermarket, laundry; 7,495,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psc74/33-52/ Studio located close to Pattaya Beach and “Rhompo Night Market”, Jomtien 2nd road, living space 47sqm, fully furnished, 1 living/bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchenette, terrace, WiFi, Security 7/24h,

P02/31-52/ Land is located close to Chaiyaprueck Road 2, 629sqm (17m x 37m); completely walled inn with a 3m high wall; 13,000 liter water deposit; own well; 2,950,000 THB or best offer; 092- 753 9309, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Services Provided Sp01/51/PLANS DRAWN: Design & Construction, Condo Remodeling 085-0834221

Staff Wanted Sw01/51-03/ Experienced Freelance Internet Sales Person required: Must speak English, to market solar systems and industrial products from stock held in Rayong warehouse. This position is available on a 10% commission basis only. Contact Mr. Lee 08-61548605

Read Pattaya Mail Online Updated Daily www.pattayamail.com | Facebook/pattayamail Email: ptymail@pattayamail.com

Psc80/31-52/ City-Studio Jomtien VIEW TALAY 1; 6th floor; living space 32sqm; 500m to the beach; fully furnished; 1 living-bedroom; 1 bathroom; kitchen; balcony; WiFi; security 7/24h; community pool; parking; restaurants, bars, supermarket 24h, laundry in the building; directly located at the 10Baht-Taxi route and Shuttle Bus to Airport BKK; 1,250,000 THB; (or rent 7,900 THB) 092- 753 9309,. info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psc79/31-52/ Studio on the beach in Pratumnak, 50sqm, totally quite & peaceful, fully furnished; private access to the beach; big sea view terrace; 1 living-bedroom, 1 bathroom, full kitchen; washing machine; security

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VOL. XXVI No. 51

Christmas comes early for Claus Traveller’s Rest Golf Group

Monday, Dec. 10, Khao Kheow – Stableford Division 1 1st Claus Krogsgaard (8) 39pts 2nd Tae Hyoung-Kim (16) 37pts 3rd Terry Ball (12) 31pts Division 2 1st Masayuki Okada (22) 30pts 2nd Shigeki Toyoshima (19) 30pts 3rd Roy Kim (17) 28pts Claus Krogsgaard, who bears a striking resemblance to his namesake Santa Claus, was merrily riding his sleigh around Khao Kheow and ‘Ho Hoed’ his way to an incredible 39 points. Along the way he stole all the kiddies presents by taking first prize in division one. Meanwhile, in division two, one of his little elves who goes by the name of Masayuki Okada was helping himself to

the cookies and milk, scoring only 30 points as he scraped home by virtue of a countback.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Phoenix – Stableford

Tuesday, Dec. 11, Green Valley – Stableford Division 1 1st Kevin Labar (13) 39pts 2nd Mike Rushant (11) 37pts 3rd Alan Thomas (6) 35pts Division 2 1st Shigeki Toyoshima (19) 39pts 2nd Chun Yong-Park (30) 38pts 3rd Seung Hwan-Kim (16) 35pts Our regular Tuesday outing and we were once again negotiating our way around the Green Valley course. One person who negotiated it better than everyone else was Kevin Labar who amassed an amazing 24 points on the front nine; however he dragged the anchor down every fairway on the back nine but still finished in first place with an unbeatable 39 points.

John O’Donoghue.

Shigeki Toyoshima.

Shigeki Toyoshima, who was disappointed to have been beaten on a countback on Monday, made certain of his win today. Shigeki also had 24 points on the front nine but found a lot of Kevin’s anchor tracks on the inward half and just scrambled home to line honours in his division.

2nd Peter Williamson (15) 34pts 3rd Terry Ball (12) 34pts Division 2 1st John O’Donoghue (19) 37pts 2nd Sang Kyu-Kim (21) 34pts 3rd Seung Hwan-Kim (18) 34pts Pattana is a true test of golf and not a course to be taken lightly, and if you’re not consistently hitting the ball straight then this course can chew you up and spit you out! Today’s winner of division one, Hung Jae-Lee, hits the ball long but managed to stay on the fairway and was rewarded with a very fine score of 38 points. In division two John O’Donoghue, who’s not a long hitter also kept the ball up the middle and posted a commendable score of 37 points.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, Pattana - Stableford Division 1 1st Hung Jae-Lee (16) 38pts

Wayne & Porn on song at Green Valley PSC Golf from the Billabong Bar Monday, Dec. 10, Phoenix Gold Stableford Phoenix was jam packed today on all 3 nines but the management and the marshells did a splendid job and kept everything moving smoothly. We played Mountain and Lakes off the white tees and got round in 4 hours. The scoring wasn’t too bad with only one countback between Glyn Davies and Capt Bob, with the Captain prevailing to take fourth place with 33 points. Third went to Dave Bramley with 34 points, second went to Lloyd Shuttleworth on 37 and the little general took line honours with a fine 38 points.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, Green Valley Stableford One benefit of golf in Thailand is that we have almost perfect playing conditions all year round and this may be a contributory factor for the high standard of play from the ladies today. Three of them came home with 39

Wayne Cotterell.

points but it was Miss Sasicha (21) who lost out in fourth with 16 points on the back nine, not helped by 2 blobs. Miss Poopay (10) and Miss Kran (22) both had 19 points so it was down to the last 6 holes and, despite a blob, Miss Kran recorded 13 points and edged ahead of Miss Poopay by 1 point. The consistent Miss Porn (22) had six 3-pointers and three 4-pointers for her 42 points and No. 1 spot on the podium. The men, as usual, could not match this performance with only 3 playing, out of 20, to their handicap. Arch

Armstrong (10) had four consecutive 1-pointers for 35 points and fourth place, one behind Sandy Chapo (21) who birdied the last for 4 points for 19 points on the back nine and 36 overall, losing out to Mikael Anderson (15) who had 20 on the way home. But the star of the day was Wayne Cotterell (14) who had 8 consecutive pars starting at the 5th hole 43 points overall. The 2s today went to Jeff North, Arch and Sasicha.

Friday, Dec. 14, Burapha – Stableford We played Burapha A and B today with no holdups and the course was perfect in all ways. With 6 groups out we had a countback for the minor places, all on 36 points, with Sandy Chapo taking fourth, Dougie Crowe third and Capt Bob second. Bobby Driggs, playing his first game for a while, came out on top with 37 points to take line honours. There were two ‘2’s, coming from Bobby Driggs and John Locke.

Division 1 1st Mike Rushant (11) 37pts 2nd Neil Bramley (10) 36pts 3rd Greg Bates (14) 35pts Division 2 1st Peter McGinty (23) 34pts 2nd SeungHwan-Kim(18)34pts 3rd Suk Bum-Kim (18) 34pts Thursday we played Phoenix, where the TRGG hopefuls took on the Mountain & Ocean courses. Mike “The Machine” Rushant put in a sterling performance with a solid 37 points to claim a much deserved first place position. In division two, Peter McGinty claimed victory with 34 points beating the second and third place finishers by the merest of margins.

Friday, Dec. 14, Burapha – Stableford Division 1 1st Val Kienast (8) 38pts 2nd Mike Rushant(11) 38pts 3rd Huang Jae-Lee (16) 38pts Division 2 1st Seung Hwan-Kim (18) 39pts 2nd Phil Voas (22) 39pts 3rd Chun Yong-Park (29) 38pts

Friday saw the largest turnout for the week with thirty six players vying for the top spot. A new visitor to the TRGG, Val Kienast, took out division one with a great score of 38 points off an eight handicap. In division two our Korean friends were adding to their successes during the week with Seung Hwan-Kim taking out the number one position with a brilliant score of 39 points.

Saturday, Dec. 15, Mt. Shadow – Stableford 1st Billy Allan (22) 32pts 2nd Jack Watkins (12) 30pts 3rd Neil Bramley (10) 29pts We closed the week out at Mountain Shadow where only two players scored thirty points or more and not much more at that! The winning score was a mere thirty two points with second place on thirty and third place a ridiculous twenty nine points. A very humble and apologetic Billy Allan accepted line honours for the second consecutive Saturday and had the audacity to announce that he only scored one point over the last three holes.

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Smith takes top billing at Greenwood PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya Tuesday, Dec. 11, Greenwood – Stableford With 3 groups out on Tuesday we played the B & C nines at Greenwood. The course was as usual in very good condition and it is always a real pleasure to play here. We had nice sunny weather and a cool breeze. You can feel that the winter is coming and the temperatures are going down a little bit. Dave Smith was at it again and nobody could stop him from sweeping the day with 36 points. In second was Ty Anderson on 33 points and taking third was Neil Harvey with 32, beating Paddy Devereux on countback. The near pins went to Jonathan Pratt, Dave Smith and Bob Edwards.

Neil Harvey (from left), Dave Smith and Ty Anderson.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Mt. Shadow Stableford Thursday had Mountain Shadow as our venue and this course was also in very good condition. The wind blew strong

today and it was not an easy game. Stan Rees kept his nerves under control and won with 33 points after a strong back nine while Dave Smith was the runner up with 31. Near pins were claimed by Stan Rees, and Bob Edwards.

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No monkey business at Navy PSC Golf from Café Kronborg

Ty Anderson and Peter Hammond with Dave Richardson.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Plutaluang Stableford A Flight (0-21) 1st Ty Anderson (10) 40pts 2nd Anders Pedersen (7) 34pts 3rd Rob Brown (7) 33pts B Flight (22+) 1st Peter Hammond (30) 38pts 2nd Jan Love Green (23) 33pts 3rd Gordon Clegg (26) 33pts NearPins:N3PeterHammond, N6 Jan Love green, W3 Anders Pedersen, W8 Ty Anderson. Long Putts: N9 Peter Hammond. The Cafe Kronborg golfers played their favourite nines

(North and West) today at the Navy course off the yellow tees, and although more difficult than East and West the excellent greens always justify this choice. There were no monkeys (without golf clubs) today, except for one on the second tee who swiftly turned his back on us and went into the trees - he had probably seen enough after our three putting on the sloping first green. Pity he did not return to see our impressive flight winners Ty Anderson and Peter Hammond waltz home by winning by six and five shots respectively.

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The viper bites back PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

Monday, Dec. 10, Eastern Star Stableford

Thursday, Dec. 13, Crystal Bay Stableford

1st Ian Ward (11) 38pts 2nd Colm Lawlor (14) 36pts 3rd Colin Stielow (24) 36pts Near Pins: Denis Steele (2), Bill Steinmann (2). Long Putts: Bill Steinmann, Denis Steele. We took off from the Swan with twelve eager golfers all ready to have a crack at the new revamped Eastern Star. The club house here has been completed and all cart paths installed. The course was in great shape, fairways were good and the greens were a little fast but ran true. Bunkers were clean and all was good for the day. Numbers dictated that we were playing one flight with three podium places and all six novelties in play. Ian Ward showed the way home, his 38 points being enough to get him past the post clear of the rest of the guys, Second and third saw a countback come into play and here Colm Lawlor just got the better of Colin Stielow with a more favourable back nine.

1st Mark Stapleton (18) 39pts 2nd Takeshi Hakosaki (13) 39pts 3rd Mashi Kaneta (13) 38pts Near Pins: Dave Maw, Shane Young, Tony Cook, Shane Young. Long Putts: Mark Stapleton Thirteen golfers decided to make the journey to Crystal Bay today. We were not too sure as to what to expect as there had been a bit of rain about over the last few days but we were informed that carts were allowed on course when we arrived there. We played from the yellow tees, which can be a little short for some, but golfers do have the option to go back and play from a different tee if they so desire. With today’s numbers we were to play one flight only with all the novelties in play. Mark ‘the Viper’ Stapleton, on his return to Pattaya, showed that he meant business as he matched Takeshi Hakozaki at the top of the

Mark Stapleton & Gau (Mark’s partner’s daughter).

leader board. Stapo took the countback decision courtesy of a better back nine.

Third past the post was Mashi Kaneta only a solitary shot behind.

Hell freezes over, Scambler rings the bell PSC Golf from The Bunkers Boys Monday, Dec. 10, Crystal Bay – Stableford

Kit’s ace steals the show The Backyard Golf Society After many months of low numbers (and a lack of gossip to report on), the Backyard lads are back in print following last Friday’s bash at Emerald. Under warm and windy conditions and with the course mercifully still not overrun by the northern hordes, Kit “The Altrincham Alchemist” won the main stableford event. The highlight of his round was a holein-one at the par-3, 5th hole. Due the advanced age and limited vision of many of our players, no one actually saw the ball roll into the hole, so it was a pleasant (if not costly) surprise when the ball was located in the cup. His 7th ace he says, all pure skill no doubt! Near-pin today went to John “The Diplomat” and he was also the biggest winner in the skins with 6. “Stitches” Morgan won 3, “Foos yer Doos” got 2 and there were

singles to “The Quiet Man”, “The Alchemist” and Jimmy “The Turbine Terror”. Several players were unavailable, with K. Wattathwat off to Oz for Christmas, Russell “He’s a Victorian” in darkest Africa after a 3 year break and no sign of either “The Biss” or “Beaker” Larsen for many months. Former player Mike Taxi was seen recently sporting another black eye (courtesy of a pavement jumping up at him as he waddled home from a bar) and with “The Stalker” also wearing a shiner they are like The Black Eyed peas at the moment. It would be remiss not to mention Stitches regular caddy at Emerald, Odd. She is recuperating after somehow driving the golf buggy into a bunker on the 4th hole, a first for sure. No doubt some player will be coughing up some baht for that incident

1st Tony Scambler (16) 40pts 2nd Daryl Vernon (24) 38pts 3rd Neil Carter (11) 36pts 4th Gordon Melia (20) 36pts For some reason, we had a lower than expected turnout of fifteen for today’s round at Crystal Bay. The course was surprisingly damp in parts - overnight rain may have been much heavier in the area than in Pattaya. The day was overcast with temperatures much more benign than in recent days. Tony Scambler produced the round of the day, chipping in on the last for a birdie to record a score of forty points. Even on this course, which is generally regarded as one of the easier ones in the area, this was a very good score. Second place went to Daryl Vernon on thirty-eight points and he is appearing in the winners’ circle more regularly, so we may soon see a cut in his handicap. Third place with thirty-six points went to Neil Carter, beating Gordon Melia on countback. Kob Glover and Michael Brett had near pins while Neil Carter took two and now has a substantial lead in the number of near pins for the year. Life is full of surprises and today was no exception.

Back at the M Club after his fine win Tony Scambler rang the bell, could that be a first? Even more surprising John Hughes arrived at the club too late to avail of a free beverage, who would have thought?

Wednesday, Dec. 12, Eastern Star – Stableford 1st Neil Carter (11) 38pts 2nd Tony Robbins (18) 31pts 3rd Michael Brett (13) 30pts Since our last visit a month ago this course has deteriorated markedly; just about all tee boxes were in shabby condition and greens, which had recently been sanded unevenly, were very variable in speed and made putting a bit of a lottery. Also, the new cart paths which have been completed for some time have yet to have the ground beside them restored. Another gripe for almost all golfers was the caddies who seemed disinterested and very slow. All in all, it was disappointing to see the course slide backward like this and with the higher than most green fees it no longer represents value for money. Our numbers were down again today, the lowest high season number we have seen with only eleven showing up to play. This was made worse by the early retirement of Keith Hemmings

Tony Scambler.

who succumb to a back strain and retired after three holes. Scores were very disappointing with only Neil Carter putting up a fight to take first place with a solid thirty-eight points. Seven points adrift Tony Robbins took second place while abysmal putting confined Michael Brett to thirty points in what otherwise could have been a decent score. Near pins went to Michael Brett and two to Neil Carter.

Friday, Dec. 14, Greenwood A & C – Stableford 1st Les Cobban (8) 35pts 2nd Michael Brett (13) 34pts 3rd Neil Griffin (25) 33pts 4th Keith Hemmings (22) 32pts Following Wednesday’s round of low scores, there was an expectation of better today but sadly the improvement was only marginal. Given that it normally takes

in the area of forty points to win at Greenwood and the course was in good condition, it was a surprise to see such low scores take the winners; circle. One noteworthy factor was the caddies who were of a much higher standard today. A field of eighteen was in attendance. First place went to Les Cobban with a score of thirty-five off a low handicap of eight while in second was Michael Brett on thirtyfour. For much of his round Neil Griffin was on fire and looked like he would sweep all before him, only to fade badly on the back nine. Nevertheless, he took third place with thirty-three and left Keith Hemmings to bring up the rear with thirty-two. Near pins went to Neil Carter, as usual (five for the week), Peter Allen and Michael Brett. As is usually the case, Peter Allen got his near pin using the driver from the tee. A shot that ran along the ground most of the way up the fairway onto the green and obligingly stopped near the pin was enough for Michael Brett to get his near pin, but the shot of the day went to Neil Griffin. On the par five C 4, Neil hit his shot to the green into the creek in front of the green, the ball hit the wall on the green side of the creek and rebounded all the way back to land at his feet.

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Phillips at the double PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society Monday, Dec. 10, Mt. Shadow – Stableford A Flight 1st Alan Thomas (6) 38pts 2nd Simon Kendall (13) 37pts 3rd Maurice Roberts (12) 37pts 4th Kevin LaBar (11) 36pts B Flight 1st Huw Phillips (15) 39pts 2nd Patrick Poussier (29) 39pts 3rd Jim Ferris (20) 36pts 4th Niall Caven (19) 36pts A good field of thirty-five golfers set out in nice, cooler conditions to a golf course that Links Golf has not been to in a long time. There were varying degrees of opinion about the condition of the course here. No, it’s not pristine like many others, but fairways were cut nicely, the bunkers are a trap, excuse the pun, and the rough is very high and lots of it. The greens were once known as very good and having some pace, but today were described variously as grainy, “Velcro” and inconsistent. What happened? The “A” flight saw Alan Thomas prove that he is a six handicap, scoring 38 points to take first place. He was followed closely by two players on 37 where Simon Kendall won the countback over Maurice Roberts. Kevin LaBar was back in the winner’s list taking fourth place with 36 points. The “B” flight (16+) gave Huw Phillips his second Green Jacket in a fortnight, but he had to withstand a

Huw Phillips (centre) with Graham Pratt (left) and Mickey Tighe.

Alan Spencer (centre) with Tip Briney (left) and Kevin LaBar.

countback, as Patrick Poussier also scored 39 points, that’s good going. Jim Ferris has had a great run of late and continued that form, scoring an even 36 points to win yet another countback, this time relegating Niall Caven to fourth. Mashi Kaneta (20pts) and Frank Riley (20pts) recorded the best half games while near pins went Tony Browne, Patrick Poussier, Graham Pratt and Simon Kendall.

Murray Edwards plodded to fourth place with 27 points, one behind third placed man Alan Spencer on 28. In second was Frank Riley with 34 points, but the man of the moment was Aussie Bryan Barrell whose 39 points represented his best score in more than six years golf with the group. Bryan is a very patient golfer! The top flight was treated to some fine golf as American-Thai golfer Zack Tsisri posted 35 points on his debut round with PLGS for fourth place. Third spot went to Simon Kendall who played another fine round with 36 points and the runner-up was Alan Humphries with 39 points, his best this trip. This left Huw Phillips to “lord it” for the second time this week with a sublime 41 points. The usual technicals were contested, in two flights with near pins going to Derek Phillips, Alan Spencer, Jim

Wednesday, Dec. 12, Greenwood Stableford A Flight 1st Huw Phillips (15) 41pts 2nd Alan Humphries (10) 39pts 3rd Simon Kendall (13) 36pts 4th Zak Tsirsi (6) 35pts B Flight 1st Paul Chesney (19) 35pts 2nd Derek Phillips (18) 35pts 3rd Colin Service (16) 34pts 4th Will Brown (18) 32pts

C Flight 1st Bryan Barrell (34) 39pts 2nd Frank Riley (27) 34pts 3rd Alan Spencer (23) 34pts 4th Murray Edwards (21) 27pts The society visited Greenwood on Wednesday to play a stableford competition in three flights, cut at fifteen and nineteen, leaving those on twenty and above in the third flight. A quality field of 44 golfers set off on time from the B and C tees and progress was good. Scores in the second flight (16-19) disappointed with Willy Brown managing fourth place with 32 points on his return round, a couple behind Colin Service, again on form, with 34. The top two were separated by countback with Paul Chesney’s better C nine score taking the win ahead of Derek Phillips, both with 35 points. The third flight saw an eclectic mix of scores as

Ferris, Kevin LaBar, George Muller, Huw Phillips and Dave Ritchie and the longest putt, a rarity at Links, on hole B9 went to Paul Chesney. Consolation awards went to Carl Luke for the best B nine score of 19 points and Colm Lawlor with the best C nine score of 20 points.

Friday, Dec. 14, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford A Flight 1st John Harrison (11) 36pts 2nd Colin Service (16) 36pts 3rd Stan Stewart (17) 36pts 4th Steve Truelove (7) 34pts B Flight 1st Alan Spencer (23) 36pts 2nd Frank Riley (27) 35pts 3rd Graham Pratt (25) 33pts 4th Bryan Barrell (31) 32pts The group went local on Friday when they visited Pattaya Country Club to play a stableford competition from the white tees in two divisions, cut at eighteen and under.

The course was in good condition and well grassed fairways ended in quick greens. Sadly, a little early Christmas spirit may have affected the greenkeeper, as pins were placed on or near the top of the slopes thus making putting a problem. Forty golfers made good progress in very comfortable breezy conditions and the scores in both flights reflected the problems that were present. In the second flight fourth place went to Bryan Barrell with 32 points and his nearpin on seventeen gave him his most successful week with PLGS. In third was Graham Pratt with 33 points. Wot? No wig? Certainly not this time and he is to be congratulated for putting up with all the friendly banter and showing he can come good. Frank Riley occupied second place with 35 points and the flight winner was Alan Spencer with an even par 36. In the top flight fourth place went to Steve Truelove with 34 points and the honour of the best gross score. Ahead of him was a trio of level par golfers with countbacks identifying John Harrison as the winner, ahead of Colin Service and Stan Stewart, Near pins were claimed by Tony Browne (5), Wayne Peppernell (7), Maurice Roberts (12) and Bryan Barrell (17) The best front-nine award went to Nigel Harrison with 22 points and the best backnine to Niels Peter Kristensen with 21.

McArdle gets the gong The Tara Court Golf Society Sunday, Dec. 9, Green Valley – Monthly Medal We had our last monthly medal for 2018 here today at Green Valley on a very pleasant day for golf. The course was soft after the recent rain and although it played long it was still in excellent condition. The best way to be in with a chance of winning the coveted gold medal in January is to win a few of the monthly ones and so keep the competition down. Today it was Joe McArdle’s (H/cap 18) turn to do this as he won his second one for this year, posting a net sixty-six which was four shots clear of his nearest rival. In second place in the B flight was Joe Peters (26) with a net seventy and we then had two players with a net seventy-five

and here Peter Henshaw (29) won the countback to come third ahead of Phil Voas (21). In the A flight Paul Pavloff (5) came out the winner with a net seventy, just three over gross. Jerry Sweetnam (10) took second with a net seventy-one and then we had another three players on a net seventy-five and here on the countback Nick Caulfield (6) came third, Paul Butler (16) was fourth and Lyle Blaw just lost out. Despite having a large group out we had only one ‘2’ today which meant that Russell Gilroy actually won the most money today.

Tuesday, Dec. 11, Mt. Shadow Stableford We had sixteen players today for our regular monthly visit to Mountain Shadow. The course was in good

There were three ‘2’s today, from Russell Gilroy, Ted Morris & Joe Peters.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Khao Kheow Stableford

Joe McArdle.

condition and the greens ran at a consistent speed. We had two divisions and coming out on top in the A flight was Shaun Merriman (14) with 39 points. Dennis Lea (13) was a close second

Joe Peters.

with 38 and third place was decided on countback, with Jerry Sweetnam (10) having the better back nine to keep Nick Caulfield (6) off the podium after both posted 34 points overall.

B flight was also a tight affair with Joe Peters (25) winning on countback (19-17) over Ted Morris (17), both on 36 points. Third place went to Michael Healy (17) 35 on his card.

We played the B and C nines at Khao Kheow today with a slightly smaller group. Joe Peters (26) has being coming back to form lately and he excelled himself here as he was a runaway winner with an excellent forty three points, six ahead of his nearest rival. Jerry Sweetnam (10) got second place with a very respectable thirty-seven points and we then had two players with thirty four and here Joe McArdle (18) won the countback to come third ahead of Ted Morris (17). Wayne Antlitz (14) took the fifth and last place on the podium with thirty three points.

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Mighty Mick adds to mug collection PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group Tuesday, Dec 11, Royal Lakeside Medal The Tropical Golf Monthly Mug took place this week and twenty-two golfers signed up for the trip to Royal Lakeside hoping to earn a spot in the final playoff. This course is a longer drive than most on the rotation, but is the extra time worth it? In short, yes. Fairways are immaculate carpets, perhaps surpassing Bangpakong. The greens had been recently sanded but it was not so heavy as to influence putts too much. To top it off the caddies looked nice in their new purple uniforms. Stroke play always bring course management into priority, and RL is a good choice as there is enough lateral water to weed out sloppy players, but no island greens to make any one hole unfair. As for the results, it was a day of constant countback calculations for the poor organizers. In the A-Flight (0-17), Andre Van Dyk (c/h 17) won the low flight honors with a fine

DATE:

net 71, two ahead of regular Mashi Kaneta (c/h 15) with net 73. Rob Brown (8) edged Alan Sullivan (16) on countback with net 74 for third. There were more countbacks in B-Flight (19-26) where Daryl Evans (26) edged out Tom Herrington (19) at the net 70 level, and then Dave Cooper (26) finished with a net 71 just ahead of colorful Water Baechli (24) with net 72. In the C-Flight (27+) there were still more countbacks, and finally Barry Elphick (30) got the nod over Don Lek from BJ Holiday Lodge (left) presents the Carmody (30) with identical monthly mug to Mick Coghlan. scores and handicaps with net 71. Frank Xin (27) ended days when it known as sim- days winners were deterhis mug winning streak but ply, “Century Golf Club”. mined, and the golfers packed still did fine with his net 75 on The course was renovated back into the vehicles for the (you guessed it) countback in about 2014, and a new club- drive back to Pattaya. house opened. The locker Today we had a total field over Karen Brown (35). room is still small, but to be of 21 players, with eleven So, all the scores were tightly grouped, all except fair, a big step up from the winners, spread over three one that is. Winning a record old, truly grim, shower area. flights. Mashi Kaneta was The course was in fine con- the only golfer to hit his fifth mug (no one else even has four) was Mick Coghlan dition on this day, however handicap today, and took (25) with a shattering net 66! quick greens, combined with first in the A flight (0–18), some severely sloped flag with 36 stableford points, Friday, Dec 14, placements turned chipping playing from his course Pattavia – Stableford and putting into an adventure. handicap of 15. Second went Pattavia Century Golf Club As the last of the four balls re- to John Davis (12) with 35 is much improved from its turned to the clubhouse, the points, on countback over

FRI 21

Apple’s Irish

Greenwood

Bunker Boys

Pattavia

SAT 22

SUN 23

MON 24

TUE 25

Rob Brown (8). In the B flight (19-25), Mick Coghlan (24) was first past the post with 34 points. Second was Gabriel Enright (24) with 35 points, on countback over Joe Sparwirth (25). Colm Mullen (30) topped the C flight (26+) with 34

WED 26

The Emerald

FRI 28

King Naga

Pattana Pattavia

Pleasant Valley

Green Valley

Growling Swan Billabong Golf

THU 27

Treasure Hill

Cafe Kronborg Colin’s Golf

points, Barry Elphick (29) was second with 33 and Gordon Clegg (26) took third with 30. The best front nine, not placing, went to Graham Buckingham’s 17, while, Frank Xin had the best back nine score with 18 points.

Treasure Hill

Greenwood

King Naga

Crystal Bay Pattavia

Burapha

Phoenix

Pleasant Valley

Greenwood

Crystal Bay

Pattavia

Platuluang

Pleasant Valley

Lewinski’s

Siam Old Course

Green Valley

Bangpra

Chee Chan

Burapha

Siam Old Course

The Links

Platuluang

Royal Lakeside

Treasure Hill

Pleasant Valley

Mt. Shadow/Chee Chan

Greenwood

Le Katai

Green Valley

Burapha

Eastern Star

I Rovers Retox Game On Siam Country Sugar Shack Harry’s Golf The Golf Club

C.Bay/Bangpakong

Pleasant Valley Pattana

Treasure Hill

Pattaya C.C.

Phoenix

The Emerald

Green Valley

Khao Kheow

Pattana

Pattavia

R.Lakeside/P.Valley

Crystal Bay The Emerald Mt.Shadow

Pattaya C.C. Chee Chan

Pattaya C.C.

Mt.Shadow

Silky Oak

Green Valley

The Players Lounge Tropical Golf

Treasure Hill

Bangpakong

Valley View Hackers

Green Valley

Outback Golf Bar

Green Valley

Burapha

Greenwood Green Valley

Green Valley Royal Ratchaburi

The Bunker Boys meet at the M-Club off Pattaya 3rd Road for golf outings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (www.bunkersociety.com). Transportation leaves from Cafe Kronborg on Soi Diana Inn at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, (contact Dave on tel. 038 602 2117). Colin’s Bar plays golf Sun/Mon/Wed & Fri (www.colinsbar.com). The Growling Swan plays golf on Monday & Thursday (www.thegrowlingswan.com). Lewinski’s in Soi Pattayaland 1 (Soi 13/3), now have a new schedule, 5 days per week Monday thru Friday. Transport is available everyday, call Jack on 0815781956 for further information and booking. The Pattaya Links Hotel Golf Society departs from Soi Buakhao on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call Phil on 0625 933 380 or visit www.thelinkshotelpattaya.com. The Golf Club is located on Soij LK Metro. Call Phil on 090 769 3778. Tropical Golf meets at BJ’s Holiday Lodge at 8am on Tuesday’ & Friday. Call Derek on 089 034 0629

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Australia level series 1-1 with a 146-run win over India more relentless and pitched the ball in the right area for long enough to put us in trouble.” Kohli defended his decision to play an all-seam attack by leaving out a specialist spinner. “We never thought as a team that we needed a spin option,” Kohli said. “Nathan bowled really well on this wicket. With the skill level and consistency he was able to get the maximum out of this pitch. He bowled well according to the conditions.” Kohli batted beautifully for over six hours to anchor the Indian first innings and scored his sixth test century in Australia. “When you don’t win you really don’t rank your

Ihithisham Kamardeen Perth, Australia (AP) — Australia trounced India by 146 runs to level the four-test series 1-1 on the final day on Tuesday. Needing 287 runs to win, India, resuming the day on 112-5, were skittled out for 140 as fast bowler Mitchel Starc (3-46) and offspinner Nathan Lyon (3-39) made a mockery of the Indian second innings. Fellow fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood (2-24) and Pat Cummins (2-25) contributed in a supporting role. India lost the last six wickets for 42 runs as Australia hurried to their first victory in seven test matches since beating South Africa in Durban in March this year. “I am relieved personally,” said skipper Tim Paine after the long awaited test win. “It’s hard work ... I am really proud of the competitive and hard cricket we played.” Both teams were left battered and bruised on a pitch that crumbled with widening cracks at Perth Stadium — the newest test venue. India in particular enjoyed bowling on it leaving the Australian batsmen ducking for cover with opener Aaron Finch forced to retire after taking a painful blow on his hand. “It was a tough and bruising test,” Paine added. “Both teams have outstanding fast bowling attacks.

India’s Umesh Yadav is hit by a ball from Australia’s Mitchell Starc during day five of the second cricket test between Australia and India in Perth, Australia, Tuesday, Dec. 18. (AP Photo/Trevor Collens)

“We have some inexperienced players in terms of test matches played. To get a win like that against the best test team in the world is going to give them a huge boost of confidence. “The game tightened up a lot at certain stages and we stuck to our guns and delivered our skills really well under pressure against a team as good as India it’s really pleasing for our side.”

Skipper Virat Kohli rued missed opportunities but acknowledged his side were beaten by a better one over the five days. “Australia played better cricket and consistently,” Kohli said. “They deserved to win. “We didn’t play with the same intensity as we did in the first test match,” Kohli added. “We always had the belief we could do it, but they were

Belgium win field hockey final after shootout with Dutch

Belgium players celebrate after their win over the Netherlands in the Men’s Hockey World Cup final at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India, Sunday, Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Bhubaneswar, India (AP) — Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch proved the differen c e a s B e l g i u m b e a t the Netherlands 3-2 in a shootout to win the men’s field hockey World Cup final last Sunday. Vanasch helped to clinch Belgium’s first title when he forced Jeroen Hertzberger wide and the attacker’s shot

went over in sudden death. The penalty shootout at Kalinga Stadium came after neither team had managed to break through in normal time. The Netherlands had knocked out defending twotime champions Australia in an epic semifinal on Saturday, while Belgium demolished England 6-0.

It was Belgium’s third straight major final after the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and 2017 European championship, where they lost to the Netherlands 4-2. The Netherlands were chasing a record-tying fourth World Cup title. Earlier, Australia thrashed England 8-1 in the thirdplace playoff.

performance, and at the moment it’s irrelevant because we didn’t get the result we wanted. I want to contribute in a winning cause.” It was an outstanding bowling effort by man-ofthe-match Lyon who claimed a match bag of 8-106 after he took 5-67 in the first innings to secure a crucial 43-run lead to tilt the balance in Australia’s favour. He has taken 17 wickets in the first two tests of the series so far. Lyon has also taken 80 wickets against India in test cricket - the second highest by a spinner. Lyon is the joint highest wicket taker in 2018 calendar year with 48 wickets (average 26.02) in nine test matches alongside Sri Lankan

offspinner Dilruwan Perera. After Australia scored 326 in the first innings, India replied with 283 runs which was largely built around Kohli’s 25th test century in his 75th test, Australia were then dismissed for 243 when swing bowler Mohammed Shami claimed a career-best 6-56. Both captains played down the onfield sledging with Kohli saying, “As long as there’s no swearing and personal attack it is fine. Little bit of banter is fine ... this is test cricket and it has to be competitive.” “It what’s said, and not how much that matters,” Paine said. “We played with our skills and not on emotions.”

Alvarez stops Fielding in 3rd round for 3rd division title Barry Wilner New York (AP) - Canelo Alvarez threw a Garden party last Saturday night. A short and powerful fiesta. Alvarez landed dozens of body punches, knocking down Rocky Fielding four times and stopping him in the third round to earn his third weight class title, taking the WBA super middleweight belt. Coming off his close decision against Gennady Golovkin three months ago to take the WBA and WBC middleweight titles, Alvarez could hear chants of “Canelo! Canelo!” long before he entered the Madison Square Garden ring for the first time. Throughout a lengthy undercard, it was clear who the sellout crowd of 20,112 came to see and cheer. He delivered with power and precision, landing 73 punches, 35 to the body. “That was the plan in the gym, to hit the body and then move up, and that’s the result,” Alvarez said through an interpreter. “You see the result here.” Only eight other Mexican fighters have held three division titles. And Alvarez, 28, says he is headed back to the 160-pound class he rules, with possibly a third go with Golovkin in 2019. The next fight, opponent unknown, is set for Las Vegas in early May. “Canelo will fight whoever is the best, no doubt about it,” said his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. If this was a one-off at 168 pounds, it was quite a show in his debut at Madison Square Garden. “My goal is to make good fights for the people, for the public, and to make sure the name of Canelo Álvarez and of Mexico is held up high,”

Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (left) punches England’s Rocky Fielding during the third round of a WBA super middleweight championship boxing match Saturday, Dec. 15, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Alvarez said. Fielding, 31, won the WBA crown in July when he knocked out Tyron Zeuge in Germany in the fifth round. But the Englishman had never faced anyone close to Canelo’s class, and it showed. “I never shied away from the challenge,” Fielding said. “I lived the dream, I’ll come back. “He is strong and all that. It was the body shots, the wind he took away. He placed the shots well and he caught me. I stood too long to try to mix it with him when I shouldn’t have. “The better man won tonight.” On the undercard, Tevin Farmer started fast, then coasted to a unanimous decision over Francisco Fonseca to hold onto his IBF super featherweight belt. Farmer lost to Kenichi Ogawa for the IBF title last year, but Ogawa then failed a drug test and the bout was declared a no contest. He outpointed Billy Dib in August for the belt, then defended by stopping James Tennyson in October. He won 117-111 on all three judges’ cards. “Nowadays, I really have a lot of anger built up, good

anger though,” he said, “and I just want to hurt everybody when I’m in the ring. I don’t have no sympathy.” Farmer is 28-4-1, while Fonseca is 22-2-1. Costa Rican Fonseca’s other loss came in his only previous title fight, to Gervonta Davis for the same crown in 2017. Katie Taylor of Ireland won a lopsided 10-round decision over Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom to keep her IBF and WBA lightweight championships. She is now 12-0, while Wahlstrom lost for the first time in 24 fights. Super featherweight Lamont Roach Jr. easily outpointed Alberto Mercado, running his record to 18-0-1. Roach controlled the fight from the outset and took it easy late, which nearly cost him when Mercado (15-2-1) nailed him with several hard shots in the final round. Rising lightweight Ryan Garcia had no trouble running his record to 17-0 with 15 knockouts by stopping Braulio Rodriguez in the fifth round. Rodriguez’s repertoire included more clowning and low blows than fighting, and Garcia ended it with a sharp right, followed by a series of head shots.

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Young ice stars do battle in Pattaya

Carlin scores a hat-trick The Jomtien Golf Society Monday, Dec. 10, Pattana - Stableford

The second Beach Bash Youth Ice Hockey tournament took place from December 5 to 9 at the Harbor Mall ice rink in Pattaya. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

A sweltering Pattaya played hosts to the budding stars of the ice earlier this month as the second annual Beach Bash Youth Ice Hockey tournament was held from December 5 to 9 at the Harbor Mall ice rink. A total of 28 teams featuring players from all over Asia congregated to do battle on the ice, some of the combatants being as young as six years old. The 2018 tournament was well received as the number of teams almost doubled from the 17 teams in 2017. The popularity of Ice Hockey in Thailand has increased considerably in the past 12 months due to the increasing number of tournaments organized in the kingdom, with Asia Ice Events supported by The Rink, JOGS and Powerplay Sports & Entertainment leading the way. They founded the Beach Bash and the past tourna-

ment in Bangkok called Tropical Freeze. They are also involved with a couple of well-established events such as the annual Land of Smiles and City of Angles tournaments, both held in Bangkok. Asia Ice Events has also indicated that there will be at least four youth tournaments and a number of hockey camps planned for Thailand in 2019. Beach Bash Tournament Director Keith Fong commented: “Our main goal is not only to organize professional events but to help develop the game of ice hockey amongst the youth. In addition to provide them opportunities to learn, play and meet new friends, it also gives them an opportunity to see where they stand in terms of results and development when compared to other hockey clubs.” The Pattaya tournament had several highlights including

the addition of the under-6 division which featured two teams from Hong Kong in the final. The HK Selects defeated the HK Junior Tigers 6-5 in a thrilling game. The HK Selects also captured the championship in the under-8 division by defeating the Grizzly Bears team from Thailand. The Bangkok Warriors won the gold medal games in the under-12 and 14 divisions. After the finals, the players participated in the a skills competition which featured three events – the fastest skater, puck control relay and a breakaway contest. Throughout the tournament, the atmosphere at the rink was amazing with far more cheers than tears. At the end, and after four days on frozen water, it was time for the players and their families to hit the beach and soak up what Pattaya and Thailand can offer best – the sun. (Report: asiaiceevents.com)

3 English teams face German opposition in Champions League

The three nines were packed today but the marshalls did a brilliant job and there were no hold-ups. A and C courses in play and with the best score of the day Pete Sumner topped division 1 with 39 points. Harry Vincenzi was second one point behind, Ron Miller took third on 36 and Per Forsberg was fourth with 35. An equal cut today in the seven groups of 6-17 and 18+ and John Carlin, playing off 20, won division 2 with 38 points, Louis Wong was second on 35 and Rick Assi beat Shane Tutton on a 18/16 back-nine countback after they both scored 34 points. Near pins went to (Div 1) Chuck Andersson, Ron Miller, Bob Poole and Dennis Scougall, and (Div 2) Grant Cadell, Jim Connelly, Frank Grainger and Dave Howden. No ‘2’s were recorded in division 1 but there were three in division 2, coming from Grant Cadell (C2) and Jim Connelly and Dave Howden (A8).

Wednesday, Dec. 12, Greenwood Stableford The B course has reopened but we could not play it today so it is the C and A nines. Playing off the white tees with an almost identical cut as Monday, 31 points was the highest score

John Carlin.

in division 1 and there were three contenders vying for top spot. A 17/15/14 back nine countback saw Paul Butler edge it over Dennis Scougall in second and Pete Sumner third, while completing the podium in fourth was Per Forsberg. John Carlin came up trumps again in division 2 with 36 points, Bruce Gardner was second on 35, Rick Assi took third with 34 and back from rehab Leo Adam placed fourth a further point in arrears. Not many near pins claimed today, the only successful candidates being Bob Comartin, John Carlin, Pete Sumner and Bruce Gardner. Leo Adam birdied A6 in division 2 for the only ‘2’ of the day.

Friday, Dec. 14, Eastern Star Stableford There were nine groups out today with the equal cut in the three divisions at 9-15,

16-20 and 21+ and 37 points was the best score of the day, coming from Simon Kendall to win division 1. Bob Comartin took second place on 33 points and Brian Keating with a 17/16 back nine countback came in third, beating Per Forsberg after they both scored 31 points. There was another 37 in division 2, with John Carlin taking podium position ahead of Frank Kelly in second on 35 , Colin Aspinall third with 32 and Jerry McCarthy fourth on countback over Harry Vincenzi, both on 31 points. An even par 36 points was the winning score in division 3 and John Walsh was a happy chappie. Glyn Evans took second five points behind John and there were three 28-pointers fighting for third place. A 21/15/15 back nine countback and a 9/7 back six saw Lars Strom take the bronze, Ron Lavette place fourth and Tony Thorne just lose out. Near pins today went to Grant Dickson, Simon Kendall and Dennis Scougall in the top flight and in division 2, Leo Adam, Colin Aspinall, Jerry McCarthy and Harry Vincenzi. Simon Kendall, Michael Healey and Harry Vincenzi recorded the only ‘2’s of the day. Our last game at Chee Chan has been re scheduled to the 26th December at 9.30am.

Kids, adults compete in 18th Pattaya Petanque Tournament

Graham Dunbar Nyon, Switzerland (AP) — One of the fiercest international rivalries in soccer will play out three times in the last 16 of the Champions League when a trio of English teams take on German opposition. Five-time European champions Liverpool and Bayern Munich were drawn Monday to face each other, Manchester City were paired with Schalke and Tottenham will play Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund. “It was clear it would be difficult, they are obviously a top side,” said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who lost the 2013 final to Bayern when coaching Dortmund. “For me it’s nice, going to Germany.” The first leg is at Anfield on Feb. 19 with the return match in Munich on March 13. The draw included nine

Former Spanish soccer player Luis Garcia shows a ticket during the Champions League Round of 16 draw, at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Monday, Dec. 17. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

former champions with a combined 40 of the 63 Champions League or European Cup titles since the competition began in 1955. Three-time defending champions Real Madrid were paired with Ajax. Madrid and Ajax have won 17 of those 63 titles but have never met in a final.

The potential first-time winners include Paris SaintGermain, who will play Manchester United. The first leg is at Old Trafford on Feb. 12. In other matches, Barcelona were drawn with Lyon, Serie A leaders Juventus will take on Atletico Madrid and Porto will play Roma.

Winners pose with their trophies during the presentation ceremony for the 18th Pattaya Petanque Tournament at Pattaya School No. 2, Sunday, December 9.

Children and adults both competed for top honors as Pattaya School No. 2 hosted the 18th Pattaya Petanque Tournament. Pradith Thongchai, head of sports development for the city’s Tourism Promotion Department, handed out trophies from the Dec. 7-9 tourney organized to promote and develop Pattaya’s petanque athletes.

The Chark Klang team won the under-15 petanque bracket with the Sum Hukwang 2 and 1 teams coming in second and third, respectively. In the public open bracket 1, the SNB 1 team took tops honors, followed by SNB 3 and the Lady JJ Nakhon Sri Thammarat team. The Public 2 category was won by the BM 2 team, with the Dek

Wat and Sei Aut teams placing second and third. In the women’s division, the top three teams were SNB 5, Rong Posaithong 1 and SBB 3. In the men’s bracket it was Je Ya 3, Pa Ann and Sei Tel 2. In the mixed-doubles category, the Kik Ka Du 7 team took first followed the SNB and Samyan teams. (PCPR)

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Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (left) and Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot challenge for the ball during their team’s English Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool, Sunday, Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Tevin Farmer (right) punches Costa Rica’s Francisco Fonseca during the third round of a super featherweight boxing bout on Saturday, Dec. 15 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Austria’s Marcel Hirscher speeds down the course during a men’s World Cup Giant Slalom in Alta Badia, Italy on Sunday, Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

Germany’s Jessica Steiger competes in the Women’s 4x100m medley relay during the 14th FINA World Swimming Championships in Hangzhou in eastern China, Sunday, Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Boston Bruins’ Noel Acciari (left) checks Buffalo Sabres’ Matt Hunwick during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Sunday, Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto serves against Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in the men’s singles semifinals match during the Table Tennis World Tour Grand Finals in Incheon, South Korea, Saturday, Dec. 15. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 16. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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Malaysia’s Proton launches 1st SUV with China’s Geely Eileen Ng Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian national car maker Proton launched its first SUV last week in a fresh effort to transform its stale brand and turn around its fortunes, more than a year after China’s Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. bought a key stake in the company. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad launched the 1.8 liter-engine X70 and expressed hopes for Proton’s recovery. The X70 is based on Geely’s Boyue vehicle, which is one of China’s best-selling SUVs. It is priced from 99,800 ringgit (US$23,800) to 123,800 ringgit (US$29,540), making it competitive with Japanese and South Korean brands. Proton, founded in 1983 as part of Malaysia’s industrialization push, was once king of the country’s roads but its sales suffered because of growing competition and a reputation for poor quality and bland models. Proton was privatized in 2012 and its new owner, conglomerate DRB-Hicom Berhad, sold a 49.9 percent stake to Geely in June last year after

Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (right) poses with his wife Siti Hasmah during the launch of Proton’s new SUV in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, Dec. 12. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

it failed to revive the carmaker. DRB-Hicom retains 50.1 percent equity in loss-making Proton. Geely, which also owns Sweden’s Volvo Cars, last year said it will inject $40 million into Proton as part of its stake purchase. Proton has a distribution network in some key markets in the region and the deal gives the Chinese company a platform

to expand in Southeast Asia, where non-Japanese brands often struggle. Proton said in a statement that the X70, its first vehicle jointly developed with Geely, will help transform perceptions of its brand. It said bookings for the car opened in September ahead of the launch and that it has received more than 10,000 orders.

China’s auto sales fall in November for fifth month Beijing (AP) — A contraction in China’s auto market deepened in November as sales fell for a fifth month amid an economic slowdown and consumer anxiety over a tariff fight with the USA. Sales of SUVs, sedans and minivans in the global industry’s biggest market plunged 16 percent from a year ago to just under 2.2 million, an industry group,

the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, reported. Sales for the 11 months through November were down 2.8 percent from a year earlier at 21.5 million. That puts annual sales on track to shrink for the first time in three decades. The slump is a setback for global automakers that look to China to drive revenue

and are spending heavily to meet government targets to develop electric vehicles. China is a top market for General Motors Co., Volkswagen AG and other industry majors that look to increasingly prosperous Chinese customers to drive revenue growth. They are spending billions of dollars to develop models to appeal to local tastes.

Toyota recalls 70,000 vehicles to replace air bag inflators Detroit (AP) — Toyota is recalling about 70,000 Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles in North America to replace air bag inflators that could explode and hurl shrapnel at drivers and passengers. The recall covers the 2003 to 2005 Corolla, the 2002 to 2005 Sequoia, the 2003 to 2005 Tundra and the 2002 to 2005 Lexus SC. Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion and inflate the bags. But it can deteriorate and burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister. The Toyota and Lexus vehicles were recalled previously and the inflators replaced with new ones that still used ammonium nitrate. In the latest

recall, Toyota will use inflators made by another company with a safer chemical. Owners will be notified early next year. Toyota says it has replacement parts available. About 65,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the U.S. Toyota says it’s doing the recall a year ahead of a schedule set by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At least 23 people have died worldwide due to the

problem caused by inflators made by Takata Corp., resulting in the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history. They cover 37 million vehicles and about 50 million inflators in the U.S. About 100 million inflators are being recalled worldwide. The recalls forced Takata of Japan to seek bankruptcy protection.

The X70 “introduces Proton to a new market segment and is the key catalyst for the total rejuvenation of the brand,” the company said.

Geely is one of China’s biggest independent auto brands. Founded in 1986 as a refrigerator manufacturer, it started producing motorcycles in the 1990s and launched its first car in 2002. It bought Volvo from Ford Motor Co. in 2010. Geely has said it will make Malaysia a manufacturing hub for right-hand drive vehicles for its global sales. Geely recently also agreed to help upgrade Proton cars for sale in global markets. Proton’s tie-up with Geely also marked a turning point in Malaysia’s auto policy. The government has long resisted efforts to sell off any key stake in Proton, seen as a national icon. Mahathir, who started Proton when he was prime minister for 22 years until his retirement in 2003, last year

slammed the sale to Geely, saying it was like “losing a child.” He returned to power a second time after leading an alliance to oust the country’s long-ruling coalition in May elections. At the launch this month, Mahathir praised Proton’s progress since its partnership with Geely. He said he was impressed with technological advances such as better security and voice command features in the X70. He urged Proton to continue to produce strong car models that can make Malaysia proud. Mahathir recently said his government plans to start another national car company, but it drew criticism from many Malaysians who said authorities should instead focus on improving public transport.

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Mitsubishi showcases new models at Thailand International Motor Expo 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Thailand wrapped up the recent 35th Thailand International Motor Expo 2018 in Bangkok with a total of 3,619 bookings, an increase of 60 percent from the same event last year. Pickup enthusiasts’ sentiment towards the new Mitsubishi Triton helped propel the brand’s bookings and upwards annual sales volume. “Our customers and visitors to our booth continue to be excited with our products, especially with the new Mitsubishi Triton and the allnew Mitsubishi XPANDER. Our commitment in aftersales services with the slogan of ‘We take care, you just drive’ also generated a lot of interests as it reaffirmed our commitment to customer satisfaction,” said Morikazu Chokki, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. “We are pleased with the booking achievement and are committed to use this momentum to drive for our sustainable growth,” added Chokki. The newly-launched Mitsubishi Triton was very well-received, achieving a total booking of more than 4,000 units in the short span since its availability at outlets nationwide in November 17, 2018.

The new Mitsubishi Triton on show at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2018.

According to the manufacturer, the new pickup features “a more powerful styling that incorporates advanced ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept, an enhanced Super Select 4WDII with improved on- and off-road performance, and the latest active safety and driver assistance systems. There is also overall improvement and significant refinements to driving dynamics sought by pickup enthusiasts.” At the other end of the spectrum, Mitsubishi also showcased the Mitsubishi

Pajero Sport Elite Edition designed to inspire individual success. It is available in two colors – Jet Black Mica and White Pearl, and comes with a long list of premium accessories and features that take luxury and comfort to new levels. Interest in the Pajero Sport Elite Edition was also positive, with the special-edition model raking up more than 900 bookings. Prices for New Mitsubishi Triton start at THB654,000 while Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Limited Edition will be available from THB1,459,000.

Dr. Iain is currently on leave. The weekly car quizzes are postponed until he returns.

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Filipina Catriona Gray named Miss Universe 2018

Finalists stand on stage during the final of 67th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Monday, Dec. 17, 2018.

Top 3 finalists from left to right, Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez, Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green, and Miss Philippines Catriona Gray.

Kaweewit Kaewjinda AP Photos by Gemunu Amarasinghe Bangkok (AP) - The Philippines’ Catriona Gray was named Miss Universe 2018 in a competition concluding Monday in Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries and delighting her home nation. Gray wore a sparkling red dress she said was inspired by a volcano in the Philippines as she was handed the crown to the delight of a roaring crowd that generally favored Southeast Asian contestants. The 24-year-old singer and model said she wore red because “when I was 13 my mom said she had a dream that I would win Miss Universe in

a red dress.” She said her mom cried when they saw each other after she won the competition, the 67th Miss Universe pageant. Gray edged out first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa and thirdplace Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela. She succeeds Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa. In the Philippines, pageants are a popular attraction, and Gray’s countrymen watching the televised contest cheered wildly and jumped for joy when she was declared the winner. Celebrations were especially buoyant in Oas town in the northeastern province of Albay, from which Gray’s Filipina mother hails. According to Gray, her gown’s

design, with its lava color and appearance, was influenced by Albay’s iconic Mayon Volcano. Gray’s father is Australian, and she was born and grew up in Cairns, Australia. She studied at the Berklee

defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges,” he said in a statement from the presidential palace. “In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the

executions. Duterte raised even more controversy when he recently joked that he smoked marijuana to deal with his busy schedule of meetings with other Asian leaders at a regional summit. Asked what she thought about legalizing marijuana, Gray said: “I’m for it being used for medical use, but not so for recreational use. Because I think if people will argue, then what about alcohol and cigarettes? Everything is good but in moderation.” This year’s Miss Universe competition included the firstever transgender contestant, Angela Ponce of Spain. She said in a video presentation that it was not important for her to win but was more important for her “to be here.”

One of the few controversies of this year’s contest involved Miss United States, Sarah Rose Summers, seeming to mock contestants from Cambodia and Vietnam over their English language skills. Summers apologized. The finale was again hosted by Steve Harvey who infamously announced the wrong winner in the 2015 contest. Harvey joked briefly about the incident in exchanges with contestants and said: “You all can’t let that go” and “I’m still here.” The theme of this year’s pageant was “Empowered Women” and was judged by seven women including former pageant winners, businesswomen and a fashion designer.

Catriona Gray of the Philippines, left, reacts as she is crowned Miss Universe 2018 by Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.

College of Music in Boston in the United States. The office of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was quick to congratulate the winner. Gray is the fourth Filipina to be named Miss Universe. “Ms. Gray truly made the entire Philippines proud when she sashayed on the global stage and showcased the genuine qualities

world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work.” An early round of questioning touched on the issue of drugs, a controversial issue in the Philippines where Duterte’s aggressive ‘war on drugs’ has taken thousands of lives, many in what critics charge were extrajudicial

Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to the audience after being crowned Miss Universe 2018.

10,000 join Chonburi cycling event

Chonburi’s governor led 10,000 cyclists in the province’s “Un Ai Rak” royal cycling event.

Chonburi’s governor led 10,000 cyclists in the province’s “UnAi Rak” royal cycling event. Pakarathorn Thienchai was joined by his wife Supaporn

and top deputies at the front of the wave of Chonburi officials, soldiers, police, students and the public in the 29-kilometer trek from the

Chonburi’s cyclists rode past iconic landmarks along the way.

Some cyclists took part in a cleanup of their neighborhood.

provincial hall to Bangsaen Beach Dec. 9. The “Bike Warm Love” event was organized by the Royal Household with

King Rama V Monument, Phraphutthasihing Dharma Hall, Suantan Temple, Tamnak Maharach,Angsila Temple, Komutrattanaram Temple,

similar treks held in every province to build unity among Thai people. Chonburi’s cyclists rode past landmarks including the

Naja Taijue Shrine, and more After the ride, participants enjoyed traditional dance performances outside the provincial hall. (CPRD)

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Events The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be held on Sunday, December 23. PCEC will present their annual Christmas Program with an appearance from the Pattaya Orphanage Choir, a visit from Santa, and singing many of your favorite Christmas Carols. The program starts at 10:30 am with a buffet breakfast available from 9:00 to 11:00 am on the 4th floor of the Holiday Inn’s Executive Tower located behind the Holiday Inn’s Bay Tower on Beach Road. Encounter Church Asia will host a Christmas candlelight carol singing service on the 2nd floor of the Royal Twins Hotel, Pattaya 2nd Road on Monday, December 24 at 7pm. All are welcome. The Eastern Seaboard Businessmen’s Dinner is a monthly event taking place at the Mantra Restaurant at the Amari Pattaya Resort on the last Thursday of the month. It brings together business leaders from various backgrounds including Automotive, Aerospace, Real Estate, Architecture, FMCG, Electronics, White Goods, Logistics, Recruitment, Legal, Consulting, and others in a relaxed atmosphere. If you are interested in attending please contact Anuttra.Sukruen@tinfish.co.th.

Fax: 038-427596

A Farmers’ Market takes place every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Holiday Inn hotel on Pattaya Beach Road from 10.30 am - 3.30 p.m. Products range from wellness items, jewelry, freshly prepared food, organic vegetables and fruits. The next market will be held Jan. 12. A stamp market is held every Sunday from 10.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m.at Rahnpintang Moe Kata Restaurant, Panji Place, on Soi Ponphraphanimit 7 (200m from the Bangkok Highway underpass). Here can you exchange stamps from the whole world. Call 089 091 3418 for more information and directions.

Dining The Beach Club Restaurant at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G will serve a Christmas Eve buffet from 6.30pm – 10pm on Monday, December 24 featuring all your Yuletide favourite cuisine. Price: THB 1,450 net per person including a welcome drink (mulled wine or an eggnog mocktail) THB 1,950 net per person including a free flow red, white and sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks. On Christmas Day, December 25, the Beach Club Restaurant will offer a sumptuous Christmas brunch buffet from 11am – 3pm. Price: THB 1,050 net per person food only, THB 1,450 net per person including draught beer

Mussels with tomato wine sauce Mussel dishes are world-wide, and this recipe comes from the US, where they assure me that it only has 151 calories per serve! In Thailand mussels are cheap and plentiful.

Ingredients Mussels Unsalted margarine Onion, minced Garlic, minced Tomatoes, coarsely chopped Dry white wine Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley, minced

Serves 4 1 kg 1 tbspn 1 small 1 clove 4 large ¾ cup 1 tbspn

Cooking method Scrub and de-beard the mussels under running water. Prepare a steamer and place the mussels on the top. Steam the mussels for around seven to eight minutes, or until they have opened. Important: discard any that remain closed. Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan, sauté onion in margarine, stirring over medium heat for two minutes. Stir in the garlic, sauté for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes for two minutes, then add the wine and salt and pepper to taste. Now quickly bring the tomatoes to a boil for around five minutes, until the sauce is thick. Stir in parsley and keep the sauce over very low heat. Break off the empty half of the mussel shells and arrange the mussels on serving plates. Spoon some of the sauce over each mussel and serve immediately.

and soft drinks, or THB 1,650 net per person including free flow draught beer, soft drinks, wine, juice and cocktails. (Get 15% off for Accor Plus and Beach Club members). For more information and reservations, call 038 411 940. Celebrate A magical festive season at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group. Christmas Eve (December 24) at the poolside of the luxurious Royal Wing Suites & Spa, enjoy a festive 5-course dinner containing delectable traditional and contemporary options to delight your senses: Price THB 3,200++ per person (children under 12 years old 50% discount); The Royal Grill Room and Wine Cellar will serve a 5course dinner menu on Christmas Eve at THB 2,200++ per person/set (children under 12 years old 50% discount); Panorama restaurant will serve a Christmas Day lunch on December 25 from 11.30am – 3.00pm priced at THB 1,400++ per person (children under 12 years old 50% discount). For more information or to book a table for any of the festivities, call 38 250 421 ext 2037 or email: gro-main@royalcliff.com. Big Fish restaurant at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya will host a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on December 31 including a complimentary final countdown at the Sky Bar later in the evening. Price: THB 2,444 net per person (includes welcome drink), Drink package: THB 700 net including unlimited beer and wine. Sky Bar invites you to greet the New Year with a countdown celebration at the roof top bar. Price: THB 1,500 net (including welcome drink) or THB 20,000 net for a VIP table for maximum 5 persons (including bubble and spirit). For more information and reservations, call 063 903 3754. Christmas arrives in style to Avani Pattaya bringing bountiful gifts to young and old. Benihana restaurant offers 3 different set menus on 24 and 25 December - a blend of Japanese and traditional Christmas fayre with live music 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Price from THB 1,800++ per set, including one glass of sparkling wine. Dicey Reilly’s will serve a Christmas Eve buffet for the whole family 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm from THB 999 net per person (kids under 5 eat free)

and a Christmas Lunch 12:00 noon – 10:00 pm on December 25 from THB 1,199 per person (kids under 5 eat free). For more information, call 038 412120 or email: pattaya@avanihotels.com, www.avanihotels.com. Start your festive season with a Christmas carvery buffet at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya. Enjoy Christmasthemed dishes such as traditional roast turkey, glazed ham, beef wellington, celery root mash, roasted potatoes with rosemary, Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and fruit cake, Chocolate Yule Log, just to name a few. Served from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Monday 24 Dec. 2018 and from noon-3 p.m. & 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Christmas Day Tuesday 25 Dec. Santa Challenge for lil’ rockers from 7 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Price Bt 999 net per adult, Bt 499 net per child (12-18 years old), kids under 12 eat Free. Starz Diner will also serve a Christmas buffet dinner on Monday Dec 24 & Tuesday Dec. 25 from 6-9:30 p.m. and priced at Bt. 1,299 per person, including a complimentary glass of mulled wine, and Bt. 550 per child, including a complimentary beverage (kids under 12 eat free). A live band, Christmas carol singers and Santa Claus will supply the entertainment. For reservations, call 038-428755 ext. 8323 or e-mail: secfb.pty @hardrockhotels.net. Hilton Pattaya invites you to celebrate the festive season with a choice of dining packages and a spectacular view of Pattaya bay. Edge Restaurant offers roasted whole turkey, Alaskan king crab, Fine de Claire oyster, caviar, grilled seafood (tiger prawn, rock lobster, blue crab and river prawn), foie gras, Australian beef, lamb, honey glazed Virginia ham and dessert corner at THB 2,850 net per person (half price for kids 6-12 years old and free for kids 0-5 years old). Beverage package is priced at THB 2,550 net per person. The buffet is available on December 24, from 6pm – 11pm for dinner and on December 25, 2018 from 12noon – 3.30pm for lunch and 6pm – 11pm for dinner. Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar offers a 3-course set menu and choices of starters priced at THB 3,650 net per person and available on December 24 and 25, 2018 from 6pm – 11pm. For more information or reservation,

please call +66(0)38 253 000 or bkkhp_fb@hilton.com or pattaya.hilton.com. Enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner at The Point, Dusit Thani Pattaya on Monday 24 December from 18.45-23.00 hrs. Embrace the Christmas spirit and enjoy an elaborate buffet dinner featuring Christmas pudding and many delicacies of the holiday representing an international cuisine. Entertainment includes superb shows, dance performances, and a special visit from Santa Claus along with the chance to win fabulous lucky draw prizes. Price: THB 3,200 net per adult and THB 1,600 net per child. Book before 20 December and get a 20% early-bird discount (terms & conditions apply). Call 038 425 611 Ext. 2149, 2150 or email to dtpafb @dusit.com. Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya will host a Wonder Mirage Fantasy Countdown New Year Party on 31st December 2018 from 20:30 – 01:00 hrs. Ticket price: Adult THB 8,000 net per person inclusive a glass of sparkling wine for countdown and free flow of soft drinks; Children THB 3,500 net per person inclusive of free flow soft drinks. Book before December 20 and receive a 20% discount. For more information or reservations, please call: 038 30 1234, Email: cmbrfestive @chr.co.th, secocmbr@ chr.co.th. The Thai Garden Resort invites you to join a Gala Buffet and Program on 31st of December to farewell 2018 and welcome the year 2019

with an amazing Chinese Acrobat-show, the performance of the “Grand Opera Thailand” and a delicious Dinner Buffet. Price: 2000 baht net for adults and 1000 baht for children 4-12 years old (for kids under 4 years, admission is free of charge). Tickets are limited and selling fast, so reservations are highly recommended. Please call 038 370614, or email to guestservice@thaigarden.com. After 14 years as the Landlord of an Irish Pub, the name Kim Fletcher has not disappeared. Kim may have gone from Jamesons, but his wife Goy has ensured that the name Fletcher has not died by opening Fletchers’ Folly, a boutique pub on the Dark Side. Kim is trying to get used to being retired, but the new ‘pensioner’ loves regaling the drinkers with stories from his lifetime in pubs, punctuated with his characteristic laugh. Fletchers’ Folly is on Siam Country Club Road, opposite Maxxis tyres and 300 meters before the “Chicken Crossroads”. Food and drinks at very reasonable prices. Pizza and Pasta All You Can Eat at Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien: Twist Restaurant features Italian classics like creamy Carbonara or meaty Bolognese with a choice of pasta, or the delicious Prosciutto Pizza with your choice of regular or whole wheat dough. The menu also includes original Thai-fusion pizzas and pasta such as the Tom Yam pizza with chili paste, prawn, squid Continued on page 35

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Cat Tales Do you by any chance, happen to have a black cat? If you do, then you may know something about the folklore that surrounds them. In ancient Egypt in the fifth century BC, most cats were worshipped. To kill one of them was a serious crime punishable by death. But in Europe during the Middle Ages cats were avoided because of their supposed association with black magic. The Pilgrims, despite their devout faith, were suspicious about most things and considered the black cat to be a familiar of witches. During the 14 th century, many black cats were killed

Chilean vineyard.

in Europe with the unexpected result that the rat population increased and probably contributed to the appearance of bubonic

plague, better known by its more theatrical name, The Black Death. Many of the superstitions about cats date back centuries and whether black cats are supposed to be lucky or unlucky depends very much on where you live. You may be wondering why I’m telling you all this (The thought had occurred to me – Ed.) Well, it’s because the Gato Negro range of wines, despite being mass-produced and commercial-looking offer excellent value. The name of course means “black cat” and the wines come from Viña San Pedro. This is a Chilean company which was established in 1865 by the splendidlynamed José Gregorio Correa Albano San Pedro. Today the company is one of the largest and oldest exporters of Chilean wine. The Gato Negro (GAH-toh NAY-groh) range of wines first appeared in the 1960s and they’ve been astonishingly successful. They now sell more than forty-eight million bottles every year, a number sufficiently staggering to make my mind go blank without even drinking one. Both the

wines this week come from Tesco-Lotus though you’ll probably find them only at the larger branches where there’s a wine section. While you’re there, you might like to check out Tesco’s own brand wines which are sold under the varietal name. I have found them extremely reliable and nearly always excellent value. In May this year, Tesco’s own-label wines were awarded over 140 medals by the industry leading International Wine Challenge, completely beating the competition.

Gato Negro Chardonnay (white), Chile (Bt. 589 @ Tesco-Lotus) If you’re having a traditional Christmas Dinner this year and looking for a decent white to go with it, this would make a good partner. If you prefer reds, try a light Pinot Noir, ideally one from Burgundy such as those from the companies Bouchard, Georges Duboeuf or Jadot which are widely available. A light Pinot Noir works well with turkey and all the extras. This Chardonnay is a super easy-drinker despite being 13% ABV, which you may have noticed, is fairly typical of Chilean table wines these days. This award-winning wine is an attractive pale yellow, with an appealing appearance in the glass. Take a sniff and you’ll be rewarded with the intense buttery aroma of banana, peach and pineapple. There’s a touch of vanilla on the palate and a bright balanced acidity which gives the wine a refreshing tang. It’s quite

Viognier grapes.

lively and assertive for a Chardonnay, with a good firm body and a lingering peppery finish. I would think the wine would work well with chicken dishes, fish, game birds, or veal. Serve it pretty cold at around 10ºC (50ºF) because in these parts, it will warm up all too quickly.

Belleville ChardonnayViognier (white), France (Bt. 295 @ Tesco-Lotus) And no, the price is not a printing error. That’s what is quoted on the Tesco-Lotus website. The wine is produced by VMV Asia, a company which imports wine in bulk from France and bottles it in Vietnam. No one really knows where the Viognier (vee-oh-NYAY) grape originally came from because it was once fairly rare, growing only in the northern Rhône regions of France. In recent years, the grape has

become increasingly popular and it’s being used to make aromatic wines in an increasing number of countries. This bright, golden wine has a slightly creamy floral aroma of tropical fruit with hints of dusty herbs and spices. It’s a blend of 70 percent Chardonnay and 30 percent Viognier, fermented for three weeks at around 18° C. You might detect the aroma of pears too, presumably from the Viognier in the blend. On the palate, it’s delicate, crisp and clean with a reasonable long and pleasant finish. The off-dry quality may appeal to those who don’t normally drink wine. It’s a pleasant little glugger, and at 13% ABV I have to admit that the wine tasted a lot better than I expected. At this price it’s a terrific bargain and could make an excellent party wine. Although it seems like a wine to drink on its own, it would probably work well with many Indian and Thai dishes as well as with light curries. It would also work with fish and chicken dishes. If you are looking for a budget white for the Christmas dinner, buy a bottle and decide whether you like it. Incidentally, during the 10th century King Henry I of Saxony decreed that should anyone feel compelled to kill a black cat, the fine would be sixty bushels of corn. That must have been a staggering amount of money at the time and presumably sufficient to deter people from bumping off most of the feline population.

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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com

From page 33 and Thai herbs or the tasty Green Curry Pasta. Available all day from Sunday – Thursday at only THB 500 per person, with a glass of soft drink. For more information or reservation, call 033 078 888. Special culinary nights at Persimmon restaurant, Pattana Golf Club & Resort: Pizza Pasta Night on Tuesday at only 299 Baht or 399 Baht including sangria or wine, customers can choose ingredients for their pasta and pizza. Seafood Night on Wednesday at only 399 Baht, customers can choose varieties of fresh seafood cooked to order in the open kitchen. Carnivore Night on Friday at only 499 Baht offers a free flow chicken, lamb, beef or pork BBQ direct from the charcoal grill. In addition, for only 100 Baht customers can choose or combine lots of ingredients and level of spiciness to create your own Som Tam, all day, every day. Call for reservation at 038 318 999 ext. 11212/11230 or email restaurant@pattana.co.th. The Thai Garden Terrace Restaurant offers nightly dining presentations with different themed “all you can eat” buffets at the resort poolside: Monday – Italian buffet; Tuesday – BBQ buffet; Wednesday – multi-cuisine buffet; Thursday – German buffet with roasted pig; Friday – Thai buffet; Saturday – international buffet; Sunday – steak & skewers buffet. The buffet starts from 6 p.m., runs until 9 p.m. All this for just 399 baht net per adult. What you see is what you pay, no additional service charges or VAT. For reservations call 038 370 614 or make your booking at www.thaigarden.com under “buffet reservation”. Thai Garden Resort is located on North Pattaya Road, 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout and 200 meters before Tesco Lotus.

Yupin’s Restaurant in Jomtien Complex offers some fabulous culinary options including Fines De Claires Oysters arriving fresh ‘Par Avion’ from Normandy in France. Served on ice with lemon and on request a spicy Thai sauce for dipping. An amazing experience. Only 595 baht per six oysters. Yupins is also taking bookings for Christmas dinner at 995 baht per person. For more information or reservations, call 038 250394 or visit website: www. yupins.com.

Fines De Claires Oysters at Yupins.

Linda’s Restaurant is large with seating for 200 people, with a covered al fresco verandah outside for those who wish to smoke. Inside, in air-conditioned comfort, there are comfortable chairs and decent sized tables, with white starched napery. Linda’s Restaurant, 315/177180 Moo 12, opposite the Jomtien Complex. Thappraya Road, Jomtien. Open seven days from 7.30 a.m. until late. Tel: Reservations: 038 252 726, www. lindasrestaurant.com, streetside parking. Email linda@ lindasrestaurant.com . GPS 12.901655 N 100.869.

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs & Jasmine Rice for only 195 baht

The happy BBQ chef at Thai Garden.

Yamato Restaurant located on Soi Yamato has been around for more than 39 years and the soi was named after its oldest tenant. This is a restaurant to take a few people with you. The prices are certainly not over the top, and the quality is superb. Yamato Japanese restaurant, 219/51 Soi Yamato (13/1), close to Beach Road end, telephone 038 429 685

Fax: 038-427596

or 038 421 618. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner.

Yamato’s mixed sashimi plate which had octopus, salmon, tuna, crab sticks, sea bass, squid and mackerel.

The legendary Somsakdi Restaurant has been in operation in Pattaya for more than 40 years. Proprietor and Chef Somsakdi is still cooking and running his amazing restaurant at 78 years of age. The menu is probably the largest in Pattaya, with 374 individual items. Each dish is in Thai with an English explanation underneath. Rather than be swamped by choices, let Somsakdi guide you. After all, who knows his dishes better than he? Somsakdi Restaurant, Pattaya Soi 1, tel. 038 428 987, 038 423 284, 038 429 869, limited parking plus on-street parking in the soi. Hours 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days.

Spa & Hotel Promotions eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya introduces a 120-minute spa package ‘Total Bliss’ for your ultimate relaxation and facial skin nourishment: Priced at THB 4,300 net per person and THB 8,000 per couple and available until January 31, 2019. For more information and reservations, call 038-253-000. AVANI Spa offers a spa buffet package: 90-minute AVANI signature touch massage and International Buffet Dinner at Garden Cafe for one at only THB 2,700 net. Advance reservations required, contact AVANI Spa at Tel. 038 412 120.

Entertainment Enjoy great music from Thomas Reimer, one of the most famous European Jazz guitarists, playing live every evening (except Tuesday) from 6.00 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Sugar Hut restaurant on Thappraya Road, call 038 364 186 for details.

Community Services The North Star Library on Sukhumvit Road, north Pattaya holds regular Thai

language classes Mon - Fri from 10.30 a.m. till 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. Cost of admission is 100 baht per session for library members and 200 baht for non-members. Private lessons are also available for 200 baht per hour. In addition, the library also holds Yoga training every Tuesday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Father Ray Foundation. Cost is 1200 baht for 6 sessions (first session free). For more information, call 081 575 4854 or email wan_nujan@yahoo.com

Groups & Associations Rotary Club of JomtienPattaya (English) meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Pattaya City. Fellowship begins at 18.30 hrs and Dinner meeting at 19.00 hrs. President Vutikorn Kamolchote Email: <vutikornk@hotmail.com> Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard (English) meets at the Siam Bayshore Hotel, 17.30 hrs for 18.00 hrs on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, followed by dinner (Fellowship) President Brian Songhurst Email: <bjs2904@yahoo.com> Rotary Club Phönix Pattaya (German) meets every Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Pattaya at 19.00 hrs. President Peter Schlegel Email: info@rotary-phoenixpattaya.org. Le Rotary Pattaya Marina, seul Rotary Francophone d’Asie, vous accueille les premier et troisième vendredis de chaque mois, début des réunions 19h, à l’hôtel Pullman G Pattaya Wongamat 445/3 Moo 5 – Soi 16 – Pattaya Naklua Road. Venez agir avec le Rotary pour changer des vies. Pierre Yves Eraud Président 2018-2019 Email: < info @rotarypattayamarina.org. Rotary Club of Pattaya (Thai-English) meets at the First Pacific Hotel, Central Road on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Meetings begin at 19.00 hrs. President Stephen Devereux Email: < stevecarlow@gmail.com> The Thai Stamp Alliance is a new internet and social media group created to share information, including posts of events like Exhibitions and Auctions. If you live on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand and have an interest, email thaistampalliance @gmail.com. or find us on Facebook.

Post 12146 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (Ban Chang – U-Tapao, Thailand) meets the second Saturday of each month at 13:00 at Sinthavee Park Condo, 2/ 1 Moo 5, in Ban Chang. If you are interested, please contact Membership Chairman Dan Morgan at <banc hangvfw12146membership@ gmail.com> or visit website: www.banchangvfwpost 12146.org. The Royal British Legion Thailand meets the last Saturday of every month from 2 p.m. at the Tropical Bar on Soi Khao Noi (Watboonsampan near the Temple entrance) in East Pattaya. You do not need to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member and can join in the many social events arranged throughout the year. The Legion’s primary aim is the care and welfare of those who have served and/or their dependents. For general enquiries send email to <secretary@rblthailand .org, www.rblthailand.org>. Alcoholics Anonymous: The Pattaya Group meets Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are closed (alcoholics only) and are held at Soi Skaw Beach (off Pattaya 2nd Rd). Contact Carl 08-456-31671. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning. All meetings are ‘open’: contact 084 564

8479. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: Contact, Andrew 086 107 6631. 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. 10.30 a.m. meetings every day at Satree Pattana Centre on Soi Skaw Beach off Second Road. Call 084 564 8479. The Samaritans of Thailand 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. (02) 713-6791. Overeaters Anonymous The ‘Up to You’ group meets Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the housing area just behind Pan Pan Restaurant in Jomtien on Thappraya Road. Call Steve at 038-364-207(h) or 089-250-1359 (cell) for directions or more information. Narcotics Anonymous Hotline: 082 811 2686. 3 English speaking meetings in Pattaya near Central Festival and 2 in Jomtien each week. Also regular Thai speaking meetings at 12 noon every Sunday, and Persian Farsi speaking meetings at 5.30 pm on Thursdays. Please call the Hotline for details.

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Chartered Square Holding opens new high-end golf destination in Pattaya Chartered Square Holding Company Limited has invested over one billion THB to create a new five-star golf resort in Pattaya, one of the three biggest projects invested by the Bangkok based company. Chee Chan Golf Resort features 18 holes of championship golf designed by David Dale of Golfplan and is situated on 550 rai of land in a stunning location next to the famed Chee Chan Buddha Mountain. The facility provides 5-star international standard services, picturesque surroundings, and total uniqueness. On Wednesday, December 12, Narit Chia-Apar, Chairman of Chartered Square Holding and founder and owner of Chee Chan Golf Resort presided over the grand opening ceremony for

Narit Chia-Apar, Chairman of Chartered Square Holding and founder and owner of Chee Chan Golf Resort, poses in front of the clubhouse on the grand opening day, December 12.

the project, which had a starstudded turnout of special guests and media. They were given the opportunity of enjoying perfect course conditions, lush and captivating natural surroundings

The stunning entrance area leaves a lasting impression.

and also observe and appreciate how the facility was designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Narit talked about Chee Chan Golf Resort with the utmost pride: “I love golf. I know how golfers think and what they want. I know the level of service that is expected, and so I built the course based on the needs of myself as a golfer, and not just as an investor. Whatever I see fit to give the best impression for our visitors, I will make sure that we have it here. I wish for everyone who visits us to get the best golf experience, and that will be the best return on investment for us.” One of the key features of the course is the use of Zemet Zoysia grass, which is used on tees and fairways for the first time. In addition the Bermuda Tifeagle greens will provide excellent year round putting surfaces. The

A view from the back of the 14th green at Chee Chan Golf Resort.

course is open to visitors and is expected to be very popular with local golfers as well as foreign guests. IMG have been appointed to provide golf marketing and operations services to ensure world class standards. The stunning clubhouse is

beautifully designed and is also equipped with a wide variety of amenities and world-class services including well appointed locker rooms and golf pro shop. The View restaurant offers different types of cuisine guaranteed to please every

palate, plus amazing views of Chee Chan Mountain and panoramic views of the course and the Pattaya skyline in the distance. The course is rated at par 72 with a variety of playing options ranging from 7,345 yards off the championship black tees to 5,406 yards off the reds. The layout provides sweeping fairways and greens plus strategically placed water features and intricate bunker placement to challenge even the most skillful player. Opening green fee rates are listed as 4,000 baht during weekdays and 5,000 baht at weekends. Caddy and compulsory golf cart are an additional 1,200 baht. For more information call 038 196 555 or visit www.cheechangolf.com.

Juniors learn the ropes at triathlon training camp

Young sports stars and their coaches pose for a group photo at the Pattana Golf Club & Resort’s latest triathlon training weekend.

Pattana Golf Club & Resort recently hosted a kids’ triathlon training weekend for children aged 4-12 years. The event was full of fun and brought smiles from all participants and parents. After class, coaches gave an evaluation of each student to their parents regarding

their strengths and weaknesses and how to practice to improve athletic performances. Pattana Golf Club & Resort has triathlon training class for kids and adults every month. Anyone interested in attending should call 038 318 999 ext. 61010 or 61011 for further information.

Young ice stars do battle in Pattaya Turn to page 29

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