Pattaya Mail - FRIDAY MARCH 1 - MARCH 7, 2019 (Vol. XXVII No. 9) by Pattaya Mail Media Group

26th Year

Established in 1993

VOL.XXVII No. 9

Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper

FRIDAY MARCH 1 - MARCH 7, 2019

30 BAHT

Big bikes roll through Pattaya promoting peace and harmony Terminal 21 apologizes for prioritizing rich drivers over disabled Teerarak Suthathiwong Pattaya’s Terminal 21 shopping mall and the driver of a luxury sedan have apologized to a disabled teenager who watched in horror as a mall security guard pulled her motorbike sidecar from a disabledparking spot so a wealthy, able-bodied couple could park there. Kamolphan Krarachapetch, a 17-year-old student at Redemptorist Technological College for Persons with Disabilities, said Feb. 21 that the woman driving the expensive sedan, a mall executive and the security guard

contacted her to apologize for the incident, but only after she told her story in a video that went viral. She had watched with three disabled friends from the third-floor food court as the guard removed her sidecar from the disabled spot and left it in the middle of the parking lot lane after the woman and another man strolled into the shopping mall unfettered. She said she had advised the Terminal 21 parking lot attendant she was disabled and got permission to park in the spot reserved for the handicapped. Continued on page 3

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of big bikes rolled through Pattaya for the 22nd annual Burapa Pattaya Bike Week & Stay Strong event. On Feb. 16, hundreds of bikers joined for the annual “ride for peace” to promote safety, riding with lights on, wearing helmets, and showing friendship under the concept of “all humans in the world are friends”. (Full story and more photos on page 18.)

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VOL. XXVII No. 9

Pattaya wants new garbage Close call for stuck Pattaya train hauler, but no one applies

A group of park and railroad workers and volunteers try to push and pull the stuck 128-ton train out of the roadway crossing to allow car traffic through, but couldn’t budge it.

Patcharapol Panrak Pattaya hopes to have a new company picking up garbage around the city March 1, ending a long-running problem with old trucks leaving behind a snail’s train of smelly wastewater in their wake.

Warapun Jaikusol Pattaya hopes to have a new company picking up garbage around the city March 1, ending a long-running problem with old trucks leaving behind a snail’s train of smelly wastewater in their wake. Somjai Attapol, who runs a food stall on Soi Paniadchang, was the latest resident to file a complaint to city hall about garbage trucks spilling noxious liquid as they make their way down the street every day. She said the smell is so bad, it cannot be washed away. She scrubs the snail trail with bathroom cleaner to keep her restaurant area smelling nice.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai noted the problem is not a new one. For years on end, people have complained about the water discharge from trucks, a result of the longtime contractor failing to properly maintain its vehicles. Everyfewyearsthecontractor’s contract comes up for renewal and Pattaya has been unable to find another company to take its business. The contract ends again Feb. 28, Manote said, and the city is hopeful it will get a bid by a quality firm to replace the old trash hauler. So far, none have been accepted. Speaking to the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association

at its Feb. 20 meeting at the Sunshine Garden Hotel, Manote said the new contractor will deploy 27 trucks, all freshly painted and bearing the Pattaya City logo. The company also would distribute additional new trash cans around the city to reduce litter on the streets. The new contract also will come with penalties for poor performance, the deputy mayor said. The contactor can be fined up to 3 percent of its fee if repeated complaints are lodged about trash not being picked up. He did not specify how many complaints would be required to trigger the fine.

A herd of 100 elephants was nearly needed to get a stuck train moving again in Pattaya. Kampol Tansajja, director of Nong Nooch Topical Garden, had ordered mahouts to round up 100 elephants and equip them to tow a crude-oil tanker

train stuck at a grade crossing on a hill outside the park. A group of park and railroad workers and volunteers had tried to drag the train across a roadway from the crossing to allow car traffic through, but couldn’t move the 128ton train. The elephants were a last resort before calling in

Bhumjaithai MP hopeful’s campaign posters defaced Warapun Jaikusol

North Pattaya sewers cleaned Jetsada Homklin Pattaya sanitation workers cleaned out sewers on Second Road that backed up sludge onto the street. A work crew was out Feb. 20 near Central Marina shopping mall in North Pattaya. Machines sucked out the pipes and workers scraped out remnants to get water flowing again. The Sanitation Department urged residents not to dispose of trash in the sewers. Pattaya sanitation workers clean out sewers on Second Road that backed up sludge onto the street.

a tow-train from the State Railway of Thailand, which would have backed up traffic for hours. But just before the pachyderms were deployed, the engineer rocked the train back-and-forth enough to gain enough speed to move it up the hill.

Bhumjaithai Party candidate for parliament Prapon Prayoonhong filed a police report after his campaign posters were defaced.

Area Bhumjaithai Party candidate for parliament Prapon Prayoonhong filed police reports in Pattaya and Nongprue after his campaign posters were defaced. The MP hopeful for Area 7 took damaged posters to local police stations Feb. 20, saying the billboards placed outside Tesco-Lotus in South Pattaya and in the East Pattaya area were covered with writing in marker. He asked police to find the perpetrator. Defacing, damaging or destroying election posts carries a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to 10,000 baht.

Van burns on South Road Boonlua Chatree Authorities are investigating why a parked Hyundai van burst into flames in South Pattaya. Firefighters were called to

South Road Feb. 22 where smoke and flames were coming from under the hood of the van. It took only minutes to extinguish the blaze and no one was injured. Jinda Changthong, 68, said he and two friends had

parked the Bangkok-registered vehicle on South Road to eat at a street side noodle stall. While dining, they noticed the fire and called police. The cause of the blaze was unknown.

Authorities are investigating why a parked Hyundai van burst into flames in South Pattaya.

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Koh Larn landfill to expand, incinerator mulled

City council Chairman Anan Ankanawisan led a delegation of city workers and officials to Koh Larn to survey work to expand the existing, overflowing landfill there.

Jetsada Homklin With new regulations blocking Pattaya from hauling Koh Larn’s garbage to the mainland, city hall is expanding the island’s landfill and is considering building an incinerator. City council Chairman Anan Ankanawisan led a delegation of city workers and officials to Koh Larn Feb. 18 to survey work to expand the existing, overflowing landfill.

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The city will bring in heavy machinery to dig more space and then lay HDPE sheets to prevent wastewater from seeping into the ground. It will then bury more trash there as, under new Interior Ministry rules, it cannot bring the garbage back to Pattaya for disposal. Anan said the long-term solution, however, is a trashto-energy incinerator that would run three times a week. The Pattaya City Council

had planned to take up the incinerator plans and budget Feb. 22, but postponed action on it, approving money only for the HDPE. Koh Larn has been drowning in garbage for years due to the exploding tourist population there and the breakdown of barges that used to bring the trash across Pattaya Bay. At one point there were more than 50 tons of garbage piling up in the island’s dump.

Terminal 21 apologizes for prioritizing rich drivers over disabled From page 1 Kamolphan told her story in a 45-second video that q u i c k l y w e n t v i ral on Facebook, with commenters raging about the preferential treatment the rich are given, pointing to numerous examples of owners of luxury sedans and imported sports cars being allowed to park wherever they want, legal or not. As the scandal erupted, the unidentified man in the video contacted the mall and arranged a time to meet Kamolphan, but he never showed up. The security guard, meanwhile, claimed that he didn’t intentionally leave the sidecar motorbike in the aisle, but forgot it when he had to rush back to his booth to take care of an incoming vehicle. Kamolphan said that was a lie. The only other car moving in the lot was one blocked by her motorbike in the lane. A friend came down from the third floor to move it to safety. “We were very disappointed and don’t want this incident to happen to other people with disabilities,” Kamolphan said, adding that she wants the Prime Minister’s Office to order the building of more disabled facilities across the country. “We want everyone to understand that people with

A disabled teenager watched in horror as a mall security guard pulled her motorbike sidecar from a disabled-parking spot and left it in the middle of the parking lot lane so a wealthy, able-bodied couple could park their sky-blue luxury sedan at Pattaya’s Terminal 21 mall.

disabilities are humans with hearts just like you,” she said. Udomchok Churath, director of Redemptorist Technological College, said many people don’t understand why parking spaces for the disabled are important. He

explained they are closer to doors and are wider to accommodate wheelchairs. He echoed the need for more accessible facilities and called on authorities to enforce disabled-parking laws, not just give them lip service.

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Drunk taxi driver, tour guide brawl in South Pattaya Boonlua Chatree A drunk motorbike-taxi driver was arrested for allegedly assaulting a tour guide and two others. Samut Yansakorn, 43, was taken into custody Feb. 19 in front of a beer bar in South Pattaya. He was charged with assault, driving a taxi while intoxicated and using an unregistered bike. The incident unfolded outside an Indian restaurant in South Pattaya. M World Asia Group Co. bus driver Aney Sobkatok, 60, was backing up his coach when he hit Samut’s parked motorbike. He said the bike did not fall over and was not damaged. Samut said he heard the crunch and ran to complain to Aney. An argument ensued and, Aney said, Samut attacked him. The driver’s wife, Chaem Sobkratok, 62, and tour guide Wachiraporn

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Foreigner breaks leg in motorbike wreck Somchai Kothlamkaek

A foreign man broke his leg when he crashed his motorbike in a one-vehicle accident on Pratamnak Hill. Drunk motorbike-taxi driver Samut Yansakorn was arrested for allegedly assaulting a tour guide and two others.

Pichintatharee, 39, came to his aide and also were battered. Samut claimed he was the one who was attacked and that’s why he ran from the scene. Police said security cameras

at the restaurant will tell the true story. They added that his case was sent to the Chonburi Land Transport Department which will take action against him.

4,040 speed pills seized in Plutaluang drug sting Patcharapol Panrak

Two mid-level drug dealers were arrested outside a Plutaluang temple with more than 4,000 methamphetamine tablets.

Two mid-level drug dealers were arrested outside a Plutaluang temple with more than 4,000 methamphetamine tablets. Yotin Wongwaedee, 37, and Komjit Piendee, 35, were captured in a Feb. 19 sting operation as they dropped off the 4,040 ya ba pills at the base of the Tao Wedsuwan statue at Ratsadornsamakkee Temple. Sattahip District ChiefAnucha Intasorn, security officers, sailors from the Sattahip Naval Base and Plutaluang police were waiting for them. The sting was set up by Patcharee Yamsunthorn, 23, and Rattapon Chainet, 22, who were arrested earlier with 500 speed pills and ratted out their alleged dealer. The two Rayong-based suspects confessed, police said, saying they get their drugs from the ring’s top man, a “Mr. Hie”. The drug dealers didn’t apologize to police, but did prostate themselves in front of the statue of the Chinese deity, saying they feared bad luck by disrespecting it.

A foreign man broke his leg when he crashed his motorbike in a one-vehicle accident on Pratamnak Hill. The unidentified foreigner also suffered cuts and road rash. Girlfriend Nuanprang Neampoon, 26, had only minor injuries. Both were treated at Banglamung Hospital. Nuanprang said her boyfriend was driving up to the Pattaya viewpoint, but was unfamiliar with the steep, narrow road. He lost control and crashed.

Campaign truck hits motorbike Somchai Kothlamkaek A Thai couple was injured when a Bhumjaithai Party campaign truck crashed into their motorbike. Komen Pala, 23, and Pinitporn Karusri, 22, suffered only minor injuries in the Feb. 19 collision. They were patched up at Banglamung Hospital. Komen said he was driving in the left lane and the speaker truck was in the right. Suddenly the truck turned left and rammed his bike.

A Thai couple was injured when a Bhumjaithai Party campaign truck crashed into their motorbike.

Ex-Pattaya deputy mayor MP posters torn Boonlua Chatree Former Pattaya deputy mayor and current MP candidate Poramet Ngampichet complained to police his election posters were destroyed. The Palang Pracharat Party hopeful said posters in front of Pattaya School No. 5 and at the Chumsai intersection on Third Road were vandalized. Defacing, damaging or destroying election posts carries a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to 10,000 baht. Former Pattaya deputy mayor and current MP candidate Poramet Ngampichet complained to police his election posters were destroyed.

Wanted Russians arrested at immigration office Boonlua Chatree Two Russians wanted on a Phuket arrest warrant were captured hiding in Pattaya. Immigration police had no trouble finding Artur Stotskii, 48, and Iaroslav Scherobatyk, 34, as they showed up for visa extensions at the Chonburi Immigration Office Feb. 18. The Jan. 16 warrant charges the two men with extortion. Artur Stotskii and Iaroslav Scherobatyk, wanted on a Phuket arrest warrant, were captured hiding in Pattaya.

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Pattaya picks up forgotten trash

Pattaya sent extra trucks and equipment to pick up residual trash left behind by careless trash collectors on three area beaches.

Pattaya sent extra trucks and equipment to pick up residual trash left behind by careless trash collectors on three area beaches. Work crews were deployed

Feb. 22 to Pattaya, Jomtien and Wong Amat beaches after numerous complaints that the city’s regular trash collector failed to pick up all the garbage.

Litter and other illegally dumped waste also was collected from Sukhumvit Soi 19, the Chumsai Community, Chaiyapornwitee Road and Pattaya City School 6. (PCPR)

Baywatch Market potholes need repair Jetsada Homklin Merchants at Pattaya’s Chinatown Market called on city hall to fix gaping holes in drainage pipes that pose dangers to shoppers. Vendors at the Second Road market have put cones over and sticks into the holes that developed due to erosion and flood damage. The holes lead down into an underground drainage pipe. Vendors want Pattaya workers to come out and fix the potholes before someone gets hurt.

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Prison chain-gang cleans out Pattaya sewers Prison inmates continued their work to scrape out clogged sewers in Pattaya. Deputy Mayor Banlue Kullavanijaya thanked Sanitation Department workers and convicts from Pattaya Remand Prison as they worked on drainage pipes at Sawang Pruktaram Temple, on Soi Buakhao and Third Road Feb. 21. Well-behaved inmates were put to work around the city Dec. 4, climbing down into sewers and scraping out the garbage, muck and other waste impeding the flow of wastewater and storm runoff. The convicts’ work assignment runs through early March. (PCPR)

Prison inmates continued their work to scrape out clogged sewers at Sawang Pruktaram Temple, on Soi Buakhao and Third Road.

Deputy mayor visits injured German Pattaya’s deputy mayor visited a geriatric German injured when he stumbled over a broken bus stop. Ronakit Ekasingh and officials from the city engineering and tourism offices called on Rolf Paul Boettiger, 80, at the Green Park Resort where he was staying Feb. 23. Boettiger tripped on the foundation of a bus stop outside La Ferme Restaurant on Naklua Road the day before. He was treated at a nearby hospital for unspecified injuries. Ronakit apologized and said the bus stop has now been repaired and cones placed at other places in Pattaya that could pose a danger to tourists. Boettiger was given 20,000 baht for medical expenses from the tourist aid fund. (PCPR)

Ronakit Ekasingh and officials from the city engineering and tourism offices called on Rolf Paul Boettiger who had been injured when he stumbled over a broken bus stop.

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Diana Garden Resort teaches Thai kids Western table manners

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HHN teaches Huay Yai students how to stay safe Jetsada Homklin

Local students learned proper Western table manners at a class sponsored by the Diana Garden Resort.

Warapun Jaikusol Local students learned proper Western table manners at a class sponsored by the Diana Garden Resort. About 200 Grade 11 students from Banglamung

School attended the Feb. 23 class in the hotel’s ballroom. Organizers said the training will help youths when they travel or if they grow up to work in the tourism industry. Apimuk Duangkam of the

Food and Beverage Management Association Eastern Region illustrated typical table settings and manners while Pimpa Sukaseam, the resort’s assistant general manager, showed fancy napkin-folding techniques.

Legend Siam cultural park to open in Pattaya by year-end

Students at Huay Yai’s Tungka School played games to better protect themselves from abuse by strangers and family members during a visit by Human Help Network Thailand social workers. Pirun Noyimjai, manager of HHN’s Drop-In Center, led the mobile unit to the school Feb. 22 where they organized “self-protection cards” games and had kids watch instructional cartoon videos. One cartoon depicted a situation where a young girl is touched inappropriately by a male family member. The cartoon stressed what was proper and improper contact and what to do if it happens. Card games followed, with kids having to sort pictures into safe and unsafe behavior. Another card game covered

Jetsada Homklin A new tourist attraction highlighting the culture of ancient Siam is set to open in Pattaya by year-end. Legend Siam is located on 264 rai near Nong Nooch Tropical Garden on Sukhumvit Road. It is split into a 164-rai amusement park and a 100-rai real-estate development project. Witsanu Thepcharoen, CEO of Nusa Legend Siam

Co., was joined by movie stars Pope Thanawat, Bella Ranee, Mario Maoroe, Mint Chalida, Toey Pongsakorn, and Prang Kannaran at the Feb. 22 opening announcement. The Thai cultural theme park will have three zones, all centered on life in Thailand when it was still known as Siam. The Siam Zone will present the civilization of Siam and its prosperous past via contemporary Thai agriculture.

The Araya Thai zone will be a temple fair demonstrating ways of living, tradition and culture of Siamese people such as temple fairs, floating markets, farmer’s market, cultural performances and more. The Phum Pandin Zone will retell historical stories of brave people of Bangrachan and those following HM the late King Rama IX’s “sufficiency economy” philosophy.

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, Jetsada Homklin © Copyright Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. (e-mail: newsdesk@pattayamail.com)

scenarios where children may be enticed by strangers into dangerous or exploitative situations.

The award-winning HHN card game teaches kids to aware of their surroundings and to be wary of strangers.

AFG morphs into MFG Dr Iain Corness

Witsanu Thepcharoen (center, in white), CEO of Nusa Legend Siam Co., was joined by movie stars Pope Thanawat, Bella Ranee, Mario Maoroe, Mint Chalida, Toey Pongsakorn, and Prang Kannaran at the opening announcement ceremony.

Students at Huay Yai’s Tungka School played games to better protect themselves from abuse by strangers and family members during a visit by Human Help Network Thailand social workers.

Twenty five forward thinking company executives met at the Holiday Inn last week to discuss the future of the Automotive Focus Group (AFG) vis a vis the concept of a Manufacturing Focus Group (MFG). Outgoing President of the AFG Frank Holzer, who has been in the position for the past six years, explained how the AFG had of late moved away from its automotive roots to the stage that automotive representation was now below 50 percent. There were many reasons for the drift away from the original AFG concept, but it

was agreed that it was time to expand, something which was not going to be possible under the restrictive AFG banner. The idea of morphing into a Manufacturing Focus Group was discussed and agreed upon, with the first MFG committee being Frank Holzer (President, Australian), Alexandro Menocci (Italian), Bryan Bowman (USA), Praveen Jaduvanshi (Indian) and Josh Kramlick (USA). All of the above first committee are long stay expats and come from different manufacturing backgrounds. After acceptance of the committee by the members, Dennis Meserol (TRACTUS)

gave a run-down on the state of the kingdom, its politics, economics and state of the manufacturing industry. In general, Thailand is still on the positive side of the ledger with percentage growth registered in three sectors: Service (3.7), Manufacturing (1.6) and Agriculture (4.3). GDP is also up 4.3 percent and Foreign Direct Investment looking stronger. Of course, the forthcoming election will probably produce a hiatus, but historically Thailand seems to be able to weather these kinds of disruptions. Frank Holzer can be contacted at Frank.Holzer@ hotmail.com.

Thais give Russia, US right to extradite hacking suspect Bangkok (AP) - A Thai court ruled Wednesday, Feb. 20, that a Russian man who allegedly was part of a gang that stole millions of dollars online from bank accounts can be extradited to the United States to stand trial, but the suspect could end up in Russia anyway. The court approved a request from U.S. authorities that Dmitry Ukrainsky be extradited to the U.S., where he has been indicted on fraud and money laundering charges. The court said Ukrainsky’s group was charged with stealing more than 1 billion baht ($32 million) from victims in the U.S., Australia, Japan, England, Italy and Germany by planting malware on their computers. However, Ukrainsky’s extradition to Russia was previously approved last year by a Thai court after he agreed to

return there after he finishes serving a 10-year, 8-month prison term in Thailand for fraud, money laundering and conducting business illegally as a foreigner. He was arrested in July 2016 in the beach resort town of Pattaya, where he ran a yacht rental business, and sentenced in 2017. His alleged accomplice, Olga Komova from Uzbekistan, was arrested in the beach resort of Koh Chang where she worked at a hotel as a guest relations officer. It is unclear to which country Ukrainsky would eventually be extradited. In other cases of alleged Russian hackers arrested abroad, usually at a U.S. request, Moscow has

strongly opposed them being sent to the United States. The court said Wednesday said that although Ukrainsky had denied the charges on which he is sought by U.S. authorities, Komova had already been extradited to the United States and was convicted there on the same charges. The court said in its ruling that it had considered evidence from the arresting officers and the U.S. request for Ukrainsky’s extradition. U.S. authorities had been pursuing the case since 2014, when they found multiple suspicious money transfers into bank accounts in Thailand, according to a statement from the court.

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Ocean mixing that drives climate found in surprise location Seth Borenstein Washington (AP) - One of the key drivers of the world’s climate is an area in the North Atlantic Ocean where warmer and colder water mix and swirl. When scientists went for their first close look at this critical underwater dynamo, they found they were looking in the wrong place. By hundreds of miles. The consequences are not quite yet understood, but eventually it could change forecasts of one of the worst-case global warming scenarios - still considered unlikely this century - in which the mixing stops and climate chaos ensues. It’s called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and scientists describe it as a giant ocean conveyor belt that moves water from Greenland south to beyond the tip of Africa and into the Indian Ocean. Warm, salty water near the surface moves north and mixes with cold, fresher water near Greenland. As that water cools and sinks it drives a slow circulation of the oceans that is critical to

global climate, affecting the location of droughts and frequency of hurricanes. It also stores heat-trapping carbon dioxide deep in the ocean. The faster it moves, the more warm water gets sent into the depths to cool. The area where warm water turns over in the North Atlantic is considered to be the engine of the conveyor belt. Scientists thought it was in the Labrador Sea west of Greenland. But then a new international science team measured temperature, saltiness and the speed of ocean currents throughout the North Atlantic to try to better understand the conveyor belt. The preliminary results after hundreds of measurements in 21 months found that engine was several hundreds of miles east of where they figured, said study lead author Susan Lozier, an ocean sciences professor at Duke University. The study, published in Thursday’s journal Science, puts it east of Greenland, closer to Scotland. The computer simulations that predict how the climate could change in coming years

In this September 2018 photo provided by researcher Isabela Le Bras, a probe which collects water samples and measures temperature, salinity and pressure is prepared for deployment on the continental shelf of Greenland. Scientists were studying the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a circulation of warm and cold waters that stretches from around Greenland south to beyond the tip of Africa and into the Indian Ocean. (Isabela Le Bras via AP)

didn’t factor in exactly where the conveyor belt engine is, and now they may be able to. Lozier and several outside experts said this doesn’t change their trust in the models, especially because when the models are checked with what is happening in the real world,

they are found to be generally accurate. “It doesn’t mean that the models are all wrong at all,” said Tom Delworth, a senior scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s geophysical lab in Princeton, New Jersey.

MIT’s Carl Wunsch and other outside experts said the study was helpful, but pointed out that 21 months of study is not enough to know if this different location is temporary or permanent. Scientists have long feared that the conveyor belt could

be slowing and, in a worstcase scenario, could even stop and cause abrupt and catastrophic climate change. It is considered a potential climate tipping point that was the premise of the scientifically inaccurate 2004 disaster movie “The Day After Tomorrow.” Based on computer model studies, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported in an earlier study it is “very unlikely” that the conveyor belt would collapse this century. But the Nobel Prize-winning scientific panel concluded it is likely to get about a third slower if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current pace. A study last year found that global warming is weakening the system, saying the conveyor belt was moving at its slowest speed in nearly 140 years of records. “Our basic understanding that the collapse is unlikely still stands,” said Delworth, who wasn’t part of the study. “Our uncertainty about that prediction is high.”

Is your VPN secure? Mohammad Taha Khan & Narseo Vallina-Rodriguez Chicago (AP) - About a quarter of internet users use a virtual private network, a software setup that creates a secure, encrypted data connection between their own computer and another one elsewhere on the internet. Many people use them to protect their privacy when using Wi-Fi hotspots, or to connect securely to workplace networks while traveling. Other users are concerned about surveillance from governments and internet providers. Many VPN companies promise to use strong encryption to secure data, and say they protect users’ privacy by not storing records of where people access the service or what they do while connected. If everything worked the way it was supposed to, someone snooping on the person’s computer would not see all their internet activity – just an unintelligible connection to that one computer. Any companies, governments or hackers spying on overall internet traffic could still spot a computer transmitting sensitive information or browsing Facebook at the office – but would

think that activity was happening on a different computer than the one the person is really using. However, most people – including VPN customers – don’t have the skills to double-check that they’re getting what they paid for. A group of researchers I was part of do have those skills, and our examination of the services provided by 200 VPN companies found that many of them mislead customers about key aspects of their user protections.

Consumers are in the dark Our research found that it is very hard for VPN customers to get unbiased information. Many VPN providers pay third-party review sites and blogs to promote their services by writing positive reviews and ranking them highly in industry surveys. These amount to advertisements to people considering purchasing VPN services, rather than independent and unbiased reviews. We studied 26 review websites; 24 of them were getting some form of kickback payment for positive reviews. A typical example was a site listing hundreds of VPN companies that rated more

than 90 percent of them as 4 out of 5 or higher. This is not illegal, but it skews evaluations that could be independent. It also makes competition much more difficult for newer and smaller VPN providers that may have better service but lower budgets to pay for good publicity.

Vague on data privacy We also learned that VPN companies don’t always do much to protect users’ data, despite advertising that they do. Of the 200 companies we looked at, 50 had no privacy policy posted online at all – despite laws requiring them to do so. The companies that did post privacy policies varied widely in their descriptions of how they handle users’ data. Some policies were as short as 75 words, a far cry from the multi-page legal documents standard on banking and social media sites. Others did not formally confirm what their advertisements suggested, leaving room to spy on users even after promising not to.

Leaking or monitoring traffic Much of the security of a VPN depends on ensuring that all the user’s internet traffic goes through an encrypted

connection between the user’s computer and the VPN server. But the software is written by humans, and humans make mistakes. When we tested 61 VPN systems, we found programming and configuration errors in 13 of them that allowed internet traffic to travel outside the encrypted connection – defeating the purpose of using a VPN and leaving the user’s online activity exposed to outside spies and observers. Also, because VPN companies can, if they choose, monitor all online activity their users engage in, we checked to see if any were doing that. We found six of the 200 VPN services we studied actually did monitor users’ traffic themselves. This is different from accidental leaking, because it involves actively looking at users’ activity – and possibly retaining data about what users are doing. Encouraged by ads that focus on privacy, users trust these companies not to do this, and not to share what they find with data brokers, advertising companies and police or other government agencies. Yet these six VPN companies don’t legally commit to protecting users, regardless of their promises.

Lying about locations A huge selling point for many VPNs is that they claim to allow customers to connect to the internet as if they were in countries other than where they really are. Some users do this to avoid copyright restrictions, either illegally or quasilegally, like watching U.S. Netflix shows while on vacation in Europe. Others do this to avoid censorship or other national rules governing internet activities. We found, though, that those claims of international presence aren’t always true. Our suspicions were first raised when we saw VPNs claiming to let people use the internet as if they were in Iran, North Korea and smaller island territories like Barbados, Bermuda and Cape Verde – places where it’s very difficult to get internet access, if not impossible for foreign companies. When we investigated, we found some VPNs that claim to have large numbers of diverse internet connections really only have a few servers clustered in a couple of countries. Our study found they manipulate internet routing records so they appear to provide service in other locations. We found at least six VPN services that

claim to route their traffic through one country but really convey it through another. Depending on the user’s activity and the country’s laws, this could be illegal or even lifethreatening – but at the very least it’s misleading.

Guidelines for VPN users Technically minded customers who are still interested in VPNs might consider setting up their own servers, either using cloud computing services or their home internet connection. People with a bit less technical comfort might consider using the Tor browser, a network of internet-connected computers that help guard its users’ privacy. Those methods are difficult and may be slow. When selecting a commercial VPN service, our best advice, informed by our research, is to read the site’s privacy policy carefully, and buy short subscriptions, perhaps month-by-month, rather than longer ones, so it’s easier to switch if you find something better. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: http:// theconversation.com/isyour-vpn-secure-109130.

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Men and the hewers of stone With the current push for women’s health clinics and practitioners, it is easy for men to feel left out. After all, you’ve no uterus to become cancerous, and although you do have vestigial breasts and it is possible to get breast cancer, I don’t suggest you go looking for breast lumps every month after your non-existent periods. However, there are some specific male areas, and these centralize around the genito-urinary systems. In the medical business, Urologists are sometimes called the hewers of stone and drawers of water, because much of their work deals with kidney stones and assisting men to be able to pass water adequately. We men do suffer at times, it’s not only the ladies who have ‘specific’ problems! Your urinary system is a remarkable collection of organs, beginning with the kidney, the “super filter”. The kidney filters the blood and allows the important stuff like blood cells and nutrients to continue waltzing around your circulation, but taking out the nasties, and at the same time helping balance the acidity/alkalinity of the body. Clever little organs, the kidneys! To keep your kidneys in top shape does not require special kidney exercises, you will be pleased to know. In fact, there is nothing you can do ‘physically’ to make the

kidneys perform, but fortunately there are some things you can do to keep them in top condition. The first is to drink plenty of water every day. And by ‘water’, I mean the plain and simple H2O style water, not the stuff that has been mixed with hops, distilled with grain or left to age in oak casks. Making the kidneys exercise, to filter and regulate the circulating blood volume, is simply carried out by drinking several liters of water every day. Yes, it is that easy. On your desk at work keep a glass of cold water beside you and empty it every 30 minutes. The advantages you get from this are enormous. First off, you have immediately lowered the chances of forming kidney stones, a potentially dangerous (and always painful) condition. Being a card carrying coward, I have always preferred the drinking water option to the lying in bed groaning with pain alternative. In fact, around 15 percent of people will experience stones in their lifetime (especially in the hot climates) and men outnumber women between two to three times. We also know that if you do not change your lifestyle, you are very likely to develop another stone within two years after the first episode. I repeat, we men do suffer at times, it’s not only the ladies who have ‘specific’ problems!

The kidneys drain to the bladder by two tubes called Ureters. These do not do much, other than connect the kidney to the collecting vessel (bladder). However, if a piece of stone gets stuck, you will soon know about it. Renal colic sorts out the men from the boys! Ultimate pain! From the bladder, the urine gets introduced to the outside world by another tube called the Urethra. This is short in ladies and is the reason that women get Cystitis (bladder infections). It is longer in the men folk, allowing us to stand up to pee and become obsessed with how long or short it really is. After the age of 40 give up the ‘Who can pee the highest’ competitions. However, we chaps have another problem in that region, as far as getting the urine from the bladder to the far wall of the urinal. This is called the Prostate, and it encircles the Urethra and when enlarged, closes down the internal diameter of the pee tube. This makes it difficult to pass water and you dribble on your shoes. The prostate can also become cancerous, an even less pleasant state of affairs. Finally, we men do suffer at times, it’s not only the ladies who have ‘specific’ problems! Yes, you can have a check-up for this area too. Just ask to see the hewers of stone and drawers of water!

Pea-sized pill delivers insulin shot from inside the stomach Lauran Neergaard Washington (AP) - Scientists figured out how to hide a shot inside a pea-sized pill - creating a swallowable gadget, inspired by a tortoise shell, that can inject medicines like insulin from inside the stomach. Patients usually prefer oral treatment, and comply with it better, but many compounds, including insulin for diabetes, can’t survive the harsh trip through the digestive system. The new invention, reported Thursday by a Massachusetts Institute of Technologyled research team, has been tested only in animals so far. But if it pans out, it might offer a work-around to make not just insulin but a variety of usually injected medicines a little easier to take. “It’s like a miniaturized rocket launcher” for insulin, said Willem Mulder of Mount Sinai’s Translational and

Molecular Imaging Institute, who wasn’t involved in the new research. Scientists have spent decades trying to develop oral insulin and replace at least some of the daily shots that many people with diabetes require. Attempts include ways to protect insulin from digestive breakdown and then help it be absorbed through the intestine into the bloodstream. So far none has reached the market, although some closely watched candidates are being tested. An ingestible injection could bypass the hazards of that journey - letting insulin absorb through the wall of the stomach, said Dr. Giovanni Traverso, a gastroenterologist at Boston’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital and a senior author of the study. “The way this works is it travels down the esophagus in seconds, it’s in the stomach within a few minutes, and then you get the drug,”

Stomach acid gradually dissolves the sugar until the spring pops, shooting the insulin into the stomach wall. In pigs, the ingestible injection lowered blood sugar to levels comparable to standard shots, according to the study published Thursday in the journal Science. Once the insulin was absorbed, the capsule, made of This undated photo provided by researchers in stainless steel and a biodeFebruary 2019 shows the components of swallowable gradable material, floated self-righting device which can inject drugs from free and was excreted. inside the stomach. (Felice Frankel via AP) “It’s a very clever idea, said Traverso, who worked of its shell. Researchers that is meant to solve a with a team from the lab of crafted a miniature capsule very long-standing probMIT inventor Robert Langer with a similar shape and a lem,” said University of and insulin maker Novo weighted bottom, so that Pittsburgh chemical engionce it reaches the stomach neering chairman Steven Nordisk. The first challenge: How to it automatically rolls in the Little, who also wasn’t make sure the device lands right direction to latch on, part of the research. Because the gadget passes where it can poke into the Traverso explained. right spot, even if someone’s Next the team designed a through, “the only thing moving around. Researchers micro-injector, like a needle administered to the body looked to nature for ideas. only made of dried insulin is this little injector.” A certain tortoise, the leop- compressed into a sharp ard tortoise from Africa, can point. To power it, researchright itself if flipped onto its ers bound a tiny spring to a back thanks to the steep curve hardened sugar disk.

Anesthesia, if limited, can be safe for baby’s brain Carla K. Johnson Anesthesia during a short surgery doesn’t harm a baby’s brain development, according to an experiment involving hundreds of infants in seven countries. While the study can’t answer broader safety questions about repeated or prolonged anesthesia, it may ease the worries of millions of parents whose children have been put to sleep for common procedures. “These findings should be reassuring,” said Dr. Mary Ellen McCann of Boston Children’s Hospital. An hour of surgery with general anesthesia “is safe for your child in early infancy.” She helped lead the study published Thursday in the medical journal Lancet.

It involved 447 babies needing hernia repairs. The babies, mostly boys, were randomly assigned to get either anesthesia with gas, or an injection that blocks sensation below the waist. Since both techniques are commonly used, it was ethical for the researchers to set up an experiment. They found no evidence of harm to brain development when they tested the children at age 2. Finally, at age 5, the children took IQ tests and both groups’ average scores were in the normal range. There were no differences in parent-reported problems such as autism, attention deficit disorder or speech delays. “The level of evidence is strong,” said Dr. Santhanam

Suresh of Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, who wasn’t involved in the research. The findings mean doctors “should not shy away from using general anesthesia in children undergoing simple pediatric procedures.” Since 84 percent of the babies in the study were boys, it’s unclear how the results apply to girls. In the study, the anesthesia lasted less than an hour on average. Longer exposure could be more dangerous, as could anesthesia for multiple surgeries, McCann said, so it’s unlikely the Food and Drug Administration will change existing warning labels on anesthesia drugs for children. Uncertainty about the drugs

stems from studies showing brain damage in baby animals. Figuring out how these drugs affect children has been difficult, though, because very sick kids who get the most anesthesia also have other problems that can cause trouble with learning. That makes it tough for scientists to sort out what causes problems. Funding came from government and scientific groups in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Next, other researchers will study a new combination of anesthetic drugs in another randomized experiment, but those results won’t be known for several years. (AP)

One hurdle: It works on an empty stomach, with nothing to get in the way of the device latching on. Traverso said that means it might one day replace morning insulin shots but not post-meal doses. If poking into the stomach wall sounds worrisome, Traverso said gastroenterologists have long used bigger needles to deliver medicines during certain gastric procedures and their patients fare well. The stomach muscle is thick enough not to worry about a micro-injection piercing all the way through, and the animal studies found no side effects. But Traverso said more research is needed to see how the stomach handles daily microinjections over many months. Additional animal studies are under way, and Traverso hopes human testing can begin within three years.

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Odds and Ends The Associated Press

Camels found wandering in Arizona yard are back home Sahuarita, Ariz. (AP) - Two camels in southern Arizona are back home after going for an impromptu trek in the desert. Pima County sheriff’s officials said authorities Tuesday found the owners of the runaway camels. Deputies were called to a residence in the town of Sahuarita on Monday night and found the camels roaming a front yard. They were able to corral the animals away from the property. Deputies say it’s not unusual to get calls from time to time about livestock on the loose.

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In an upset, ‘Green Book’ wins best picture at Oscars

Peter Farrelly (center) and the cast and crew of “Green Book” accept the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Jake Coyle Los Angeles (AP) — The segregation-era road-trip drama “Green Book” was crowned best picture at the 91st Academy Awards last Sunday, handing Hollywood’s top award to a film seen as a feel-good throwback by some and ridiculed as an outdated inversion of “Driving Miss Daisy” by others. In a year where Hollywood could have made history by bestowing best picture on Netflix (“Roma”) or Marvel (“Black Panther”) for the first time, the motion picture academy instead threw its fullest support behind a traditional interracial buddy tale that proved as popular as it was divisive. But Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book” weathered criticism that it was retrograde and inauthentic to triumph over more acclaimed films and bigger box-office successes. It was an unexpected finale to a brisk, hostless ceremony that was awash in historic wins for diversity, including Spike Lee’s first competitive Oscar. More women and more individual black nominees won than ever before. The Oscars otherwise spread awards around for Ryan Coogler’s superhero sensation “Black Panther,” Alfonso Cuaron’s blackand-white personal epic

Spike Lee poses with the award for best adapted screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman” in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

“Roma” and the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Lee, whose “Do the Right Thing” came out the same year that “Driving Miss Daisy” won best picture, was among those most visibly upset by the award handed to “Green Book.” After presenter Julia Roberts announced it, Lee stood up, waved his hands in disgust and appeared to try to leave the Dolby Theatre before returning. Lee’s win for best adapted screenplay for his white

supremacist drama “BlacKkKlansman,” an award he shared with three co-writers, gave the ceremony its signature moment. The crowd rose in a standing ovation, Lee leapt into the arms of presenter Samuel L. Jackson and even the backstage press room burst into applause. One of the biggest surprises of the night was in the best actress category. Olivia Colman won for her Queen Anne in the royal romp “The Favourite,” denying Glenn Close her first Oscar. Close

remains the most-nominated living actor never to win, with seven nominations. The night’s co-lead nominee “Roma” won best director and best cinematography for Cuaron, whose film also notched Mexico’s first foreign language film Oscar. Cuaron and his “Three Amigos” countrymen — Alejandro Inarritu and Guillermo del Toro, who presented Cuaron with best picture — have had a stranglehold on the category, winning five of the last six years. The wins for “Roma” gave Netflix its most significant awards yet but “Green Book” denied the streaming giant the best-picture win it dearly sought. Netflix remains to some a contentious force in Hollywood, since it largely bypasses theaters. The wins for “Black Panther” — along with best animated film winner “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse” — meant the first Academy Awards for Marvel, the most consistent blockbuster factor Hollywood has ever seen. The lush, big-budget craft of “Black Panther” won for Ruth Carter’s costume design, Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart’s production design, and Ludwig Göransson’s score. Beachler had been the first African-American to ever be nominated in the

Alfonso Cuaron poses with the awards for best director, best foreign language film, and best cinematography for the film “Roma” at the Oscars ceremony, Sunday, Feb. 24. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

category. Beachler and Carter became just the second and third black women to win non-acting Oscars. Two years after winning for his role in “Moonlight,” Mahershala Ali won again for his supporting performance in “Green Book” — a role many said was really a lead. Ali is the second black actor to win two Oscars following Denzel Washington, who won for “Glory” and “Training Day.” Ali dedicated the award to his grandmother. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which kicked off the ABC telecast with a performance by Queen, won four awards

Rami Malek (from left) winner of the “best actor” award, Olivia Colman, winner of the “best actress” award, Regina King, winner of the “best supporting actress” award, and Mahershala Ali, winner of the “best supporting actor” award pose in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

despite pans from many critics and sexual assault allegations against its director, Bryan Singer, who was fired in mid-production for not showing up. Its star, Rami Malek, won best actor for his full-bodied and prosthetic teeth-aided performance, and the film was honored for editing, sound mixing and sound editing. Queen launched Sunday’s ceremony with a medley of hits that gave the awards a distinctly Grammy-like flavor, as Hollywood’s most prestigious ceremony sought to prove that it’s still “champion of the world” after last year’s record-low ratings. To compensate for a lack of host, the motion picture academy leaned on its presenters, including an ornately outfitted Melissa McCarthy and David Tyree Henry and a KeeganMichael Key who floated down like Mary Poppins. Following Queen, Tina Fey — alongside Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph — welcomed the Dolby Theatre audience to “the one-millionth Academy Awards.” Though the once presumed front-runner “A Star Is Born” saw its chances flamed out, it won, as expected, for the song “Shallow,” which Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper performed during the ceremony. As she came off the stage, Cooper had his arm around Gaga as she asked, “Did I nail it?”

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Groundhogs: ‘Split’ mott@pattayamail.com Formed in 1962 by brothers Peter and John Cruikshank, this band was originally known as The Dollar Bills. Tony McPhee joined later that year and steered them in a more blues direction, renaming the band the Groundhogs after the John Lee Hooker song “Groundhog Blues” (they even supported Hooker on his tour of the UK in 1964). By the time the band got to record their first album “Scrathin’ the Surface” (1968) brother John had relinquished the drum stool to Ken Pustelnik. This album was produced by a young man named Mike Batt, yes he of the Wombles fame. The next album “Blues Obituary” (1969) was a step in the right direction, but the next three albums hit pay dirt and set the Groundhogs up as one of Britain’s hottest rock acts. All three albums went to the

top ten in the charts. It’s the middle of this trio of albums that we will concentrate on now. “Split” would definitely fall into the blues/rock category, but there are certainly tinges of progressive rock in this power trio’s fiery instrumental breaks. Of course, by now the focal point of the group was Tony McPhee, singing in his distinctive fashion and ripping the blues out of his guitar with great long solos in the live arena, although they were kept more compact on studio recordings. The first side of the vinyl version of the album was split into four pieces, “Split Parts 1-4”. All feature a solid rhythm section with McPhee laying down some spectacular guitar over the top. Whilst the music is very much of its time,

credit must go to the production crew who by using many layers of guitar gave the required effect of a massive band. The lead guitar will often leap from speaker to speaker before roaring back in for another whiplash later. This album was produced by another young man with a big future in front of him, Martin Birch, who would later go on to produce Deep Purple, Whitesnake and Iron Maiden among others. Each part of the first side has a different feel about it, but all are very hard hitting. The second side of the vinyl album opens with the Groundhogs’ classic “Cherry Red”. This was recorded in one take and is a storming rocker which was always used as the closing number at Groundhog gigs. It was released as a single and earned the band a place on the BBC’s Top of the Pops. Never have I seen a bunch of musicians so out of place miming to a backing track. But live “Cherry Red” would often clock in around the fifteen minute mark. For the final three tracks

McPhee leads us back to his roots with more blues based songs, closing with an adaptation of Hooker’s aforementioned “Groundhog Blues”. This is not perhaps an earth moving band or album, but they had their few years in the spotlight and sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and listen to some fond memories. Mott The Dog was only a pup when this came out. After the next album the Groundhogs faded away, never really making much of an impression again. There really is only so much you can do with a blues/rock trio. Useless fact to finish with: Tony McPhee had the longest hair of any male rock star of his era. Album Rating: 4 Stars. Track List: Split Parts 1-4 Cherry Red A Year In The Life Junkman Groundhog Groundhogs were: Tony McPhee - guitar and vocals Peter Cruikshank - bass guitar Ken Pustelnik – drums

Tony McPhee.

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A sweet swan song for ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Without much to draw on from the surrounding characters (voices include America Ferrera, Jonah Hill and T.J. Miller), “How To Train Your Dragon” has always been predicated on that central twosome and the laudable lesson that animals, even fire-breathing ones, aren’t our enemies

Jake Coyle Los Angeles (AP) - Born in the 3-D land rush, “How to Train Your Dragon” has never quite shrugged off the bland corporate sheen attached to it from the start. But almost a decade since taking flight in 2010, these movies have made up for their lack of fire with enough sincerity and genuine sense of wonder to sustain a mild but moving trilogy. “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” brings the franchise to a close with an affectionate chapter that continues the adventures of the Viking boy-turned-chief Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his faithful dragon Toothless, a sleek, black kind of dragon called a Night Fury (not to be confused with an eveningtime presidential tweet storm). In “The Hidden World,” the dragon utopia that Hiccup has built on the Island of Berk, where Vikings once feared and fought dragons, comes under threat from a dastardly dragon hunter named Grimmel the Grisly (F. Murray Abraham) whose toothy grin resembles a moonlighting vampire with violently retrograde policies on dragon coexistence.

This image shows characters Toothless (left) and Hiccup, voiced by Jay Baruchel, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” (DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures via AP)

With Berk under attack, Hiccup rallies the Vikings to uproot and flee to a mythical, undiscovered realm called the Hidden World where dragons could live safely away from humankind. It feels like an overreaction. Fearsome as Grimmel is, he’s a single and kind of goofy villain, and, plus, real estate values in hidden worlds are notoriously unpredictable. Written and directed by series veteran Dean DeBlois, “The Hidden World” may not overwhelm in its necessity; it’s a tale that lacks the stakes of the previous installment, which dealt significantly with Hiccup’s parents — the discovery of one (Cate Blanchett) and the

death of another (Gerard Butler). But the $1 billion in box office taken in by the first two movies, combined, was enough to push the franchise forward and put “How to Train Your Dragon” back into action five years later (and following the sale of DreamWorks to Universal). There are two compelling parts of “The Hidden World” that validate it. The first is the courting scene between Toothless and another white (and presumably female) Night Fury who turns up just as Grimmel does. They swoop and swoon through the sky, gliding in the glow of the Northern Lights like a dragon version of “La La Land.” The second is the film’s

terrific coda, which leaps years forward and adds a wider, wistful and more grown-up dimension to what has always been, at its heart, a boy-and-his-dog story, just with wings. “How To Train You Dragon” has done a lot of things right along the way. It brought in cinematographer extraordinaire Roger Deakins to add to the rich Nordic atmospherics. (Deakins remains credited as a visual consultant in “The Hidden World.”) And the series deserves credit, too, for building a story — adapted from Cressida Cowell’s books — around two unimpeded protagonists (Hiccup and Toothless) with prosthetic appendages.

unless we make them so. “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” a Universal Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for adventure action and some mild rude humor. Running time: 104 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

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Big bikes roll through Pattaya promoting peace and harmony

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome (center) and Burapa Motorcycle Club President Prasan Nikaji (with mic), along with government officials, sponsors and organizers, take to the stage to kick off Burapa Pattaya Bike Week & Stay Strong 2019.

Jetsada Homklin

Lewis “Woody” Underwood and members of the Jester’s MC welcome easy riders and friends to their booth.

A brave soul takes advantage of having his hair cut by the Joker. Batman must have been off somewhere killing Superman.

Trying to hold in dinner while riding the gyroscope.

Fun for the entire family.

Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of big bikes rolled through Pattaya for the 22nd annual Burapa Pattaya Bike Week & Stay Strong event. Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome and Burapa Motorcycle Club President Prasan Nikaji took to the stage to open the Feb. 14-16 event at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium. Motorcycle and custom-car enthusiasts from across the globe took part in the charity event.

At the time of going to press, the final amount raised had not been tallied, but Prasan said, “Take care kids is just one of the many charities we donate to. They do fantastic work for many different children’s homes and hostels.” The annual extravaganza began 22 years ago as one man’s “dream to bring all the motorbike clubs together in one place, in peace and harmony.” What started with a small group of about 200 bikers coming together for a party has turned into a three day event with music food and fun. Organizers say it now has over 100,000 visitors. The expo opened with booths offering motorcycle parts and accessories, and displays from international groups such as American Classic Cars, Indian Cars and tattoo clubs. On Feb. 16, hundreds of bikers joined for the annual “ride for peace” to promote safety, riding with lights on, wearing helmets, and showing friendship under the concept of “all humans in the world are friends”. The procession took them from Soi Chaiyapruek through Pattaya to Central

A young biker babe checks out the popular Predator Motorcycle Club booth.

Hundreds of big bikes, and a few not so big, took part in this year’s Ride for Peace through Pattaya.

Too young to ride, but not too young to dream while sitting on this old WWI motorcycle and sidecar.

Road, up to Sukhumvit Road and back to the stadium. Music poured from two stages, one featuring 70s rock from AC/DC tribute

band Live Wire, U.S. heavy metal rockers Syteria, reggae band Inner Circle and more. Thailand’s own rocker Lam Morrison also played.

Step right up, get your fried insects here.

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Pattaya celebrates Makha Bucha Day

Nongprue sub-district Deputy Mayor Anak Pattanangam leads the procession at Samakkee Pracharam Temple.

Revered monks lead the candlelight around Wat Boonsamphan in Soi Khao Noi.

Jetsada Homklin

People take part in the sky robe offering ceremony at Wat Chaimongkol.

A woman makes merit by donating towards the purchase of a coffin for families who cannot afford one for their deceased relatives, at Wat Huay Yai.

Pattaya Buddhists made merit and paraded with candles as the area celebrated Makha Bucha Day. Temples throughout the city saw worshippers present offerings of meat, dried foods and desserts to monks, light candles and incense, lay flowers on statues of Lord Buddha and listen to sermons and meditate on one of the holiest Buddhist holidays of the year. At temples across Pattaya, Nongprue and Huay Yai, Thais and foreigners gave alms with monks performing water-pouring ceremonies and addressing the five precepts while blessing worshipers. In the evening, patrons joined in candlelight processions around sermon halls and temple grounds. With Pattaya’s bars closed and the alcohol bottles capped for the day, the atmosphere in the city was quiet and solemn. But some temples used the occasion for fairs, with families joining to buy food and enjoy games and music under the full moon. Nongprue got a jump on the holiday, organizing a Buddhist study program for students from Tungkom Tanman School at Samakkee Pracharam Temple. Sub-district Deputy Mayor Anak Pattanangam opened the

Students from Tungkom Tanman School perform a Wien Thein ceremony at Samakkee Pracharam Temple.

pre-holiday session, saying it was organized to encourage youths to carry on the culture and strengthen awareness of virtue and ethics to be used in daily life. Makha Bucha Day, considered Buddhism’s “All Saints Day,” commemorates the occasion when 1,250 disciples traveled to meet with Lord Buddha with no prearranged agreement at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the area of Rachakhryha, India. The day gained official recognition in Thailand during the reign of King Rama IV and became a nationally observed day with all government institutions closing down and observing the rituals associated with Buddhist commandments.

The night was blessed with a super snow moon during one of its closest approaches to earth at only 356,800 km away.

People light candles and incense to pay respect to the triple gem at Wat Chaimongkol Royal Temple.

Thai and foreign couples humbly take part in the ceremonies.

Worshippers line up to make merit at Wat Chaimongkol.

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The Workshop A Dress Rehearsal for Life Grand Opera Bangkok came to PCEC this week - three fantastic singers set the stage with a variety of numbers, ranging from Grand Opera to several original songs from this new musical titled, The Workshop - A Dress Rehearsal for Life, which premieres on 18th May at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Small Hall, in Bangkok. The musical, which is all about people’s stories, was devised and written by the eminent life coach Dr Chérie Carter-Scott some 40 years ago. Her dream of staging a musical is now becoming a reality, both here in Thailand and on Broadway where an award winning theatre is also presenting the production.

advent calendar. By 1975 Chérie had her vision - she found that every one of her clients wanted to find the next step in their life’s path, and that through her coaching, the majority found the change to be profound. She then decided to take her workshop and make it into a musical. The 17 songs in the show are all original and were written by Chérie and Lynn. They are all very relevant to many people in the audience. They include: “Lady Can’t say No!” “Change” the game about someone who wants to be recognised for who he is. “One More Day” looks at a scenario of a couple married 30 years and about to

One of life’s moments - Lindsey.

Meeting at the workshop - Nigel and Randl.

Although Dr Carter-Scott could not attend this PCEC show, Michael Pomije, an executive life coach, and Lynn Stewart, a master certified coach and mentor, took us though the journey from the inception of the idea to the now finished musical. Today, life coaching is the second largest industry in the US. In between the magical songs, some of them toe tapping, Lynn and Michael took it in turns to explain why it had taken so long to get the musical staged. They further explained that it is based on a universal theme of human kindness, connection and hope. The journey began in 1974, as a little seed of an idea, when the group set themselves a series of questions to be answered. They said that this process started to open small doors like an

retire. One is diagnosed with much dreaded cancer and is given six months to live. “Please Don’t Talk” is about a US lawyer unable to

express any feelings. “Sorry” deals with the scenario of someone who finds giving presentations difficult, even though that is a major part of her job. The following has been adapted from the publicity for the musical: “The songs relate the stories of individual characters who each long to obtain something specific as they share very human challenges that are brimming with the pathos and humour of the underlying human connections that employ the universal themes of wanting, fearing, risking, loss and breakdown - and breakthrough - as human connectors that touch, elevate, and inspire.”

The cast publicity shot.

The Bangkok version has eleven Thai actors in the show, four men and seven women, together with a support mechanism of writers, producers and directors from three countries, who are based in the US. The show will provide “supertitles” in Thai and it is suitable for all ages. It premiers in Bangkok on May 18th and 19th, 29th, 30th and 31st, finishing on 1st June. The preview we got of the show made this a magical PCEC meeting. If you would like to attend one of the performances in Bangkok, tickets can be obtained by phone at 022 623 838. Full details are on this website –https:// theworkshopmusical.com

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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

FRIDAY MARCH 1, 2019 21

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E-Books are “Pattaya Cartoon 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!

Please - Any unwanted items you have would be appreciated. (Eng) Rev Stephen 086 600 5682, (Thai) 0875 381 586

Articles/Services Wanted

Bop03/01-52/ Spacious Double Shophouse on Thepprasit Road, Soi 5; very good business location; land 240sqm; business space 150sqm; 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchenettes; 2-4 locked parking spaces; partly furnished; 4,900,000 THB or near offer; Joe: 092753 9309, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Bop02/01-52/ 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

Aw01/01-52/ Missionary in Rayong sponsoring Little Duck Nursery needs help.

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)

Businesses for Sale or Rent

30 years; 11,950,000 THB o.n.o.; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Bop01/01-52/ 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 No02/04-10/ Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club is looking to recruit new players. All ages and abilities welcome to come to training nights every Thursday at Horseshoe Point in east Pattaya from 7pm – 8.30pm. For more information, go to Pattaya Panthers page on Facebook.

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No01/01-10/ Looking for a game of snooker with a retired ex-professional UK snooker player? Tel. Mike on 089 152 3202

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 Prb06/09-22/ 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.9,500. Monthly, Bt.19,000. Security Deposit. English, 087805-5276 Prb07/52-11/ For Rent: Bt.10,900 Per Month, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 A/C, Furnished, Pool, Clean, Beautiful, Soi 53 Nern Plabwan at Soi 45. Tel: 084-351-8254

Condos, Apartments Prc218/42-09/ 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 Prc217/08-12/ One-bedroom corner unit, Kitchen, Pool, located Beach Rd. Pattaya: 15,000/month.Tel: 091 504 1806 Prc216/05-09/ Pattaya Beach Rd. Soi 13, Studio, Terrace, Kitchenette, Safe box. Penthouse style, pool. Bt. 13,500. - Tel: 091 504 1806

Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb34/09/ Pratumnak: 3 bedrooms with en-suite, Euro-kitchen, Plus 1-bedroom self-contained apartment, Pool, Quick sale: THB 5,500,000. Phone: 061 513 0372 or 084 539 1134

VOL. XXVII No. 9

Psb33/06-10/ 3-Bedroom House (very nice) 100sqw, Pool, European kitchen, Daikin Air, Close to exit to motorway, golf courses, markets, 2 minutes from 300 yard golf driving range, close to entrance, Siam Place: 4.9 million. Contact Lek: 061 536 1126, Sugar Ray: 087-142-9155 Psb32/05-09/ Lake Mabprachan house for Sale: 3 bed, 2 baths pool home. Sale: 3.8 million baht. Tel: 087 802 1018 Psb29/01-52/ Pool Villa located in Chaiyapruk 2, only 10mins from Pattaya City, land size 52sqw (210sqm), 120sqm, 1 living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, 2 TVs, air-condition in all rooms, quiet and peaceful area. THB 4,500,000B, (350),GOPROPERTYTHAILAND Tel. 093- 161 5995 (Eng/ German), 062 191 7894 (thai), info@gopropertythailand.com Psb28/01-52/VillaonPratumnak Hill, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bathroom with Jacuzzi in master bedroom, 2.5km to Walking Street, only 700 meters from Dongtan Beach, land size 100sqw, living area 170sqm, fully furnished, 3 aircons, 1 living room with flat TV, European kitchen, alarm system, private swimming

pool, garden, private car park with automatic gate. 12,000,000 THB, (340), GO PROPERTY THAILAND Tel. 093- 161 5995 (Eng/German), 062 191 7894 (Thai), info@gopropertythailand.com Psb27/01-52/ 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 Psb25/01-52/ 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

VOL. XXVII No. 9

Psb24/01-52/ 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: 24,950,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psb23/01-52/ 3-storey modern “BAUHAUS-Style Villa” and a wooden “Traditional Thai Style house” on 1 Rai of land located in Pratumnak, Pattaya; 360sqm

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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 Psb22/01-52/ 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 airconditioned; 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 Psc98/08-12/ Porchland Condo Jomtien Owner Sale: One bedroom, 48m2, 8th Floor, high quality. All included. 2.1 Million Baht. Info: 087 138 3523 Psc79/01-52/ 1-Bedroom condo located on Jomtien Beach, 12th floor, 49sqm, close access to the beach, fully furnished, 1 living room, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen, WiFi, security 7/24h,fitness gym, table tennis room, 2 community pools, parking, in the building are

restaurants, internet cafes, bars, supermarket, laundry, massage, 2,450,000B (273), GOPROPERTYTHAILAND Tel. 093- 161 5995 (Eng/German), 062 191 7894 (Thai), info@gopropertythailand.com Psc78/01-52/ High floor sea view studio, 32sqm living space in LUMPINI BUILDING located directly on Jomtien beach, 2 pools, one close to the beach, fitness gym, beautiful roof terrace, computer room, garage, price does not include furniture, 2,490,000B, (256) GO PROPERTY THAILAND Tel.: 093- 161 5995 (Eng/German), 062 191 7894 (Thai), info@gopropertythailand.com Psc77/01-52/ Studio located on Pattaya Beach Road with very nice sea views, 45sqm, fully furnished, direct access to the beach, 1 living/ bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchenette, WiFi, security 7/24h,

FRIDAY MARCH 1, 2019 23

fitness gym, community pool, hotel, restaurants, bars, supermarket, laundry in the building, 3,495,000B, (199), GO PROPERTYTHAILANDTel.: 093- 161 5995 (Eng/German), 062 191 7894 (Thai), info@ gopropertythailand.com Psc76/01-52/ 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@goproperty thailand.com, www. gopropertythailand.com Psc74/01-52/ 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, 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 P02/01-52/ 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 Sp04/09-13/ Moving Services: household goods and transporting goods across the country. Tel. 0946969588 Sp03/05-09/ Visa Runs: Cambodia, Laos, Visa Thai Service, Tel. Apple 095 426 2862 Sp02/09/ PLANS DRAWN: Design & Construction: Condo Remodeling Tel. 085-083-4221 Sp01/06-10/ Custom Built Swimming Pools. 20 years experience. Call for Free advice and quotes Jon: 062 384 3864 email: poolcom01@gmail.com

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VOL. XXVII No. 9

Usual suspects in the limelight PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group Wednesday, Feb. 20, Pattavia – Stableford Certain names keep coming up in the placings and it was no different today. Graham Buckingham is in fine form and Mick Coghlan and Steve Truelove are also names that frequently appear. It was a hot dry day for the 21 participants fighting over 12 placings in 3 flights. The aforementioned Steve Truelove came top of the AFlight (0-14) with 36 points off his 10 HCP. Rob Brown (5) came in second with 35 points and Brian Parish (13) was third on 34. The best nine non-placing in that flight went to Landis Brooks with 17 points on countback over John Davis.

B-Flight (15-23) honours went to Mick Coghlan (21) with 37 points, Mikito Homma (23) was second on 32 and Rick Robshaw (16) placed third with 29. Frank Xin had the best non-winning ninehole score of 17 points. Graham Buckingham (24) win the C-Flight (24+) with 34 points, Gordon Clegg (26) took the silver on 32 and Don Carmody (26) finished third with 31. The best nine score for this flight went to Karen Brown with 18 points.

Friday, Feb. 22, Treasure Hill – Stableford Treasure Hill today with a full field of 28 and the track was good for the most part

Colm Mullen, Mikito Homma, Paul Weatherley and Brian Parish.

with not much water in any of the dams and water hazards that can be played out of. We had four flights with 3 places in each and in AFlight (0-14), Brian Parish

(13) won the day with 35 points. Rob Brown (5) again came in second with 31 points on countback over Richard Kubicki (10) on the same score. The best nine in

that flight went to John Davis with 15 points. B-Flight (15-21) was taken by Paul Weatherley (16) with 34 points, beating Mick Coghlan (21) on countback,

while third place went to the Swiss Miss Jadwiga (21) with 33 points. Rick Robshaw had the best non-winning nine hole score of 15 points. Mikito Homma (23) topped C-Flight (22-25) with 32 points, second went to Carole Kubicki (24) on 31 and third to Dave Cooper (23) with a resounding 27 points, edging out Brian Cooper on countback. The best nine score for this flight went to Brian Cooper with 17. D-Flight (26+) spoils went to Colm Mullen (27) with 34 points, the long hitting ‘Muscles from Brussels’ Kurt Ebentheur (36) placed second on 32 and filling out the podium was the ever-lovely Karen Brown 932) with 32 points. Best nine here went to David Bailey with 15 points on countback over Don Carmody.

McArdle on fire at Pleasant Valley The Tara Court Golf Society

Peach gets the plaudits PSC Golf from The Kull Bar Tuesday, Feb. 19, Green Valley Stableford Five groups took to the fairways of Green Valley on a hot and humid day. The course was in remarkably good condition considering the amount of traffic this course endures. Lloyd Shuttleworth, Nigel Harrison and Adam Barton all finished on 36 points and a countback dictated that they finish in that order from second to fourth places on the podium. The winner by some margin was Bill Peach with a magnificent 40 points. There were three 2s recorded, by Brian Scott, Steve Mann and Mark Walter.

Friday, Feb. 22, Royal Lakeside – Stableford The journey to Royal Lakeside is well worth the effort and for those not taking carts it

Bill Peach

is also a pleasure to walk this course. The top two places today were decided on countback and Davie Baird just edged it over Stuart McKenzie after both finished on 36 points. Colin Simpson was third with 34 points and Steve Plant a further point back in fourth. One 2 was recorded, the lucky recipient being Steve Plant.

Only two 2s today and both came off the blue tees, from Michael Williams & Nick Caulfield.

Sunday, Feb. 17, Green Valley – Stableford We had our largest group of the year out today here at Green Valley and with three flights we had good scoring in all. Joe McArdle (H/cap 18) had a shaky start with only sixteen points on the front nine but he really turned it on through the inward half to score an excellent twenty four points for forty points overall and B flight victory. Donal McGuigan (18) also played very well and came second in the B flight with thirty-eight points, Paul Butler (18) was third on thirtyfour and Russell Gilroy (16) fourth with thirty-three. In the A flight two players were tied with thirty-seven points and Craig Hitchens (11) won the countback to come first ahead of Jerry Sweetnam (11) in second. Nick Caulfield (7) came in third with thirty-six and Kevyn Wright (9) placed fourth on thirty-five. Ken Hole (21) was the winner in the C flight with thirtyfour points, Terry Mangan (21) was in the prizes again and came second on thirtythree, Peter Henshaw (27) took third with thirty-two and

Thursday, Feb. 21, Pleasant Valley Stableford

Joe McArdle.

Fred O’Conner.

John McGarry (23) got fourth place on thirty. We had three 2s today, from Craig Hitchens, Teddy Lodge and Ian Spiers.

place with Michael Williams (12) taking it. In the white tee up to 20 handicap division it took some good scoring to be in the money. Francis McGuigan (14) took the honours with a great 40 points, WayneAntlitz’s (13) was close behind in second with a fine round of 39 and Joe McArdle(18) took third with 35. A countback was needed to decide the winner in the white tees (21+) and Fred O’Conner (30) won it with 38 points (1721), relegating John McGarry (23) to second (23-15) while third place went to Frank McGowan (25) with 36. The ladies had a great day out but the scoring was not as good with Theresa Connolly (17) winning with 27 points & Paulka Koppatz (21) coming second on 26.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, Mt. Shadow Stableford Mountain Shadow did not charge extra today for the Buddhist holiday so a good size group turned out for today’s round. We had 4 divisions with 10 players off the longer blue tees, 4 ladies off the reds & 2 divisions (020 & 21+) off the whites. Another fine round by Richard Fearby (2) with 37 points (gross 73) gave him top spot off the blue tees ahead of Nick Caulfield (7) in second on 34. A threeway countback on 30 points was needed to decide third

Because the group was smaller we had only two flights today with the cut for the A flight coming out at seventeen. We had what was our best score in a very long time, coming in the B flight. Joe McArdle (18) really turned it on in style to win by a clear six points with an excellent forty-five points. Fred O’Connor (30) is another man in form at the moment and despite playing with a set of borrowed clubs today, he posted thirty-nine points for second place. We had a countback for third with two players on thirty-six points and here Frank McGowan (14) came out on top ahead of Ken Hole. We also had an excellent score in the A flight as Bernie Stafford (17) returned with forty-one points on his card to also win by a clear six points. Both Paddy Naughton (16) and Francis McGuigan (14) had thirty-five points and Paddy won the countback to come second. We had only one 2 today, from John Connolly.

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Touhy in top form PSC Golf from the Bunker Boys Monday, Feb. 18, Crystal Bay B & C – Stableford 1st Colin Greig (12) 39pts 2nd John Hughes (19) 36pts 3rd Peter Kelly (11) 36pts 4th Tony Robbins (21) 35pts 5th Jimmy Carr (15) 35pts The first game from our new home Woody’s Bar was played at Crystal Bay with a good turnout of twenty-two in attendance. The course was in the worst shape we have seen it in for a long time and now looks really neglected. The on-course irrigation system has broken down with dry bare patches all over the course coupled with soggy drenched areas where water leaks continue unattended. Many of the greens are showing wear and are variable in speed. Within the clubhouse and around the course toilets are broken and the overall impression is that the course needs a significant injection of funds to bring it back to good shape again. Despite a couple of groups going out directly before us, the speed of play was not

too bad. Colin Greig is normally expected to win at this venue and he did just that with thirty-nine points. Second place went to the wily John Hughes with a superior back nine to Peter Kelly who took third, both with thirty-six points. Fourth and fifth were also locked on the same score of thirty-five points with Tony Robbins edging out Jimmy Carr. Near pins went to Tom McMurray, Keith Norman, Jimmy Carr, & Colin Greig.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, Greenwood A & B – Stableford 1st RobbyWatts (9) 39pts 2nd Tony Robbins (21) 38pts 3rd Geoff Cox (18) 38pts 4th Peter Kelly (11) 37pts 5th Ken Davidson (23) 37pts 6th Tom McMurray (17) 36pts For the second time in a week, we had a very good field of thirty golfers for our round at the popular Greenwood course. Just about everyone was full of praise for the course and its condition, with the exception of the bunkers which were overfilled with very fluffy soft

History repeated itself for Ken Elmore when he pulled his tee shot on the eighteenth into the cabbage left of the fairway as he did last time throwing out an anchor on thirty-eight points. Unfortunately, no anchor required this time as he finished his tour of duty with perhaps his lowest score in two months.

Friday, Feb. 22, Pleasant Valley – Stableford Roger Touhy.

sand resulting in a fried egg lie just about every time. Once again Robby Watts took the honors with a stylish thirty-nine points. Tony Robbins and Geoff Cox were both on thirty-eight separated on countback as were Peter Kelly and Ken Davidson in fourth and fifth respectively on thirty-seven. Tom McMurray put thoughts of his roof space aside for the day and rounded out the scoring with thirty-six points. Near pins went to John Hughes, Geoff Cox and two to Keith Norman.

1st Roger Touhy (13) 42pts 2nd Tom McMurray (17) 39pts 3rd Tony Robbins (21) 37pts 4th John Oatway (13) 36pts 5th Brendan Harnett (13) 36pts We had a group of twenty for our game at Pleasant Valley in hot humid conditions. The course was very crowded and by the time our tee off time came along we were left with only trainee caddies. The layout was damp in places necessitating lift, clean, and place, unusual in high season. Roger Touhy was in scintillating form and scorched round the course in fortytwo points, putting like a pro. Tom McMurray was

Young sparkles at Crystal Bay PSC Golf from the Growling Swan

Keith Buchanan (left) with Shane Young.

Monday, Feb. 18, Khao Kheow – Stableford 1st Kae Dayton (21) 37pts 2nd Bill Wilkinson (14) 36 pts 3rd Dave Maw (19) 34 pts Near Pins: Shane Young (x2), Dave Maw (x2). Long Putts: Kae Dayton, Mikito Homma. Fourteen golfers out for the day at Khao Kheow and there was not one complaint regarding the condition of the course. Fairways were mowed and tidy, greens ran true and the bunkers were

clean and raked as well. We were playing only the one flight with all novelties in play and attacked the course from the yellow (& red) tees. We were playing courses A & B. It was to be Kae Dayton’s day as she returned a very good score of thirty-seven points and was also celebrating her wedding anniversary to husband Roy this week. Second past the post (only 1 shot from the pace) was Bill Wilkinson and rounding off the podium places was Dave Maw on thirty-four.

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Roy & Kae Dayton.

Thursday, Feb. 21, Crystal Bay Stableford 1st Shane Young (25) 43pts 2nd Keith Buchanan (15) 40pts 3rd Steve Younger (14) 39pts 4th Roy Dayton (26) 38pts 5th Mikito Homma (23) 37pts Near Pins: Kae Dayton (lucky draw), Steve Younger (x2), Bill Wilkinson. Long Putts: Martin Todd, Keith Buchanan. Playing from the yellow (and Red) tees, our nineteen players attacked Crystal Bay’s B and C nines in that order. Have to say that the course looked in very good

nick but as we got further along it was starting to show that it was dry and in need of a good drenching. With the dryness the run was quite good and golfers took advantage. Today’s numbers allowed us to play the one flight only and it was Shane “The Jock” Young that came up trumps, scoring 43 points to finish 3 ahead of his nearest opponent. Second home was ever-reliable Keith Buchanan and third past the post was Jock’s playing partner Steve Younger, with Roy Dayton and Mikito Homma filling the last two spots on the podium.

also in good shape and shot a solid thirty-nine points. Tony Robbins, who doesn’t like the course somehow managed a very good score of thirty-seven so now we can expect no more gripes. John Oatway, one of the

Memorial winning team, took fourth place, with Brendan Harnett rounding out the scoring in fifth with thirty-six. Near pins went to Jimmy Carr, Robbie Watts, Keith Norman, and Michael Brett.

Nu shoots for the stars PSC Golf from The Billabong Bar

Nu & Julie back at the Billabong.

Monday. Feb. 18, Phoenix - Stableford The experts say we are in for a very hot summer well it was hot at Phoenix today and it gave everyone a hint of what’s to come. The course was in great condition and was packed to the rafters with golfers from all over the world. We played the Lakes and Ocean loops and there was a 3-way count back for the minor places with Mark Brosnan taking 6 th spot, John Locke 5th and Noddy Moyle 4th after scoring 21 points on the back nine. There was another countback for silver and bronze with Jerry Grocott being nudged into 3rd spot and Andrew Woodall taking 2nd with the same score of 39 points overall. Brad O’Keefe had his day in the sun scoring a fine 40 points to take the win. There were no 2s today.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, Green Valley Stableford With 3 groups of ladies and 8 groups of guys we got away to an early start on a course in grand condition. The Billabong ladies always seem to give this place a bit of a hiding and today was no exception, with Miss Eng taking 4th place with 38 points and then a countback on 40 points between Miss Kran and Miss Julie saw the latter take second and the former third. There was a runaway winner in the form of Miss Nu who shot a gross

79 off her 17 handicap to return a whopping 46 points. In the men’s competition a rainbow stableford was played for a change and the scoring was quite different to say the least. There was a three-way countback on 41 points which saw Paul Walia taking 4th, Mikael Anderson 3rd and Lloyd Shuttleworth 2nd, while Jerry Sweetnam took line honors with 43.

Friday, Feb. 22, Phoenix – Scramble It was an early start for our monthly scramble at Phoenix, playing Ocean and Mountain loops. There was a different format today as we played minimum 3 tee shots and a maximum 5 per player but one of the shots must be on a par three. The course was in great condition as usual and the golf just flowed along at a steady speed. The scoring wasn’t up to the normal standards but it was a good day out. Taking 3rd spot was the Valley Hackers team with a net 62.8, second place went to the lads from Perth with a net score of 61.7, and taking the top spot was Paul O’Mahoney, Paul Greenaway, Andrew Scaiffe and Steve Dodd with a score of net 60. The Billabong’s golf trip to Khai Yai on the 16th, 17th, 18 th March costs THB 11,000 for golf and accommodation including carts and caddies at Lotus Valley, Khai Yai Country club and Rancho Charnvee. Places still available.

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VOL. XXVII No. 9

Kelleher stars at Green Valley The Traveller’s Rest Golf Group Monday, Feb. 18, The Emerald Stableford Division 1 1st KwonYoung-Jun (12) 36pts 2nd Alan Thomas (5) 31pts 3rd Lawrence Lee (14) 31pts Division 2 1st Ted Senior (16) 33pts 2nd Chris Plona (36) 30pts 3rd Billy Allan (21) 29pts When Kwon Young-Jun’s name was called out as being the winner of A Flight he sprang from the crowd and smothered the Emcee in soggy kisses and gave him an unbreakable bear hug. A happy winner indeed! In division two it was a lot quieter and a more reserved as Ted Senior took out first place with a mere 33 points.

He didn’t have much opposition though as second place only scored thirty and third twenty-nine.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, Green Valley – Stableford Division 1 1st Andy Kelleher (10) 40pts 2nd Paul Durkan (07) 37pts 3rd Paul West (12) 37pts Division 2 1st Will Doc (14) 36pts 2nd Arnold Jones (14) 31pts 3rd Jakob Skadegaard (19) 31pts Today Andy Kelleher impressed his playing partners with a brilliant display of his golfing ability. Andy posted two solid nines of 20 and finished with 40 points overall for a much deserved top spot.

Edwards posts best of the week PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya

Andy Kelleher.

Kwon Young-Jun.

In division two Will Doc brought home the bacon with 36 points, smashing his closest rivals by a massive five shots. The Doc was unaccustomed to being in division two but with the utmost gratitude, accepted the split and the subsequent prize money.

reports about the condition of Crystal Bay, whilst some players enjoyed the course and the layout; the majority of the players were not impressed. One person who wasn’t fazed by the conditions was Ian Bell who smashed his way to victory with an unbeatable 39 points and took pride of place in division one. Over in division two Bruce Berriman AKA “Angry Ant” was also undeterred by the state of play and took the course apart with an incredible 41 points.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, Crystal Bay – Stableford Division 1 1st Ian Bell (8) 39pts 2nd Peter Park (4) 36pts 3rd Alan Thomas (5) 35pts Division 2 1st Bruce Berriman (16) 41pts 2nd Frank Hughes (21) 37pts 3rd Vinnie Connellan (16) 36pts We had some very mixed

Thursday, Feb. 21, Phoenix – Stableford Division 1 1st Mike Rushant (11) 39pts

2nd Brady Roades (11) 35pts 3rd Paul Durkan (7) 33pts Division 2 1st Frank Courtney (19) 38pts 2nd Brian Munnings (22) 37pts 3rd Suresh Mehta (20) 36pts Mike Rushant knows Phoenix like the back of his hand and last week he took out the number one spot here with thirty-nine points. Today he posted the exact same score and once again secured the victory. In division two it was Frank Courtney who only just managed to stay clear of the strong finishing Brian Munnings. Having secured twenty two points on the front nine Frank was feeling very confident; however on the turn he encountered the “Eebee Jeebee’s” and just managed to scramble over the line with a very credible 38 points.

Friday, Feb. 22, Burapha – Stableford Division 1 1st Alan Thomas (5) 39pts 2nd Paul Durkan (8) 39pts 3rd Brady Roades (11) 38pts Division 2 1st John Welch (32) 37pts 2nd Derek Thorogood (16) 36pts

3rd Brian Munnings (21) 36pts This week the tees here were so far forward it was driver, wedge to most of the par fours and all the par five’s were reachable in two for the single figure handicaps. It took a countback which went down to the last three holes to determine a winner in A flight but when the dust had settled Alan Thomas emerged the victor. In division two it was the man with the shots, John Welch, who used them wisely and scored an impressive 37 points to claim today’s honours.

Saturday, Feb. 23, Plutaluang – Stableford 1st Chris Plona (36) 40pts 2nd Stew Grant (21) 38pts 3rd Paul Colfar (03) 33pts What do you call someone who plays off a 36 handicap and shoots 40 points? Answer “Sir” because he’s probably pointing a gun at you and wearing a mask. Chris Plona posted a score better than his handicap today and finished two shots clear of the oldest teenager in Pattaya, young Stew Grant.

No more ‘bridesmaid’ for Masa PSC golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society Monday, Feb. 18, Mt. Shadow – Stableford Paddy Devereux (left) with Bob Edwards.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, Crystal Bay Stableford On Tuesday we went to Crystal Bay where we played the B & C courses. It was a nice sunny day with a good breeze. The course was in fine condition but there were some wet spots around the sprinklers and some parts were already drying out. The greens on the front nine were fast running, but too slow on the inward half. Paddy Devereux and Ty Anderson kept each honest but Paddy was better on the back nine and carried the day with 36 points, beating Ty on countback.

The near pins went to Paddy Devereux and Willem Lasonder.

Thursday, Feb. 21, Treasure Hill Stableford Treasure Hill was our venue on Thursday and the course was in good condition. We had nice sunny weather again. Bob Edwards played very well today with a strong 22 points on the front nine and won with 39 overall. Second went to Paddy Devereux, confirming his good form this week, with 36 points. The near pins were claimed by Sam Gettinby, Neil Harvey, Paddy Devereux and Bob Edwards.

A Flight (0-18) 1st Larry Slattery (17) 37pts 2nd Bill Shepley (4) 33pts 3rd Pete Seil (4) 33pts 4th Kevin LaBar (12) 30pts B Flight (19+) 1st Barry Oats (29) 36pts 2nd Stuart Kidd (19) 34pts 3rd Derek Phillips (19) 33pts 4th Darren See (30) 30pts A tough task lay ahead of the society on Monday as thirtyeight golfers made their way to Mountain Shadow to play a stableford round on the course which was very dry, giving lots of run but many tight lies on the dusty fairways. Greens were quite good but the back nine were slightly slower than those on the front. The course demands accuracy, fairways have to be hit and the punitive rough avoided. Quite a daunting prospect after a Pattaya weekend! The field was divided into two flights at eighteen and under and scores were inevitably close. In the second flight fourth place went to Darren See on his debut round with the group, with 30 points. In third place was Derek Philips with a very sound 33 points, one behind

Masa Takano (center) with Mark Stubbing (left) and Jim Ferris.

runner-up Stuart Kidd, playing his final round this trip. The flight winner was Barry Oats with 36 points. In the top flight fourth place was held down by Kevin LaBar with 30 points with Pete Seil on 33 points taking third after losing a countback with runner-up Billy Shepley. The flight winner and deserved wearer of the Green Jacket was Irish golfer Larry Slattery with the only sub-par round of the day, 37 very solid points. Near pins went to Phil Davies, Larry Slattery, Stuart Kidd and Tip Briney and the consolation best nines awards went to Darren Beavers (front nine, 17 points) and Chris Barker (back nine, 19 points). Chris also took the

“silly hat” after a shabby six points on the front nine in a round of two distinct halves.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, Khao Kheow Stableford A Flight (0-19) 1st Masa Takano (9) 39pts 2nd Dave Hewson (8) 37pts 3rd Chris Barker (11) 35pts 4th Derek Phillips (19) 34pts 5th Mike Ehlert (11) 34pts B Flight (20+) 1st Vic Barton (28) 32pts 2nd Bryan Barrell (31) 32pts 3rd John Anderson (29) 32pts 4th Gordon Loviolette (24) 31pts 5th Paul Chesney (20) 30pts Thirty-nine golfers took to the Khao Kheow course today and relished the decision to play from the yellow tees.

Masa Takano has been the “bridesmaid” many times on this trip. He has had some excellent scores which deserved a Green Jacket, but somehow managed to be the second best score. Today, just before heading home and back to work, he got his wish. With a nice 39 points he took out the “A” flight and the Jacket. Dave Hewson has been on the podium a bit and with his lowly handicap held second spot with 37 points and Chris Barker, another regular place getter, was third on 35 points. Derek Phillips and Mike Ehlert went to a countback on 34 points resulting in Derek getting fourth spot and Mike fifth. A three-way tie had to go to countback to split them in “B” flight. Vic Barton won out to take first place from Bryan Barrell who, in turn, beat John Anderson into third. Gordon Loviolette with 31 points held out Paul Chesney who finished with 30 points. Near pins went to Dave Hewson (A3), Paul Chesney (A5), Mike Ehlert (B3), and Richard Dobson (B8), while the best nines for non-winners came from Darren Beavers on the front with 18 points and a similar score from Connie Walsh on the inward half.

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Brown wins again, takes a cut PSC Golf from Cafe Krnoborg who had a magnificent 22 points on the front, lost out with a disappointing 13 coming home.

Monday, Feb. 18, Pattavia – Stableford A Flight (0-23) 1st Ty Anderson (13) 37pts 2nd Richard Kubicki (10) 36pts 3rd Peter Bygballe (18) 31pts B Flight (24+) 1st Jan Lovgreen (25) 38pts 2nd Birgit Jorgensen (32) 35pts 3rd Peter Hammond (31) 35pts Near Pins: Arne Max Pedersen, Tiziano Dal Pastro, Henning Olsen. Long Putts: Dave Richardson, Richard Kubicki. Cafe Kronborg played Pattavia on Monday where the course was in good condition with receptive greens and fringes that were not watered to within an inch of their life, making it a pleasant change to be able to bump and run onto the greens. The pace of the greens was not too fast, about right for Pattavia, although they are always tricky and attention to grain and slope is necessary. Back in the clubhouse the scores were pretty good with more than half the field managing 30 points or better. With reduced numbers of players there were only 3 places on the podium for

DATE:

PSC

Thursday, Feb. 21, Plutaluang – Stableford

Rob Brown (left) and Gordon Clegg (right) with Dave Richardson.

each flight. Two people managed to beat their handicap to win their respective flights and B flight had a real tussle with 3 players on 35 points fighting for second and third places. The A Flight winner was Ty Anderson with a sterling 37 points, Ty being a very steady player and no stranger to the top spot. Ty once again pipped Richard Kubicki who came second with 36 points. Third place was decided on a close countback with 2 players having 31 points. Peter Bygballe took it with 15 points on the back and 10

FRI 01

SAT 02

points on the last 6 holes and Rob Brown narrowly lost out. In B Flight the winner was the in-form Jan Lovgreen with the score of the day 38 points, Jan’s third victory in a row. Second and third place were hotly contested with 3 players on 35 points vying for the 2 spots. The countbacks were straightforward though, coming in a strong second was Birgit Jorgensen with an impressive 20 points on the back. Third was Peter Hammond with a solid countback of 18 points while Gordon Clegg,

SUN 03

Pleasant Valley

Bunker Boys

King Naga

TUE 05

WED 06

THU 07

Greenwood Pattavia

Cafe Kronborg

FRI 08 Pattavia

Pattaya CC

Mt. Shadow

Pleasant Valley

Colin’s Golf

Green Valley

Growling Swan Le Katai

MON 04

Bygballe with a solid 36. In B Flight the winner was Gordon Clegg with a respectable 34 points ahead of 2 players having 32 points and fighting it out for second. Jan Lovgreen took the silver with a countback of 16 points, beating Tiziano Dal Pastro’s 11 points on the back nine.

Next PSC Event - The Charity Classic Open - Weds 6th March at Khao Kheow

Apple’s Irish

Billabong Golf

A Flight (0-24) 1st Rob Brown (5) 39pts 2nd Ronnie Ratte (21) 37pts 3rd Peter Bygballe (18) 36pts B Flight (25+) 1st Gordon Clegg (26) 34pts 2nd Jan Lovgreen (25) 32pts 3rd Tiziano Dal Pastro (25) 32pts Near Pins: Carole Kubicki, Ronnie Ratte. Long Putts: Henry Wong. Plutaluang Navy course was the venue on Thursday 21st February, where we were allocated North and West nines, arguably the better 18. The course was in good shape and the greens ran more or less as expected. Yellow tees for all and the big hitters amongst the A flight had a chance to capitalise, but few did. The A Flight winner was Rob Brown, with a superb 39 points, off his 5 handicap, the score of the day and one of only two players to beat

their handicap. Rob’s recent consistency being rewarded not only with first place, but also with a cut to 4 next week the lowest he’s ever been. Second was Ronnie Ratte with an excellent 37 points, which could have been even better had lady luck gone his way, and in third was Peter

Mt. Shadow Burapha

Phoenix

Pleasant Valley

Greenwood

Pleasant Valley

LaemChabang

King Naga Green Valley Mt. Shadow

Pattavia

Burapha Plutaluang

Pleasant Valley

Lewinski’s The Links

Greenwood

Eastern Star

I Rovers Retox Game On

K.Kheow/G.wood

Crystal Bay

Pattana/T.Hill

Siam Country Sugar Shack

Bangpakong

P.Valley/Bangpra

Pattavia Eastern Star

Crystal Bay

Pattavia

Green Valley

Crystal Bay

K.Kheow/E. Star

Eastern Star Royal Lakeside

The Emerald

Harry’s Golf The Golf Club The Players Lounge Tropical Golf Valley View Hackers

Pattavia

St. Andrews

Treasure Hill

Green Valley Plutaluang Green Valley

Khao Kheow Green Valley

Pattana Green Valley

Green Valley

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), play Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Transport is available, call Marcus on 089 503 9179 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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VOL. XXVII No. 9

Roberts duo win Dart-18 World Championship in Pattaya

Dave and Louise Roberts (center) pose on the podium with the champions’ trophy after winning the 2019 Dart-18 World Championship at Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Friday, Feb. 22. On the left are runners-up Gareth Owen and Hebe Hemming and on the right third placed Daniel Norman with crew Alyesha Monkman.

Mark Hammil-Stewart What a final day it turned out to be for all taking part in the 2019 Dart-18 World Championships, held in Thailand for the first time at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya from Feb. 16-22. With 10 to 15 knots of winds prevailing through most of the week and accompanied

by cloudless skies, the scene was set for the cast of international champion sailors to showcase their handling skills of their multihull craft, and that’s exactly what they delivered as the championship reached an exciting climax. The early running in the event was made by Dave and Louise Roberts, the 2017 world champions, who

won the opening two races in Pattaya to establish an early advantage on Day 1. Their favourites tag however was soon relinquished to Royal Varuna’s own Gareth Owen (Dart world champion 1998 and a previous three-time runner-up) and Hebe Hemming, who fought back to take the Day 2 and 3 honours and set up realistic but unexpected hopes of a ‘home’ victory. These two rival teams competed fiercely on the water over the whole week and entered the final day’s racing tied on points at the top of the leader board. For Varuna supporters there was to be no fairytale ending however as the Roberts duo proved too strong in the final Races 9 and 10 of the series and duly regained their world title and were deservingly crowned champions once more.

After coming out of retirement from international competition for this event and performing so admirably, there was talk in the club house later of making Gareth Owen an “Official Legend” to mark his achievement of taking the runner-up spot on this year’s podium at an age when many are thinking of slippers and rocking chairs. Congratulations also go to Gareth’s sailing partner Hebe, who (it must be noted) is well under retirement age. With four points separating places from third to fifth going into the final day, there was a three-way battle for the bronze medal position: Daniel Norman with crew Alyesha Monkman clawed their way to take it with a 21st (discarded) and then a 1st in races 9 and 10 respectively. Herve Le Maux and Nicola Davies slipped to fourth from the day before while David Lloyd and crew Hayley Smith achieved overall fifth with fairly consistent top class sailing throughout the series. Damrongsak and brother Kitsada, the Thai Hobie champions, dropped to 11th overall which was a very creditable finish, given the excellent standard of competitive sailing among the top tier Dart sailors. By all visitor accounts, this was an outstanding World Championship and all agreed it was an excellent, well organized event with perfect weather, and the Royal Varuna Yacht Club was proud to have been the venue. Thanks go to all the organisers, supporters, participants and Royal Varuna Club members who helped out and special thanks to Rear Admiral Wipan Chamachote who represented The Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and presented the awards on the final evening. With the support of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the 2019 Dart-18 World Championships was generously sponsored by The Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Pattaya City Government, Bangkok Hospital, France Catamaran, Big Chilli, Fiona and Larry, Ocean Marina, Pattaya Mail, Rooster and ThaiBev.

Dave and Louise Roberts sail on their way to overall victory at the Dart-18 World Championships, Friday, Feb. 22. (Photo/Sarka Ngassa)

Rear-Admiral Wipan Chamachote (center) presents consolation awards to fourth placed Herve Le Maux and Nicola Davies with their young supporter.

Gareth Owen and Hebe Hemming raised hopes of a home victory with some sterling performances on the water. (Photo/Sarka Ngassa)

Action shore-side as the crews get ready for another race.

All smiles as crews enjoyed ideal sailing conditions throughout the week.

Dart-18s race for honours on Day 1 of the championships. (Photo/Sarka Ngassa)

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McCarthy sets the pace at Khao Kheow The Jomtien Golf Society

Monday, Feb. 18, Khao Kheow Stableford We were allocated the A and B nines today off our selected yellow tees and the equal cut in the three divisions came at 7-15, 16-18 and 19+. Thirty-nine points was the best score of the day, coming from Jerry McCarthy who topped division 3, nine points ahead of second placed Mike Fitzgearld while Stuart Thompson was third on 29 and in fourth place William Chang beat Paul Sturgeon on an 18/ 13 countback after they both came in with 28 points. The Durham boy John Hughes won division 2 with 38 points, Joseph Toner took second on 34, in third place was Harry Vincenzi with 32 and Bruce Peel placed fourth on 31. In the premier division 34 points put Gareth Piccinnin on top of the podium while a 19/ 16 countback saw Ron Miller beat Bob Comartin after two 33’s were recorded. Ian Speirs finished fourth on 32. Near pins went to (Div 1) Bob Comartin, Neil Gamble

(2) and Raivo Velsberg, and (Div 2) John James, Mike Lewis (2) and Jerry McCarthy. Four 2s in division 1 today with a birdie for Bob Comartin on A5, Neil gamble on B3 and B8 and John Hughes on A5. In division 2 John Carlin and John James shared the pot.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, Greenwood Stableford As of Monday another nine groups out with an almost identical cut in the three divisions and two 37’s were the best scores of the day. Ian Speirs posted one of them to win division 1, a solitary point ahead of Dennis Scougall in second place, and then Neil Gamble beat Pete Sumner on an 18/17 backnine countback to take third, both on 34 points overall. Paul Young won division 2 with the second 37-pointer and with two 36’s fighting for second place, John Carlin took the silver ahead of John Hughes on a 21/17 back-nine countback. In fourth place was Joseph Toner on 32.

Denis Scougall (from left), Jerry McCarthy & John Hughes.

Steve Harris on 36 points came first in division 3, Rick Assi was one point behind in second and with three 32 pointers fighting for the next two places, Frank Grainger edged the countback to come third ahead of Leo Adam in fourth and Mike Lewis just missing out.

Near pins were claimed by (Div 1) Neil Gamble, Dennis Scougall, Barney Sheedy and Pete Sumner, and (Div 2) William Chang, Steve Harris(2) and Joseph Toner. There were six 2’s coming from Bob Comartin (scoring two), Ted Lodge, Dennis Scougall and Pete Sumner in

division 1 and from Bruce Peel in the second flight.

Friday, Feb. 22, Eastern Star Stableford There were some very slick greens here today and with some very tough pin placements and this was reflected

in the scores. Eleven groups out with three divisions and amazingly only one score over 36 points. Bob Comartin topped division 1 with 37 points, Pete Sumer was second on 34 and Dennis Scougall beat Nik Evans 17/16 for third after they both came in with 33 points. Paul Butler beat Jerry McCarthy on a back-nine countback of 17/15 to win division 2 after two 35’s were returned and Frank Kelly beat Per Forsberg 18/17 for third after two cards of 33. In division 3 Ron Lavett was the winner on 35 points, Glyn Evans came second five points behind and Mike Fitzgerald beat Rudi Schaefer 16/12 for third after they both scored 29 overall. Near pins went to (Div 1) Dave Chan, Ted Lodge, Les Smith and Pete Sumner, and (Div 2) Paul Butler, Mike Fitzgerald and Jerry McCarthy (2). There were seven 2’s today, coming from Dave Chan, Bob Comartin (2) Les Smith and Pete Sumner in the top flight, and in division 2 Paul Butler and Frank Grainger.

Wales overcome England 21-13 to be last unbeaten team in 6N Cardiff, Wales (AP) — Wales overcame England 2113 last Saturday in a dramatic final quarter to become the only unbeaten team halfway through the Six Nations tournament. This was Wales’ first win over England in six years and their 12th straight overall, a new national record. In a match high on tension but low on quality, Wales made all the running but were losing until their first try 12 minutes from the end by lock Cory Hill. Then the hosts finally showed on the scoreboard how dominant they were by adding a second and final try to wing Josh Adams. After an error-ridden first half by the Welsh, who kept letting England off the hook, they kept better control of the ball in the second and pounded the visitors into submission. It took more than an hour, but Eddie Jones’ men finally broke. “Not just from a physical point of view, from a mental point of view, too”, Welsh coach Warren Gatland said with pride. The stunning victory put the Grand Slam in sight, with a visit to Scotland next weekend, then back home for the last round against defending champions Ireland. Gatland doubted England’s ability to win the biggest games, having also ruined

Welsh players celebrate after defeating England in their Six Nations rugby union international at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, Feb. 23. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

England’s Grand Slam decider in 2013, and beaten the English in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. “When it’s really mattered, I’ve questioned whether they can win these big games,” he said. “We’ve had a record of being pretty good in them.” Even though Wales won their first two matches, they were flaky in both against France and Italy and continued in that vein through the first half against England. Lineout throw-ins were stolen, balls were knocked on, and kicks from hand were wasteful and too often, when men were lined up and England were on the back foot. It all conspired to give relief to England, who grabbed their first try-scoring chance, from a Welsh turnover.

Hooker Ken Owens had the ball swiped from his grip by Courtney Lawes, and in a flash England set up a ruck in the Wales 22, and flanker Tom Curry popped out and beat the sole defender to the try-line. The Welsh stood around wondering where the defence was. Just as against France where they came back from 16-0 down at halftime, the Welsh clicked in the second half. Catches stuck, kicks were fewer but more effective, Wales played the phases with pick-and-goes, and sustained pressure was put on England, who coughed up penalties. Wales, with fresh props Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis, charged into the visitors for

34 phases and then Dan Biggar, who had just replaced Anscombe, played scrumhalf for a charging Hill,

who burrowed his 1.96-meter frame under two defenders to score and put Wales ahead for the first time. With still more than 10 minutes to go, Wales began spearing through the flagging England defence. Biggar, the British Lion saved by Gatland to finish off England, did just that with a crosskick that Adams rose above Elliot Daly to catch and score in the 78th minute. Moments later, Wales were walking a lap of honor. In Saturday’s other fixture, France showed conviction by scoring four tries in a 27-10 win against Scotland in Paris. Flyhalf Romain Ntamack’s first-half try and winger Yoann Huget’s try just after the restart put France in a commanding position at 15-3 up.

Ireland’s Dave Kilcoyne (left) is tackled by Italy’s Jimmy Tuivaiti during the Six Nations rugby union international between Italy and Ireland at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

There was no collapse like against Wales and Les Tricolores added two late tries from impressive replacement No. 8 Gregory Alldritt, either side of a well-worked converted try from Scotland’s replacement scrumhalf Ali Price. Scotland’s wait for a first victory on French soil since 1999 goes on. The Scots struggled to make much of an impression going forward without star fullback Stuart Hogg and flyhalf strategist Finn Russell, among four players injured in the loss to Ireland. On Sunday in Rome, Ireland survived a huge scare to beat Italy 26-16 and keep their Six Nations hopes alive. Italy had lost their previous 19 matches in the Six Nations — a championship record — and seemed to be heading for a 20th straight defeat as tries from Quinn Roux and Jacob Stockdale gave Ireland a 12-3 lead halfway through the first period. But Italy pulled back with two tries of their own from Edoardo Padovani and Luca Morisi and two penalties from Tommaso Allan to go in at the break with a surprise 16-12 lead. However, Keith Earls’ try shortly after the restart settled Ireland’s nerves and Conor Murray, who had added the extras, scored and converted another try to give Ireland the bonus point. Defending champions Ireland moved into third place in the table, one point behind England and three behind Wales.

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Sled dogs run at the 29th international sled dog race near in Oberhof, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 23. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer) South Korean golfer Jenny Shin watches the flight of her ball, during the LPGA Thailand golf tournament at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Friday Feb. 22. (AP Photo/Lerpong Amsa-ngiam)

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw (left) and Liverpool’s James Milner challenge for the ball during their teams’ English Premier League match at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, Sunday, Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany lifts the trophy after his team won the English League Cup Final in a penalty shootout against Chelsea at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

A Welsh fan waits for the start of the Six Nations rugby union international between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, Feb. 23. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

First placed Italy’s Federica Brignone celebrates as she gets to the finish area at the end of a women’s World Cup combined, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, Sunday, Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu dunks the ball during the second half on an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Saturday, Feb. 23, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/ Laurence Kesterson)

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Supercars

40th Bangkok Motor Show March is here, and so is the Bangkok Motor Show. “Copycat” shows abound, especially in the provinces, however, only the Bangkok Motor Show is accredited by the OICA (the official world body which accredits motor shows). Dates for the show are March 27 to April 7. The venue is the Challenger Hall in Muang Thong Thani again. I will have more information closer to the dates 40th Motor Show.

American Football? No, American oval racing at the Daytona 500. However, let us not point the finger at our American cousins, post race brawling has been a feature of motor racing in all categories for as long as I can remember. Here’s some notables – Eddie Irvine and Ayrton Senna, (Senna threw the first punch and received a two race exclusion (suspended) Sainz Jnr and Stroll Hamilton and Vettel Ralf and Coulthard And you can add to that Iain Corness who accidently walked into a punch thrown by Gary Whittaker meant for my team mate. (He received a 12 month exclusion and a fine.)

Meeting up with the people at our Pattaya Car Club made me reminisce over some of the supercars I have had the good fortune to drive over the years. I did manage an afternoon with a Cobra 289 at the Surfers Paradise Race Circuit. That was a real 289, just as Carroll Shelby put it together. Sheer brute horsepower and a race track to play in. What an afternoon. I did manage to get a steer of a 351 Cobra as well, but this was a replica. However, the excitement was real! Big Ford V8 up front and more horses than the rear axle could safely handle. Unfortunately the owner tried shortening it against a brick wall. I have driven a Lambo, and it was the Diablo. My test of this vehicle was held on the old Brisbane Airport runway and we clocked 150 mph (240 kays) while filming the speedometer, just to prove the point. That day we also had a Porsche Carrera as a comparison test and we could let it go half way down the airstrip before we let the Lambo loose, and the Diablo was always first at the other end, at a speed by which stage Boeing 747’s would be airborne. The Diablo was an incredible supercar. It was

also quite horrible to drive, other than accelerating at speed, during which the engine note just grew until I described it as “aural orgasm”. I also stated that no woman, Russian shot putters excluded, would have been able to depress the clutch. The reason for the raging bull insignia was, I felt then, that you had to be as strong as an ox to drive one! I have driven most Porsche models, old and new, and have to say that the most exciting of them all was the 1973 2.7 liter RS Carrera. Those early Porsches were not easy cars to drive. The tail end was always nervous if you were at all tentative as you approached a corner. Full throttle produced understeer. Trailing throttle produced oversteer in prodigious amounts. It was not difficult to go through hedges backwards, as many an early Porsche punter was to find. I also raced an RS, and it was a very exciting race car as well as being one of the fastest ‘real’ road cars as well.

When Dodge in the USA released their mighty V10 engined Viper, this was another exotic that caught my attention. I was given a Viper to play with at the Lakeside circuit in Australia. This was today’s answer to the 427 Cobra of 30 years previous. Just a big bathtub filled with brute horsepower that you steered with the right hand go pedal. The steering wheel was not needed. It was not a car that required 100 percent concentration, or neatness, like driving the Lamborghini or the Porsche. This was a car that you threw at the corner and caught it as you came out the other side, and just stabbed the accelerator again to propel you with an almighty roar to the next corner. It took about a week to get rid of the smile from my face. There have been others, such as an Aston Martin DB9, numerous Ferrari’s and Maserati’s and even an F5000 Lola T430, but for the sheer lazy thump in the kidneys and the feeling of endless power, the prize goes to America. I could live with a Dodge Viper. In fact I’d rather have a Dodge Viper in the garage than Angelina Jolie in the bedroom. The mark of a real enthusiast!

Firstly, I should point out that in motor racing there are old drivers and bold drivers, but no old, bold drivers! Racing drivers are far from reckless. Despite what you might expect in this reputedly peaceloving country, Thai drivers are actually quite aggressive. Four lanes on a highway can filter down into one with aggressive barging. Three lanes can get down into two without the traffic even appearing to slow, taking over the room then take over the soft shoulder. Of course there is one very different aspect to driving that has to be got used to very quickly, and that is the ubiquitous motorcycle. Typical of Asian cities, motorcycles are family transport, delivery vehicles and the ideal commuter chariot. I am waiting for some enterprising motorcycle manufacturer to begin advertising their new 125 cc step-through as, “The ideal motorcycle for a family of five”. Don’t laugh, five on a motorcycle is commonplace, in fact you can buy an extra little saddle seat which fits in front of the main seat and is used for small children (who hang onto the rear vision mirrors), or the family dog, which just takes its chances. Mind you, a large percentage of the family pooches travel in the wire basket carrier at the front, cleverly blocking the headlights at night. I could go on for days about the motorcycles. There is a saying here which goes, “You know you’ve been in

Thailand too long when you look both ways before crossing a one-way street!” Motorcycle riders will just happily ride against the flow of traffic and smile and bob their head (usually helmetless) to say “Thank you” as they thread their way through and across your bows. Motorcycles will also just poke their front wheels into an oncoming stream of cars until it is either stop and let them out (because there is always many more than just one of them), or run into them or into the oncoming traffic. In the mornings, the motorcycles are people carriers. Some are driven by the school children themselves, all looking as if they are only 10 years old, but are probably at least 13. But back to driving here as a farang. There are some ‘rules’ of the road which have to be understood. For example, when the approaching vehicle flashes its lights at you, this does not mean ‘after you’. It means, ‘I am coming through’. More than one new driver has been surprised in this way. There is another seemingly uniquely Thai system in which when you are crossing an intersection you turn on the hazard lights. Perhaps it is a hazardous situation crossing an intersection (it probably is) but I have not seen this anywhere else, and I still get confused by it as you wonder whether the vehicle is turning right or left or going straight on. Newbie, take care and have insurance.

Dodge Viper.

Driving in Thailand (AP Photo/Ric Feld)

What has to be considered is the hormones are still running high immediately after a race and altercations should be expected. The hand messages during

the race can turn into blows afterwards. If you are unsure as to who was the aggressor, he is the driver still wearing his crash helmet in the pits after the race.

Some “real” racing Whomever owns F1 this week, FIA, Bernie, Uncle Tom Cobblers and all should watch videos taken at the Goodwood Revival. Features you never see in today’s F1 such as drivers working hard in the cockpit, cars sliding on opposite lock, cars able to run beside each other. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=YbvPhxFw0XA and also go to https://grrc.goodwood.com/goodwoodrevival/video-on-board-with-nick-swiftmini-versus-alfa-race-long-battle#x61gK F6dS4pg05wm.97 The closest we have to that era of racing is

the Retro Cars promoted by the Toyo 3K group. This is for cars built before 1985 so includes the BMW E30, Ford Escort, Ford Cortina, Alfa Romeo, Toyota Corolla AE 86 and other Toyotas and Japanese marques and a number of others. There’s even a few Fiats and VW’s. There are enough cars to make for full grids. Full grids means racing all the way through the field. If there are a couple of cars very much faster, then a reverse grid race is always fun for the driver and great for the spectator. Let’s try and get some of these old race cars out of the sheds they are hiding in.

Autotrivia Quiz Last week I asked, what was the natty device to stop your car running backwards down a hill? It was the Sprag, attached to the chassis at one end and the other end dropped down to stick in the road. So to this week. Malcolm Loughead is remembered in France by what name? For the Automania dehydrated beer this week (just add hops and water), be the first correct answer to email automania@pattayamail.com or viacars@gmail.com. Good luck! The articles on brakes last week stirred up some interest. You can get more info from Gavin on the website WWW.euroautobreakers.com.

This item is really for the “newbies”. When you first arrive in Thailand, the traffic appears to be completely chaotic. At every intersection there appears to be a motorcycle lying on its side with a crowd of onlookers surrounding some bloodied rider and/ or pillion passenger. Cars, buses and trucks thunder by at speeds unchecked, and the sheer traffic volume far exceeds that you are used to. With 80 percent of road deaths being from motorcycle drivers, one of the common questions I get asked by new arrivals is, “Do you really drive in this traffic?” This type of query is given even more weight when you find that many multinational companies operating in Thailand do not allow their ex-pats to drive and insist on providing Thai drivers. It then becomes quite a surprise when I inform the awestruck newbie that I do drive, only cars! Those questioners who know of my motor racing background then retort, “Yes, it’s OK for you as you are used to danger and reckless driving, but what about the ordinary folk?”

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PSC & Rick Bevington’s Bikes for Tykes donate to Wat Nongketyai School

Students Arisara Samongdee and Thanawat Kemthong perform the Ramayana and Hanuman chasing Nang Benchkai Episode stage show.

Staff reporters Nine students at Nongprue’s Wat Nongketyai School became the latest kids to be given new bicycles through the Pattaya Sports Club’s Bike for Tykes program. PSC President Pratheep S. Malhotra, club member Rick Bevington and Sorapan Chawalitnititham of Chor Namchai Bicycles handed out the bikes to the grade 4-9 students Feb. 14. Bevington launched the Bikes for Tykes campaign 18 years ago, growing from three bicycles to 30 given away each year. To date, the program has put smiles on the faces of more than 400 youngsters.

This year, the program has handed out 27 of its 30 bicycles, all of them going to good, well-behaved students from needy families. Before receiving their bikes, many had to pay to take baht buses to school, or walk. All the bicycles come with a bell and a helmet for the rider. Sorapan gave the young drivers some tips on safety and maintenance before they hopped on and gave their new bikes a test ride. The donations were made possible by 35,000-baht in contributions from the sports club and 50,000 from Namchai Bikes, which sold them at a deeply discounted price.

PSC President Peter Malhotra, accompanied by Bikes for Tykes founder Rick Bevington, and Sorapan Chawalitnititham from the Chor Namchai Shop in Naklua, present nine bicycles to students at Wat Nongketyai School.

Teachers Pitchaya Lao and Rungarun Sangsawang said thanks to the PSC members, and the students showed their appreciation with a Ramayana and Hanuman stage show featuring students Arisara Samongdee and Thanawat Kemthong. Despite the donation, Wat Nongketyai teachers noted the school still lacks books and other learning materials, particularly for the library. They urged anyone with books – new or used – to donate them. Call 083-1414663 for more information.

Children try out their new bicycles.

Pattaya health volunteers Jao Sua Market boss opens receive AIDS-care training Ruen Siam cultural center

Sixty Pattaya village health volunteers learned how to better care for people stricken with HIV and AIDS at a Sriracha hospice.

Sixty Pattaya village health volunteers learned how to better care for people stricken with HIV and AIDS at a Sriracha hospice. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai opened the Feb. 22-22 training for volunteers

from Pattaya’s 42 communities and city social workers at the Yatang Homestay. Training emphasized Pattaya’s campaign to reduce risky sexual behavior, increase disease control and promote free blood tests for

people in at-risk groups. The care for those already infected covered support networks, data collection and coordination and problemsolving to allow AIDS patients to live normally in their neighborhoods. (PCPR)

Khunthong Ungen (center) and his team are ready to welcome guests to the new Ruen Siam Pattaya Cultural Leaning Center on Soi Nernplabwan.

Jetsada Homklin The owner of Jao Sua Market opened Ruen Siam Pattaya Cultural Leaning Center to be a new downtown tourist attraction. Speaking Feb. 21 at his market on Soi Nernplabwan, Khunthong Ungen said Ruen Siam, opened in partnership with Natcha Spa and Beauty, will teach cultural arts

such as traditional Thai massage, creation of herb-based products, Thai cooking, traditional dance, embroidery and more. To make the courses available to everyone, tuition will be only 1 baht a day, although some classes need 200-500 baht for study materials and learning equipment, he said. Moreover, Ruen Siam will

allow vendors to sell processed Lanna-style products from the North. The market will start with 20 sellers on a firstcome basis. There also will be Thai massage available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the market open from 3 p.m. Khunthong also suggested park would be an ideal place for morning weddings. For more information, call 065-614-9293.

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Events The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be held on Sunday, March 3. The PCEC program varies, but usually involves a guest speaker on a topic of interest to Expats. 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. The Pattaya Midnight Fun Run will take place on Saturday, March 2 from 7pm – 11pm with a meeting point at Bali Hai Pier. Enjoy concerts and entertainment before and after the 5km run. To register, visit website: https://race.thai.run. The 2019 Pattaya International Music Festival will be held on Pattaya Beach Road on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. Enjoy free concerts by a variety of popular local and international music acts. A Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard networking evening will be held at the Myatt Hotel Pattaya on Friday, March 15 from 6.00 p.m. – 9 p.m. (last drinks at 8.30 p.m.). Entrance cost is THB 500 on the door for members and THB 1,000 for non-members. Admission includes freeflow drinks and finger food. The 2nd Charity Classic Car Show Pattaya will be held at the Asia Pattaya Hotel, Pratamnak Soi 4 on

Fax: 038-427596

Saturday, March 2 from 12 noon – 10pm. The event features a classic car parade, charity dinner and musical entertainment from the Blues Brothers Live Show Band and VIP guest Mario Maurer. Tickets priced at 1000 THB per person include entrance to the event, buffer dinner and free-flow of beer. Proceeds from the event will go to the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand. For more information and tickets, call 093 161 5995 or visit website: www.classic-carfriends-pattaya.com. 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. 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 March 9.

The skipper’s favorite pork This recipe comes from a real skipper’s mate, Sue Bett, who wrote a book for cooks on board yachts. They are deliberately easy with the minimum of ingredients but still have a little gourmet touch to them. You can substitute Gruyere cheese for cheddar if you prefer, or if you want to be really courageous, try some gorgonzola! The mustard is also of your choosing. With pork, the secret is not to cook too long or the meat will dry out.

Ingredients Pork fillets Cream French mustard Freshly ground pepper Salt Cheddar cheese (grated)

serves 2 4 1 cup 1 tbspn ¼ tspn to taste ¾ cup

Cooking Method With a pulverizer, beat the pork fillets till they are around 1 cm thick all over. In a heavy based frying pan, without oil, lightly brown both sides of the fillets and place in an oven dish. In a bowl, combine all the other ingredients and spread over the pork fillets. Place in a warm to moderate oven for around 30 minutes or until the cheese turns bubbly and golden. Serve with mashed potatoes, even ‘instant’ with some butter and chopped onion folded in.

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 Persimmon restaurant at Pattana Golf Club & Resort offers 3 weekly theme nights for customers to enjoy exciting dining concepts. Pizza/ Pasta Night, 299 Baht net per person, every Tuesday invites you to personalize your favorite Italian dishes. Wednesday is Seafood Night, 399 Baht net per person, with unlimited amounts of the freshest seafood from the local market. On Fridays, enjoy a variety of barbecued meats during the Carnivore Night at 499 Baht net per person. Book your seat prior and enjoy your dinner at Tel. 038 318 999 ext. 11230 or email to: restaurant@pattana.co.th. L’Olivier Restaurant invites you to enjoy a daily cold buffet and 4-course menu comprising soup, salad bar, main course and dessert for only 395 baht. The buffet menu is changed every two days. The restaurant specializes in French Provencal cuisine, traditional Thai food and rare Vietnamese dishes. Dine in air conditioned comfort or on the terrace. Located on Jomtien Walking Street between View Talay 2 and Jomtien Complex on the main taxi thoroughfare. For reservations, call Ms. Wan on Tel. 061 854 4848 (French, English & Thai spoken).

Delectable buffet offerings at L’Olivier Restaurant.

The Bay Grill & Buffet at Dusit Thani Pattaya: Dine with a sea view and enjoy seafood and meat barbecue accompanied by Thai and international items from soup, appetizers and main courses to dessert for only THB 1200++ per person. Free flowing beverage for additional THB 599++ per

person. The Bay is open daily from 18:30 - 22:00. Call 038 425 611-7 ext. 2149 0r 2150 for more information and reservations. Saturday Night Buffet is back at AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa. Experience regional favourites galore, street dishes an artisan desserts, as you relax with classical Thai dance and live music. Every Saturday night at Sala Rim Nam Restaurant from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Priced at THB 599++ per person. Kids under 5 eat free. For more information and reservations, call 038 412 120 Big Fish restaurant at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya enhances its seafood buffet with more premium catches and live music entertainment. The restaurant offers a nightly Seafood BBQ Buffet at only THB 777 net or THB 1,099 net with free-flow wine. Enjoy highquality, premium seafood cuisine as you listen to acoustic guitar and piano music from prominent local artists. Seafood BBQ Buffet at Big Fish is available every night from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations call 038 930 600 or email fbsec@siamatpattaya.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 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. 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.

The happy BBQ chef at Thai Garden.

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. Yupin’s fantastic French onion soup is now available again! 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 is located on Thappraya Road opposite the Jomtien Complex. Open seven days a week from 7.30 a.m. until late. For reservations , Tel: 038 252 726, visit www. lindasrestaurant.com, or Email linda@lindasrestaurant.com. Continued on page 35

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Somsakdi’s the amazing family restaurant The very active Somsak (AKA Somsakdi) and now 80 years old, has made a restaurant that has even been 30 years in the same soi, and 40 years with the same chef – Somsak himself. An amazing family enterprise. Somsak was once a delivery boy for Pepsi, for a monthly salary of 450 baht. At that time he also decided that, “One day I have to be boss, not just a worker.” A turning point was to come in his life after just a few months of pushing Pepsi wheel barrows.

mentor from so many years before, finally opening his own restaurant, simply called “Somsak’s” to be later called “Somsakdi’s”. The menu is probably the largest menu in Pattaya, with I believe 374 individual items. The restaurant is like the menu – very large, with seating for at least 200. Very high ceilings and fans everywhere, not that we felt too hot (that comes later). Each dish is in Thai with an English explanation underneath.

The very active Somsak has made a restaurant that has been 30 years in the same soi, and 40 years with the same chef – Somsak himself.

After dining at Somsak restaurant, it became obvious that this was a restaurant like no other in Pattaya. Not too many restaurants in Pattaya have lasted 40 years (some close before their grand opening) and still being run

by the original owner. That should be “owners” as the entire family is involved. Somsak in the kitchen and front of house with his wife, and their son Somkiat in the kitchen with his father (when needed).

The restaurant is very large, with seating for at least 200.

Somkiet, the home grown chef.

Seafood dishes are on offer around B.170-350. Pork and beef items (and there are 25 of them), or chicken and duck are around B. 170. There are more pages, but you get the idea, this is not an expensive restaurant, and when you see the quality and quantity it would be difficult to beat Somsak’s. An amazing family indeed with their amazing restaurant. With 374 items, you will find

something you have never tried before. Somsak is happy to explain his dishes to the diners. You will not be disappointed. We all enjoyed a chicken masaman, and the hot dish is a whole chicken flambé at the table and is sheer theatre as well as being an enjoyable dish. Incidentally, Somsak told us that the Chinese tourists all love his flambé chicken and every table orders one! We had lots more including a grilled fish and the entire team enjoyed every dish. If you haven’t been to Somsak’s before, take the family to Soi 1 Pattaya and have a wonderful evening. Somsak’s Restaurant, Pattaya Soi 1 (one way up from Beach Road to Second Road), tel: 038 428 987, 038 423 284, 038 429 869, limited parking but plenty of onstreet parking in the soi. Hours 11 a.m. until 11p.m., seven days.

Masaman, a signature dish.

He met famous restaurateur Dolf Riks, who advised him that if he were to achieve his aim, he should go to the kitchens, cooking being a portable skill. He followed his advice and traveled the world in seagoing galleys, bringing back not postcards, but recipes from different parts of the world. He worked with famous chefs such as Moogens Bay Esbensen, at the renowned Two Vikings Restaurant in Bangkok. Finally he came to Pattaya and worked with Dolf Riks, his

This is not a haute cuisine wine restaurant, so don’t expect a choice of champagnes. Small beers (Heineken) are B. 60. Starting with the Appetizers, these range between B. 170-200 and include the famous Mee Grob. Thai salads are B. 170-250 and spicy soups are B. 170200. Spicy salads are B. 170250 and includes Larb Gai. There are many European dishes on offer under the heading ‘specials’ at B. 250-350 with Filet Mignon an example.

Somsak’s famous flambé chicken.

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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com

From page 33

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs & Jasmine Rice for only 195 baht

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 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 Hilton Pattaya’s eforea spa offers ‘Timeless Indulgence’, a head-to-toe spa package that allows you to relax your body and mind

throughout 120 minutes. The package is priced at THB 4,300 net per person and THB 8,000 net per couple. A choice of focusing body massage is also available at THB 3,500 net per person for 90 minutes and THB 4,000 net per person for 120 minutes. Advance reservations are recommended. Call 038-253-000 or pattaya .eforeaspa@hilton.com. 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 Pattaya Soul Club will present another of its popular Souled Out music events featuring the very best of northern soul and Motown, on Saturday, March 9 at Miami, Walking Street Pattaya. Free flow of wine & San Migel beer from 8pm to 10pm or while stocks last. Doors open at 8pm. Entrance is 500 baht per person and all proceeds will be donated to the Baan Jing Jai Orphanage Pattaya. The crowning night of Miss International Queen 2019, the world’s most prestigious and largest transgender women beauty pageant, will be held at Tiffany’s Show Lounge in Pattaya on Friday, March 8. For information and tickets, call 038 421 700 to 5. Ladies Night at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya: Get 1 free drink for ladies on International Women’s Week (Friday 8 – Sunday 10 March from 8pm10pm). *Selected drinks ony*. For reservations, call 038 426 635 or Facebook @HardRockCafePattaya. Regina Albrink will perform a coffee morning piano concert at Ben’s Theatre in Jomtien on Sunday, March 3 starting at 10.30am. Reservations by email to: bens theaterjomtien@gmail.com, call 089 983 3351 or send a message on LINE to benben. Despacito Fridays at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya –Start off the weekend with a sensual step Latin night at the Roof Sky Bar, every Friday from 4pm – 10pm with DJ Ro-Bi-El Gordo and DJ Rocky, plus zumba classes. Free admission, ladies enjoy a free drink until

Fax: 038-427596

5pm. For more information, call 038 930 600. 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 <ban changvfw12146membership@ gmail.com> or visit website: www.banchangvfwpost12146.org. The Royal British Legion Thailand meets on the last

weekend of every month at various locations around the city. Please join and like the Face Book page and you will see the all the social events listed. You do not have 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 an email to - chonburi. secretary@rbl.community. 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, nonjudgmental 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.

36 FRIDAY MARCH 1, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 9

Yang holds off Lee to win third LPGA Thailand title

Nelly Korda of the USA plays from the 15th tee during the final round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2019. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

Pattaya - South Korea’s Amy Yang made it a hat-trick of wins at the Honda LPGA Thailand last Sunday with a one-stroke victory over Australian Minjee Lee in an exciting finish at Siam Country Club’s Old Course in Pattaya. Yang’s victory went down to the final shot on the final hole of the day as she putted out for a birdie and then had to wait while Lee putted for an eagle, which would have

forced a play-off. Unfortunately for Lee, her long eagle putt sat on the edge of the hole and refused to drop as the huge crowd held its breath, and then let out a huge cheer to celebrate Yang’s victory. Lee then tapped in for a birdie to leave her one shot behind Yang on 21-under par and give her a well-deserved second place. Yang has won in Thailand in 2015, 2017 and 2019, claiming victory in the Kingdom

every two years. The 22year-old earned her fourth LPGA Tour victory along with the US$240,000 winner’s cheque and moved to 22nd on the All-Time LPGA Money List with $8,884,322 in career earnings. “This is very special for me. I love coming to Thailand,” she said after her victory. “I enjoy it so much here, and that’s helpful. I was very nervous out there, but I kept telling myself to be patient. The heat was a challenge, but like everybody else, I just drank a lot of water and tried to stay hydrated.” The 22-year-old Lee, ranked 7th, knocked in six birdies and had only one bogey in her final round 66. She had been chasing her fifth LPGA Tour victory and was in contention right up to her last shot. It was a slightly disappointing finish for Thai stars Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, who ended the tournament as the best of the eight local players in the field. Moriya finished tied in 10th place and Ariya was alone in 14th spot. Moriya finished with an 11under total after a final round that included three birdies and no bogeys.

Amy Yang of South Korea holds the champion’s trophy after winning the Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, Sunday, February 24. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

form American Nelly Korda only a couple of shots behind. Ciganda, 28, ranked 16th in the world, came out of the blocks firing and started her final round with an eagle followed by two birdies. With only four holes to play, three were tied for the lead on 20-under – Yang, Ciganda and Lee – to set up the nail-biting finish. Ciganda scored an eagle on the 15th to give her a share of the lead

Spain’s Carlota Ciganda shot a final round 63 to finish in third place on 20-under par. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

Minjee Lee of Australia tees off on the 16th hole during the final round of the Honda LPGA Thailand February 24. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

Large crowds follow the leaders during the final round. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

Roberts duo win Dart-18 World Championship in Pattaya Turn to page 28

Wales overcome England 21-13 to be last unbeaten team in 6N Turn to page 29

Ariya carded a four-round score of 10-under and her final round included four birdies and two bogeys. Huge crowds of supporters followed the sisters around the course, even when a brief shower of rain cooled things off as they played the final hole. Little separated the group of leaders throughout the final day’s play. The first half of the final round was a seesaw battle for the lead between Yang, Lee and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, with in-

and ended the round in third place with 20-under. “I chipped in for eagle on the 15th and at the time I didn’t realise that had given me a share of the lead,” said Ciganda. “I was very happy with the way I played today and the way I’m playing in general.” Thai favourites the Jutanugarn sisters played their final round in the same group,

Amy Yang plays her 2nd shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the Honda LPGA Thailand. (Photo/Naratip Golf Srisupab/SEALs Sports Images)

something they had not done for a long time. “It was very special for us because I haven’t played together with her for a long time in Thailand,” said Ariya. “We talked to each other a lot during the round, but not about golf – where we’re going next week, what we’re going to eat and things like that. “Right now I’m just trying to improve my game to get better and better and improve my confidence.” “It’s been great playing front of Thai fans,” said Moriya. “That means a lot to us. My goal this year is to try to improve and to make every day better and better.” The next best Thai finisher was Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras, who ended the tournament in tied in 29th place with an overall score of 5-under. Amateur Attaya Thitikul, who turned 16 on the eve of the tournament, finished on even-par in 54th place.

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