26th Year
Established in 1993
VOL.XXVII No. 15
Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper
FRIDAY APRIL 12 - APRIL 18, 2019
30 BAHT
Prepare to get wet – Songkran is here! Three measures promoted for Thai traditional Songkran festival The cabinet has announced three measures to promote a smooth passage of the upcoming traditional Songkran festival. People who take part in this year’s celebrations are to be encouraged to use water efficiently, focus on safety, dress appropriately, and refrain from drinking too much alcohol. Entertainment venue operators will be asked to determine the opening and closing hours of their venues during the holiday period. Provinces have been instructed to organize activities focusing on beautiful culture and local identity. People are asked to dress politely or in Thai retro costume.
Police will set up checkpoints on the main routes and secondary routes and strictly enforce the law. Trucks will be banned from running April 11-17, 2019, in four routes in Nakhon Sawan, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachinburi. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has prepared measures to prevent overpriced tickets and limit the maximum number of passengers for public transport. The checkpoints will be set up at Morchit, Ekamai and Pin Klao. The DLT will also add additional 9,000 bus trips to accommodate passengers. Continued on page 2
Don your raincoats and wellies, Songkran is here! The annual festival, which heralds the traditional beginning of the Thai New Year, starts this weekend throughout the kingdom. The 5-day national holiday begins Friday, April 12 and runs through Tuesday, April 16, when most banks and government offices will be closed. Many currency exchange booths, however, will remain open. Locally, the celebrations continue until later next week, on April 18 in Naklua and April 19 in Pattaya. (Details of the official local finales appear on page 3.) Water throwing activities are meant to cease at sundown, but don’t count on it. If you’re going out on the town this coming week, best to leave your evening gowns and tuxedos in the closet.
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Coastal resources chief demands answers over Pattaya Beach flood damage
VOL. XXVII No. 15
Tread carefully, Pattaya tells North Road pedestrians Jetsada Homklin
Jatuporn Buruspat (2nd right, pointing at sand), director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, tours Pattaya Beach to witness the damage caused by the city’s poor flood management.
The director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources toured Pattaya Beach to witness the damage caused by the city’s poor flood management. Jatuporn Buruspat was escorted to the hardest-hit area of the beach at the foot of Soi 6 by deputy mayors Pattana Boonsawad and Banlue Kullavanijaya as well as regional environment and
marine officials. Jatuporn demanded answers as to how Pattaya will prevent the massive damage caused by just two hours of rain from reoccurring. Huge craters were carved out of the newly rebuilt beach as out-of-control flood runoff and backed-up sewers sent torrents of rain water down sidestreets and across Beach Road into the sand
that cost 600 million baht to bring in and widen Pattaya Beach. Suggestions offered were returning to using ugly sandbags or lay rubber sheets over the sand to allow the water to return to the ocean without damaging the beach. The Engineering Department was ordered to draw up plans and present them at an April 24 meeting. (PCPR)
Three measures promoted for Thai traditional Songkran festival From page 1 Meanwhile, the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) has cooperated with 20 insurance companies to issue a low-priced policy which costs seven baht per person, with compensation
of 100,000 baht in the case of death from an accident. The cheap insurance will allow people and motorists to purchase life protection during the Songkran festival. The OIC has launched the Me Claim application to assist road accident insurance
claim filing. The application integrates the insurance claim filing system with the police’s Police I Lert U emergency report application, allowing users to report accidents to the police and alert insurance companies at the same time. (NNT)
Baywatch Pattaya cleans sewers in Naklua, repair roads in Jomtien Pattaya workers cleaned and dredged clogged drainage pipes to mitigate flooding. Crews were dispatched to the Naklua New Market, public parking lot at Naklua Old Market, Lan Po Public Park, and Pratamnak Soi 4. Crews also worked in Jomtien where they dug up the road surface, laid steel reinforcement, and then repaved sections along Jomtien Beach Road. (PCPR)
Pattaya officials urged North Road pedestrians to walk carefully for the next few months as the city continues to rebuild the sidewalks. City hall hired BS & BS Co. to lay new sewer lines and repave sidewalks along the entire length of North Road from Sukhumvit to the Dolphin Roundabout. The 20.7million-baht contract began Nov. 20 and is scheduled to complete on Sept. 16. People have repeatedly complained, however, that the contractor has created a hazardous situation, leaving large piles of dirt and bricks on the footpaths as well as open sewers without lids.
Pattaya officials urged North Road pedestrians to walk carefully for the next few months as the city continues to rebuild the sidewalks.
City hall apologized for any inconvenience, but said people simply should take
more care not to fall in gaping holes or over debris left in their way.
PEA to cover road holes for Songkran Jetsada Homklin The Provincial Electricity Authority plans to cover holes on Central Road before Songkran to prevent traffic jams during the Thai New Year. PEA Manager Thanu Surachaisingwit said work to submerge wires along Central Road from Sukhumvit to Beach Road and down to Walking Street would be suspended and the road returned to a usable state by April 11. The road will not be repaved, however. Instead, the utility will lay large steel sheets over holes. Construction will resume on April 20.
The Provincial Electricity Authority said it will cover holes on Central Road before Songkran to prevent traffic jams during the Thai New Year.
Soi Buakhao pump installation ends May 22 Jetsada Homklin Traffic delays caused by construction will continue for another month on Soi Buakhao as workers install new pumps, a flood basin and electric transformer. Contractor Proper Solution Co. began working on the
reinforced-concrete flood culvert in November. Two pumps also are being installed, along with a transformer and electric meter. Jirawat Plukjai, president of the Chumsai Community, said the project plan had to be changed because workers hit groundwater about
four meters deep. So the basin is now being made wider instead of deeper. Central Pattaya residents have complained about Soi Buakhao frequently being closed during construction, something that’s not about to change. The project is slated to run through May 22.
Traffic delays caused by construction will continue for another month on Soi Buakhao as workers install new pumps, a flood basin and electric transformer.
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Marine Department talks safety ahead of Songkran
Passengers and boat operators alike were told to follow safety laws and take regulations seriously, as Songkran will bring some of the year’s biggest crowds to Bali Hai Pier and its various ferries and tourist boats.
The Marine Department warned those planning a trip to Pattaya during Songkran to be careful when sailing or taking boats. Passengers and boat operators alike were told to follow safety laws and take regulations seriously, as Songkran will bring some of the year’s biggest crowds to Bali Hai Pier and its various ferries and tourist boats. Operators are banned from drinking or using drugs, must adhere to speed limits and passengers must be seated when leaving port. Captains also were reminded to keep watercraft
Pattaya Beach storm repairs continue
Crews work through the night to repair flood damage on Pattaya Beach.
Repairs continued on floodravaged Pattaya Beach with city crews using heavy machinery to refill craters created by runoff from last week’s big storm. Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome and his top deputies toured the beach April 3 with Engineering Department executives. Four front-loaders were deployed from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. to dredge sand offshore and return it to the tracts
Pattaya, Naklua Songkran finales set
A suggestion from Mike the Cartoonman. Meanwhile, Pattaya officials remind revelers that powder and chalk is not permitted, nor are high-power water guns. Water-throwing should stop at 6 p.m.
Pattaya and Naklua will bring Songkran to a close with parades and merit-making, plus plenty of water. Naklua’s “wan lai” or official water-throwing day will be April 18. It begins at Lan Po Public Park at 8:30 a.m. with chanting and prayers by monks followed by the offering of alms to 99 monks. At 9.30 a.m., the public will be invited to sprinkle and pour water on a Buddha statue and senior citizens. Elders then will be presented with plaques for their hard work and community service. At 10 a.m. the annual Naklua Songkran Flower Parade will begin, running from the park down Naklua Road, past the Post Office and Naklua Market and on to the Sawang
Boriboon Thammasathan and back to the park. Pattaya’s wan lai will take place April 19 with official ceremonies at Chaimongkol Temple. Alms offerings is set for 7:30 a.m. with the elderly blessing ceremony at 8:30 a.m. and a cultural show kicking off at 9 a.m. featuring dancing and traditional games. Pattaya’s Songkran parade sets off at noon along Second Road, Central Road and back along Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier before returning to the temple. Of course, the entire route will be inundated with water as Songkran draws to a close. Pattaya officials reminded revelers that powder and chalk is not permitted, nor are highpower water guns. Water-throwing should stop at 6 p.m. (PCPR)
gouged out by rushing water racing downhill from the east and across Beach Road. The damage to the beach made national news as Pattaya had spent about 600 million baht widening and building up the beach to 35 meters wide, drawing widespread praise for the restored beauty. The damage inflicted on the beach – sure to be repeated during the coming rainy season – has been blamed on city hall’s failure to control Pattaya’s rampant flooding problems. (PCPR)
out of swimming areas and ensure all safety equipment is in ample supply and working order. Inspections also were ordered for all craft before departing port while pier owners were told to check the soundness of their jetties and have proper signage. Passengers are banned
from waiting on floating pontoons until their boat arrives and must disembark boats in an orderly manner. Holidaymakers also were warned about drinking to excess and not wear clothes that could hinder them if a boat should capsize. Life jacket use was encouraged. (PCPR)
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Neighbors turn on Bang Saray ex-con Patcharapol Panrak Neighbors turned in a Bang Saray man who allegedly assaulted his wife while using drugs. Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn and security officers detained Nipon Kongton, 41, at his Soi Madee house March 31. Authorities said Yod is an ex-convict who served time for drug dealing. Neighbors complained he often was high and made a nuisance of himself, but the final Bang Saray native Nipon Kongton was straw was when he beat up his wife. arrested for allegedly using drugs and Not wanting to intervene themselves, neighbors called police. assaulting his wife.
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Thai man accused of raping and killing German tourist
Woman hurt in Bang Saray road wreck Patcharapol Panrak A 20-year-old woman was knocked unconscious when her motorbike was hit by an SUV in Bang Saray. The unidentified victim was transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Medical Center. Sitthiporn Subpreecha, driver of the Isuzu Highlander, said he was approaching Chuetong Village when the victim darted across lanes on Sukhumvit Road to make a U-turn. He was unable to stop in time.
Thai suspect Ronnakorn Romruen, 23 years old, is escorted by police as he arrives at the Koh Sichang police station in Chonburi, Monday, April 9, 2019. Ronnakorn has been charged with the rape and murder of a German tourist on the island of Sichang. (AP Photo) A 20-year-old woman was knocked unconscious when her motorbike was hit by an SUV in Bang Saray.
Soldier injured in Sattahip crash Patcharapol Panrak A solider was injured when he rammed his car into the
back of an employee shuttle van in Sattahip. Sgt. Maj. Saksit Nakarin, 34, sustained a chest contusion
and cut leg in the March 31 crash on Sukhumvit Road. He was treated at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Van driver Siriwit Srithong, 30, said he was stopped at a red light when Saksit slammed his Nissan Almera into the back of the van at high speed. Police suspect Sakskit fell asleep at the wheel. He was charged with reckless driving.
Bangkok (AP) - Thai police said a local man has been arrested on suspicion of raping and killing a German tourist on the island of Koh Si Chang in the Gulf of Thailand. Police said the victim was approached and attacked by Ronnakorn Romruen, a native of the small island, while she was traveling on her rental motorbike. Ronnakorn, 23, was tracked down and arrested Monday. An investigator at Chonburi police station, Somkid Kaensa, said police have charged Ronnakorn with murder, rape and concealing a body.
Robber of motorbike taxi driver arrested Sgt. Maj. Saksit Nakarin was injured when he rammed his car into the back of an employee shuttle van in Sattahip.
Police said the suspect, who operates a trash collecting boat, admitted to the crimes and said he used drugs before the incident. The body of the 27-yearold tourist with injuries on head and legs was found Sunday hidden under rocks and a pile of leaves. Koh Si Chang is a popular weekend tourist destination for both locals and foreigners with a population of only 5,000 people. The island is in Chonburi province, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Bangkok. Somkid said a Thai tourist
called police after they saw Ronnakorn’s clothes covered in blood and police then searched the area and discovered the tourist’s body. Somkid said a flower vendor who knew Ronnakorn also saw that his clothes were covered in blood and asked him what he was doing. Somkid said the vendor identified Ronnakorn for police, who went to his home where they found him and the shirt that was covered in blood. The maximum punishment for premeditated murder is the death penalty.
High driver kills Burmese migrant in Najomtien road wreck
Seksan Prasetsung was arrested for robbing a female motorbike-taxi driver and stealing her bike.
Teerarak Suthathiwong Pattaya police arrested a drug addict wanted for robbing a female motorbike-taxi driver and stealing her bike. Seksan Prasetsung, 43, was taken into custody at his Soi Boonsamphan 10 apartment April 3, five days after he allegedly robbed Samang Kumtavee, 53, on Soi Tungkom Tanman 11, taking her handbag with 800 baht and her red Yamaha Spark. Police investigators traced the route Seksan allegedly took after the March 31 crime, finding her motorbike and then checking
nearby closed-circuit cameras to locate the suspect. Sama n g s a i d s h e ’ d picked up Seksan from the Eakmongkol–Soi Thepprasit taxi stand to take him to Khao Saotongthong Temple. But the man asked her to continue past the temple onto a dark street. Afraid of coming back alone, she stopped and asked him to get off there. He obliged. But as Samang took off her helmet, he pulled it, and smacked her in the head, then rode off with her bike. Police said Seksan confessed he robbed her because he needed money for drugs and daily expenses.
Montri Kumthong (right, sitting on ground with head bowed) was charged with vehicular manslaughter and drug offences.
Patcharapol Panrak A Burmese migrant worker was killed and four others hurt when a driver high on meth plowed his car into the back of their parked pickup truck. Khin Maung, 47, died of severe blood loss after his right leg was severed in the April 3 wreck on Sukhumvit Road at the Ban Amphur intersection in Najomtien. Montri Kumthong, 45, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, illegal drug use and drug possession after a
methamphetamine tablet and 0.8 grams of crystal meth were found in his damaged Nissan Cefiro and he failed a drug test. Witnesses reported Montri was speeding down Sukhumvit and never slowed down when he hit the truck parked on the side of the road. A group of migrant workers were sitting in the bed of a Ford Ranger. Mang Tin, 45, Ma Day Loy, 44, Nain Goo, 18, and a 3-year-old boy were hurt and transported to Wat Yansangwararam Hospital.
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Rugby International School lauded for land donation
Pattaya hosts disabled-rights seminar
Social Welfare chiefs Pannee Limcharoe (back row, center) leads a seminar Pattaya hosted to boost self-esteem and improve the quality of life for the disabled.
Jetsada Homklin
Chonburi Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai (3rd left) presents the Provincial Waterworks Authority honorary shield to Kamolpat Teepsuwan, Chatchai Teepsuwan, and Tawichakorn Chaiyakul from Rugby International School.
Jetsada Homklin The Provincial Waterworks Authority gave its honorary shield to the operators of Rugby International School for their donation of land for a water-distribution facility. Chonburi Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai presented the award
to Pattaya Grand Village Co.’s Kamolpat Teepsuwan, Chatchai Teepsuwan and Tawichakorn ChaiyakulApril 3. Rugby International School gave the utility a bit more than four rai of land in Khao Maikaew. Surachai Churepang, director of PWA Area 1, and Sutat
Nutchpan, the utility’s Pattaya branch manager accepted the documents on Dec. 7 for the registration at the Chonburi Land Office. The new facility will improve the region’s water-supply system, giving running water to all of Khao Maikaew. Completion is scheduled for 2020.
Sisters Foundation aids transgender military conscripts
Pattaya hosted a seminar to boost self-esteem and improve the quality of life for the disabled. Social Welfare chiefs Pannee Limcharoe and Teeraporn Srichan presided over the March 28 workshop aimed at making the disabled happier by upgrading their quality of life.
The Promotion and Development of Quality of Life of People with Disabilities Commission is tasked with determining criteria and procedures to promote quality of life and developing methods for people with disabilities to be clear and concrete in order to make the disabled equal in society and get benefits they deserve. The caretakers gave suggestions for the disabled to
understand and access rights afforded by the law. But apparently none of those suggestions were made public. In addition, Pattaya City supports medical issues, vocational education, employment, sports and tourism, finances, and budgets to promote and develop quality of life, but still no mention of how they do this.
Tourist Police dispatched for Songkran duty
Warapun Jaikusol The Sisters Foundation assisted transgender women applying to be excused from military service at the annual draft. Foundation President Thitinan Nukpor said Sisters created a manual for transgenders explaining all the laws and regulations covering Thailand’s mandatory military service requirement for males age 20. In order to be excused from service, the women who were born men must provide certificates of physical and mental examinations that confirm their gender choice was legitimate.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Terapon Kuptanond, commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, walked through popular tourist areas greeting and chatting with foreign visitors. The Sisters Foundation assisted transgender women applying to be excused from military service at the annual draft. Potential conscripts were told to dress properly and act respectful.
The book also lists the other documents they need to bring to the draft, which was held in Banglamung this
Boonlua Chatree
year on April 7-8. Potential conscripts were told to dress properly and act respectful.
The commander of the Tourist Police Bureau dispatched officers for Songkran duty, giving them orders to step up crime prevention during the Thai New Year.
Tinggajard ceremony aids Pattaya poor Jetsada Homklin A thousand Pattaya-area poor families received sets of basic necessities April 1, at Chaimongkol Royal Temple’s annual “Tinggajard” ceremony. Families received bags of milled rice, dried food, milk, medicine and other staples. The ceremony is an important tradition dedicated to those who’ve passed away in the past year who have no living relatives. It also is a merit-making activity for Buddhists to do go by helping the less fortunate in society. A thousand Pattaya-area poor families received sets of basic necessities April 1, at Chaimongkol Royal Temple’s annual “Tinggajard” ceremony.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Terapon Kuptanond handed down orders April 3 to 100 officers and volunteers using 20 vehicles to patrol Pattaya for
the next 17 days. He later walked through popular tourist areas greeting and chatting with foreign visitors.
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Thai army chief sends warning to critics of the monarchy Grant Peck Bangkok (AP) — Thailand’s influential army chief has warned that the military will fight any moves that threaten the country’s system of constitutional monarchy with HM the King as head of state, in an apparent threat directed at supporters of a new anti-junta party. “The army does the army’s duty, which is to protect, maintain, and defend the institutions of nation, religion, and monarchy,” Gen. Apirat Kongsompong said at a recent news conference. Apirat appeared to be targeting intellectuals backing the Future Forward Party, which according to preliminary figures ran a strong third in the March 24 general election. Apirat’s words “come as an intimidating knock-out
punch against any political critics of Thailand’s system of government,” said Paul Chambers, a lecturer in political science at Naresuan University in northern Thailand. “But more explicitly, the words seem to attack the Future Forward Party, whose leaders have seemed particularly critical of the junta and military, and who in the past discussed the monarchy.” Future Forward Party cofounder Piyabutr Saenkanokkul used to be part of the Nitirat Group, legal scholars who sought reforms in Thailand’s lese majeste law, which carries stiff prison terms for people found guilty of defaming the monarchy. Apirat suggested that scholars who have studied abroad may have lost their understanding of the “Thaistyle democratic system.”
In this Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, file photo, Thai army chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong reviews the guard of honor during the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military base in Bangkok. (AP Photo/ Sakchai Lalit)
Pitabutr received his master’s and doctoral degree in France, and other prominent members of the Nitirat Group studied law in Germany.
“Don’t introduce the leftist views you learned that made you all pretentious,” Apirat said. Supporters of the Future Forward Party believe the courts and the Election Commission may try to disqualify some of its winning candidates, or even the
Pattaya thrashed by first big storm of 2019 Teerarak Suthathiwong The first heavy storm of the year thrashed Pattaya last week, deadlocking traffic and cutting huge swaths through newly rebuilt Pattaya Beach. Two hours of torrential rain April 2 filled all the city’s major arteries with so much water, only large tour buses could move. The flood runoff ran a meter deep on parts of Sukhumvit Road with police officers trying their best to get motorbikes and cars moving again. On Soi Khao Noi through the railway-parallel road to
The flood runoff ran a meter deep on parts of Sukhumvit Road with police officers trying their best to get motorbikes and cars moving again.
Soi Khao Talo, flooding reached 50 centimeters, with vehicles forced to turn back before becoming stuck.
The first heavy storm of the year thrashed Pattaya on Tuesday, April 2, cutting huge swaths through newly rebuilt Pattaya Beach.
Numerous homes were damaged in Eakmongkol 4/3 Village on Soi Khao Talo 5, with water rushing into homes and submerging cars and motorbikes. Resident Lan, 50, said the village is not connected to city sewers and has no way to quickly drain water. It’s also a low-lying area of East Pattaya, so the floods run deeper there. He called for assistance from Nongprue Subdistrict, which has jurisdiction over the area. Likewise, parts of Third Road, Soi Buakhao and Beach Road became impassable.
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All that water has to go somewhere and, as it always does, it ends up washing over Beach Road and onto Pattaya Beach. The difference now, however, is that the shoreline has had a 600-million-baht facelift, so the damage caused by the torrents of water hurts even more. Pattaya’s sewage system was designed to carry at most 80,000 cubic meters of water and waste simultaneously. At those levels, sewage constitutes only about 30 percent of the total volume, meaning storm runoff can dilute it sufficiently before it reaches the sea. With the city’s population explosion, however, up to 120,000 cu. meters of liquid is being flushed into Pattaya’s pipes with half of that being raw sewage. While some can be cleaned at two sewage-treatment plants, large quantities of untreated wastewater ends up blackening the beach and sea. Such was the case last Tuesday, with Pattaya Bay turning black and deep trenches running through the new sand.
entire party, ahead of the release of official election results on May 9. Thai social media since the election has been buzzing with postings seeking to discredit the Future Forward Party. One recently circulated video shows excerpts of a lecture Piyabutr gave in 2013, when he taught law at Bangkok’s Thammasat University. He has said it was to explain the relationship of democracy to monarchies in political systems worldwide. But it has been cast by his party’s opponents as criticism of Thailand’s monarchy. An obscure right-wing group, Political Civic Group, said it has filed a complaint with the Election Commission about Piyabutr’s statements, claiming they violated election law. He has denied the allegations against him and
charged the video was taken out of context to undermine him. Apirat also criticized activists who charge that the Election Commission mismanaged the polls and are seeking to impeach its members. “Once the referee has made a ruling, you blame the referees. When boxers fight, this guy loses, and you blame the referees. If it’s like this it will never end. It will be a neverending cycle of revenge and disapproval. How can it end? I’ve said already,” Apirat said, before taking a long pause. “I don’t want to say something too harsh.” After becoming army commander, Apirat told reporters last October that he refused to rule out more coups if there is political unrest. “If politics does not create riots, nothing will happen,” he said.
Top cop gives helmets to Pattaya motorcyclists
Deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Wirachai Songmetta hands out helmets to Pattaya motorcyclists in an attempt to reduce injuries in road accidents
Boonlua Chatree A top Royal Thai Police official gave hard plastic helmets to Pattaya motorcyclists in an attempt to reduce injuries in road accidents. Deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Wirachai Songmetta opened an April 6 road-safety campaign at the Little Walk Pattaya Project emphasizing safe driving, no drunk driving and wearing helmets. He presented 200 helmets equipped with cameras to police officers at the Pattaya,
Banglamung and Najomtien stations, and 200 more helmets to the public that were donated by Sale International Thailand Co. Wirachai said road accidents skyrocket during the Thai New Year people with 417 people killed in 3,724 accidents last year. The overwhelming majority of those involved motorcycles. Deaths and injuries were caused by people not wearing helmets and driving while under the influence, he said. Police were instructed to strictly enforce traffic laws.
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NRCT expands Thai Ocean Waste Free campaign
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has taken charge of efforts to reduce marine waste with the Thai Ocean Waste Free campaign, at the government’s initiation. The campaign will target not only waste and debris in the ocean but also residues and toxins, in an attempt to make Thai oceans free from marine waste using the integration of social innovations and technologies. The campaign will promote waste management practices in various ways through
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cooperation between partner agencies, the development of eco-friendly recycled products from waste that can be used practically, and setting the right policies in related agencies. The NRCT has also launched a contest for the campaign logo and mascot to help raise awareness regarding the issue, and will engage with celebrities and conservationists to encourage Thai youth to be more aware, paving the way for concrete and targeted solutions for sustainability. (NNT)
Thai party leader says he faces trial over sedition Kaweewit Kaewjinda Bangkok (AP) — The leader of a popular new political party that ran a strong third in last month’s general election has denied the criminal charges of sedition filed against him by the government and expressed concern that he is to be tried in a military court. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was greeted by hundreds of supporters chanting “Keep fighting, Thanathorn!” as he arrived last Saturday at a Bangkok police station to answer a summons on complaints of sedition, assisting criminals and illegal. The charges carry a prison sentence of up to nine years. “I’m concerned because this case is under the military court instead of the criminal court,” Thanathorn, leader of the Future Forward Party, told reporters. “That is quite unsettling.” While he said he was treated fairly by police, he maintained his innocence. He said “many citizens in Thailand” have been charged with sedition, “including those who have not received any public attention.” “The regime creates fear for society to silence us,” Thanathorn said. “I insist I am innocent and I am ready to stand firm in the court proceedings.
Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (center) is mobbed by his supporters upon arrival at a police station Bangkok, Saturday, April 6. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
I urge all Thais and the international community to call for civil rights ... for the betterment of our society.” Thailand’s deputy police chief, Srivara Ransibrahmanakul, said that the charges against Thanathorn stem from his role in a student demonstration on June 24, 2015. He said the case had stalled because of several reshuffles among the responsible officers. Thanathorn said he views the case as politically motivated because “the timing couldn’t have been more coincidental than this — just
one week after elections.” Sakda Tanpratoomwong, a Bangkok supporter who voted for Future Forward, said he came to the police station last Saturday to “show support to Thanathorn” and “to fight injustice in this country.” He held up a sign that read “End of age of dinosaur.” He said another person came with him in a dinosaur mascot to symbolize old Thai politics. Thanathorn’s party said the police interview was observed by several embassy and U.N. representatives, including those from the
U.S. and the European Union. They declined to comment to reporters. Future Forward positions itself as youth-oriented and is deeply opposed to the military rule. Its strong showing in the election has made it a target for the military and its supporters. Several criminal complaints and protests to election authorities have already been lodged against Thanathorn and his party. The election results are due to be ratified by May 9. Meanwhile, political parties are in a race to gather enough support to form the next government.
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
School lessons targeted by climate change doubters Michael Melia Hartford, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut lawmaker wants to strike climate change from state science standards. A Virginia legislator worries teachers are indoctrinating students with their personal views on global warming. And an Oklahoma state senator wants educators to be able to introduce alternative viewpoints without fear of losing their jobs. As climate change becomes a hotter topic in American classrooms, politicians around the country are pushing back against the near-universal scientific consensus that global warming is real, dire and man-made. Of the more than a dozen such measures proposed so far this year, some already have failed. But they have emerged this year in growing numbers, many of them inspired or directly encouraged by a pair of advocacy groups, the Discovery Institute and the Heartland Institute. “You have to present two sides of the argument and allow the kids to deliberate,” said Republican state Sen. David Bullard of Oklahoma, a former high school geography teacher whose bill, based on model legislation from the Discovery Institute, ran into opposition from science teachers and went nowhere. Scientists and science education organizations have blasted such proposals for sowing confusion and doubt on a topic of global urgency. They reject the notion that there are “two sides” to the issue. “You can’t talk about two sides when the other side doesn’t have a foot in reality,”
said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles. Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, said these legislative proposals are dangerous, bad-faith efforts to undermine scientific findings that the fossil-fuel industry or fundamentalist religious groups don’t want to hear. In the mainstream scientific community, there is little disagreement about the basics that greenhouse gases from the burning of coal, oil and gas are causing the world to warm in a dangerous manner. More than 90 percent of the peer-reviewed studies and scientists who write them say climate change is a human-caused problem. A Nobel Prize-winning international panel of scientists has repeatedly published reports detailing the science behind climate change and how the world is likely to pass a level of warming that an international agreement calls dangerous. The U.S. government last year issued a detailed report saying that “climate-related threats to Americans’ physical, social and economic well-being are rising.” The battle over global warming resembles the fight that began decades ago over the teaching of evolution, in which opponents led by conservative Christians have long called for schools to present what they consider both sides of the issue. Some of those who reject mainstream climate science have cast the debate as a matter of academic freedom. James Taylor, a senior fellow at Heartland, an Illinois-based
In this June, 3, 2017, file photo, the sun sets behind Georgia Power’s coalfired Plant Scherer, one of the nation’s top carbon dioxide emitters, in Juliette, Ga. As climate change becomes a hotter topic in American classrooms in 2019, some politicians are pushing back against the scientific consensus that global warming is real and man-made. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)
group that dismisses climate change, said it is encouraging well-rounded classroom discussions on the topic. The group, which in 2017 sent thousands of science teachers copies of a book titled “Why Scientists Disagree About Global Warming,” is now taking its message directly to students. A reference book it is planning for publication this year will rebut arguments linking climate change to hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather. “We’re very concerned the global warming propaganda efforts have encouraged students to not engage in research and critical thinking,” Taylor said, referring to news reports and scientific warnings. Neither Discovery nor Heartland discloses the identities of its donors. Instruction on the topic
varies widely from place to place, but climate change and how humans are altering the planet are core topics emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards, developed by a group of states. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have adopted the standards, and 21 others have embraced some of the material with modifications. Still, a survey released in 2016 found that of public middle- and high-school science teachers who taught something about climate change, about a quarter gave equal time to perspectives that “raise doubt about the scientific consensus.” By early February, the Oakland, California-based nonprofit National Center for Science Education flagged over a dozen bills this year as threats to the integrity of science education, more
than the organization typically sees in an entire year. Several of them - including proposals in Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota had language echoing model legislation of the Seattle-based Discovery Institute, which says teachers should not be prohibited from addressing strengths and weaknesses of concepts such as evolution and global warming. Similar measures became law in Louisiana in 2008 and Tennessee in 2012. In states where they may not be feasible politically, Discovery has urged legislators to consider nonbinding resolutions in support of giving teachers latitude to “show support for critical thinking” on controversial topics. Lawmakers in Alabama and Indiana passed such resolutions in 2017. Discovery officials did not respond to requests for comment.
Florida state Sen. Dennis Baxley is pressing legislation that would allow schools to teach alternatives to controversial theories. “There is really no established science on most things, you’ll find,” the GOP legislator said. Elsewhere, lawmakers in Connecticut and Iowa, which both adopted the Next Generation Science Standards, have proposed rolling them back. Connecticut state Rep. John Piscopo, a Republican who is a Heartland Institute member, said he wants to eliminate the section on climate change, calling it “totally one-sided.” Other bills introduced this year in such states as Virginia, Arizona and Maine call for teachers to avoid political or ideological indoctrination of their students. “If they’re teaching about a subject, such as climate change, and they present both sides, that’s fine. That’s as it should be. A teacher who presents a skewed extension of their political beliefs, that’s closer to indoctrinating. That’s not good to kids,” said Virginia state Rep. Dave LaRock, a Republican. While there are many details about climate science hotly debated among scientists, it is well-established that global warming is real, humancaused and a problem, said scientist Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. “When people say we ought to present two sides, they’re saying we ought to present a side that’s totally been disproven along with a side that has been fundamentally supported by the evidence,” Field said.
Toyota robot can’t slam dunk but shoots a mean 3-pointer Yuri Kageyama Tokyo (AP) - It can’t dribble, let alone slam dunk, but Toyota’s basketball robot hardly ever misses a free throw or a 3-pointer. The 207-centimeter (sixfoot, 10-inch)-tall machine made five of eight 3-point shots in a demonstration in a Tokyo suburb Monday, a ratio its engineers say is worse than usual. Toyota Motor Corp.’s robot, called Cue 3, computes as a three-dimensional image where the basket is, using sensors on its torso, and adjusts motors inside its arm and knees to give the shot the right angle and propulsion for a swish. Efforts in developing human-shaped robots underline a global shift in robotics use from pre-programmed mechanical arms in limited situations like factories to
functioning in the real world with people. The 2017 version of the robot was designed to make free throws. Yudai Baba, a basketball player likely representing host Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, took part in the demonstration and also missed a couple of shots. If the robot could learn a few more tricks, he was ready to accept the robot on the team, he said. “We human players are still better for now,” he said. Right after missing, the robot slumped over. It wasn’t disappointment, but a temporary power failure. Cue 3’s name is supposed to reflect the idea the technology can serve as a cue, or signal of great things to come, according to Toyota. The company plays down how the technology might prove useful. It’s more about
Toyota’s basketball robot Cue 3, the 207-centimeter (six-foot-10) -tall machine made five of eight threepointer shots in a demonstration in a Tokyo suburb Monday, a ratio its engineers say is worse than usual. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)
boosting morale among engineers, making them open to ideas and challenges. In making the robot’s outer covering something like that of an armadillo, the engineers said they were just trying to
avoid the white metallic look often seen on robots. The maker of the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury models has shown off various robots, including one that played a
violin. Another, resembling R2-D2 of Star Wars, slides around and picks up things. At Monday’s demonstration, it handed the basketball to Cue 3. Experts say robots that can mimic human movements, even doing them better, could prove useful in various ways, including picking crops, making deliveries, and working in factories and warehouses. Stanford University Professor Oussama Khatib, who directs the university’s robotics lab, said Cue 3 demonstrates complex activities such as using sensors and nimble computation in realtime in what he called “visual feedback.” To shoot hoops, the robot must have a good vision system, be able to compute the ball’s path then execute the shot, he said in a telephone interview.
“What Toyota is doing here is really bringing the top capabilities in perception with the top capabilities in control to have robots perform something that is really challenging,” Khatib said. Japan has been aggressive in developing humanoids, including those that do little more than offer cute companionship. Toyota’s rival Honda Motor Co. has its Asimo, a culmination of research into creating a walking robot that started in the 1980s. It not only can run, but also recognize faces, avoid obstacles, shake hands, pour a drink and carry a tray. When will such robots be able to slam dunk, a feat that will require running, dribbling and jumping? “In 20 years, with technological advances,” said Tomohiro Nomi, a Toyota engineer who worked on Cue 3.
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DVT in Business Class? What’s a DVT? DVT stands for Deep Vein Thrombosis, which are blood clots, generally in your lower legs. And you can get DVT’s without flying. Now everyone in the world, other than a few farmers in outer Mongolia, has heard of the “Economy Class Syndrome”, in which you end up getting blood clots in the legs from being squeezed into seat 176A at the rear of the Economy section of Plummet Airlines. (They fly Boeing Max so don’t worry.) The rationale is that after sitting in 176A for the 12 hour flight to bring the bad news to Outer Mongolia, the blood flow in the legs slows so much that clotting forms and you end up with yet another acronym, called DVT, or more correctly Deep Vein Thrombosis, or even Deep Venous Thrombosis. This has produced a group of nervous airline passengers, cowering in fear, waiting for hijacking or DVTs. Those who can afford it, upgrade to Business class and sit there drinking G&T’s feeling totally pampered and safe from DVT. Unfortunately, you can get a DVT while sitting with the aforementioned G&T in seat 12A as well. However, there are many ways of getting your DVT, and you don’t have to buy an expensive ticket, plus fuel surcharge to get one. You can get one sitting in front of your work computer. Dear me, your computer is now a killer.
Backing up this contentious claim is one of the world’s respected medical publications, the New Zealand Medical Journal, with the results tabled at the annual conference of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Professor Richard Beasley of the Medical Research Institute in New Zealand studied patients admitted to hospital with DVTs and found that only 21 percent had traveled on long distance flights, whilst 34 percent were sedentary office workers who would sit in front of their computer screen for three to four hours at a stretch without getting up, and do this for up to 14 hours a day. This showed two factors. Firstly their work habit was dangerous, allowing the blood to pool up in their legs, and secondly, they had magnificent bladder control. Whilst I was joking about the bladder control, I would postulate that to be able to sit for four hours at a time, these office workers were not drinking enough fluid, leading to thickening of the blood, and even more likelihood of blood clots. Look around your office, how many of the staff have a water jug, or even a glass of water on their work station? That’s enough on the factors leading to DVT, what can a DVT do? What happens is very understandable. The clot breaks off from the deep vein and then travels upwards towards the heart. In doing so, it will go from major, large diameter blood vessels into smaller and smaller again. Eventually,
depending upon the size, the clot will become wedged in a very small vessel and shut off the blood supply to that area. If the blockage occurs in the lung, the condition is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). This is potentially fatal. PE causes or contributes to up to 200,000 deaths annually in the United States. One in every 100 patients who develop DVT die due to pulmonary embolism. There is some good news in all this, if pulmonary embolism can be diagnosed early and appropriate therapy started, the mortality can be reduced from approximately 30 percent to less than 10 percent. The clever vascular surgeons can now even snake up though the arteries and remove clots to the brain. This is called Mechanical Thromboplasty. Still, 10 percent is a little too high for my liking. So what can you do to prevent getting a DVT? Apart from the obvious maintenance of good health with sensible eating and drinking and regular check-ups, the important preventive factors include getting up and walking around at least every hour (both in the office and from seat 176A), drinking plenty of water and taking 100 mg of aspirin every day. By making it less likely that a clot can form, you remove the dangers of DVT. Go and get a glass of water now! And use it to swallow your aspirin.
Bingo and bongs: More seniors seek pot for age-related aches John Rogers Laguna Woods, Calif. (AP) - The group of white-haired folks - some pushing walkers, others using canes - arrive right on time at the gates of Laguna Woods Village, an upscale retirement community in the picturesque hills that frame this Southern California suburb a few miles from Disneyland. There they board a bus for a quick trip to a building that, save for the green Red Crossstyle sign in the window, resembles a trendy coffee bar. The people, mostly in their 70s and 80s, pass the next several hours enjoying a light lunch, playing a few games of bingo and selecting their next month’s supply of cannabis-infused products. “It’s like the ultimate senior experience,” laughs 76-yearold retired beauty products distributor Ron Atkin as he sits down to watch the bingo at the back of the Bud and Bloom marijuana dispensary in Santa Ana. Most states now have legal medical marijuana, and 10 of them, including California, allow anyone 21 or older to use pot recreationally. The federal government still outlaws the drug even as acceptance increases. The 2018 General Social Survey, an annual sampling of Americans’ views, found a record 61 percent back legalization, and those 65 and older are increasingly supportive. Indeed, many industry officials say the fastest-growing segment of their customer base is people like Atkin aging baby boomers or even those a little older who are seeking to treat the aches and sleeplessness and other maladies of old age with the same herb that many of them
once passed around at parties. “I would say the average age of our customers is around 60, maybe even a little older,” said Kelty Richardson, a registered nurse with the Halos Health clinic in Boulder, Colorado, which provides medical examinations and sells physician-recommended cannabis through its online store. Its medical director, Dr. Joseph Cohen, conducts “Cannabis 101” seminars at the nearby Balfour Senior Living community for residents who want to know which strains are best for easing arthritic pain or improving sleep. Relatively little scientific study has verified the benefits of marijuana for specific problems. There’s evidence pot can relieve chronic pain in adults, according to a 2017 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, but the study also concluded that the lack of scientific information poses a risk to public health. At Bud and Bloom, winners of the bingo games take home new vape pens, but Atkin isn’t really there for that. He’s been coming regularly for two years to buy cannabis-infused chocolate bars and sublingual drops to treat his painful spinal stenosis since the prescription opiates he had been taking quit working. It was “desperation” that brought him here, he said, adding that his doctors didn’t suggest he try medical marijuana. But they didn’t discourage him either. The dispensary is filled with the 50 people from the bus as they peruse counters and coolers containing everything from gel caps to
In this Feb. 19, 2019 photo, a group of seniors from Laguna Woods Village consult with sales associates at Bud and Bloom cannabis dispensary in Santa Ana, Calif. The seniors boarded a bus for the pot shop and spent hours choosing from a variety of cannabis-infused products, including candies, drinks and weed. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
drops to cannabis-infused drinks, not to mention plenty of old-fashioned weed. Adele Frascella, leaning on her cane, purchases a package of gummy candies she says helps keep her arthritic pain at bay. “I don’t like to take an opioid,” said Frascella, 70. Fashionably dressed with sparkling silver earrings, Frascella confirms with a smile that she was a pot smoker in her younger days. “I used to do it when I was like 18, 19, 20,” she said. “And then I had a baby, got married and stopped.” She took it up again a few years ago, even investing in a “volcano,” a pricey, hightech version of the old-fashioned bong that Gizmodo calls “the ultimate stoner gadget.” But these days, like many other seniors, she prefers edibles to smoking. Renee Lee, another baby boomer who smoked as a youth, got back into it more than a dozen years ago after the clinical psychologist underwent brain surgery and other medical procedures that she said had her
taking “10 meds a day, four times a day.” “And I wasn’t getting any better,” she said, adding that she asked her doctors if she might try medical marijuana as a last resort. They said go ahead and she found it ended her pain. In 2012 she founded the Rossmoor Medical Marijuana Club in her upscale San Francisco Bay Area retirement community. “We started with 20 people, and we kept it really quiet for about a year and a half,” she said, noting that although California legalized medical cannabis in 1996, it was still seen in some quarters as an outlaw drug. Her group has since grown to more than 1,000 members and puts on regular events, including lectures by pro-cannabis doctors and nurses. People Lee’s age - 65 and over - are the fastest-growing segment of the marijuana-using population, said Dr. Gary Small, professor of psychiatry and aging at the University of California, Los Angeles.
He believes more studies on the drug’s effects on older people are needed. And while it may improve quality of life by relieving pain, anxiety and other problems, he said, careless, unsupervised use can cause trouble. “We know that cannabis can cause side effects, particularly in older people,” he said. “They can get dizzy. It can even impair memory if the dose is too high or new ingredients are wrong. And dizziness can lead to falls, which can be quite serious.” Richardson said Colorado saw an uptick in hospital visits by older users soon after the state legalized cannabis in 2012. The problem, he said, was often caused by novices downing too many edibles.
That’s a lesson Dick Watts, 75, learned the hard way. The retired New Jersey roofing contractor who keeps a winter home at Laguna Woods Village began having trouble sleeping through the night as he got into his 70s. He attended a seniors’ seminar where he learned marijuana might help, so he got a cannabis-infused candy bar. He immediately ate the whole thing. “Man, that was nearly lethal,” recalled Watts, laughing. Now when he has trouble sleeping he takes just a small sliver of candy before bed. He said he wakes up clearheaded and refreshed. “And I have it up on a shelf so my grandkids can’t get to it,” Watts said.
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Odds and Ends The Associated Press
Boo light special? Market defends self against ghost claim Wilmington, Mass. (AP) - A New England supermarket chain is spiriting away rumors that one of its stores is haunted. A spokeswoman for Market Basket says in a statement to The Boston Globe that “as far as we know all of our stores ghost-free” after someone posted on social media this month about seeing an apparition at a store in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The person said the ghost was “an old Victorian era woman in her nightgown ... near the frozen peas.” Hundreds of people weighed in, including others who claimed to have seen a ghost in the store. Justine Griffin, the Market Basket spokeswoman, says that if there is anything to the ghost story, it’s probably because she’s “attracted to our Victorian-era prices.”
Is that beer skunked? Skunk gets head stuck in beer can Billerica, Mass. (AP) - A skunk that somehow got its head stuck in a discarded can of beer is being cared for by veterinarians in Massachusetts. Animal control officers in Billerica (BILL’-rick-ah) posted a picture of the unfortunate critter on Twitter. They said it “amazing” that its head could fit into such a small opening and noted that it gave new meaning to the term “skunked beer.” Police said the skunk was taken to Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton after being found Wednesday. The plan was to sedate the skunk before removing the aluminum can, and then monitor the animal for a few days before returning it to the wild.
Mexican police nab man who tried to rob bank with loader Mexico City (AP) - Police in Mexico say they caught a man who stole a front-end loader, drove it to a local bank, knocked down a wall, chained a safe to the machine and tried to drag it off. Prosecutors in the central state of Morelos say the loader had a front bucket as well as a jackhammer the thieves used to destroy the wall of the bank. They then chained the bank’s safe to the vehicle, apparently to drag it away. They didn’t get far, however. Alerted by reports of the equipment theft, police in the town of Oaxtepec used surveillance cameras to locate the men and detect their noisy, slow-motion robbery attempt early Friday. One suspect was detained, while the others fled.
Full ride: Man allegedly steals snack truck, eats nothing Elmira, N.Y. (AP) - It appears an upstate New York man was not hungry when police say he stole a Little Debbie delivery truck. Police say 38-year-old Joseph Tocco of Elmira swiped the truck from a loading dock. Police stopped it a short time later. Police say Tocco told them he took the truck to visit relatives and friends. It did not appear any of the snacks were missing. Tocco is charged with possession of stolen property. He is being held in jail pending an arraignment.
Crossword No 1341
sponsored by
Massic Travel
Across 1 Song bird (6) 4 Mystery (6) 8 Put over the top (5) 9 Male geese (7) 10 Compared (7) 11 Of the moon (5) 12 Dispirited, downcast (9) 17 Below (5) 19 Student (7) 21 Doubtful (7) 22 Citrus fruit (5) 23 Aromatic spice (6) 24 Slow down (6)
Down 1 Equipment (6) 2 Retracted (7) 3 Temptress (5) 5 Confound (7) 6 Gather (5) 7 Ridiculous (6) 9 Female deities (9) 13 Intention (7) 14 Quandary (7) 15 Encumbrance (6) 16 Pressed (6) 18 First appearance (5) 20 Divide by two (5)
Last week’s answer Across: 1 Gain, 3 Daughter, 9 Liaison, 10 Amass, 11 Dryad, 12 Absent, 14 Squash, 16 Hidden, 19 Canals, 21 Facet, 24 Jumbo, 25 Oarsman, 26 Redeemer, 27 Stye. Down: 1 Gold disc, 2 Italy, 4 Annual, 5 Grass, 6 Trained, 7 Ruse, 8 Asides, 13 Instance, 15 Unarmed, 17 Inform, 18 Ashore, 20 Alone, 22 Comet, 23 Ajar.
Ten-Minute Sudoku An easy Sudoku puzzle that should not take long to complete. The rules of Sudoku are simple. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Each row must contain one of each digit. So must each column and each 3x3 box. Answer next week.
Last week’s answers:
Knitting with a repurpose: Woman makes suit of plastic bags
No. 244
Greece, N.Y. (AP) - Rosa Ferrigno’s new suit takes recycling to an extreme - she knitted it from more than 300 plastic grocery bags. The 75-year-old woman from Greece in western New York whiled away the winter knitting a skirt and jacket from filmy brown bags scissored into thin strips that were tied together to make yarn. She lined it with cotton fabric. The finished garment is quite chic, with a tweedy look from green printing on the brown bags. Her daughter, Fran Bertalli, tells the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle that Ferrigno has been knitting and sewing since her childhood in Sicily. Last summer, Ferrigno saw someone’s purse made from repurposed plastic bags and started her own bag projects, making two purses before the suit. She says she does it just for fun.
Answers next week.
(Jamie Germano/Democrat & Chronicle via AP)
VOL. XXVII No. 15
VOL. XXVII No. 15
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FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019
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Oh No! It’s Songkran again!
I do not like Songkran. If it were one day it would be fun, but days of being soaked in icy cold water and white powder, is not. However, there is no getting away from the fact that Songkran is a festival you should photograph – even if it is only once! I will also admit that the first time I experienced this annual water throwing event, I too thought it was fun. Remember that the Thais talk about “playing” Songkran, not “celebrating” Songkran. By the way, despite what you may be told, this is not a uniquely ‘Thai’ festival, but one that is celebrated in many countries in SE Asia,
so if you want to flee go further than the immediate neighborhood! Since great volumes of water will be thrown this does offer some great photo opportunities, but unfortunately also presents some great opportunities to permanently damage your expensive electronic camera gear. As a visual spectacle it is definitely worth recording for posterity, but this should not be done at the expense of your camera equipment. As mentioned, this is a water festival, and cameras and thrown water (and powder and ice) do not mix. (For that matter, water throwing and alcohol do not mix either, which is just one of the reasons for the horrendous motorcycle death toll.) There are several ways around this problem. The first is to go all out and buy a Nikonos underwater camera at the cost of many thousands of baht. These are a
Dear Hillary, My Thai GF no sooner finishes eating than she’s ready to go again. She’s as thin as a rake, but eats all the time. Her mates are all just the same, finish one round and they’re ready for the next. It gets me, I go out after the third course. What’s the secret, Hillary? Is it something they learn at school? Wondering Dear Wondering, Is that “wondering” or “wandering” I wonder? What do you do between courses four and five? No, Petal, eating is more than just a meal for your Thai GF, it is a very social time when friends can get together and share the food. Yes, we learn that at school. That can occur at any time of day or night, but the food they eat, such as the favorite som tam is not high in sugar and calories, so that’s why your GF remains thin. The chilli also hurries the food through the system. As the TV program warns “Don’t try this at home!” The real som tum can be far too spicy for foreigners. Dear Hillary, I’ve been a bit of an idiot I think. Now I need your advice urgently, Hillary my Petal! I know I should have known better, after all I am not new to this country, but there I was at my usual bar and met this vision of loveliness. She spoke very little English but seems like a very genuine person and we got along just fine. She comes from Nongkai, but that’s about all I managed to find out about her after about four hours and several “lady drinks”. The biggest problem was only that she doesn’t speak much English, but we got by OK. By the end of the night I was pretty drunk and I ended up lending her 10,000 baht, which she was going to return three days later. It’s now a week later and I haven’t heard from her. What should I do? Should I go back to the bar and
wonderful underwater camera but for this instance – totally impractical, unless you want to stand at the side of the road in a full wet-suit! The second way is to purchase a fancy plastic underwater housing for your own camera. Now these can range in price, depending on complexity. Built like a perspex box to house your camera, you can operate all the adjustments from the outside. These are not cheap either, but the cheapest in the range is literally a plastic bag with a waterproof opening and a clear plastic section for the lens. You open it up and literally drop your camera inside it and seal the bag. These can be purchased from major photographic outlets and I did spot one in a photo-shop for B. 750. A third way is a waterproof disposable (yes, they do make them). Good for about three meters, so perfectly suitable for splashing water.
If you can’t get one of those, then even the ordinary cheap disposables are a better option than getting your good camera gear doused. I must admit to having dropped one of these overboard one day and the boatman jumped in and rescued it. It survived the dip and the final pictures were fine. But I do not recommend this! So now let’s get down to some serious photo
ask for my money? Should I keep going, or should I give up now before I get in too deep? Nelson Dear Nelson, You’ve got the telescope to the blind eye. Haven’t you! After four hours of lady drinks you give this “vision of loveliness” 10,000 baht. How were you communicating with your poor vision? It wasn’t English, according to you, so I presume it must have been in Braille. That is 10,000 baht you will never see again. But look at it this way – there is a very grateful buffalo up there in Nongkai, thinking about you. And by the way, I am not your Petal, Petal! Dear Hillary, I wrote to you before, a couple of years ago, and you were correct about my Thai GF. Well she’s gone now, and I should have listened to you earlier. This time I want to make sure I don’t get ripped off, like last time. This time I’ve taken my time and let the relationship build up slowly. She knows I’m not ready yet, but she always sits with me at the bar, and she tells me that she doesn’t go with any customers now we are steady. It feels good, Hillary, but what should I be doing next? Once bitten, twice shy as they say. Greg Dear Greg, What should you do now? Simple answer to that one, Petal. Run! Run away as fast and as far as you can. I went back through my files and you are doing exactly the same as last time. Cuddling up at the bar is not the basis of a good relationship. You are looking at hooking up with a “hooker”. How many times do I have to tell all you smitten chaps that the cuddles at the bar are part of their “work”
techniques to get that magic Songkran shot. Since you are trying to capture the movement of the water, a slow shutter speed will help. Hand-held you are probably not going to get down below 1/30th, but you could try some at 1/15th, it’s not impossible, especially if you are using a wide-angle lens. However, since you are trying to get far enough away to keep the camera dry, you
may be forced to use the longer lenses which means you cannot hand-hold at even 1/30th. The answer here is to find a good vantage point, some distance from the action, and use a tripod. If you are going down this route, then the best vantage point is a high one. First floor balconies get you high enough to escape the water, but not too high that you cannot get into the activity with a 150 mm lens or longer. Since you will be using a tripod, I would even set the shutter speed slower than 1/ 30th, and a few ‘experimental’ shots at 1/8th or even ¼ of a second are worth trying. Remember that some ‘blurring’ denotes motion in the final photograph, and at Songkran there is plenty of activity.Finally, you can always cheat by photographing through the windscreen of the car, as I did last year! “Chok di bi mai! May your camera stay dry!”
and not emotion. This time, listen more carefully! Dear Hillary, My Thai girlfriend is perfect in every way, but one. When we go out for a beer she gets very ‘teary’ after a round or two and rehashes all the bad things that have happened to her in the past. As far as I am concerned, what’s in the past is in the past, so let’s not cry over spilt milk, as they say. She sees it this way too, until she’s had a skinful and then it’s back to the tears again. This then means no nooky for me that night. Have you any ideas what I can do to get her over this? Greg Dear Greg, You men are all the same. Beer and sex, sex and beer. Don’t you think of anything else? Have you tried not plying her with drink? Beer is neither a stimulant or a muscle strengthener, but is a depressant and a muscle relaxer (ever heard of brewer’s droop). Neither of these items are good for your nocturnal pursuits, you know. Try sticking with soft drinks for the little lady – and a few for yourself won’t go astray either!
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
Fundraising Baan Jing Jai cyclists ride to Chiang Mai
Foundation president Rev. Surakit Kamonrat, Director Piangta Chumnoi and Wuthikorn Kamolchote, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien set the riders on their way March 31.
The cycling team leaves Bang Jing Jai Foundation heading to the Chonburi Christian Church and the Chonburi Night Market.
Jetsada Homklin A team of thirteen teachers, staff and youths from the Baan Jing Jai Foundation are cycling 900 kilometers to Chiang Mai to raise funds for the foundation. Foundation president Rev. Surakit Kamonrat, Director Piangta Chumnoy and Wuthikorn Kamolchote, president
Stopping for a rest at the Maitrichit Chinese Baptist Church in Bangplee before heading to Bangkok.
of the Rotary Club of Jomtien set the riders on their way March 31. The cyclists rode to the Chonburi Christian Church and Chonburi Night Market before resting at the Maitrichit Chinese Baptist Church in Bangplee before heading to Bangkok’s Church of Christ in Thailand. On Apr 2, the team stayed at Chai Saman Suphanburi
Christendom and continued traveling, aiming to make Chiang Mai by April 21. The cycling team has been collecting sponsors to raise money for construction of a multipurpose dome at Baan Jing Jai. Anyone wishing to sponsor the riders can contribute to Krungsri Bank account 6281-04300-9 or call Piangta at 084-614-4389.
Students honored for reading
PM praises Mae Fah Luang University for helping solve PM 2.5 problem
Banglamung District Chief Amnart Charoensri cuts the ribbon signifying the beginning of the event.
Jetsada Homklin
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha expresses his gratitude to Mae Fah Luang University.
The Prime Minister has expressed his admiration for Mae Fah Luang University which sent him a letter to propose ways to manage the PM 2.5 problem. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his gratitude to the university for taking part in solving this problem, saying that the government is willing to hear all useful proposals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior and the Governor of Chiang Rai are also ready to receive suggestions from the university.
The Prime Minister stressed that he found out on his visit to Chiang Mai on April 2 that the operation to solve the problem was effective. (Details of the operation were not made available.) National Health Security Office Deputy Secretary General Atthaphorn Limpanyaler, visited Chiang Mai to distribute N95 masks to novices and monks at Doi Saket Phadungsart School and students at Wat Pathum Sararam Child Care Center as well as the community in Moo 6, San Um village, Cheung Doi subdistrict, Doi Saket district,
Chiang Mai province, teaching them how to wear a face mask properly. He said the best way to protect themselves from the pollution is to wear a face mask all the time even when they are in their houses, and that the budget from the “Subdistrict Health Fund” can be used to buy N95 masks. According to information on the “National Health Security Fund” or “Gold Card”, the number of children aged 1-15 with a tendency to have a respiratory disease has increased each year. (NNT)
Pattaya-area students were honored for reading books at the finale of the Banglamung District of Learning Project. District Chief Amnart Charoensri chaired the March 31 ceremony at the Chalermrachakumaree Public Library held to honor HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on her 64th birthday. Anucha Pongkaseam, director of the Chonburi Nonformal Education Department and Prapit Nopprach, head of the Banglamung District office counterpart, presented certificates to students completing the reading campaign. The Banglamung: District of Learning project was begun to encourage the public
Anucha Pongkaseam, director of the Chonburi Nonformal Education Department and Prapit Nopprach, head of the Banglamung District office counterpart, presented certificates to students completing the reading campaign
to read and raise awareness among nonformal education students about the necessity of learning and promoting Thai culture.
Amnart said “learning happens everywhere” and enables people to have access to quality, interesting and a variety of learning materials.
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PATTAYA MAIL
Chaimongkol Temple fair mixes fun, faith
5-star hotels winning online war, hotels group tells members
(L to R) Pakamon Wongyai, THA-ER president, and VP Sanphet Suphabuansathien preside over the association’s monthly meeting at the Prima Wong Amat Hotel.
Jetsada Homklin How’s your aim? Dunk a girl for charity at the Chaimongkol fair.
Jetsada Homklin Faith and fun combined as Chaimongkol Temple hosted its annual pre-Songkran fair. Leaders of the Soi Khopai Community were among those making merit on the fourth night of the April 1-9 festival at the South Pattaya royal wat. They brought
flowers, incense and candles to make offerings to the monks. The fair was a mix of meritmaking and holiday-making, with food and game booths mixed among opportunities to offer robes to monks, refill oil lamps and lie down in a coffin to dispel bad luck. The temple fair continues nightly on South Road.
Youngsters are indoctrinated into Buddhism on the memorable rides.
Faith and fun combined as Chaimongkol Temple hosted its annual pre-Songkran fair.
Destination
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Five-star resorts increasingly are eating the lunch of lowerrated hotels due as online booking becomes the primary way to make reservations, the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Region told members. THA-ER Pakamon Wongyai presided over the monthly meeting at the Prima Wong Amat Hotel. They said big-name fivestar resorts are capturing more of the marketplace as online booking continues to take over the marketplace. However, THA officials said, it’s not because Chinese and other foreign tourists value five-star amenities
over those at four-star or lower-rated hotels. The reason the top-tier properties are getting more bookings is their established brand, such as Dusit Thani or Pullman. People trust that booking with such big-name hotels is safer than with brands they don’t know. In other business, Todsawan Lukitcharoenkul told the group that the number of Chinese tourists in Pattaya has dropped dramatically since Chinese New Year, but predicted they would return come high season. She added that free tourist visas available through April 30 is buoying Pattaya’s tourist numbers.
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14 FRIDAYAPRIL 12, 2019
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
The Happy Land
Felix Mendelssohn.
Great Britain is known more poetically and probably more accurately as The British Isles. There is probably no one alive (or dead, for that matter) who can name all the islands, because there are a staggering 6,289 of them. Admittedly, some of them are rather small. A long time ago when I was a spotty teenager, I used to live on one of them.
Perhaps this geographical curiosity has led to the rather insular character of many British people and why the BBC radio programme Desert Island Discs became so popular. It’s been broadcast weekly since 1942 and the signature tune is a piece called By the Sleepy Lagoon, by Eric Coates. Seagull cries were dubbed over the music to add a dash of local
colour until someone realized that seagulls live in the northern hemisphere and would be about as likely to appear on a desert island as a polar bear. The sound effect was dutifully changed to the squawking of tropical birds but this proved unpopular with the British listeners and the seagulls were reinstated, no doubt to their immense satisfaction. The eighteenth century English composer Benjamin Cooke was organist at Westminster Abbey and Master of the Abbey’s choristers for over thirty years. He wrote a song entitled Albion, thy sea-encircled isle. Albion as you may have forgotten (or possibly never knew), is the ancient name for what is now Great Britain. The words of the song paint a Utopian but somewhat unrealistic picture of what he described as a “happy land,” where “kind Nature sheds her genial showers to raise thy fruits and paint thy flowers.” Benjamin’s “Happy Land” has long been celebrated in music by many other composers. Purcell, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Bax, Elgar and Butterworth spring to mind. But these of course were British composers, so
it’s hardly surprising. Many composers of other nations have been inspired by the sights and sounds of Britain. At the age of twenty, Felix Mendelssohn paid a visit and it had a lasting impression.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847): Hebrides Overture. National Orchestra of France cond. Neeme Järvi (Duration 10:07; Video 480p) This concert overture is perhaps better known by the unlovely name Fingal’s Cave. The cave in question is a natural feature of the uninhabited Scottish island of Staffa, one of the smallest islands of the Inner Hebrides. Even in the nineteenth century, the cave was a tourist attraction because of its spectacular size and appearance. The eerie sounds produced inside by the echoes of waves gave it the atmosphere of a Neolithic cathedral. Jules Verne came to see it and so did William Wordsworth, John Keats, Alfred Lord Tennyson and J. M. Turner, who painted the cave in 1832. Even Queen Victoria made the trip. One is tempted to ask, who was Fingal? He was possibly
(or possibly wasn’t) a mythical hunter-warrior of Irish mythology who might (or might not) have lived in the third century. But why he chose to live in a cold damp cave is anyone’s guess. The cave was on Mendelssohn’s itine r a r y w h e n , i n t h e summer of 1829 he set out on a walking tour of Scotland with his friend Karl Klingemann. Mendelssohn sketched the opening theme of the overture which came to him while watching the waves. It was originally called Overture for a Lonely Isle, which seems to me rather more evocative than its eventual title. Nearly six hundred miles to the south are the Channel Islands, which although part of Britain, are actually closer to France. In 1904, Debussy spent some time on the island of Jersey.
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) L’isle joyeuse. Marc-André Hamelin (pno) (Duration: 05:32; Video: 1080 HD) This remarkable piece was originally inspired by a painting by Jean-Antoine Watteau in which a group of
merry-makers appear to be departing for the mythical Mediterranean island of Cythera, the supposed birthplace of the goddess Venus. Debussy uses the English spelling of “Isle” in the title rather than the French, almost certainly alluding to Jersey. The piece is full of lightness and grace, words that could equally apply to Watteau’s painting. The Catalan pianist Ricardo Viñes, who gave the first performance, said that it reminded him of Turner’s paintings. Strangely enough, Debussy was fascinated by the paintings of J. M. Turner and he’d studied them on a visit to London in 1902. Many of the features of Debussy’s mature musical style can be heard in this extended piano piece. Debussy himself admitted that the piece “is difficult to play”. That’s something of an understatement, because it’s a challenge just to play the notes in the right order at the right speed, let alone make any musical sense out of them. Canadian Marc-Andre Hamelin provides a dazzling performance, and this superb CBC video captures the excitement and magic.
To watch these YouTube videos, either use your Smartphone to read the QR codes or go to this article online, click on the “live” links and go direct to the videos. If you have a laptop, sound quality can be improved significantly by using headphones or external speakers.
‘Spearhead’ is a well-researched WWII tale Kim Curtis With his two previous books, journalist Adam Makos established himself as a meticulous researcher who’s equally adept at spinning a good, oldfashioned yarn. In “Spearhead,” he doesn’t venture far from what he does best. Again, he returns to World War II, but he follows men on the ground rather than in the skies. And, again, he finds a hidden hero worthy of highlighting. This time, it’s Clarence Smoyer, a gunner from a working-class family in industrial Pennsylvania. We follow Smoyer and the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Division’s Easy Company across the battlefields of Germany in 1944. In his third book, though, rather than speeding through the narrative’s twists and turns with nary a bump in the road, Makos regales readers with every detail of every firefight. For a
World War II aficionado, it will read like a dream, but to the average reader, it gets to be a bit tedious. That said, Makos’ writing remains strong and dramatic with passages like “The bark of German tank guns knifed the woods” and “As if the Germans had been listening, they suddenly cut their power. The hot engine hissed, then went silent.” And some of the strongest storytelling comes near the end when Smoyer, now well into his 80s, meets his German counterpart. The seminal battle of Smoyer’s service took place on the streets of Cologne where he faced off with an enemy tank, and two civilians trying to flee were killed. Smoyer had been haunted by their deaths all his life. Turns out, Gustav, the only surviving German tanker from that day, had been haunted, too. Their meeting in 2013 at a Cologne hotel bar is cinematic. (AP)
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‘Dumbo’ remake takes flight on its own charms Jake Coyle Los Angeles (AP) - The original “Dumbo” was released in the summer of 1941 while Germany was spreading across Europe and war was breaking out in the Pacific. Crafted as a simpler Disney fable after the more extravagant “Fantasia” disappointed at the box office, “Dumbo” — only 64 minutes in length — took flight just as far more chilling creations were taking to the air. Almost eight decades later, “Dumbo” is alight again in Tim Burton’s somber and sincere live-action remake of
the animated classic. Burton has refashioned “Dumbo” as a sepia-toned show-business parable tailored to more animal rights-sensitive times. “Dumbo” is the latest in a circus parade of Disney remakes (“The Lion King” and “Aladdin” are due out later this year) that brings classic characters into seemingly more real worlds with the aid of digital wizardry. None of them will overwhelm anyone by their necessity. Movies, after all, aren’t smart phones that require software updates. That said, Burton’s “Dumbo,” while inevitably lacking much of the magic of the original, has charms and melancholies of its own, starting, naturally, with the elephant in the room. Of all the CGI make-overs, this
This image shows Colin Farrell, Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins in a scene from “Dumbo.” (Disney via AP)
Dumbo is the most textured, sweetest and most soulful of creatures. Like the original, he doesn’t speak and trips over his floppy ears. Whether cowering at a new height or finding astonishment as he,
‘Fake’ Botticelli work turns out to be from artist’s studio London (AP) — Art experts in Britain have discovered that a painting long thought to be a fake Sandro Botticelli in fact came from the master’s own Florence workshop. After stripping back a century of yellowing varnish and surface dirt, conservators confirmed that “Madonna Of The Pomegranate” — a smaller version of the famous 1487 painting in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery — was “stylistically too similar to be an imitation.” The painting had been assumed to be a later copy because it’s different to the original in detail, and the thick yellow varnish had concealed the quality of the vivid reds, blues and golds. But Rachel Turnbull, a senior
English Heritage Conservator Rachel Turnbull completes the conservation of “Madonna of the Pomegranate”, a painting revealed as a rare example by the workshop of Sandro Botticelli in Florence. (Christopher Ison/English Heritage via AP)
conservator at the charity English Heritage, which cares for hundreds of historic sites, said that X-ray and infrared tests showed an under-drawing
Swedish superstars ABBA: New song later this year
Swedish pop group ABBA are pictured at the Dorchester Hotel in London in this file photo dated Nov. 5, 1982. (AP Photo/Dave Caulkin)
Copenhagen, Denmark (AP) — ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus says fans can expect a new song “in September or October” from the fourmember Swedish pop group that broke up 37 years ago. Ulvaeus told Denmark’s Ekstra Bladet tabloid that “it takes an extremely long time” to make the video with the avatars of the group members, adding “it has been delayed for too long.”
The band earlier said Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, AnniFrid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog reunited to plan a virtual tour featuring digital avatars, and that one of the two new songs is entitled “I Still Have Faith in You.” ABBA shot to fame by winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo,” and had big hits in the 1970s including “Dancing Queen” before splitting up in 1982.
and changes to the composition that’s uncommon in imitations. “It was of the right period, it was technically correct and it was painted on poplar, a material commonly used at the time,” she said. The circular painting, part of a collection bought by a diamond magnate, shows angels flanking Mary, who holds baby Christ and a pomegranate symbolizing his future suffering. Though small, it includes exquisite details and features gold leaf adorning Mary’s halo and the wings of the angels worshipping her. It is currently on display in Ranger’s House, a Georgian villa in southeastern London.
with a sneeze, is sent airborne, the digitally rendered Dumbo is one precious pachyderm. The film opens in 1919 on the heels of World War I. Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell, who has grown into the most sensitive and consistent of leading men) returns from war, minus an arm, to his two children, Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins). Though Dumbo endures separation from his mother in Burton’s film, the deeper grief in “Dumbo” has been transferred to the humans: The children’s mother died while Holt was away at war from an influenza that, as one character says, “hit like a hurricane.” Other things have changed, too. The traveling circus
where the Farriers make their home has fallen on hard times. Settling down in Joplin, Missouri, the camp is half its former size. Its owner, Max Medici (Danny DeVito, spectacular), has sold off the horses that Holt rode in his act. Medici sinks all his remaining money into an elephant that he hopes will revive the circus, only to feel swindled when she produces such a droopy-eared offspring, discovered at birth beneath a heap of hay. Of course, Dumbo’s stock rises once he does, too, and Medici’s suddenly sensational circus quickly attracts the interest of a much more big-league circus impresario, V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton, in a devilishly slick performance), who brings Medici’s whole circus to his Coney Island kingdom as a means, we immediately grasp, of luring Dumbo away and dispensing, like a vulture capitalist, with the rest. It’s a kind of reunion for Burton, Keaton and DeVito, who 27 years ago came together in “Batman Returns.” The film, starring a bird that couldn’t fly in DeVito’s Penguin, was like a wicked version of “Dumbo,” and similarly full of misfits and so-called freaks. “Dumbo” is naturally lighter terrain for Burton but for the first time
in years, the director — so long an expert at the proximity of fantasy and horror — seems at home. And he steers “Dumbo,” from a script by Ehren Kruger, toward a grand corporate satire as the big-city conglomerate tries to co-opt the genuine wonder of Dumbo and Medici’s traveling band. Greed and exploitation close in on them as the big-tent gets bigger. That such a story line should come in the biggest big-tent of them all, Disney (whose Disneyland isn’t so dissimilar to Vandevere’s Dreamland) is either an awkward or happy irony, depending on your level of cynicism. But it is wondrous when Dumbo takes flight. Burton’s camera feels genuinely mesmerized at his elephant’s magic act. The filmmaker’s recent films have been well outside his best work; it was his woeful “Alice in Wonderful” that kick-started much of the Disney live-action remakes. But when Dumbo soars, it’s clear that Burton is a believer, still, in the ability of a beautiful oddity to transcend. “Dumbo,” a Walt Disney Co. release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for peril/action, some thematic elements, and brief mild language. Running time: 112 minutes. Three stars out of four.
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
Two decades of waiting The bridge by day.
And by night.
Derek Franklin
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh joined Sumet on the bridge.
Life has all of a sudden become much easier.
London’s iconic Tower Bridge, complete with two towers and an engine room large enough to raise the bridge took eight years to complete. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge took a mere five years to build, but there is a new bridge in Pattaya that may not be as a fancy or as iconic, but has taken longer to build than both of those two famous bridges, put together. It all started twenty years ago when the Father Ray Foundation approached Pattaya City Hall and asked for a bridge on Sukhumvit Road, one with easy access for people with disabilities. Nothing too extravagant, just a normal bridge, but it would need one important addition. It would need an elevator on either side of the bridge big enough for a wheelchair. The main complex of the Foundation houses the Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, the Father Ray School for Children with Special Needs and the Father Ray Day Care. There
are also several hundred employees of private call centers located on the grounds of the Father Ray Foundation and all with a disability. With the new underpass and eight lanes of tarmac on Sukhumvit Road it is impossible to cross on foot, and yet for many years the Foundation’s request to successive local governments at City Hall for a bridge was turned down. The students and teachers protested to various local and national governments, both in Pattaya and Bangkok, until eventually the Ministry of Transport agreed to build the bridge. Sumet, Principal at the School for Children with Special Needs was the first to press the button to call the elevator and the first to be carried up to the bridge, move across and then down the other side. This bridge may not mean a lot of most people. But to someone using a wheelchair, or who has mobility problems, the elderly and those with children they now have access to all of Pattaya.
Sumet is the first user of the new elevator.
Now everyone has the ability to cross the road.
U.S. Navy pulls into Pattaya Urasin Khantaraphan USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet pulled into Pattaya for the first time in three years for some sailor R&R and naval networking. Nearly 1,000 sailors will rotate to take leave after arriving at Laem Chabang Port April 3. They were greeted by counterparts from the Royal Thai Navy, which provided currency exchange services, telephone SIM cards and rides into Pattaya. Capt. Eric J. Anduze said his crew is always impressed with Thai food and hospitality and are happy to be back. During the visit, 7th Fleet will host their counterparts for professional exchanges while the crew will have
Capt. Eric Anduze said h and his crew is always impressed with Thai food and hospitality and are happy to be back.
opportunities to explore the area during tours and community relations projects alongside local citizens. The 7th Fleet Band will play several public concerts in Bangkok and Pattaya.
“These visits are a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our relationship and build upon our historic this,” said Rear Adm. Ted LeClair, deputy commander U.S. 7th Fleet. “We’re looking
USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet pulled into Pattaya for the first time in three years for some sailor R&R and naval networking.
forward to a fruitful visit and successful staff talks that will benefit our navies and enhance regional security.” Before today, Blue Ridge had not visited Thailand since March 2016.
“The crew always enjoys opportunities to work handin-hand with our allies and it’s great to be back among friends in Thailand,” said Anduze. “With Thailand, the tradition of our Navy’s
presence here has given us a huge foundation to build upon. The work that we do with each other provides great benefits to both of our navies and our countries.” Many Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet sailors are looking forward to participating in community relations projects in port. “It’s exciting to see sailors sign up to volunteer their liberty time by helping others,” said Lt. James Hicks, Blue Ridge chaplain. “With so many of our sailors experiencing their first visit to Thailand, it would make sense they would want to relax and enjoy the nightlife, but they’re actually more interested in helping people and making a difference in every country we visit. It’s refreshing to see that.”
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PSC funds isolation huts for Glory Hut Foundation The Pattaya Sports Club funded the purchase of two isolation huts for AIDS patients at Nongprue’s Glory Hut Foundation. PSC President Pratheep S. Malhotra, Welfare Chairwoman Noi Emerson and GM Ingkarat Chaimomgkon presented 34,000 baht to hospice Director Pornsawan Kitpirak March 28 for the purchase of 2 isolation huts where patients in the end stages of AIDS can reside individually, or those taken in can be treated before joining the general population. Peter said, “The Pattaya Sports Club is privileged to be able to bring relief for some of the despairing patients afflicted with this dreadful disease. The HIV infected patients who are prevented from coming into contact with other patients are forced to live in isolation. We feel that they have the right to be treated with dignity and be given lots of love and care during this tragic period of their lives. This is the least we can do to help them.”
President Peter went on to say, “The Pattaya Sports Club whose objectives are not only to promote sports but also to support local charities, will monitor the needs of the Glory Hut Foundation and will further extend assistance to them when the need arises.” Pol. Lt. Col. Atipong Wuthwattanakul, deputy chief of Huay Yai Police who was invited to witness the presentation said that he was proud to be a part of the effort to help the shelter. “I commend the members of the Pattaya Sports Club who are attentive to the needs of the underprivileged and are ever willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. I wish more people in our community would do the same.” Pornsawan Kitpirak, Director of the Glory Hut Foundation said that 4 years ago Nongprue Sub-district launched its “Generosity for AIDS Patients” drive in response to a June 2014 vote by the Soi Chaiyapornvitee 29 community to force Glory
PSC President Peter Malhotra, accompanied by Social Welfare Chairwoman Noi Emerson, GM Ingkarat Chaimomgkon and Pol. Lt. Col. Atipong Wuthwattanakul, along with Huay Yai police officers and relevant others, witness the PSC donation of 34,000 baht to Glory Hut Foundation Director Pornsawan Kitpirak to buy 2 huts where patients with AIDs can recuperate.
Hut to leave the neighborhood, citing all manner of reasons, ranging from fear of children catching AIDS to sewage problems to claims of ghosts. The sub-district suggested the hospice move to the Tungkomtan-Man area of Moo 7 village but up to 5 million baht would be needed to acquire land, construct facilities
and relocate operations. Famed AIDS activist and monk Luang Phu Alongkot Dikkapanyo, abbot of Phra Baht Nam Phu Temple in Lopburi, led alms-giving ceremonies to raise funds for the relocation of the AIDS hospice evicted from its Pattaya neighborhood by the intolerant neighbors. Two temples helped
PSC holds Annual Founders Joint Committee Meeting
Nongprue sub-district raise more than 2.5 million baht to relocate the embattled AIDS hospice to a more-welcoming neighborhood with a robes-offering ceremony held on April 28, 2014. In all, 2.52 million baht was raised for the embattled shelter, leaving the charity only 800,000 baht short of its
5-million-baht goal to purchase new 2.2 rai of land on Soi 16 in Tungkomtan-Man area of Moo 7 village near Horseshoe Point. Eventually more funds were raised to buy land in Soi Huay Tanu-Tungkomtanman 18. A recuperation building was built for patients with AIDS called “Akan Ruam Nam Jai Ban Rak Puean”. Utilities and a waste treatment system were installed on the 2.5 rai land with an 11,500,000 baht budget. The mission of the foundation is to be the caring centre for patients with serious diseases. They provide accommodation, meals and medicine. Volunteers work closely with hospitals around the country in helping to cure patients suffering from body and spiritual illnesses. Most of the funds are received from charitable organisations and from the generous public. Patients are taught skills in handicrafts and arts so that they will feel useful and build their self-esteem.
Treasury Dept extends reservation period for royal commemorative coin
Pledging unwavering support for sports and charity Mike Johnston, the Founders Chair of the Pattaya Sports Club invited founder members, registered committee members and the Pattaya Sports Club Association executive committee to the annual Founders Reception at the Diana Garden Resort on 27 March 2019. Peter Malhotra, founder member and presently serving as the president of the Pattaya Sports Club Association (PSCA) and the executive committee said, “When we first started in 1979, a handful of us played golf, darts and bowling. Today our club has grown to more than 30,000 members with about 10,000 members still active throughout the year. “We are not only active in sports but are also very active in charity and community service and we are probably the largest group of benefactors amongst all the service and charity organizations in Pattaya.” Peter gave a brief history of the PSC from the early beginnings to the present day. He said that as the club grew so did membership until the founders in all their wisdom decided to apply for an association status. At the forefront of this mission was founder member Dick Caggiano. The application was approved and the Pattaya Sports Club Association was born on 15 May 1996.
Treasury Department Director General Amnuay Primanawong.
PSC Founder members, registered committee members and the Pattaya Sports Club Association executive committee attend the annual Founders Reception at the Diana Garden Resort.
“We are very fortunate to have the most prominent and respected citizens of Pattaya who had the foresight and envisioned the PSCA to be beneficial not only for sports and tourism in Pattaya, but also to play an active role in charity work, especially for the underprivileged children. They threw their trust and support for the PSCA by kindly agreeing to become the registered committee of the association,” Peter said. Amongst the registered committee members attending the Founders Reception were Sopin Thappajug, MD of the Diana Group and former Associate Judge of the Family and Youth Court of Chonburi; Nittaya Patimasongkroh, past president
of the YWCA and respected philanthropist, who has received the highest recognition from both the local and national authorities; Supatra Montgomery, champion bowler locally and nationally; Bjarne Nielsen, a long serving member of the club throughout the years; Egon Nielsen, golf pro and instructor; Nongyao Thongchan, proprietor of ‘The Courtyard’; and Pratheep Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail and past district governor of District 3340 Rotary International. Executive members present included John Player (Treasurer), Geoff Couch (Registrar), Jack Moseley (Golf Chairman), Noi Emmerson (Charity Chairperson), Mike Johnston (Founders Chair), Ingkarat Chaimongkon
(General Manager) and Nigel Cannon (Senior Advisor). The meeting was held in an atmosphere of fellowship and goodwill and various matters of concern were discussed. Peter spoke of each and every member of both committees and thanked them individually for their dedication and unswerving support of the club throughout the years and pledged that the PSCA would continue to work for the good of sports and charity in our communities. In closing, Nigel Cannon thanked Sopin Thappajug, the Diana Garden Resort and their staff for the warm hospitality afforded the PSC members and for arranging an exceptionally tasty dinner of Thai and international cuisine.
The Treasury Department has extended the reservation period for royal coronation commemorative coins from April 4 to May 10, 2019. Treasury Department Director General Amnuay Primanawong said the actual coin designs will not be disclosed until April 24. The Treasury will issue approx. five million coins in total. They consist of a maximum 50,000 polished gold coins of a 19,000-baht denomination and priced at 40,000 baht; 100,000 polished silver coins of 1,000-baht denomination and priced at 3,000 baht, and five million cupronickel coins of 20-baht denomination, priced at 20 baht. Commemorative medals have also been crafted to mark the occasion. They include a maximum 1,000 platinum medals priced at one million baht each, blackened
and sandblasted silver medals priced at 5,000 baht, blackened and sandblasted copper medals priced at 3,000 baht and medals with ribbon bands priced at 1,600 baht. All of them will be on sale from April 24. The commemorative coins will only be minted to meet pre-orders. The public can reserve the coins at Treasury offices throughout the country, Krung Thai Bank, Thailand Post and counter services. One person can purchase only one coin, and ID cards will be checked. They can then receive the coin at the place where they made the reservation or by mail, except for platinum commemorative coins which have to be collected at the place where the reservation was made. Thailand Post will start sending them out on June 1, 2019.
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PCEC welcomes back Tasana Nagavajara PCEC members gathered to welcome back Tasana Nagavajara who had visited the club one year ago. As then, he was in Pattaya to arrange a performance for some of the students from his Promusica group. Tasana loved the violin from an early age and learned to play. He was awarded a scholarship in 1989 to study in Europe. After he returned to Thailand, and as a teacher of music, 15 years ago he formed a small group with a desire to make classical music less “highbrow” and hence more enjoyable to the general public. Most pieces are shorter, venues may be unusual and programs creative and imaginative. In Sunday’s program Tasana presented groundbreaking music from Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony to Bohemian Rhapsody. On his violin, he played music originally designed to be played on several instruments. He showed us his notes, indicating how complicated the adaptation was, with much time involved. A bit of a “crazy idea”, he told
Rhapsodic playing from the maestro.
Ren in the interview after. It was considered an important landmark in the tradition between the classical period and the romantic era. There is interest in this now as a result of the popularity of the movie Bohemian Rhapsody featured in the Oscar
Awards. Bohemian Rhapsody was written by Freddie Mercury for Queen’s 1975 album A Night at the Opera. This six-minute suite consists of several sections (and unusually has no chorus): an intro, a ballad segment, an operatic passage, a hard rock part and a reflective coda. It was Queen’s most popular song and one of the greatest rock songs. When Tasana plays music written in the 18- or 1900s, he likes to look at what was behind the music and how it was written, what the musician thought and felt, and at the society of that time. He shared some of this in his presentation at the PCEC, i n c l u d i n g s o m e m y t hs
regarding Beethoven and Mozart as well as information about Queen and Freddy Mercury. He also showed some extracts of documents to show what an influence the music and musicians have had on him over the years. In his efforts to influence music in Thailand, he is in Pattaya this week preparing for a concert at Tiffany’s Theater. The group is primarily students (65) from his summer school, with the youngest 11 years of age. This school promotes sharing of music, bridging the divide between music and classical music. Tasana was presented with the Club’s Certificate of Appreciation, with Ren describing the performance as staggeringly beautiful.
Following the main topic, PCEC was shown the sustainable straw solution. Jackie introduced the company, Bamboo Sisters, who market reusable straws made by local people from bamboo. The company uses materials already growing and employs available people who are in need of work. With the increased concern about sustainability and excess use of plastics, these are a great find and so a number of members took advantage of the opportunity to buy some at the meeting. The straws come in two sizes and are available online at Facebook: Bamboo Sisters or at their website: www.BambooSisters.com. Inspiring. Be the change we want to see in the World. Bamboo Straws from Bamboo Sisters.
All smiles at the award ceremony.
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Articles For Sale/Rent
Please - Any unwanted items you have would be appreciated. (Eng) Rev Stephen 086 600 5682, (Thai) 0875 381 586
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. You will now be able to see all of Mike’s cartoons in FULL COLOUR. His 3 new Kindle 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!
Businesses for Sale or Rent
Articles/Services Wanted Aw01/01-52/ Missionary in Rayong sponsoring Little Duck Nursery needs help.
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Bop05/11-15/ For Sale: Operating bar and restaurant at lake Mapbrachan.Approx. 150sqm with pool table (recently refurbished), fully stocked, rent 13,000 Baht/ month (no key money): The price 850,000 Baht, is open to negotiation. E-Mail: chrohente@gmail.com Bop04/14-52/ Big Thai restaurant on busy Soi in Pratumnak; 52 seats, guest toilets, 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms, WiFi; 700,000 THB (298) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com Bop03/14-52/ Commercial shop located in VIEWTALAY condominium Jomtien Beach,
ground floor; business space 47sqm; 1 bathroom, terrace; WiFi; security 7/24h; parking for clients, 2,495,000 THB (246) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com Bop02/14-52/ Warehouse on Huay Yai Road, 4 big halls on 1.5 Rai (2,400sqm), 8 toilets, air-condition; perfect for all kind of business. 20,000,000 THB (331) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www.gopropertythailand.com
Notices No02/11-20/ 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. No01/11-20/ 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 Prb02/14-18/ Bungalow for Rent, one Bedroom, 2 Baths, living dinning pantry area
Pattaya Emergency Numbers Pattaya Call Center ................................ 1337 Police Station .......................................... 191 - Pattaya ................................................... 038 424 186 - Banglamung ......................................... 038 221 800-1 Highway Police ....................................... 038 392 001 Fire Brigade ............................................. 199 Pat. Int. Hopsital ..................................... 038 428 374-5 Bkk-Pat Hospital ..................................... 038 259 911 TAT Central Office: Region 3 Pattaya . 038 428 750 Tourist Police ......................................... 038 429 371, 1155 . .................................................................. 038 410 044 (FAX)
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unfurnished, in Soi Nernplubwan, Mabyailia 17 off Sukhumvit 53. 10 minutes from Pattaya Beach. Rent: 6,500 baht/month. More detail: 081-653-1950, E- mail: juanitareed@hotmail.com or Line ID: 081-653-1950 Prb01/09-22/ TOWNHOUSE, Off Soi Khaotalo, Like new, quiet, safe, two bedroom, one bathroom, patio, carport, Thai kitchen, air-conditioned, FULLYFURNUSHED,Guarded Subdivision, Communal Pool, One Year Lease Minimum, B9,500. Monthly, B19,000. Security Deposit. English, 087-805-5276
Condos, Apartments Prc218/10-19/ 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
Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb03/14-52/ New reformed City Villa in the heart of Pattaya; close to 3rd Road/ LK Hotel; walking distance to Soi Bokhao; 120sqm living space; land approx. 150sqm; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchen; fully furnished; 2 new Flat TVs; 3 aircons; big storeroom; garden, carport & parking; NO THROUGH ROAD- very quite; 3,950,000 THB (284) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www.gopropertythailand.com Psb02/14-52/ Luxury Pool Villa in Soi Siam Country Club, close to Mabprachan Reservoir, well maintained, fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 living room + dining area, air-condition, living space 320 sqm, land size 500 sqm, European kitchen, Thai kitchen, washing machine, salt water pool, Jacuzzi, electric gate, parking for 2 cars, community pool, 24h security; 5,900,000 THB, Rent 38,000 per month (348) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com Psb01/14-52/ House located on Thappraya Road, PattayaJomtien; land size 372sqm, living space 250sqm; fully furnished; 1 living room; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, European kitchen; garden; security 7/24h; community pool; parking; close 10 Baht Taxi Route, restaurants, bars, supermarket, laundry, 8,300,000 THB (281) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www.gopropertythailand.com
Condominiums Psc101/15-24/ Trust Residence Central Pattaya Condo: fully furnished wifi & swimming pool for sale: 1,250,000 (tax free) Tel. 086633-2948, 083-282-3984 Psc100/13-17/ Porchland Condo in Jomtien, Owner Sale: One bedroom, 48m2, 8th Floor, high quality. All included. 2.1 Million Baht. Info: 087 138 3523 Psc99/11-15/ Condo for sale 32sqm: 750,000 baht. Offer includes furniture, in a prime location. Contact 096 3979541
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Psc98/14-52/ Studio, close to TUCOM, City location; 46sqm; 2nd floor; fully furnished; living-bedroom; bathroom, kitchen; large balcony; 24/7 security; reception; community pool; car park; 1,050,000 THB; (286) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www.gopropertythailand.com Psc97/14-52/ Studio located close to Jomtien Beach Soi 7 and ‘Rhompo Night Market’,3rd floor; living space 47sqm; fully furnished; 1 living-bedroom; 1 bathroom, kitchenette; terrace; WiFi; security 7/24hrs; fitness gym; community pool; garage; restaurants, bars, supermarket, laundry; 1,600,000 THB;(248) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www.gopropertythailand.com Psc96/14-52/ Studio in Jomtien with sea views, 47sqm, Thappraya Road, 1 living-bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen; well maintained, 24h security; car parking, laundry, air-condition, fully furnished, big balcony, fitness gym, community pool, close to 10Baht Taxi Route, supermarket, bus station, massage shops, restaurants; 2,600,000 THB; (375) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com
cheap as you will find that the normal price in this area is 6 million per Rai for just open land. Tel. 086 101 1341 - Thai and English spoken. P04/11-15/ Land for sale, 118 Tarang-wah, location near Chaknok Lake. Contact 096 3979541 P03/14-52/ 4 Rai land located 45m along Sukhumvit Road, close NONG NOOCH BOTANIC GARDEN; total land size 4 Rai, 134sq-wah; 1 Rai solo: 35,000,000 THB, 4 Rai in total: 120,000,000 THB (321) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com P02/14-52/ 3,25 Rai land close Huay Yai Road with 600sqm big house 19,950,000 THB; GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com P01/14-52/ 1,150sqm land for sale in the town of Bang Saray, (288sqw), few minutes’ drive to the beach, can build up to 7 floors. 27,000,000 THB (329) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www. gopropertythailand.com
Land for Sale
Sp05/15/ PLANS DRAWN: Residential – Commercial Industrial. Tel. 085-083-4221
P05/14-18/ If you are looking for the perfect building plot to build your dream home then this is it! It is a fraction under half a Rai, fully walled with more blocks used than will be used to build your home and in an exclusive private estate. Access is through an electronic gate to a private a road with drainage already installed. 3phase electricity is also installed and ready to be connected. There is nothing more to be spent except to build your dream home. Price is 3 million Baht. This is
Services Provided Vehicles for Sale/Rent Vc01/14-18/ For Sale: BMW 320d GT Sport (Automatic) sedan: 2.0 million baht (o.n.o.). Year 2014, mileage not over 49,500km, excellent condition, well maintained & Serviced at BMW, Mag Rims & Kumho tyres, include spares 4 sets original BMW Mag Rims & Run-Flat tyres. Call Christine on 081-996-0708 (English)
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Wig-inspired Masa takes the win PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society Monday, April 1, Laem Chabang Stableford A Flight (0-14) 1st Barry Wellings (5) 41pts 2nd Derek Hutch (13) 37pts 3rd Les Cobban (8) 37pts 4th Paul Durkan (6) 37pts 5th Paul Smith (4) 35pts 6th Richard Fearby (2) 34pts B Flight (15+) 1st Neils-Peter Kristensen (21) 38pts 2nd Donal McGuigan (20) 33pts 3rd John Chelo (19) 32pts 4th Tony Browne (17) 31pts 5th Bobby Lloyd (16) 31pts 6th Darren Beavers (16) 30pts Laem Chabang Golf Club has wasted no time in re-introducing the great Monday Sports Day Special of 2059 baht all in, and Links golfers have wasted no time in signing up to get there. Forty six players comprised the final starting line-up and the first group hit off right on our allotted tee time of 10.00am under warm, slightly overcast conditions. It was decided to play just two flights with six places in each, plus best nines and near pins. The course played long today, even off the white tees, and many found it tough going with some lowly scores after the A nine, and the C nine considered much more challenging. We hadn’t seen him for a while but Barry Wellings announced his return by firing the best score of the day, 41 points from his 5 h/cap
Masa Sugaya (right) with Barry Wellings.
(72 gross) and thoroughly deserved the chance to don the Green Jacket. Newcomer Derek Hutch held out Les Cobban and Paul Durkan on countback at 37 points, then came Paul Smith with 35 points, another newby, Richard Fearby, won a four-way countback on 34 points for sixth place. On previous visits, NielsPeter Kristensen was a “wig” wearer more than once, but this time he ran away with first place, scoring 38 points. Donal McGuigan was happy to take second spot with 33 points, John Chelo took third with 32 and Tony Browne was shaking his head to be handed fourth prize with only 31 points, beating Bobby Lloyd on countback. Occupying the final spot was Darren Beavers on 30 points. Near pins went to Barry Wellings (A7) and (C8),
George Mueller (A2), Paul Lanzetta (C5) Consolation best nines awards went to Francis McGuigan and Mike Firkin.
Wednesday, April 3, Bangpra - Stableford A Flight (0-14) 1st Wayne Peppernell (14) 38pts 2nd Les Cobban (9) 37pts 3rd Petur Peturssen (6) 37pts 4th Gerner Lykke (14) 37pts B Flight (15+) 1st Banjo Bannister (16) 36pts 2nd Mickey Tighe (33) 33pts 3rd Greg Gawron (19) 33pts 4th Jesper Hansen (16) 31pts The Bangpra course was in good condition today and the greens were much better than expected, even though they were very “grainy” with slow uphill putts and the need to apply the brakes putting down to the pin. The field of thirty-two golfers got underway earlier than booked and the course was
Wayne Peppernell (center) with Bart Bingham (left) and Paul Stewart.
relatively empty. In the top flight only one point separated the top four golfers with countback inevitably being used. Thus fourth place went to Danish golfer Gerner Lykke on 37 points with Petur Peturssen holding down third on the same score, leaving Les Cobban in second by virtue of his better back nine. The winner on 38 points was Wayne Peppernell and it was fitting that the PLGS “Captain” took the Green Jacket for a fine performance. The second flight was almost as close with fourth place going to Jesper Hansen on his return with 31 points, a couple behind Greg Gawron on 33. In second place was a delighted Micky Tighe who took the honours from Greg on countback. The flight winner was Richard “Banjo” Bannister who was also making a return visit and his
solid golf pedigree gave him a winning score of 36 points. Near pins went to Barry Wellings (2, 8), Pete Seil (12) and George Muller (17) on a day when the shortest par three was about 170 yards. The best front-nine consolation prize went to Ryan Thomas (19 points) and compatriot Tip Briney took the back-nine award with 18 points.
Friday, April 5, Khao Kheow Stableford A Flight (0-16) 1st Barry Wellings (5) 37pts 2nd Paul Smith (4) 36pts 3rd Paul Greaves (16) 35pts 4th Les Cobban (9) 35pts B Flight (17+) 1st Masa Sugaya (21) 37pts 2nd Niels-Peter Kristensen (21) 33pts 3rd Greg Gawron (19) 33pts 4th Adam Barton (17) 32pts
It’s been said before that, love it or hate it, the “wig” at Links Golf provides great incentive to make an improvement to your game in order stay clear of it. Masa Sugaya looked sheepish and not amused when he wore it on Monday. By Friday he was wearing the Green Jacket as having the best score of the day, on countback. Masa not only won the B flight, scoring 37 points, but had a four-point buffer to second placed Niels-Peter Kristensen who continued his good form to beat Greg Gawron on countback at 33 points each. Adam Barton, in a rare appearance due to work, held down fourth spot on 32 points. On the same day that Masa wore the “wig”, Barry Wellings wore the Green Jacket and would have again today if not beaten on countback, by Masa. Barry had 37 points to win A flight by one point from Paul Smith on 36 points. Paul Greaves (16) snuck between all the single figure handicappers scoring a solid 35 points in beating Les Cobban on countback Near pins went to Paul Chesney (A3), Phil Davies (A5), Paul Smith (B3), Tom Herrington (B8) and consolation awards for best nines were claimed by Petur Petursson and Richard Fearby.
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‘Kissy’ cleans up at King Naga PSC Golf from the Growling Swan Monday, April 1, Eastern Star Stableford
Keith Buchanan (from left) with Lorraine Percy and Tommy Gress.
1st Keith Buchanan (14) 37pts 2nd Mashi Kaneta (15) 37pts 3rd Gordon Clegg (25) 35pts Near Pins: Steve Younger, Mashi Kaneta, Gordon Clegg, Alex Field. Long Putts: Wan Makmul. Not a big field yet again, just eleven, but that did not dampen the spirit of our golfers as Eastern Star was our venue today. The course was in good shape (as it always is) and even better it was not too busy.
The numbers gave us the opportunity to play a solitary flight with all the novelties in play. Keith Buchanan and Mashi Kaneta both made it back to the club house with thirty seven points. Calling upon our countback system it was Kissy, with the better back nine, who got the nod over the unlucky Mashi. Three players all returned with the same score of 35 points, vying for the third and final spot on the podium and it was Gordon Clegg that took it ahead of Mark Stapleton and Steve Younger.
Thursday, April 4, King Naga Stableford We had just eight golfers today for the challenge of King Naga Golf Club. The course was in good condition considering the lack of rain here and there was plenty of run on the fairways. The bunkers were clean and raked but the greens seemed a little slower than normal. At Bt. 1090 all in, that is not a bad price. Again we played just the one flight with only first past the post to collect. Keith
‘Kissy’ Buchanan cleaned up today, returning to the club house with a fine 43 points and also taking three out of four near pin prizes, Den Steele getting the other. Not content with that, Keith claimed a long putt award on the 18th hole, with Lorraine Percy taking the other on the 9th. Worthy of a mention, Tommy Gress scored 41 points today, by far the best he has had, but it still wasn’t enough to upstage Keith. Well done Tom, the handicapper is going to get you!
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Kim scores a hat-trick Traveller’s Rest Golf Group attention of the handicap committee, who quickly nobbled him a few shots after his 2 wins so far in the week and he went from 17 to 14 but he wasn’t finished yet!
Monday, April 1, Silky Oak Stableford 1st Neil Wilkinson (11) 38pts 2nd Gerrard Shannon (12) 37pts 3rd Chris Cummins (8) 36pts The practice of April fool’s day began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters told the Roman Emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be the king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for the absurdity on that day and the custom that we now know as April fool’s day was born. Step forward to today and as the jesters were out entertaining the crowds, one jester (but certainly nobody’s fool) stood proud amongst his peers at Silky Oak. Neil Wilkinson played a consistent round and brought home the bacon with a very impressive 38 points.
Tuesday, April 2, Pattavia – Stableford 1st Kim Min-Ho (17) 38pts 2nd Rob Herald (18) 36pts 3rd Kevin Labar (12) 36pts As we all know, you can’t smash the ball when putting on the greens at Pattavia,
Friday, April 5, Burapha – Stableford
Gerrard Shannon.
not even on an uphill putt. The person who best negotiated the greens was always going to be the winner and today it was Kim Min-Ho who did just that as his 38 points saw him finish in the number one position.
Wednesday, April 3, Greenwood – Stableford
Neil Wilkinson.
shot an incredible 43 points. When the results were handed to the committee they found copious amounts of Cialis, Viagra, Black Ant, Camagra and some traces San Miguel Light but nothing untoward and he was cleared to take his place on the podium.
Thursday, April 4, st 1 Gerrard Shannon (12) 43pts Phoenix – Stableford
2nd Se Joon-Park (10) 39pts 3rd Stephen Croker (13) 37pts Today’s winner Gerrard Shannon was ordered to undergo a blood test for performance enhancing drugs after he
1st Kim Min-Ho (17) 42pts 2nd Shigeki Toyoshima (18) 36pts 3rd Don Hawkins (15) 36pts With the Hong Kong boys having left town the way
was clear for someone else to step up to the plate and Kim Min-Ho was a serious contender to attract the attention of the Paparazzi. He posted a brilliant score of 42 points to take out the number one spot and roused the
Division 1 1st Kim Min-Ho (14) 42pts 2nd Paul Shepard (07) 39pts 3rd Peter Park (5) 39pts Division 2 1st Eun Suk-Choi (17) 41pts 2nd Masao Ishikawa (16) 38pts 3rd Peter Williamson (15) 35pts Off his brand new handicap, Kim Min-Ho posted another round of 42 points to win the top flight, and if he continues this form it won’t be long before he is a single figure golfer. In division two the winning score was just as good as Eun
Suk-Choi smashed a 41pointer to take out the number one spot.
Saturday, April 6, Treasure Hill – Stableford 1st Yasuyuki Kikukawa (15) 35pts 2nd Billy Allan (21) 31pts 3rd Ron Hulen (16) 29pts We finished the week with a trip up the 331 and headed for Treasure Hill. With only a small field the opportunity of a win was greatly improved as most of the sensible people were heading out of town to escape Songkran. Taking full advantage of the low numbers was Yasuyuki Kikukawa whose 35 points eclipsed the rest of the field and was one of only two players who shot 30 plus, the other being “Our Billy”.
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Willy heads the field at Emerald The Jomtien Golf Society
Chapo back on top PSC Golf from the Billabong Golf Bar Monday, April 1, Phoenix Gold - Stableford
Mike Lindo, Bob Poole and Martin Grimoldby.
Phoenix on Monday and we played the Lake and Ocean loops on what seemed to be a virtually empty course. The scoring was very good with both Graham Beaumont and John Anderson scoring 34 points, John missing out in the prizes and Graham taking third spot on the podium. In second was Jack Piercefield with 35 points, and the winner was Sandy Chapo with a fine 37-pointer for his first win in what seems like a long while.
Monday, April 1, The Emerald - Stableford
Wednesday, April 3, Silky Oak - Stableford There was a ladies professional tournament being held on Green Valley today so we were bumped across to Silky Oak. Whilst the course was in great condition the greens were a tad on the slow side. The scoring was unbelievable with 2 golfers thinking 38 points might win the day. Not so, as there was a countback on 40 points that saw Sasicha just edge Nipper Truscott at the post with 22 points on the back nine to his 21 to claim second. Peter Thomas took the top spot with 41 points. There were four 2s, coming from Arch Armstrong, Nipper Truscott, Miss May and Peter Thomas.
Friday, April 5, Burapha - Stableford There was a time when we played the blue tees for A and B courses at Burpha but those days are gone for we have grown older and a lot of us don’t hit the ball so good anymore.
Sandy Chapo (right) with Sasicha.
The course was in great condition with greens that as usual were holding nicely and lush fairways also. With just 4 groups playing it was a pleasant round of golf with few hold ups but it was hot out there. A countback was need for the minor podium places, with Thiery Petrement taking third ahead of the unlucky Nipper Truscott, both with 33 points overall. Gerard Lambert was second today with 34 points and Gary Ritchie, playing to his 8 handicap, scored a fine 36 points to claim top spot. There was only one 2, going to Sandy Chapo.
A few cancellations overnight and we were down to only one division today at The Emerald course. Willy Van Heetvelde was the winner with a best of the day 38 points, three ahead of Per Forsberg in second on 35 while Paul Butler took third on 34. Bob Comartin beat Paul Young on a 16/15 back nine countback for fourth place after two 30-pointers were returned. Bob Comartin and Per Forsberg were the winners in division 1 for the near pin awards and in division 2 Willy Van Heetvelde took the prize. Bob Comartin birdied the 5th and Mark Cooper the 15th for the only 2s of the day.
Wednesday, April 3, Greenwood Stableford We were allocated the B and C nines today at Greenwood. There were two divisions out today off the
white tees and we just finished the round as the dark clouds moved in and on the way home torrential rain came down for at least 20 minutes. John Carlin returned the best score of the day, winning division 2 with 37 points. Leo Adam came in second one point behind John while Paul Young took third with 35. Bristol boy Bob Poole topped division 1 with 35 points, Neil Gamble was second on 33 and Bob Comartin came in third with 32. There were eight near pin prizes up for grabs today in the two divisions but only three winners. Martin Grimoldby was the sole winner in division 1 on B5 and in division 2 Rick Assi on B5 and Mike Lindo on C6. Neil Gamble recorded a 2 on B5 while in division 2 there was another rollover.
Friday, April 5, Eastern Star - Stableford There were no groups in front of us as we teed off 20
John Carlin.
minutes ahead of schedule at Eastern Star today with two divisions out. The Canadian boy Bob Comartin recorded the best score of the day, winning division 1 with 37 points while Per Forsberg with a 18/15 back-nine countback beat Richard Goodwyn for second after they both came in with 32 points overall. In fourth place was Nik Evans on 30. Paul Butler topped division 2 with 33 points, Tony Thorne was second one point behind, Frank Kelly placed third with 31 and in fourth place Mike Lindo beat Dicky Bates on countback after they both returned scores of 30 points each. Near pins went to (Div 1) Bob Comartin, Nik Evans, Richard Goodwyn and Glen Perkinson, and (Div 2) Frank Kelly. In the 2s today Bob Comartin with a six-foot putt birdied the 3rd with two rollovers and in division 2 there are now five rollovers.
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Caulfield stands tall at Green Valley The Tara Court Golf Society Sunday, March 31, Green Valley Stableford Still a good group out here today in Green Valley with enough for three flights and the cut for the A flight at thirteen, B flight at twenty one and C flight above that. While we found the course in reasonable condition and the greens much faster than usual, our scoring wasn’t great. Maybe it was the fast greens which caught most of us out as we had only one golfer who managed to beat his handicap today. This was Nick Caulfield (H/cap 7) who was a very clear winner of the A flight with thirty eight points. A distant second was Shaun Merriman (10) on thirty four and Craig Hitchens (12) came third with thirty three. When we called out the winners of the C flight and Ken Hole (21) wasn’t mentioned, he thought we had forgotten him but not only was he good enough to be in the B flight, he was also good enough to win it with a steady thirty four points. Paul Butler (17) came second with thirty, winning a countback over Kevin O’Sullivan (14). The scoring in the C flight was much poorer and here Joe Peters (24) was once again the winner with thirty one points. Ted Murphy (25)
Thursday, April 4, Burapha - Stableford
Ken Hole.
was playing his last game for this year and he was flying on the front nine with nineteen points, but then the wheels fell off and he had only nine points on the back but his twenty eight points was actually good enough for second place. No one was more surprised than Gerry Hughes (22) to hear that he had got the third place with twenty four points. We had no 2s, which is unusual here.
Tuesday, April 2, Pattavia - Stableford Our regular monthly visit to Pattavia today and a smaller field required only 1 division. The course as al-
Shaun Merriman.
ways was in great condition and the greens were slower than normal. A brief shower (downpour for the last group) near the finish of the round sent one group back to the clubhouse, but all others carried on and finished. Playing his last game on this trip, top spot went to Rocky Hudson (18) on countback over Greg Thomas (10), both with 35 points. Also playing his last game on this trip, Nick Caulfield (7) was third with 33 points while fourth place was also decided on C/B with Shaun Merriman (10) taking the prize over Craig Hitchens (12), both locked on 32 points.
Lasonder on fire at King Naga PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya
Only one player had a 2 today and taking all the money was Craig Robson.
This was our first visit of the year to Burapha and this will be our regular Thursday venue now while the Sport Days last for the next six months. The course was in magnificent condition, a lesson to some of the other courses on how they can and should be maintained. We played the A & B nines and had two flights with the cut for the A flight coming in at thirteen. Some good scores in both flights but the best score of the day came in the B flight, which Donal McGuigan (16) won with an excellent thirty eight points. In second place was Ken
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Griffin fast out of the blocks PSC Golf from The Bunker Boys Monday, April 1, Pattavia – Stableford 1st Neil Griffin (25) 38pts 2nd Brett Chan (17) 35pts 3rd Tony Robbins (19) 35pts Pattavia is probably in the best condition of any of the courses locally and represents good value with low season green and caddie fee. A good field of thirteen made the effort as it was the last games of this tour for Takeshi Hakozaki, Brett Chan, and Raleigh Gosney, all returning to their home countries. Neil Griffin set a cracking pace on the front nine with twenty-four points before throwing out an anchor and ending with thirtyeight points in first place. Brett Chan in his first visit for two years made his first appearance in the winners’ circle with thirtyfive points in second place, beating Tony Robbins into third on countback. Only two near pins were claimed and one involved a remarkable piece of skill. Jimmy Carr on the third par three hit his ball no more than one foot off the ground, it quickly came back to earth bouncing every which way, narrowly avoiding the gully in front of the green and rolled up to within two feet of the pin!
Wednesday, April 3, Pattana B & C – Stableford
Neil Harvey (from left), Willem Lasonder and Sam Gettinby.
Tuesday, April 2, King Naga Stableford On Tuesday we went to King Naga and found the course in reasonable condition, and although there were some bare spots next to the fairways the dry conditions were good for some extra roll. Willem Lasonder was in good form today and won
with 41 stableford points. In second place came Sam Gettinby on 35 points and taking third was Neil Harvey with 33. The near pins went to Paddy Devereux and Andy Nesbit.
Thursday, April 4, Burapha - Stableford Burapha was our venue on Thursday, where we played the A & B course which was
in good condition with nice fairways and good greens. We had nice sunny weather but is was perhaps a bit too hot. Andy Nesbit, in his last game this holiday, played a solid round and won with 36 points, just ahead of Ty Anderson on 35. Completing the podium in third was Sam Gettinby with 32 points. The near pins were claimed by Andy Nesbit and Rosaleen Garvey.
Hole (21) who made his second visit to the podium this week, this time with thirty five points. We then had three players with thirty two points and here Bernie Stafford won the countback to take the third place ahead of Joe McArdle and Ted Morris. In the A flight Shaun Merriman (10) was the winner with thirty seven points and we then had four players with thirty four points where the countback saw Daryl Burkett (13) get second place, Pete Seil (6) third and both Joe Nagle and Ryan Thomas lost out. We had three 2s today, from Pat Carty, Shaun Merriman and Francis McGuigan.
1st Stuart Brown (10) 35pts 2nd Geoff Parker (16) 35pts 3rd Ken Hopkins (12) 31pts Low season pricing means this fine course is now back on our playing roster. We were allocated the B & C nines and as expected the ‘pick, clean, and place’ rule was applied. Our optimism about finishing dry all changed on the twelfth tee when the lightning became frightening and the rain tumbled down, requiring an hour-long stay in the nearest drinks station. By the time it stopped raining and the lightning disappeared our first group had decided to pull up stumps and walked back to the clubhouse. There they met our second group about to tee off on the tenth so back they went to the twelfth to continue the round which all finished with the exception of Jimmy Carr, who by this time was in the shower. In his first game with us for some time Stuart Brown ousted Geoff Parker from first place on countback with newly arrived Ken Hopkins taking third place. Ken also took a near pin as well as Peter Kelly with Stuart Brown taking two. Yet another last game of
Neil Griffin.
the season, this time it was the turn of Rocky Ishi who returns to Japan.
Friday, April 5, Bangpra – Stableford 1st Geoff Cox (17) 37pts 2nd Alan Sullivan (14) 36pts 3rd Geoff Parker (16) 34pts A bright sunny day lured out eleven golfers for our end of week game at Bangpra. Following some recent criticism in regard to the state of the course, it was nice to see that management took note as today the layout was in very nice condition. In particular the bunkers, which were very shabby last time, were well groomed today, the fairways recently mowed and the greens were nice to putt on without being ridiculously fast as they sometimes can be. Most courses will now start to improve as monsoon rain will green them up nicely. Geoff Cox took the honors today with a well compiled thirty-seven points. The everconsistent Alan Sullivan took second one stroke adrift while Geoff Parker rounded out the scoring with a score of thirty-four points. Near pins went to Ken Hopkins, Alan Sullivan, Geoff Cox and Gerry Cooney. One week to go before most golfers depart Pattaya for various upcountry trips to get away from the madness of Songkran. The Bunker Boys will return to Khao Yai this year to play Forest Hills (Sir James), Khao Yai Country Club, Kirimaya, and Mountain Creek, with a possible game at Lotus Valley or Royal Hills on the way back to Pattaya.
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Sullivan stars at Pattana PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, April 2, Pattana – Stableford This Tuesday twenty-one Tropical Golfers headed out to Pattana, always one of our favorite stops. Pattana was in its usual excellent condition, the only caveat being some of the fairways showed sparse patches unusual for this course. Because of the recent rains the rough was rather “sticky” and greens held lofted approach shots well. Alan Sullivan posted a magnificent 40 points off a respectable 14 handicap to win the A Flight, just ahead
of Andre Van Dyk on 39 and Brian Parish with 36. In B-Flight (18-23), Mick Coghlan came out on top with 39 points, Graham Buckingham was second on 38 and Dave Cooper was a further point back in third. There were lower scores in the C-Flight (24+) where Henry Wong took the win with just 30 points ahead of Roy Dayton and Don Carmody, both with 27. Best nines by non-winners came from Mashi Kaneta, Walter Baechli, Barry Elphick.
countback over Dave Cooper (23), both with 32 points. Carole Kubicki (22) took third place with 30 points. Graham Buckingham had the top ninehole score with 16 points. In the C flight (24 and up),
Gordon Clegg (25) took first with only 31 points, Karen Brown (29) was second on 30 and Barry Elphick (28) claimed third with 28. Roy Dayton had the best ninehole score with 17 points.
Rob Brown, Kae Dayton & Gordon Clegg.
Friday, April 5, Eastern Star – Stableford The Eastern Star website boasts of “65 bunkers, 11 lakes and more than 2,200 coconut palm trees”. We weren’t counting but there is definitely more than enough trouble to keep this course interesting. Only Rob Brown was able to score better than his handicap today, with 39 stableford points. Tropical Golf had not
played here for a few months, and we were happy to find the locker room renovation has been completed, and is a nice improvement. As stated, top spot in A flight (0–16) went to Rob Brown while in second was Brian Parish (13), with 34 and John Davis (11) claimed third with 28. Andre Van Dyk had the top nine-hole score among non-placers with 16 points. The B flight, (17–23) winner was Kae Dayton (23) on
Alan Sullivan & Mick Coghlan.
DATE:
PSC
FRI 12
SAT 13
SUN 14
MON 15
TUE 16
WED 17
THU 18
FRI 19
The next PSC monthly tournament is a 2-person scramble on May 16 at Phoenix Golf Golf Club
Apple’s Irish
Greenwood
TBA
TBA
TBA
Bunker Boys
Khao Kheow
Crystal Bay
Khao Yai Tour
No Game
Cafe Kronborg Colin’s Golf
TBA Pleasant Valley
Green Valley
Growling Swan Billabong Golf Le Katai
TBA
Crystal Bay
Burapha
TBA Burapha
Phoenix
Pleasant Valley
Crystal Bay
Treasure Hill
Greenwood
No Game TBA
Green Valley Mt. Shadow
Eastern Star
Burapha Plutaluang
Lewinski’s The Links
Pattaya C.C.
I Rovers Retox Game On
Pattana Treasure Hill
Hua Hin Trip
Siam Country Sugar Shack Harry’s Golf The Golf Club
No Game
Pleasant Valley
Pattavia
TBA
TBA
Silky Oak
TBA
The Players Lounge
Hua Hin Trip
Hua Hin Trip
Hua Hin Trip
Pleasant Valley
Treasure Hill
Pleasant Valley
Eastern Star TBA
TBA
Hua Hin Trip
TBA TBA
TBA
Green Valley
Tropical Golf
Greenwood
Valley View Hackers
Green Valley
TBA Green Valley
TBA Green Valley
Green Valley
The Bunker Boys meet at Woody’s Bar on Soi Skaw Beach for golf outings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (www.bunkersociety.com) or call 094368 3580, 081 788 2338 or 087 693 7803. 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. Retox Golf – Tel. (Paul) 0923744276, Email retoxgolf@gmail.com
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
Thousands hit the streets to aid Banglamung bedridden Urasin Khantaraphan
Big smiles at the finish line.
A volunteer nurse offers encouragement to a young athlete.
Banglamung and the Village Health Volunteer Club hosted a charity run to help bedridden patients. Banglamung District Chief Amnart Charoensri opened the April 1 charity run that drew 2,700 people at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium on Chaiyapruek Road 2. Participants ran from the stadium past Chaknok Reservoir, Chaknok Public Park, the bridge over Highway 7, and through the Pattaya “tree tunnel”. There were various brackets including runs of five-, 10-, and 21-kilometers, plus a short “VIP” job with application fees ranging from 400-1,000 baht. Participants received tshirts and trophies depending on their finish with the 10- and 21-km. race winners taking home 3,000 and 5,000 baht, respectively. After their runs, participants could shop at booths offering clothes, foods, and drinks. Proceeds from the event will go to the Banglamung Public Health Department to help chronically ill people in the district. (Photos courtesy of Banglmung Charity Run 2019)
Exuberant athletes celebrate completing the course.
Runners pose with their hard earned trophies.
Great camaraderie was on show throughout the day.
Athletes of all ages did their bit to aid the charity drive.
Runners had great fun out on the course.
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Jin Young Ko wins ANA Fiji wins record 5th straight Inspiration for first major title Hong Kong Sevens John Nicholson
Fiji’s team celebrates after winning the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament against France in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Hong Kong (AP) — Fiji extended its record winning run in Hong Kong Sevens rugby to a fifth successive title after beating France 217 in the final last Sunday. Fiji led 14-0 at halftime after tries by Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba. But they were challenged after the break when France received a penalty try and Josua Vakurinabili was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle that prevented Gabin Villiere from scoring. France, appearing in a second
straight world series final for the first time, saw its advantage last briefly, as Tavite Veredamu was deemed guilty of the same infringement on Paula Dranisinukula to make it six on six. Tuimaba made the most of the extra space to score again in front of the sellout crowd and seal the result. Fiji has won seven of the last eight finals in Hong Kong, the biggest annual sevens event. Fiji beat Argentina 29-24 in the quarterfinals and disposed of world series leader
the United States 28-19 in the semifinals. The win lifted Fiji above New Zealand to second in the series standings, seven points behind the U.S. with three rounds to go. South Africa was fourth. The top four at the end of the series qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. France beat New Zealand 14-12 in the quarterfinals, and topped Samoa 19-12 in the semifinals to reach its first Hong Kong final. The series moves to Singapore this coming weekend.
Tiger Roll 1st back-to-back Grand National champ in 45 years
Rancho Mirage, Calif. (AP) — Jin Young Ko won the ANA Inspiration for her first major title, celebrated with the traditional winner’s leap into Poppie’s Pond and will jump to No. 1 in the world ranking. The woman who said this year that her goal was to be the happiest player on the course was thrilled about the first two. “I still can’t believe,” Ko said. “I’m really happy.” She wasn’t all that excited about the No. 1 spot in the world. “I just try to focus on my game on the course,” Ko said. “It doesn’t matter about world ranking. I don’t like numbers like No. 1 or No. 2. I’m just playing on the course.” She did that better than anyone else over four days on the Mission Hills course made more difficult by thicker rough, tighter fairways and some longer holes. Last Sunday, the 23-year-old South Korean closed with a 2-under 70 in hot and mostly calm conditions for a three-stroke victory over Mi Hyang Lee. “If ball goes right or left it doesn’t make me happy, but I’m still trying to be happy,” Ko said. “Also, I really try, don’t think about future, doesn’t matter. Just focus on my swing, on the putting. That’s why I win this week.” After bogeys on 13 and 15 cut her lead to a stroke, Ko made a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-4 16th and closed with a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th. She also had a rough back-nine stretch Saturday, allowing InKyung Kim to cut a five-stroke deficit to a single shot going into the final round. “Yesterday was a little bit hard for me,” Ko said. “I’m not robot. We are human.” Ko won for the fourth time on the LPGA Tour, completing a desert sweep after taking the Founders Cup two weeks ago in Phoenix. She leads the money list and has five top-three finishes in six events this year. Is she surprised by her start? “No, no, no,” Ko said. “I had really hard practice in winter training offseason in Palm Springs.” Ko gave caddie David Brooker his third victory in the event. The Englishman also leaped into Poppie’s Pond with Grace Park in 2004 and Lorena Ochoa in 2008. “He knows this course,” Ko said. “He helps me all the time on the course. So really say thank you for my caddie.”
Jin Young Ko, of South Korea, hits from the sixth tee during the final round of the LPGA Tour ANA Inspiration golf tournament at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Sunday, April 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
She finished at 10-under 278. Lee parred the final six holes in a 70. “This is really good momentum for me,” said Lee, also from South Korea. “I’m so happy with this week.” Ko had a three-stroke lead at the turn and faced little pressure until stumbling with the two bogeys. Her drive on the par-4 13th jumped into the thick right rough and her long approach ended up short of the green in the left rough. After missing a 12-foot birdie putt on the par-3 14th, she hit into the left greenside bunker on the par-4 15th and missed a 12-foot par try. “I had couple miss shot, but I think it will be fine,” she said. It was. Lexi Thompson was third at 6 under after a 67. “My caddie, Benji (Thompson), helped out tremendously,” Thompson said. “I was getting down a little bit, but he just kept me right in there playing aggressively the whole day — making those birdies and just firing at every pin I could.” Kim closed with a 74 to tie for fourth at 5 under with Carlota Ciganda. The 30-yearold South Korean lost a chance to win the event seven years after missing a 14-inch putt on the final hole of regulation and losing on the first hole of a playoff. Kim declined to comment after the round. Ciganda finished with a 68.
Alberto Bettiol posts maiden pro win at Tour of Flanders Tiger Roll ridden by jockey Davy Russell jumps a fence on the way to winning the Grand National Handicap Chase at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England, Saturday April 6. (Nigel French/PA via AP)
Aintree, England (AP) — Tiger Roll gave the British Grand National successive winners for the first time in 45 years last Saturday, and horse racing’s most grueling steeplechase had its first death since 2012. The Willie Mullins-trained Up For Review suffered a fatal injury when he came down at the first fence, making it three deaths in two days at Aintree. “While you cannot remove all risk from our sport, we will analyze what happened and leave no stone unturned in
doing so,” said Dickon White, north west Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses. It cast a shadow over Tiger Roll’s glory. Davy Russell rode the 4-1 favorite to victory again to emulate the feat of Red Rum in 1973 and ’74. Red Rum won for a third time in 1977. Russell had Tiger Roll well positioned throughout the 4½mile race and after moving to the front, he found plenty on the long run-in to claim a historic victory over 66-1 shot Magic Of Light. Rathvinden (8-1) was third, followed by
Walk In The Mill (25-1). It was a third Grand National success for trainer Gordon Elliott, having first won with Silver Birch in 2007. “It’s a phenomenal training performance by Gordon,” winning owner Michael O’Leary said. “It’s brilliant that he keeps bringing this horse back at Cheltenham better than ever and Aintree better than ever. And what a ride by Davy — fantastic. It’s unbelievable. To win two Grand Nationals is just incredible. It’s a great result for the punters as well.”
Oudenaarde, Belgium (AP) — Alberto Bettiol used a solo attack to post his first professional win last Sunday in the Tour of Flanders, one of the most prestigious races of the cycling calendar. Bettiol made his move about 17 kilometers from the finish on the final climb of the Oude Kwaremont to become the first Italian rider to win the race since Alessandro Ballan in 2007. An all-round rider, the 25-year-old Bettiol returned to the Education First team this season after a year away at BMC. “I still can’t believe it,” Bettiol said. “I still don’t believe what I did. My first win.” Kasper Asgreen of Denmark finished second and Norway’s Alexander Kristoff completed the podium. The Tour of Flanders, also known as De Ronde, is one of five high-profile classics along with Milan-San Remo, ParisRoubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Giro di Lombardia. It features 17 short but punishing climbs and five cobblestone sections. ParisRoubaix, known as the “Hell of the North” for its even more challenging cobbles, takes place this coming Sunday.
Italy’s Alberto Bettiol of the Education First team crosses the finish line to win the Tour of Flanders in Oudenaarde, Belgium on Sunday, April 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
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My car of the show
Tesla Heaven Oslo (AP) - In a symbolic first, electric cars outsold fossil fuel-powered ones in Norway last month. Christina Bu, the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association’s general secretary, said Monday that 58.4 percent of new cars sold in the country in March were battery-powered, calling it “historically high.” Bu added that electric cars’ share of the market in the first three months of 2019 was 48.4 percent and is expected to hover around 50 percent for the whole year. “Norway shows the whole world that the electric car can
replace cars powered by gasoline and diesel and be an important contribution in the fight to reduce C02 emissions,” Bu said in a statement. Norway, a wealthy European nation of 5.3 million, has provided big incentives to boost electric car sales. It waived hefty vehicle import duties and registration and sales taxes for buyers of electric cars to boost sales. Owners don’t pay road tolls and use bus lanes in congested city centers. The perks, however, are to be phased out in 2021. Norway’s Parliament has voted to require that all
new cars sold in the Scandinavian country be electric by 2025. Countries around the world are trying to encourage more people to buy electric cars as part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. China, the world’s biggest auto market, has also provided big incentives as it tries to clean up the country’s air pollution problem and gain a lead in new technologies. (Should we all stock up on gasoline? Not really, there’s plenty of oil to be sucked out yet.)
Hyundai finds new engine problem, prompting another recall Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer Detroit (AP) - Hyundai has found a new problem that can cause its car engines to fail or catch fire, issuing yet another recall to fix problems that have affected more than 6 million vehicles during the past 3 ½ years. The Korean automaker, under pressure from safety regulators, is recalling about 20,000 Veloster cars in the U.S. and Canada because fuel can prematurely ignite in the cylinders around the pistons. That can cause excessive pressure and damage the engine, causing vehicles to stall and in some cases catch fire, according to Hyundai documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s a different problem from what has caused the rest of the recalls since 2015 from Hyundai and its affiliated automaker Kia, which have been plagued by engine failures and fires across the U.S. The recall, which covers only the 2013 Veloster with 1.6-liter engines, is due to a software problem that has been found only in that model year and not in other Hyundai engines, company spokesman Michael Stewart said. Kia spokesman James Bell said in a statement that the automaker didn’t use any engines from the plant that made Veloster engines. Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto
Safety, a consumer group that has petitioned the government seeking more Hyundai and Kia recalls, said the fire and engine problems keep spreading to more vehicles. “This recall raises the question of whether we are even beyond the tip of the iceberg with these non-crash fires with both of these manufacturers,” Levine said. “How many times are we going to hear from either Hyundai or Kia that these circumstances are unique to a particular model and then have another recall or fire situation announced weeks or months later?” Hyundai said in documents that it has been analyzing fire claims from owners and reporting the findings to NHTSA, which in December raised questions about the Veloster. The company traced the problem to engine control software in vehicles made at the Ulsan plant in South Korea from April 26, 2012 to Oct. 16, 2013, according to documents. While claims were high for the 2013 model, they decreased starting in 2014, the company wrote. Software was updated on vehicles at the factory in October of 2013, the company said. Hyundai wrote that it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries. Dealers will install updated software on the recalled cars. Owners will be notified starting May 13. In February, Kia announced that it would recall the Soul small SUV with the same-size
engine due to fire and engine failure problems, but Stewart said that was for a problem that was different from the Veloster. The Soul recall covered nearly 379,000 vehicles from 2012 through 2016. Documents showed that high exhaust gas temperatures can damage the catalytic converters, which control pollution. That can cause abnormal combustion and damage pistons and connecting rods. A failed connecting rod can pierce the engine block and cause oil leaks that can cause fires. So far Hyundai and Kia have recalled about 2.4 million vehicles to fix problems that can cause fires and engine failures since 2015. In addition, the automakers are doing a “product improvement campaign” covering another 3.7 million vehicles to install software that will alert drivers of possible engine failures and send the cars into a reduced-speed “limp” mode if problems are detected. Both automakers are under investigation by NHTSA for potentially being slow to fix faulty vehicles. The Center for Auto Safety says it has found more than 300 Hyundai-Kia fire complaints in a government database, which is high compared with similar vehicles. Levine has said fire complaints to NHTSA have come from across the country, including a death in Ohio in April of 2017.
During motor shows you walk for kilometers, hoping that something leaps out at you. For me it was the Ford Mustang, all mean and yellow. This was closely followed by the new Nissan Teana (which just gets better and better with each iteration). Whilst I am a fan of Aston Martin, the Valkyrie is a joke. 300 million baht and it is a track car only. No, it is the Mustang for the weekends and the Teana as the drive car during the week.
Ford Mustang.
Nissan Teana.
Chinese GP this weekend The Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai is this weekend. After an interesting race two weeks ago in Bahrain, with Ferrari obviously the better car and youngster Leclerc the better driver, we sincerely hope that close competition will continue. On a circuit where passing is possible, it will be interesting to see just how the passers Ricciardo in the Renault and Max Verstappen will go with his Red Bull. The race will start at 1 p.m. Thai time on Sunday, and we watch in Fletcher’s Folly, Siam Country Club Road. Get there at noon for lunch and an ale or three. The history of the Grand Prix is interesting, where the GP has had problems from day 1. The race debuted on 26 September 2004, and was won by Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello. The following
year, it hosted the final round of the Formula One championship, in which the newly crowned world champion Fernando Alonso won and claimed the constructor’s title for Renault. In 2006, the Chinese Grand Prix was won by Michael Schumacher - his last victory in Formula One. In November 2008 the BBC reported a senior race official, Qiu Weichang, as suggesting that the loss-making race might be cancelled (as Singapore and Malaysia at present). Following a similar announcement about the French Grand Prix, Qiu Weichang said that the race’s future was under consideration, and a decision would be made in 2009. 2010 came and went with no formal announcement of an extension to the initial seven race deal struck in 2004. However, immediately
after the 2010 Shanghai race Bernie Ecclestone, who managed the contracts with the various circuits, said of the 2011 calendar, “We are not dropping anything. [It’s] 20 races - getting ready for 25". It was only in February 2011 that a deal was agreed between F1 and the organizers of the Chinese round of the world championship. Reasons for the delay appear to have been over the fee paid to F1 to host the race. After racking up losses year after year, the organizers of the race refused to pay the fee required, reported to be amongst the highest paid to host an F1 race. F1 bosses appear to have reduced the fee and the new agreement to host an F1 race ran to 2017. What happens now with Bernie out of the equation and the new owners of F1 in charge? Watch this space.
Autotrivia Quiz Last week I asked some Porsche history. What was the difference between the 72 Porsche 911 and the 73 911 horn grilles? An easy one, especially if you owned a ‘long bonnet’ Porsche. The 72 had chromed horn grilles, while the 73 were black. So to this week. MG’s seem to be everywhere these days, but have zero connection with Cecil Kimber and the
K3 MG. A real MG.
MG’s of old, no matter how the current owners try and make out. However, the letters XPAG and XPEG do have a connection with the preBritish MG’s. What was it? For theAutomania dehydrated
beer this week (just add hops and water and store in a dark cupboard), be the first correct answer to email automania @pattayamail.com or viacars@gmail.com. Good luck!
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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com
Fax: 038-427596
Events The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be held on Sunday, April 14. 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 Singha Sattahip Navy Beach Run 2019 will take place at HTMS Chakri Naruebet in Sattahip on Saturday, April 20. For runner registration, visit website: www.runningconnect.com/ event/STH2019 The popular annual Pattaya International Firework Festival will be held along Beach Road, opposite Central Festival Pattaya Beach shopping mall on May 24-25. The event features parades, live music concerts, traditional dance shows, food fair and more. 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 April 13. Join Royal Cliff’s Funtasea Easter Wonderland on Sunday, 21 April at Panorama. Enjoy fun, unique games, an exciting lucky draw and special treats lined up for the whole family. Every game has a winner and every winner gets a prize. All kids will get a chance to decorate colorful Easter eggs and bunny cookies or take part in an exciting Easter egg hunt. The party is from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission fee is THB 500 per person for hotel guests and THB 550 per person for all outside guests. For more information contact Ms. Cherry at 038-250421 Ext. 2064 or email funtasea@royalcliff.com. 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 Songkran Dinner Buffet at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya: Celebrate the Thai New Year with a great charcoal feast and Thai treats from 6.30 – 9.30pm at Starz Diner. Price on 13th April: Bt. 1,299 net per adult, Bt. 650 per child; Price on 14th and 15th April: Bt. 788 net per adult, Bt. 394 per child. *FREE for children under 12. For reservations, call 038 428 755 or email to secfb.pty@hardrockhotels.net. Oasis, the all-day dining restaurant in Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, has a menu of ocean-fresh seafood every Sunday evening
to Friday evening. The Oasis chefs present Thai, Japanese and Asian recipes, with the freshest sushi, sashimi, oysters, crab, mussels, lobster, and fish steamed, grilled, fried and barbecued available from the food stalls and the buffet table. The price is only THB 999 per person, and half price for children under the age of 12 years. Buffet served from 18:00 to 22:30 hrs. For more information or reservations, contact 038 714 981. Celebrate Songkran at Avani Pattaya. Splash out with great offers on dining and fun activities for all the family. Start your Songkran with a traditional water pouring ceremony at Sala Rim Nam Thai Restaurant on April 13 from 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Join the parade to the hotel pool where the party begins with refreshing drinks and tasty street foods throughout the day. On Wan Lai Day, April 19, party on at the elevated terrace bar at Benihana restaurant from 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnight. Dive into seriously addictive sushi and sashimi or sip a ‘pail of cocktail’ with a floating whiskey. For more information, call 038 412120 or email: pattaya@avanihotels.com, www.avanihotels.com. Throughout April, Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at Hilton Pattaya invites you to experience the succulent taste of ‘Giant Lobster’ while enjoy a stunning view of Pattaya Bay at one of the best rooftop restaurant & bars in Pattaya city. Try Lobster Thermidor served with 3 flavors of dipping sauces including BBQ sauce, Thai seafood dipping sauce and mango salsa, with a choice of your favorite side dish selections include Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Truffle, Sauté Heirloom Potato with Chimichurri Sauce, Grilled Pear with Fennel Salad, Saffron and Lemon Rice or Baked Macaroni and Cheese. A set of Giant Lobster Thermidor is priced at THB 3,250 net per set. Horizon is located on level 34 at Hilton Pattaya. Open daily for dinner at 6pm
– 11pm. For more information call 038-253-000 or Email to: bkkhp.pattaya.horizon @hilton.com. 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). 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. 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. 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. Note – Yupin’s will be closed for Songkran period from April 10 until April 21. 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. 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. Continued on page 31
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
Fletchers’ Folly?
A very full chicken pie.
Hearing about a pub on the Dark Side called Fletchers’ Folly, the Dining Out team went to investigate and see if it really was a folly. Where is it? On Siam Country Club Road, three km past the Wanasin Market and 300 meters before the “Chicken Cross Roads” (Mitkamol) and opposite the Maxxis tyre outlet. Well lit, big sign, it would be difficult to miss. We were met with a big smile by the manager, Goy Fletcher. If the name sounds familiar, yes she is the wife of wellknown raconteur and now retired publican, Kim Fletcher, who may be found occupying a bar stool in the corner. It is not a large pub, being in a single shop-house, but
hostelry is a pub that sells food, and not a restaurant that sells beer. Beers range around B. 70-80 with Happy Hours as well. Soft drinks are B. 45-50. You can even celebrate with a chilled bottle of Prosecco at 1260, while wine is B. 80 a glass. The menu is not large and the most expensive items seem to be a couple of pies at B. 175, with two Cumberland sausages (B. 160) that come with fries, fried egg and garden peas or a pork burger at B. 155. A pork chop is only B 145 and a large hamburger with all the inside trimmings B. 195.
We ordered a chicken pie, which came with fries, an English breakfast (make that a very late breakfast), and an egg and chips. The chicken pie was very good value and came packed with chicken and served with a gravy boat with extra gravy. This dish got top marks from the group. How do you judge an English breakfast? Has the cook managed to get everything on the plate at the same time, warm and cooked correctly? Fletchers’ presented an excellent and filling breakfast (even though the pub doesn’t open till 1 p.m.) Miss Terry has a liking for an old English staple – egg and chips and two correctly fried eggs came with an overflowing plate of fries. Simple, none
Manager Goy making sure the customer is happy.
of the American ‘easy over’ nonsense, and just like you would receive in Yorkshire.
Egg and chips cooked correctly.
large enough. Plenty of chairs, a sit-up cocktail area along one side and a kitchen at the far end. A covered area outside has table and chairs for the smokers. It is unmistakable looking at the menu, that this new
Sandwiches are B. 105-115, bar snacks B. 95-145 including a BLT and there is a Kids Menu B. 95-120. A large scoop ice cream is B. 55. Of course there is a Thai menu as well with items B. 100-120.
Chicken has wings but doesn’t fly.
Were the Fletchers foolish? Judging by the comments of the patrons, it is anything but a folly. The pub is comfortable enough and the food is tasty pub fare. Beers were cold and the staff unobtrusive. As an all-round package it fits the description and needs of a local pub. We’ll go again. Fletchers’Folly, 519/161, Moo 6, Siam Country Club Road (opposite Maxxis), 300 meters to the well known “Chicken Cross Roads” (Mitkamol), telephone 093 451 6460, ample streetside parking, Open six days (closed Tuesdays), hours 1 p.m. till late.
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PATTAYA MAIL
E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com
From page 29 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. 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 onstreet parking in the soi. Hours 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days.
Entertainment Hard Rock Pattaya’s 6th annual Guitar Battle will see 20 finalists perform live in front of fans and judges at the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya on Saturday, May 11, from 5:00pm until 9:30pm. Entrance is free for spectators. For more information, call 038 428 755 or 038 426 635. Sunday night is Latin night at Havana Bar & Terrazzo Restaurant – April 14, 21 & 28. Live DJs spin a variety of Latin music throughout the night and enjoy complimentary Salsa Lesson from 8pm-8:30pm with Roby representing rumPUREE World Dance Studio Bangkok. Social dancing starts from 8.30pm onward. For more info call: 038 725 555 or Email: Fb.holidayinnpattaya @ihg.com. 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
Chicken in American Mustard sauce Chicken breast can be bought everywhere and is most nutritious, and this dish is easily prepared with ingredients found in the home kitchen. The yellow American mustard gives the color and flavor to this dish. The addition of the garlic just heightens the flavors. If you want to give it an “Asian” flavor, sprinkle with chopped coriander before serving. This is an ideal main dish for a dinner party at home.
Ingredients Serves 6 Butter 1 tbspn Olive oil 1 tbspn Chicken breast halves skinless/boneless 6 Sour cream 1 cup Milk 1/3 cup American mustard 2 tbspns Garlic crushed 2 cloves Green onions chopped ½ cup Ground black pepper as garnish
Cooking Method In a large skillet or even the wok, over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil until it begins to sizzle; add chicken breasts. Cook over medium high heat, turning once, for about 15 minutes or until chicken is browned and fork tender. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside. In the same wok add sour cream, milk, garlic and American mustard. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sauce is smooth and heated through. Pour sauce over chicken, garnish with green onions, sprinkle ground black pepper liberally over them and add coriander if desired.
Fax: 038-427596
with DJ Ro-Bi-El Gordo and DJ Rocky, plus zumba classes. Free admission, ladies enjoy a free drink until 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 Alcoholics Anonymous: The Pattaya Group meets Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are closed (alcoholics only) and are held at Soi Skaw Beach (off Pattaya 2nd Rd). Contact Carl 08-456-31671. The Good Morning
Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning. All meetings are ‘open’: contact 084 564 8479. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: Contact, Andrew 086 107 6631. The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515. 10.30 a.m. meetings every day at Satree Pattana Centre on Soi Skaw Beach off Second Road. Call 084 564 8479. The Samaritans of Thailand English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community. English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone. All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. (02) 713-6791. Overeaters Anonymous The ‘Up to You’ group meets Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the housing area just behind Pan Pan Restaurant in Jomtien on Thappraya Road. Call Steve at 038-364-207(h) or 089-250-1359 (cell) for directions or more information. Narcotics Anonymous Hotline: 082 811 2686. 3 English speaking meetings in Pattaya near Central Festival and 2 in Jomtien each week. Also regular Thai speaking meetings at 12 noon every
Sunday, and Persian Farsi speaking meetings at 5.30 pm on Thursdays. Please call the Hotline for details.
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@rotaryphoenix-pattaya.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@rotarypattaya marina.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> Post 12146 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (Ban Chang – U-Tapao, Thailand) meets the second Saturday of each month at 13:00 at Sinthavee Park Condo, 2/ 1 Moo 5, in Ban Chang. If you are interested, please contact Membership Chairman Dan Morgan at <banc hangvfw12146membership@ gmail.com> or visit website: www.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.
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VOL. XXVII No. 15
Grindvold retains crown at PSC Golf Championship
PSC golfers, staff members and tournament organizers pose for a group photo at the Baraquda Hotel in Pattaya, Thursday, April 4.
All the Pattaya Sports Club staff members played their part preparing for Day 1, as Tim, Nigel and Ing arrived early at Bangpra in time for the registration for the 8.30 tee time. Golf Chairman Jack Moseley arrived with the Club Championship shirts before heading off to the first tee to set the day off. Fortunately, the severe storm in Pattaya during the early
The roof top location at the Baraquda Hotel is ideal for up to 50 people and provided a perfect venue for this year’s prize presentation. After enjoying some excellent food and drink it was time to announce the winners. Nigel introduced PSC Golf Chairman Jack Moseley who expressed his appreciation to the players and to Tim, Nigel, Ing and
Net medal winner Joerge Mueller (left) receives his trophy from Jack Moseley.
Report by PSC Golf Committee Photos by Pattaya Mail Having squeezed in an early scramble golf tournament in February, followed by the Charity Classic in March, both with excellent fields of 85 or so, there was very little time for the Pattaya Sports Club to fit in the Club Championship. Later than usual, this year’s championship was a traditional 36-hole, 2-day tournament staged at Bangrpa Golf Club (colloquially known as the Monkey Course) on Tuesday 2nd and Thursday 4th April. So close to Songkhran, with many local expat residents already away and anxious to avoid the water throwing activities in Pattaya, the
numbers for this event were always likely to be down on the usual January scheduling. Nonetheless, for the time of year, the organizers were delighted with the turnout although they remained dis- Brad Jordison (right) was this year’s stableford winner. appointed that more than a few of the so called “PSC” afternoon did not disrupt the the PSC staff for their golf outlets chose not to golf, unlike the chaos it caused help, as well as welcomto many roads in Pattaya. ing the PSC President, support the event. The next day, Wednesday, Peter Malhotra. The 44 players that did The results had been comtake part included many was a non-golfing day, but non-outlet aligned members it was a busy one for Jack plicated to work out and and with all things consid- and Tim calculating the re- were calculated in such a ered it turned out to be a very sults and establishing who way that apart from the nearsuccessful and enjoyable was playing stroke, who pins, no player could win event, the lower than usual stableford and the prepara- more than one prize. The 2-day stableford comnumbers enabling the PSC to tion of the start sheets. With most of the work already petition was exceptionally hold the presentation at the 5-star Baraquda Hotel on done, Thursday was a much close, with a countback easier day for the check-in guys separating Jonathan Davies, Pattaya 2nd Road. and Jack got all 11 groups Steve Truelove and Brent away on time, with the weather Peacock in 3rd, 4th and 5th reremaining kind again. It was spectively, all on 64 points, then back to Pattaya to find with Myles Knowlson 2nd out who would be crowned on 69 and Brad Jordison Turn to page 26. this year’s champion. winning with 70.
Thousands hit the streets to aid Banglamung bedridden
Jack Grindvold (left) accepts the Club Championship trophy from PSC Golf Chairman, Jack Moseley.
The ladies strokeplay, with only 4 playing, was headed by Nong Jantamaneekul on a total of 144, just ahead of the ever-consistent Carol Kubucki on 146. In the men’s strokeplay competition, the Net champion was Joerge Mueller on 142, from Richard Kubicki on 143 and in the Gross tournament Jonathan Pratt and David Smith took third & fourth with 165 and 167 respectively while it was very close at the top between Anders Pedersen and last year’s winner Jack Grindvold, both jostling for the Club Champion crown. After an indifferent front-nine, dropping 6 shots in the first 4 holes, Jack finally came storming through on the back-nine and played it in level par 36 to Anders’ 39 to retain his title on countback after both registered 160 totals over 2 days. Near-pins (winning a Classroom hat and a sleeve of golf balls) were won by Richard Kubicki (2), Peter Jeucken, Ron Birdsall,
Nong Jantamaneekul was the ladies champion.
Nong Jantamaneekul (2), Noi Emmerson (2), Roland Hofer, Neville Jackson, Karen Brown, Dave Stockman (2) and Andy Spence. PSC President Peter Malhotra closed off the evening with a few words, thanking the work done by the PSC staff and reminding members and guests of the PSC’s mission in Pattaya:- to promote sports and support local charities. The next PSC Tournament will be held at Phoenix on May 16 and will be a 2 person scramble. Full details can be at https://pattayasports.org.
Pattaya Sports Club’s Nigel Canon, Ingkarat Chaimongkon Tim Knight and Jack Moseley enjoy the atmosphere on presentation night.
PATTAYA MAIL is edited by Nopniwat Krailerg for Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. Printer, publisher and owner Offices: 62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Pattaya City 20150. Advertising and Administration Office: Tel: 038 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax: 038 427 596, E-mail: ptymail@pattayamail.com www.pattayamail.com