Pattaya Mail - FRIDAY MAY 24 - MAY 30, 2019 (Vol. XXVII No. 21)

26th Year

Established in 1993

VOL.XXVII No. 21

Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper

FRIDAY MAY 24 - MAY 30, 2019

30 BAHT

Neglect blamed for broken Najomtien sewage pumps International Fireworks Festival this weekend

The International Fireworks Festival returns to Pattaya Beach this weekend with music and pyrotechnics.

The International Fireworks Festival returns to Pattaya Beach this weekend, May 24-25 with music and pyrotechnics.

The “Grand Magnificent Spectacular Celebration”

will kick off each day at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments, booths, and photography corners, followed by fireworks after dark.

Continued on page 2

Broken pumps are being blamed for the sewage spill that blackened a Sattahip District beach last week in Najomtien. Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn said that the sewage spill has been cleared after stinking up a Moo 1 village beachfront for three days. Tourists had been warned to stay out of the water there until the pollution cleared. (Full story on page 2.)

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Neglect blamed for broken Najomtien sewage pumps

VOL. XXVII No. 21

International Fireworks Festival this weekend From page 1 The May 24 schedule calls for a fireworks display to honor HM the King at 8 p.m. followed by the “Living in Color” show by the Russian Federation at 8:15 p.m.

An hour-long concert intermission from Retrospect will proceed a “Color of Art”

Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn said the sewage spill has been cleaned up.

Patcharapol Panrak Broken pumps caused the sewage spill that blackened a Sattahip District beach, Najomtien officials said.

The filter is part of a 124-million-baht project built by the subdistrict to connect its sewer lines to Pattaya’s wasteprocessing plants. But the system was neglected for a year and broke down and its

warranty expires next month.

Sattahip District ChiefAnucha Intasorn said at a May 19 meeting that the sewage spill had cleared after stinking up a Moo 1 village beachfront for three days.

Najomtien Mayor Sompong Sainapa said the sewage came from homes and businesses and backed up in pipes and was pushed out when rain filled the sewers.

While the project completed in 2017 included pumps along with sewage lines and drains, they’ve never been used to push the sewage to Pattaya.

The neglect caused the machinery to deteriorate and when they were finally turned on, they broke.

Repairs and regular maintenance were ordered to be completed by May 21 with weekly maintenance.

Flood-drainage system for Paniadchang streets planned

pyrotechnics display by the People’s Republic of China at 9:35 p.m. and “Over the Horizon” presented by the United States at 9:50 p.m.

A 10:05 p.m. concert by Paradox will close the night.

On May 25, the United Kingdom will present its “Color Expression” display

at 8 p.m. while Russia will repeat its show at 8:15 p.m.

Boy band The Mousses will sing at 8:30 p.m. with the U.S. returning for a “Rhythm & Color” show at 9:35 p.m. and China displaying “Endless Happiness” at 9:50 p.m.

The festival closes with a 10:05 p.m. concert by Instinct.

(PCPR)

Chumsai residents plant trees for King Jetsada Homklin Central Pattaya residents planted 300 marigold trees in honor of HM the King’s coronation.

Jirawat Plukjai, president of the Chumsai Community, led the May 12 tree planting with seeds and equipment distributed among residents.

The event was aimed at demonstrating loyalty to the monarchy and instilling that reverence into the neighborhood’s younger members.

Jirawat Plukjai, president of the Chumsai Community, and residents planted 300 marigold trees in honor of HM the King’s coronation.

Health Insurance and Expats

There is a hole in the Paniadchang sois 5/1 and 8 flood-drainage system, but not to worry, city engineers are looking into it.

City engineers have been told to design a flood-drainage system for two inundated central Pattaya streets.

Deputy Mayor Pattana Boonsawad and engineers toured Paniadchang sois 5/ 1 and 8 with Paniadchang Community representative

Sutee Tiemkao May 16.

The deputy mayor confirmed complaints about persistent flooding on the low-lying streets and the lack of proper drainage systems.

Residents had already lodged complaints and requests at earlier public hearings.

Pattana directed the Engineering Department to design a concrete road and 80-centimeter clarifier spanning 80 meters, and a 25-cm pressure pipe to drain water from the streets.

Completion of the work is expected by year-end. (PCPR)

Notwithstanding misleading information spread last week by some media, the vast majority of longstay expats in Thailand do not require health insurance to obtain or to renew their 12monthly permits. In particular, holders of the yearly extension of stay for retirees over 50 years of age or for farang with Thai spouses, obtained at the local immigration office, are exempt from the latest developments.

Last week, the Thai Ministry of Health announced a Cabinet decision that health insurance was now mandatory for foreigners applying for or renewing a one year visa. However, this ruling applied only to aliens seeking a 12-month visa from a Thai consulate or embassy abroad. In reality, most of the 60,000 expats living in Thailand obtain their extension of stay - not technically a

visa - by applying at the immigration office nearest to their home in Thailand.

The confusion is believed to have occurred because Thai embassies and consulates across the world are under the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but immigration police come under a separate jurisdiction. The 12-month visa issued by embassies is known as “O/A” and is normally applied for in the foreigner’s home country. It requires a great deal of paperwork, in addition to the recently-announced medical insurance, and requires police clearance, proof of residence, detailed bank statements and a documentary audit trail of the sources of income.

It has also been clarified that the Elite Visa, issued by the Thai government for a period of 5-20 years for a one-off payment of between 500,000 and 2,000,000 baht, is also exempt from any requirement to obtain medical insurance. The Elite Visa is popular with wealthy foreigners who want to take advantage of reduced bureaucracy and to enjoy several perks which include fast-track airport services and discounts at

hotels, restaurants, golf courses and spas.

Barry Kenyon, a former British embassy officer and current adviser to a group of Thai lawyers said, “Immigration rules are a very sensitive issue here and keep expats awake at night. However, all those dealing with the immigration office for their extension of stay can rest easy at the moment.”

However, he warned that the momentum was growing for compulsory medical insurance for all visitors, adding that a recent informal survey suggested that 80 percent of retired expats had no policy because insurance companies loaded premiums for the elderly, or refused cover altogether.

Thai government sources say that Thai hospitals in the public sector are losing many millions of baht a year because foreigners cannot pay their in-patient bills. But most of the publicized cases of stranded foreigners appealing for crowd-funding to pay for urgent operations or for air flights home are shortterm tourists of working age.

“Certainly in Pattaya, the elderly are mostly a law-abiding lot,” concluded Mr Kenyon.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

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His Majesty the King thanks the people for Coronation Ceremony The Government Public Relations Department His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has thanked all people involved for joining hands in organizing the Coronation Ceremony and making it a success.

The Bureau of the Royal Household has issued a statement conveying His Majesty’s appreciation to all parties, including police, military, and court officials, civil servants, volunteers, and people from all walks of life.

His Majesty said that the unity of the people reflects their love and bond for the institution of the monarchy and for His Royal Parents – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother – as well as all members of the Royal Family.

Cabinet announces June 3 National Holiday The Government Public Relations Department

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn thanks all people involved for joining hands in organizing the Coronation Ceremony and making it a success.

This special occasion also reflects time-honored Thai arts, culture, and traditions, and shows to the world the spirit and unity of the Thai people.

The Coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) took

place on 4-6 May 2019. It was the first coronation in the Kingdom of Thailand in seven decades.

This historic event is regarded as a ceremony that demonstrates the stability and unity of the people as the Nation.

HM the King grants relief kits to disaster victims in Tak

His Majesty the King has graciously assigned Privy Councilor Admiral Pongthep Nuthep to deliver hundreds of royally bestowed disaster relief kits to storm affected members of the public in Tak province.

His Majesty the King has graciously assigned Privy Councilor Admiral Pongthep Nuthep to deliver hundreds of royally bestowed disaster relief kits to storm affected members of the public in Tak province.

Tak province has been hit by heavy storms since February, affecting 547 households in 62 villages located in seven districts. Local administrative organizations

have provided initial assistance and repaired many damaged houses.

The Privy Councilor Admiral Pongthep Nuthep visited local families to deliver royally bestowed relief kits to three bedridden patients in Man Rim sub-district this past week, The recipients all expressed their appreciation of His Majesty’s kindness.

Rainy season officially began May 20 According to Meteorological Department Director General Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Thailand officially entered the rainy season last Monday, May 20, as all weather criteria was met for the season with frequent rainfalls from the prevailing seasonal monsoon winds over Thailand. The rainy season this year is expected to end in the upper regions of Thailand in midOctober and in January next year in the southern region.

The overall precipitation this rainy season is expected to be less than the previous year, especially from midMay to June, and from lateJune to July where the distribution of rainy areas will not be even, which may

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 3

According to Meteorological Department Director General Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Thailand officially entered the rainy season on Monday, May 20.

cause water shortages outside irrigation areas. The general public is advised to use water conservatively and efficiently.

Heavy and frequent rains are expected in August and September, with changes of

tropical cyclones moving over the upper regions of Thailand in the northeastern and northern region. The TMD expects only one tropical cyclone to move through or close to Thailand this year. (NNT)

The Cabinet, during its meeting on May 14, approved the proposal by the Secretariat of the Cabinet designating June 3 each year a national holiday.

June 3 is the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

On 1 May this year, His Majesty the King gave a royal command naming General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya the new queen. The royal command stated that His Majesty the King had married General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya legally and in accordance with royal traditions.

Later, another royal command was issued on the Coronation Day, May 4, bestowing upon Queen Suthida the title of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, with full royal honors in June 3, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida accordance with royal Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, has been designated a national holiday. traditions.

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5-year-old falls from 12th floor terrace

VOL. XXVII No. 21

3 arrested for burglary of Irish expat’s Pattaya house Boonlua Chatree

A 5-year-old girl is in critical condition after falling from the 12th floor of a Jomtien Beach hotel.

Boonlua Chatree A 5-year-old girl is in critical condition after falling from the 12th floor of a Jomtien Beach hotel.

The unidentified tot left her parents room around 5 a.m. May 12 and ran around the terrace balcony. Security cameras then showed her climbing and sitting on the

rail before falling off.

She miraculously survived the fall, but remains hospitalized with critical injuries at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

Brit car damaged by vandals Boonlua Chatree

Leslie Hodgson awoke to find his car smashed up and covered in brake fluid.

Drunk falls from neighbor’s roof Boonlua Chatree A drunken man was injured when he climbed on a neighbor’s roof and fell off.

The unidentified victim fell about three meters from the top of a garage at the

Daraphan Apartments on Sukhumvit Soi 42 May 13.

He was treated at the scene.

Residents said the man was drunk and climbed up on the garage and tried to run across the roof. But the roof tiles broke and he fell off.

A British man awoke to find his car smashed up and covered in brake fluid.

Leslie Hodgson, 57, called police to his Pattaya Rung Ruang Village house May 15 where his Ford Fiesta sat with its windows broken and hood and doors dented.

Adding insult to injury, the vandals poured brake fluid over and into the vehicle.

A large rock and an empty bottle of brake fluid were found nearby.

Neighbor Sittiphan Laorsatienkul, 31, said he heard a noise and looked outside to see four vandals running from Hodgson’s car and then fleeing the area on motorbikes.

Police are checking any CCTVs in the area to identify the culprits.

Three people have been arrested for the May 4 burglary of an Irishman’s house in East Pattaya.

Wasan Panpream, 26, Rachata Kumsart, 37, and Napaporn Pradub, 27, were apprehended in Nakhon Pathom. Police announced their arrest May 15 and displayed 56,760 baht in cash recovered along with about 6-baht-weight in gold jewelry and amulets. Authorities also seized their pickup truck, motorbike and mobile phones.

Wasan and Rachata were charged with burglarizing the Lakeview Exclusive Villa home of Christopher Knight, 69, ransacking the house and prying open the safe containing 13,000 euros (462,800 baht).

Illustrating their contempt

Wasan Panpream, Rachata Kumsart, and accomplice Napaporn Pradub (not shown) have been arrested for the May 4 burglary of an Irishman’s house in East Pattaya.

for Knight’s home security system, they ripped out the closed-circuit TV server and tossed alarm equipment into the pool, police said.

The two suspects claimed the house was left unlocked.

Following the burglary, the pair then fled to the Nakhon Pathom house of Rachata’s wife, Napaporn, who was charged with harboring a fugitive and being an accomplice to the crime.

Foreigner jumps to death at Pattaya mall Boonlua Chatree A foreign man died after jumping from the sixth floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

The unidentified man in his 50s – identified

by Thai media as being British – was spotted by a mall vendor climbing over a 1.5-meter railing. Sellers rushed over to talk him down but he had jumped by the time they arrived.

The victim died of catastrophic injuries including a broken neck and fractured skull.

Security guards had already moved him from the first floor escalator and covered the body with a sheet by the time authorities arrived.

His remains were sent to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for a forensic examination.

A foreign man died after jumping from the sixth floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

Vehicle-check facility burglarized Boonlua Chatree Police are hunting for thieves who burglarized a vehicle-inspection facility in Nongprue.

Security cameras recorded

the two men ransacking the office before taking a computer, CCTV and vehicle-inspection equipment.

A company employee reported the burglary in the morning.

Security cameras recorded the two men ransacking the office before taking a computer, CCTV and vehicle-inspection equipment.

Sailor killed in Sattahip collision Patcharapol Panrak A sailor was killed when his pickup truck was struck by another truck at a U-turn in Sattahip.

Petty Officer 1st Class Teerawat Kaewkamsri, 30, died at Queen Sirikit Naval Medical Center after the May 15 collision on Sukhumvit Road outside the Naval Ordinance Division. Fellow Marine Petty Officer 3rd Class Noppasit Changlor, driving a Mitsubishi Triton, suffered

a severe head wound and was treated at the same hospital.

Police said Noppasit was turning right when his truck was broadsided by a Toyota Vigo driven by Petty Officer 1st Class Pamarin Kaymachai, 44. He suffered only a cut above the eye.

Police are investigating before deciding whether to charge him.

A sailor was killed when his pickup truck was struck by another truck at a U-turn in Sattahip.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

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243 released from Pattaya prison on royal pardons

Puppies rescued from under railroad ties Patcharapol Panrak

Nearly 250 inmates were released from Pattaya Remind Prison on royal pardons granted for HM the King’s coronation.

Boonlua Chatree Nearly 250 inmates were released from Pattaya Remind Prison on royal pardons granted for HM the King’s coronation.

Warden Watcharaw Wachiralerphan oversaw the May 13 release of 181 men and 62

women prisoners. Each convict wore yellow shirts with “Long Live the King” emblazoned on the chest.

All of those granted pardons had been jailed on relatively minor offenses unrelated to drugs and had less than a year left on their sentences.

Pattaya Norwegians celebrate National Day

Pattaya’s Norwegian community celebrated the 205th anniversary of their country’s constitution at the Norwegian Church Abroad on Thappraya Soi 7.

Jetsada Homklin Pattaya’s Norwegian community celebrated the 205th anniversary of their country’s constitution at the Norwegian Church Abroad on Thappraya Soi 7.

About 200 Thais and foreigners joined the May 17

celebration that started in the morning with a Norwegian breakfast and a parade from Thepprasit sois 5 and 7.

Senior pastor Ragnvald Seierstad gave some background about the constitution, which was written on May 17, 1814 in Eidsvoll and signed the next day.

Ragnvald also gave some of the background of the parade. The first May 17 parades were for adults, but later changed to a day for children. The national anthem was sung.

Kids also enjoyed games as the day corresponds with the country’s Children’s Day.

Koh Larn boat operators get first aid lessons

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh presides over Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s first aid lessons to boat operators and lifeguards on Koh Larn.

Jetsada Homklin Bangkok Hospital Pattaya provided first aid lessons to boat operators and lifeguards on Koh Larn.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh opened the May 17

class cosponsored by city hall at the Pattaya Parasailing Club.

Club President Nattapong Manasom led the 50 operators taking the course, which covered basic first aid, CPR and automatic external defibrillator use.

Nurse Chotika Udomyad led the course aimed at improving safety for tourists by bolstering the cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid skills of parasailing operators, boat crews and lifeguards on the resort island.

Members of the Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Foundation rescued two puppies from under a pile of railroad ties in Sattahip.

Two puppies were rescued from under a pile of railroad ties in Sattahip.

Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Foundation rescuers were notified May 14 about the pups trapped at a construction site for two days near the Sattahip Naval Station.

The dogs were only a couple months old and were crying for their mother from under ties stacked three deep.

A forklift was brought in to lift the heavy beams and the puppies scrambled to safety.

Khet Udomsak hosts disabled-rights seminar Patcharapol Panrak A Sattahip sub-district educated 100 disabled residents and caretakers about their rights under the law.

Khet Udomsak Mayor Pairoj Malakul Na Ayutthaya opened the May 15 seminar at the sub-district office.

Kanpicha Kitsawangsak of the Chonburi Social Development and Human Security Department, spoke about Thailand’s various disability laws and government welfare and education programs to improve their quality of life.

The goal, she said, is to give the disabled more opportunities to participate in society and become self-sufficient.

Khet Udomsak Mayor Pairoj Malakul Na Ayutthaya opens a seminar to educate 100 disabled residents and caretakers about their rights under the law.

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Sattahip bus stops cleared of homeless

VOL. XXVII No. 21

Naklua Soi 19 entrance reclaimed

Patcharapol Panrak A day after Sattahip residents complained about homeless people taking over bus stops near schools, local authorities swept them away.

District ChiefAnucha Intasorn called on the Chonburi Social Development and Human Security Department to immediately round up vagrants occupying covered stops at the Chonburi College of Agriculture and Technology and Kled Kaew School.

Workers moved out the homeless and cleaned the stops to be used as school

A day after Sattahip residents complained about homeless people taking over bus stops near schools, local authorities swept them away.

resumes at the two facilities.

No mention was made whether authorities actually took the

down-and-out vagrants to shelters or just moved the problem elsewhere.

No-parking zones painted behind Central Marina Jetsada Homklin Pattaya painted no-parking markers on curbs behind Central Marina shopping mall.

Congestion prompted the city to repaint existing redand-white curbs to reinforce that parking is prohibited.

Taxis and vehicles also cannot stop there for drop-offs.

If enforced, the no-parking zones should reduce traffic jams during rush hour, city officials said.

Temporary parking is allowed in yellow-and-white areas.

Pattaya officials continued clearing a Naklua traffic bottleneck exacerbated by private encroachment on public land.

Jetsada Homklin Pattaya officials continued clearing a Naklua traffic bottleneck exacerbated by private encroachment on public land.

City workers used heavy machinery to demolish the

sidewalk at the intersection of Naklua Soi 19 to widen the roadway. A private wall was removed on May 10.

Future plans call for the creation of a new footpath seven meters long and six meters wide. A utility pole also will be moved. New

lane lines and no-parking markers on the curb will complete the job.

The intention is to allow more cars to flow through the busy intersection which leads to Photisampan Temple and School and reduce accidents.

Soi Khopai locals advised on dengue prevention City workers have painted no-parking markers on curbs behind Central Marina shopping mall.

Damaged Highway 7 bridge repaired Warapun Jaikusol Highway Department workers repaired a Highway 7 bridge damaged in a late-night accident.

Workers blocked the offramp to Sukhumvit Road with cones May 17 as they replaced a guardrail knocked out by a car collision the night before.

They also cleared residual rubble that could fall on cars below. Larger chunks of pavement will be cleared in coming days.

The car owner is being held Highway Department workers repair a Highway 7 responsible for at least part of bridge damaged in a late-night accident. the cost of the repairs.

PATTAYA MAIL PUBLISHING CO., LTD. 62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150.

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

The Asian Inter Clinic provided free blood-pressure checks and information about dengue fever during a visit to the Soi Khopai Community.

Jetsada Homklin The Asian Inter Clinic provided free blood-pressure checks and information about dengue fever during a visit to the Soi Khopai Community.

Neighborhood President

Wirat Joyjinda opened the free May 18 clinic where Asia Inter doctors advised locals how to prevent dengue by eliminating standing water where disease-carrying mosquitos breed.

Houses should be kept clean with no airless spaces, water

basins such as flower vases should be changed weekly, garbage should be disposed of properly and any water sources covered, they said.

Mosquitos carry not only dengue, but the zika and Chikungunya fever viruses as well.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

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Obituary

Aurora Sribuapan

Sanitation workers take on Pattaya’s dirtiest areas

Derek Franklin It is with sadness that the Father Ray Foundation announces the death of Khun Aurora Sribuapan, co-founder and former Head Teacher at the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind.

Khun Aurora passed away on the morning of Sunday 19th May. She will be known to many ex-pats who have visited and raised funds for the school which is located on soi 16 Naklua.

It was a chance meeting in the mid 1980’s with Father Ray Brennan that a school for blind and visually impaired children was opened. She was a social worker, and he had been given a building on Pattaya Klang and he didn’t know what to do with it so they opened a school.

Workers with equipment and trucks split into three groups and fanned out across the city to clean up Pattaya’s dirtiest areas.

Khun Aurora making a welcome speech to visitors.

Khun Aurora received a garland from the new head teacher on her retirement.

A few years later a purpose built school was built in Naklua and since opening more than five hundred and fifty blind and visually impaired students have been welcomed and have received and education.

There are several such schools for blind children around the country, but what With a former student, now secretary general of the Blind Association of Thailand

makes the Pattaya school unique is that it accepts students who have multi disabilities; apart from being blind they may also have autism, cerebral palsy and mobility and learning disabilities.

Khun Aurora retired in 2016 at the age of 83. During the thirty plus years she was in Pattaya she dedicated her life to the children who, like her, were without sight. She encouraged parents to let their child attend school and she encouraged her students to think about an independent future for themselves..

Workers with equipment and trucks split into three groups and fanned out across the city May 17, working on roadsides along the railwayparallel road, Sukhumvit sois

29 and 52, and in front of Aksorn Thepprasit School.

Another group emptied trash bins at Wat Chaimongkol Market, cleaned an artificial reef for the Jomtien Fishery group,

and cleaned the Central Road bypass tunnel.

The third group cleaned Soi Welcome, in front of the Marine Disaster Prevention Center, and at Bali Hai Pier. (PCPR)

Pattaya preps sewers for rainy season Pattaya workers cleaned up sewers and sucked out drainage pipes to prepare for rainy season.

A box culvert was laid on the east side of the railwayparallel road at Soi Nong Krabok, a sidewalk sewer cover leveled on Thepprasit Soi 11, and pipes dredged under Second Road from Central Road to the Dolphin Roundabout.

Clogged pipes on Pratamnak Soi 4, Walking Street and Sukhumvit Road in front of the Father Ray Foundation were unclogged.

Workers also repaired a leaking water pipe on Soi Kasetsin and drain covers replaced on Jomtien Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road and Thepprasit Soi 7. (PCPR)

Pattaya workers put in a box culvert on the east side of the railway-parallel road at Soi Nong Krabok.

They also cleaned up sewers and sucked out drainage pipes to prepare for rainy season.

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Egypt says ancient cemetery found at Giza famed pyramids

VOL. XXVII No. 21

WhatsApp discovers spyware that infected with a call alone Frank Bajak & Raphael Satter

This photo shows an uncovered part of an ancient cemetery at an area by the famed pyramids at the Giza plateau just outside Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the cemetery houses burial shafts and tombs of top officials and a fine limestone statue from the Old Kingdom’s Fifth Dynasty (2465-2323 B.C.). (Ministry of Antiquities via AP)

Cairo (AP) — Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry says archaeologists have uncovered part of an ancient cemetery near the country’s famed pyramids on the Giza plateau just outside Cairo.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said Saturday the cemetery houses burial shafts and tombs of top officials and a fine limestone statue from the Old Kingdom’s Fifth Dynasty (2465-2323 B.C.).

Ashraf Mohi, the head of

the Giza Plateau archaeological site, says scientists know that the cemetery had been reused extensively in the Late Period (664-332 B.C.), as archeologists found painted and decorated wooden anthropoid coffins, and wooden and clay funerary masks from that period.

Egypt has touted a series of archaeological finds recently, hoping such discoveries will spur tourism, which suffered a major setback during the unrest that followed the 2011 uprising.

Spyware crafted by an “advanced cyber actor” infected multiple targeted mobile phones through the popular WhatsApp communications program without any user intervention through in-app voice calls, the company said.

The Financial Times identified the actor as Israel’s NSO Group, and a WhatsApp spokesman later said “we’re certainly not refuting any of the coverage you’ve seen.”

The malware was able to penetrate phones through missed calls alone via the app’s voice calling function, the spokesman for the Facebook subsidiary said late Monday. An unknown number of people — an amount in the dozens at least would not be inaccurate — were infected with the malware, which the company said it discovered in early May, said the spokesman, who was not authorized to be quoted by name.

John Scott-Railton, a researcher with the internet watchdog Citizen Lab, called the hack “a very scary vulnerability. There’s nothing a user could have done here, short of not having the app.”

The WhatsApp spokesman said the attack had “all the

WhatsApp says a vulnerability in the popular communications app lets mobile phones be infected with sophisticated spyware with a missed in-app call alone. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)

hallmarks of a private company that has been known to work with governments to deliver spyware that has the ability to take over mobile phone operating systems.”

The spokesman said WhatsApp, which has more than 1.5 billion users, immediately contacted Citizen Lab and human rights groups, quickly fixed the issue and pushed out a patch. He said WhatsApp also provided information to U.S. law enforcement officials to assist in their investigation.

He said the flaw was discovered while “our team was putting some additional security enhancements to our voice calls” and that engineers found that people targeted for infection “might

get one or two calls from a number that is not familiar to them. In the process of calling, this code gets shipped.”

“We are deeply concerned about the abuse of such capabilities,” WhatsApp said in a statement.

Spokespeople for NSO Group did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The revelation adds to the questions over the reach of the Israeli company’s powerful spyware, which can hijack smartphones, control their cameras and effectively turn them into pocket-sized surveillance devices.

NSO’s spyware has repeatedly been found deployed to hack journalists, lawyers,

human rights defenders and dissidents. Most notably, the spyware was implicated in the gruesome killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year and whose body has never been found.

Several alleged targets of the spyware, including a close friend of Khashoggi and several Mexican civil society figures, are currently suing NSO in an Israeli court over the hacking.

Monday, Amnesty International — which said last year that one its staffers was also targeted with the spyware — said it would join in a legal bid to force Israel’s Ministry of Defense to suspend NSO’s export license.

That makes the discovery of the vulnerability particularly disturbing because one of the targets was a U.K.based human rights lawyer, the attorney told the AP. The lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity for professional reasons, said he received about several suspicious missed calls over the past few months, the most recent one on Sunday, only hours before WhatsApp issued the update to users fixing the flaw.

(AP)

Report: Facebook considering its own bitcoin for payments San Francisco (AP) — The Wall Street Journal reports that Facebook plans a cryptocurrency-based payment system that it could launch for billions of users worldwide.

The system would use a digital coin similar to bitcoin, but different in that Facebook would aim to keep the coin’s value stable. Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies have been susceptible to wild fluctuations in value.

It could reportedly undermine credit cards by sidestepping the

The Wall Street Journal reports that Facebook plans a cryptocurrencybased payment system that it could launch for its billions of users worldwide. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

processing fees that generate much of their revenue.

The Journal report cited unidentified people familiar with the matter. It said Facebook is recruiting dozens of financial firms and online merchants to launch the network. Facebook’s plans may include ways to financially reward users who interact with ads or other features.

Facebook says only that it is exploring many different applications for cryptocurrency technology.

New species of Dinosaur found in Sa Kaeo The Department of Mineral Resources says dinosaur fossils have been discovered at Phra Prong water reservoir in Tambon Chong Kum in Wattana Nakhon district of Sa Kaeo province.

Titannosaurid fossils have been discovered and are believed to date back to the early Cretaceous period.

Fossils of pelvises of largesized carnivorous dinosaurs have been found as well as those of other creatures in the same period such as two kinds of crocodile’s teeth,

three kinds of turtle, two kinds of fish scales and three kinds of shark’s teeth.

Since 2002, a total of 62 dinosaur bones have been discovered in the compound of Pang Sida National Park and found to have belonged to long-necked, long-tailed sauropod dinosaurs which might have been a new species of dinosaur. The department has planned to manage the area where the fossils have been found as a learning center and tourist attraction for Sa Kaeo province.

Since 2002, a total of 62 dinosaur bones have been discovered in the compound of Pang Sida National Park.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 9

PATTAYA MAIL

“Sugar” in the (medical) news again Diabetes (“sugar”) is in the news again, but it isn’t “good” news. There are 60 million people living in the UK (I’d probably say ‘surviving’ in the UK is more accurate) and 2.1 million of these have been diagnosed as Diabetic, of which 1.8 million had the Maturity Onset form of the condition. Official estimation from the UK would also suggest there were another 1 million walking around with Mature Onset Diabetes that did not even know they had it. That’s a worry. Not for me, but for them.

So who gets it? Are you more than 40 years of age? Are you overweight? Do you have a blood relative who has Diabetes? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then you may have Mature Onset Diabetes. If you answered “yes” to all three, then it is pounds to peanuts that you do have it. (If you come from Holland, you can make that guilders to gooseberries!)

Before we go much further, just exactly what is Diabetes? Quite simply, it is an inability of the body to handle glucose correctly. Insulin is produced by the body to keep the glucose system in balance and if the insulin production is lacking, this is called Type 1 Diabetes. With Mature Onset Diabetes (also called Type 2, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) the cells become less responsive to insulin, and there may be a reduction in insulin levels as well.

Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause many problems. First off, your cells may be starved for energy, so you begin to feel tired. Secondly, over time you may develop heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy).

So how do you know if you have developed (or are developing) Mature Onset Diabetes? The main symptoms to look for include a lack of energy, hunger (which comes from the fact that the cells are ‘starving’), excessive passing of urine combined with thirst and a dry mouth, insufficient sleep because of the need to pass urine multiple times at night (though this may be due to prostate enlargement in males) and blurred vision (again not to be confused with reading difficulties – short arms – which is called Presbyopia and occurs after 40 years of age), and slow healing of minor cuts and sores.

How does Diabetes cause such diverse symptoms? Large blood vessels may be damaged, which is a major cause of coronary artery disease and stroke. Other long-term complications result from damage to the small blood vessels

throughout the body. Damage to blood vessels in the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye causes the visual impairment (diabetic retinopathy). Diabetes also increases the risk of developing cataracts.

If diabetes affects blood vessels that supply nerves, it may cause nerve damage. There may be a gradual loss of sensation, starting with the hands and feet and sometimes gradually extending up the limbs. Loss of feeling, combined with poor circulation, makes the feet and legs more susceptible to ulcers and gangrene. The nerve and blood vessel damage may also produce impotence in men (which Vitamin V may not be able to fix).

Damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys may also lead to further complications. Damage to the nerves controlling the body’s internal functions (autonomic neuropathy) can lead to problems with low blood pressure on standing (postural hypotension) or disturbance of the GI tract (vomiting or diarrhea) and increases the risk of sudden cardiac death.

So if you think you might have it, what next? A simple trip to your doctor and some inexpensive blood and urine tests will confirm or deny.

In the initial stages, dietary measures may be sufficient to control this condition, but oral medication and sometimes insulin injections become necessary as it progresses.

But find out if you are diabetic first!

Breast implants tied to rare cancer to remain on US market Matthew Perrone Washington (AP) — U.S. health authorities will allow a type of breast implant linked to a rare form of cancer to stay on the market, saying its risks do not warrant a national ban.

But the Food and Drug Administration said it is considering bold warnings for the implants and requiring stricter reporting of problems by manufacturers. The announcement is the latest in the government’s decades-long effort to manage implant risks and complications that can include scarring, pain, swelling and rupture.

In recent years, the FDA and other regulators around the world have grappled with the recently confirmed link to a rare cancer and the thousands of unconfirmed complaints of other health pr o b l e m s t h a t w o m e n attribute to the implants,

including arthritis, fatigue and muscle pain.

FDA regulators said in a statement that while they don’t have definitive evidence that implants cause those chronic ailments, women considering implants “should be aware of these risks.” To that end, the agency said it will consider adding a boxed warning — its most serious type — to breast implants and a checklist describing various potential harms for patients considering them.

Earlier this month, French authorities issued a rare ban of breast implants associated with a form of lymphoma, including those sold by manufacturer Allergan. The FDA’s director for medical devices said the agency wasn’t ready to take that step.

“At this time, the FDA does not believe that, on the basis of all available data and information, the device

meets the banning standard,” Dr. Jeffrey Shuren said in a statement.

The cancer tied to implants is not breast cancer but lymphoma that grows in the scar tissue surrounding the breasts. Almost all confirmed cases involve a type of textured implant designed to prevent slippage and to minimize scar tissue.

Shuren said that variety accounts for less than 10% of the U.S. market, which is primarily smooth implants.

He noted there have been cases of the cancer with smooth implants, raising questions about whether multiple factors contribute to the disease.

There have been more than 600 cases of the cancer worldwide, among an estimated 10 million women with implants.

Diana Zuckerman, who has studied breast implant safety, said a ban may not

be necessary to phase out textured ones.

“I think a lot of physicians are going to avoid them and patients are going to say they don’t want them,” said Zuckerman, president of the nonprofit, National Center for Health Research, which evaluates studies and conducts its own research.

Breast augmentation is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the U.S., with roughly 300,000 women undergoing the procedure each year. Another 100,000 women receive implants for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery.

In a move to “promote greater public transparency,” the FDA also said Thursday that breast implant manufacturers will no longer be permitted to summarize routine injuries and complications in bulk reports. Manufacturers are required to report all serious injuries, malfunctions

Court rules in favor of woman seeking opioid meds in jail Patrick Whittle Portland, Maine (AP) — A federal appeals court has affirmed a judge’s order requiring a jail to provide medication to a woman to keep her opioid addiction in remission.

The Aroostook County Jail in northern Maine appealed to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a Portland-based U.S. district judge granted the preliminary injunction, which requires the jail to provide prescribed medication to Brenda Smith. The appeals court released a brief, unsigned ruling saying it found “no abuse of discretion by the district court” in ruling in Smith’s favor.

Smith was convicted of theft in 2017. She was scheduled to report for her 40-day sentence last Wednesday, but lawyers said both sides were working to modify Smith’s sentence so it doesn’t involve jail time.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine argued on Smith’s behalf when the Madawaska resident argued that the medicine allowed her to live a functional life. The medicine is commonly known by the brand name Suboxone. The Boston appeals court’s ruling sends “the strongest message yet” that jails need to provide inmates with medicine for opioid use disorder, said

Emma Bond, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Maine.

“Other facilities should take note and do the right thing, and not wait for further legal action,” Bond said.

The fight over inmate access to opioid addiction drugs is being fought in several states. In Maine, the state ACLU filed a lawsuit last year making the case that it’s unconstitutional for Maine jails to keep addiction medicine away from inmates.

Peter Marchesi, an attorney for the Aroostook County Jail, said the facility is “disappointed by the ruling” because it “cannot safely dispense this medication in the jail environment,

absent proper funding for policy development and training.”

Smith had not reported to jail as of Wednesday afternoon, Marchesi said, and the jail supports efforts to change her sentence so it doesn’t involve jail time.

That is because the jail is “unable to safely dispense the opioid replacement medication in the jail environment,” Marchesi said.

The appeals court’s Tuesday filing noted that numerous medical associations supported Smith, including the American Medical Association, American Society for Addiction Medicine and Maine Medical Association.

and deaths related to their devices. But under the FDA’s alternative summary reporting program, breast implant makers and other manufacturers could file quarterly updates representing thousands of incidents, most of which were not listed in a public database.

That practice — which the FDA has pledged to phase out — has been criticized for obscuring the true number of incidents reported to regulators. The reports filed to the FDA include submissions from companies, doctors, patients and lawyers that often include incomplete, unverified information and duplicates.

Ahead of a March meeting, the FDA revealed for the first

time that it had received more than 350,000 reports related to breast implants over the last decade.

That was roughly seven times the number of reports visible in the agency’s publicly searchable database, according to Madris Tomes, a former FDA staffer who founded a company to analyze medical device reports.

“If there’s a pattern of more than 300,000 malfunctions and non-serious injuries, those should be available to the public, and let them decide if they’re serious.”

Tomes said.

Bulk reports for other medical devices are permitted under a new program which plans to make them public.

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FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

Odds and Ends The Associated Press

Toll evader named Stiff to pay up; had $128K in tolls, fines Philadelphia (AP) — The worst toll evader in Pennsylvania is being ordered to pay up. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Jarrett Stiff didn’t pay for trips on the Pennsylvania Turnpike 2,264 times from 2012 to 2017, more than anyone else in the state. The 36-year-old from suburban Philadelphia racked up nearly $128,000 in unpaid tolls and subsequent fines. In a deal with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty in April to theft of services, was ordered to pay over $11,500 and was sentenced to five years’ probation. No attorney to speak for him is listed in online court documents. Stiff’s case and two others resolved in suburban Philadelphia this week are the latest examples of the Turnpike Commission’s aggressive new approach to toll evaders. The commission began pursuing felony charges against toll scofflaws who owed $2,000 or more in an effort to recoup hefty losses from unpaid tolls.

Waiter returns lost $424,000 check to retired social worker New York (AP) — A waiter has returned a cashier’s check worth nearly $424,000 to the retired social worker who lost it. Armando Markaj found a bank envelope while cleaning off a table last Saturday at Patsy’s restaurant in East Harlem.

Markaj ran outside but the customer was gone. He opened the envelope and got a shock. After an unsuccessful search, the restaurant’s owner called the Daily News for help. A “relieved” Karen Vinacour was reunited with her check on Wednesday. It contained proceeds from her apartment sale, earmarked for a down payment on a new home. Vinacour had not tipped the waiter after her meal. She tried to rectify that but he graciously declined. Markaj, who’s working his way through school, did accept Vinacour’s apology and gratitude and said he’s “happy for her.”

Dennis Rodman accused of stealing from yoga studio Newport Beach, Calif. (AP) — The owner of a Southern California yoga studio is accusing Dennis Rodman of helping three people steal more than $3,500 in merchandise from his business. Ali Shah says security cameras captured the former NBA star walking into Vibes Hot Yoga in Newport Beach on Tuesday with his alleged accomplices. Shah said the four worked together to distract an employee so they could steal clothes and a 400-pound (181-kilogram) amethyst crystal from the front desk. Shah said Rodman returned Wednesday and tried to distract a different employee while a female companion grabbed clothes that were on display.

Police told the Los Angeles Times they were investigating the matter and no one has been arrested. Rodman told TMZ that the studio’s owner offered him the clothes as gifts in exchange for moving the crystal.

Crossword No 1347

sponsored by

Massic Travel

Across 1. Hue (6) 4. Fight, strive against (6) 8. Distant in manner (5) 9. Prisoner (7) 10. Farm vehicle (7) 11. Took part in play (5) 12. Indigestion (9) 17. Unaccompanied (5) 19. Lottery (7) 21. Put right (7) 22. Upper part of leg (5) 23. Deserving (6) 24. Hassle (6)

Down 1. Guileful (6) 2. Big cat (7) 3. Out of condition (5) 5. Children with no parents (7) 6. Constructed (5) 7. Fashionable (6) 9. Woodwork (9) 13. European language (7) 14. Do away with (7) 15. Hunger-march town (6) 16. Accumulate (6) 18. Academy award (5) 20. Favourite saying (5)

Last week’s Answer Across: 1. Pest, 3. Assemble, 9. Treacle, 10. Rings, 11. Radio, 12. Colder, 14. As well, 16. Alaska, 19. Edible, 21. Adage, 24. Aping, 25. Overdue, 26. Eighteen, 27. Oral.

Down: 1. Peter Pan, 2. Steed, 4. Stench, 5. Enrol, 6. Bangers, 7. Ease, 8. School, 13. Farewell, 15. Wedding, 17. Leaves, 18. Before, 20. Bigot, 22. Adder, 23. Mare.

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:

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

No. 250

Police: New Mexico driver fled and said, ‘I don’t think so’ Las Cruces, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico woman is facing charges after police say she fled an officer during a traffic stop and told him, “I don’t think so.” Doña County court documents show Ricci Barnett was arrested April 21 following the exchange. According to court documents, an officer tried to pull over the 41-year-old Barnett for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Las Cruces, but she refused to stop. The documents say the officer made contact with Barnett as she stopped at a red light. When the officer showed Barnett his badge, court documents say she responded, “I don’t think so,” and drove off. She was eventually taken into custody and charged with aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer and reckless driving.

It was not known if she had an attorney.

NYPD: Shoplifter slugs worker after stuffing soap down pants New York (AP) — Police say a man slugged a worker who caught him stuffing a bar of soap down his pants at a New York City pharmacy. The New York Police Department released a video Saturday of the person in the April 1 incident and asked for the public’s help in tracking him down. Police say the soap swiper fled after punching the worker in the face several times at Rite Choice Pharmacy in the Bronx.

The 60-year-old worker refused medical attention for abrasions to the left side of his face. The person got away with a $5.29 bar of Cetaphil soap.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

Answers next week.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

11

Buying a new camera I am not in love with the social media, used by most media watchers to publicly profess private feelings, with a photo of prawn cocktail attached. I do not pass on ridiculous claims to send to five people or I will explode by lunchtime. But the social media can make me explode with anger.

However, there is one area where it is very difficult to beat what the social media provides – and that is instant access to opinions.

I use the analogy of buying a car. I was in the market for a second hand Mazda RX7. These were the days BFB (Before Face Book) and I was looking for a way to canvas opinions by the

owners of such vehicles.

Every time I saw one parked at the side of the road, with less than 30 minutes on the meter, I would wait and when the owner arrived I would ask him whether it was a good car or otherwise. The vast majority were very happy with their RX7, so I bought one and became very happy with mine too.

So what has that got to do with your choice of camera?

A lot. Now you can go on line asking for opinions on the latest DSLR and within 24 hours you will have your answer, or what the majority thinks.

However, before you even get to that stage you should be looking at what type of camera you should be buying for your type of photography.

I read a most interesting piece of research which came from the Sony people.

According to the Sony survey, 72 percent of DSLR buyers use their cameras to “capture family memories

Dear Hillary, A couple of weeks ago one of you (sic) writers was wondering if his wife was straying, with the friends from the village and temple trips. Of course she’s cheating, Thai girls keep as many Giks as they possibly can, as long as you stay dumb. Tell her it’s over.

Rob Dear Rob, Do I hear the voice of experience here? Not all Thai girls, but any girls from any country can stray and will use local excuses to explain their absence from the family home. So in Thailand it is friends from up-country and dutiful visits to the temple, and one too far away to just drop by and look inside. You don’t need PI’s, just careful monitoring and looking at the photos taken there. She will get the tales confused if you wait. Then there are three options, walk away, confrontation or send her packing. You work out what is best for you, my Petal.

Dear Hillary, Everyone seems to have a complaint about Thai behavior, but here’s one about farangs. My problem is different and I am complaining about what farangs are doing in this town.

The farangs make very abusive remarks about me and my 14 year old son when we are out shopping together.

I have encountered this on a few occasions with my 14yr old son who was born in Europe to my Thai wife of 17yrs marriage, and being just a normal parent with all of the natural instincts of a parent, I do react very strongly (verbally) to ignorant comments made directly or implied to me while out with my son. Yes I know it is better to bite your tongue but a sense of self respect kicks in especially when in a

and for fun.” A Box Brownie will do that.

Also, the greatest spur to buying a camera at a specific time is an imminent trip. These people are not going to do a crash course in serious photography before they take off, so the requirement of competent, fully automatic mode is reasonable. And wanting to get the best possible images is understandable. Then there is weight. Who wants to lug a conspicuous brick around Venice when a small compact system camera will do the job?

The compact camera section of the marketplace is certainly the most volatile. As Sony found, only 28 percent of camera buyers are going to go for the all-singing, alldancing DSLR cameras.

One of the problems when comparing cameras with cameras is people tend to read the magic number called megapixels and conclude that it is the deciding parameter between brilliant, good and

not so good. 24 megapixels is better than 12 which in turn better is than 4.

Whilst the above is partly true, it really does depend upon what you want to do with the end result. Are you going to be blowing it up to the size of a barn door, or will it be a 4R (6x4) at most? If you have been hired to produce photographs for

public shopping mall with many people around.

My son and myself are getting used to dealing with this kind of abuse firstly by explaining either in fluent Thai or English either by myself or my son, that this is my father, or this is my son, and unfortunately your sick misguided thoughts are completely wrong plus I would suggest you apologize right now! This has happened on three occasions in the past 6mths.

Should I have a T Shirt made up for excursions with my son (this is my son)!

If you Hillary or any other parents have suggestions how deal with these insulting comments I for one (and I expect quite a few other parents) would appreciate your advice.

Thank you Hillary.

Parent Dear Parent, There are plenty of ignorant people around here, so I don’t think you will change them overnight. What must happen, is you have to change your attitude. After all, it has only been three occasions in the past six months, you tell me. Don’t become ignorant like they are. Just remind yourself that in a few years your son will be taller than you and there won’t be ignorant remarks any more.

Be proud of your son.

Dear Hillary, My GF has begun asking me for money so she can play cards with her friends. Now she’s left the bar she tells me she is bored, so plays cards for something to do. That would be OK, Hillary, but the sums of money are now well over 2,000 baht a week. Looks to me like she isn’t playing cards for fun, but for gambling. It used to be a couple of

billboards, then look at a camera with megapixels coming out its strap swivels. Otherwise, anything from six to 12 MP is more than adequate.

So what should you be looking for when buying a camera these (electronic) days? To start with, a fast autofocus.

Instant zip-zip, not “pause for a second while I get myself ready and then zip”.

I also recommend inbuilt image stabilization. So many photographs are spoiled by camera movement producing ‘soft’ images that can be overcome with image stabilization electronics. And as a further small advantage, these types of systems are particularly good for the senior citizen photographer.

You should also look at the shutter speeds the camera is capable of. 1/2000th of a second should stop a railway train (in Thailand, not in China) and be sufficient for 99 percent of action photography. It is also advantageous if any proposed camera has a time exposure setting so you can take photographs at night, including fireworks.

Sony’s advice is right: if you are not serious about getting to grips with the functions of a DSLR then don’t buy one.

On the other hand, if you are deadly serious about your photography, don’t buy anything else. And see what other photographers think.

hundred baht, but now we are getting into big numbers.

What’s your advice?

Ron Dear Ron, Once the gambling bug takes over, you will not get rid of it easily. You can try saying no and see what happens, but don’t expect a clean stop. You can try giving her a budget to keep to, but that usually doesn’t work either. Make it somebody else’s problem. Read the fine print on a Thai driver’s license where it says, “In the case of an accident – Flee the scene!”

Dear Hillary, Why is it that Thai women all love to be together and photos taken of them all? When you look at the photos, there’s never any men in it, why? The women are all having a good time and you’d expect that they would have at least one man in it. Men make up 50 percent of the population but zero percent in photos. Is it the women don’t want them, or the men don’t want to be seen with them?

Chas Dear Chas, This might be the reason, my Petal. If you’re going to stray, don’t leave photographic evidence behind. Not that all women stray (see another email this week from Rob), but a good percentage do. I suggest you ask your wife why there are no men in her circle of friends. I would also suggest you ask her in a couple of months and see if the answer is the same. There is another thing to think about. Have you ever seen a woman in the group photos men take of the bunch of them out for a social evening (read drinking)?

12 FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

Pattaya, HHN teaches kids to avoid abuse

VOL. XXVII No. 21

Unilever donates 100,000 baht in goods to CPDC

Pattaya and the Human Help Network Thailand taught young children how to stay safe and report abuse.

Jetsada Homklin Pattaya and the Human Help Network Thailand taught young children how to stay safe and report abuse.

Young residents of the Wat

Boonkanchanaram Community watched a cartoon depicting the story of a boy lured into an abusive situation by a stranger who offered him treats and gifts to gain his trust.

The cartoon showed kids

what to do to escape kidnappings and abusive situations and how to contact authorities.

HHN volunteers reinforced their message May 15 by playing the self-protection card game.

Unilever Thai Trading Co. donated 100,000 baht in household products to the Child Protection and Development Center

Jetsada Homklin Unilever Thai Trading Co. donated 100,000 baht in household products to the Child Protection and Development Center Sales manager Ratchata Kansuth led the group to the Huay Yai shelter May 13 where she was welcomed by Human Help Network Thailand Director Radchada Chomjinda and 120 children.

Unilever brought along fans, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, detergent, food seasonings, ice cream, snacks and more to lighten the

The sales reps and children joined for various games and activities.

foundation’s expense load.

Afterward, the sales reps

and children joined for various games and activities.

Bags of kindness Mark Beales Photo by Ritche Guisona HHN volunteers reinforced their message by playing the self-protection card game.

PM raises concerns over youth addiction to mobile phones Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha has expressed his concerns over the nation’s children becoming addicted to mobile phones and the games they contain.

The Thai premier said this week he is particularly concerned about children still in elementary education after a recent survey showed that over 50% of targeted youth groups said they picked up their cellphone first thing in the morning and used it to play games during much of the day.

Parents are advised to control the period of time they allow their children use cellphones, with a maximum of no more than one or two hours a day. The PM wants to see children undertaking

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his concerns over the nation’s children becoming addicted to mobile phones and the games they contain.

outdoor activities or spending more time involved with family. If their behavior starts to become abnormal

following prolonged mobile phone use or gaming, they should be taken to see a doctor or psychiatrist.

A kind-hearted maid has created dozens of ecofriendly bags for a hospital.

K. Wasana, one of the maids at Garden International School (GIS), has made around 80 bags, which she will donate to a government hospital.

She explained, “I went to visit a nephew in Korat but I was sick so had to go to the local hospital. The doctors and nurses treated me so well and I felt good about them so I wanted to give something back.”

Wasana saw a sign at the hospital encouraging people not to use plastic bags to carry medicine. When she returned home last month she decided to make recyclable bags for the hospital. Since then she has made about 80 bags.

In Primary, one class is donating leftover fabric from

Wasana has made dozens of eco-friendly bags for a hospital in Korat.

their Native American dresses so she can try to make extra bags from these.

Wasana is one of GIS’s longest-serving staff members,

having joined the school 24 years ago.

GIS is based in Ban Chang near Pattaya. For more, visit www.gardenrayong.com.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 13

PATTAYA MAIL

Khlong Lord to be developed into tourist attraction SCB introduces prepaid The Bangkok Metropolitan types of planted trees such card for tourists and Administration (BMA) is as jackfruit, Iron Wood, upgrading the Khlong Lord canal and will develop it into an important tourist attraction that recalls its identity in the reign of King Rama V. The water in the canal is now clean again and the surrounding area has been developed into a place of leisure. The BMA has recently concentrated on beautification of the inner Rattanakosin Island area and developed guidelines for the restoration of the canal; it has done so with the help of the Phra Nakhon District Office and the Office of the

BMA is upgrading the Khlong Lord canal into a tourist attraction that recalls the reign of King Rama V.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defense.

The Phra Nakhon District Office has dredged and removed mud from the canal.

It has also diverted clean water from the Chao Phraya

River to replenish the water in the canal, resulting in much better water condition.

A survey of the surroundings by agricultural academics from the Environment Department has found various

Lagerstroemia, tamarind and Devil Tree. There are also trees such as pipals and Manila tamarind that occur naturally. Both groups of trees are strong and in perfect condition.

The BMA will also study the guidelines for solving the problem of beggars, homeles people and prostitution which have been a big problem over many decades.

If the canal can be developed into a major tourist attraction, it is expected that these groups of people won’t enter the area.

DNP announces temporary closure of national parks The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has declared temporary closures to certain national parks nationwide to allow for the restoration of nature and tourist safety in the wake of torrential rains and volatile weather conditions in May. In the North, Doi Wiang Pha national park, Doi Suthep - Pui national park’s Doi Pui camping area, Sri

Nan national park’s Kaeng Luang Nan River area and Huay Nam Dang national park’s camping area have been closed from May 1 to September 30.

In the Northeast, Kaeng Tana national park’s Tad Toan waterfall and Khae Huay Mark area has been closed from May 1 to July 31 and Phu Lanka national park’s Phra That Jedi area, Khong Khao Sri Boon Nao

area and Phra That Jedi Luang Pu Wang western area have been closed from May 1 to October 31.

In the East, Khao Laem Ya - Koh Samet national park’s Koh Kuti, Koh Thalu areas have been closed from May 1 to September 30.

In the West, Lam Khlong Ngu national park’s Sao Hin, Nok Nang Aen caves have been closed from May 1 to February 28, 2020.

In the South, Tarutao national park’s Koh ArdangRavi, Koh Phetra national park’s Koh Buloan, Koh Lao Liang islands, Ranong islands national park’s Khai Tao Bay, Koh Chang islands, Koh Lanta national park’s Koh Rok Nai-Rok Nok, Koh Ngai, Koh Similan national park, Koh Surin national park and Laem Son national park have been closed from May 16 to October 14.

Siam Commercial Bank, the Mall Group and VISA introduce the SCB M Visa Prepaid Tourist card for foreign visitors to Thailand.

Siam Commercial Bank has joined hands with The Mall Group and VISA to introduce the SCB M Visa Prepaid Tourist card, a reloadable debit card product offering greater convenience to foreign visitors to Thailand.

The card can be issued after an easy application process which only requires the applicant’s passport at the Emporium, the EmQuartier shopping malls, Paragon Department Store, or at SCB’s currency exchange kiosks at Don Muang Airport.

The debit card will be valid for five years after issuance, allowing cardholders to use the card every time they return

to Thailand. The card has no fees, and can be topped up at any service center inside any of the Mall Group’s shopping malls, with the minimum top up amount being 100 baht. Cardholders won’t have to worry about currency exchange rates as the top up and all spending will be done in the Thai baht, and will receive points and discounts provided by the Mall Group and other privileges from VISA in 200 countries worldwide.

The SCB aims to issue 50,000 cards and have 600 million baht in total spending by visitors using this card in one year.

www.massictravel.net CHINA VISA ASSISTANCE SERVICE THAI PASSPORT HOLDERS 5 WORKING DAYS 3,600.EUROPEAN PASSPORT HOLDERS 5 WORKING DAYS 6,400.Need: Passport, 2”x2” photos Permanent residence permit/Work Permit/Retirement visa ALSO. Assist with Vietnam.

Myanmar,India visas.

Application assistance for US, UK, Schengan visa

ALLFARES ROUND TRIP UNLESS STATED WE OPEN : MON-FRI 09:30 - 18:00 | SAT 09:30 - 16:00 | SUNDAY CLOSED. |

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VOL. XXVII No. 21

A rose, by any other name

Jean Sibelius in the late 1880s.

“What’s in a name?” asks Juliet from the window above the Capulet family orchard in the second scene of Act 2. “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

This oft-quoted line floated into my mind the other night, because someone down at the village watering hole asked me the difference between a “symphony orchestra” and a “philharmonic

orchestra.” It’s a good question. Why for example, does Los Angeles have a Philharmonic Orchestra yet Boston has a Symphony Orchestra?

The orchestra is a relative newcomer in the history of music although musicians had been experimenting with combining different instruments for years. The orchestra didn’t really emerge until the middle of the eighteenth century when symphonies were scored for small orchestras, usually a string section plus a few woodwind instruments and a couple of horns.

But like the burgeoning cites of eighteenth century Europe, the orchestra itself was growing in size to meet the musical demands of composers. By the time Tchaikovsky’s was adding the finishing touches to his Symphony No. 4 in 1878 orchestras were much the same size as they are today, with well-defined strings, woodwind, brass and percussion sections.

The word symphony comes from the ancient Greek symphonia, meaning a concord of sound. But where does “philharmonic” come in? The word itself derives in a rather roundabout way from the Greek philos (“loving”) a n d h a r m o n i c a (“harmony”). In 1813 a group of London professionals set up the Royal Philharmonic Society to

promote performances of classical music. The Society also commissioned music from leading composers and continues to do so to the present day. Interestingly, the Philharmonic Society of New York was founded fourteen years earlier in 1799. In the early years of the nineteenth century, other cities set up similar societies and some large orchestras took on the name “philharmonic”.

The expression “symphony orchestra” is generic and is used for orchestras that are large enough to play symphonies. It enables us to distinguish between a large orchestra and a chamber orchestra, a string orchestra or a wind orchestra. The Los Angeles Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra and so is every other orchestra that uses the word “philharmonic” in its title. The words can be used interchangeably. The London Philharmonic Orchestra was formed in 1932 and so named to distinguish it from the London Symphony Orchestra which had been inaugurated almost thirty years earlier. So to answer our original question, there is no difference.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Symphony No. 29 in A major. Ensemble Philmusica Tokyo

cond. Christoph Koncz (Duration: 23:49; Video: 1080p HD) Mozart completed this elegant symphony on 6 th April 1774. It has since become one of his most popular yet he was only seventeen when he wrote it.

Oddly enough, no one is quite certain how many symphonies Mozart wrote in all. For years, it was always assumed that he wrote fortyone, but recent research has shown that there were probably several others that have since been lost.

This delightful and graceful work is written in the usual four movements and scored for two oboes, two horns and strings. It’s much smaller than some of huge symphony orchestras of today but typical of the late 18th century and perfect to hear Mozart’s music and pretty much as he would have heard it himself.

Jean Sibelius (18651957): Symphony No. 2 in D major.

Iceland Symphony Orchestra cond. Yan Pascal Tortelier (Duration: 45:37; Video: 1080p HD)

Perhaps the weather had something to do with it, but the cigar-smoking Sibelius (sib-AY-lee-us) spent long periods of time away from his native Finland. He began work on the Second Symphony in the Italian seaside town of Rapallo in the winter of 1901, completing it a year later back in Finland.

Sibelius needed a much larger orchestra than Mozart to convey his expansive musical ideas.

This symphony - like many other works by Sibelius seems to grow organically.

The opening bars of repeated chords use a three note motif, and new themes seem to appear out of nowhere and gradually become drawn in to become integral parts of the work. The third movement leads into the last without a break and opens with a heartwarming theme (30:56). You’d never guess, but it’s simply the first three notes of the original clarinet motif played backwards. This movement is an absolute joy, with soaring melodies, moments of high tension and drama, and the heroic and visionary closing section (43:45) is surely one of the finest passages in symphonic music.

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.

Chris Pavone’s book centers on a single day in Paris Jeff Ayers The narrative in Chris Pavone’s “The Paris Diversion” jumps back and forth between several characters in the course of a single day in Paris.

Each person in the spotlight shares a different part of the terror that has engulfed the city of love. In addition to several suspicious packages left around the city, a man has walked to a major tourist attraction and after setting down a briefcase unbuttons his windbreaker to reveal a suicide vest.

A man named Hunter deals in the world of finance, and he contemplates leaving his wife for a woman he considers his vision of perfection, his assistant. Security arrives to keep the two of them protected, but on a day where he is about to make a huge deal, the phones and Wi-Fi are down due to the threat.

For Kate Moore and her husband, Dexter, the events transpiring will keep them apart for different reasons. Dexter thought the day would end well as some risky money investments were set to pay off in a big way. He had not told Kate that they were in deep financial straits, but this transaction will turn things around. Kate’s real job is completely unknown to Dexter, and she soon discovers that everything ties into her family.

Acts of terror can destroy lives, but secrets are just as deadly.

Pavone delivers a sequel to his first novel, “The Expats,” and fans of that book will enjoy seeing the return of Kate and Dexter, though it’s too bad that their relationship has not been a happy one. Those unfamiliar with that novel will still find a fast-paced and heartfelt thriller set in the world of espionage and terrorism that echoes the best of John le Carre. (AP)

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Diana Garden Resort hosts classical music for charity Jetsada Homklin

Leo Phillips plays violin and Robert Costin piano at the fund-raising show held at Diana Garden Resort on May 13.

Two foreign classical musicians put on a rousing show at the Diana Garden Resort to raise money for the Human Help Network Thailand.

Violinist Leo Phillips and pianist Robert Costin headlined the May 13 show organized by the Pattaya Classical Music Club at the Diana Garden Resort.

Diana Group Managing Director Sopin Thappajug and HHN Director Radchada Chomjinda were among the 100 people attending the concert, along with members of local Rotary Clubs and the Pattaya International Ladies Club.

Proceeds from the show will Sopin Thappajug, MD of Diana Group, HHNFT Director Radchada Chomjinda, go to support the HHN’s vari- representatives from Rotary E-Club Dophin Pattaya International, PILC business people and representatives from Pattaya Classical Music Club pose ous shelters and projects. for a group photo after the show.

Audience members gave a huge round of applause for both musicians following their great performance.

The Netherlands wins Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv Aron Heller Tel Aviv, Israel (AP) — The Netherlands won the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv last weekend, with Duncan Laurence’s doleful piano ballad “Arcade” crowned champion of Europe’s annual music extravaganza.

The 25-year-old was tapped as an early front-runner before the Grand Final but was only ranked third after the vote of professional juries from the 41 participating countries, trailing Sweden and North Macedonia. He surged ahead thanks to the fan vote, securing The Netherlands its fifth win ever in the competition. Italy finished second, followed by Russia, Switzerland and Norway.

“This is to dreaming big.

This is to music first, always,” Laurence said, as he was handed the trophy from last year’s winner, Israel’s Netta Barzilai.

Some 200 million people around the world were believed to have watched the annual campy contest with 26 nations battling in the Grand Final of the 64th Eurovision.

Madonna was the star attraction, performing her hit

Duncan Laurence of the Netherlands (left) celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest grand final with the song “Arcade” in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, May 18. Standing right is Israeli Netta Barzilai, the winner in 2018. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

staple, “Like a Prayer,” marking 30 years since its release, and a new song “Future” from her forthcoming album “Madame X.” She took the stage after participants wrapped up their performances shortly after midnight when the elaborate voting process got underway across Europe.

To maximize onscreen tension, performers are ranked by a mix of fan votes and professional juries. Spectators could not vote for their own country, but like-minded nations tend to fall into blocs

that back their regional favorites, with politics meshing into art.

The Eurovision debuted in the wake of World War II to heal a divided continent.

Over the years, the earnest show of European unity has ballooned into an over-thetop, gay-friendly spectacle that brings together acts from across the continent, including those with little or no connection to Europe, such as Australia.

The ostensibly non-political affair had tried to avoid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

and largely succeeded, despite swirling threats of controversy.

Calls for performers to boycott the show over Israeli policies toward Palestinians failed to generate much momentum.

Madonna herself had faced calls from a Palestinian-led campaign to avoid performing at the event in Israel. But the Queen of Pop rejected the boycott motions, saying she will “never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda.” Still, two of her embracing dancers sported the flags of Israel and the Palestinians on their backs.

All eyes were on Iceland’s controversial steampunk band Hatari, which had drawn attention for initially saying it would be “absurd” to participate in Israel because of its policies toward the Palestinians. They had vowed to use the Eurovision spotlight to expose the “face of the occupation,” but their live performance of grinding metal rock passed without incident. Only at the end of the broadcast, when their final vote tally was announced, did they whip out a Palestinian flag, to sounds of boos from the audience.

For Israel, the mega event offered a much-anticipated

opportunity to put its good face forward and project an image of normalcy to the world. Israel-themed promotional clips featuring each of the participants dancing in various scenic locations across the country streamed before each performance to a TV audience expected to be larger than that of the U.S. Super Bowl.

The event itself was being hosted by a quartet of Israeli celebrities, including top model Bar Refaeli. Israel’s own Wonder Woman Gal Gadot also made a cameo video appearance. The Tel Aviv hall was packed with thousands of screaming fans, while tens of thousands gathered to watch the

final at the city-sponsored Eurovision village in Tel Aviv and at public screenings elsewhere.

As the reigning champion, Israel swept straight through to the finals — along with the five European countries who most heavily funded the event.

The other 20 participants qualified through a pair of semifinal rounds.

Sweden’s soulful “Too Late for Love,” sung by John Lundvik, topped the professional jury vote and seemed to be on its way to carrying forward Sweden’s successful Eurovision track record 45 years after Swedish icons ABBA won with “Waterloo.”

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VOL. XXVII No. 21

Pattaya celebrates Visakha Bucha Day

Many worshippers turned out to make merit at Wat Thamsamakee.

Jetsada Homklin Pattaya Buddhists crowded temples mark the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha on the most important of Thai religious holidays, Visakha Bucha Day. Believers began the day early, taking children and relatives to make merit at local temples. Food and desserts

were given as offerings to monks, who returned the favor by teaching dharma.

Many elderly worshippers followed tradition in wearing white and eating only vegetarian meals on the holiest of Buddhist holidays.

Sutthawat, Chaimongkol, Boonkanjanaram and other temples held merit-making

Nong Aor Temple held merit-making ceremonies.

ceremonies, some of which went on for a week. To make merit, temple-goers offered robes and necessities, paid respect to Buddha statues, gave offerings, and poured holy water for prosperity.

In the evening, “wien tien” circumambulations of temple halls commenced with worshippers making three rounds lit by candles.

Visakha Bucha Day is one of the three holiest days on the Buddhist calendar and has been designated by USESCO as “World Peace Day.” The educational, scientific and cultural organization’s proclamation cited Buddhism’s teaching of humanity, mercy and tolerance as the reasons for the designation.

Pra Kru Pisanjariyakorn Lekathamma, Abbot of Wat Thamsamakee in South Pattaya provides pilgrims with a Visakha Bucha sermon.

Accessible pedestrian bridge opens in Pattaya Jetsada Homklin & Derek Franklin The wheelchair-accessible bridge over Sukhumvit Road has finally opened.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith cut the ribbon on the overpass near Redemptorist Vocational College and the Central Road bypass tunnel.

Kritchthep Simalee, director-general of the Department of Rural Roads, said the overpass responds to the need to improve safety and convenience for the disabled.

After almost two decades of politely requesting, pleading and protesting the local government for the bridge, it was the Minister who finally decided that the construction should take place.

MinisterArkhom was greeted

by Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome, who due to a recent lower limb accident was sitting in a wheelchair, and

by Father Peter Srivorakul C.Ss.R., from the Father Ray Foundation.

The 42.78-meter-long bridge includes a translucent elevator

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome, who due to a recent lower limb accident was sitting in a wheelchair, gets a firsthand look at the convenience the bridge affords people with disabilities.

with a panel of Braille buttons, a bell, a telephone and a CCTV camera linked with the Central Pattaya control tower.

A siren warning system and UPS reserve power system have also been installed at both levels of the bridge. The 14.58 million baht construction is now fully completed and open for public use.

Construction of the bridge was held up by a legal challenge from Pattaya Money Service Co., which claimed

Sumet Polkacha crosses Sukhumvit without fearing for his safety.

the structure would jeopardize safety for customers of its Pattaya Pawnshop. The operator ultimately lost the case, but by then Pattaya had already spent the money for the bridge on other things.

It took nearly another year for another budget to be secured, for design changes to be made, and plans to relocate water pipes and utility lines drafted. Another year of delays followed as the tunnel neared completion

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith cuts the ribbon to officially open the new wheelchair-accessible bridge over Sukhumvit Road. Also on hand to perform the ceremony are Kritchthep Simalee - Director General of Department of Rural Roads, Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome, Deputy Mayors Ronakit Ekasingh and Manote Nongyai, Rev. Peter Pattarapong Srivorakul - President of Father Ray Foundation, and Pol. Col. Korn Somkanay – Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station.

with authorities not wanting to do both projects at the same time.

Before and after the opening ceremony the Transport Minister took time to meet with the students with disabilities at the Father Ray

Sumet Polkacha, director of Fr. Ray’s School for Children with Special Needs, tries out the new lift.

Foundation and also with local people with disabilities, and he discussed ways of how his department can work together and learn from those who have disabilities to improve the quality of life and accessibility for all.

The new bridge is located outside the entrance of the Foundation, in between Index and Boonthavorn, and has an elevator for easy access for wheelchairs, those with mobility problems, the elderly and people with young children.

The Transport Minister was very interested to meet the local people with disabilities.

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Kids have a magical day out on PSC Family Day Welfare institutions receive support for children under their care Nopniwat Krailerg

Human Help Network (Thailand) Foundation.

Fountain of Life.

Mabprachan School.

Baan Kuru Boonchu-Kao Bai Sri-Home for Children with Special Needs.

For the past 40 years the Pattaya Sports Club has been known for their dedication to promoting sports and supporting local charities. Throughout the years donations have been given to worthy humanitarian organizations to aid them in their work for the benefit and welfare of children in our communities.

Peter Malhotra, president of the PSC said, “It is also customary that a substantial portion of our donation is distributed closer to the end of the administrative year which usually falls during the months of April and May. “This year instead of holding the presentation ceremonies at the clubhouse, the Executive Committee decided that a PSC Family Day would be held at another venue. We would invite all our beneficiaries to come together, bringing along as many children as they possibly could to have a real fun and happy day.

“To this end our Social Chair Paul Cornwell went scouting for such a place and discovered the perfect spot at the Siam Country Resort on Siam Country Club Road.”

With the assistance of Noi Emmerson our Charity Chairperson and Ingkarat Chaimongkon our club manager, the date was set for Saturday 27 April 2019.

It was a hot sunny day, but that did not deter more than 100 children from frolicking in the sun, enjoying the fun rides and swimming in the large pool, much to their hearts delight. The adults played it smart and sat in the shade drinking large glasses of refreshments.

World famous Dr Penguin magically appeared out of thin air and thrilled the kids with his delightful tricks and comical performances.

Glorious Thai and European food was in abundance. The kids especially loved the fried chicken and hot dogs. Throughout the carnival-like atmosphere, one could see children of all ages squeezing in line waiting to get their hands on a huge cone of mouth-watering ice cream.

Presentations were made to the various beneficiaries in attendance including, the Human Help Network (Thailand) Foundation, Father Ray Foundation, Baan Jing Jai Foundation, Baan Kuru Boonchu-Kao Bai Sri-Home for Children with Special Needs, Baan Khru Ja-AntiHuman Trafficking and Child Abuse Center, Fountain of Life and Mabprachan School.

In addition, two kidneydisease patients – Somporn Manrien and Wasana Kaewkerd were given 24,000 baht for dialysis treatments.

In all over 500,000 baht in charitable donations were presented on that day bringing the total of PSC donations to over one million baht so far this year.

Peter Malhotra spoke briefly saying that he was thrilled to see so many happy children and that it was a brilliant idea to bring the children’s party to this open-air venue.

He thanked Neville Black the landlord of Siam Country Resort for his kind assistance and tremendous support in helping to organize this wonderful kids’ day out and thanked Paul Cornwell the PSC Social Chairman for a job well done.

Father Ray Foundation.

Somporn Manrien and Wasana Kaewkerd were given 24,000 baht for dialysis treatments.

Baan Khru Ja-Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center.

Dr Penguin entertained the children with his magic tricks.

More than 100 children frolicked in the sun, enjoying the rides and swimming. They loved the fried chicken and hot dogs and most especially the ice-cream.

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VOL. XXVII No. 21

PCEC learns about food security and safety As a child, were you told to “eat your food, remember all those starving children in China”? Well the problem is getting worse: one in nine people around the world is hungry; and the population is predicted to reach 9 billion by the year 2050. Stuart Prentice spoke on the challenge of Food Security and Safety at the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) meeting on Sunday, May 12. He discussed how aquaponics technology can go some way to provide solutions to these problems.

Stuart has been in Asia for Stuart Prentice shows a slide of symbols used by aquaponics accrediting the past 5 years and worked agencies, such as Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) to denote the aquaponics in Hong Kong, Singapore, products from operations that meet their standards.

Bangkok and Dubai on hydroponics projects. He is aquaculture (raising aqua There are many factors im- water. Aquaponics is grownow the Asia Director for animals such as snails, fish pacting on food production, ing in a controlled environMidas Aquaponics based in or prawns in tanks) with such as lettuce rationing in ment (light, temperature, Bangkok. Midas Aquaponics hydroponics (cultivating the UK after flooding in humidity) so is safer with operates sustainable and re- plants in water) in a symbi- Spain and fish stocks be- less waste; it is 100% pesticome depleted; thus, making cide free. Nature is replicated sponsible farms across Asia. otic environment.

In Stuart’s opinion, no aquaculture necessary. as much as possible (e.g.

Their fully operational flagHe discussed how aqua natural light). ship farm started in 2015, country has full food secuThe Chang Mai project produces a variety of fresh rity. Over 20% of farming land technology can go some way lettuces, herbs and fish. It cov- in China is poisoned. He be- to provide solutions to these uses good agricultural pracers 32 rai and is located in Doi lieves high tech farming is problems. Compared to tra- tices and passes GAP (Good Saket, in the region of Chang hopefully the solution for ditional growing methods Agricultural Practices) certimany climate problems. It is there is an increase in har- fication every year. They are Mai, northern Thailand.

Aquaponics turns a people easier to adapt to bad weather vest cycles when crops are regular suppliers and meet intensive and weather sus- with hydroponics, for ex- grown in water versus soil. the standards of certain hoNutrient rich water is used. tels and wholesalers. Conceptible industry on its head ample growing in contained and increases yield for less structures. Whole crops are Traditional agriculture is the sumers are concerned and resources, in terms of water, not wiped out by bad weather biggest contributor to cli- crops are selected with land and labour. According as in traditional farming. Dur- mate change. Agriculture ir- their preferences in mind. to Wikipedia, aquaponics ing the pollution problems in rigation is the biggest use Diversification is imporrefers to any system that Chang Mai, vents had to be of water; with recycling, tant and kale and Japanese c o m b i n es conventional closed in their structures. Aquaponics uses 90% less watermelon are recent crop

additions. They have good quality staff there. As a result, they can export for a higher price. The aim is to grow locally and sell locally.

Their Chang Mai project has 14 harvests of lettuce per year, 8 of herbs and 2 of fish (Australian crayfish).

Midas Aquaponics is planning to expand with another project northeast of Bangkok in Pat Chong. Information about aquaponics, the projects and investment may be obtained from www.midasaquaponics.com.

However, PCEC emphasizes they do not endorse any of the speakers or their products, but provide a venue for

information that may be educational, entertaining, or of otherwise interest to Expats. There was a great deal of interest in this relevant topic with many questions.

As usual, the meeting winds up with an update of current events and special interest groups, then is followed by the “Open Forum” where questions are asked and answered and comments made about expats living in Thailand. The Club meets every Sunday at the Holiday Inn Pattaya’s Executive Tower. For more information on the Club and their activities, visit www.pcec.club.

MC Ren Lexander presents Stuart Prentice with the PCEC’s Certificate of Appreciation for his informative and interesting presentation about food security and safety in today’s world.

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US Sailors visit kids at Drop-In Centre

Centara Grand Mirage wins top award

During one of the US Navy’s visits to Pattaya, a team of sailors made a visit to the ASEAN Learning Centre-Drop-In Center where they entertained the children with various learning activities to develop their learning skills. The children were treated to delicious snacks and a variety of fruits.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya was named the No 1 Family Hotel of Thailand in 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The awards presented by TripAdvisor are based on millions of reviews posted on the TripAdvisor website from travellers around the world. Denis Thouvard, GM of the resort said, “We put the kids’ interest, expectation and well-being on the top of our daily priorities. The property has geared its amenities for the full enjoyment of families. We strongly believe that taking care of your children is taking care of yourself.”

Volunteer veterinarians vaccinate 500 stray dogs

Kasemkij sponsors 700 children on summer trip

A veterinarian team from the Thonglor Pet Hospital made a house call to the Naval Stray Dog Care Centre recently where they administered rabies vaccines to over 500 dogs under their care. The pet lovers also donated dog food and medicines to the centre for the upkeep and further care of man’s best friends.

Dusit Thani Pattaya wins top MICE award

Tirapongse Pangsrivongse (3rd left), executive director of Kasemkij Co., Ltd. and board member of SOS Children’s Villages Thailand presided over the opening ceremony of the “10th Annual Summer Trip 2019” recently. The hotels group hosted more than 700 children from SOS Children’s Villages Thailand for a 2-night stay in Cape & Kantary Hotels. This included all traveling and boarding expenses. Photo shows (l-r) Sudawadee Rerksujarit, GM of Cape Racha Hotel, Sriracha; Khunying Rose Boribalburibhand; Pangsrivongse; Pol. Col. Norawat Charoen-Rajapark; Khunying Chinda Charung-charoenvejj, consulting vice chairman and former president of SOS Children’s Villages Thailand; Siriporn Ghongjitcharoenyon, hotel manager of Karavel House Hotel, Sriracha and Rungroj Ponpai, GM of Kantary Bay Hotel, Sriracha.

World travellers reunite at Yupins

Neoh Kean Boon, GM of the Dusit Thani Pattaya receives the ‘Thailand MICE Venue Standard’ award from Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, Chairman of the Board, Thailand Convention Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) during an awards presentation ceremony held in Bangkok recently. The Bay Meeting Room of the hotel was awarded the prize for its unique location giving participants an outstanding view of the Gulf of Thailand. It was another feather in the cap of the hotel which is recognized as a leader in the MICE market with excellent convention & meeting facilities to cater to the needs of any MICE-related events in Pattaya and the eastern region of Thailand.

Rob Maynard, Dr. Andreas Wipfler and Ian Taylor, three intrepid travellers celebrated their reunion dining at Yupins Restaurant recently. They had a lot to talk about so the drinks were flowing at a steady pace. Chin Chin guys.

20 FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

Articles For Sale/Rent As611/01-52/ Pattaya Mail Cartoonist Michael Baird (M.J.B.) has 3 brand new cartoon E-Books out. These and his other 10 cartoon EBooks can be bought from www.amazon.co.uk. 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.

PATTAYA MAIL

You never know - You might see yourself in them!

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

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

Businesses for Sale or Rent Bop06/21/ Guesthouse: 6 en-suite large rooms, fully

furnished, all sea views, sports bar. Separate Laundry shop business. Full kitchen and restaurant, Motorbike rentals, 20 meters from nice part of Jomtien beach, rent paid till Sep 2019, can put in farang name: 1.5 million baht (offers considered). More information contact mobile: 098 603 3226 Bop05/18-22/ Bar and restaurant at Lake Mapbrachan.

Approx. 150sqm with pool, fully stocked, Tiger and Guinness draught, Rent 13,000 Baht/month (no key money): 850,000 baht, 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 inVIEWTALAY 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 No02/11-26/ 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

VOL. XXVII No. 21

from 7pm – 8.30pm. For more information, go to Pattaya Panthers page on Facebook.

No01/11-26/ 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 Prb02/21-52/WEARELOOKING FOR PROPERTIES for SALE and RENT. Please contact: jo @gopropertythailand .com or phone 093- 161 5995, www.gopropertythailand.com Prb01/09-22/ TOWNHOUSE, Off Soi Khaotalo, Like new, quiet, safe, two bedroom, one bathroom, patio, carport, Thai kitchen, air-conditioned, FULLY FURNUSHED, Guarded Subdivision, Communal Pool, One Year Lease Minimum, B9,500. Monthly, B19,000. Security Deposit.

English, 087-805-5276

Condos, Apartments Prc03/20-29/ Royal Park Luxury Service Apartments

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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 Prc02/20-24/ Markland studio: 48sq-mtrs, sea front balcony, refurbished, furnished, internet, parking, pool: 15,000 B/month, min 12 months contact. Email owner ian.thailand@hotmail.com or Tel. 0871371529 Prc01/21-52/ WEARELOOKING FOR PROPERTIES for SALE and RENT. Please contact: jo@gopropertythailand .com or phone 093- 161 5995, www.gopropertythailand.com

Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb04/21-52/ WE ARE LOOKING FOR PROPERTIES for SALE and RENT. Please contact: jo@ gopropertythailand.com or phone 093- 161 5995, www. gopropertythailand.com

PATTAYA MAIL

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

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Condominiums Psc103/21-52/WEARELOOKING FOR PROPERTIES for SALE and RENT. Please contact: jo@gopropertythailand .com or phone 093- 161 5995, www.gopropertythailand.com Psc102/18-22/ Porchland Condo in Jomtien, Owner Sale: One bedroom, 48m2, 8th Floor, high quality. All included. 2.1 Million Baht.

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Land for Sale 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

Services Provided Sp05/21/ PLANS DRAWN: Residential – Commercial – Industrial. Tel. 085-083-4221

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 21

22 FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 21

Beer toasts a big win PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society Monday, May 13, Laem Chabang Stableford A Flight (0-14) 1st Lee Rodman (13) 40pts 2nd Jamie Booterbaugh (13) 39pts 3rd Les Cobban (6) 38pts B Flight (15+) 1st Marco Beer (16) 43pts 2nd Darren Beavers (17) 40pts 3rd Colin Service (17) 35pts When a top of the range international golf course designed by the great Jack Nicklaus is making an offer of half price, why would you not go there at least twice a month? Links Golf is doing just that and many players are jumping at the chance, so today we had thirty-nine names on the sign-up sheet.

This course is always immaculate and, although the regular maintenance of the greens had been done recently, they had settled nicely with just a smidgen of sand still visible. There had been some overnight rain so the fairways were damp and it was decided to play ‘lift, clean and place’, which was a good choice as there were some plugged or muddy balls at times.

Marco Beer was in the first group who (as Marco described it) were nearly running around and completed the course in about 3 hours 15 minutes. This, however, did not affect his game as he came in with a great score of 43 points to easily win the B Flight.

Darren Beavers and Colin Service have both had form slumps for a while but came roaring back today, with

Marco Beer (right) with Phil Davies.

Darren recording 40 points for second place and Colin had 35 for third.

Les Cobban lamented that his 38 points, a good effort off a 6 handicap, could only get him third place in the A Flight, being beaten by his two playing partners, Jamie Booterbaugh scoring 39 points and Lee Rodman making 40.

Consolation nines came from Frank Riley (17pts) and Keiarn Maund with 20.

Wednesday, May 15, Burapha A & B Stableford 1st Maurice Roberts (14) 43pts 2nd Pete Seil (5) 41pts 3rd Lee Rodman (11) 41pts 4th Tip Briney (26) 39pts 5th Frank Riley (23) 39pts On Wednesday the society had a competition at Burapha A and B nines which were in fine condition. Fairways were well grassed, the Bermuda rough was tantalizingly short but difficult to escape with any real success and the greens were consistent but a little “grainy”.

The field was restricted to a single flight and most golfers performed well enough to set a field average of 36 points. Of course, there were some outstanding performances with Frank Riley’s 39 points being only good enough for fifth place, after countback, with Tip Briney heading him in fourth.

Third place went to Lee Rodman with 41 points on his final round this trip, losing out on countback to runnerup Peter Seil who produced a level par 72 off the sticks.

The winner was Maurice Roberts with a blast from the past, his 43 points being a mix of consummate golf skills and outrageous luck. Maurice has suffered golfing amnesia for more than a few rounds but this day his memory was back as he negotiated the course with panache.

Near pins went to Kevin Rogers (A3 and A6), Livio Marrone (B3) and Maurice Roberts (B8) whilst the consolation best nine awards went to John Coetzee (17

Masa Sugaya.

front nine c/back) and Len Jones (22 back nine c/back).

With no near pin awards on Monday, extra technicals went today to Craig Brodey, Andrew Purdie, Jamie Bootenbaugh and Russell Spratt.

Friday, May 17, Pattavia – Stableford A Flight (0-16) 1st Maurice Roberts (13) 39pts

2nd Wayne Antlitz (13) 35pts 3rd Jamie Booterbaugh (12) 35pts B Flight (17+) 1st Masa Sugaya (21) 40pts 2nd Mike Tottenham (18) 38pts 3rd Donal McGuigan (20) 38pts We ended up at Pattavia at the last minute after being messed around by Bangpra Golf Club and arrived to find a cheaper price than expected.

This course always has very nicely grassed and cut fairways and the light rough is not much of a problem. The greens have had the low season maintenance so were slower than we would usually expect, but they still ran downhill if you missed the hole.

After some morning reshuffling, we had twenty-eight golfers line up at the first tee.

Our first group hit off 15 minutes before schedule and, with no hold-ups set a good pace to finish in under four hours, without rushing it.

Masa Sugaya won the B

Flight with 40 points, not an easy task here, but he took it in his stride. Second and third went to a countback with Mike Tottenham and Donal McGuigan both scoring a fine 38 points. Mike won that tussle leaving Donal in third.

The A Flight saw the continued resurgence of Maurice Roberts as he scooted four points clear of his nearest rivals. After his 43 points haul at Burapha two days ago a follow-up 39 points today but, alas, no Green Jacket. Another countback was needed to separate second and third in this flight between newcomer Wayne Antlizt and Jamie Booterbaugh, both having 35 points, but it was Wayne sneaking over the line.

Near pins were taken by Andrew Purdie (4), John Harrison (7) and Bernie Stafford (13) while consolation ‘best nines’ were posted

by Jim Ferris (20pts) and Petur Petursson with 21.

Ward drops a 44 on Pattana PSC Golf from the Growling Swan

Colin Stielow and Keith Buchanan with Peter Bass.

Monday, May 13, Pattana – Stableford

Maurice Roberts (centre) with Barry Oats (left) and Phil Davies.

1st Ian Ward (11) 44pts 2nd Colin Stielow (25) 40pts 3rd Keith Buchanan (12) 38pts Near Pins: Rob Cross, Mark Stapleton (x2).

Long Putts: Ian Ward, Keith Buchanan.

Fourteen golfers were out to play a course that we have not been to for such a

long time, Pattana. The attraction was a green fee of 900 baht for this lovely course and we played the A & B nines in that order from the front tees.

The somewhat unusual rains that we have had recently had freshened the course up but like most golf venues in this region, the lack of water was still evident.

We played just one flight only with three places on the podium and all novelties up for grabs.

Ian Ward returned to the clubhouse with a very good score of 44 points to take the win. Second past the post was Colin Stielow, four shots behind today’s leader, and the third spot and the last on the podium went to Keith Buchanan with 38.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 23

PATTAYA MAIL

Consistency works for Cooper in Hua Hin The Jomtien Golf Society Monday, May 13, Palm Hills - Stableford Our annual trip to Hua Hin saw a four-day competition with three divisions out each round.

Rick Assi recorded the best score of the opening day’s play, winning division 3 with a fine 42 points while Tom Novak beat Gil Phillips and Mark Armstrong on a 19/18/ 13 countback for second after they all posted 35 points.

A score of 38 was enough to win division 2 for John Carlin ahead of Bill Kana in second on 37, Hal Hart third on 35 and Terry Tucker fourth with 34.

Gareth Piccinin topped division 1 with an even-par 36 points and an 18/16/15 backnine countback placed Marc Brunner in second ,Mark Cooper third and Pete Sumner fourth after they all scored 35 points.

Near pins went to (Div 1) John Pegram, Gareth Piccinin and Pete Skinner (2), and (Div 2) Rick Assi, John Carlin, Don Head and Andy Oz.

Marc Brunner birdied the 11th hole and Martin Grimoldby and Gareth Piccinin the 15th to split the division one 2s pot while in division 2 there was only one winner, John Carlin who also had a birdie on the 15th.

Thursday, May 16, Black Mountain Stableford We had a washout on Tuesday at Majestic Creek but we were luckier with the weather at Black Mountain on Thursday where we were allocated the C and A nines, playing off the 65 tees.

A fine round of 42 points was the best score of the day, coming from Steve Harris to win division 2. Bruce Gardner was second two points behind Steve, Dave Lehane placed third on 35 and John Carlin was fourth with 33.

In division 3 Glyn Evans topped the podium with 40 points, Tom Novak was second on 38 and then there

Mark Cooper.

Steve Harris.

Martin Grimoldby.

were three 36’s fighting for the minor places. A 19/16/ 13 countback put Andy Oz in third and Lars Strom fourth, with Gil Phillips just missing out.

Three 37’s rested at the top of division 1 and a 19/18/18 countback decided that Martin Grimoldby was the winner ahead of Nik Evans in second and Mark Cooper third. Tim Hake completed the podium in fourth after beating Pete Skinner on another countback, both scoring 35 points overall.

Near pins were claimed by (Div 1) Marc Brunner, Nik Evans, John Pegram and Pete Skinner, and (Div 2) Mark Armstrong, Don Head and Andy Oz. Martin Grimoldby eagled the first on the west course (a par-4) after driving the green and Steve Harris birdied North 2 in division 2 for the only 2s on the day.

Course, playing the A and C nines off the white tees. It was a tough test of golf and there were many remarks after the round that this course was very enjoyable.

Bill Kana recorded the best score of the day, winning division 2 with 35 points. We then had three 29’s and a 18/ 12/10 back-nine countback placed Don Head in second, Hal Hart third and Terry Tucker fourth.

Martin Grimoldby won division 1 with 34 points, Tim Hake was second one point

Friday, May 17, Springfield Stableford The final round of the week was at Springfield Golf

behind and with three 32’s fighting for the next two places, Mark Cooper took third and Pete Sumner fourth after Nik Evans lost out in the countback.

The best score in division 3 was the 33 points returned by Rick Assi, him being one ahead of Steve Harris in second on 32 and Glyn Evans beat Tom Novak on a 17/16 countback for third after they both came in with 29 points.

Near pins went to (Div 1) Steve Godfrey, Gareth Piccinin and Pete Sumner (2) and (Div 2) Rick Assi, Bruce Gardner, Tom Novak and Markku Tynell.

Rick Assi birdied A6 and Tom Novak C4 for the only 2s of the day.

The overall winner of the week was Mark Cooper with 104 points, beating Steve Harris on a countback decision while in third place was Martin Grimoldby on 103 points, edging Rick Assi on another countback.

Merriman earns his first medal The Tara Court Golf Society the course took very few prisoners, but an exceptional round by Donal McGuigan (15) of 39 points showed that good scores can still be had here. Joe McArdle (16) was second with 34 points, Kevyn Wright (10) took third on 33 and Mikael Andersson (13) fourth place with 32.

Shaun Merriman had the only 2 for the day.

Sunday, May 12, Green Valley – Medal/Stroke Monthly medal time again here at Green Valley today on what turned out to be a beautiful day for golf. As is to be expected at this time of year, the group was smaller and we only had one flight but it still produced steady scoring and if you didn’t at least play to handicap you had no chance of featuring in the prizes.

Shaun Merriman (h/cap 11) posted a score of net 69 that would probably still have won even if we had had a much larger group. Kevyn Wright (10) was a shot behind Shaun in second place and Jerry Sweetnam (9) was a further shot back in third with a net seventy-one. We

Thursday, May 16, Burapha - Stableford Shaun Merriman.

then had two players on net seventy-two and here Pat Culloty (21) won the countback to come fourth, edging Craig Hitchens off the podium.

We had four 2s, from Kevyn Wright and Pete Seil (one each) and Jerry Sweetnam with two.

Donal McGuigan.

Tuesday, May 14, Eastern Star Stableford Luckily we avoided the rain today and found the course is good condition, with fairly well grassed fairways and consistent greens. As usual

By the time we arrived at Burapha this morning the skies had opened and the rain was pouring down. The car park was nearly full and there were a lot of people waiting to play but as the rain lasted a long time, gradually most gave up and headed home. However for those

Davies shines at Eastern Star PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya Tuesday, May 14, Eastern Star Stableford On Tuesday we went to Eastern Star and found the course in fine condition with good fairways and greens.

We had a nice sunny day with a cooling breeze.

This course is not easy but we had some good scores.

Paul Davies was again the most consistent and won with 39 stableford points. Jonathan Pratt came in second with an

even-par 36 points and Dave Smith was third on 33.

The near pin went to Martin Hayes, Jim Payne and Dave Smith.

Two days later on Thursday we arrived at Pleasant Valley and the rain was pouring down. The course was completely flooded so we decided to drive back to Pattaya.

Dave Smith (from left), Paul Davies and Jonathan Pratt.

who waited it eventually cleared up and we got out on a virtually deserted course.

We teed off about fifteen minutes after the rain had stopped and it was amazing to see how quickly all the water had soaked away and with the exception of the bunkers, which were washed away, the rest of the course was in excellent condition.

Because of the state of the bunkers we decided to take

them out of play and take a free drop out of them.

Our depleted group meant we had only two prize places today, both of which went to players on thirty-six points, with Gerry Hannan (13) coming out the winner on the countback over Dag Thurn Basberg (15) who was playing his first ever game with us.

We had two 2s today, coming from Shaun Merriman and Gerry Hannan.

24 FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 21

Sel & Wayne smiling all the way

David Marrison & Myles Knowlson.

Sel Wegner (left) & Wayne Cotterell.

Following the Valentine’s Day Scramble, the Charity Classic at Khao Kheow and the Club Championship at Bangpra, the Pattaya Sports Club’s regular monthly series of events for 2019 kicked off at Phoenix Gold on May

16 with a two-person scramble. This was the first of a number of “novelty” tournaments, planned for the summer season.

40 had signed up for the day but due to heavy overnight rain in conjunction

Gabriel Enright & Noi Emmerson.

with the upcoming professional ladies tournament, carts were not allowed on the course; resulting in one of the players having to withdraw. Otherwise all went well at the start with the usual committee in place; Tim, Nigel and Ing doing an excellent job of registering everyone upon their arrival, leaving Jack at the start on the Mountain nine, getting them all away on schedule with remarkable ease.

The weather was good, the rain stayed away and by all reports the course was in excellent condition.

The winners were Sel Wegner & Wayne Cotterell with a net score of 62, playing off a handicap of 8, (25% of their combined). For their efforts they won a 43-inch smart TV each. Sel, who accepted the prizes from PSC Golf Chairman Jack at the Sugar Shack in Soi 13/3, could not believe

what they had won and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

Second were David Marrison & Myles Knowlson (H’cap 6.25) with a score of 62.75 while third went to James Glossop & Brendan Cope (H’cap 10) on 63 and fourth to Gabriel Enright & PSC Charity Chairlady, Noi Emmerson with 64.25 playing off 8.75.

Near pins went to Daniel Grob & Mashi on Mtn 4, David Smith & Patrick Poussier on Mtn 8, Gerry Sweetnam & Aree Panadda on Ocean 5 and David Marrison & Eng Cotterell on Ocean 7.

PSC Treasurer, John Player & Eng Cotterell won best mixed pair score with a score of 66.

Many thanks go to Jon at the Sugar Shack and his staff for their excellent and warm hospitality on an extremely successful and very

Brendan Cope & James Glossop.

Urs Wandeler & Daniel Grob won a prize for the best dressed pair.

happy day. The PSC hadn’t seen so many smiling faces for quite some time!

Th e n e x t P S C e v e n t , now confirmed, will be a

Rainbow format at Pattaya Country Club on Tuesday 11th June, with an 8.32 first tee time, full details will be released soon.

Deverdene posts best of the week PSC Golf from The Billabong Bar Monday, May 13, Phoenix Gold Stableford We were playing the Mountain and Ocean loops at Phoenix Gold on this day and the difference in scoring from front 9 to back 9 was remarkable, although the course in general was in great condition through all eighteen holes.

Kiwi Bill missed a couple of putts coming home so he could only manage third place with 37 points. Alan Beck retuned one point more with 38 to finish second but Miss May took the day’s honours with a fine score of 39 points.

There were three 2s, coming from Bill Marsden, Thiery Temime and Miss May.

Wednesday, May 15, Green Valley – Stableford Changes are taking place at the Green Valley complex and the St. Andrews course

will be closed until November, perhaps for major renovations. In an effort to encourage non-members to play the Green Valley course, the green fees on Tuesdays and Wednesdays have been reduced to 800 baht. The course is showing some signs of recovery after some recent rain but more is required for the course to revert to previous standards.

The ladies today were unusually quiet in their performances for the winner, Miss Yen (H/cap 20), won the day with only 33 points, possibly, the lowest winning total in memory. She had a steady outward nine but stumbled coming home with only 15 points but still good enough to take the plaudits. Miss Porn (21) was a close second on 32 points, recording only 2 points on four of the holes with Miss May (10), uncharacteristically, having only 1 point on seven holes.

The men, for once, outscored the ladies with Bill Marsden (16) playing very steadily throughout and his 19 points on each half relegated Jeff North (10) to second place on countback.

Selwyn Wegner (15) was surprised to occupy third place with 35 points with a much improved performance on the back nine and 19 points.

Auke Engelkes had the only ‘2’ of the day.

Friday, May 17, Burapha - Stableford A small field today and with the rain the course endured overnight no carts were allowed off the cart paths so ‘lift clean and place’ was the order of the day.

The bunkers were something else again, most were full of water and almost unplayable. The course was in great condition apart from that though.

Selwyn, Bill, Craig and Jeff.

The scoring was very good with a countback for the minor places between Luke Eddy and Glenn Smith, both on 39 points. Luke had to

settle for third place and said it was the first podium spot with the Billabong in 6 years.

Glenn took second spot with a superior back-nine to

Luke’s but the day belonged to Larry Deverdene who claimed the win with 40 points.

There was only one 2, from Nipper Truscott.

VOL. XXVII No. 21

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 25

PATTAYA MAIL

Cox does about-face at Pleasant Valley PSC Golf from The Bunker Boys 2nd Tony Robbins (19) 29pts 3rd Peter Allen (28) 27pts We rounded out the week’s golf with a visit to the always difficult Treasure Hill course, which was in good condition as always and the weather was nice so no excuses other than the difficulty of the layout.

Today the course was the winner with all but Ross Schiffte

Monday, May 13, Pleasant Valley – Stableford 1st Geoff Cox (17) 39pts 2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 35pts 3rd Geoff Parker (16) 33pts With weekend rain and Pleasant Valley being one of the poorer draining courses we thought ‘pick, clean, and place’ may be required but not so, the course was in fine condition.

The greens, however, even though they were firm were also very slow as they had not been mowed in a few days.

A mistake can sometimes have a very good outcome, Geoff Cox turned up to play Navy Course forgetting our roster had been switched around (had he known it was Pleasant Valley he would not have played). As it turned out it was a blessing in disguise as he won first place with thirtynine points on a course he previously didn’t like but now has changed his mind. On a well spaced out leader board, Jimmy Carr took second with thirty-five points and Geoff Parker third on thirty-three.

Near pins went to Stuart Brown, Jimmy Carr and two to Gerry Cooney. On the seventeenth, Gerry pulled his

DATE:

PSC

Geoff Cox.

Stuart Brown.

drive left heading for the water, his ball hit a tree branch and ricochetted back onto the green for his second near pin, how lucky can you get ?.

Wednesday, May 15, Green Valley – Stableford 1st Stuart Brown (9) 35pts 2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 32pts 3rd Geoff Parker (16) 32pts We had mild overcast conditions for a rare visit to Green Valley. The course had been suffering from lack of rain and extreme temperatures in

FRI 24

SAT 25

recent weeks with the fairways in particular very brown and bare in places, however, over the last few days rain returned and the course was transformed remarkably back to more like what we expect at this venue. Even during our round, we had a brief rain delay of about ten minutes, not enough to require a visit to a drinks station but soaking welcome rain just the same.

Local knowledge was an asset for today’s winner Stuart Brown who took first place with thirty-five points.

SUN 26

Second place went to Jimmy Carr who edged out Geoff Parker on countback. Golf is a game that can mess with your head and inflict serious pain as was the case today for Tony Robbins who had possibly his worst game ever with a total of nine wipes.

Near pins went to Jimmy Carr, Gerry Cooney, and Stuart Brown.

Friday, May 17, Treasure Hill – Stableford 1st Ross Schiffte (18) 35pts

MON 27

TUE 28

WED 29

THU 30

FRI 31

The next PSC monthly golf tournament is a Rainbow format event at Pattaya C.C. on June 11

Apple’s Irish Bunker Boys

failing to register a decent score, Ross took first place with thirtyfive points. A bit of a recovery for Tony Robbins, albeit a small one, as he took second place with twenty-nine points and third went to Peter Allen with a lowly twenty-seven.

Remarkably only one near pin was claimed, that going to Tony Robbins.

Pattaya C.C. Kabin Buri

Treasure Hill

Laem Chabang

Greenwood

The Emerald

Pattavia

Burapha

Greenwood

Cafe Kronborg Colin’s Golf

Plutaluang

Green Valley

Growling Swan Billabong Golf

Pattavia

Eastem Star

Burapha

Phoenix

Pleasant Valley

Greenwood

Lewinski’s

Siam Old Coures

Green Valley

Siam Old Coures

The Links

Pattaya C.C.

Laem Chabang

Royal Lakeside

Le Katai

Green Valley Treasure Hill

I Rovers Retox Game On

Plutaluang

Pleasant Valley

Plutaluang

Greenwood Crystal Bay

Greenwood

Siam Country Sugar Shack

Khao Kheow

Burapha

Pattavia Mt. Shadow

Pattana

Laem Chabang

Khao Kheow

Green Valley

Khao Kheow Greenwood

Treasure Hill

Harry’s Golf The Golf Club The Players Lounge

Pattavia

Treasure Hill

Silky Oaks

Green Valley

Tropical Golf

Greenwood

Valley View Hackers

Green Valley

Royal Lakeside Green Valley

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

26 FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 21

Koepka wins PGA Championship at Bethpage Black Doug Ferguson Farmingdale, N.Y. (AP) — His place in PGA Championship history finally secure, Brooks Koepka draped both arms around the top of the Wanamaker Trophy and let out a deep sigh.

The stress was more than he wanted. The satisfaction was more than he imagined.

Koepka lost all but one shot of his record sevenshot lead last Sunday. Then he lost the brutal Long Island crowd, which began chants of “D.J.! D.J.!” as Koepka was on his way to a fourth straight bogey that allowed Dustin Johnson to pull within one shot.

“It’s New York,” Koepka said. “What do you expect when you’re half-choking it away?”

He responded like a player capable of piling up major championships faster than anyone since Tiger Woods.

Motivated by the crowd turning on him, Koepka de-

livered the key shots over the closing stretch as Johnson faded with two straight bogeys. He closed with a 4-over 74 for a two-shot victory and joined Woods as the only back-to-back winners of the PGA Championship since it went to stroke play in 1958.

That gives him four of the last eight majors he played and makes him the first player to hold two back-to-back majors at the same time. He won his second straight U.S. Open last summer 60 miles down the road at Shinnecock Hills before a far less rowdy crowd.

When his 6-foot par putt fell on the last hole, Koepka thrust his muscular right arm in the air and hugged his caddie hard.

“Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was — how stressful D.J. made that,” Koepka said.

“I know for a fact that was the most excited I’ve ever been in my life there on 18.”

Dustin Johnson drives off the 10th tee during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Bethpage Black. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Brooks Koepka poses with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA Championship golf tournament, Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Koepka said at the start of the week that majors are sometimes the easiest to win.

This one should have been.

It wasn’t.

And it didn’t help that a raging wind that gusted up to 25 mph turned Bethpage Black into a beast, with Johnson (69) the only player out of the last 12 groups to shoot par or better.

Koepka’s 74 was the highest final round by a PGA champion since Vijay Singh (4-over 76) won in a playoff at Whistling Straits in 2004.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to play any more holes,” Koepka said. “That was a stressful round of golf. I’m glad to have this thing back in my hands.”

Koepka appeared to wrap

it up with a gap wedge from 156 yards to 2 feet on the 10th hole for a birdie, as Johnson made his first bogey of the round up ahead on the 11th. That restored the lead to six shots, and the coronation was on.

And then it all changed in a New York minute.

Four holes later, Koepka walked off the 15th tee with a one-shot lead. He looked over to his left to see Johnson facing a 7-foot par putt on the 16th hole — the most difficult hole at Bethpage Black on Sunday because it was into the wind — to stay within one shot. The groan of the crowd told him Johnson had missed.

“I felt like as long as I had the lead, I was fine,” Koepka said. “As long as I put it in

the fairway, I was going to be all right.”

Koepka, who finished at 8under 272, returned to No. 1 in the world with a performance that defines his dominance in golf’s biggest events.

He was the first wire-to-wire winner in the PGA Championship since Hal Sutton at Riviera in 1983. It was his third straight year winning a major, a feat achieved by only seven others since the Masters began in 1934 — Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Peter Thomson and Ralph Guldahl.

Winning four of his last eight majors is a stretch not seen since Woods won seven out of 11 when he captured the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black.

Next up is the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where Koepka already is the betting favorite as he defends his title for the second time. No one has won the U.S. Open three straight years since Willie Anderson in 1905.

Johnson knew he was a long shot going into the final round — no one had ever lost a seven-shot lead in a major — and he still managed to make Koepka work for it. Johnson now has runner-up finishes in all four of the majors, the wrong kind of career Grand Slam.

“I gave it a run,” he said.

“That’s all you can ask for.”

It was more than anyone expected, especially when Koepka was six shots ahead with eight holes to play.

The crowd sensed a collapse and began chanting Johnson’s nickname on the par-3 14th as Koepka went long and was headed for a fourth straight bogey.

“I wasn’t nervous,” he said. “I was in shock of what was going on.”

Koepka held it together at the most crucial moment. He piped his driver down the 15th fairway and twoputted for par. And he drilled another one into the 16th for another par. He kept it interesting to the end, three-putting the 17th as the lead went back to two shots, and pulling his driver on the 18th into fescue so thick it left him little choice but to lay up and scramble for par.

Once his medium lob wedge settled 6 feet away, he could relax.

F1 great and aviation entrepreneur Niki Lauda dies at 70 Geir Moulson Berlin (AP) — Formula One great Niki Lauda, who won two of his world titles after a horrific crash that left him with serious burns and went on to become a prominent figure in the aviation industry, died on Monday.

He was 70.

Lauda’s family issued a statement saying the threetime world champion had passed away peacefully.

“His unique successes as a sportsman and entrepreneur are and remain unforgettable,” the family statement said. “His tireless drive, his straightforwardness and his courage remain an example and standard for us all. Away from the public gaze he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him very much.”

Lauda won the F1 drivers’ championship in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and again in 1984 with McLaren.

In this Sept. 7, 1976 file photo Austria’s Niki Lauda sits behind the wheel of his Ferrari 312 T2 on the track of Florano after a near fatal crash on Aug. 1 during the German Grand Prix. (AP Photo/Raoul Fornezza)

In 1976, he was badly burned when he crashed during the German Grand Prix, but he made an astonishingly fast return to racing just six weeks later.

Lauda remained closely

involved with the F1 circuit after retiring as a driver in 1985, and in recent years served as the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team.

Formula One posted a

message from its official Twitter account to acknowledge Lauda’s contribution to the sport.

“Rest in peace Niki Lauda.

Forever carried in our hearts, forever immortalized in our

history,” the post said. “The motorsport community today mourns the devastating loss of a true legend.”

Lauda joined Ferrari in ’74, winning a Grand Prix for the first time that year in Spain.

He won his first drivers’ title with five victories the following season.

Facing tough competition from McLaren’s James Hunt — their rivalry featured in the Ron Howard-directed movie Rush — Lauda appeared on course to defend his title in 1976 when he crashed at the Nuerburgring during the German Grand Prix. Several drivers stopped to help pull him from the burning car, but the accident would scar him for life. The baseball cap Lauda almost always wore in public became a personal trademark.

Lauda fell into a coma for a time. He said that “for three or four days it was touch and go.”

The Austrian made his comeback just six weeks after the crash, finishing fourth

at Monza after overcoming his initial fears.

Lauda said he “started very slowly trying to get all the feelings back, especially the confidence and after four or five races “I had basically overcome the problem of having an accident and everything went back to normal.”

He won his second championship in 1977 before switching to Brabham and then retiring in 1979 to concentrate on setting up his airline, Lauda Air, declaring that he “didn’t want to drive around in circles anymore.”

Lauda came out of retirement in 1982 after a bigmoney offer from McLaren, reportedly about $3 million a year.

He finished fifth his first year back and 10th in 1983, but came back to win five races and edge teammate Alain Prost for his third title in 1984. He retired for good the following year, saying he needed more time to devote to his airline business.

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Financial case a cloud over unprecedented City titles’ feat Rob Harris London (AP) — After the FA Cup was raised aloft by Manchester City’s players last weekend, the Wembley Stadium pyrotechnics didn’t cast a cloud over the team’s unprecedented sweep of English soccer’s men’s trophies.

The only shadow came from the investigations by soccer authorities into leaked documents that allegedly show the game’s costliest squad was assembled thanks to mechanisms employed to try to circumvent spending regulations.

A 6-0 rout of Watford last Saturday, delivered by goals from four players who cost more than $200 million in transfer fees, ensured the FA Cup joined the Premier League trophy, League Cup and Community Shield already in City’s possession.

The only piece of silverware missing is from the competition City could be banned from next season: the Champions League.

City arrived at Wembley reeling from UEFA investigators

last week sending the governing body’s judges a file into how the club bought by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family in 2008 sought to allegedly circumvent Financial Fair Play rules.

And the team left the national stadium with manager Pep Guardiola seething to face questions about the cloud over City’s feat.

“We are not guilty (until) proven,” Guardiola said.

“Would I say this club makes a step forward from the big investment from Sheikh Mansour? Definitely. Can you do that without top players? No way. That money helps to buy the incredible players we have? Yes. “After that we wait. If we are punished, we will accept it. But I listen to my chairman and my CEO, they give me the arguments for why they are under investigation and I trust them. When they tell me we were fair, we did it absolutely following the rules, I’m sorry, I believe them. If the opponents and contenders believe that it’s just the money ... it is OK they will be a problem.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola poses with the FA Cup trophy at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, May 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Guardiola is the only City figure publicly responding to questions about the FFP investigation, despite not being a director. Leaving Wembley, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak only gave a thumb’s up when asked about the club’s potential

Champions League ban.

Leaks of internal correspondence published by German outlet Der Spiegel last year showed how City used companies linked to the Abu Dhabi ownership to boost revenue in an attempt to curb losses and comply

Wilder KOs Breazeale in 1st round to defend heavyweight belt Brian Mahoney New York (AP) — Deontay Wilder believes they are coming, the mega matchup with Anthony Joshua and the rematch with Tyson Fury.

Until then, he moved onto some business with Dominic Breazeale.

He took care of it quickly and emphatically.

Wilder got back into the win column last Saturday, knocking out Breazeale with an overpowering right hand in the first round to defend his heavyweight title.

“There’s been a lot of animosity and a lot of words that were said and it just came out of me tonight,” Wilder said.

Wilder hurt Breazeale with a right to the head early in their fight at Barclays Center, but the challenger had recovered from that early onslaught. But there was no coming back from the right later in the round that immediately dropped Breazeale, who was trying to get up as referee Harvey Dock counted him out at 2:17 of the round.

“When I hit him with the right hand the first time, his body language changed,” Wilder said.

And with the last one, Breazeale’s body language crumpled.

Dominic Breazeale (left) evades a right from Deontay Wilder during the first round of their WBC heavyweight championship boxing match Saturday, May 18, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs) was coming off his draw against Fury in December, the first fight of his pro career that wasn’t a victory. He wanted a rematch with Fury or a unification match with fellow champion Joshua, but settled for a mandatory defense of his WBC title when those couldn’t be made.

He ended it quickly, finishing off Breazeale (20-2) after being pushed hard in each of his last two fights.

Wilder weighed in at a little more than 223 pounds, a gain from the 209 he was at for the Fury fight, but still well below the 245 he set as a goal after feeling he was too small in that bout, in

which he dropped Fury with a huge combination in the 12th round but had to settle for the draw when the challenger was able to get up and finish the fight.

An immediate rematch was expected before Fury surprisingly went another route.

“I understand what Tyson Fury did. When you get dropped on the canvas like that, I understand you have to get yourself back together,” Wilder said. “But the rematch will happen, like all these other fights will happen. The great thing is all these fights are in discussion. The big fights will happen.”

And Wilder won’t need any more pounds as long as he still has one of the most feared right hands in boxing.

Breazeale had downplayed Wilder’s power, saying heavyweights are supposed to hit hard. But he should certainly be a believer now.

He was challenging for a heavyweight title for the second time, having been stopped by Joshua in the seventh round three years ago in Britain. He said he had learned and grown from that fight, but there’s nothing that could have prepared him for what he faced in landing just two punches before 13,181 fans in Brooklyn.

“This was a situation where he landed the big right hand before I did,” Breazeale said. “I thought I was going to come on in the later rounds. I’ll be back and go for the heavyweight title again.”

Wilder and Joshua is the fight just about everyone in boxing would prefer to see, but so far it’s been all talk without seriously moving close to action.

Joshua will be making his U.S. debut at nearby Madison Square Garden on June 1, so perhaps they could try again afterward to negotiate a bout.

with UEFA regulations. City haven’t disputed the authenticity of the documents.

The Football Leaks group also published details showing how Roberto Mancini,

who managed City from 2009 to 2013, received more pay from a team Sheikh Mansour owns in Abu Dhabi to work as a consultant than from the Manchester club.

Mancini was the last City manager to win the FA Cup in 2011. City haven’t responded to questions sent

by The Associated Press in November asking if Guardiola had any similar arrangements to Mancini, and the manager was infuriated to be asked Saturday if he received any payments from Abu Dhabi.

“Do you know the question you are asking me — if I receive money from another situation today?” Guardiola said. “Do you think I deserve to make this kind of question ... the day I won the treble, if I received money from another situations?”

Guardiola is yet to provide an answer. City did not respond to a follow-up text message on the issue.

Nadal beats Djokovic for 9th Italian Open title

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Sunday, May 19. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Andrew Dampf Rome (AP) — Rafael Nadal is right back where he wants to be.

After losing in the semifinals of three straight claycourt tournaments, Nadal dominated for stretches against his longtime rival, Novak Djokovic, in a 6-0, 46, 6-1 win last Sunday for a record-extending ninth Italian Open title.

“You were asking for titles.

Finally I have a title,” Nadal told reporters. “Here we are.

Important title, important moment.”

It marked the first time in an Open Era-record 54 meetings, and in their 142nd set

against each other, that Nadal won a set against Djokovic without conceding a game — otherwise known as a bagel.

“I played a great first set in all aspects. No mistakes.

Playing so aggressive, changing directions,” Nadal said. “It’s usual and probably will not happen again.”

The timing for Nadal’s return to form could not have been more opportune, as he will seek a record-extending 12th title at the French Open starting this coming weekend.

In the women’s final, Karolina Pliskova captured the biggest clay-court trophy of her career by beating Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-4.

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VOL. XXVII No. 21

Monaco Grand Prix this weekend

The Chinese automotive world is in a slump China’s auto sales sank 17.7 percent in April from a year earlier, the 10th straight month of decline amid trade tension with Washington and an economic slowdown.

Drivers in the industry’s biggest global market bought 1.6 million sedans, SUVs and minivans, according to an industry group, the China Association of Auto Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales, including trucks and buses, fell 14.6 percent to 2 million.

Jittery consumers are less willing to make big purchases amid a tariff war with Washington and unease about China’s economic outlook.

Growth in the second-largest global economy held steady in the latest quarter but that was supported by government stimulus spending and

higher bank lending.

The downturn is squeezing Chinese and global automakers that are pouring money into meeting government targets to develop electric vehicles.

Auto sales for the first four months of the year are off 14.7 percent from a year earlier at 6.8 million, according to CAAM. Sales by Chinese brands in April plunged 27.9 percent from a year earlier to 585,000.

Their market share contracted by 5.2 age points to 37.1 percent.

Purchases of electric and gasoline-electric hybrid SUVs and sedans rose 18.1 percent to 97,000. That was a bright spot for the industry but well below growth rates of as much as 100 percent in previous months.

Beijing has promoted electrics with billions of dollars in research grants and buyer subsidies. But subsidies are due to end next year and regulators are shifting the burden to automakers by imposing mandatory sales targets for electrics.

So automakers need to develop electrics that can compete with gasoline-powered vehicles.

Sales of SUVs fell 15.8 percent, CAAM said, without giving a total.

Last year’s auto sales suffered their first decline in nearly three decades, falling 4.1 percent from 2017 to 23.7 million.

The downturn has prompted suggestions Beijing will cut sales taxes or offer other incentives.

A harbor full of multi-million dollar yachts and car parks with supercars, starlets waiting to be discovered and retired soccer players and you have Monaco.

As a racing circuit, it is quite frankly a joke – far too narrow to pass another car, and the walls beckoning the drivers to try the concrete next time around.

First run in 1929, it has become an anachronism today.

The 1996 event will be remembered for the reason only three cars finished!

The first race, held on 14 April 1929, was won by William Grover-Williams (using the pseudonym “Williams”), driving a works Bugatti Type 35B. It was an invitation-only

Monaco grid girls.

event, but not all of those invited decided to attend.

The leading Maserati and Alfa Romeo drivers decided not to compete, but Bugatti

US agency scraps safety system proposal Detroit (AP) — The U.S. government is withdrawing a proposal to require all passenger vehicles to have safety systems to prevent unintended acceleration.

The government said the rule isn’t needed because the auto industry has installed systems voluntarily.

The industry opposed the rule. It was proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2012 after a series of unintended acceleration problems with Toyota vehicles.

The agency says all 2018 passenger vehicles have systems that override the throttle if a driver presses the gas and brakes at the same time, and it doesn’t expect any automakers to remove the brake-throttle override system in the future.

But Jason Levine, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, said it will take years to find out whether automakers installed the systems due to the threat of a regulation or could remove them without the regulation pending. “What we know today is that with no requirement, there is no performance standard for the throttle control system and

nothing preventing it from being sold as a luxury feature,” he said. “We can only hope a few years from now we won’t see reports of crashes that could have been prevented by a required system that met minimum safety standards.”

The move comes as the administration of President Donald Trump pushes to reduce or eliminate regulations, which Trump considers an unnecessary burden on industry.

“NHTSA does not find that there is presently a safety need for a BTO (brake-throttle override) requirement,” the agency said in the withdrawal notice, which was posted Monday on a government website.

The rule also would have required vehicles to return to idle if a driver stops pressing the gas pedal. But NHTSA wrote that it needs a broader understanding of safe design of vehicle electronic control systems to make a decision on that.

The proposed rule was an outgrowth of investigations in 2010 into claims that electronic defects were causing unintended acceleration in some Toyota models. An investigation by NHTSA and a separate study by NASA

Autotrivia Quiz Last week I asked: 22,000 orders on its first day of its release with only 101 BHP engine. What was this car? The answer was the Ford Mustang, one of the most popular new cars ever.

So to this week. How can you instantly differentiate between an MGA 1500, an MGA 1600, and an MGA 1600 Mk 2 and an MGA Twin Cam without measuring the capacity of the engine? There are four items. Any three will do.

For the Automania 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!

ruled out electronic defects in high-speed crashes and determined that in some cases drivers had inadvertently pressed the brake and gas pedal at the same time or that gas pedals had become trapped by floor mats.

One accident that gained attention was the August 2009 high-speed crash of a Lexus near San Diego that resulted in the deaths of four people.

Investigators determined that the driver, a veteran California highway patrolman, had applied the brake of the loaned car but was unable to override the accelerator, which was trapped by a floor mat.

In February 2011, Toyota Motor Corp. recalled 2.17 million vehicles in the United States to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in driver’sside carpeting, prompting NHTSA to close its investigation. The agency also fined Toyota $50 million for not recalling millions of vehicles in a timely fashion.

The rule was aimed at minimizing the risk that drivers would lose control of their vehicles as a result of either accelerator-control system disconnections or acceleratorpedal sticking or floor-mat entrapment, the safety administration said at the time.

Rudolf Caracciola.

was well represented.

Mercedes sent their leading driver, Rudolf Caracciola.

Starting fifteenth, Caracciola drove a fighting race, taking his SSK into the lead before wasting 4½ minutes on refueling and a tyre change to finish second.

Another driver who competed using a pseudonym was “Georges Philippe”, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The Monegasque driver Chiron was unable to compete, having a prior commitment to compete in the Indianapolis 500 on the same day.

So to today. This will be the usual race of attrition and with passing hardly possible, a good qualifying is really important.

The race will start at 8 p.m.

Thai time and we watch in Fletchers Folly, Siam Country Club Road, 300 meters before the Chicken intersection (Mitkamon) and opposite the Maxxis outlet.

BMW and Toyota in bed together In a manner very similar to Mazda and Fiat making their own Miata’s, Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, and now BMW’s Z4 and the new Toyota Supra have certainly cuddled up together.

In a joint development of over five years with BMW, the new Supra was finally released. Not a clone of each other as the manufacturers proclaimed, but what do you make of a sporty car that shares the same platform and engine? Electronics? A different calibration, and I remain unimpressed. Even switch gear!

Tetsuya Tada chief engineer for the new Supra and the Toyota 86 states both cars have completely different suspension and software calibration, for example.

Practicality and comfort were almost not considered.

The 2020 Supra was tested

Toyota 2020 Supra.

by Car and Driver magazine (a publication that is generally truthful) and the 2020 Toyota Supra was very quick in a straight line. Toyota quotes a 4.1 second sprint to 60 miles per hour for the new Supra (and a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour), but a recent performance inspection proves the coupe could actually be quicker in a straight line.

In the Car and Driver test, the Supra hit 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds. Toyota is then 0.1 seconds quicker than the same engine inline six powered BMW Z4 on which it’s based (3.9 seconds).

Though the two cars share the same turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-six engine, the Supra’s 335 horsepower (249 kilowatts) and 365 poundfeet (494 Newton-meters) of torque are 47 horses (35 kW) and four lb-ft down on the BMW Z4.

How can this be? Offsetting the claimed engine power, the Supra is lighter than the Z4, but not by much. The Supra weighs in at 1,540 kilograms, while the Supra is 1,561 kilograms. The Supra is more affordable, too. In the US, the Toyota starts at $49,990, where the inline-six-powered Z4 costs a hefty $65,690. How much of that 65,000 goes towards the nameplate? When you open the garage door, is your next door neighbor going to say “Wow! You’ve got a Toyota!” There, you’ve got the answer.

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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com

Events The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be held on Sunday, May 26. 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 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 Toyota Pattaya Triathlon 2019 will be held at Pattaya Beach from May 25-26. Race distances include: Standard triathlon 1.5/ 40/10-km, Sprint triathlon 750m/25/5-km, Duathlon 5/ 40/10-km, Breakfast Run 5/ 10-km (Saturday 25 May), Open Water Swim 6/4.5/1.5km swimming (Saturday 25 May). For more information and registration, visit: www.thailandtrileague.com.

The Pattaya Bikini Beach Race 2019 will take place on Saturday, June 8 at Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

Race distances are 3km and 9km and admission fees are 700 & 800 baht for early bird sign-up. For more information and runner registration, go to Facebook page: www.facebook.com/events/ 47489329631043 or call 082563-1291 A Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard networking evening will be held at the Alexa Beach Club Pattaya at Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort on Friday, June 14 from 6.30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (last drinks at 8.30 p.m.). Entrance cost is THB 500 on the door for members and THB 1,000 for non-members. Admission includes free-flow drinks and finger food.

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 June 8.

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 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.

Hilton Pattaya offers a number of choices of dining venue with an array of tempting cuisine and to complement the spectacular Pattaya international firework shows on Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25, 2019. Edge Restaurant brings you closer to the dazzling display while enjoying a sumptuous international dinner buffet priced at THB 2,400 per person for indoor seats and THB 2,800 per person for outdoor seats. Available from 6pm to 11pm. Drift Lobby Lounge & Bar on level 16 offers two exclusive island packages; THB 15,000 for small island for 4 people and THB 20,000 for large island for 6 people.

Full beverage package and a sharing tower of Fine de Claire oyster together with an array of appetizers and desserts are included. Wine and dine at Horizon restaurant & bar on level 34. A wide selection of premium international buffet is provided with an unparalleled view of

Fax: 038-427596 fireworks over Pattaya bay, priced at THB 3,500 net per person and available from 6pm – 11pm. Beverage package is also available at THB 2,550 net per person. For more information or reservation, call 038 253 000 or email bkkhp_pattaya_festive@ hilton.com Saturday Night Buffet is back at AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa. Experience regional favourites galore, street dishes and artisan desserts, as you relax with classical Thai dance and live music. Every Saturday night at Sala Rim Nam Restaurant from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

Priced at THB 599++ per person. Kids under 5 eat free.

You can also savour an elegant environmental dining experience under the stars with Mother Nature every Monday from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Sala Rim Nam with all diners receiving ecofriendly flashlight. For more information and reservations, call 038 412 120 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).

International Fireworks Buffet at Dusit Thani Pattaya: Enjoy an extensive international buffet featuring food stalls, carvery,

fresh seafood, sushi & sashimi and much more while witnessing the fantastic Pattaya International Fireworks display from the best location at The Bay Terrace and The Point on 24 and 25 May. Price: THB 1,499++ per persons (special 20% off for Dusit Gold Member, check with our staff for free signup). Add THB 599++ per person for free flow of beverages or THB 199++ per person for free flow of soft drinks & juices. 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 – Duck buffet; Thursday – German buffet with roasted pig; Friday – Asian Delights buffet; Saturday – international buffet; Sunday – Steak & Skewers buffet. The buffet starts from 6 p.m., runs until 9 p.m. All this for just 499 baht net per adult or 299 baht per child under 12 (kids under 4-years old eat free). What you see is what you pay, no additional service charges or Continued on page 31

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Saturday night at The Bay The Dusit Thani Pattaya has long been famous for its Saturday night BBQ buffets at their Bay restaurant, but like all things in Pattaya soon attracted copycats.

It was during this week that we discussed one of the first Saturday nights we enjoyed at The Bay. Contact was made with Thitipat (Run) Chirayanon, the Marcom manager, and we descended last Saturday evening to see if it was as good as it used to be.

The Dusit Thani Pattaya itself is like an old and trusted friend, opposite the Dolphin Roundabout. The Bay restaurant has seen many chefs in charge over the years, and we were met

by Chef B.Pathmanathan Balagangdaram who took me through the items on offer.

I have always said that with buffets you should carefully walk around and see what the make-up of the items is, or you will find too late that a culinary favorite was there, but you missed it.

Chef Pathma took that role for himself and we spent

several minutes going through the different stations and some different items on offer. Chef Patma is someone who enjoys his creations and this bubbling enthusiasm comes through.

An example of this was Pathma’s cold soup, very

suited to the current spell of hot days. However, this was not the usual gazpacho, but a cold cucumber and orange soup, which was so refreshing it had me to the soup station twice.

There are two levels of the BBQ, with the upper level

Throwing another prawn on the Barbie.

The irresistible Fresh Fruit Tart.

Japanese sushi, everyone’s favourite.

Fresh spring rolls on a bed of crispy noodles. Spicy papaya salad with salted egg.

catering to cold items such as Italian sausage, salad with hams and olives, oysters, Japanese sushi and sashimi, tropical fruits, cheeses (including a very nice Swiss cheese), breads, dessert items and a chocolate fountain.

The lower level is on the grassy terrace and features chefs grilling large prawns (throw another prawn on the Barbie as our Australian friends would say), rock lobster and crab.

Also on this level there was a huge grade 6 Wagyu steak (and I made a note to visit that station later). Then there are several chafing dishes with Thai items such as Pad Thai spring rolls. At the far end was a noodle counter and some Chinese Dim Sum. Feeling carnivorous, after my cold soup I did approach the young chef looking after the Wagyu, and it was as good as it looked. This was a true grade 6 Wagyu and it shows in the tenderness of the meat.

Another international item was a Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken).

This Japanese version of fried chicken is first marinated in ginger, garlic and soy sauce, and then coated in potato starch before being fried. The result was an ultra-crispy shell encasing a flavorful bite of juicy chicken inside, proving that the Japanese can do more than eat raw fish.

We were all in agreement at the Dusit Thani’s Saturday night BBQ Grill was still of a very high standard. At THB 1,200++ and looking at what was on offer, it is not over the top. Wine can be ordered as an all-you-canimbibe at THB 599++ but naturally you will find a greater range in the a la carte wine list including my favorite Stonefish Sauvignon Blanc available by the glass at THB 350.

This is another venue very suitable to take overseas guests to on a Saturday night. They will be impressed, as we were! It really was an international grill Seafood BBQ. Dusit Thani Pattaya, 240/2 Pattaya Beach Road, enter from the Dolphin roundabout (traffic circle as our American friends call it) Pattaya City, telephone 038 425 611-7, secure parking in the spacious grounds.

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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com From page 29 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.

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

Fax: 038-427596

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. 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 on-street parking in the soi.

Hours 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days.

Gazpacho the refreshing cold soup I had a wonderful gazpacho last weekend in the Amari’s Tavern by the Sea, with avocado slices in the middle.

Gazpacho is a famous Spanish soup which is served cold.

The use of your blender makes this a very easy soup to make, but do not over blend. The soup should have a thick consistency. You can also substitute red and yellow bell peppers for green if you wish.

Ingredients Tomatoes canned (or 8 large fresh tomatoes, peeled) Cucumber peeled and chopped Green bell pepper cored and chopped Onion chopped Garlic Olive oil Vinegar white Ground black pepper

Serves 4 1 kg 1 1 1 1 clove 2 tbspns 4 tbspns garnish

Cooking method Using the blender: first chop up the garlic, then add the cucumber and bell peppers (capsicum), adding tomato juice as needed to liquefy. Finally add the tomatoes and the rest of the juice. If you want elegance, press through a sieve. If you’re going for heartiness, just leave it the way it is. Mix in the olive oil and vinegar. Now refrigerate overnight.

When ready to serve, pour into bowls and garnish with salad vegetables as you see fit: minced or notched and sliced cucumber; thin green bell pepper slices; chopped coriander; and croutons and finally a goodly sprinkle of pepper.

Entertainment Despacito Fridays at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya –Start off the weekend with a sensual step Latin night at the Roof Sky Bar, every Friday from 4pm – 10pm with DJ Ro-Bi-El Gordo and DJ Rocky, plus zumba classes. Free admission, ladies enjoy a free drink until 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@ rotarypattayamarina.org.

Rotary Club of Pattaya (Thai-English) meets at the First Pacific Hotel, Central Road on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Meetings begin at 19.00 hrs. President Stephen Devereux Email: < stevecarlow@gmail.com> Post 12146 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (Ban Chang – U-Tapao, Thailand) meets the second Saturday of each month at 13:00 at Sinthavee Park Condo, 2/ 1 Moo 5, in Ban Chang. If you are interested, please contact Membership Chairman Dan Morgan at <ban changvfw12146membership@ gmail.com> or visit website: www.banchangvfwpost12146.org.

The Royal British Legion Thailand meets on the last weekend of every month at various locations around the city. Please join and like the Face Book page and you will see the all the social events listed. You do not have to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member and can join in the many social events arranged throughout the year.

The Legion’s primary aim is the care and welfare of those who have served and/or their dependents. For general enquiries send an email to - chonburi .secretary@ rbl.community.

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VOL. XXVII No. 21

‘Ride with the Blind’ raises 100,000 baht for charity

Even cyclists need an occasional pit-stop.

Derek Franklin

One of the youngest students to ride the 30km course.

For any walker, rider or driver around the streets of Pattaya it would be hard not to notice the increasing popularity of cycling. This may be viewed as an inconvenience to some impatient motorists but as a way of staying healthy, riding a bike is an excellent choice.

One thousand riders recently gathered at the Pattaya School for the Blind in Naklua and set off on a 30km charity bike ride around the city to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, which is under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

The event was named ‘Bike with the Blind’, and several blind and visually impaired students from the school climbed onto two seat tandems, with a sighted rider in front, and joined the ride which ended at Pattaya City Hall.

For many of the students this was the first time they had ever ridden a bike, let alone cycle a long distance and at such a fast pace, but they appeared to love the speed and feeling the breeze on their faces.

Almost one hundred thousand baht was raised for the Pattaya school, and simultaneous bike rides also took place in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and several cities in the south, and all to raise awareness and much needed funds for local schools for blind and visually impaired students.

The Pattaya School for the Blind currently provides an education for one hundred and ten students, from kindergarten level up to grade nine, and it also has a vocational training center. Of all the schools in Thailand for blind students, the Pattaya school is unique as it is one of only two such schools which accept children who have multi-disabilities, such as children who are blind and who are also living with autism, learning and mobility disabilities, who are all welcomed and educated.

Riders raised almost 100,000 baht on the 30km charity bike ride.

A novel way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

More information about the Pattaya School for the Blind

can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email info@fr-ray.org.

One thousand cyclists assembled at Pattaya North Road for the event.

Golf: Koepka wins PGA Championship at Bethpage Black Turn to page 26.

Boxing: Wilder KOs Breazeale in 1st round to defend heavyweight belt To page 27.

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.

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