Pattaya Mail - FRIDAY AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2019 (Vol. XXVII No. 32) by Pattaya Mail Media Group

27th Year

Established in 1993

VOL.XXVII No. 32

Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper

FRIDAY AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2019

30 BAHT

Happy Birthday Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother Riviera Group secures 520-million-baht loan from SCB

Anol Eaksil SVP, Corporate Banking 2 - East, Suparp Kuhapensaeng Relationship Manager, Corporate Banking 2 - East and Sommai Ungsrithong, FSVP, Corporate Banking 2 Function together with Sukanya and Winston Gale give the ‘thumbs up’ after the multimillion-baht loan contract was signed, sealed and delivered. (Story on page 5)

Loving Mother of the Thai Nation August 12 is a very special day throughout the Thai Kingdom, as it is the day the entire nation celebrates the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Ninth Reign’s Birthday. The day also is celebrated throughout the Kingdom as Mother’s Day. The management and staff of the Pattaya Mail Media Group join Thai people and many others from around the world to present our loyalty and devotion to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and best wishes for a most Happy Birthday and a continued long life on the occasion of her 87th birthday Monday, August 12. (Photo courtesy Bureau of Royal Household)

2 FRIDAYAUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Police continue investigation of Bangkok bombings Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said the bombings in Bankgok last Friday were connected with individuals in seven southern provinces and assured the public that the police will keep the situation under control. Starting early in the morning, the bombings took place at five spots in the Thai capital. A bomb went off in Soi Rama IX 57/1 in Suan Luang district, two blasts occurred in a small garden in front of Building B in the compound of the Government Center in the Chaeng Wattana area

and two more bombs exploded in front of the entry to the Thai Armed Forces headquarters. Another blast occurred at the Airport Rail Linkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hua Mark station. Five or six bombs were found elsewhere and fires separately broke out at shops in the Pratunam area. Pol Gen Chakthip said the Bangkok bombings were believed to be correlated, except for the one in the Rama IX area. Motives for the bombings are yet to be found but the police suspect the incidents were perpetrated by the same group

that was active in the seven upper southern provinces in 2016. Erawan Emergency Medical Service Center reported that two persons were injured in the bombing in Soi Rama IX 57/1 and were treated at Sirindhorn Hospital. They are Suan Luang district road cleaners, identified as Ms Kritsana Phongsaisee, 46, and Mrs Sunthorn Rodsianglam, 55, who was injured in the eye and eardrum. A man was injured by the blast at BTS Chong Nonsi station and was taken to Vibharam Hospital. (NNT)

Pattaya steps up security after Bangkok attack Boonlua Chatree With several small bombs detonating around Bangkok last Friday, local police stepped up security operations in Pattaya, particularly around Bali Hai Pier. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Eansan led tourist police to inspect the pier last weekend and make sure everything was in order and there were no suspicious items in the vicinity. Pattaya police also carried out a sweep of bus terminals and shopping malls to ensure safety for tourists and locals. About 20 officers manned the traffic stop on Sukhumvit Road near Big C

Bomb disposal experts inspect a suspect object in Bangkok, Friday, August 2. (Photo/NNT)

Storm warning keeps small Pattaya tourist boats ashore Boonlua Chatree

Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Eansan led tourist police on a security inspection of Bali Hai Pier in the wake of the recent bombings in Bangkok.

South Pattaya following the bombings. Vehicles and motorbikes were searched for weapons and drugs.

The patrols were all completed without incident and no suspicious objects were found.

Pattaya Marine Department posted red warning flags to keep small boats ashore amid stormy seas last week. As the remains of Tropical Storm Wipha washed over the East, waves reached four meters tall in the Gulf of Thailand. Big boats were allowed to leave Bali Hai Pier Aug. 2, but small tourist boats had to cancel their voyages. Large tourist boats got extra scrutiny as well, with marine

Pattaya bay was full with small boat as owners sought shelter from the effects of Tropical Storm Wipha.

inspectors checking for adequate numbers of life vests

and that boats were not overloaded.

Loei man charged with killing cheating girlfriendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lover Drunk driver injures 5 in Sattahip

Patcharapol Panrak

Boonlua Chatree

Five people were injured when a drunk driver cut off a passenger van, causing a threevehicle pileup in Sattahip. Sanya Satitsatien, 62, was arrested for driving while under the influence following the July 30 crash on Sukhumvit Road at a PTT gas station near Singsamut School. Minivan driver Sittichok Sansuk, 25, and passengers Thanatcha Kongsomjai, 30, and Nitchanan Rattanalert, 31, sustained minor injuries when their Hyundai H1 van plowed into the station. Clerks Mek Jiranet, 19, and

A Loei man has been charged with murder for allegedly killing a language teacher who was having an affair with his girlfriend. Kednarong Jansirinusorn, 51, was captured after midnight outside a convenience store on Naklua Road on July 30, hours after the body of Bandit Namwai, 44, was found in his foreign-language school and visa service in nearby Roy Lang Village. Police said Kednarong confessed to killing the teacher for sleeping with his cheating girlfriend. Kednarong said he went to the school to confront Bandit, who ran inside and locked the door. Kednarong said he broke the glass on the door and forced his way inside where the two began to fight. During the fight, police said, Kednarong repeatedly stabbed Bandit until he was dead.

Five people were injured, two of them seriously, when a drunk driver caused a multiple car pileup in Sattahip on July 30.

Anantayod Seangsanor, 17, suffered serious injuries. All 5 were transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Medical Center. Police said Sanya, who had

a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 percent, was making a U-turn in his Toyota Altis and cut off the van. Sittichok swerved, hit a parked Isuzu Thairung and careened into the gas station.

Kednarong Jansirinusorn, from Loei, sits in a police station after being arrested for the murder of local language teacher Bandit Namwai.

He then drove home and changed clothes, hid his motorbike on the roadside and threw the knife in the woods.

VOL. XXVII No. 32

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 3

PATTAYA MAIL

Long Live HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother Loving Mother of the Thai Nation Adapted from a Story by Peter Cummins Photos Courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother is the daughter of H.H. Prince Chandaburi Suranath (M.C. Nakkhat Mongkol Kitiyakara) and his consort Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara (nee Mom Luang Bua Snidvongs). Prince Chandaburi Suranath was the third son of H.R.H. Prince Chandaburi Suranath and H.S.H. Princess Absarasman Kitiyakara. She was born on August 12, 1932. The year 1932 is a significant one: it was the year when constitutional monarchy was introduced into Thailand. Her father was a prominent and capable Major-General in the Thai Army at the time of the constitutional change. He left the army and went to serve as First Secretary at the Thai Legation in Washington D.C. As HM the Queen was

Majesty was a frequent visitor. When His Majesty was well again and left the hospital, he was graciously pleased to arrange for Her Majesty to continue her studies at “Riante Rive”, a boarding school in Lausanne. On July 19, 1949 Their Majesties were quietly engaged in Lausanne. On March 24, 1950, Their Majesties landed in Bangkok by ship after a long absence. On April 28 of the same year, the Royal Wedding took place at Padumawan Palace before the Queen Grandmother. As a democratic King and Queen, Their Majesties signed their names in the Registry Book of Marriages. His Majesty then crowned HM the Queen in conformity with Thai tradition. Their Majesties had four children, Princess Ubolratana, born on April 5, 1951, His

then still a little child, she remained in Bangkok in the charge of her relatives. She did not see her parents again until their return home. She attended the Kindergarten class at Rajini School. But subsequently went to St. Francis Xavier School at Samsen District in Bangkok in order to be nearer to home. Her father later on became Thai Minister to France, to Denmark and ultimately Ambassador to the Court of St. James. Her Majesty accompanied him and continued her general education in the three countries and lastly in Switzerland. It was while her father was stationed in Paris that she first met His Majesty (the late) King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was then studying in Switzerland but went now and then to Paris. The chance meeting in Paris ripened into friendship and understanding. When His Majesty met with a serious motor car accident in Geneva, Switzerland and had to stay in a hospital at Lausanne, Her

Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, born on July 28, 1952, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born on April 2, 1955 and Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, born on July 4, 1957. Their Majesties took great care in the education of their children in order to prepare them to meet the various duties which they had to undertake in later life. His Majesty, with the entire concurrence of Her Majesty, set up a school in the compound of Chitralada Villa. The school was established and registered in accordance with the law in November 1958. There were about 78 children in the school. The classmates of the Royal children were sons and daughters of ordinary people of various vocations. Her Majesty has always been very devoted to her children. During their younger days, she used to spend as much time with them as her

duties would allow, and kept close supervision on all their activities. When Her Majesty was in the United States of America during the State Visit with His Majesty in 1960, a TV representative asked her what her favorite hobby was. The reply was: “Looking after my children!”

Humanitarian and Social Welfare Her Majesty has performed many public functions. She became President of the Thai Red Cross Society on August 12, 1956, and her keenness in the work built up her popularity and aroused enthusiasm in the public for the cause of the Red Cross. In her role as Honorary President of the Thai Red Cross, HM Queen Sirikit always gave her direct support to people in need. When His Majesty entered the monkhood in 1956, Her Majesty became Regent

during that period. She gave the oath of allegiance before the National Assembly. She performed her duties so well and so satisfactorily that, on the recommendation from the Government, Her Majesty was given the title of higher distinction. She became “Somdech Phraborom Rajininath.” Such a title is given to a Queen who has ably performed the function of the Head of State on behalf of the King, when he was absent from the realm or for some reason was unable to exercise his function temporarily.

The SUPPORT Foundation The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, (SUPPORT) was founded in 1976 under Their Majesty’s Royal Patronage and Chairmanship. The promotional work of the foundation has been recognized as highly effective, particularly since SUPPORT provides outlets for local wares and handicrafts from all regions of the Kingdom.

In this Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, photo released by The Royal Household Bureau, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, center, is visited by her children, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the Chitralada Palace on the Queen’s 86th birthday. (The Royal Household Bureau via AP)

In 1979, the Support Foundation Chitralada Training Center was set up to teach Thai arts and crafts to children of landless villagers. Through this project, Her Majesty succeeded in preserving some dying arts. At the present time, there are hundreds of thousands of poor and needy families around the country whose livelihoods have been much improved through Her Majesty’s SUPPORT projects.

While improving the livelihood of her people through the SUPPORT Project, Her Majesty also worked simultaneously on the conservation of natural resources and the environment projects which have enabled people to live in harmony with nature. Forests that had been ravaged have been replanted with useful trees and medicinal plants. Watersheds have been restored and

preventive measures put in place against forest fires. On this most auspicious occasion, the management and staff of the Pattaya Mail Media Group join the Thai people and the many others from around the world to present our loyalty and devotion to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and best wishes for a most Happy Birthday and a continued long life on the occasion of her 87th birthday Monday, August 12.

4 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Crabs fresh, prices unclear Beach thieves take Iranian at Lan Po Market swimmer’s clothes Boonlua Chatree An Iranian tourist who left his belongings on the beach for an after-dark swim returned to find them gone. Sajjad Falahatpishen, 36, and his Russian wife filed a theft report July 30. They went for a swim and left their clothes, expensive smartphone, 1,000 baht cash and hotel key on Dongtan Beach. Witness Nawin Sasomthong, 25, said a group of young men was sitting near where the Iranian left his property. He didn’t see the youths take the belongings, but noticed they disappeared after the couple went into the sea. Police are investigating.

Pattaya health inspectors carried out an inspection of the seafood at Lan Po Market following complaints posted on social media.

Pattaya health inspectors checked out the seafood at Lan Po Market finding nothing spoiled, but not enough

prices posted. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai led the team of officials inspecting the Naklua

market Aug. 1 following complaints posted on social media about rotten crabs. Numerous crab samples were taken and testing but none were spoiled or contaminated. Manote did note that not enough vendors had posted clear prices and encouraged them to have signs with both prices and clear descriptions of the products on offer. (PCPR)

An Iranian tourist, now suitable clothed, explains to a police officer how a midnight swim with his wife led to a costly loss of belongings.

Masseuse found dead in Pattaya apartment Boonlua Chatree Police are waiting on autopsy results to determine what killed a transgender masseuse found dead in a Pratamnak Hill apartment. The heavily decomposed body of Anoma Bandit, 35, was found lying on the bed in the Soi Setti studio off

Pratamnak Road Aug. 2. Anoma had been dead about a week. Neighbors alerted the landlord about the strong smell emanating from the apartment. Police found the door locked from the inside and broke in. There were no signs of struggle or an apparent cause of death due to the

bloated nature of the remains. A work colleague said Anoma worked as a masseuse in a Pattaya massage parlor and had lived quietly at the apartment building for two years. Neighbors said she had no boyfriend. The body was sent for a forensic examination to determine cause of death.

Nong Plalai kids learn about dengue fever Warapun Jaikusol Nong Plalai kids learned about dengue fever and how to prevent catching the potentially deadly virus. The Public Health and Environment organized the July 25 class for 100 students at Wat Nongketnoi School. Dengue fever has infected 49,174 Thailand residents through July 18, killing 64 of

them, double the fatalities in the same period in 2018. Many of the patients were children younger than 15, due to the frequency of which they play outside and near water where denguecarrying mosquitos breed. Students at Wat Nongketnoi School were taught the risks of dengue fever and the best ways to avoid infection.

Drought damage disaster initially estimated at 10 billion baht The latest estimate from the University of Thai Chambers of Commerce (UTCC) shows the drought disaster this year has affected some 1,330

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)

square kilometers of farmland, most of which is rice farms, with initial damage estimated at about 10 billion baht. The UTCC compiled information from agricultural government agencies and private firms with 109 data samples nationwide. The survey concluded that the agricultural sector in the northern and northeastern regions has been affected This year’s extended dry season has devastated farmers’ crops and is estimated to have already cost the most. The Department of Disas- in the region of 10 billion baht in losses. ter Prevention and Mitiga- management and rainmaking billion baht should the tion has recently lifted the operations. However, the drought extend through disaster affected area status center expects the damage to September, as the wet seain most areas, leaving only reach 18 billion baht should son rice cultivation cycle one province remaining, the crisis continue for an- would be affected and that would lower expected Thai which is expected to help al- other month. The overall damage is economic growth to 2.9 perleviate the crisis thanks to the government’s water expected to escalate to 37 cent from 3 percent. (NNT)

VOL. XXVII No. 32

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 5

HM the King elevates Riviera Group secures Chaimongkol Temple’s abbot 520-million-baht loan from SCB

Abbot Anan Thamachoto (seated center) is surrounded by monks and government officials during the ceremony to celebrate his elevation to the monastic rank of Phraratchakhana Chan Raj at Chaimongkol Temple in Pattaya, July 29.

Jetsada Homklin His Majesty the King has elevated the abbot of Chaimongkol Temple to the eighth-highest rank in the Thai Sangha. The South Pattaya royal temple organized a July 29 parade to congratulate Abbot Anan Thamachoto, who also serves as ecclesiastical vice governor for Chonburi, on his promotion to Phraratchakhana Chan

Raj, the fifth-highest rank in the second highest level of monkhood. Known formally as Chao Khun Phra Panyarattanaporn, the abbot was conferred the title of Phra Racha Sansohon by HM the King, who elevated monks across the country on the occasion of his birthday. Anan was congratulated by top Pattaya officials, business leaders and the public. The parade proceeded from

Sophon Market to Chaimongkol Temple and around the main hall. Moreover, government officers and local politicians welcomed high-ranked monks led by Ecclesiastical Gov. Thep Chonlatanmunee. Chaimongkol’s lay leader Surat Mekawarakul read the official declaration of the abbot’s ascension after which 13 monks chanted Bahum. Anan’s promotion will be celebrated at his Oct. 3 birthday party.

Alangkarn boss takes 200 kids to movies Jetsada Homklin The owner of Thai Alangkarn Theater treated 200 orphans, migrant children and at-risk youths to a day at the movies in honor of HM the King’s birthday. Suttikorn Jierapaitoon, head of the Alangkan Entertainment Complex, welcomed kids and staff from the Human Help Network Thailand’s Drop-In Center, Fountain of Life Center and Sotpattana School for the Deaf to Major Cineplex on Second Road to watch Disney’s reboot of “The Lion King”.

Orphans, migrant children and at-risk youths were treated to a day at the movies.

Suttikorn said the film was a great choice for children in that its story teaches and

inspires youths to do the right thing and assertive in the right ways.

The Riviera Group, Pattaya’s leading Luxury property developers signed a Construction Bank Finance deal for 520 million baht (US$ 16.8 million) with Siam Commercial Bank on 31 July, 2019. This loan is for the final construction phase of The Riviera Monaco. Riviera Group Owners Winston and Sukanya Gale said, “We have worked with SCB for over 8 years and I am happy to see the trust and business ties between both parties growing from strength to strength. This is the 4th major deal we have made with SCB totalling a hefty sum of 3.28 billion baht. The Riviera Monaco is a 40-storey luxury condominium built on a 3-rai plot of land, offers 412 units of different sizes. The exceptional design and architecture of this unique, modern and sophisticate building

Construction of The Riviera Monaco is progressing at a steady pace and is scheduled to be completed in 2021.

ensures that that 77% of the units will have unobstructed views of the sea. The Riviera Monaco is also just minutes from the beach as well as main routes for those who prefer convenience. The project is family friendly with plenty

of recreational facilities for children and adults. An ‘Elegant Class Above’ the Riviera Monaca is scheduled to be completed in 2021 and is certain to become another high-end property others will follow in Jomtien.

Leonardo DiCaprio thanks Thai authorities for rise in tiger numbers Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo has posted a message on Instagram applauding Thai authorities for overseeing an increase in the number of tigers at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. In his Instagram post, on Global Tiger Day (July 29), DiCaprio thanked officials at the sanctuary for the more than 60-percent increase in the number of tigers in its care. “In Thailand’s Huai Kha Khaeng (HKK) Wildlife Sanctuary, tigers are roaring back thanks to a major longterm effort by the government of Thailand ... As a result, tiger numbers in the sanctuary have risen dramatically,

The increasing tiger population at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary sparked a complimentary post on social media by Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo. (AP Photo)

from 41 in 2010 -11 to 66 today - a more than 60 per cent increase. In addition, tigers moving beyond the boundaries of the sanctuary are providing a foundation for a recovering population across

the entire Western Forest Complex of Thailand, with the benefits even spilling across the border into the Taninthayi region of Myanmar. #GlobalTigerDay,” DiCaprio wrote. National Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa, said he is happy and proud that all parties have been placing importance on the nation’s tigers. Warawut said “In the past 8-9 years, the tiger population has grown. I believe that if everyone shares the same spirit, the number of rare animals and green areas will grow and Thailand will be a country with abundant natural resources.” (NNT)

6 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Instagram expands hiding ‘likes’ to make you happier Barbara Ortutay San Francisco (AP) — Instagram is expanding a test to hide how many “likes” people’s posts receive as it tries to combat criticism that such counts hurt mental health and make people feel bad when comparing themselves to others. The Facebook-owned photosharing service has been running the test in Canada since May. Now, Facebook said the test has been expanded to Ireland, Italy, Japan, Australia, Brazil and New Zealand. Facebook typically tests new Facebook and

Instagram features in smaller markets before bringing them to the U.S., if it ever does. The company would not comment on what it’s learned from the Canada test or if it has plans to expand it to the U.S. any time soon. One group that may be affected is Instagram “influencers,” the major, minor or micro celebrities who use social media to market products and otherwise influence their hordes of followers. After all, if you post a photo and no one likes it, did you really post it? People can still see how many people liked their own photos, but won’t see counts

Instagram is expanding a test to hide how many “likes” people’s posts receive on its photo-sharing app. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

for other people’s posts. Rather, they could tap to see a list of all the accounts that

liked the other posts, but would have to count the total manually. It’s a task few

people would bother with. Likewise, though Instagram isn’t hiding the number of followers on an account, it still requires an extra tap or two to find that. “It makes it hard to find who the influencers are,” said Ryan Hilton, a 27-year old Canadian who works in social media and has been part of the no-likes test for months. “It’s hard to know who to follow because everyone looks the same.” Hilton, who has a personal account as well as one for his dog, the latter with more than 3,200 followers, added that he understands why Instagram is doing this.

Hilton said his younger sister, who is in high school, is “obsessed” with likes. “It’s mostly for the younger generation, people in high school and stuff,” he said. “There is a lot of pressure. If someone has 1,000 likes and someone has two likes, that probably makes them feel not very nice.” While Hilton said the change will probably slow down the influencer world a little bit, he pointed out that a lot of young influencers now are using live videos, not static photos, to build their following. Here, likes are still visible.

Oyster seeding: A ‘tangible, physical’ way to help the water Wayne Parry Ocean Gate, N.J. (AP) — Restoring oyster beds and helping keep the water clean isn’t just for scientists and environmental groups anymore. Students, younger children and those with no particular scientific background like the idea that something they do this morning can be helping the earth by this afternoon. Kenna Allocco, 12, of Beachwood, New Jersey, recently helped remove bags of whelk shells with baby oysters attached to them from a bubbling tank in preparation for their journey to a Barnegat Bay reef, in between asking a dozen or so incisive questions of program leaders.

“I’m interested in how all the animal species interact with each other, and in biodiversity,” she said. “We’re learning about this in school. I made a speech about the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean, and I scared my entire class. None of them uses plastic straws anymore.” The efforts are part of a worldwide effort by scientists and volunteer environmentalists to dump millions of baby oysters into waterways where they once thrived before overharvesting and pollution virtually wiped out the shellfish. In addition to helping improve water quality and stabilize shorelines against strong storms, many people

Christine Thompson, an assistant professor at Stockton University, looks through bags of young oysters growing on whelk shells as part of an oyster restoration program being done by the American Littoral Society in Ocean Gate, N.J. (AP Photo/ Wayne Parry)

involved in the oyster seeding projects say one of their best benefits is providing an immediate, easy way for people to get involved and help the environment. “It’s a very real, tangible, physical thing you can do and see that it is helpful to the environment,” said Zack Royle, a habitat restoration coordinator with the American Littoral Society, a New Jersey coastal environmental group. “You place the seed oysters in the tank, you watch them grow and you put them into action when you dump them overboard.” The New York/New Jersey Baykeeper group is adding to an artificial reef it has built for oysters along the shoreline of the Earle Naval Weapons Station in Middletown, where the shoreline was ripped up by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Meredith Comi, restoration director for Baykeeper, said

the baby oysters attach themselves to the rows of concrete castles the group dumped a few hundred feet from shore. As the shells grow, they expand the mass and shape of the reef, providing “speed bumps against wave action during storms,” she said. A Baykeeper project in mid-July placed a million young oysters near the heavily guarded Navy pier. Over the past 10 years, they’ve set out 4 million of them in various spots. Since it built the base of an oyster reef using empty whelk shells in Ocean Gate, New Jersey, in 2015, the Littoral Society has placed 6.3 million oysters on those shells, estimating that about 207,000 remain alive and growing. At least 70 million more could be planted in the next few years, said Capt. Al Modjeski, an official with the Littoral Society.

Once they reach the water, the oysters have about a 10 percent survival rate, scientists say. Oyster restoration projects are underway or have recently been completed in San Francisco Bay; Puget Sound near Seattle; in coastal salt ponds in Rhode Island and the state’s Narragansett Bay; in the Carolinas; in Florida and the other Gulf Coast states; in New Hampshire; and particularly in Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia, where some of the nation’s biggest oyster restoration programs have been underway for years. Since launching in 2014, an effort to restore oysters in New York Harbor called the Billion Oyster Project has

planted over 28 million oysters, with the goal of reaching a billion by 2035. In Europe, oyster restoration projects are being done in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The work usually involves scientific groups setting up tanks in which to cultivate baby oysters. Then they turn to volunteers to help put them into waterways. “A really important part of this work is connecting people back to the environment,” said Tim Dillingham, executive director of the Littoral Society. “This gives them an opportunity to become citizen-scientists and actually participate in oyster restoration.”

VOL. XXVII No. 32

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 7

Gout – is it just diet? Gout is far more prevalent than you would imagine. This week I am looking at the diet for those with gout, and there are some famous sufferers out there, and in history. If you have gout, then you join with Henry VIII, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. It is indicated in around five percent of all cases of arthritis and is present in around three to five percent of the population, with males outnumbering women around nine to one. Afro-Americans and many Asian races also have higher incidence than Caucasians. Gout is in its simplest fashion, a recurrent form of arthritis, and which generally affects just one joint – most commonly the joint in the big toe. This arthritis, or inflammation, occurs in association with high uric acid levels in the blood. It is a condition that is still being researched, and there is still no complete agreement on the preventive treatment for this condition. The higher the concentration of serum uric acid (SUA), the more likely you are to get an acute attack. The ‘normal’ range for SUA is taken as less than 0.42 mmol/L (called ‘milli moles’ per liter), but if your concentration is 0.54 mmol/L then you are five times more likely to get gout. Basically what happens is, that with high concentrations of uric acid it crystallizes out into the joint, leaving very sharp, needle-like crystals crunching inside the articular surface of the joint. Very painful!

The typical gout sufferer is male in his 50’s, overweight, with high blood pressure, carnivorous and consumes large quantities of alcohol. Is that you? Or could it be almost be anyone in a pub near you! Gout affects almost four million men in the USA. It has long been thought that purine-rich foods and a high protein intake are risk factors, and sufferers are advised to avoid meats, seafood, purine-rich vegetables, and animal protein. But this advice was based more on the theory of how excess blood uric acid can occur, rather than actual clinical studies. One of the newer studies began on over 50,000 men from health professions in 1986. Food-frequency questionnaires were sent out at baseline, and again in 1990 and 1994. Weight, medications, and medical conditions were recorded every two years. The participants were assigned to groups according to the total intake of meat, their consumption of seafood, purine-rich vegetables, dairy products, low-fat dairy products, total protein, and animal protein. During the study, there were 730 new cases of gout during the 12 years of follow-up. Most of them were aged 55 to 64. When total meat consumption was analyzed, the risk of acquiring gout was 1.41 times greater in the high meat eaters; in other words, eating more meat was a risk factor for gout. Similarly, high seafood eaters were 1.51 times as likely

to develop gout. (Grass should be fairly safe I believe!) In contrast, gout was less common in those taking more dairy products. Men who drank two glasses a day of skimmed milk, or ate a serving of low-fat yogurt more than twice a week, halved their risk of developing gout. In this study at least, purine-rich vegetables, and total protein had no influence on the chances of getting gout. This large study confirmed that a diet high in meat and seafood increases the likelihood that a susceptible person will develop gout. It also showed that milk proteins increase the excretion of uric acid in the urine. So, to avoid developing gout, try to limit your intake of meat (beef, pork, lamb, and offal) and seafood, while increasing your intake of low-fat dairy products (skim milk, yogurt). This is all very important, as the long term outlook is not good for the unrepentant gout sufferer. Constant high levels can lead to uric acid ‘stones’ being deposited in the kidneys (producing renal problems) and even discharging lumps (called ‘tophi’) around joints, on the forearms and even on the outer ears. Really a most bleak and depressing future, and not one I’d like to have. Note too, that it is low-fat milk that is being proposed, as high fat milk introduces the cholesterol problems again! It really is a fine line that we must all tread!

Bangladesh grapples with country’s worst dengue outbreak Abdur Rahman Jahangir Dhaka, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh is facing its worstever dengue fever outbreak as hospitals are flooded with patients, putting a severe strain on the country’s already overwhelmed medical system. The mosquito-borne viral infection has spread across the country, with 61 out of 64 districts reporting dengue cases. The government has confirmed 15,369 dengue cases since Jan. 1. Of those, 9,683 patients were diagnosed between July 1 and July 30. About 4,400 patients, including many children, are undergoing hospital treatment. There have been 14 deaths. Officials from Dhaka, the overcrowded capital and the epicenter of the outbreak, have struggled to contain it, drawing criticism and spreading panic among some residents. Dengue is found in tropical areas around the world and is spread by a type of mosquito that mainly lives in urban areas. The virus causes severe flu-like symptoms, and while there is no specific

treatment for the illness, medical care to maintain a person’s fluid levels is seen as critical. There are fears that the situation in the countryside will worsen as many residents of the city travel to villages to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha this month. Infected humans can serve as a source of the virus for uninfected mosquitoes. Ayesha Akhter, assistant director at the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health, said an outbreak of dengue has accompanied every monsoon since 2000, but this year’s situation is the worst. A DGHS study identified a six-fold increase in the Aedes aegypti mosquito population in four months in Dhaka as the primary cause of the largerthan-average outbreak. Earlier last month, the World Health Organization said the dengue situation in Bangladesh was “alarming but not out of control.” Other countries in Asia are also facing a surge in dengue cases this year, including Thailand, where 53,699

A child receives treatment for dengue fever infection at Dhaka Shishu Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)

cases and 65 deaths were reported as of July 23. Nevertheless, with dengue cases soaring in recent weeks, Dhaka hospitals have been running out of room and manpower to treat new patients. Prof. Abul Kalam Azad, director general of DGHS, said they had asked the hospitals to increase beds for dengue patients and to open dengue wards. The government also halved the charges for diagnosing dengue and directed public and private hospitals,

clinics and diagnostic centers to do the same. Dhaka Medical College Hospital, the largest hospital in the country, opened a special ward for dengue patients, said A.K.M. Nasir Uddin, its director general. Prof. Uttam Kumar Barua, director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, another major public hospital in Dhaka, said they were relying on senior medical students to assist doctors in the face of so many patients.

Disease watch begins in drought-hit areas

The Ministry of Public Health is advising people to remember to wash their hands before eating as the threat from communicable diseases in drought hit areas increases.

The Thai Ministry of Public Health is now on alert for a possible outbreak of communicable diseases in drought-hit areas, where a supply of clean water may be lacking. It has assigned officials and volunteers to promote the practice of eating only cooked food, using serving spoons and washing hands, as well as advising villagers to seek medical assistance should they have diarrhea. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has instructed

12 disease prevention and control centers nationwide to be on alert and to cooperate with local public health offices in order to respond quickly to any outbreak of disease connected to the drought. According to the Bureau of Epidemiology’s report, there have been, since early this year, 575,112 cases of diarrhea, 59,360 cases of food poisoning, 432 cases of dysentery, 9 cases of cholera, 560 cases of typhoid fever and 224 cases of hepatitis A. (NNT)

sponsored by

Massic Travel

Across 1 Genuine (4) 3 From the New World (8) 9 Unauthorised absence from school (7) 10 Courageous (5) 11 Grossly overweight (5) 12 Solution (6) 14 Horizontally (6) 16 Game bird (6) 19 Sum of money (6) 21 Licit (5) 24 Acknowledge, concede (5) 25 Make unclear (7) 26 Breed of terrier (8) 27 Apartment (4)

Down 1 Reasoning (8) 2 Sharp (5) 4 Distress signal (3,3) 5 Picture puzzle (5) 6 French castle (7) 7 Necessity (4) 8 Heavenly spirits (6) 13 Recklessly determined (4-4) 15 Countryside walker (7) 17 Enjoy to the full (6) 18 Leisurely walk (6) 20 Single (5) 22 Thin porridge (5) 23 Long story (4)

Last week’s answers Alive and kicking, the goose is expected to make a full recovery. (Esther Lotz via AP)

Woman who got postcard sent in 1993 tracks down sender Springfield, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois woman who recently got a 1993 postcard in her mailbox has tracked down the man who sent it to his children more than two decades ago. Kim Draper’s story about the mysterious Hong Kong postcard was published in The State Journal-Register in Springfield. Masrour Kizilbash sent the postcard to his family while working overseas in 1993. He told the newspaper that he was “fascinated with the area” and wanted to share his experiences. At that time, there were no cell phones or internet and international calls were costly, so he instead opted to send postcards. Kizilbash’s family was living in Springfield at the time. He always figured that they had received the postcard. U.S. Postal Service officials said the card could’ve gotten tied up in Hong Kong or might’ve been stuck in old equipment. With the help of social media, Draper learned that Kizilbash’s son, Mohammad Kizilbash, now lives in suburban Chicago. A reunion with the postcard is planned. “I thought that was really gracious of her, she went out of her way to track us down,” Mohammad said. “I’m looking forward to getting this postcard. This is one to keep.” Draper would ideally like to appear with the Kizilbashes on a TV show to give them the card, but if that can’t happen, she’ll drive to Chicago and give it to them in person. “I won’t mail it. I don’t want it to get back in the mail system, and I really want to meet them,” Draper said. “I am surprised about how the story has spread,” she said. “But at the same time it’s heartwarming. I think it made people want to know the family and it’s one of those cool stories that you want to hear the end.”

Across: 1 Refused, 5 Grief, 8 Cairo, 9 Needful, 10 Dutiful, 11 Score, 12 Divide, 14 Batter, 18 March, 20 Riddles, 22 Stirrup, 23 Mitre, 24 Noose, 25 Connect. Down: 1 Receded, 2 Faint, 3 Scoffed, 4 Dangle, 5 Guess, 6 In front, 7 False, 13 Vertigo, 15 Abdomen, 16 Respect, 17 Tropic, 18 Mason, 19 Horde, 21 Lethe.

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:

No. 261

Officer trying to rescue kitten finds a bobcat instead Stratham, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire police officer says the kitten he was trying to pick up in a parking lot turned out to be a bobcat, which then jumped onto the roof of a Burger King. Stratham Officer Matt Callahan said he saw the “kitten” run under a car. It eventually climbed a tree near the restaurant. Once Callahan realized he was dealing with a young bobcat, he called state Fish and Game officers. He also stood in the drive-thru line to alert customers in case the bobcat decided to come down, but it climbed onto the roof and took a catnap. Callahan says he and the conservation officer climbed Big kitty. (Matt up and put the bobcat in a Callahan/Stratham crate. The bobcat was rePolice Department via AP) leased at a wildlife refuge.

Answers next week.

VOL. XXVII No. 32

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

Age is no barrier Today, age really is no barrier. In fact I received a letter from a reader, and I quote, “Up until quite recently I had no particular interest in photography, for many years I have had a camera of some sort ranging from a box which used a Selo or Kodak roll film and as regards pictures were concerned I just pointed the box in the direction of something that caught my eye and clicked. After a few days I would collect my films from developing, look at them, show them around and then put them in a box and that was that. “Your page in the Pattaya Mail gave me a tip which I had never considered, this being to use height in taking a picture of a marching parade, marvelous. My picture would have been a side

view of a couple of people mixed in with a few heads standing in front of me. “Thanks to you I have taken a really good view which I am proud to show. Thank you again, also I am able to tell people about, SLR and wysiwyg. “Another reason to write is that the name Harry Flashman is not common but when I was 7 or 8 years old, I am 90 this year, I remember a boy of that exact name, could it be you or a descendant?” Henry McCarthy. Many thanks Henry, but I’m not your boy from all those years ago, but I am delighted that you have found photography at your age. As one gets older, physical activity is important – just getting out of the house or condo is an enjoyment in itself. This is where photography is so good. Give yourself a small photo project and out you go and illustrate it. Photography is an ideal pastime for seniors, because it is something that can be picked up and put down at

Dear Hillary, It has always amazed me that your readers can get up to such impossible situations that they end up having to ask you to get them out of their problems. It must be very wearing. How do you keep smiling? Alfie Dear Alfie, What a dear sweet boy you are. Yes, it is difficult and wearing, and nobody during my training as an Agony Aunt told me it would be like this. However, if it doesn’t kill you, you get stronger as you get older, and I don’t think there is any situation I haven’t met by now. But you haven’t told me, Alfie, why have you sent me an email? You are not worrying about others who write to me – you are getting ready to write to me about your problems, when you are brave enough. I am waiting, Petal. Hi Hillary, After nine visits I came to conclusion that beach road girls and bar girls are the same, they hate men and they hate sex but they act like they do for the money. Renting a girl “Mia chow” for a month with salary is very, very boring cause they speak very little street English and hang with you for 24 hours with nothing to talk about. 6 hours of sleep a night and one hour of “boom boom” leaves you with 17 hours of boredom. I would not rent a bar girl mainly because God knows how many men she had. Bar girls are life saving for an ugly fat and very old tourist who would pay any price for a young girl who makes him feel thin young and attractive. After a month the man realizes the price

With modern cameras, age is no barrier to enjoyable photography.

will, it is not too physically demanding, and modern cameras can assist in the areas where age has taken some toll. And the end result is something that can give you great joy, be that award winning sunsets or just pictures of the grandchildren. To play photography you need a camera. Get one with autofocus (AF). There are many reasons for this, but since sharp focus is necessary for a good final print, let the camera do it for you,

when sharpness in vision is something that becomes very problematical as you get older. Provided you can point the camera in the right direction, the camera will do the rest. Zoom lenses also save you having to go the distance. Is it just too much of a hassle these days to walk up to distant objects to get close-up details? Then a zoom lens will do it for you. With a zoom lens it is no problem at all to get a close-up, a wide angle

quadruples after feeding the girl, buying her clothes and all her needs. And of course for her “sick” mother and a father who need “surgery” and her brother had a motocy “accident” and money for her baby - all endless lies. For that price the man could have 20 girls for a one night stand. Variety is a spice of life. You don’t buy a whole herd just for a glass of milk. Bazz Dear Bazz (or is it really Barry?), You certainly do have a boring life, don’t you Petal. One hour of Boom Boom and six hours of sleep and the next 17 hours are boredom until the next day with Boom Boom, six hours of sleep and then bored. I don’t know how your clothing shop girl puts up with you. And your justification for not having a “mia chow” is that you can get 20 girls for a one night stand for the same money. You are certainly one helluva athlete, as well as being “kee niow”. Even at 4,000 baht a day for the mia chow (which I believe is four times the going rate) that means the 20 one night standers get a whopping 200 baht each. Bazz, you are all heart and milk of human kindness (one glass, not the whole cow). Dear Hillary, I started reading your e-letter reply to the many readers who are Farang Khon (sic). I was at Soi Honey in August and met a girl while having a drink. Incidentally, that day was her birthday and they had the whole deal – pig on a spit and balloons, and she showed me her ID

and a distant shot from the same camera position. Maybe an autofocus digital compact camera with an inbuilt zoom lens is just the camera for you. Just push a button to make the zoom bring the subject closer or farther away. As we get older, we are also more prone to the shakes. Today’s digital cameras can even compensate for the tremor, with anti-shake technology. This makes photography for seniors even easier. Today’s camera manufacturers have taken the fears out of flash too. Most new cameras have their own in-built flash which comes on when the light levels are too low, will set their own flash power and give you perfectly lit indoor

night shots every time. So there you have it, retirees. There are cameras available now which can get you into photography! If you once had the ‘photographic eye’, then that ability is still there. All you have to do is get the equipment to let you use and enjoy it again. Look for suitable AF digital compacts with built in zoom, anti-shake technology and auto flash. Pricewise you are looking at spending something starting around Bt.10,000. There are plenty of choices in the marketplace - something from the major brands such as Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Samsung. A hint to the family around Xmas or birthday should suffice.

to prove it though I did not asked for it. I am open to hearing anything. As it was unexpected, I did not have a present at hand to give her. However, I took out some “Ngern” and put it in her hand and wished her Happy Birthday. I am touched by her sincerity. When I was at Suvarnabhumi Airport going back to India where I am presently stationed, I messaged her but somehow it didn’t get through due to connection problems. Two days later I tried texting again and she received my message. We are now good friends and I told her that one’s background is not an important criteria in friendship, but having a good heart matters more than anything else. In short, one must have a positive mind when visiting a foreign country and extend a helping hand to those who work honestly for a living to support their families in the provinces, be it Sa Keow, Issan or Rayong. Jaffery Dear Jaffery, I think you should be very careful, Petal. What was your young lady doing in Soi Honey? It isn’t one of our university sois. She sounds very much like a professional chicken plucker to me, and you are ready to be plucked. What makes you so sure that the lady has a “good heart”? Do you usually accost someone in the street and say, “This is my birthday, and here’s my ID card to prove it.” And ready to accept a cash deposit in her hot little hand. Proceed carefully, Jaffery, or you will be sending me emails asking what do you do now, as far as the dowry is concerned. BTW, it is Khon farang, not the other way around.

10 FRIDAYAUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Shanghai tries to reduce its trash, 1 chicken bone at a time

Zhu Xiaohua (left), a garbage sorting volunteer, watches as a resident pours water into a garbage disposal site in a residential community in Shanghai, China. (AP Photo/Chen Si)

Fu Ting Shanghai (AP) — China’s biggest city has dived headfirst into a trash sorting program that marks the country’s first serious attempt at cutting the amount of garbage headed for landfills. But despite a sweeping education campaign by the ruling Communist Party and the threat of fines, Shanghai residents still have a ways to go in changing their lifestyles and getting with the program— one properly disposed chicken bone at a time. Months ahead of the campaign’s launch in July, the government began its push to explain to Shanghai’s young and old how garbage will need to be sorted into four categories: wet, dry, recyclable and hazardous. From choreographed dances with trash bins to fliers sent to 6.8 million families and a scorecard for participating neighborhoods, efforts to roll out the system en masse have reflected the Communist Party’s all-encompassing approach to rules enforcement. There’s lot of garbage to get through. About 9 million tons of household trash to be exact, according to 2017 data from Shanghai’s Statistics Bureau. The government hopes the new sorting

measures will reduce the amount of waste headed for landfills by making it easier to recycle or compost some of the trash. “It is going to take a generation to really accomplish it,” said Du Huanzheng, a selfdescribed “trash professor.” “It is a change of habits,” said Du, a professor at Tongji University in Shanghai who has served as an adviser for the new program. Quoting a Chinese proverb, he said: “It’s easier to change the rivers and mountains than a person’s nature.” On a recent day in downtown Shanghai, 67-year-old Zhang Guihua stood in front of an apartment complex’s trash disposal area with bins for the four new trash categories. Zhang, who works as a caregiver in the complex, said the rules have no doubt made taking out the trash more time-consuming. For instance, while the elderly woman she works for generally only has one bag of garbage to throw out at a time, Zhang now has to pick out the trash by hand before sorting it into the different bins. “It is troublesome,” Zhang said. “My hands get dirty after dealing with it and there’s no place for me to wash my hands.”

Online commentators have pointed out that distinguishing one type of waste from another is no easy task. While chicken bones are officially classified as wet, pork bones are considered dry. Dry mushrooms are in fact wet, and wet tissues are actually dry. One strategy for identification that has been spreading online is to think of the trash in terms of pigs: Trash is wet if pigs can eat it, and dry if not; trash is hazardous if it can kill pigs, but recyclable if it can be sold to earn cash to buy more pigs. To help children remember the rules — and pass them

Individuals who have excelled in trash sorting are rewarded with points that can be redeemed for household items like detergent and umbrellas. There are sticks together with the carrots. The Shanghai Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau said that 872 fines had been issued in the first 30 days of the program. Most were to commercial properties such as shopping malls and office buildings, while 74 individuals were fined from 50 to 200 yuan (US$7 to $29). Even when residents have got it all figured out, however, the proper equipment

on to their families — Chinese e-commerce platforms are selling “trash classification toys” with miniature garbage bins and flash cards, and teachers have assigned trash-related homework. As President Xi Jinping said during a visit to Shanghai last November, according to the Xinhua state news agency, trash classification is the “new fashion.” The sorting campaign has dominated headlines on Shanghai media, and fliers have been sent to every family. In a performance held by district-level authorities, eight jean shorts-clad girls danced energetically on a stage beside four large trash bins, to a song which declared “I have no rival in trash sorting!” “The Chinese government has a strong ability to act,” Du said of the program’s strong enforcement. “Its ability to concentrate on doing big things is stronger than in Western countries.” Neighborhoods and districts in the city are also now being graded for their trash sorting ability on a scale from “excellent” to “bad.”

A woman walks past a publicity board highlighting waste separation and recycling regulations in downtown Shanghai, China. (AP Photo/Chen Si)

Prof. Du Huanzheng, director of Research Institute of Recycled Economy at Tongji University, speaks during an interview in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Chen Si)

Putting the new measures into force has required the whole community to adapt. Neighborhood volunteers — everyone from housewives to retirees to independent waste pickers — have donned green vests to stand watch beside trash cans and make sure residents are getting with the program. Zhu Xiaohua, a retiree, said she volunteers three days a week, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the beginning, it took some getting used to, Zhu said, but most of her neighbors now follow the rules. “I personally think there A resident pours kitchen wash in a garbage won’t be any need to monicontainer marked for wet garbage in a residential tor after a while,” said Zhu, community in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Chen Si) who wore a green vest with

the words “Trash Sorting Volunteer.” Despite these efforts, not everyone does exactly as they’re told. In a neighborhood in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, workers from the apartment complex’s management office must go through the trash every day to rearrange the items that residents did not care to sort. The employees open up the bags and pull the dregs out with their bare hands, separating the bubble tea, watermelon slices and expired tofu. With the first month of the program just ending, no official figures are available yet on how it is doing. In some cases, residents are being encouraged to apply the classification system to other parts of their lives. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has launched a smartphone app to help users identify the right categories for specific items. Users can type or take photos of items they’re throwing out, and the program will tell them which of the four categories it belongs to — even for nonmaterial forms of “trash.” If you search the term “exboyfriend,” for instance, the app will give you the following suggestion: “This may be hazardous. Recycling is not recommended.”

is not always fully in place. Tang Guiqin, a 70-year-old retiree, said it was both natural and convenient for her and her family to learn the new rules. But when she went to throw a glass bottle, she discovered that her neighborhood was lacking bins for both hazardous and recyclable materials. “There’s no trash can for it here,” Tang said with a laugh. “I have no choice but to throw it into the dry trash can.”

A trash collection truck deposits its load of wet garbage at a trash station in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Fu Ting)

VOL. XXVII No. 32

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 11

PATTAYA MAIL

Sri Lanka gives free visa to boost tourism after bomb blasts Bharatha Mallawarachi Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka has announced it will give a one-month free visa on arrival to visitors from nearly 50 countries in its latest effort to revive the island nation’s lucrative tourism industry that was badly

hit by the Easter bomb attacks that killed 263 people. Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said tourists or those visiting for business purposes could get their free visa on arrival or applying online. The measure will be effective for six months, starting from August 1.

BA loses bid to block pilots from going on strike London (AP) — British Airways has failed to block pilots from going on strike in a long-standing pay dispute. The airline lost a bid in the Court of Appeal last week that sought a temporary injunction to prevent strikes by pilots based at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The pilots earlier in July overwhelmingly voted to back industrial action. The pilots have not yet

The Sri Lankan national flag flies at the popular landmark Galle Face in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

announced strike dates, but the airline’s lawyers have said it was likely to begin on or around Aug. 7. The union accuses BA of making massive profits at the expense of those workers who made sacrifices during hard times. The airline says the pilots have received a fair pay offer and want to inflict “the maximum in disruption,” costing the airline up to 40 million pounds a day.

Destination

He said the government expects a substantial increase of tourists from the move. “If it is not beneficial we will suspend this program,” he said. Because of the measure, the government may lose about 4.3 billion rupees (US$24 million) in revenue it could have earned from charging visas. Sri Lanka charges $35 for a one-month tourist visa, or $20 for nationals from South Asia. Seven suicide bombers from a local Muslim group,

National Thowheed Jammath, attacked three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 263 people, including 45 foreigners mainly from China, India, the U.S. and Britain. Many tourists cut short their holidays while others canceled their bookings, dealing a severe blow to the tourism industry, the country’s third-largest foreign currency earner after remittances from overseas workers and textile and garment exports.

According to government data, tourist arrivals declined by about 45% in July from a year earlier. However, arrivals in July, which stood at 117,000, showed a moderate increase compared to 63,072 in June. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assured that Sri Lanka is now safe for tourists and “security has returned to normalcy.” He said that all those involved in the deadly attack are in custody and “even those who had longstanding association with them, although they have not involved in the attack, are also being questioned and some have been detained and some have been released.” About 200 have been detained and police are continuing their investigations, he said. The government has introduced many measures to revive tourism that include reducing airline ground charges, aviation fuel prices and departure fees for at least six months. It set a one-year moratorium for repayment of

loans for tourism-related businesses and cut interest rates on new loans. Hotels, too, have announced attractive packages with discounts up to 60%. “We would like to promote Sri Lanka as a destination which is safe for people to visit and also we are giving them type of concessions and rates which they may not get for a long, long time,” said Wickremesinghe. About 2.3 million tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2018, when 29 airlines offered 300 flights per week. After the attacks, 41 fights per week were canceled, amounting to a loss of 8,000 passenger seats. Several airlines have reinstated their normal schedules since then, but others have not. Tourism accounts for 4.9% of Sri Lanka’s GDP. Around half a million Sri Lankans depend directly on tourism and 2 million indirectly. The government currently predicts $3.7 billion in revenue from tourism this year, down from an initial forecast of $5 billion.

SPECIAL AIR FARES ECONOMY PRICE FROM VALID .

LONDON/MUNICH

BUSINESS PRICE FROM VALID .

EVA (LON) BRITISH (LON EDI MAN NCL GLA) EMIRATES (LON) EMIRATES (MUC) FINNAIR (MUC) KLM (MUC)

18000++ 13500++ 11000++ 12000++ 14000++ 14000++

1Y 1Y 2M 2M 1Y 3M

SWISSAIR (GVA) FINNAIR (DUB) GULF AIR (FRA) LUFTHANSA (PAR)

12000++ 13500++ 11000++ 11000++

1Y 1Y 3M 1Y

85500++ 59500++ 43000++ 74500++

1Y 1Y 2M 1Y

THAI AIRWAYS GARUDA AIRLINES

13000++ 13300++

10D

ONE WAY 22500++

CATHAY (SINGAPORE) EMIRATES (HONG KONG) HONGKONG AIRLINES (HONGKONG) SINGAPORE AIRLINES (SINGAPORE)

5200++ 5500++ 6000++ 5600++

7D 1M 7D 14D

16500++

13400++ 21000++

1M 14D

HONGKONG AIRLINES (NRT) JEJU AIR (ICN,PUS) JAPAN AIRLINES (TYO/FUK/OSA/NGO)

8500++ 6800++ 12000++

1M 1Y 14D

30500++

EVA (LAX,SFO) ASIANA AIRLINES (LAX) CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES (LAX) ALL NIPPON (SFO)

19500++ 17500++ 12000++ 14500++

1Y 6M 6M

SHANGHAI AIRLINES (SHA) SHENZEN AIRLINES (CAN)

9000++ 7000++

1M 1M

GULF AIR (CAI)

8500++

VIETNAM AIRLINES (HAN,SGN) PHILIPPINES AIRLINES (MNL/CEB)

2000++ 7400++

3M 1M

ADV. 7D ADV 3D ADV 3D ADV 3D ADV 7D

35500++ 26500++ 58500++

1Y PREM. ECO. 1Y PREM. ECO. ADV. 3D

SINGAPORE/HONGKONG

JAPAN/KOREA USA

CHINA

AFRICA

VIETNAM

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.

DUBLIN/GENEVA /FRANKFURT/PARIS

SYDNEY MELBOURNE BRISBANE/PERTH

WOLD WIDE DESTINATIONS CALL 038 426 240 | 038 411 330 FOR LATEST QUOTES

Application assistance for US, UK, Schengan visa

50500++

27900++ 16000++

www.massictravel.net

(PREM)

3M 3M

FARES SHOWN ARE INFORMATIONAL AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. " ++ " DENOTES TAXES & SURCHARGES AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE FARES. VISIT US FORLATEST ALL INCLUSIVE OPTIONS. FARES AND CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTOCE

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

12 FRIDAYAUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Prodigious feats Browsing through some music videos a couple of days ago, I came across a performance by a violinist of about six years old who was described as a “child prodigy”. He was talented, but he wasn’t a child prodigy. Nowhere near. I think the word “prodigy” is used a bit too generously these days to describe children who are exceptionally talented but certainly not in the prodigy class. A prodigy is usually defined as a child who has reached adult or even professional levels of musical understanding, attitudes and performance before the age of ten. The pianist Van Cliburn, who started playing piano at the age of three, once described child prodigies as “having extraordinary vision and unusual prescience, amazingly aware of the world at an early age.” Music seems to have more than its fair share of child prodigies and includes the composers Barber, Bizet, Chopin, Menotti, Paganini and Purcell. The most famous perhaps were Mozart and Mendelssohn. Science knows remarkably little about the mental functioning

Erich Wolfgang Korngold in 1913.

of these extraordinary beings, though there is no shortage of theories. The issue inevitably brings up the time-worn “nature vs. nurture” debate, which is about whether potential high levels of skill are already present when the child is born or whether they’re brought about by the child’s early environment. I’d guess that both nature and nurture have a role to play. Psychologist Joanne Ruthsatz of Ohio State University has estimated that there’s one child prodigy to every five million, or possibly ten million children. The Ohio research has shown

that a common denominator is an exceptional working memory. Such children also have an intense, obsessive attention to detail and an elevated general intelligence. Interestingly, they tend to be far more altruistic than most other people. Contrary to popular belief, child prodigies don’t usually fade away in their adult years. Many prodigies have lived into their eighties and nineties and continued performing careers until towards the end of their lives.

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847): Symphony for Strings No.10 in B minor. Amsterdam Sinfonietta (Duration: 10:50; Video: 1080p HD) Mendelssohn was fourteen when he completed this sparkling symphony in the spring of 1823. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe considered the young Mendelssohn superior to Mozart at the same age. Even today, some historians regard the quality of his music during his early teens shows a greater

sophistication than that of Mozart at a comparable age. Of course, Mendelssohn was writing fifty years later and would have already studied the finest works that Mozart and Haydn produced. So he did, after all, have a slight advantage. Nevertheless, this is wonderful music by any standards and stunningly original in concepts. Mendelssohn’s previous symphonic works, the Eighth and Ninth string symphonies are expansive four-movement works lasting nearly half an hour each, while this tenth symphony is a short single movement work. Some writers have suggested that it was originally a full-length symphony like the previous two, though no evidence has yet been found. But just listen to the serene opening of this work: for a moment he takes us back in time to the late Baroque. But then a playful theme enters (01:47) with a lovely contrasting lyrical melody. The music is assured, confident and quite

brilliant, from the hand of a teenager who was streets ahead of his contemporaries and destined to take his place among the greatest names in music.

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957): Sinfonietta Op 5. Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, cond. Hannu Lintu (Duration: 44:53; Video: 480p) Gustav Mahler described Erich Korngold as a musical genius. The boy composed this fine work at the age of fifteen. Four years earlier, he’d written his ballet Der Schneemann (“The Snowman”), first performed by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra. The Sinfonietta is an amazingly complex work for one so young. It was his first large-scale orchestral composition and the brilliantly orchestrated work is remarkable in its maturity and really sounds as though it was written by someone with many more years’ experience. There

are some wonderful melodies and the beginning of the scherzo (at 11:17) is almost pure Hollywood. Korngold of course later went to Hollywood and became a prolific composer of film music. It’s sometimes said that he “invented” film music because he treated each movie as an “opera without singing”, writing sumptuous melodies and contrapuntally intricate scores. Although his musical style sounds a bit dated nowadays, he had a significant influence on film music. In 1938 he won an Academy Award for his score to The Adventures of Robin Hood, the first composer to receive one. For some reason, he eventually became disillusioned with the movie industry and in 1946 stopped writing film scores altogether, turning his attention to writing for the concert hall. But his music remained stylistically in the nineteenth century and one American critic unkindly described Korngold’s Violin Concerto as being “more corn than gold”. Honestly, how bitchy can you get?

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.

‘The Escape Room’ looks at the dark side of ambition Read more news at pattayamail.com

Oline H. Cogdill Team building exercises meant to foster cooperation, loyalty and critical thinking are often just an irritating waste of time that causes resentment, backbiting and gossip. At least that’s the experience of four investment bankers who work for the Wall Street firm of Stanhope and Sons in Megan Goldin’s claustrophobically tense debut, “The Escape Room,” which looks at the dark side of ambition when work is all-consuming. Vincent, Jules, Sylvie and Sam work long hours, sacrificing personal time and relationships for their jobs. They are committed to a “long, heady love affair with greed,” even if it kills them, and it’s fitting that the last names of these three men and one woman are seldom mentioned in the novel. Despite that “love affair,” they are perturbed at being summoned on a Friday night to a compulsory team-building session. They will participate in an escape-room challenge in a remote office high-rise building in the final stages of construction in the South Bronx. At best, they hate each other and are consumed by the stress of looming layoffs after

losing two major accounts. They are plunged into darkness as the elevator zooms and stalls at the 70th floor, unable to be opened. As clues for an escape appear and disappear on the electronic board, each character’s ruthless personality and amorality take center stage. These are cruel people who are not above violence to achieve what they want. As the claustrophobic elevator becomes more intense, “The Escape Room” alternates to the story of Sara Hall, the firm’s brilliant new hire whose career didn’t end well and who hadn’t earned the others’ respect. “The Escape Room” works as the ultimate locked-room mystery. The darkness, except for the flashlights on dying cellphones, ramps up the suspense and the brutality. But, as one character says, “How much trouble could four investment bankers get into in a locked elevator?” As it turns out, plenty. Goldin excels at illustrating the pressures of a Wall Street career that includes an expensive lifestyle to keep up the illusion of success, deals made at strip clubs that reinforce the sexism in the industry and a general lack of trust. The oppressive elevator delivers a metaphor for their careers. (AP)

VOL. XXVII No. 32

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 13

A spinoff happily spins its wheels in ‘Hobbs & Shaw’

Jake Coyle New York (AP) — Add an “e’’ and “Hobbs & Shaw” might have been a time-traveling thriller about playwright George Bernard Shaw and 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Tantalizing as such a pairing may have been to the makers of “Fast & Furious,” they have instead opted to, in the franchise’s first spinoff, combine two of the series’ supporting standouts, Dwayne Johnson’s U.S. government agent Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham’s former British agent Deckard Shaw, for another ballet of Buicks and bullets. Probably a wise choice. It’s difficult to imagine the writer of “Pygmalion”

careening down the side of a skyscraper in hot pursuit of Idris Elba. And when it comes to highoctane action spectacles, few are better suited to the task than The Rock and Statham, who both make up with brawn and charisma what they lack in hair. In the “Fast & Furious” franchise, which now numbers eight films and more than $5 billion in box office, they’ve found a comfortable home — aside any headaches for Johnson caused by co-star Vin Diesel. That friction between Johnson and Diesel was reportedly part of the benefit of this pit stop, without the whole gang, in between continuing “Fast & Furious” adventures. But those offcamera tiffs are also perfect for the speedy but soapy “Fast & Furious” world, where family squabbles and questions of loyalty play

This image shows Dwayne Johnson (left) and Jason Statham in a scene from “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.” (Frank Masi/Universal Pictures via AP)

out in between death-defying automotive stunts. If “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” has a hard road to travel, it’s because the franchise has consistently ratcheted up its stunt game. One of the real pleasures of the last decade’s blockbuster parade has been to watch the “Fast

& Furious” movies morph from a more simple L.A. street-racing tale into an increasingly absurd and overthe-top action extravaganza of muscle cars and muscle, where hot rods don’t just go fast but occasionally leap between buildings and parachute from the sky. “Hobbs & Shaw” seeks to answer

that age-old question: What do you do for your next act after you’ve blown up a submarine with a Dodge? “Hobbs & Shaw” has some nifty moves (in one scene, a Chevy flies a helicopter like a kite), but it’s slightly disappointing in terms of sheer ridiculousness. It earns some points for a centerpiece showdown, seemingly designed for “Chernobyl” fans, set among reactors at a Russian nuclear power plant. But at this point, we expect — no, demand — to see Lamborghinis on the moon. Instead, the entertainment of “Hobbs & Shaw,” directed by stunt coordinatorturned-director David Leitch (“Deadpool 2,” ‘’Atomic Blonde”), rests more with its cast, including its two leads. But just as significant are two major new additions: Elba’s villain, a cyborg mercenary named Brixton, and Shaw’s sister Hattie (Vanessa Kirby),

an MI6 agent whose theft of a super virus from Brixton sets the globe-trotting plot in motion. Hobbs and Shaw are called in to the save the world, a job they are both eager for. (Hobbs says, seriously, that he had been “tracking some dark web chatter” on the virus.) But it’s a partnership they loath. If “Hobbs & Shaw” lacks in memorable stunt work, it tries to make it up with bickering and put-downs between the two, a shtick that vacillates between funny and tiresome. But it’s the kind of stuff Johnson excels at. “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” a Universal Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for prolonged sequences of action and violence, suggestive material and some strong language. Running time: 136 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

Jimi Hendrix Experience: ‘Electric Ladyland’

mott@pattayamail.com In 1966 Jimi Hendrix was brought over to England under the management of ex-Animals bassist Chas Chandler. Within months he had changed the landscape of rock music forever and the role of the electric guitar within it. With Jimi Hendrix anything was possible and over the following two years he had hit singles and two hit albums as well as performing and starring at all the major festivals of the time, including Monterey, the Isle of Wight and Woodstock. Gobal domination had occurred with Jimi Hendrix and his Experience sweeping all before them and rising to be the highest paid band in the world. In 1968 Hendrix released the double album “Electric Ladyland” on which he not only performed all the lead guitar work and vocals, but also produced the record. Along the way, in the party atmosphere of the studio, various artists came in and contributed to the music including members, of Traffic, The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane and the

elite of New York’s session players. Hendrix also adapted or wrote all the songs on the album apart from the rather ill advised contribution of “Little Miss Strange” from Noel Redding. “Electric Ladyland” charted at number one in the American Billboard charts as well as going double platinum. It also had a massive hit single in his definitive and searing version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower” (Dylan stills plays the Hendrix arrangement in his live set today). The double LP was a psychedelic epic with many of the songs jammed out in the studio. In 1968 if you did not dig “Electric Ladyland” you were labeled hopelessly ‘square’. The album starts out with two spacey soundscapes before Hendrix shows off his Rock’n’Roll hand by driving into “Crosstown Traffic”. Next up is the album’s central track, a fifteen minute jam of “Voodoo Chile” and whilst Hendrix’s amazing guitar licks are certainly the central theme running through the glorious sounds, Steve Winwood’s Hammond organ gives the master a fair run for his money. At the end of this you can hear the musicians spontaneously applaud and congratulate each other, a moment of pure joy. Noel Redding’s contribution is easy to skip over but

Jimi Hendrix performs at the Isle of Wight festival in England. (AP Photo)

from here on there is plenty to marvel at as Hendrix’s guitar playing and arrangements leave you gasping at the audacity of it all. The ethereal “And The Gods Made Love”, “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn To Be)” and “Moon Turn The Tides..... Gently Gently Away” can only hint at the unfathomable profundity of Hendrix’s musical imagination. The revolutionary adaption of stereo,

echo and overdub techniques enhances his sky church visions. It is also notable that Hendrix’s vocals have improved almost beyond recognition from his earlier material, giving extra texture to the music. What a tragedy it was then that this was to be Hendrix’s last studio album released in his lifetime, as by November 1970 he was taken from us at the age of 27. Of course, whilst

alive he was extremely prolific and recorded almost everything he put down, so there have been hundreds of albums released under the Jimi Hendrix banner since 1970, but nothing matches the splendor of “Electric Ladyland”. After his death, “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” was released as a single and topped the charts all over the world, becoming his biggest ever selling single and probably his

most covered song by other artists on the live stage. Put on “Electric Ladyland” and let your ears ring to the dazzling Jimmy Hendrix Experience. Rating: 5 Stars. Track List: And The Gods Made Love Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland) Crosstown Traffic Voodoo Chile little Miss Strange Long Hot Summer Come On (Let The Good Times Roll) Gypsy Eyes Burning Of The Midnight Lamp Rainy Day Dream Away 1983 ( A Merman I Should Turn To Be) Moon Turn The Tides… Gently Gently Away Still Raining, Still Dreaming House Burning Down All Along The Watchtower Voodoo Chile (Slight Return) TheJimiHendrixExperience: Jimi Hendrix - guitar and vocals Noel Redding - bass guitar Mitch Mitchel - drums Note: Written in wonder by Mott The Dog at Fletchers’ Folly on Pattaya’s Dark Side.

14 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Watts storms home on the rails PSC Golf from The Bunker Boys Monday, July 29, Greenwood C & B – Stableford 1st Robby Watts (8) 39pts 2nd Tony Robbins (23) 38pts 3rd Chris Delamare (1) 31pts It had only been a matter of about ten days since we last played Greenwood and in that time the C course deteriorated markedly with lots of withered grass areas in desperate need of soaking rain, in contrast, the B nine was in fine condition. In his last round with us until possibly next year, Chris Delamare finished in third place with a score of thirty-one, low by his standards. Tony Robbins on far too generous a handicap of twenty-three took second place with thirty-eight points, nobody with a short game like his should be on

such a high handicap. Robby Watts took first place again with an excellent round of thirty-nine despite an off day with the putter. Only two near pins were claimed, going to Robby and Jimmy Carr.

Friday, August 2, Treasure Hill – Stableford

Wednesday, July 31, Plutaluang S & E – Stableford 1st Michael Brett (15) 40pts 2nd Peter Allen (30) 37pts 3rd Robby Watts (8) 35pts For our last game of July we made a rare visit to Plutaluang where we were allocated the South & East nines. It was a nice quick round in about three and a half hours. Despite an indifferent round Jimmy Carr presents the golfer of the month trophy with the putter, some good, to Robby Watts. some terrible, Michael Brett with thirty-seven and Robby month. Jimmy Carr started put together a score of forty Watts rounded out the scor- the month with a score of points to take first place. ing with thirty-five, Robby forty-seven and followed it Peter Allen came second also suffered from the put- up with some good scores ting yips. Near pins went to and looked the likely winner, Peter Allen (with the driver however Robby Watts, denaturally), Takeshi Hakozaki, spite a lot on his mind, and Robby Watts. stormed home in the second As it was the last day of half of the month to take the the month it was again time honors by an incredible marto find the golfer of the gin of fifteen points.

Ford on song at Pleasant Valley PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya

1st Tony Robbins (23) 37pts 2nd Daryl Vernon (21) 32pts 3rd Michael Brett (14) 29pts The Treasure Hill course was the venue for the first game of a new month of golf and this is another course suffering from a lack of rain with some areas having been remediated and still not ready for play not marked as G U R. The greens were good, consistent and true. The round was made more difficult by a very strong swirling wind that within the space of a minute could blow from every point on the compass and with varying degrees of strength. Despite our lead group being out behind a local four-ball we were never held up and completed the round in around three and a half hours, which is excellent. On what seems to be his f a v o r i t e c o u r s e Robby

Watts set out on fire, playing by his words “the best he can play” and scored twenty-two on the front nine. However, a phone call on the tenth tee upset his equilibrium and he faded away completely on the back, a message for all those who take their phone onto the course. Tony Robbins took first place with thirty-seven points and demonstrated the value of keeping the ball low in windy conditions. Daryl Vernon came second with thirty-two and Michael Brett third with twenty-nine. Keith Hemmings displayed the value of invention on the par-five seventh by playing his second across the water, bouncing from one lilypad to the next all the way across and onto the fairway beyond. Trick shots like that are hard to replicate. Near pins went to Keith Hemmings, Michael Brett, and two to Jimmy Carr.

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Todd breaks 100 for first time PAGS monthly golf tournament

Jonathan Pratt (from left) with Paddy Devereux and Dave Smith.

Tuesday, July 30, Treasure Hill Stableford On Tuesday we went with 3 groups to Treasure Hill. It was a beautiful day, mainly overcast and with a nice breeze. The course was in good condition but we were not able to take advantage and post any high scores. Paddy Devereux played the most consistent and won with 34 stableford points. Second was Jonathan Pratt with 33 points and third Dave Smith with 32. The nears to the pin

went to Jonathan Pratt, Stephen Ford and Paddy Devereux.

Thursday, August 1, Pleasant Valley Stableford Thursday saw a visit to Pleasant Valley with only one group. The course was in quite good condition and the weather was cloudy and not too warm. The winner on the day was Stephen Ford with 38 points while near pins were claimed by Jonathan Pratt, Stephen Ford and Paddy Devereux.

It was a perfect day for golf, for the 76 golfers, including 8 ladies at the Pattavia course for the July New Nordic Pattaya Amateur Golf Society (PAGS) tournament. Todd Fox (H/cap 34) was arguably the best performer on the day, breaking 100 strokes for his first time and signing for an outstanding 47 points to clearly outstrip the other C Flight competitors. The other podium spots for C flight, for handicaps 21+, were also good scores; Gary Jones (26) with a fine 42 points to go with his near pin on #7, while Helmut Wolf (29) also had a solid 40 points for third spot. A Flight, for handicaps 0–13, was won by Gerd Riedler (12) with a spectacular 44 points, to go with his approach on #8. The minor places required countbacks with both players on 39 points. Keith Etherington (9) led the way with a last 6 hole tally of 13, while Daniel Grob (12) had 12,

Todd Fox.

after both had 21 on the back 9. Daniel did have some consolation though, picking up technical prizes on #3 and #5. B Flight for handicaps 14– 20 saw another close run tussle requiring a countback to decide the winner. Jari Laakonen (15) was triumphant over Joerg Mueller (16) 16/15, again to the last 6 holes

Gerd Riedler.

after both had signed for strong 42 points, and back 9s of 22. Sirawat Aphornsap (17) picked up the bronze medal position with his 41 points, to go with his Long Drive on #18 in the 55–64 age group. The ladies winner was regular New Nordic PAGS competitor Prasang O’Connor (21) with a creditable 36 points.

Low Gross winner was Tony Pike (0) with 75 to go with his technical prizes on #6 and #9. Further honourable mentions go out to Kim Danboise, Steve Truelove, Peter Park and Jeeranan Duncan. Next month’s final event of the year will be held at Eastern Star on 28 August.

VOL. XXVII No. 32

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 15

PATTAYA MAIL

Phillips a tearaway winner PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society Near pins went to Paul Smith (3), Tip Briney (6) and Toby Glass (17).

Monday, July 29, Pattavia – Stableford A Flight (0-14) 1st Dave Hewson (9) 38pts 2nd Kevin LaBar (12) 38pts 3rd Les Cobban (7) 38pts B Flight (15+) 1st Geoff Wallace (16) 39pts 2nd Mike Firkin (22) 35pts 3rd Colin Service (17) 34pts Geoff Wallace earned his second green jacket in succession as he turned in a great 39 points to be the top scorer at Pattavia as the “B” flight winner. Mike Firkin took his second podium finish in two games, with a nice 35 points, and while Colin Service thought his 34 points was a bit meagre, it gave him third spot on countback. All easy there but “A” flight provided plenty of thrills when four players scored 38 points but there was only room on the dais for three of them. After close countbacks it was Dave Hewson who emerged on top while Kevin LaBar did well for second, beating off Les Cobban. Takeshi was the unlucky one to miss out but he did pick up a near pin as some sort of consolation. Near pins went to Les

DATE:

PSC

Friday, August 2, Pattana – Stableford

Derek Phillips (right) with birthday boy Wayne Peppernell.

Cobban (4), Dave Hewson (7), Takeshi Hakozaki (13), Paul Durkan (17)

Wednesday, July 31, Eastern Star – Stableford 1st Stuart Kidd (19) 37pts 2nd Toby Glass (12) 36pts 3rd Tip Briney (23) 36pts 4th Paul Smith (3) 33pts 5th Phil davies (11) 33pts Twenty-four golfers made their way to Ban Chang to play a stableford competition in a single flight on a course which was reasonably presented. Phil Davies held down fifth place with 33 points, losing

FRI 09

SAT 10

on countback to playing partner Paul Smith whose 33 points represented the best gross of the day, 78. Wiley old Tip Briney enjoyed a third place finish with 36 points, losing on countback to runner-up Toby Glass. It was Tip’s penultimate round before taking a break in Egypt - plenty of sand there Tip! The honours on the day went to Stuart Kidd who played some solid golf with the day’s only sub-par round of thirty-seven points, achieved by virtue of a monstrous twenty-footer on the eighteenth.

SUN 11

Greenwood

Bunker Boys

Pattaya C.C.

Crystal Bay

Pattana

FRI 16 Treasure Hill

Green Valley

Greenwood TBA

Green Valley

Burapha

Phoenix

Pleasant Valley

Crystal Bay

Siam Old Coures

The Links

Khao Kheow

Pattavia

I Rovers

Bangpra

Pattavia

Green Valley

Burapha

Bangpra

Pleasant Valley

Siam Old Coures

Burapha

Greenwood

Silky Oak Khao Kheow

Plutaluang

Siam Country Sugar Shack

THU 15

Pleasant Valley

Lewinski’s

Retox Game On

WED 14

TBA

Growling Swan Le Katai

TUE 13 Pattaya C.C.

Cafe Kronborg

Billabong Golf

MON 12

with 37 points to once again have best gross of 75. Bill Copeland and Paul Kennedy, both on 34 points, went to a countback for third with Bill having the better back-nine. Near pins were claimed by Jim Reilly (A3), Mathias Hermann (A8), Rob Morrison (B3), Tom Herrington (B7).

The next PSC monthly golf tournament will be a 4-person Texas-Scramble at Parichat G.C. on August 15

Apple’s Irish

Colin’s Golf

A Flight (0-15) 1st Derek Phillips (13) 43pts 2nd Paul Smith (3) 37pts 3rd Bill Copeland (14) 35pts 4th Paul Kennedy (14) 35pts B Flight (16+) 1st Adam Barton (17) 40pts 2nd Stuart Kidd (19) 38pts 3rd Ray Byron (20) 37pts 4th Merle Humphreys (22) 36pts Our first two three-balls played the front nine in good time today, then at the tenth (B1) a five-ball had been inserted in front of us. To be fair, they did move along very well and our first two groups completed the round in a tad under four hours. The number of players meant we were able to have two flights and the novelties. The “B” flight saw Big Adam Barton return to the winner’s list with a great 40 points. Wednesday’s winner, Stuart Kidd, held that form to take second place with 38 points ahead of Ray Byron on 37. Merle Humphreys, in his final game this trip, took

fourth spot with 36 points. The “A” flight produced the star of the day as Derek Phillips was the tearaway winner with a very large haul of 43 points. Sometime cellar dweller, Derek, had one of those days we all wish for. As usual, Paul Smith figured in the placings, this time taking second place

Bangpakong

Pattana

Khao Kheow

Plutaluang

Crystal Bay Pattaya C.C.

Eastern Star

Parichat

Green Valley

Harry’s Golf The Golf Club

Pattana

Silky Oak

Royal Lakeside

Treasure Hill

The Players Lounge Tropical Golf Valley View Hackers

Crystal Bay 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

16 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

Cottee comes good at monthly medal PSC Golf from The Billabong Bar Monday, July 29, Phoenix Gold - Stableford It was a beautiful day for golf with just 3 groups playing a course in fantastic condition; the greens especially were just great to putt on The scoring was very good with a countback on 38 points for third place between Gerard Lambert and Sandy Chapo, with Sandy scoring 21 on the back-nine to edge out Gerard. Second place went to Glyn Elsworth with 39 points and Miss Sasicha was top of the tree with a grand 42 points. There were two 2s, coming from Sasicha and Noddy Moyle.

Wednesday, July 31, Green Valley - Monthly Medal 42 golfers turned up on the 1st tee to support the Haven Consultants Monthly Medal, sponsored by our long term friend Brian Chapman. A strong wind was an additional problem to overcome and the scores were not overly impressive. In the ladies competition Miss Noodle (H/ cap 12) showed a 7 shot improvement after the turn, the front being upset by an 8 on the par three 8th for a total of net 71 and third place, well behind Miss Prae (40), who had her best score in a long time for second place with a net 67. Miss Sa has never won a Haven Monthly Medal but 4 pars and a birdie on the back nine ensured she secured her trophy on countback over Miss Prae. Eddie Bielby (17) eagled the par-four 12th to drop only 4 shots on the way home and a net 71, but still 3 shots more than William Peach (20) in third place. Glynn Davies (14) and Wayne Cotterell (15) both finished with a net 67 and 42 shots on the return trip but when looking at the last 6 holes, Cottee’s par on the

Wayne Cotterell.

16 was the difference between the two and gave him first place. Cottee, who was hitting some obscenely long drives, won his first monthly medal in more than 5 years of trying. A plethora of 2s came from Paul Hack, Barry Copeskate, Keith Allen, Eddie Bielby, Neil Herd, Sel Wegner, Scott Baymgarton, and two each to both Miss Noodle and Miss Nok. th

Friday, August 2, Burapha - Stableford The course played today was the C and D loops as the Jackalope Open was being played on A and B. The course was in great condition but played long as usual and when coming down the last two holes it was straight into a howling gale. It was only a small field of two groups and the scoring was very ordinary but an enjoyable day for the groups. Coming in third place was Micky Beresford with 29 points, second went to Sandy Chapo with 31 and first place was awarded to Andrew Woodall with 32. There were no 2s recorded.

Aspinall & Kelly shine at Eastern Star The Jomtien Golf Society Monday, July 29, The Emerald - Stableford Only one division out today with John Doyle winning with 38 points and in second place on 32 points was Lars Strom. There were no 2’s or near pin winners.

Friday, August 2, Eastern Star - Stableford An identical cut as of Wednesday in the two divisions and another 37 points was the winning score, with Colin Aspinall returning that to top division 1. Nik Evans was

Lynch lights up Emerald PSC Golf from the Growling Swan Golf Society Monday, July 29, The Emerald Stableford A Flight (0-16.5) 1st Steven Lynch (4) 41pts 2nd Nick Hague (10) 40pts 3rd Mashi Kaneta (16) 35pts B Flight (17+) 1st Patrick Poussier (24) 38pts 2nd Gordon Clegg (24) 3 pts 3rd Rob Cross (26) 31pts Near Pins: Gordon Clegg, Mashi Kaneta, Keith Buchanan, Denis Steele. Long Putts: Keith Buchanan, Patrick Poussier. Twenty golfers padded up for a game and Emerald GC was the destination for the day. The course was in good condition and we played two flights from the white tees. Steven Lynch was introduced to us as a reasonable golfer, a 4-handicapper who today went around the course and collected 41 points along the way. Not a bad days work at all. Second past the post in A Flight was Nick Hauge, one shot behind the winner and third needed to be sorted out via our countback system, the place going to Mashi Kaneta over the unlucky Paul Hack. B Flight saw a return to the winners circle for Patrick Poussier and thirty eight points gave him the nod in today’s event. Second place went to Gordon Clegg five points off the pace, with Robert Cross taking out the last spot on the podium.

Shane Young (left) & Peter MacDonald.

2nd Alex Field (17) 30pts 3 rd Rocky Lawson (20) 30pts Near Pins: Peter Grey, Eric Black, Craig Middlemiss. Long Putts: Craig Middlemiss, Peter Mac Donald. Burapha was today’s choice of course, probably the best we play in our price range. We attacked the course from the white tees and played C & D in that order. Peter MacDonald and Eric Black both handed cards in with the same amount of points (36) in A Flight, but there has to be a winner and a loser and the countback system gave the day to Peter Mac, having two extra

points on the back nine. On the way around Mac had his name on most of the markers but all did not stand up! Third place on the podium went to Paul Kennedy. It was Shane Young’s day in B Flight and looking at the scores he did it with a leg in the air. 35 points not only got him across the line but helped him to win a personal bet. For Second place we had to revert to the countback system again as three players were vying for two places. Second place went to Alex Field, five shots behind our leader and taking third was Rocky Lawson, Tony Campbell being the unlucky golfer missing out.

Thursday, August 1, Burapha - Stableford A-Flight 1st Peter MacDonald (14) 36pts 2nd Eric Black (15) 36pts 3rd Paul Kennedy (14) 34pts B-Flight 1st Shane Young (24) 35pts

Poston claims 1st PGA Tour victory at Wyndham Championship

Wednesday, July 31, Burapha - Stableford Two divisions out on this day with the equal cut set at 11-17 and 18+ and for a change we played the C and D nines. The highest score of the day was the 37 points posted by John Carlin to win division 2 ahead of John Doyle in second four points behind. With a 19/15 back-nine countback, Lars Strom beat Frank Grainger for third after two scores of 32 came in. Some meagre scores in division 1 with Chris Slota taking the top podium position with31 points. Bristol boy Bob Poole was second behind Chris with 30 points and Dave Boran finished third with 29. Near pins went to (Div 1) Roger Awad, Dave Boran and Chris Slota, and (Div 2) Tom Carmodby, Frank Grainger and Lars Strom. Chris Slota birdied C8 for the only 2 of the day.

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Joedy McCreary

Frank Kelly.

second on 34 and then a 6/5 back-three countback saw Richard Goodwyn beat Marty Rock for third after two scores of 31. Frank Kelly won division 2 with 34 points, Tony Thorne was second one point behind and Ron Lavett took third after a 17/13 backnine countback decision over John Carlin, both players on 29 points overall. Near pins were claimed by (Div 1) Colin Aspinall (x2) and Gary Dalton, and (Div 2) Paul Butler (x2). Gary Dalton in division 1 birdied the 13th with two rollovers and Paul Butler birdied the 3rd and 17th with no rollovers in division 2.

Greensboro, N.C. (AP) — J.T. Poston shot an 8-under 62 last Sunday for a onestroke victory at the tour’s regular-season finale, the Wyndham Championship. He tied Henrik Stenson’s 2year-old tournament record at 22-under 258, and became the first player since Lee Trevino in 1974 to win a 72-hole strokeplay event on tour without any bogeys or worse. The native North Carolinian began his round three strokes back, took the lead for good with a birdie on the par-5 15th hole, then finished with three straight pars to earn $1,116,000 and 500 FedEx Cup points. Webb Simpson was at 21

J. T. Poston holds the trophy after he won the Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)c

under after a 65. Byeong Hun An, who held or shared the lead after each of the first

three rounds, three-putted the 18th for a bogey and a 67 to finish two shots back.

VOL. XXVII No. 32

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 17

PATTAYA MAIL

Man City beat Liverpool on penalties to win Community Shield Rob Harris London (AP) — After completing a clean sweep of domestic trophies last season, Manchester City opened the new campaign by lifting the Community Shield following a shootout victory over Liverpool last Sunday. City netted all five penalties — the last by Gabriel Jesus — and backup goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made a key save on his first appearance in a year to deny Georginio Wijnaldum’s attempt in a 5-4 shootout win after the traditional curtainraiser to the English season ended 1-1 in regulation time. “It was a good test for both teams,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “It’s nice for the players to realize what they will face this season. At this level the difference is nothing.”

On the field, perhaps, between the teams. Not in terms of trophy hauls in recent years. City opened last season by lifting the Shield and went on to win the FA Cup, League Cup and Premier League — edging Liverpool to England’s top title by a single point. Liverpool, who won the Champions League for a sixth time last season, won only one of seven pre-season games before losing to City at Wembley Stadium. Raheem Sterling took 12 minutes to pick up where he left off for City at Wembley in May when he completed a 5-0 victory over Watford in the FA Cup final. Kevin De Bruyne nodded across to David Silva, who flicked the ball on for Sterling to turn in from close range. It was Sterling’s first goal against the club he left four years ago and he didn’t

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino challenges for the ball with Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko during the English Community Shield soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

hold back in celebrating in front of the Liverpool fans closest to the goal.

Shibuno holds off Salas to win Women’s British Open on debut Milton Keynes, England (AP) — Hinako Shibuno of Japan finished with a birdie to win the Women’s British Open by one shot over Lizette Salas last Sunday as she wrapped up a stunning major championship debut. The 20-year-old Shibuno, a rookie on the Japan LPGA Tour who was playing for the first time outside of her country, birdied five of the final nine holes in a 4-under 68 and 18-under 270 overall. “I was also thinking about if I were to make this putt, how I was going to celebrate,” Shibuno said of approaching the 18th. “Eat a lot of sweets.” Largely unknown before the championship, Shibuno — nicknamed “Smiling Cinderella” — started Sunday with a two-stroke lead but lost it with a double bogey on the par-4 3rd. She bounced back with birdies on Nos. 5 and 7 before a bogey on the 8th at Woburn Golf Club. But in three of four rounds, Shibuno has shone on the back nine. She did it in 31 on Sunday — and just 30 on Thursday and Saturday. “Now that I’ve won, I think a lot of the Japanese people will know me, but in actuality, I just wanted to live a quiet life,” Shibuno said. “I was looking online and I did see that it’s been 42 years since a Japanese player has last won. I do feel that I have accomplished something great, but I really don’t know the reason why I was able to

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno reacts after winning the Women’s British Open golf championship at Woburn Gold Club near near Milton Keynes, England, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

accomplish it.” Salas, who started the final round tied for fourth, quickly played herself into contention with three birdies in the first four holes, and she added five more in a 7-under 65. But the American will regret not taking another birdie chance on the 18th when she shared the lead with Shibuno. “I told myself, ‘You got this. You’re made for this.’ I put a good stroke on it. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous,” Salas said after her best finish at a major. “You know, I haven’t been in that position in a long time. Gave it a good stroke. I controlled all my thoughts. It just didn’t drop.” Jin Young Ko, who was seeking her third major title of the year after winning the Evian Championship last week, was two shots back in third after a bogey-free 66.

“I had a little pressure, but I like that pressure,” Ko said. Morgan Pressel (67) finished fourth at 15 under, just ahead of former leader Ashleigh Buhai (70), whose hopes were dented Saturday when she let a five-shot lead slip. The 30year-old South African finished fifth at 14 under. “If you had given me a top five at the beginning of the week, I most certainly would have taken it,” Buhai said. Also, Celine Boutier shot a 66 to finish the tournament at 12 under, followed by Carlota Ciganda (70) at 11 under and second-ranked Sung Hyun Park (73) at 10 under. American Nelly Korda (68) tied for ninth with Jeongeun Lee6 (71) at 9 under, two shots ahead of Lexi Thompson (67). Defending champion Georgia Hall (73) tied for 35th.

Liverpool were not only exposed in defence but wasteful up front and twice denied by the goal frame after the break when Virgil van Dijk hit the bar and Mohamed Salah struck the post. But Bravo was beaten in the 77th minute when two defenders combined. Van Dijk brought down Jordan Henderson’s free kick and volleyed across to Joel Matip who headed low into the net. Liverpool were denied a winner in regulation time when Salah’s header beat Bravo but Kyle Walker

scrambled back to clear from the goal-line. “It was a really powerful performance,” Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said. “Both teams had a similar pre-season, traveling so much you don’t really know where you are, it’s just so

intense with all the trips. “Obviously in the second half we were in charge and full of desire. We didn’t do it, but at least we got the equalizer so it’s how it is. Penalties, a bit of luck is involved and one goalkeeper’s save decides it, but I can’t be disappointed today.” For a game focused on raising money for good causes there was a significant amount of ill-feeling at Wembley. The club anthems were booed by opposing fans, then the national anthem — “God Save The Queen” — was jeered by Liverpool supporters. During the game, Guardiola was incensed when Joe Gomez launched a high challenge on David Silva — demonstrating the action with his own right foot. Continuing to remonstrate on the field, delaying the resumption of the game, Guardiola was shown a yellow card as referee Martin Atkinson applied the new law.

Brian Lochore, All Blacks captain and coach, dies at 78 Wellington, N. zealand (AP) — Brian Lochore, who captained the “greatest” All Blacks team of 1967 and went on to coach New Zealand to the inaugural Rugby World Cup title in 1987, has died. He was 78. Lochore was being treated for bowel cancer. His oldest son David Lochore said he died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 3. Lochore made 68 appearances for the All Blacks as a back rower or lock from 1964 to 1971, captaining the team in more than 40 of those games. Under his leadership, in what was regarded as a golden era of New Zealand rugby, the All Blacks did not lose a test for almost five years. All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen called Lochore “one of the most respected men in New Zealand, not only in rugby but all facets of New Zealand life as well as being hugely respected and held in high regard around the world.” In his first series as captain Lochore led New Zealand to a 4-0 win over the British and Irish Lions in 1966. He worked with Fred Allen, who won all of his 14 tests as coach, to produce a new running style of rugby that transformed the game. The style came to fruition in 1967 when the All Blacks were unbeaten in 24 matches on a tour to Britain, France and Canada.

New Zealand All Black great Brian Lochore is shown in this undated photo. (NZ Herald via AP)

The 1967 team included all-time greats such as Colin Meads, Kel Tremain, Waka Nathan, Ken Gray, Ian Kirkpatrick and Sid Going and is still regarded as the greatest All Blacks team of all-time. Lochore’s appointment as captain was a measure of his stature. He became an All Blacks selector in 1985 and coach in 1986. He led the team to victory in the first World Cup in New Zealand the following year.

18 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Australia win 1st Ashes test by 251 runs Birmingham, England (AP) — Australia won the first Ashes test by a huge margin of 251 runs on Monday after dismissing England for 146 in their second innings on the final day. Offspinner Nathan Lyon was often unplayable with 6-49 and passed 350 test wickets in a remarkable turnaround for the Australians, who had been reduced to 122-8 in their first innings at a hostile Edgbaston. “It’s disappointing,” England captain Joe Root told the BBC. “We got ourselves in a really strong position.” Allrounder Chris Woakes provided England’s top score with a defiant 37 at No. 9 after the hosts crumbled from 60-1 to 97-7. Woakes was the last man out in the 53rd over to Pat Cummins (432), sending the ball to Steve Smith in the slips as England collapsed in the afternoon. England had resumed after lunch on 85-4. Jos Buttler (1) went in the first over, bowled by Cummins, and Jonny Bairstow was then caught by Cameron Bancroft off Cummins for his 100th test wicket. In what has been a nightmare test at times for the umpires, Bairstow opted to review Joel Wilson’s decision but he was unsuccessful, leading one BBC pundit to exclaim “Joel’s got one right!” Lyon reached the 350-wicket landmark when Ben Stokes (6) was caught behind. The spinner went on to dismiss Moeen Ali for his five-for and had Stuart Broad caught by Smith for a golden duck. Jimmy Anderson came out to bat despite lingering injury concerns — he bowled only four overs in the entire test — and denied Lyon his hat trick. Rory Burns (11) was the first man out Monday —

with 374 in reply to Australia’s 284. But Smith’s centuries in each innings (144 and 142) proved far too much for a humbled England, especially without their record test wicket-taker Anderson able to bowl after the opening session. Root said it was easy to be wise in hindsight and that Anderson had gone through the normal selection process and passed a fitness test. Root called it “part and parcel of test cricket, sometimes things go against you.”

Read more news at pattayamail.com Australia’s Nathan Lyon (centre right) celebrates with teammates after dismissing England captain Joe Root during day five of the first Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, Monday Aug. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

caught by Lyon off Cummins — when England had added only six runs after starting on 13-0, and Root (28) was the last man out in the morning, visibly angry with himself after tamely sending the ball to Bancroft at short leg off Lyon. Lyon had come on to bowl after an hour’s play and proved the threat that England feared with three wickets before lunch. Lyon also soon settled a big question of the day: Could white-ball specialist Jason Roy patiently stay in without taking risks in smashing quick runs? That was answered in Australia’s favor when the explosive opener, playing only his second test, needlessly advanced down the wicket against Lyon. The ball turned and clattered into the stumps. Roy was out for 28 after sharing a 41-run partnership with Root and left England on 60-2.

Bancroft caught Joe Denly (11) at short leg after Lyon struck again to leave England 80-3 before Root was dismissed. England’s instinctive batting aggression paid huge dividends in their Cricket World Cup title last month, including a semifinal win over Australia in Birmingham, but the switch from white to red ball is proving a tough challenge so far against wellprepared opponents. Australia even had the luxury of declaring at 487-7 in their second innings on Sunday to set England an unlikely winning target of 398. “I love playing cricket here in England. The atmosphere’s always amazing, and the boys turned up and played a really good game of cricket,” man-of-the-match Smith said. “To go 1-0 up in the series is a big boost.” England had taken a 90-run lead after the first innings

Maguire becomes most expensive defender with move to United Manchester (AP) — Manchester United made Harry Maguire the world’s most expensive defender on Monday, signing him from Leicester for around 80 million British pounds. United said the 26-year-old center back signed a six-year contract with an option for a further season. “He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch,” United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, “with the ability to remain calm under pressure, coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes, I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.”

And Root should know. He had survived a scare on 4 when he was given out by Wilson leg before wicket against pacer James Pattinson. He went for review and the ball was shown to be missing. Play was briefly held up by a malfunctioning stump mic before Root was given out again by Wilson for lbw when on 9, this time off Siddle. Root immediately reviewed and was shown to have clearly got his bat to the ball first. The second of five tests starts at Lord’s on Aug. 14.

Kyrgios edges Medvedev for Citi Open title Howard Fendrich Washington (AP) — Just five games into the Citi Open final last Sunday, Nick Kyrgios clutched at the middle of his back after a point. Soon, he was holding onto the chair umpire’s stand while trying to stretch. When the opening set ended, he was flat on the ground, getting treatment from a trainer. Eventually, after 1 1/2 hours of play, Kyrgios was wincing in pain — because he was lifting the champion’s trophy at the hard-court tournament. Kyrgios overcame a bothersome back and used two of his 18 aces to close things out, edging No. 3 seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) to win his second title of the year and move his ranking back into the top 30. “This has honestly been one of my favorite weeks of my life, to be honest. I’ve made massive strides,” said Kyrgios, who warmed up for matches by taking on kids in pingpong in the players’ lounge. “A week to remember.”

Nick Kyrgios, of Australia, returns the ball to Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, during their final match at the Citi Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Kyrgios, who came into the U.S. Open tuneup event ranked just 52nd, followed up his thrill-a-minute semifinal victory over topseeded Stefanos Tsitsipas a day earlier with a much more mundane triumph in the final. There were zero break points for Kyrgios or Medvedev all match. The difference came down to Kyrgios’ superior play in the two tiebreakers. He trailed 4-1 and 5-2 in the first, before coming back, helped when Medvedev pushed a

forehand wide on set point. In the second, Kyrgios only fell behind once, at 32, but used a combination of three aces, a 140 mph service winner and a flubbed forehand by Medvedev to end things. Earlier Sunday, Jessica Pegula — a 25-year-old American ranked 79th, whose parents own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres — won her first WTA title, defeating Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-2 in the women’s final.

Hamilton hunts down Verstappen to win Hungarian GP From page 24

Harry Maguire has signed for Manchester United from Leicester City in a record deal for a defender. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The fee eclipses the deals for Matthijs de Ligt to leave Ajax for Juventus last month for 75 million euros, and for

Virgil van Dijk to join Liverpool from Southampton for up to 75 million pounds in January 2018.

After crashing in Germany and finishing eighth here, despite starting from second place, Bottas’ future hangs in the balance. For Verstappen, who turns 21 next month, it was a 21st consecutive race in the top five, including 12 podiums. He is only seven points behind Bottas in third place. Sebastian Vettel finished

the race behind Verstappen in third place for Ferrari ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. Vettel has much to ponder over the summer as he chases an elusive 53rd career win. The four-time F1 champion is 94 points behind Hamilton in fourth place and has not won any of the 20 races since Belgium last year. On a humiliating day for F1’s most storied team, Vettel and

Leclerc finished more than 1 minute behind Hamilton. In a racing series where mere seconds often decide races, this shows how far the once-mighty Ferrari has fallen. Twelve races, zero wins makes for grim reading. The season resumes on Sept. 1 at the Belgian GP. Note: For more on the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix – turn to Automania on page 19

VOL. XXVII No. 32

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 19

PATTAYA MAIL

The auto industry is in trouble

Remember the Dodge Charger Daytona? The winged Dodge Charger Daytona was in 1970 just an amazing aerodynamic projectile. In the NASCAR competition it was almost unbeatable. Though NASCAR didn’t specifically ban wing cars from participating, Bill France’s ruling that Daytonas, Superbirds, and all other such “special cars” be limited to 305cu.in. engines for the 1971 season, effectively did. The advantage of the Hemi and other big-block V-8s proved too much for the racing teams, so rather than run the smaller engines, those teams – and the manufacturers supporting them – dropped the wings and other aero devices. Perhaps the hardest-hit of those teams was Nord Krauskopf’s K&K Insurance team, which had won the overall NASCAR championship in 1970 with 11 outright wins, 13 poles, and 38 top 10 finishes. Bobby Isaac, who started out racing on dirt tracks, drove Krauskopf’s Harry Hyde-prepared Daytona to that championship. The question posed, all these years later, is just how fast were these cars? Isaac drove the Daytona to a record qualifying speed – 199.658 MPH at Talladega – and in the offseason after winning the championship, he took it back to Talladega to set a closed-course speed record

Dodge Charger Daytona

of 201.104 MPH, a record that would end up standing for more than a dozen years. Members of the K&K team had speculated about how fast the #71 car really was and what it could do if unlimited by NASCAR rules or racetracks. The venue for this was the Bonneville salt flats and they recorded 216.945 MPH (330 KMH), a record for a stock-bodied car with a flying-start, followed by a 182.174 MPH record for a stock-bodied car with a standing start. Isaac then started chasing endurance speed records on a 10-mile oval on the salt, sliding the car like he would any dirt-track car around the oval’s curves. In total, he and the team left the salt with 28 records and a good idea what their car really was capable of.

What did we learn from the Hungarian GP? A high speed procession became a cliff hanger at the finish. When pole-sitter Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the start and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) bungled it, we thought the race was over. Initially, the way the race was unfolding did nothing to hold spectators’ attention. Bottas needed a new front wing after squabbling with team leader Lewis Hamilton on the first lap so dropped out of the equation, and will result in a new set of overalls for the Finn next year. Any color but silver. Another driver who will be lining up at the tailor shop for new driving suits next year will be Pierre Gasly (Red Bull) who finished sixth in Hungary and was never in the hunt for top positions. When your team mate can win Grands Prix and you are nowhere, the transfer window is open. In the initial stages of the race, with Verstappen bolting, everyone was expecting Ferrari number one Sebastian Vettel to come up with an action plan. The only car he was in close quarters

with was his own team mate, Charles Leclerc, with the Ferrari’s finishing third and fourth and not even keeping the others in sight. Ferrari management will not be pleased to see their cars finish over one minute behind. The first tyre changes came around lap 25 and Verstappen kept his first position after the round of pit stops was over. At that stage the only driver making up positions was Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) who started from last following engine maladies with the exploding motors. Ricciardo’s progress through the field was halted by Magnussen (Haas) who was very adept at moving side to side, also known as blocking. In the meantime, Hamilton had caught up with Verstappen, but was unable to pass. A brave decision by Mercedes pit wall brought Hamilton in on Lap 49 to get fresh rubber, an advantage – but now Hamilton rejoined 20 seconds behind Verstappen. A disadvantage. At this stage, everyone was trying to guess when and whether Hamilton

would catch Verstappen, and even if he did, would he be able to pass? Hamilton then put in a series of fastest laps, carving up to 2 seconds a lap from Verstappen’s lead. By the time there was 9 laps to go, Hamilton was 10 seconds behind. By the time there was three laps to go, Hamilton was filling Verstappens mirrors, and cleanly executed a clinical pass and powered away. Verstappen’s only consolation on losing what looked like a certain win was to come in and change tyres and set the new lap record. The battle at the front was so exciting that the other drivers were forgotten, but mention should be made of Charles Leclerc who was fourth for Ferrari, Carlos Sainz (McLaren) fifth, in front of the second Red Bull of Pierre Gasly. Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Räikkönen was seventh, Bottas was eighth with Lando Norris (McLaren) ninth in front of the Toro Rosso of Alexander Albon. The annual “holiday” is up next, with the first GP back being Spa on September 1.

San Francisco (AP) — Tesla lost US$408 million in its latest quarter as it struggles to prove it can make money selling electric cars at mass-market prices. The setback had already been telegraphed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Still, it underscored Tesla’s ongoing challenges and helps explain why the company’s shares have plunged by more than 20 percent this year. Tesla has sustained losses of more than $6 billion since its inception, but Musk promised a year ago that the road ahead would be paved with profits. The Palo Alto, California, company made good on that pledge with a profit of $451 million during the final half of last year. But it has now posted successive quarterly losses totaling $1.1 billion in the first half of this year. The latest losses came despite Tesla selling more electric cars — 95,356 — than in any other quarter in its history. The company remains behind the sales pace needed to realize Musk’s goal of delivering 360,000 to 400,000 cars this year. But just reaching the lowerend of Musk’s car-delivery goal for this year may prove difficult. That’s because the U.S. has reduced its tax incentive for electric car purchases, which will be phased out entirely at the end of the year. Tesla is pinning its hopes largely on its lowest-priced vehicle so far, the Model 3 sedan, which starts at $35,000. That’s comparable to other mass-market cars, but many analysts doubt the company can make money on the Model 3 at its starting price. Tesla other’s cars, the Model S and Model X, both sell for more than $70,000 — far beyond the

Mercedes AMG A 45.

reach of most consumers. However, it’s not just Tesla in financial trouble. Daimler AG, the maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, says it lost 1.2 billion euros in the second quarter as the company booked 4.2 billion euros in one-time charges for troubles with diesel vehicles and air bag recalls. The quarterly loss was the company’s first since 2009 and a bumpy start for new CEO Ola Kallenius, who took over from Dieter Zetsche on May 22 and since then has had to issue two profit warnings. The Stuttgart-based company is under investigation in Germany and the U.S. and faces U.S. civil lawsuits in connection with its cars’ diesel emissions. It also is facing increased expenses for recalling cars with faulty air bags from supplier Takata, (losses suffered by other automakers, too). Regulators in the U.S. and Europe have cracked down on diesel emissions after Volkswagen was caught in 2015 using software to cheat on U.S. diesel emissions tests. The Volkswagen scandal led to renewed scrutiny of emissions from regulators, forcing Daimler and others to recall vehicles and update

their emissions software. On top of that, Daimler like other automakers has to finance the development of new technologies such as battery-powered cars, selfdriving cars and services such as car-sharing or taxihailing that work through smartphone apps. Slowing growth in China, the world’s largest auto market, and U.S.China trade tensions are creating further headwinds for the industry. The company said it expected “significant improvement” in its earnings performance during the second half of the year. However, it has already said full-year earnings will be significantly below last year’s. Kallenius said the company would review its product portfolio and intensify efforts to reduce costs. “Our focus for the second half of this year is on improving our operating performance and cash-flow generation,” he said. Pressed for details about the company’s cost-cutting efforts during a conference call with reporters, Kallenius deferred giving details until a presentation for investors in November. The company has said its cost program will not involve layoffs.

Reliability ratings J.D. Power’s 2018 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study measures the number of problems reported by consumers who have owned 2015 model-year vehicles for three years. The study found that vehicle dependability increased 9 percent over the 2017 study, which was the first increase since 2013. “For the most part, automotive manufacturers continue to meet consumers’ vehicle dependability expectations,” J.D. Power vice president of global automotive Dave Sargent said in a press release. “A 9 percent improvement is extremely im-

Lexus RC 350.

pressive, and vehicle dependability is, without question, at its best level ever.” Lexus topped the survey for the seventh consecutive year with a score of 99 reported problems per 100 vehicles, while the industry average was 142. Porsche, Buick, Infiniti, and Kia rounded out the top-five.

However, Lexus still has a dreadful front with the “spindle grille”. Whilst those figures are indeed impressive, the ongoing problems with defective items supplied to the manufacturer continues from tier one and downwards. The Takata air-bag saga is not over yet. There will be further ramifications with the diesel ‘cheating’ scandal which has expanded from being a VW problem, to just about any diesel manufacturer, and that includes Mercedes. One cannot help the feeling that VW has been made the whipping boy in this diesel debacle.

20 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Dusit Thani Pattaya wishes His Majesty a Happy Birthday

Day Out for orphans at Centara Grand Mirage

Ceremonies were held in Banglamung District on 28 July 2019, where Neoh Kean Boon, GM of Dusit Thani Pattaya together with Director of Rooms, Pramot Sotana and Director of Human Resources, Chalisa Vanichrattanakorn and senior staff joined the private and public sector in wishing His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua a Happy Birthday.

Denis Thouvard (2nd right), GM of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya together with is management team and staff welcomed 15 orphans under the age of 10 at the resort recently. The theme of the program was “Be the Reason Someone Smiles and Happiness comes from giving”. The children were treated to delicious food and played a lot of games.

Centara Hotels raise funds to help HIV & AIDS patients

Grande Centre Point donates to HHNFT

Management and staff of the Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, led by Metta Boonyaritipong (centre), held a garage sale to raise money for ‘The Glory Hut Foundation’. The home takes care of poor and underprivileged patients stricken with HIV and AIDS. Old clothing and souvenirs were sold including food and beverages and fun games were also played.

Pravee Wienravee (right), GM of Grande Centre Point Hotel led her team to the Drop-In Centre recently bringing along detergent, tissues, cleaning and gardening tools, snacks and dried food for the kids at the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand’s Drop-In Centre and ASEAN Education Centre. Drop-In Centre Manager Pirun Noyimjai thanked the hotel staffers, who played some games with the children before departing.

Top TCEB executives on inspection tour of PEACH

Top executives from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) visited Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall (PEACH) for in preparation for an upcoming TCEB Board of Directors meeting. (l-r) From left to right: Puripan BunnagDirector of TCEB President Office Department, Michael Goh-Director of Events, Royal Cliff Hotels Group & Resident Manager of PEACH, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya-TCEB President, Thanin Pa-Em-TCEB Board Member, Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang-Chairman of TCEB Board, Panga Vathanakul-MD of Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH, Pornthip HirunkateTCEB Board Member, Supawan Tanomkieatipume-TCEB Board Member, Busadee Santipitaks-TCEB Board Member, Sugree Sithivanich-TCEB Board Member and Vichaya Soonthornsaratoon-TCEB Vice President, Administration.

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Businesses for Sale or Rent 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

Property for Rent Houses, Villas Prb13/31-32/ 4-Storey Luxury Shop House located in Soi Kor Phai near Pattaya Thai: 220sqm, 4-bedroom, 3bathroom, 5 air-con, Great for small business or luxury living. 18,000 baht/month, buy option also considered. Tel: 082 949 0401 Prb05/31-35/ For Rent 10,900 baht per month, 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 3 A/C, Furnished,

PATTAYA MAIL

Pool, Clean & Beautiful, Soi 53 Nern Plabwan at Soi 45 Tel: 084 351 8254 Prb06/28-32/ 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

Condominiums Prc13/30-39/ Royal Park Luxury Service Apartments and penthouse suite, Jomtien: starting at 15,000 baht/ month. 56-70sqm, one bedroom, large living area with balcony and European kitchen, Free internet. Enjoy our rooftop swimming pool. Short walk to the beach. Monthly and daily rentals, Contact 086 111 7414 or check on our website www.royalparkjomtien.com to see why we are number 1 in Jomtien

Prc02/31-35/ 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 Prc12/31-35/ Central Pattaya Condo Studio for Rent: floor 11, All new renovation, fridge, cable TV and washing machine, new furniture, nice view, cool side of building. Price 7,000 Baht/Month Tel: 087-138-3523 Prc11/28-32/ Pattaya Beach Rd.: Studio, balcony, pool view, sea view, beautiful terrace, safe box, kitchenette. 13,500.- Tel: 091-504-1806 Prc09/25-52/ You like to rent a clean and nice condo short time or long term? We have City-Condos from 5,000 THB/monthly, directly located at the “10-Baht-TaxiRoute” or close to the beach with stunning sea views from 9,500 THB/monthly. We get daily new properties for

rent. Please call us. We have the right one for you. GO PROPERTY THAILAND; call Mr. Jo 093- 161 5995

Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb02/31-37/ 5-minutes walk to Jomtien beach, 30sq.wah of land (freehold), 3-storeys, 3-bedrooms, approx 300sqm usable area, mature garden compound, unfurnished, needs TLC but beautiful home: Price only: THB 5,500,000- Available for viewing, pictures available Contact: Kh. Jitsarn 085-977-6301 Psb01/14-52/ House located on Thappraya Road, PattayaJomtien; land size 372sqm, living space 250sqm; fully furnished; 1 living room; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, European kitchen; garden; security 7/24h; community pool; parking; close 10 Baht Taxi Route, restaurants, bars, supermarket, laundry, 8,300,000 THB (281) GO PROPERTY THAILAND; 093- 161 5995; www.gopropertythailand.com

Condominiums Psc107/27-36/ Trust Residence Central Pattaya Condo For Rent or Sale: fully furnished, wifi & swimming pool, for sale: 1,250,000 (tax free),Rent 8,000 Baht/month Tel.086-633-2948,083-282-3984 Prc106/28-52/CETUSCONDO, high-floor, stunning seaand city views, 54sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition like new, “foreign owned”, luxury furnished, 7,000,000 THB; www. GoPropertyThailand.com; 093- 151 5995 Prc105/28-52/ THE BASE Condo; high-floor, sea- and city views, 30sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition like new, “foreign owned”, fully furnished, 3,650,000 THB; www. GoPropertyThailand.com; 093- 151 5995 Prc104/28-52/ THE PEAK TOWER; high-floor, seaand city views, 63sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition new, “foreign owned”, not furnished, 5,900,000 THB; www.GoProperty Thailand.com; 093- 151 5995 Prc103/28-52/ DUSIT GRAND VIEW; sea views, 34sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition like new,

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 21

“foreign owned”, quality furnished, 3,000,000 THB; www.GoPropertyThailand.com; 093- 151 5995 Prc102/28-52/ BAAN PLAI HAAD NAKLUA beachfront; high-floor, sea- and city views, 41sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition like new, “foreign owned”, luxury furnished, 5,500,000 THB; www. GoPropertyThailand.com; 093- 151 5995 Prc101/28-52/ JOMTIEN BEACH RESIDENT; nice garden views, 52sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition like new, “foreign owned”, design furnished, 2,900,000 THB; www. GoPropertyThailand.com; 093- 151 5995 Prc100/28-52/ VIEW TALAY 3 beachfront, sea views, 52sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, terrace, condition like new, “foreign owned”, design furnished, 2,700,000 THB; www.GoPropertyThailand.com; 093- 151 5995

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 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 Sp06/31-36/ WWW. 321CLEAN.COM – General home cleaning - Mattress dust mite eradication - Sofa, carpet cleaning -Marble polishing. Dynamic team and foreigner follow - up. Call now: 089 886 5445 (English), 080 091 2924 (Thai) or leave a message on our website Sp05/32/ PLANS DRAWN: Houses, shop alterations, with complete construction service. Tel. 085-083-4221

Vehicles for Sale/Rent Vc03/32/ Jay’s Rent A Car: Toyota’s & Honda’s. All top of the range, for your safety all serviced by Toyota/Honda, all have A.B.S./airbags + 1st class rental Insurance. Rent the best. Please ring for details: (Thai) 084-865-5102 or (Eng) 085-283-4915 Vsc02/29-33/ Almost new Mitsubishi Attrage, Automatic, 2018, 9,400km: only 329,000 Baht. Call May 0852757711. Vsc01/29-33/ Almost new Nissan Almera, Manual, 2018, 13,000km: only 299,000 Baht. Call May 0852757711.

22 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Marco’s Restaurant – Pizzeria (apparently I’ve been doing it wrong for years). Charcuterie platters are also available with a good selection of different cheeses and cold cuts. Marco places freedom of choice very highly with notes as to what cheese choices would go with certain items, such as the Italian burger

Bass fillet (B. 320) and choose from Mediterranean sauce, Green pepper sauce or white wine. Pizzas, of course, with a Folded Pizza (Calzone) with gorgonzola sounding delicious. While looking at the menu we had a glass of the house white (B. 120) an Australian

Marco’s Signature Pizza.

Being seen is an important part of any business, and restaurants are no different. Despite his having been on Thappraya Road for three years, we had to admit that Marco’s had not registered in our collective sub-consciousness till we went assiduously looking. Make a note – Marco’s is on the left hand side going down Thappraya Road between the Grande Caribbean Condo and Food Mart at Thepprasit intersection. However, slow down or you will miss it in the bustling Thappraya traffic, with it being a single shop-house venue. Before you read further – it is worth your while. There is a small dining area

in an outer section, and then the main dining section inside. A bar runs along one wall with a chilled wine fridge with most bottles around B. 1,000. Local beers are B. 90. The kitchen is at the very rear of the restaurant. On one wall near the front is a blackboard menu with weekly rotating specials such as Organic Duck breast (B. 390), or Half an Organic baby Chicken in Taragon (B. 290). The menu is one of the most colorful in Pattaya and comes with ‘instructions’ with some dishes. For example in the pasta section, the instruction starts with 1. Choose your sauce and then 2, choose your pasta

with a medium crust and plenty of cheese and was Marco’s Signature Pizza and it was no ordinary pizza, but tomato, mozzarella, Parma ham, fresh cherry tomato, rocket salad and parmesan cheese. We then moved on to Gnocchi, the famed Italian dumpling in Gorgonzola cheese, and a Black squidsink tagliatelle with seafood and a home made ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach served with a fresh tomato sauce and a Scaloppine alla Parmigiana escalope, tomato, mozzarella and Parma ham. All of these were very

at each end and we gorged ourselves on Lemon pie, Chocolate lava cake and Chocolate mousse and Tiramisu. Of course, no Italian meal is complete without a grappa, thank you Marco. I took the opportunity to ask other diners’ opinions and all gave Marco’s top recommendation. One couple said they ate there at least twice a week (you don’t do that if the food is not up to scratch or the price too high). The Dining Out team in total was in agreement that the evening had been most

Scaloppine alla Parmigiana, our favourite.

(B. 390) which can come with gorgonzola or Parma ham for an additional B. 50. The final taste is yours. Salads (B. 160-290) has seafood at the top end. Pastas are B. 250-370 (choose 1 and then choose 2). Meats and Fish run into some Fusion items, with Sea

Semillon/Sauvignon blanc. Inexpensive and very suitable for quaffing, so much so, we continued with it for the meal. At Marco’s suggestion, we began by sharing a pizza and then move to separate dishes, but shared again. The pizza was very filling

Home-made black tagliatelle with seafood.

enjoyable, with the scaloppini being my choice for dish of the evening. Marco insisted we try his desserts, not that there was much need for persuasion. Presented on a bespoke tray with small ice cream cones

enjoyable and we would return. Marco’s Restaurant - Pizzeria, 306/94, m12 Thappraya Road, tel 092 475 1493 or www.marcospattaya.com, open 12 noon till late, plenty of on-street parking. (Photos by Marisa Corness)

VOL. XXVII No. 32

PATTAYA MAIL

Lunar landing, was it an elaborate hoax? Whether they remember or not, most Pattaya City Expat Club (PCEC) members were around when the first moon landing took place fifty years ago. Maybe they remember being outside, looking up, trying to imagine the 2 astronauts and their lunar vehicle parked there on the Moon. Some members also may be familiar with conspiracy theories that allege the Moon landing was faked. Others reaction was “What?!!” as this was the main theme of the PCEC’s speaker at the Sunday, July 28 meeting. Needless to say, it was different and not the usual type of topic presented at the PCEC meetings. The speaker asked that in publicizing his talk he not be referred to by name, so for this article, he is referred to by his initials LL. He pointed out that the views he expressed in his presentation were his own and do not reflect the official position of the University where he is a tenured professor. Likewise, the PCEC always begin their meetings by stating that their speakers’ views, services, or products are not endorsed by the PCEC, but are presented for their members and guests’ information, education, or entertainment, LL has degrees in Engineering and Mathematics from universities in the USA and Moscow. His topic was entitled, ‘My life as a (suspected) KGB spy,’ but said he does not claim to be a double agent. He also mentioned that his parents worked on the Russian space program. His presentation focused on his belief that the USA’s lunar landing some 50 years ago was a hoax and never happened. He has inventions in the area of artificial vision devices and over 30 publications in pure and applied mathematics and engineering. He worked for several years as a summer faculty at NASA and as a NASA contractor for their projects in the areas of artificial neural networks. Even though he worked for NASA and

Professor LL sets forth his evidence of a faked lunar landing by NASA during his PCEC presentation.

admires it greatly as an organization, he has concluded that the landing was faked. Some doubters of the “hoax” theory wonder how it could happen with so many people involved in the project. As a response to these, LL said most technical work was done by contractors with few technical people directly working for NASA involved. Many made proposals or inventions that they really did not expect would be used by NASA and he believes a lot of money was wasted on many of these projects. He noted that the USA claimed their rocket was 2-1/ 2 times more powerful than Russia’s, but there was no documentation to support that. Further, other supporting evidence was frequently not available. LL said his father designed the landing system for the Russian space ship and he said precision

in 1908. It took only 6 years for major improvements to be made. LL stated the Chinese lunar rover found no evidence of the American moon landing. Had the photo lighting been staged? He stated that both USA and USSR sent test animals on most earth orbital flights. Suspiciously, for the lunar landing there was no testing, which he considers a reckless decision and further evidence to support his views. He also questioned the landing since there was

Real or not? Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin works on the deployed Passive Seismic Experiment Package on the surface of the Moon, July 20, 1969. (Source: www.nasa.gov.)

landing technology was missing from the American design. His primary question for the validity of the landing is, why has America not gone back, after 50 years, if it had been a success? The Wright brothers made the first flight

MC Roy Albiston (right) presents speaker LL with the PCEC’s Certificate of Appreciation for his presentation about the USA Lunar landing in 1969.

a waving of the flag when there is no wind on the moon. LL was also critical of the American education system. He suggested more than 90% of US technology is created by foreigners who do not have American citizenship or security clearance. Subsequent to his presentation, many questions were raised and comments made by members of the audience. For those interested in reading more about the various hoax theories and their rebuttals, the information can be found on Wikipedia at URL, https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Moon_landing_ conspiracy_theories. The meeting concluded with the usual announcement of upcoming events and the Open Forum, where questions were asked and answered about expat living in Thailand. For more information about the Pattaya City Expats Club, visit their website at www.pcec.club.

FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019 23

24 FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 32

Inspiring local athletes overcome disabilities at Pattaya Fun Run Derek Franklin While the 2019 Pattaya marathon and the half marathon races may have taken the runners on a scenic route around Pattaya, Pratamnak and Jomtien on July 21, there was a smaller run on the same day that did not go quite as far. The Fun Run saw participants follow a route down Beach Road towards the Dolphin Roundabout, then

along Second Road before turning right onto Pattaya Klang and the finish line back on Beach Road. The 3.75km race started with more than forty wheelchair racers, all current and former students, and several teachers, from the local Technological College for people with Disabilities, part of the Father Ray Foundation. As soon as the klaxon was sounded the wheelchairs raced down the road, all except

one young man that is. Unable to use his brand new electric wheelchair, donated to him by a sponsor, he was back in his manual chair, and unable to use his hands due to cerebral palsy he was left with just one foot to pull himself along.

going to win and he knew he would come last, but he wanted to finish his first ever race all by himself. Before he had even reached the hill up to the Dolphin Roundabout, several of his school mates had already finished the race, but

Nat (right) was the winner of the wheelchair race, followed closely by Ole (left), both taking part in their very first Pattaya Marathon event.

He was swamped by the hundreds, if not thousands, of mostly children on the Fun Run and he refused all offers of help, and he received many. He was never

Wheelchair athletes and able-bodied runners competed side by side and had great fun along the way.

he continued at his own pace and was cheered on by fellow racers and spectators. The annual Fun Run is just what it says it is, a lot of fun. Families run together, the

A young man with cerebral palsy and with the use of just one foot showed a ton of guts and courage to finish the course without any assistance.

elderly trying to better their personal best times, groups of school children and even super-heroes. This young

man in a wheelchair perhaps proved to be the biggest inspiration of all to the many who took part this year.

Hamilton hunts down Verstappen to win Hungarian GP Jerome Pugmire Budapest (AP) — More used to other drivers chasing him, Lewis Hamilton turned predator last Sunday to hunt down Max Verstappen and win the Hungarian Grand Prix. When Hamilton had tried and failed to get past Verstappen midway through the race on the Hungaroring — one of Formula One’s hardest tracks for overtaking — it seemed that Verstappen would secure a victory from his first pole position for an eighth career win and third in four races. But then Mercedes showed the strength in depth of its team, making a risky but ultimately brilliant strategy call to bring Hamilton in for a second tire change on Lap 49 of 70. In the pit wall battle, Mercedes sucker-punched Red Bull and unleashed Hamilton on fresh tires.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod, northeast of Budapest, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. (AFP pool photo Via AP/Andrej Isakovic)

He chased Verstappen like a silver bullet around the 4.4kilometer track, at times shaving two seconds per lap off Verstappen’s 20-second lead. Red Bull decided against giving Verstappen new tires and left him to rely only on his wits to fend off Hamilton.

“Lewis was on fire today,” Verstappen said. “I was pushing flat out.” The remarkably adroit Verstappen — who has great composure at 20 years old — could not hold off Hamilton. By Lap 67, Hamilton moved menacingly alongside and

flew to the 81st victory of his F1 career to move only 10 wins behind Michael Schumacher. “I honestly didn’t know if I could (reduce) the gap,” a jubilant Hamilton said. “I kept pushing and pushing. They were like qualifying laps every lap.” Verstappen, who took a bonus point for the fastest lap, acknowledged Mercedes made the right call. “We were just not fast enough. I tried everything I could,” Verstappen said. “Congrats to Lewis, he was pushing me really hard. I like that.” Hamilton looks headed for a sixth F1 title so far. He sits 62 points ahead of secondplace Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas going into the midseason summer break, which is when Mercedes decides whether to give Bottas a new contract for 2020. Continued on page 18

PATTAYA MAIL is edited by Nopniwat Krailerg for Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. Printer, publisher and owner Offices: 62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Pattaya City 20150. Advertising and Administration Office: Tel: 038 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax: 038 427 596, E-mail: ptymail@pattayamail.com www.pattayamail.com