Pattaya Mail - FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 5, 2020 (Vol. XXVIII No. 4 )

Established in 1993

VOL.XXVIII No. 4

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 5, 2020

Burapa Bike Week roars through quiet Pattaya

30 BAHT

Tens of thousands of bikers from around the world converged upon Pattaya for the annual Burapa Bike Week Feb. 13-15 at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium on Soi Chaiyapruek 2. The finale, shown here, featured the annual bike parade through the city emphasizing safe driving, helmet use, and the “unbounded love of brotherhood�. (Full story and more photos on page 8.)

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Pattaya pushed to integrate At least the traffic is better… agencies to reduce road deaths Jetsada Homklin

PCPR The Pattaya area’s many police, medical and regulatory offices must work together to reduce deadly traffic accidents, a Transport Ministry official said.

Speaking at a Feb. 11 Road Traffic Injuries workshop at Pattaya City Hall, ministry Road Safety Fund Committee member Anucha Settasatien said Thailand has launched an initiative to integrate efforts to reduce road deaths at the local level and in big cities.

The goal is to reduce road deaths to less than 60 people per 100,000 vehicles per year.

The World Health Organization said Thailand’s rate was at 60.2 in 2016. Fatalities per 100,000 people was 32.7 per 100,000 people, nearly double the global average of 17.4 and one of the worst in the world.

Chairing the meeting, Banglamung District Chief

Banglamung District Chief Amnart Charoensri while chairing the meeting said the district has opened a road safety operations center.

Amnart Charoensri said the district already has opened a road safety operations center which collects statistical information on road accidents for analysis and use in designing processes to present the loss of life and property on the road.

This is done by taking measures related to management,

data, nursing and prevention and to link the operational center with the district healthcare system, he said.

The ministry proposes fully integrating resources and dividing multidisciplinary groups to exchange knowledge and experience to create methods to sustainably reduce injuries.

The traffic is better, but Pattaya retailers are suffering after about 80 percent of tour buses disappeared from city streets.

Congestion on Pattaya’s roads resembles the dead of low season now that China has barred tour companies from selling or dispatching overseas tours. Weren’t shops and restaurants as empty, locals might actually celebrate.

Those missing traffic backups, however, can still drive to areas where the laying of new drainage pipes continues.

The Chinese tour buses might be gone, but the continuous road construction is keeping traffic snarled in places.

Sawang Boriboon lauded for saving life of deputy police chief

Baywatch Sukhumvit roadwork to last through October Banglamung police chief Pol. Col. Pattanachai Pamornpiboon (right, wearing police uniform) thanks the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan for saving the life of the Pol. Lt. Col. Noppadol Rattanababornkiet (middle, in dark blue shirt) after he had a heart attack playing football.

Warapun Jaikusol

Digging and resurfacing of Sukhumvit Road has been tied to an increase in accidents on the busy highway.

Jetsada Homklin Digging and resurfacing of Sukhumvit Road has been tied to an increase in accidents on the busy highway.

Nearby residents and businesses complained that the roadwork at the far

southern end of Sukhumvit in Pattaya was begun without notice, lacks adequate lighting to illuminate work areas after dark and has caused accidents.

The 90-million-baht project begun in January will run through October and

eventually result in the resurfacing of all of Sukhumvit from Pattaya’s southern to northern border.

During the operation, one lane of traffic is closed, meaning increased congestion will last for several months.

Banglamung’s top police officers thanked the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan for saving the life of the district’s deputy police chief after he had a heart attack playing football.

Paramedics arrived at the soccer pitch Feb. 3 to find Pol. Lt. Col. Noppadol Rattanababornkiet unconscious and not breathing. Performing CPR, rescue breaths and using an automated external defibrillator they were able to get the deputy superintendent’s heart beating again and transported him to the hospital.

There, Noppadol underwent an emergency angioplasty after doctors discovered that three arteries feeding his heart were nearly closed with plaque. He later had the same

procedure on the remaining arteries.

Noppadol, joined by Banglamung police chief Pol. Col. Pattanachai Pamornpiboon visited Sawang Boriboon’s Naklua headquarters Feb. 14 to express their gratitude.

Worasit Chawaritnititham, head of the foundation’s rescue

unit, said paramedics were only doing their duty. He informed the police that all of Sawang Boriboon’s volunteers and staff are trained in CPR and AED use and that the foundation has 10 AED units at its base and in ambulances.

Paramedics are on call 24 hours a day by calling 1699.

Worasit Chawaritnititham (white jacket center, laughing), head of the foundation’s rescue unit, said paramedics were only doing their duty.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 3

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Pattaya to realign Bali Hai traffic lanes

Pattaya has enough water until June – PWA

Parking lots co-opting city streets to steal customers

Chak Nok Reservoir is nearly dry.

Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh (left) chairs still another meeting about the ongoing traffic and parking problems at Bali Hai.

PCPR Pattaya will realign traffic at the Bali Hai Pier intersection and allow Bangkok minivans to drop off passengers at the jetty in another attempt to solve traffic chaos there.

Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh chaired yet another meeting about the ongoing traffic and parking problems at Bali Hai, where taxis, baht buses, motorbikes and other vehicle operators compete, sometimes violently, for customers and parking slots.

The latest conflict revolves

around traffic flow through the Bali Hai flyover intersection where operators of private parking lots have been using traffic cones to block off lanes to steer cars into their lots.

Ronakit said city hall already has placed concrete barriers at the intersection to prevent private businesses from coopting city streets, but ordered municipal police to man the intersection at all times, especially on holidays, to keep traffic flowing properly.

Long-term, the deputy mayor said, city hall engineers will

study the flyover area and suggest changes to roads, barriers and lanes to optimize traffic.

As for parking, the panel – which included representatives of the Chonburi Land Transport Department, Rung Ruang Pattaya Bus Terminal and Chonburi Bus Terminal – agreed to let minivan operators licensed to operate on routes to Pattaya from Bangkok’s northern (Mo Chit) and Eastern (Ekamai) bus stations to drop off passengers at Bali Hai, but not allow them to park long-term.

Jetsada Homklin The Provincial Waterworks Authority said Pattaya has at least enough water to last through June.

Udom Thipdecho, director of the Chonburi Provincial Irrigation Department, and PWA officials told the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association’s Feb. 12 meeting that water pressure has been reduced as much as 20 percent in some areas, causing it to run slowly, but at least the entire region still has running water.

The PWA has been diverting water from other areas to fill five reservoirs serving Pattaya. Together they

currently have 264,000 cubic meters of water, which can last through June even if it doesn’t rain again.

Officials urged business leaders to continue conservation efforts until the drought threat has eased.

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Navy deserter arrested for Pattaya mass shooting threat

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German expat shoots self dead in Naklua

Boonlua Chatree

Teerarak Suthathiwong

A navy deserter was arrested for threatening to carry out a copycat mass shooting at the Terminal 21 shopping mall in Pattaya.

Apiruk Saardsri, 23, was captured at his house on the railway-parallel road opposite Thamsamakee Feb. 10 following his threat posted to Facebook to copy the Makha Bucha Day massacre in Korat.

He was charged with violating the Computer Crime At and Section 392 of the Criminal Code by causing public fear. The crimes carry total jail time of no more than five years and fines of 110,000 baht.

Apiruk was arrested for using the social media network to post threats about executing mass shootings at shopping malls after Jakrapanth Thomma, 32, killed 30 people and injured 57 in a Feb. 8 shooting spree that ended in his death at Terminal 21 in Korat.

Police on Tuesday also arrested a 16-year-old from

A German expat shot himself in an apparent suicide in Naklua.

Martin Hindringer, 75, suffered a single 9 mm. gunshot through the mouth and head in the Feb. 8 incident in the bathroom of his two-floor luxury condominium on Naklua Soi 15.

Police recovered a suicide note written in German thanking a caregiver named Yupin.

Friend Rungthim Rodmuang, 48, said he had known Hindringer for 13 years. The German had been a taxi driver back home before retiring to Pattaya. Recently, however, he had been ill, including a bout with tuberculosis.

Navy deserter Apiruk Saardsri was arrested at his home for threatening to carry out a copycat mass shooting at the Terminal 21 shopping mall in Pattaya.

Roi Et and a 27-year-old from Chaiyaphum for making threats on Facebook to carry out similar attacks at Robinson and Big C department stores.

When arrested, the two men said they did it because of breakup over a girlfriend and as “just a prank”.

Apiruk, found to be absent without leave from the Royal Thai Navy, blamed alcohol. He said he went to a friend’s house in Huay Yai and got drunk and posted on Facebook on an

impulse with no intent to hurt anyone. He then passed out, woke up in the morning having forgotten all about it and went home.

Local Facebook users reported the post – who was using an account with a fake name – and immediately called Nongprue police, who brought in Pattaya investigators to track down Apiruk.

AWOL since August 2018, Apiruk was turned over to military police.

Dog-bitten mechanic arrested for Sattahip home invasions Patcharapol Panrak Police captured a burglar who had been attacked by dogs after twice terrorizing a Sattahip woman.

Noppadech Chaisiri, 27, was arrested Feb. 1 at an apartment behind the home of Anchalee Santhi, 24, who was attacked on the nights of Jan. 29 and 30.

Although Anchalee filed a police report after the first incident – in which Noppadech allegedly bludgeoned her with a metal bar while reaching through her kitchen window – police allegedly failed to investigate. After the burglar in a full face mask returned the next night, the victim excoriated Sattahip police on social media and their highest-ranking officers finally responded.

When Noppadech, a mechanic originally from Udon Thani, was arrested, he confessed to the attacks, saying he had been watching the young woman for a while and knew that she was alone after dark because her husband worked nights, police said.

What Noppadech didn’t expect was that Anchalee’s 2-year-old dogs Sammy and Lucky would come to her rescue. They

Martin Hindringer, 75, suffered a single 9mm gunshot through the mouth and head in the Feb. 8 incident in the bathroom of his two-floor luxury condominium on Naklua Soi 15.

Hindringer obviously had been planning his death for some time. Rungthim said he accompanied his friend to an undertaker’s office recently and Hindringer told him that if he died he wanted his

funeral at Photisampan Temple.

On Saturday he came to take Hindringer to the doctor, but found the door locked and no answer. The landlord obtained a key and they found the German dead.

Career pickpocket busted again Boonlua Chatree A chronic pickpocket, less than a month after getting out of jail, was arrested again for allegedly victimizing an Indian tourist.

Tourist police took Boonyawin Mueansaiyad, 27, into custody Feb. 4 on Beach Road for allegedly lifting the wallet of the Indian visitor on a baht bus Jan. 28.

Police said the transvestite has been arrested many times for Boonyawin Mueansaiyad was less than a month pickpocketing and had just been after getting out of jail. freed from prison on Jan. 8.

Mystery bag holds bad luck for Sattahip scavenger Patcharapol Panrak

Police captured Noppadech Chaisiri, who had been attacked by dogs after twice terrorizing a Sattahip woman, and charged him with assault and home invasion.

pounced on the burglar when he came through the front door.

He was charged with assault and home invasion.

A Sattahip scavenger thought he’d hit the jackpot when he found a black bag on a vacant lot, but almost went to jail for it.

Chumpol Yamupolcharoen, 44, turned in the bag to Najomtien police Feb. 7 after discovering it contained 55 assault-rifle shells, along with two leather gun cases and a notebook.

Possession of bullets without a license is illegal in Thailand.

Chumpol said he was out collecting junk when he saw the bag lying in a grassy field behind Najomtien Euartorn Village. He eagerly took it home, hoping to find valuables inside.

He said he was dismayed when he discovered what was inside and turned it in to police before he was caught with it.

Police speculated the bag was tossed in the field by someone before reaching a recent checkpoint on the railway-parallel road.

Sattahip scavenger Chumpol Yamupolcharoen thought he’d hit the jackpot when he found a black bag on a vacant lot, but almost went to jail for it.

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 5

How the Korat killing spree unfolded over time A disgruntled soldier’s Makha Bucha Day shooting rampage in the central Thailand city of Korat horrified the nation as it slowly

unfolded over 18 hours.

What follows is a synopsis timeline of the tragic events.

Feb. 8: 3 p.m. – Police in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Muang

District are notified that Sgt. Maj. Jakrapanth Thomma, a soldier with the 22nd Ordnance Division, 2nd Army Support Command, shot

dead Col. Anantaroj Krasae, his commanding officer, and his mother-in-law Anong Mitjan, allegedly over a land deal gone bad.

Meanwhile, police in his hometown of Chaiyaphum take his mother in for questioning.

Jakrapanth then drives to the armory of his local army base and shoots soldiers in charge of the weapons resulting in one killed and two others injured. He steals as many guns as he could carry and an army Humvee and heads downtown. On the way, he shoots into a crowd of people and police on duty at the front of Wat Pa Sattharuam resulting in nine people killed.

6 p.m. – Jakrapanth enters the Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall and shoots into a crowd of shoppers and security guards killing nine people. He also shoots gas cylinders causing an explosion and fire.

All the while, he is live streaming the mayhem on Facebook. Jakrapanth enters the mall, holding hostages as police start to blockade the area over a two-kilometer radius.

11:35 p.m. – Police and military special establish control of ground floor of mall and begin evacuating hostages. Feb. 9, Midnight – The death toll climbs to 20 people and 41 hurt, 10 seriously.

Police rescue 31 people without injuries from the mall and doctors and nurses from Maharach Hospital lead the medical effort with all area hospitals taking the injured.

7:58 p.m. – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha acknowledges the situation and orders the deputy defense minister and army commander to take over the case, determine the cause and care for the injured and families of those killed.

9:33 p.m. – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society blocks Jakrapanth’s Facebook page before the social network later shuts down his account.

10 p.m. – Shooting starts again inside the mall, bringing the death toll to 17 and 21 injured.

12:53 a.m. – Twenty army special forces soldiers arrive from Prachuap Khiri Khan. 1:40 a.m. – Authorities continue the rescue effort, gradually taking over the mall floor-by-floor, evacuating 60 people inside on the basement floor.

4:05 a.m. – St. Mary’s Hospital confirms officer shot earlier in the head has died.

3 a.m. – More gunfire erupts as ambulances take away the injured. 3:20 a.m. – Police and special forces try to storm the mall and end the siege, but are forced to turn back after three policemen are shot, one fatally in the head. Jakrapanth is said to be a highly trained sniper. 3:25 a.m. – Jakrapanth tries to escape by shooting his way out the back, but his plan is foiled and he retreats.

5:50 a.m. – Gunfire erupts again.

7:19 p.m. – Jakrapanth posts on Facebook that he is exhausted, showing he is on the fourth floor of Terminal 21.

7:30 a.m. – Death toll climbs to 21 dead and 33 hurt, including officer killed on duty. 8:40 a.m. – Officers allow rescue teams to bring injured people out of Terminal 21 under heavily armed guard. 8:55 a.m. –Jakrapanth is killed in a final siege.

9:23 a.m. – Confirmation of Jakrapanth’s killing by police S.W.A.T. officers, commandos from the Royal Guard Unit 904, Hanuman Unit of the Crime Suppression Division and army special forces.

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Elephant birth at Nong Nooch Hundreds tie knot on trumpets in the year Valentine’s Day in Pattaya Patcharapol Panrak

Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn oversaw the legal proceedings in Najomtien where 86 couples registered their marriages and rode in an elephant parade at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.

Pattaya Mail More than 200 couples tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in Pattaya.

District Chief Amnart Charoensri oversaw the marriage registration rush at the Banglamung office Feb. 14.

The first 100 couples were automatically entered into a drawing sponsored by the Central Marina shopping mall to win gold rings and other prizes worth more than 3,500 baht each.

There were more than 120 couples on hand when the doors opened at 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. it was expected 200

It was a joyous occasion for residents and workers at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens when on December 31, 2019 the mahout of 52-yearold Pung Ubol announced that the female pachyderm under his care had given birth to a healthy baby calf at 12.59pm.

Father, 40-year-old Plai Bird was nearby and was also overjoyed to hear the good news. All three were reported to be in good health and spirits.

Having overcome the excitement of a new baby in the family, Kampol Tansajja, owner of the world-renowned tropical gardens made preparations to welcome their new baby boy in the traditional Thai way.

A grand religious ceremony was held on Feb 7, with Phra Khru Kasem Kittisophon, Abbot of Wat Samakeebanpot

Kampol Tansajja and Phra Khru Kasem Kittisophon prepare to place garlands around the necks of mother and son.

Proud father Plai Bird loudly trumpets his happiness.

Young couple in love, signing up for marriage at Banglamung District Office.

couples would register their marriages, about the same as last year.

In Najomtien, 86 couples registered their marriages

At Wat Chaimongkol Market, flower vendors were selling large roses for 50-100 baht and small buds for as little as 10 baht each.

and rode in an elephant parade at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Sattahip District Chief Anucha Intasorn oversaw the legal proceedings.

For those not willing to make such a major commitment on Valentine’s Day there were plenty of roses for sale around the city.

At Wat Chaimongkol Market, flower vendors were selling large roses for 50-100 baht and small buds for as little as 10 baht each.

One vendor said a bouquet of up to 10 flowers were selling for about 400 baht. Unlike so many florists who gouge the public on the Day of Love, this vendor actually cut the price and made it up on volume.

Traditional Thai dancers take part in the celebrations.

presiding. The abbot anointed the forehead of the infant elephant and blessed him with the name of Plai Bua Khao. He said that the birth of an elephant in any household brings luck and fortune to not only the family but to the whole community.

A large troupe of traditional Nang Rum and Isan Pong Lang dancers performed during the celebrations.

Plai Bua Khao is the 6th offspring of Pung Ubol and the 92nd elephant born at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

Kampol said that there are now more than 100 elephants living in Nong Nooch and invites people of all nations to visit the gardens and be amazed by the talents of their well-trained elephants.

A beautiful picture of mother Pung Ubol and her son Bua Khao.

Tourism Ministry considers collecting tourism fees

Over 200 couples signed marriage registrations at Banglamung District Office.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sport has introduced the idea of collecting fees from international visitors for the renovation of tourism attractions and natural resources, as well as providing insurance benefits specifically for tourists.

The Tourism Ministry recently held its first workshop to gather opinions from government agencies and private companies working in tourism, as well as insurance companies and revolving funds. Most of the participants say the measure must be introduced at an appropriate time to minimize disruption of the national tourism scene.

They have also requested more details of the plan to use fees collected for

The Ministry of Tourism and Sport has introduced the idea of collecting fees from international visitors.

attraction renovation and insurance benefits.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will be holding

another session to gather more opinions, and will collate all suggestions and submit them to Thailand’s Tourism

Fund’s board, the National Tourism Policy Committee, and ultimately to the Cabinet for consideration. (NNT)

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Pattaya bets tourism industry on 2nd Thailand International Numismatic Fair scheduled for Feb 22-23 Thai families, marching bands Jan Olav Aamlid Jetsada Homklin Pattaya tourism officials are betting the spring on Thai tourists and sports to make up the shortfall from the loss of Chinese tours.

Speaking at the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association’s Feb. 12 meeting at the Green Park Resort, Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Office Director Pinnart Charoenpol said the agency is about to launch a campaign to encourage Thai families to visit Pattaya during the upcoming school break.

The beach and various tourist attractions will be the highlight of the campaign, she said.

TAT has invited 50 tourism businesses to join the campaign and offer special promotions and discounts to lure Thais to Pattaya now that tours have stopped traveling overseas to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

In addition, TAT is talking with Bangkok schools and universities to publicize family trips to Pattaya during the April and May school break.

Pattaya, meanwhile, will step

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome chairs a meeting with TAT and 50 tourism businesses at city hall.

Pattaya officials and tourism businesses plan to step up efforts to host provincial, regional, national and international sports competitions to boost tourism.

up efforts to host provincial, regional, national and international sports competitions to boost tourism, Mayor

Sonthaya Kunplome said.

Additional cultural events, such as a marching band competition, also are planned.

New Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce head outlines policies

The Numismatic Association of Thailand announced that the 2nd Thailand International Numismatic Fair will be held on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February in the Salathai Hall of the Ambassador Hotel, on Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok.

30 dealers from Germany, China, Hong Kong, House of Coins from Pattaya, and other local dealers will occupy 57 tables where coins, banknotes and medals will be on display and for sale.

The Thai Treasury Department will also participate to display and sell their latest products. Last year their booth was very popular and they did a roaring business.

Ancient Thai coins, like bullet coins, pod duang, flat coins and paper money, will also be exhibited.

Other exhibitors include PCGS, Professional Coin Grading Services, NGC, Numismatic Guaranty Services, and PMG, Paper Money Guaranty. These are the world’s leading companies for Third Party Grading.

They will inform the public about their services and possibly even provide a service for third party grading and appraisals of coins, banknotes and medals.

Keynote speakers include Kriengkrai Hirunpunthip, President of the Numismatic Association Thailand, who will speak about old Thai coins, bullet coins (pod

duang) and other archaic forms of payment used in Thailand.

Vitoon Eurtivong, President of the Eur-Seree auction company will speak on a most interesting subject, “Investment in Collecting”.

Annop Kaewpatumtip will talk about coins from King Mongkut (Rama IV), King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Bhumibol (Rama IX) eras.

Jan Olav Aamlid will speak in English about Thai Artwork and Specimen notes.

Many other knowledgeable speakers have also agreed to

attend and speak on various subjects.

The speeches will be in Thai and some in English. Most of the speakers are able to answer questions in English.

A booklet will be distributed free of charge by the Numismatic Association of Thailand, the contents of which will be in Thai and English.

The exhibition is open from 10am-6pm.

For more information: Facebook.com/NumismaticAssociation-of-Thailand Email: nuasth.2018@ gmail.com

Thailand seeks to regaining role as world’s largest rice exporter

Narongsak Puttapornmongkol, the 27th Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, is promoting a policy supporting joint investment, connecting the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The new president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Narongsak Puttapornmongkol, is promoting a policy supporting joint investment, connecting the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). He has expressed confidence that Chinese investment in Thailand will grow, as the chamber is preparing measures to aid businesses impacted by the new coronavirus.

The 27th Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce said last week that he intends to elevate relations between the two countries, especially in terms of trade and investment, and wants to link the EEC in Thailand and China’s BRI.

Narongsak said he will support investment through Chinese small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and voiced confidence investment by China in Thailand will increase this year, noting his chamber will discuss clarification of foreign investment regulations with the government.

On the impact of the coronavirus, Narongsak said the epidemic will weigh on the Thai economy during the first two quarters, especially on the tourism sector.

One in four travelers to Thailand is from China, or about 42 million people. Nonetheless, he said Thailand will be able to handle the situation, pointing out infection rates in the kingdom have already

begun to drop. He believes, however, that it will take three to four months to fully recover from the effects of the virus.

Despite China beingThailand’s second largest destination for exports, accounting for 904 billion baht in 2019, or 11.8% of total export value, Narongsak said the coronavirus will have little impact. He also believes the tourism sector will recover quickly from this situation.

The chamber is now preparing measures to aid businesses impacted by the virus and is coordinating with exporters with stock pending export, so that shipments can be made to China.

New markets are also being sought to further aid operators.

After losing the number one global rice exporter position for three years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has met with related agencies and rice exporters to find measures to reclaim the top spot.

Speaking after a meeting with representatives from the Rice Department, the Department of Foreign Trade, the Rice Exporters Association of Thailand and rice sellers, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Praphat Phothasoothon said the agencies and companies have agreed to solve some cumulative issues in rice exports, as Thailand currently does not produce new rice varieties which are currently in demand in the global market.

The country’s rice exports have seen stronger competition from Vietnam and Cambodia, with Myanmar expected to be even more competitive in the future. This situation has lowered the usual 10 million annual tons of rice exports from Thailand to only 7.5 million last year.

Thailand is seeking to regain role as the world’s largest exporter of rice.

Most Thai rice varieties are white, hard rice which are not in demand in foreign countries. Related departments will be working to improve the varieties to meet customer demand.

At this meeting, related departments have been assigned to formulate a drought response and rice farm zoning plan, to be completed in two weeks, and to be implemented in the next farming season starting around May. The Rice Department has been assigned to speed up research into new rice varieties, in addition to the varieties recently introduced, in order to

meet the fast changing consumer demands. These research projects will receive government funding.

For areas that are not suitable for rice farming, the Department of Livestock Development will be holding a 3-year occupational promotion campaign. This will help reduce the overall number of rice farms in the country, to prevent oversupply, which affects the price.

Soft rice grains are now in more demand by global customers, such as the PSL 07023CNT-18-2-1-3 variety, which is being planted in a pilot project by farmers in Pichit. (NNT)

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Burapa Bike Week roars through quiet Pattaya Jetsada Homklin Tens of thousands of bikers from around the world converged upon Pattaya for the annual Burapa Bike Week.

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome opened the Feb. 13-15 event at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium on Soi Chaiyapruek 2 with Burapa Motorcycle Club President Prasan Nikaji.

The event, which stressed safe riding and the “Shadow of Love 2020” theme, was attended by bike clubs around Thailand and bikers from Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Two stages provided musical entertainment from Thai performers including Arm Special, Num Reggae, Aey Band, Mai Sib-lor and Lam Morrison, and overseas acts Electric Stones, George Gakis, Deepest Purple, Mud

Burapa Motorcycle Club Prasan President Nikaji gets a big hug after he welcomes bikers from various groups across the country and the world, along with many, many friends and families.

Pie South, the Stuart Craig Band, Goober Gun, and Charlie Brechtel.

In addition to motorcycles, there also were exhibits from classic car groups, Indian cars, and tattoo clubs, plus sales of motorcycle and vehicle parts and accessories, food and beverages.

Sales of motorcycle and vehicle parts and accessories, some hard to find, are a big hit.

The finale came on Saturday with the annual bike parade through the city emphasizing safe driving and helmet use. The procession passed Pattaya Beach, Walking Street and city hall before heading back to Jomtien Beach.

Our local club, Jesters MC, does a lot for local charities in the area. From the looks of it, they also know how to have a good time.

It doesn’t have to be a chopper to elicit approving remarks, as this Royal Enfield does.

2 arrested for selling sex drugs, toys on internet

Honolulu takes a seat on this big chopper with stretched-forks.

German pulled from balcony before suicide jump

Chonburi police arrested Suchat Charoentua and Sakda Amchusri for allegedly selling sexual-performance drugs and sex toys on the internet.

Boonlua Chatree Chonburi police arrested two men for allegedly selling sexual-performance drugs and sex toys on the internet.

Suchat Charoentua, 37, and Sakda Amchusri, 24, were taken into custody in a Feb. 7 sting operation at Suchat’s X-Rock clothing store on Thepprasit Soi 3.

Investigators seized six packs of Kamagra-brand erectile-dysfunction jelly, a bottle of Super Rush ED liquid and a dildo. More sex toys were found in their vehicle. Police estimated the total haul was worth about 200,000 baht.

Police said Suchat confessed he’d been selling sex drugs and toys as a sideline

to his clothing business for about two years. He purchased stock from Bangkok or over the internet and then sold it on the Line message app and Twitter, with funds transferred electronically to his bank account.

The two were charged with selling regulated drugs without a license and selling lewd or obscene objects.

Dead baby found on Pattaya street Boonlua Chatree The body of a newborn infant was found dumped in Jomtien Beach.

The baby boy – close to full term – was left, umbilical cord still attached, outside a house on Thepprasit Soi 17.

When found Feb. 11 it had been dead about a day, authorities said.

Pansak Boonsawad, the brother of Pattaya Deputy Mayor Pattana Boonsawad, said he was watering plants early that morning when a man on a motorbike drove

by and alerted him to the dead baby.

Pattana said he had heard dogs barking in the vicinity of where the child was found around noon the day before, but didn’t know why.

A search is underway for the mother.

Pattaya police saved a German man from jumping from a third-floor balcony in an apparent suicide attempt.

Boonlua Chatree Pattaya police saved a German man from jumping from a third-floor balcony in an apparent suicide attempt.

During negotiations, officers were able to get close enough to grab him.

Uwe Nolte was seen sitting on the edge of his balcony at a South Pattaya condo tower Feb. 12. When authorities arrived he was holding a water bottle and shouting.

Authorities set up safety equipment and tried to talk

him down to no avail. But during the negotiations some officers were able to get close enough to grab him.

The German was taken to Pattaya Police Station to calm down.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

PATTAYA MAIL

Obituary

Archie Dunlop dead at 97 Pattaya’s most famous nonagenarian has died of natural causes at age 97. Born in Scotland in 1922, Archie Dunlop had a wartime career in the Royal Air Force before becoming the owner of two of London’s most successful gay clubs.

He first discovered Pattaya more than 40 years ago and spent a long retirement travelling between Spain and Thailand. In his final years, he lived permanently in Jomtien but continued to enjoy worldwide cruises and mini-trips to neighboring countries in South East Asia.

Archie was a regular contributor to Pattaya-based charities and, in particular, to those raising cash for medical treatment for AIDS patients. His high-profile annual birthday parties were important events in the resort’s social calendar

Archie Dunlop, 1922 - 2020

and attracted up to 100 invited guests.

Barry Kenyon, who regularly reported his charitable activities for Pattaya Mail, said, “Archie was a unique

phenomenon. With his passing, part of Pattaya died too.

His exuberance, sense of humour and shrewd business sense all made him an irreplaceable icon.”

Quarantined Thais given phones back

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul leads an entourage of officials to visit the 138 stressed-out Thai people under quarantine who’ve returned from the epicenter of China’s coronavirus zone.

Patcharapol Panrak Stressed-out Thais under quarantine after returning from the epicenter of China’s coronavirus zone were given their telephones back Feb 6, after a visit from Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Joined by Chonburi Deputy Gov.ThammasatRattanathanya,

Anutin also ordered the 138 people held in Sattahip to be allowed to access the Navy Hotel’s Wi-Fi system.

Being without Facebook and Line was proving too stressful for the detainees, even though the Royal Thai Navy supplied psychologists and organized activities.

However, the phones were returned only to allow the quarantined to contact their families for 24 hours.

The coronavirus can incubate for 14 days, but officials said some patients exhibiting normal vital signs and showing no symptoms possibly could be released early.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 9

Their Majesties offer condolences to Korat shooting victims From the Royal Office Their Majesties the King and Queen expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss of life in the unfortunate events in Korat on Makha Bucha Day and offered encouragement to the families of those killed and injured.

“The Queen and I very sad that the violent incident happened in our country in Nakhon Ratchasima … causing the injuries and death of many innocent people,” the royal couple said in a message released by the Royal Household Bureau.

“The loss caused the Queen and I to feel depressed because it was a situation that no one imagined and it is a violent and cruel action towards Thai people.

“The Queen and I would like to express condolences to those who lost beloved family members and encourage people to be patient, strong and helpful toward each other in trying times.

“Moreover, I would like to praise everyone responding to the situation, including police officers, military officers, provincial commissioners, administration officers, doctors, nurses, volunteers, foundations, government and private organizations, especially police and military officers who acted with

self-sacrifice and dedication, bravery and purposefulness. Besides, they showed skills in performing their duty and seriously prioritized lives and the safety of people in danger.

“Cooperation and unity and civilians’ support for the government and officers, as well as help providing for

injured people demonstrated love and care towards fellow countrymen. The power of unity is a high virtue.

“The Queen and I believe that all Thais will definitely get through this cruel situation by having the presence of mind, intelligence, unity and sacrifice for peace and orderliness of the public and the country.”

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PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Motorists encouraged to change More people suffer from mental engine oil, carry out vehicle checks issues after mass shooting The Department of Pollution Control is encouraging motorists, particularly those owning cars that are over 10 years old, to change their engine oil and carry out vehicle checks to reduce pollution across the country.

The Director-General of the Department of Pollution Control, Pralong Dumrongthai, inspected the Fit Auto service center, one of the many auto service centers taking part in a PM2.5 reduction project. The centers provide vehicle checks and changes engine oil for free, as 72.5% of air pollution is from car exhaust. Members of the public are invited to take their cars for servicing at more than 450 Pracharat auto service centers nationwide. The centers can serve some 150,000 vehicles, and they will provide free service until the end of this month. The department will analyze the project’s success before considering its extension.

Department of Pollution Control Director-General Pralong Dumrongthai inspects the Fit Auto service center, one of the many auto service centers taking part in a PM2.5 reduction project.

The Department of Pollution Control is coordinating with the Royal Thai Police to limit the routes large trucks can use in an effort to ease the PM2.5 dust situation.

One of the routes will run from a section of Ratchadapisek Road to Kanchanaphisek Road. The agencies will take measures to control open

burning in Bangkok and other provinces. Anyone found burning in open areas will be arrested and fined.

The Department of Industrial Works will step up its efforts to inspect factories and reduce industrial emissions to help reduce levels of the ultra-fine dust particles.

(NNT)

DRRAA aims to alleviate drought, smog problems in all areas The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation’s (DRRAA) Director General Surasee Kittimonthon said that due to the drought situation and the severe problems of dust and haze, the government has ordered the DRRAA to review the annual royal rainmaking action plan to alleviate problems for people in all regions.

The DRRAA will commence its annual rainmaking operations earlier this year from February 17, 2020, to help mitigate the drought disaster. The department has been reviewing its operational plans prior to the actual mission to ensure maximum effectiveness.

The DRRAA has cooperated with the Royal Irrigation Department to carry out royal rainmaking operations to the Dok Krai Reservoir and Nong Pla Lai Reservoir in Rayong and Bang Phra Reservoir in Chonburi, plus others in the region.

The DRRAA has also cooperated with the Royal Irrigation Department to carry out royal rainmaking operations to fill reservoirs in the eastern region due to

The mass shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima province can have had an adverse impact on people’s mental health.

According to the Department of Mental Health, 91 patients suffered high stress and nine others were in severe stress, following the incident. Meanwhile, families and relatives of the victims the bodies of their loved ones from Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and other hospitals in the northeastern province.

The Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, Dr. Kiattiphum Wongrajit, visited the injured and implemented rehabilitation measures to aid those affected by the incident. Between February 8 and 10, 2020, 91 people out of 247 cases suffered high levels of stress and nine others were in severe stress. Other patients had a moderate level of stress.

They are now under close supervision of doctors.

“We went to see those involved. Overall, we examined 247 cases and found that 36% suffered high levels of stress. We have never experienced so many before, taking the tsunami and flood disasters into account. During the flood disaster, we saw only 2 to 3% of high and

Department of Mental Health Director-General Dr. Kiattiphum Wongrajit.

severe stress. Now, it’s 36%.

We’ll have to see if they will suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts. Following the assessment, we will work to heal their mental health and provide guidance to relieve their psychological distress.

We will ease and manage their stress. To look after their mental health, we understand that the issue is related to violence. It can have a major impact on their mental health, especially in children and teenagers who were caught in the situation. There are four phases of care. The first phase is within 72 hours. The first day will be intensive.

Other phases will be within two weeks, within six months and after six months.”

The Department of Mental Health has warned the media about repeatedly presenting news and information on certain issues and interviewing victims of a traumatic event, saying they can affect people’s mental health and lead to the imitation of such behavior. Following the shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima, there were posts imitating the attacker’s behavior on social media. The media should be mindful about the content they are presenting.

A study conducted in the United States showed that repeated exposure to specific media content can result in behavioral imitation.

(NNT)

Rare sea turtle lays egg in Phuket

favorable weather conditions. They include Dok Krai Reservoir and Nong Pla Lai Reservoir in Rayong and Bang Phra Reservoir in Chonburi. (NNT)

NBTC recommends guidelines for reports on violent crimes The Secretary-General of the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has urged broadcasters to observe guidelines on the reporting of violent extremism as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), following the mass shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima last weekend.

NBTC Secretary-General Takorn Tantasith commented that live coverage of the security operation at Terminal 21 mall in the province, despite the NBTC’s direct instruction to stop, had

NBTC Secretary-General Takorn Tantasith.

compromised the operation to rescue people who were trapped inside the mall.

He also pointed out that other nations that have experienced mass shootings have already moved away from an aggressive style of

reporting such atrocities, and observed the WHO’s guidelines by avoiding live coverage and foregoing video clips of the incident.

Takorn cited various studies, saying that such reports can lead to copycat crimes and sabotage the operation.

The Secretary-General said the guidelines discourage reporters from making frequent reports on violent crimes, or writing dramatic headlines; they must also avoid giving terrorists a platform to advocate their cause.

Takorn is to propose these guidelines to the NBTC for further consideration. (NNT)

Officials set up a fence around a restricted area to protect leatherback sea turtle eggs at Phuket’s Mai Khao Beach.

Concerned officials have built a fence around a restricted area to protect leatherback sea turtle eggs at Phuket’s Mai Khao Beach.

Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal

Resources and army personnel arrived at the beach after learning from a village headman that a sea turtle laid eggs at the beach.

The area is located inside the Sirinart Marine National Park

and about one kilometer north of Phuket International Airport.

Officials built the fence and set up guards to look after them. It was the third nest that sea turtle eggs were found on this resort island. (TNA)

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

11

Is EBM good for you?

The practice of Medicine is a fascinating story that has unfolded over thousands of years. “Healers” have been part of most societies, and in ancient China, for example, you paid the doctor to remain well, not for treatment of your ailment. Now there’s an incentive bonus for you!

Then there are different kinds of “medicine” given such names as “conventional”, “alternative” and “complementary”.

These different ways at looking at the same subject (making you well) can be quite confusing, and for me much hangs on the term EBM, which stands for Evidence Based Medicine.

Mind you, it has also always been the case where people like to throw stones at conventional clinical medicine.

Claims of over-servicing, over-prescribing and downright fraudulent practices are thrown about, citing someone whose uncle/friend/mother (delete that which is inappropriate) suffered at the hands of “bad” doctors who misdiagnosed the illness and the patient died.

Now, there are certainly some “bad” doctors out there, just as there are “bad” lawyers, “bad” real estate agents, “bad” mechanics and just about any profession you would like to think of. But they’re not all “bad”.

And me? I am a conventionally trained British/Australian style medical practitioner who has spent a lifetime practicing EBM. Practices that have been proven to work.

Call it “good” medicine, if you like.

I am also proud of my final exams taken in the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in London. I have the honor to have my name listed in the ‘great book’ with luminaries such as Hunter, Jenner and Lister. I am also indebted to my tutors during the 12 months of ‘pre-registration’, where you apply your knowledge under the supervision of accredited specialists. An arduous road, but one that is a safeguard for you, the general public.

The ‘powers that be’ are also ensuring that we keep up to date with a process called Continuous Medical Education (CME). That medical education continues through to today, with CME lectures being attended by my hospital’s doctors, and myself. Fortunately for me, the slides are in English.

Those ‘powers that be’ also try to ensure that we prescribe drugs that are efficacious, that have been tested, and the evidence points to this. It is not anecdotal evidence, but true scientific evidence shown by research in many countries, with hundreds of thousands of patients. It is following that type of evidence that I can recommend with all good faith that 100 mg of aspirin a day is “good” medicine. I also know that if you are prescribed a ‘statin’ drug it will lower your cholesterol levels. They have been tested.

I am also the first to admit that we have sometimes managed to get it wrong. The Thalidomide story still has living examples of this. However, the medical world-wide network is cohesive enough to ensure that this drug was withdrawn.

Pattaya cleans up Walking Street

It is the checks and balances system that has kept conventional medicine afloat.

I am often asked my opinion on “alternative” medicine, and I try to avoid direct confrontation over this. If devotees have found that they can diagnose tumors by looking at patient’s auras through their third eye in the middle of their foreheads, then I am genuinely pleased, in fact delighted, provided that they have subjected the method to scientific scrutiny.

If various groups can actually cure cancer, epilepsy, halitosis or lock-jaw by inserting dandelions into a fundamental orifice, then again I am delighted. This is a medical break-through, but as such, must be subjected to medical scrutiny. If the method stands true scientific examination (not to be confused with anecdotal ‘evidence’) then it will be adopted by everyone, complete with thanks to those clever people who picked the dandelions in the first place. Ignore the claims that “Big Pharma” is suppressing cancer treatments. If someone has the answer, they will be multi-millionaires overnight.

As far as the majority of ‘folk’ remedies is concerned, I work on the principle that if you ‘think’ it is doing you good, then it probably is. But don’t ask me to endorse something that has not been scientifically tested.

When the ‘alternative’ group spends more time proving their methods, instead of complaining about non-acceptance, EBM practitioners will give them more credence.

Attractions association pushes for good hygiene

Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai and association President Titipat Sirinattasrikul joined tourism industry executives and public officials Feb. 10 to discuss the spread and impact of the coronavirus.

Jetsada Homklin Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai and nightlife strip businesses sweep, wash and scrub down Walking Street.

PCPR Chinese NewYear over, Pattaya sanitation workers swept up the garbage left behind.

Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai and nightlife strip businesses joined Feb. 6 to

sweep, wash and scrub down the area.

Jumping on the hygiene bandwagon, city officials claimed the hose-down was to protect tourists from the coronavirus, although the virus can’t live outdoors

and cannot be transmitted from the pavement.

Grasping for any straws left behind by the departure of Chinese tour groups, officials said they hoped the sprucing up would instill confidence in other nations to visit.

The Chonburi Attractions Association joined forces with Pattaya City Hall to campaign for good hygiene to prevent spread of diseases including the Chinese coronavirus.

Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai and association President Titipat Sirinattasrikul joined tourism industry executives and public officials

Pattaya tourist hotspots double-down on hygiene Jetsada Homklin Pattaya tourist destinations have doubled-down on hygiene to boost confidence in the city’s effort to prevent the Chinese coronavirus.

While there have been no cases of the pneumoniacausing virus in the Pattaya area, tourist spots and hotels are desperate to reassure tourists that it’s safe to visit, especially after losing all Chinese tour groups to a ban imposed by Beijing.

Places such as Underwater World, Tuxedo, Dolphin Show Pattaya, Suan Thai Pattaya, and Art in Paradise, as well as hotels, have

stepped up cleaning measures, sterilizing indoor surfaces and fixtures.

Venues also are providing more hand-cleaning gels and even installing body-temperature scanners at entrances to screen out guests running fevers.

While the thousands of people walking around Pattaya in face masks fear the disease being transmitted airborne to them, risk of contracting the virus from a surface is much higher. In order to contract the coronavirus orally a person must be close enough to a coughing or sneezing person to be sprayed with drops from the

Pattaya tourist destinations have doubled-down on hygiene to boost confidence in the city’s effort to prevent the Chinese coronavirus.

nose or mouth.

However, the virus has been shown to be able to survive for some time on an

indoor surface such as table or doorknob, thus the need for repeated cleaning of surfaces.

Feb. 10 to discuss the spread and impact of the coronavirus.

Pattaya officials urged the association to push members to screen employees for fevers and respiratory ailments.

Everyone agreed to advocate good hygiene, including eating hot food, using a serving spoon in community dishes and thoroughly washing hands.

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PATTAYA MAIL

Crossword No 1372 Here are some categories of Pattaya farang you want to avoid.

The immigration know all Here’s a tedious guy who is usually at his anonymous keyboard criticizing the powers-that-be for the lunacy of the TM30 bureaucracy or the ridiculous cash sums needed in the bank if you want a retirement extension. But he is also lurking in bars waiting to enlighten unwary people who are arguing whether you need one photo or two or three with your visa paperwork. He also knows exactly how immigration rules will change several months before the Bangkok bosses have even thought them up.

The weak bladder Here is the guy, usually in his 70s, who has lived here for ages and has likely given up horizontal leisure pursuits owing to significant arthritis and a weak bladder. But he can remember the good old days when a fulfilling night out in the bars cost you peanuts and you could enjoy watching young ladies cavorting with live goldfish and ping pong balls in raunchy scenes of yesteryear. He is also likely to tell you in confidence that he has never paid for sex, a situation which he explains by reason of his excellent Thai phrase book and his deep knowledge of Thai culture.

The digital nomad These are members of a talkative and wandering tribe who use their computers to make a profit with online customers outside of the kingdom. However, they spend most of their time quaking in their shoes because they can’t find out if they need a legal work permit or not. Some of them have spent a fortune on Thai lawyers in the forlorn and neverending search for an answer. But none of them has ever asked an immigration officer the same question for fear that their ambiguity will be cleared up harshly in five seconds flat, followed by a court appearance.

Unlucky for some You can’t help feeling sorry for this farang who has bought a piggery near the Cambodian border for his wife only to discover that half the porkies have sadly died in an unexpected epidemic: his half to be precise. He may have added to his cash-flow problems by buying a new car for the wife’s chronically-handicapped younger brother, only to find out that the same relative has won the local marathon three years in succession. On meeting such a farang, you are strongly advised not to give him your phone number, email contact or address details to avoid the embarrassment of his asking you to provide venture capital for a unique prawn farm which could earn you a fortune in no time whatsoever.

Disaster bloke He is the guy who has personally experienced the worst of all police misfortunes in Pattaya. Thus he was the only farang arrested when the police raided a sex show last year even though he was not a customer and was simply and innocently using the outside loo at the wrong moment. He was also arrested with 32 elderly bridge players in 2016 and spent the night in the police cells. He said this was ridiculous as he had never played cards in his life and was simply standing outside smoking a cigarette. This kind of expat is likely to claim that democracy is absolutely on the wane in Thailand and that another military coup in the near future is inevitable. He has offered several times to be a guest lecturer at the expat clubs, but without success thus far. Apparently, they are not as desperate for outside speakers as sometimes assumed.

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Massic Travel

Across 1 Lacking flavour (7) 5 Accommodate (3,2) 8 At no time (5) 9 Mexican liquor (7) 10 Compensation (7) 11 Praise highly (5) 12 Severe shortage (6) 14 Stilton, for example (6) 18 Tartan cloth (5) 20 Around-the-clock (7) 22 Careful and sensible (7) 23 Tropical fruit (5) 24 Give way (5) 25 Brio, flair (7)

Down 1 Disregarded (7) 2 Rescued (5) 3 Omen (7) 4 Hate intensely (6) 5 Resentment of a slight (5) 6 Scottish emblem (7) 7 Precious stone (5) 13 Generally (2,1,4) 15 Executioner (7) 16 Blow up (7) 17 Part of the foot (6) 18 Bright red flower (5) 19 Fear greatly (5) 21 Pick-me-up (5)

Last week’s answers Across: 1 Almost, 4 Belief, 8 Drive, 9 Farrier, 10 Caterer, 11 Utter, 12 Negligent, 17 Horse, 19 Discard, 21 Bargain, 22 Aisle, 23 Agreed, 24 Hermit.

Down: 1 Addict, 2 Moisten, 3 Swear, 5 En route, 6 Idiot, 7 Furore, 9 Forbidden, 13 Grenade, 14 Transom, 15 Phobia, 16 Advent, 18 Rarer, 20 Shake.

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. 274

Hospital monitor These are the foreigners who love to tell you how they have managed to avoid paying the huge bills arising from expensive hospital treatment in the resort. Typical is the UK expat who owed over four million baht to the bursar but managed to leave the hospital by the front door without paying a cent after he stole a white coat and borrowed a stethoscope. Another tale teller will inform you that he personally knows somebody who received a cash fortune in compensation after surgeons cut off the wrong leg in a tragic mistake over x-rays. These lucky farang are not worried by the prospect of compulsory medical insurance for all as they can see many ways to avoid paying the premium.

The caring lawyer Aliens can’t practice law in Thailand but that doesn’t prevent some from becoming barrack room experts. This type of expat claims that he earned the gratitude of sixteen go-go dancers after he advised them to plead not guilty in court to appearing in the nude on the stage. He told them to point out to the judge that none of them was actually naked as half were sporting a top hat and the others were wearing a hairnet. In return for this tremendous advice which resulted in an instant acquittal, the farang was offered free drinks for life at the club which, most sadly, did not reopen.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Answers next week.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

13

You want to be a war zone photographer?

One of the extreme forms of photojournalism is war zone photography, and one of the extreme exponents of war photography was a Hungarian Andre Friedmann.

Friedmann’s war zone photos are not well known, in fact his name has gone into obscurity, but the work of an American war zone photographer Robert Capa is very well remembered. The interesting part here is that Friedmann and Capa are one and the same people.

As a fearless war zone photographer, Robert Capa has had his pictures held up as shining examples of fearless photojournalism, while poor old Friedmann has really been forgotten.

Getting to the truth behind this strange fact brings in a

third person, Gerda Pohorylles.

Gerda, also known as Gerda Taro, was Andre Friedmann’s agent in his early days in Europe. It was Gerda who decided that the market for his pictures would be much larger if the Europeans thought he was a famous American photographer, and so Robert Capa who went to Europe was created by her.

Amongst the famous images from Europe are his shots of the Spanish Civil war, including the photograph of a Spanish militiaman literally at the split second of impact, with death recorded for posterity.

The decisive moment as Henri Cartier Bresson would call it. The un-named soldier was not the only one to perish in the Spanish conflict as poor Gerda, who was also a photojournalist, met her end reporting that conflict.

Hungarian Friedmann, as Robert Capa, did eventually emigrate to America and was to accompany the American forces back to Europe in 1944. His photographs of the D-Day invasion are now legendary.

Dear Hillary, This is a situation I have experienced all over Asia, so it’s not a “Thai” thing. You want to invite a young lady to dinner. Remember we are not talking about ladies of the night here. This is about ordinary ladies, no buffaloes, no brothers with broken legs and fathers on their last legs in hospital. This is a post about the gentle art of chaperoning.

I invited a lady to dinner and she asked if she could bring a friend (a lady), I said certainly. The three of us met at the restaurant which was fine, until three more ladies arrived to sit with us, all who were introduced as sisters of the lady I invited. These sisters all looked like heavy weight wrestlers, nothing like the attractive lady I had invited, they all drank like fish, luckily not champagne, only beer Leo. To cap it all they ordered take away meals to be added to my bill. So 4,000 THB later we parted company. Never to be seen again, my choice by the way Hillary. So please warn your readers of what the “bring a friend” can lead too.

Andrew Dear Andrew, I think the situation you experienced is really quite a common one. How long had you known the attractive lady and the heavyweight wrestler sisters? Sounds to me that you should be doing a bit of groundwork before offering carte blanche at the a la carte. Unfortunately, you young chaps only seem to learn by experience, so I doubt if you will be any different.

Dear Hillary, My GF has just moved in with me, so everything’s a bit new and I’m pretty unsure too. How much salary should I

War heroes are immensely popular figures in America and the photographer Robert Capa was the friend of many film stars, writers and other celebrities such as John Steinbeck and Gary Cooper.

He covered five wars in all.

The Spanish Civil war, the Chinese-Japanese war, WW II in Europe, the Israeli war of Independence and the French Indo-China war.

Capa was never one to send back photographs from well behind the lines. He shot from close to the action. His photographic rule was, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”

Whilst that saw him getting award-winning photographs, eventually this need to get close to the action finally killed him, when he stood on a landmine in May in Vietnam. It is said that his body was found still clutching his camera and the film inside was unharmed, but I could not verify this. However, he was a war photographer to the very end.

As well as his 70,000 photographs, Capa left the world a photographic legacy in the form of the Magnum Agency.

This huge photo bank was created by Capa, in conjunction with the aforementioned

be paying her? I’ve asked at the pub where I go after work and they all said different amounts from nothing to fifty thousand. She does work in an office job and clears about fifteen thousand baht a month, and will continue to work there. I don’t want to chase her away, now she’s made the decision to bunk in with me. I know others have written to you about this but always seems to be that these are with bar girls who leave the bar and haven’t got a steady income.

Banker Dear Banker, Love your name, I take it that this has been a mutual decision, the moving in. I also take it that you have known this girl for some time and this wasn’t a spur of the moment decision, with no discussion other than “Wanna move in?” “Yeah, why not.” You are quite correct when you point out that this is not the usual bar girl leaving her source of finance for a “regular” position. Honestly, my Petal, the pair of you have made the decision to move in and ‘share’ and that’s the way the financial side should be looked at.

Both of you put a percentage of your salaries into a kitty which is used to spend on household expenses like food, cleaning materials. Discuss with the GF what she thinks is a reasonable sum for living expenses and then work out the split between your two salaries to make up that sum.

You both should have more to spend on yourselves because the other party is helping pay living expenses. Do not think

famous French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. Magnum today still represents the more excellent photographers around. Capa will not be forgotten like Friedmann’s, old negatives in photographic archives.

Of course, getting close to the subject is still one of the primary rules of picture taking.

“Step several meters closer” is one of my ways of saying the same thing. When you look through the viewfinder at the subject, do just that – with the camera to your eye walk towards the subject and see just how the emphasis changes in the picture. The closer you get, the more the subject will fill the frame and dominate the entire photograph. In fact, this weekend take one shot from where

you would normally take it, then take another couple as you walk closer. Compare the end results and see if Robert Capa (Andre Friedmann and Harry Flashman) are not correct.

With Pattaya being a tourist resort city, every day you will see holidaymakers recording their trip of a lifetime, from about 20 meters away. This includes shots of the hotel and their friends out front. The end result will be disappointing with tiny little people in front of the building.

If they would only walk several meters closer it would be so different. Some days I think I should mark the spots for the photographers to stand and the subjects to be placed, in the front of our major hotels.

about giving her a “salary”, she already gets a salary from her office job, and you get a salary as well, I presume. You should be living together because you want to be near each other, not adding another job to your lives.

Dear Hillary, How do you turn off the vacuum cleaners operating out of Soi Half Dozen? I have found that the lovely lady sitting beside me seems to be able to clean out my wallet and all done with the big smile, for which they are famous I am told. So famous that they clean every little nook or cranny and I end up borrowing money from a mate just to get home. Help me please Hillary.

Jacques Dear Jacques, You are wondering how to stop the Soi 6 vacuum cleaners who seemed to be able to clean out your wallet very easily. My advice is simple. Try going out with the idea of only having 500 baht cash only on you...or 1000 note and a ten baht coin on you for a return songthaew. Leave your credit, debit, and ATM cards locked in your safe. Don’t worry, in due course you will be the least popular farang on Soi 6. Perhaps then, rather than visiting with Soi 6 vacuum cleaners, you will put effort into finding a woman who could perhaps look after you. This is if you are looking for “true love” actually of course, but I doubt you are.

By the way, 10 baht songthaews around Soi Half Dozen?

Are you living in Soi 6/1?

14 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Sina Theil sings her way into the hearts of children Jetsada Homklin

Sian Theil, the children and Aunty Toy (right) express their love for each other.

The children welcome Sina Theil with a traditional Jasmin lei.

Children at the ASEAN Education Center and DropIn Center under the care of Human Help Network Foundation (Thailand) were given a special treat Feb 3, when well-known Irish singer Sina Theil made a return visit to the center to meet with her young fans.

It was almost a year since Sina made her last visit to Pattaya to visit and perform for the children.

Brandishing her favourite guitar, Sina sang her favourites and popular songs which had the children laughing and clapping with joy.

Sina has travelled a long road to stardom. Originally from Germany, she also worked in Spain before moving to Ireland where she studied at the prestigious Music College BIMM. Funding her musical education through busking on the streets of Dublin, she gained invaluable experience and developed her performance skills as the lead singer of a rock group.

Fame and fortune have not spoilt Sina. Deep down in her

GIS invites you to their Open Morning

Children take part in a broad range of play and inquiry-based learning experiences.

gardenrayong.com/openday/ For more information go to www.gardenrayong.com or call Tel. 038 030 808, 081

Sina Theil sings beautiful songs for the children.

great honour and pleasure to play and sing with these amazing children and we cannot thank Khun Toy and all the volunteers for their relentless work and love for the kids.”

HHNFT Director Radchada (Toy) Chomjinda said, “She amazes me and the children so much. Although we are

further away in a remote area from main Pattaya and in spite of her very short visit here, she gives us time to bring happiness to these children.

We are truly thankful, appreciative and are very happy with Sina’s performances at the Child Protection and Development Center (CPDC).

May God bless her always.”

HHNFT moves students as work begins on new facility

Human Help Network Foundation Thailand Director Radchada Chomjinda, managers and charity benefactor Renee van Goosen relocated 70 kids to the new facility on Sukhumvit Soi 32 Feb. 3.

A truly happy family.

The Garden International School (GIS) Eastern Seaboard, Ban Chang, is hosting an Open Morning on Wednesday 4 March 2020 from 9.30 am – 11.30 am. Registration & Refreshments from 9 am.

They invite prospective parents and students to discover why GIS is where learning and well-being go hand in hand, making them a truly international school of choice.

The management says, “We are the only school on the Eastern Seaboard fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Our IGCSE and IB diploma results are far above the world average.” adding, “Scholarships are also available.”

Register at: http://www.

heart, she has a soft spot for underprivileged children and has become a regular visitor to the HHN where she loves being with the children, singing and dancing with them and giving them her undying love.

At the end of her ‘mini concert’, the children sang new year greeting songs and demonstrated their dancing skills with their now famous Black or White number.

Sina wrote on her Facebook page, “For me music is about two main things: the connection between the artist and audience and about using music to have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Today we’re getting the chance to play for the children in the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand “Drop In” centre and later on the “Child Protection and Development Centre”. It’s a

859 6460. 188/24 Moo 4 PalaBan Chang Road, Tambol Pala, Amphur Ban Chang, Rayong, Thailand 21130.

Jetsada Homklin Children at the ASEAN Education Center and DropIn Center moved to temporary quarters as construction commence on a new school building.

Human Help Network Foundation Thailand Director Radchada Chomjinda, managers and charity benefactor Renee van Goosen relocated the 70 kids to the new facility on Sukhumvit Soi 32 Feb. 3.

After months of fundraising, construction has begun on a new three-story multipurpose building that will house classrooms and other facilities for the two centers. Construction is expected to take about a year.

Children are marched over to the new facility while carrying their power blue identification flags to try and make sure no one gets lost.

Khun Kru Pim, Principle of ASEAN Education Center leads, HHNFT executives and children in prayer.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 15

PATTAYA MAIL

Chinese tour ban sinking Pattaya boat operators

‘Forgotten’ tourists enjoying Chinese-free Pattaya

Boonlua Chatree Pattaya boat operators are sinking now that all of their Chinese passengers are stuck back home.

Beijing’s ban on overseas tours has put the hurt on a

Pattaya tour boats sit idle on shore now that all of their Chinese passengers are stuck back home.

Visitors interviewed said they still love coming to Pattaya for beaches and outdoor activities.

Jetsada Homklin Hotels are cheaper, the traffic better and maybe even the service has improved now that Pattaya’s Chinese golden goose has flown the coop.

With China banning overseas tours in an effort to combat spread of the coronavirus, Pattaya has taken on the feel of low sea-

son even though the calendar says it should still be high season.

While owners of shops, restaurants, hotels and boats are moaning, ask any of the Indian, European and Thai tourists in town and they’ll tell you things are great.

Often ignored in favor of the massive groups of Chinese travelers, these

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Visitors interviewed said they still love coming to Pattaya for beaches and outdoor activities.

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Nattapong Manasom, president of major boat operator NPE Co., has laid off tour leaders and cut mechanics back to half-time. NPE

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PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Residents make merit on Makha Bucha Day

Worshippers listen to sermons and meditate at Wat Nong Aor in Central Pattaya.

Pattaya Mail Temples throughout the city saw worshippers make merit and parade with candles as the area celebrated Makha Bucha Day Feb. 8.

Alms were presented to monks throughout the city in the morning, offering

meat, dried foods and desserts. Afterward, devout Buddhists visited their local temples to light candles and incense, lay flowers on statues of Lord Buddha and listen to sermons and meditate on one of the holiest Buddhist holidays of the year.

Some of the more popular

Buddhists make merit at Wat Nong Aor in Central Pattaya.

temples included Wat Nong Aor in Central Pattaya, Wat Chaimongkol Royal Temple in South Pattaya, Wat Boonsamphan on Soi Khao Noy, Wat Thamsamakee in South Pattaya, Wat Photisampan in Naklua, at Wat Suttawas in Nongprue.

However, these were by far not the only temples where people worshipped, as there are many more smaller wats sprinkled throughout the area and beyond.

In the evening, patrons joined in candlelight processions around sermon halls and temple grounds.

With the law prohibiting alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays, the bars throughout Pattaya’s famous nightlight areas were dark, and many of the workers made the pilgrimage to their homes to worship and celebrate with their families.

Makha Bucha Day, considered Buddhism’s “All Saints Day,” commemorates the occasion when 1,250 disciples traveled to meet

Congregations listen to sermons from the most revered monk at Wat Boonsamphan on Soi Khao Noy.

with Lord Buddha with no prearranged agreement at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the area of Rachakhryha, India. Once there, the Buddha preached the principles of Buddhism, called the “Ovadhapatimokha”. Those principles are: To cease from all evil, to do what is good, and to cleanse one’s mind.

The day gained official recognition in Thailand during the reign of King Rama IV and became a nationally observed day with all government institutions closing down and observing the rituals associated with Buddhist commandments.

Parishioners perform the Wien Thien at Wat Boonsamphan, joining candlelight processions around the sermon hall and temple grounds.

The Red Devils

They all now support the Red Devils.

Derek Franklin

Patrons make heartfelt donations to Wat Boonsamphan on Soi Khao Noy.

When asked to name their favourite football team, the young boys at the Father Ray Children’s Home shouted in unison, Manchester United. No one is sure if they really do like United, or they could see the badge on the brand new shirts that were laid out on the

table in the office.

The kits that were donated to the Village by Manchester United, via the Sacred Heart School in South London, and the Red Devils now have twelve new supporters.

Ready for Old Trafford as soon as they need him.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 17

PATTAYA MAIL

Riviera Monaco strikes gold at Open House BBQ

A bevy of super models were all over them posing for photographs.

Jetsada Homklin

Uboljit Thumchob (Min), 2nd left, poses with many lovely ladies.

The vibrant performers of the Unity Band.

To celebrate both the New Year and the Chinese Lunar Year, the Riviera Group organized an Open House BBQ spanning two consecutive nights, drawing in hundreds of friends, guests, agencies, suppliers and most importantly their clients who partied the night away in the courtyard of The Riviera Monaco.

On hand to personally welcome the guests were Sukanya Gale, owner and director of the Riviera Group, and Uboljit Thumchob (Min), marketing manager.

This party was rather unique in the sense that all the food was prepared by Riviera staff. They proved themselves to be extremely talented and their preparations and presentations were as professional if not better than many of the top-class hotels and restaurants.

The most popular stand was the one making Isan food. The ‘chefs’ could not make the ‘somtum’ in their ‘kroks’ (stone mortars) fast enough. Eaten together with ‘khao niew’ (sticky rice) served in little ‘kratibs’ (wicker baskets) it was absolutely ‘saep eelee duer”.

(Left) The spicy somtum station was the hit of the party: ‘saep eelee duer”.

Victor Wong (centre) and Prince Malhotra (right) propose a toast to the lovely ladies.

Sukanya Gale (3rd left) poses with her guests and staff.

(Right) Sukanya Gale presents a gold chain to the lucky winner.

There were also other stands that served a huge array of Thai and European food, practically fulfilling everyone’s culinary cravings.

Drinks flowed aplenty and music by the Unity Band was enjoyed by all.

On the second night, Jo Klemm invited colleagues from the Classic Car Friends Club Pattaya to bring their irreplaceable classic cars for a mini show. The display was something out of the classic movies of the golden era. The most eyecatching of them all was the bright red 1972 Speedster 1600 Vintage Recreation belonging to Jo himself.

They were so irresistible that a bevy of super models were all over them posing for photographs.

The highlight of the evening was the presentations of gold chains to many lucky winners totaling 20 baht in gold or almost half a million baht. They included prizes for the lucky draws and for those who booked condo units on the spot.

You can take the whole family to Riviera parties.

(Right) Jo Klemm looks cool in his 1972 Speedster.

Classic Car Friends Club members and family enjoy togetherness and warm fellowship.

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PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Minor Thirds WW2 British air-raid siren.

A long time ago, when I was two or three years old, we lived in an English village not far from the town of Crewe. Every few days, I remember hearing dull, booming thuds which my mother assured me were caused by trucks bumping along the road outside. This seemed a bit unlikely as we rarely saw any trucks in the village. The noise was in fact coming from German bombs exploding in the distance.

Crewe was known for its large railway junction and its enormous railway engineering facility for manufacturing and overhauling locomotives. During World War II, military tanks were also built there, so the town naturally became a favourite target for

the German Luftwaffe. The air raids were preceded and followed by the distinctive wailing sound of air-raid sirens which were installed in almost every town and village in the country. Sadly, for many people the air-raid siren was one of the last sounds they heard.

At that tender age, I used to tinkle around on my grandmother’s piano. My earliest musical memory was the discovery that the notes B flat and D flat played simultaneously sounded almost exactly the same pitches as the wailing air-raid sirens.

I was tremendously excited about this revelation though no one else shared my enthusiasm. Perhaps they were more concerned about

the bombs. Years later, I discovered that the notes B flat and D flat create a musical interval called a minor third.

You might be wondering what it sounds like, especially if you can’t tell a B flat from a wombat’s armpit. Think of the song Greensleeves and sing the first two notes. Or sing the first two notes of the Beatles song Hey Jude.

Then imagine those two notes sounding together. That’s a minor third, assuming that you’re singing in tune.

The distinctive sound of the minor third helps to create the character of music in minor keys. Some people describe the minor key as dark-sounding, soulful or heart-rending. Many folk songs in minor keys tend to stay in the minor throughout, but if a symphony is described as being in a minor key, you can be sure that it will drift into a bright and sunny major key sooner or later. Strangely enough, during the late eighteenth century, composers tended to avoid minor keys. Only two of Mozart’s forty-one symphonies are in a minor key and Haydn, who wrote over a hundred symphonies,

chose minor keys for only seven. Only two of Beethoven’s nine symphonies are in a minor key. This might be a reflection of contemporary Viennese public taste because as the Romantic Movement surged across Europe during the 19th century, more symphonies appeared in minor keys. But let’s explore two less wellknown symphonies, both in minor keys and both equally rewarding.

Charles Ives (18741954): Symphony No. 1 in D minor. The Perm Opera & Ballet Theatre Orchestra, Russia cond. Valeriy Platonov (Duration: 38:39; Video: 720p HD) Considered the grandfather of American music, Charles Ives was born in Danbury, Connecticut. This attractive work is the first of four symphonies and was composed between 1898 and 1902. It’s written in a late romantic European style and the second movement is exceptionally beautiful and moving, evoking an atmosphere similar to the

slow movement of Dvorak’s New World Symphony. The scherzo is delightful with a tuneful dance-like trio section while the last movement is a real tour-de-force with thrilling brass writing.

Later in life, Charles Ives was among the first American composers to engage in daring musical experiments which included elements of chance. He also experimented with tone clusters and “polytonality” a word which means music played in several different keys at the same time. However, all this proved too much of a challenge for most audiences and his music was generally ignored, largely because of the relentless dissonance. It was Ives who famously said, “Stand up and take your dissonance like a man.”

Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915): Symphony No. 3 in C minor Op. 43.

Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia cond. Dima

Slobodeniouk (Duration: 53:56; Video: 1080p HD) Scriabin’s Third Symphony is subtitled The Divine Poem and was written between 1902 and 1904. The work marked a significant step towards Scriabin’s personal musical language and has a visionary quality which was only hinted at in his earlier works.

Scriabin liked a massive orchestral sound and at times, he turns the orchestra into an ensemble of soloists; each contributing points of detail to a complex web of sound texture. It’s been suggested that his emotionally-charged, highly personal music reflects the notions of nineteenth century existentialism and the mysticism of the famous, if slightly dotty Madame Blavatsky of the controversial Theosophical Society.

Anyway, if you enjoy romantic, orchestral wall-towall sound, Scriabin’s Third Symphony will probably be right up your soi.

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.

Planning underway for 2020 music festival Planning is now underway for this year’s Pattaya Music Festival scheduled to take place March 20-21.

Music will flow from 4 stages, in North Pattaya Beach near the Dusit Thani Hotel, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, near Soi 4 Pattaya Beach, and on the Jomtien stage at the multi-purpose sports area.

Deputy Culture Minister Poramet Ngampichet chaired a February 10 planning meeting with regional tourism officials. Scheduled to appear are Potato, Big Ass, Urboy TJ, Twopee Southside, Singto Numchok, and Tu Pobtorn.

Hours and more to be announced later. (PCPR) Deputy Culture Minister Poramet Ngampichet chairs a February 10 planning meeting with regional tourism officials for this year’s Pattaya Music Festival scheduled to take place March 20-21.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 19

PATTAYA MAIL

Glass Conscious At a push, you could probably drink wine out of a plastic mug, but you’d lose most of the aroma and a good deal of the pleasure.

Wine always tastes best out of a well-designed glass but they come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes.

The distinguished Austrian firm of Riedel (REE-dull) was established in the same year that Mozart was born and it has revolutionized glassware by customizing the shape of wine glasses to a particular type of wine.

There’s a range of glasses for Cabernet Sauvignon, another type for Shiraz, another for Riesling and so on.

Wine expert Robert Parker considers them the finest available. “The effect of these glasses on fine wine is profound,” he writes, “I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make.” But quality doesn’t come cheap. Even one of Riedel’s cheapest glasses can set you back 2,000 baht.

And that’s just for one of them. Needless to say, these

are products for wine professionals and top-class restaurants. Most of us usually have to settle for something a little more modest.

Even so, if you enjoy a variety of different wines you really need three or four different types of glass: (1) a medium-sized one for everyday plonk, (2) a larger one for quality wines, and (3) a tall one for sparkling wines.

You can safely forget about serving white wine in a smaller glass, for a decently designed glass will do for both red and white. If you drink Sherry a small copita is a useful addition.

There are four main issues to consider: shape, comfort, transparency and size. You may also be concerned about price, so don’t buy glasses that you can’t afford to break. A tulip-shaped glass is best, because it concentrates the aroma near the rim. The glass should be well-balanced and not uncomfortably heavy, with a thin stem. The rim should be

Madison red wine glass (L) and Champagne flute from Ocean.

wide enough to get your nose inside. A plain, transparent glass is best because any form of colour or decoration is distracting.

As to size, it rather depends on the quality of the wine.

Regardless of size, I’d recommend the glasses produced by the Thai company Ocean Glass. It produces an extensive range of wine glasses which are good value and widely available.

Silver and Gold 1997 UNICEF commemorative coins The United Nations Children’s Fund is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children around the world.

It was established in 1946 as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) by the U.N. General Assembly to provide immediate hunger relief and healthcare to children and mothers in countries devastated by World War II. In 1950, UNICEF’s mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries, and in 1953 it became a permanent part of the United Nations System.

In 1989, the UN General Assembly passed the “Convention on the Rights of Children” (UNCRC) which

is a human rights treaty setting out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children.

The Convention defines a child as any human being under the age of eighteen, unless the age of majority is attained earlier under national legislation.

On the 50th anniversary of UNICEF in 1997, many countries minted commemorative coins to mark the auspicious occasion.

Thailand aimed to mint the Silver 200 Baht and the Gold 2000 Baht coins. But due to a lack of capacity to mint the coins here, the Royal Thai Mint commissioned the Royal Norwegian Mint to produce the coins on their behalf.

The original plan was to produce two types and

UNICEF 2000 Baht Gold commemorative coin.

UNICEF 200 Baht Silver commemorative coin.

denominations of the coins.

The first was for 10,000 gold coins with a portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX on the obverse.

The reverse would depict an image of a studious girl from a bygone Siamese era.

The second type was for 25,000 silver coins. The obverse would depict a portrait of the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX and the reverse would show children playing a traditional Thai game called “Mark Keb”.

Unfortunately, in 1997 the Asian financial crises gripped East Asia and South East Asia. Thailand was no exception. In May of 1997 the Thai Baht was hit by massive speculative attacks. In January 1998, the Thai Baht which had an

exchange value of 25 to the US Dollar tumbled alarmingly down to 56 Baht to the US Dollar.

The economic situation was rather gloomy, which also sent the coin market into doldrums. Because these special UNICEF coins were produced only on order, only 2123 pieces of the 200 Baht Silver Coins and 1290 pieces of the 2000 Baht Gold coins were produced and sold.

This was one of the lowest numbers of Thai coins ever sold.

But the numismatic world is unique, and as fate may have it, those who bought the UNICEF coins back in 1998 can cherish in the fact that their investment is now worth 3-5 times more than what they paid for them.

For ordinary table wine the Ocean Duchess range is fine. The 255ml (9oz) red wine glass is 19cm (7.50 in) high and a pack of two is about 325 baht. If you crave something a bit more classy and money is no object, you might be interested in Ocean’s superb range of Lucaris crystal glasses, some of which are varietal specific.

Quality wines require larger glasses because you need to swirl the wine around to release the complex aroma. This is why the glass shouldn’t be more than about a third full.

The Ocean 425ml (15oz) Madison red wine glass is a large elegant design standing at 22cm (8.6 in). I always use this for wine tasting and a pack of two costs around 325 baht. If you prefer something a little cheaper and more compact, Ocean’s Lexington range might meet your needs.

For sparkling wines you’ll need something different.

Forget those absurd saucers-on-sticks that were once popular. They are useless for sparkling wine, or any wine for that matter. Far better is the glass known as a Champagne flute. It’s an elongated version of a standard glass and its extra height allows the bubbles to develop so you can feel their tingle on your tongue.

Ocean’s elegant Madison Champagne flute is excellent. This 210ml (7.25oz) glass stands at 23cm (9 in) and it’s beautifully tapered to show a sparkler at its best. A pack of two is also about 325 baht.

But I must tell you that there’s one thing that I find intensely irritating. Well, there are several things actually, but the others can wait. It’s the sight of a person nonchalantly holding a wine glass by the bowl, as though cradling a mug of hot cocoa. You see, we should always hold our wine glass by the stem - ideally between the thumb and first two fingers. That’s what the stem is for. It is most definitely unchic and socially taboo to grasp the glass by the bowl. Apart from that, the physical appearance of the wine provides information but not if your hand is covering the bowl and the glass is smeared with greasy fingerprints. The serving temperature is usually critical and if you insist on holding the bowl, the heat from your hand pushes up the wine’s temperature. You’d be surprised how rapidly this occurs. Greasy fingerprints also render the glasses more difficult to wash, and I speak from bitter experience.

At wine tastings, you sometimes see wine professionals holding the glass by the base, pinching it between the thumb and forefinger. This looks slightly odd but it keeps the hand as far as possible from the bowl. I sometimes find myself doing this but it’s rather impractical, because you have to use your other hand to put the glass down.

Anyway, don’t let me catch you holding your glass by the bowl, or I shall send the dogs around to sort you out. Just don’t say you haven’t been warned.

20 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

E-mail: socialscene@pattayamail.com

Avani Pattaya Resort hosts lunch for the disabled

The management of the Avani Pattaya Resort led by GM Somsak Tanruengsri paid a visit to Baan Karunyawet for people with disabilities Feb 7, where they hosted a meal for over 400 residents of the home. An additional 30,000 baht was also donated to buy daily necessities and nutritional foods. Staff born in January and February celebrated their birthdays at the home. Prince Malhotra, Director of Strategic MarCom of Pattaya Mail joined the Avani team to make merit as that was also his birthday.

ASEAN Learning Centre welcomes distinguished visitor

Children at the ASEAN Education Centre were happy to welcome Mr Edy Scheffmacher to their home recently. Rachana Chomjinda the director of Human Help Network Foundation (Thailand) and Pirun Noyimjai, manager of the Drop-In Center together with the teachers briefed the distinguished visitor about the operations. Mr. Scheffmacher promised to consider helping the home in the very near future.

An emotional reunion at Yupins Restaurant Ben Hansen, owner/impresario of the well-known ‘Bens Theatre’ in Pattaya, together with Ruud Hoff and Dian Webbink, dined at Yupins Restaurant recently.

Ben and Ruud have been friends for 53 years, but have not seen each other for 35 years. Ruud and Dian are travelling the world on a luxury cruise line, and made a stop in Pattaya just to see an old dear friend.

(Right) Banlue Kullavanijaya, Pattaya Deputy Mayor accompanied by Miss Pannee Limcharoen, Director of Social Development Office, Miss Teeraporn Srijan - Director of Social Welfare Section, and city officials paid a visit to Khao Noi community where they presented necessities and a wheel chair to a disabled person living in Mekong Village, Khao Noi.

Italian Ice Cream parlour opens at Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya

Area General Manager Denis Thouvard (centre) and his management team took part in the grand opening of ‘Cups n’ Cones’ at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

‘Cups n’ Cones’ offers 16 different flavours of Gelato ice cream which is super premium Ice Cream served as Cups, Cones and Sundaes with your choice of toppings. The mango flavoured ice cream and chocolate has been one of the most popular items. The price of menu items starts at only 79 THB++.

City officials present a wheelchair to a disabled person

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 21

Ready, Set, Cook…a First at PCEC Something new and adventurous was tried at the PCEC Sunday meeting on February 2 - a cooking demonstration with samples for the whole crowd. As a first, this seemed to be a delicious success. The presenter was Sasiwimon (Sasi) Saenmueang.

“Thai Food - Eat - Love!” was the theme of her presentation about Thai cooking and how her love for Thai food led to her creating “Sasi’s Love Made Kitchen” offering classes so others can enjoy her love of Thai cooking.

Sasi is a delightful young Thai lady with excellent English language skills. She grew up on a Thai farm where she and her mom grew their food and turned it into meals for the family. She was raised in an elevated wooden country home surrounded by the fields where the family’s food was grown. She helped her

mom develop a garden and fruit grove as well as spending hours in the rice fields and hauling water a good long way almost daily. She said it was a busy life but she learned to love the fields around them that yielded their living. Since silk worms developed in and around the farm, the enterprising family also weaved silk and made silk cloth and clothing.

Sasi thought the best way to use the skills honed during her farm upraising would be to offer cooking classes with the experience of picking, preparing and cooking fresh produce, which she grows right on her property; her kitchen faces the Phoenix golf course close to Pattaya. These half day cooking adventures can be arranged with her by contacting her through her Facebook page: https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m /

Sasi describes the types of coconuts and their uses in Thai cooking and explains to PCEC Member Ren Lexander, as he contemplates the one in his hand, about how easy it is cut it open.

sasislovemadekitchen.

Sasi’s philosophy of cooking consists of three basic principles: (1) Buy local, (2) Reduce waste, and (3) Use as much organic materials as you can. This is all in keeping with the self-sufficiency program of King Rama the IX. After discussing her love for cooking and how she

came about creating her “Love Made Kitchen,” she first gave a demonstration, inviting audience members to join her, on how to open a coconut as she described their types and uses in Thai food. The many kinds of coconuts each have specific uses. Some are used in desserts while others are favored

for making smooth curry sauces. Coconuts are more likely to be mature as their color turns brown.

PCEC members Ren Lexander and Ron Dittmer were brave enough to join her on stage and to open their own coconuts following her instructions. They being careful in their coconut openings not to remove their fingers.

They were successful and all fingers remained in place!

As demonstrated, it really is quite easy to open a coconut if you know the technique.

She then asked her associate to give a cooking demonstration for making ‘kanom dom’ (Thai coconut ball dessert) as she commented on how it is done.

Also, as they were made, samples were handed out for audience members to enjoy the flavor and texture.

Sasi also had brought with

her some items she makes for sale, including granola, energy balls, and fruit jams.

The audience was so enthused with the presentation and demonstration that many inquired about taking some of her classes. Based on this enthusiasm, there was talk about arranging for dates and transportation for those that wished to participate. The PCEC videotaped the presentation and it can be viewed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1RnKIrXtYek. After the presentation, the MC brought everyone up to date on the upcoming club events and others of interest.

This was followed by the Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about Expat living in Thailand, especially Pattaya.

For more information about the PCEC, visit their website at: www.pcec.club.

PCEC learns about Uganda’s history and culture Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) had two Ugandan ladies, Lydia Nankinga and Juliett Nakyonyi, gave a spirited and informative presentation at the Club’s February 9th meeting.

These lovely young (20-ish) ladies have been in Pattaya for a grand total of four months, but have already ingratiated themselves not only by their regular attendance at the PCEC’s Sunday meetings, but their active participation at St. Nikolaus Catholic Church (members of the choir, no less) and recently joining up with a local thespian group. And this is on top of their day job as English teachers.

Both Lydia and Juliett arrived from Uganda four months ago to teach English in Thai primary schools.

Prior to coming to Thailand, they both graduated from university with education degrees and had two or three years of experience teaching in Uganda. Their

primary reason for coming to Thailand was economic the money they earn here helps support their siblings (each has 5) and parents back home. Though, it’s pretty apparent, that these ladies have a huge spirit of adventure and hearts ready to serve. There is no doubt that they are making the most of their time here in Pattaya.

Their PCEC audience now knows a whole lot more about Uganda than they did before. Uganda is a landlocked, tropical country of 46 million located in eastcentral Africa. While the economy has been growing, four-fifths of the population are engaged in agriculture.

Christianity has the most followers in Uganda (more than 80%) with Islam the second most popular (14%).

Much like English-speaking Filipinos, Ugandans have dispersed to various parts of the globe in search of work. This is facilitated

Juliett Nakyonyi begins the presentation to the PCEC about their native Uganda as Lydia Nankinga looks on. Juliett pointed out that they both are from the Central Region as she explains that the regions differ from each other in culture and local language.

by their knowledge of English, which is used as a common language (along with Swahili) in a country where there are 40 different tribes and languages. The use of English, of course, comes from the British rule over Uganda for many years.

And the one good thing, though there probably are several others, that came from this was the introduction of English as the lingua franca of the country, which has enabled Ugandans, including Lydia and Juliett, to seek employment outside of their own country.

Of course, they noted, most Ugandans would be happy to stay home if they had a good job. But that is hard to come by in a country that has a birthrate that is second only to Nigeria.

The average Ugandan family has six children and an astonishing 50% of the population is below the age of 15. Compare that to Thailand where the birthrate is now under two per family. It all adds up to a lot of mouths to feed, children to educate and jobs to create. It’s an impossible task they believe for any economy, hence the

It’s all in how you move your hips! Four PCEC audience members join Juliett and Lydia on stage to try out their Ugandan dance moves.

need to find work outside Uganda.

Lydia and Juliett spoke on the history of Uganda since its independence from Britain in 1962. Besides the infamous president Idi Amin Dada, there have been plenty of coups (some presidents lasted only a few days), until the most recent president who has been in office since 1986.

Politics aside, they made Uganda sound like a lovely place to visit, with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, abundant wildlife and ten national parks. Lake Victoria (the largest in Africa), the source of the (white) Nile River, borders the country to the southeast. They also discussed the tribal differences

of the various regions and its respective culture.

Of particular interest was the ladies sharing photos of their families. Houses in Uganda, at least those of Lydia and Juliett, are comparable to those in Thailand.

Comfortable, though small by western standards since eight people would be sharing the living space.

The finale of the presentation, which was a large portion of it, was an introduction to the music and dance of Uganda. It is lively, with plenty of hip and body movement. Four expats from the audience joined the ladies on stage, but it was evident it might take a little practice before they are able

to move their hips like the Ugandan ladies. The rhythms and sounds of Ugandan music are analogous to reggae, not really so unfamiliar to many of the expats in attendance. For a taste of the Ugandan music Lydia and Juliett shared with the PCEC, go to YouTube and search “Kyarenga.”

After the presentation, the MC brought everyone up to date on upcoming club and other events of interest followed by the Open Forum, an opportunity for those in the audience to ask questions or provide comments about Expat living in Thailand, Pattaya especially.

For more information about the PCEC, visit: www.pcec.club.

22 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

High Crimes and Misdemeanours at Diana Garden Resort

Presentation to Sopin Tappajug from Radchada Chomjinda (Toy), Judith Edmonds and Les Edmonds.

Les Edmonds and Radchada Chomjinda, with David Shnider behind them.

Max, who donated the Steinway piano for our use, Brian Alexander, PCM and Les Edmonds, PCM Secretary.

At this point we had an intermission so that the audience could have a cup of coffee, tea or soft drink and more snacks.

We were called to order for the first part of the second section that started with songs from the Mikado; this is probably the most wellknown opera by Gilbert and Sullivan as one song in particular has been performed many times and in our version resulted in great hilarity. Basically, the Mikado

Les Edmonds Pattaya Classical Music, in conjunction with Grand Opera Thailand, put together a Concert entitled Gilbert and Sullivan Return, “High Crimes and Misdemeanours”, on Saturday 1st February. This was a follow up to a previous Gilbert and Sullivan concert that had been extremely successful; so much so that the audience on leaving were asking, “When are you having another one”.

Stefan Sanchez, the Musical Director, put together various Crimes and Misdemeanours from different Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta with the overall thread of the Police and Courts bringing the various miscreants to justice. This resulted in several hilarious moments throughout the evening.

Before the Concert started the patrons were able to indulge in a variety of snacks and drinks produced by the staff at Diana Garden Resort. These had been paid for by a generous sponsor.

The cast consisted of: Mahannop Panasaratool, Pichaya Kemasingki, Benyapa Pharaksa, Ohmmapat Kaosamang, Helene McClellan, and Stefan Sanchez, with pianist Sara Choi.

The programme commenced with an opening medley of songs as a “warm

Sara Choi, our lovely pianist.

up” for the singers who entered in turn to perform different numbers. The programme itself started with numbers from Trial by Jury, the case being announced by Stefan as the Sergeant of Police as a Breach of Promise action.

The lady claimed that her suitor was in love with her and he had slighted her.

Then we were introduced to the Judge who had a penchant for a bottle of whiskey and told us his history.

Finally the Judge asked for the plaintiff and the case moved on, but not before the Judge had taken a fancy to the plaintiff. The plaintiff reciprocated her love to the Judge and the final song was their duet “I love him.”

The audience had really got into the swing of things and clapped, cheered and booed as appropriate.

The cast in Trial by Jury.

has stated that people should be executed for “flirting” and that is where the problems started. His son, NankiPoo, had fled Court because The Mikado wanted him to marry Katisha, an elderly lady. He became a wandering musician and met and fell in love with Yum-Yum, but she was the ward of KoKo, a cheap tailor in the town of Titipi. But Yum-Yum was already betrothed to Ko-Ko and Nanki-Poo left in despair. But he returned because he had heard that KoKo was to be executed for flirting. But to his dismay he found that Ko-Ko had been reprieved at the last minute and made Lord High Executioner.

Here lies a problem, as Ko-Ko has to execute himself and the Mikado wants to know why there have been no beheadings. This is

a dilemma! Things finally get resolved when Nanki-Poo is revealed as the Mikado’s son and he is able to marry Yum-Yum, the Mikado saying that Ko-Ko should marry Katisha.

The final section of the performance was the selection of songs from The Pirates of Penzance. This tells the story of a young pirate apprentice called Frederic who has come to the end of his indentured period. He was indentured by mistake as his half-deaf nurse had been told to apprentice him as a “pilot” but got it a little wrong! However, he was indentured until he was 21 and now is free to leave the pirates and going onshore. He meets a group of young ladies and falls for Mabel, the most beautiful one. But the pirates arrive and see this as a chance for all of them to get wives with impunity.

Their plans are foiled by the arrival of the major-general who declares he was an orphan. As the pirates were all orphans they had pledged never to harm any other orphan and so the young ladies gained a reprieve. But the major-general was not an orphan and he was terrified that they would find out. Further complications arrived when it was discovered that Frederic was born on 29th February, so as his indenture was till his 21st birthday and not his 21st year he was still, technically,

Even children came to the show.

Nanki-Poo serenading Judith (A Wandering Minstrel I…).

Three Little Maids (from school are we…).

song by the Major-General.

The cast were met by thunderous applause at the end of the show and yet again as people left they asked when the next one would be.

Amongst the many guests were Sopin Thappajug, owner of Diana Garden Resort, who provided the hall; Radchada Chomjinda, the director of the Human Help Network, ladies from the Pattaya International Ladies Club, members of Pattaya City Expats Club, various

The full cast, Mahannop Panasaratool, Pichaya Kemasingki, Benyapa Pharaksa, Ohmmapat Kaosamang, Helene McClellan, Stefan Sanchez with pianist Sara Choi.

a pirate. From now on the plot becomes hilarious until the pirates capture the police, but then Mabel reveals that the pirates are all noblemen who have sworn allegiance to the Queen.

Promptly the police arrest the pirates. What a mix-up!

In the end all sorts itself out, Frederic gets Mabel and the pirates all get one of the other girls.

One of the most memorable songs was the “patter”

Rotary International Clubs and the Masons.

Pattaya Classical Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing musical entertainment to Pattaya.

It comprises Greg Barton (Founder and Chairman), Les Edmonds (Secretary), Judith Edmonds (Treasurer), Brian Alexander and Evelyne Wachtenheim. We also have to thank David Shnider for assistance and Max (for use of the Steinway piano, donated). All profits for this venture went to the Human Help Network and the Child Protection and Development Centre. On this occasion it amounted to approximately 60,000 baht.

We would like to thank the staff at Diana Garden Resort for their efforts and, of course, you the audience, because without you it would all have been in vain. Finally a very, very big thanks to Stefan and the crowd at Grand Opera-Thailand for a fun - filled night.

The audience enjoying themselves.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Businesses for Sale or Rent Bop/3-4/ 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

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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 Prc/2-6/Jomtien Beach Condominium for Rent, Studio 29 – 34 s.q.m, Special Prices; start from 5,000 – 8,000 baht per month. (One year contract), Tel: 095 187 1311 (English & Thai) or e-mail: ploypailin.fu @gmail.com (by owner)

Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb/3-4/JUST REDUCED FROM 32 mio DOWN TO 16 mio THB Big Villa located in a

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clean & well maintained Resort in East Pattaya, 12 min drive from Pattaya City; quite & peaceful; Land: 1.164 sqm; living space: aprox. 650 sqm; fully furnished in high quality standard; 2 living rooms; dining room; 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms ensuite, guest toilet, 3 kitchens, 1 kitchenette; maiden house; guestrooms beside the 10 x 5m pool; many terraces; security 7/24h; carport; fully airconditioned; laundry, pantry, many storerooms; office; SOLAR hot water; representative entrance hall; double wall and roof insulation; rare offer; 16,000,000 THB; 093161 5995 Psb/3-4/650 sqm house located close to the Wat, Hua Yai Road; Land: 3,25 Rai (5.200 sqm), living space: 650 sqm; fully furnished; 1 living-dining room; 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, full european kitchen; terraces; WiFi; private pool 10 x 5m; outdoor shower and toilet; pond with sala 5 x 4 m; aircon in all rooms; fitness gym; many storerooms; 85 sqm office in separate building; alarm; own well; pantry & laundry room; double garage; automatic gate; the property is completely walled inn; 3 B-B-Qs; REDUCED from 29 mio down to 16 mio THB; 093- 161 5995 Psb/3-4/Luxury Pool Villa, only 3 mins from Mapprachan Lake in the East of Pattaya City, Soi Siam Country Club, living space aprox. 550 sqm, land size 1 Rai (1,600 sqm), well maintained, fully furnished, 2 floors, very spacious, 5 bedrooms with 5 bathrooms ensuite, 1 living room with a Grand Piano, dining area, aircondition in all rooms; European kitchen, Thai kitchen, sauna, maiden room, refrigerator, washing machine, parking, swimming pool. Easy access to motorways. 38,500,000 THB; Rent 120,000 THB/month.

38,500,000 THB; 093- 161 5995

Condominiums Psc/36-5/ Sale 4.9M THB – Sea-front condo with infinity pool, tennis – Banglamung – 204sqm, 2-bed, 2-bath Foreign owned. See pictures at: www.facebook.com/ thailand.bayview, T: 082 122 4335 – mail: bay.view@live.com Psc/36-5/ Condo for Sale: The Trust Resident Central Pattaya Fully furnished, 1,100,000 Baht (free tax) Tel: 086 633 2948 Psc/1-6/Beachfront Condo at Bangsaray Condominium: 150sqm, 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, attached to 300m long beach, only 137units in 20 rai of green landscaped surroundings in an exclusive residence. Excellent decoration, fully furnished, TV-LCD 50". Hot Sale 7.9 mil. 4x,xxx baht/sqm. 0813358102 (owner), for photos: pitipity@hotmail.com, Line: piti.t

Psc/3-5/ Pratamnak 2 B/R Condo, 2.8 MB, Foreign name, corner unit, 56 sqm, 7th floor, 2 bathrooms, 3 A/C, 3 TVs, Furnished, Parking, Swimming Pool, Fitness, Sea View, Quiet area. Tel: 089-09-66-729 Psc/3-5/ Jomtien 3 B/R Big Condo, 191 sqm, 8.9 MB Foreign name, Double Corner Unit, Sea View and Pattaya View, 30th floor, Parking, Fitness, Swimming Pool - Convenient location Tel: 089-09-66-729 Psc/3-12/ Viewtalay Residence 1 condo Jomtien Soi 5 near Revenue Department ALL BRAND NEW furnitures for rent & sale QUIET SWIMMING POOL VIEW, gym, second floor 40 Sq2 rent 12,500 sale 2.9 M. 064-464-2289, 095169-2456 Psc/3-4/ CETUS CONDO, high-floor, stunning sea- and 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 Psc/3-4/ 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 Psc/3-4/ 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.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 23

Staff Wanted Sw/4/WANTED FOREIGN SALES CONSULTANT: Looking for an applicant with sales experience, previous real estate experience preferred but not essential. If you are between 30-50 years old, have your own car and valid Thai driving license please contact Keith Harrison. Tel : 038 416 728 Mobile : 080 094 5598 Email : info@pattaya-property.net

Vehicles for Sale/Rent Vs/3-4/Alfa Romeo Giulia Super, a Classic Car collectors item from 1971, fully restored

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Read more news at pattayamail.com

24 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Chinese GP knocked out by a bug

Bond goes Bush Bashing in an Aston?

It is no secret that Aston Martin has not been financially healthy for some years. They have turned out some of the best looking cars and made a deal to get James Bond to sit in them, but still come up short compared to Ferrari for example.

With the world’s opinion leaning towards soft-roaders, think Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus and now Aston Martin has joined the Off-roaders with its newly released DBX and bargain basement price of AUD 350,000. Aston is saying that they are all sold out.

True? Or has Aston found a white knight?

Patrik Nilsson, regional director for Aston Martin says the car’s popularity is “beyond expectations. We can safely say that we are sold out for this year in Australia and New Zealand.”

Technical specifications are interesting. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 405 kW and 700 Nm, enough to reach to 60 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

That’s the same MercedesAMG sourced engine found in Aston Martin’s Vantage coupe, as well as Mercedes’ own line of performance cars (such as the popular C63 S). Thanks to lightweight aluminium construction, a 550 hp drivetrain and electronic adaptive damping for every wheel, the DBX drives more like a sports car than an SUV. Despite 700 Nm this may not be enough to drag A-M out of the swamp. Enter stage left a white knight in the form of a consortium led

Aston Martin DBX.

by Canada’s Lawrence Stroll, father of current Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll.

However, his group has apparently not learned the old adage, “To make a small fortune out of motor racing – start with a large fortune.”

Prior to Stroll’s investment, the DBX was touted as a make-or-break moment for the brand. But now with Stroll’s millions, A-M can probably breathe a little easier.

But just who is Lawrence Stroll? In a career spanning more than three decades, Canadian fashion mogul Lawrence Stroll has relied on a simple formula: take over a brand that’s either niche, or in trouble, or both, and beef it up for half a dozen years.

Then exit with a tidy profit.

It’s a skill he honed in the 1980s bringing Ralph Lauren’s New England look to Europe, before buying Tommy Hilfiger in 1989 with longterm business partner Silas Chou – another clothing brand that celebrated Americana with its blue-red-white emblem and country-club attire. Add to that list Michael Kors, teetering on the brink of collapse when the duo picked it up in 2003.

By the time Stroll and Chou

sold out in 2011, Kors was the king of affordable luxury with a sky-high valuation.

Now is A-M niche enough to give Stroll and Chou the leverage the investors require? Rivals from Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini all share their underpinnings with the cheaper Volkswagen Touareg. The DBX has its own platform says A-M breathlessly. Interesting, but that’s not a selling point, I’m afraid.

However, the DBX is sold out in Australia before anyone has even driven it. Priced from $357,000 plus on-road costs, the Aston martin DBX supposedly is a rival to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.

The DBX does not share its underpinnings with any other vehicle. “It’s a bespoke car,” Nilsson says.

“Which I think, and customers think, you deserve when you’re paying this kind of money for a car.

“We definitely hit the sweet spot with this.

“People were clearly looking for a good-looking SUV that drives like an Aston.”

One pre-production example of the DBX is in Australia for customer events and public display. Customer cars arrive in the third quarter of the year.

Some 60 percent of customers in the region are new to the brand. Which is surprising, as Aston Martin set about creating the DBX because three quarters of its sports car customers also had an SUV in the driveway.

That number could be even higher today.

Kevin Wall, regional manager for Aston Martin, says many DBX customers are women who were not drawn to the looks of Lamborghini or Bentley SUVs. For me, it looks too much like the “Aston grille” Ford Fiesta of 10 years ago.

The FIA has informed the F1 circus that the Chinese GP for 2020 has been cancelled. This follows the viral Covid-19 epidemic which has already killed over 1,000

people in China.

The race was scheduled for April 19, but with the packed calendar there is little likelihood of the Chinese promoters finding an alternative date.

The closest GP on the calendar is Vietnam’s inaugural meeting on April 5, but with Vietnam already having found the virus I expect a cancellation here too.

Alfa or Alpha?

A common mistake, but the manufacturer with a long history in motor sport is Alfa and the manufacturer with a short history in motor sport is Alpha, formerly known as Toro Rosso, and better known in the fashion business.

At the unveiling of the “new” car, there was plenty of the usual pre-season bluster. “We must be within the first five in the constructors’ championship,” declared team boss Franz Tost at the launch of the white and blue AT01 car powered again by Honda at Red Bull’s Hangar7 facility in Salzburg.

Toro Rosso finished sixth

AlphaTauri.

overall last year, equaling their best ever performance, and have an unchanged lineup of Russian Daniil Kvyat and Frenchman Pierre Gasly.

AlphaTauri is a Red Bullowned fashion brand established in 2016. The team have raced as Toro Rosso

since 2006 when Red Bull took over struggling Minardi.

They have brought through a succession of hungry young talents, including Germany’s four times world champion Sebastian Vettel, Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Dutch youngster Max Verstappen.

Aussies in mourning The year 2020 will mark the death of the iconic Australian Holden brand. The Holden lion will disappear by the end of 2020 with the US corporation that owns the Holden name (General Motors Holden). GMH has announced the brand will disappear at the end of the year.

Hundreds of people are set to lose their jobs by the year’s end as General Motors axes Holden after seven decades of operation in Australia. The shutdown is expected to cost at least 600 jobs. It comes three years after local manufacturing ended when the Holden plant in Adelaide was closed.

The company has promised it would continue to provide servicing and spare parts for at least a decade through its aftersales network, which would also continue handling recalls if they arise.

Goodbye Holden Commodore.

GM has blamed “significant change globally and locally”, which despite attempts to “sustain and improve the business” has not worked financially for the business.

“After comprehensive assessment, we regret that we could not prioritize the investment required for Holden to be successful for the long term in Australia and New Zealand, over all other considerations we have globally,” GM international operations senior vice president Julian Blissett said.

He said Holden had been a “powerful driver of the industrialization and advancement of Australia and New Zealand” over its “proud 160-year history”.

He wouldn’t comment on whether the company had explored selling the brand, but it was revealed the Thailand factory that made the Colorado pick-up has been sold to Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors.

The Holden dealer network includes 185 dealers in Australia and 31 in New Zealand.

“Classic” cars A few years ago now, I was asked if there were any “classic” cars in Pattaya, and whether the owners would be interested in tailored “classic car” insurance. I replied that the closest anything in Pattaya went to being “classic” was probably a 10 year old baht bus!

That was a few years ago, and the scene in Pattaya has changed dramatically. Every day we seem to be unearthing more and more old cars, and there is now a viable market for both sellers, buyers and restorers.

Of course, to find some of these older vehicles in concourse condition is exceptionally rare, but “finds” do happen. One of my friends down here was in the right place at the right time and became the owner of an immaculate 1970 MGB roadster. This car had to be seen to be believed. In fact, when the previous owner imported it after a ground up restoration in the UK he was hit with horrendous import duty by the Customs Department. When he protested and said, “Look, this car is 30 years old,” the stony-faced Customs official smiled and replied, “But look new!”

However, cars like that are rare, and as (almost) everyone knows, the costs of importing a classic into Thailand are quite

MGB.

prohibitive. So that leaves us with cars that were either imported many years ago or were built/or assembled here. And these are the cars that have been hiding in sheds, disassembling yards, or if they have been very lucky, sitting in somebody’s collections somewhere.

It is these “forgotten” cars that are coming to light now, and in enormous numbers. For example, having decided this year to take my helmet down from the peg and go motor racing again, I also chose to join the “Retro” class of pre-1985 cars. The make that I had the most experience in was Ford, and Ford Escort Mk1’s in particular. I raced these between 1975 and 1982, when they were new. Simple engineering and easy to turn into racing cars.

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Bunker Boys Bowmaker Bonanza at Soi Dao Highlands PSC Bunker Boys Golf Monday, February 10th Soi Dao Highlands Bowmaker, Team Event

Tuesday, February 11th Soi Dao Highlands Individual Stableford

1st Group, Jimmy Carr, Geoff Parker, Craig Dows, & Tom McMurray 2nd Group, Les Cobban, John Hughes, Dave Ashman, & Michael Brett 3rd Group Tony Berry, Keith Norman, Lance ConwayJones, & Roger Tuohy.

Near pins Dave Ashman, Paul Smith, Tom McMurray, & Lance Conway-Jones.

Twenty-eight Bunker Boys made the trip up to Chantaburi to play two rounds of golf at the beautiful Soi Dao course with an overnight stay at Chatrium Resort. Most drove up on the morning, but some went a day early and a few stayed an extra day.

A team event called Bowmaker where two best scores count on the six hardest holes, the best three scores on the middle six, and all four scores on the easiest six. This was another Keith Norman innovation and went down well, a fun event that got people relaxed after a long drive.

The course was superb as always but played much harder than most remembered. In particular, the greens were pristine but very fast and with subtle breaks and some big undulations tested even the best.

The winning group was surprised to come in first place as they fell way short of what they considered a winning target. Only Les Cobban produced anything worthwhile in the second group and carried his team for the most part and was even more surprised than the first group to come second. The organiser’s team lead by Keith took third.

Overall most struggled to put together a decent score.

Near pins went to Dave Ashman, Paul Smith, Tom McMurray, and Lance Conway-Jones.

1st Robby Watts 46 points 2nd Neil Jones 37 points 3rd Paul Smith 33 points 4th Les Cobban 32 points 5th Craig Dows 32 points 6th Stuart Brown 32 points Near pins Steve Durey, Paul Smith, & Les Cobban.

Tuesday dawned mild, grey, and overcast but there was little prospect of rain. Things became very sunny when we discovered it was a sports day so the green fee had been reduced to six hundred baht. Where in the world would you find green fees so low for a course of this quality?

The round got off to a difficult start with a few stragglers failing to meet their appointed tee times, always the same people who seem to feel everyone should wait for them. It is obvious they never worked in the corporate world where the motto is “if you are not early, then you are late”. Again a two tee start so we got the round finished in good time for people to have the presentation and some refreshment before making their way back to Pattaya.

The sunny day continued in great style for birthday boy Robby Watts who had an outstanding round of forty-six points off a ten handicap with a distance between him and secondplaced Neil Jones on thirtyseven. Paul Smith came third with thirty-three points. Les Cobban, Craig Dows, and Stuart Brown all on thirty-two finished in that order on countback.

Near pins went to Steve Durey, Paul Smith and Les Cobban. A much-improved performance from everybody on the second day.

Birthday boy Robby Watts.

Wednesday, February 12th Khao Kheow C & A. Stableford 1st Ken Elmore (19) 41 points 2nd Peter Kelly (13) 37 points 3rd Robby Watts (8) 36 points 4th Craig Dows (8) 36 points.

Near pins Peter Kelly, Alan Harris, & Ken Elmore.

Another good rollup of sixteen for the third game in as many days, it seems some Bunker Boys can’t have too much golf. The Khao Kheow course is always a good lure. As always the course was in nice condition and a rarity for golf in recent times occurred when a very welcome shower hit.

A few more of those would change the colour of all courses in the area as so little rain has fallen in recent months. It’s not often you hear people in Pattaya say “bring on Monsoon Season”.

Ken Elmore, who didn’t travel to Soi Dao this year, must have been on the practice range instead as he blew away the rest of the field with a superb forty-one points to take first place.

Peter Kelly, who is always

Scoring good for some, abysmal for others PSC Golf from Billabong Friday, Feb. 14th Burapha C & D Stableford C and D at Burapha for a change and what a difference it was to play. It is a much harder 18 holes of golf than the A and B loops. The course was in great condition with fast greens and in reality there was nothing

you could fault, although it was a slow day out there, and hot until the breeze came up on the back nine and made it a pleasant day.

We had 5 groups playing and the scoring was very good for some and abysmal for others.

We had a count back for the minor placings, all on 35 points, with Steve the

consistent Giles taking 4th place. Gerry Grocott took 3rd and Nial Stuart took 2nd.

The French connection came out with the cream of the crop, Thiery Petrement, taking the top spot with a fine 38 points. That is a great score around this course.

There were two 2s coming from Thiery Petrement and Andrew Woodall.

It was also Niall Glover’s birthday and he generously put on a roast pig.

somewhere near the top of the pack, took second place with a very well compiled thirty-seven. The two Melbournians Robby Watts and Craig Dows had to be separated by countback, each with thirty-six points.

Near pins went to Peter Kelly, Alan Harris, and Ken Elmore.

Friday, February 14th Mountain Shadow Stableford 1st Robby Watts (8) 38 points 2nd Neil Jones (22) 36 points

3rd Tony Berry (14) 31 points 4th Nial Glover (19) 29 points Near pins Neil Jones, & Robby Watts X 2.

A third visit to Mountain Shadow in as many months found a course in desperate need of rain and barely playable. Hard packed bare soil, withered brown grass on fairways, and tee boxes that resembled sandpits took much of the enjoyment out of the game. Conditions were made considerably more difficult by a very stiff

wind, sometimes up to three club’s worth, caused most to falter with only the top two able to return a decent score.

The golden run currently being enjoyed by Robby Watts continued on again today with a winning score of thirty-eight. With only two more rounds to play before returning to Oz next week Robby looks to already have wrapped up the golfer of the month trophy.

One who could catch him, Neil Jones came second on thirty-six but he too departs next week, leaving only a miracle from Ken Elmore to upset the applecart.

Tony Berry came third with thirty-one and Niall Glover brought up the rear with twenty-nine. It was also Niall’s birthday and he generously put on a roast pig after the presentation, with our hosts the Wood brothers also providing a range of Thai food. As always great hospitality at the Bunker Boys.

Last week on one occasion we had a slight issue with some contentious results, but as sensible people always do, the matter was resolved honourably and amicably to everyone’s satisfaction and the book is now closed on the matter.

Week of the 40s PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya Tuesday, 4th February Greenwood A & B Stableford On Tuesday 4th February 2020 we went with 4 groups to Greenwood where we played the A & B loop. The weather was very nice with a little bit clouds, sun and a nice breeze. The course was as always in a very good condition and we all enjoy playing there.

The conditions were very good and we could expect some good results. Three players kept each other in good balance and the decision came on the last hole.

Willem Lasonder was the lucky one with 2 pars on the last 2 holes, just 2 shots better than John Feeney on the count back. Despite a fabulous birdie on A9, it was not enough to bring John the victory. Third was Danny Garvey. All scored a nice 40 Stableford points.

The near pins went to Dave Smith (twice).

John, Willem & Danny.

Anderson coming back from Thursday the 6th his winter holidays.

February Dave Smith showed his Pattavia - Stableford good form of the last weeks On Thursday the 6th February, Pattavia was our venue. It was again a nice and sunny day with a nice breeze. The course was also in good condition. We welcomed Ty

and won with 40 Stableford points. Second was Stan Rees with 36 and third Ty Anderson with 32.

The near pins went to Dave Smith and Danny Garvey.

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Larry Slattery loves a Green Jacket PSC Pattaya Links Golf Society Wed. Feb. 12 Greenwood B+C Stableford.

We’re not sure why this is happening lately, but it seems a number of golf courses that we have been to have not had enough caddies available when we arrive.

Greenwood is usually very well organized, but on this day there was confusion as the starters were trying to round up caddies and carts. In fact, our last group started out driving their carts themselves, without caddies. The caddies got to them, eventually.

Having given a brickbat, now some praise. Greenwood is one of the few courses where a group with big numbers, such as our 48 players today, are given a two tee start. It makes it so much

easier for all, and an earlier finish, much appreciated.

This course is always in top condition and, even considering the lack of rain, kept up that standard with wellcut fairways and greens running at a good pace of about 9.3 to 9.5.

Richard Fearby went under par again to record 37 points from his scratch handicap to win the A flight. Does he ever have a bad game? Probably, but not today. Second spot went to Mike Ehlert with 36 points in a nice improvement on his recent outings.

In-form Andy Kelleher won a countback to take third place with 34 points.

B flight produced the starring score for the day as Larry Slattery romped home with a big 41 points. Of course, he won the flight as

B flight winner Larry Slattery with Hilary Stoker (L) and Rana Gurnam (R).

well as the Green Jacket, and not for the first time.

Maurice Roberts was hoping the ‘yips’ are gone as he handed in a score of 38 points for second place.

Hot and cold Derek Phillips was hot Wednesday to record 37 points to hold down third spot in a tight countback.

They say ‘age shall not weary them’ and it certainly did not weary a couple of our older gents. Alan Walker turned back the clock by scoring a great 39 points to take the win in C flight.

John Pearce is about the same vintage and surprised himself with his 34 points,

while ‘youngster’, Chris Walsh took third with 33 points.

Once again plenty of near pins to be won, but only 7 of the 8 were claimed. Those par 3s at Greenwood are long.

Near pins A flight: Jason Periera (x2), Tommy Marshall, & Richard Fearby.

Near pins B flight: Barry Cunningham, Masa Sugaya, Larry Slattery, one pin not claimed.

A Flight (0-14) 1st Place – Richard Fearby (0) – 37 pts 2nd Place – Mike Ehlert (12) - 36 pts 3rd Place – Andrew Kelleher (11) - 34 pts c/back B Flight (15-20) 1st Place – Larry Slattery (20) – 41 pts 2nd Place – Maurice Roberts (16) - 38 pts

3rd Place – Derek Phillips (16) - 37 pts c/back C Flight (21+) 1st Place – Alan Walker (30) - 39 pts 2nd Place – John Pearce (29) - 34 pts 3rd Place – Chris Walsh (27) - 33 pts Best Front Nine (non-winners) John Harrison 21 pts Best Back Nine (non-winners) Kim Hewton 19 pts All back nice and early for the presentations and the hunt for the owner of the carry bag left in a buggy at the course. A candidate for the ‘silly hat’?

Well, Gordon got away with it because Phil found another reason for Rana to wear it again.

As Phil presented the ‘wig’ to Hilary Stoker, again, he gave her some advice about the driving range so she doesn’t wear it a third time.

Remembering departed friends and fellow golfers PSC Bunker Boys Golf Monday, February 3rd Emerald White tees Stableford 1st Stuart Tinkler (17) 37 points 2nd Kob Glover (26) 36 points 3rd Neil Jones (22) 35 points 4th DaveAshman (22) 34 points 5th Niall Glover (19) 34 points 6th Ken Elmore (19) 33 points Near pins Lance ConwayJones, Tony Berry, Keith Hemmings, & Neil Jones.

The Emerald course was in poor shape some months ago for our last visit and sadly it was only marginally better today, certainly not good enough to warrant the current green/caddie fees being charged. Throughout the round, we never encountered any maintenance staff mowing fairways or greens or doing any type of maintenance whatsoever, so one can only assume things will stay the same. If there was any improvement in the course it was that there seemed to be less “cow grass” than before. On a positive note, several players expressed their satisfaction with the caddies who on the whole were very knowledgeable and professional.

Another good rollup of twenty-five for the first game of a new month played in hot windy conditions. All things considered, not bad scoring from our winners with Stuart Tinkler having his first win of the year after a decent score of thirty-seven points.

Our only lady member, Kob Glover, who hasn’t played much lately took second with a very good thirty-six points, one ahead of Neil Jones in third. Dave Ashman shaded the other Glover

Winning team from left to right, Robby Watts, Craig Dow, Geoff Parker, & Jimmy Carr.

member Niall in fourth and fifth respectively, with Ken Elmore bringing up the rear. All the near pins were taken with one each to Lance ConwayJones, Tony Berry, Keith Hemmings & Neil Jones.

Wednesday, February 5th Greenwood A& B Annual Memorial Competition 1st Tinkler 43 points 2nd Aaron Peglam 42 points 3rd Roger Tuohy 42 points 4th Tony Robbins 40 points 5th Gary Smith 40 points 6th Paul Smith 40 points 7th Tony Berry 40 points 8th Craig Dow 39 points Winning Team Jimmy Carr, Craig Dow, Geoff Parker, & Robby Watts 130 points.

Near pins Jason Periera, Martin Cook, Jimmy Carr, & Kob Glover.

The Annual Memorial Competition was held at the Greenwood course on the A & B nines. This competition is held to honour the memory of friends and fellow golfers who have departed this life.

There are far too many to list but a few notables include John Preddy, Reg Smart, Dave Gow, Jack Robertson, Jan-Yves Morel, & Ken Young.

No doubt they are looking down on us and wondering which is the better place.

A total of sixty-eight golfers p articipated and the game was played in both individual Stableford and team format. We were allocated a two tee start to speed up play which worked well, and most were finished in about four hours. As always Greenwood was in fine shape and most expressed delight at the quality of the course. Even as we played maintenance was being carried out, one bit we could have done without was a leaf blower on the opening holes which made a hell of a racket.

Following major openheart surgery last year, Stuart Tinkler found a new lease on life in more ways than one with a superb score of fortythree points to take first place albeit off a generous handicap by his regular

standard. This followed hot on the heels of a thirty-seven on Monday. Second place went to Aaron Peglam on forty-two beating Roger Tuohy into third on countback. A countback also for fourth & fifth with Tony Robbins edging out Gary Smith, hard luck for both as they should have been in the reckoning for the team prize with a better contribution from the rest of their team.

Paul Smith had a par round of forty also in sixth place edging out Tony Berry into seventh with Craig Dows bringing up the rear with thirty-nine. Near pins went to Kob Glover (again) Jimmy Carr, Martin Cooke & Jason Periera.

The South African, Aussie and English combo of Jimmy Carr, Robby Watts, Craig Dow, and Geoff Parker won the team event with a score of one hundred and thirty points.

A great night at Woody’s Bar for the after-golf dinner and presentation of prizes.

The catering provided by Colin’s Bar, farang and Thai

Memorial winner Stuart Tinkler.

food was delicious. The next big event is next week’s trip to Soi Dao followed at the end of the month by Daryl Vernon’s Ironman competition of golf, killer pool, and dominoes.

Friday, February 7th Crystal Bay C & A Medal 1st Jimmy Carr (17) Net 70 2nd Roger Tuohy (13) Net 71 3rd Mike Lloyd (18) Net 71 4th Ken Elmore (19) Net 73 5th Keith Norman (14) Net 74 Near pins, Tony Berry, Mike Lloyd, & Niall Glover X 2.

Following the excitement of a major competition on Wednesday, it was back to the more mundane form of the game today with a medal round at Crystal Bay. For some reason, it was not announced prior to playing that it was medal format, so several players played Stableford which led to controversy later at a prize-giving time, no doubt there will be repercussions down the track. The club rules need to apply fairly and equally all

the time as discretionary exceptions only lead to resentment by those who feel aggrieved.

The Crystal Bay course had deteriorated markedly since our last visit and should fall off our roster until we get significant rainfall and things improve. Many of our group expressed the view that they do not wish to play this course again.

Bone dry best describes the course with several bare areas and large tracts of brown withered grass. The greens were a nightmare with significant variations in speed, overall very slow as they were overwatered and not mowed for some time, obviously to retain moisture in the soil but not good for putting. This combination not only made putting difficult but also chipping as it was nigh impossible to gauge how much runout there might be, with some pitch shots stopping dead whilst others ran out to varying degrees.

Nominally the winner on the day was Jimmy Carr with a net seventy, one ahead of Roger Tuohy in second a stroke back. In his last game of this visit, Mike Lloyd took third also with seventy-one.

Ken Elmore had a net seventy-three to take fourth with Keith Norman bringing up the rear. The unfortunate one in all this was Craig Dow who had the best score of the day but suffered a dubious and harsh disqualification in the eyes of many.

Near pins went to Tony Berry, Mike Lloyd and two to Niall Glover. Where was Kob?

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 27

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Steve Younger knocks over in form golfer Dave (Is There Any) Maw by 4 points, stops 5 in a row

Rob is back PSC Cafe Kronborg Golf Thursday, 13th February 2020 Pattavia - Stableford Café Kronborg golfers Thursday returned to one of our favourite courses, albeit a graveyard for putters - if the second green does not get you then the third certainly will and the fourth is no piece of cake.

Rob Brown returned from his sojourn in Malaysia and picked up his winning ways by scoring 37 points. Jan Lovgreen - who many in the B Flight would like to introduce to sojourns to halt his winning ways - won the B Flight by seven shots - which is probably the amount of shots other members of the B Flight would like to give him to propel him into the A Flight. Who knows, his new handicap may just be enough to get him over the line.

A Flight (0-23) 1st Rob Brown (7) 37 points

PSC Growling Swan Golf played out of “Bogey’s Bar & Grill” Monday, 10th of Feb. Mt Shadow G.C. Stableford

Jan Lovgreen on the left with Rob Brown.

2nd Ronnie Ratte (23) 36 points 3rd Kjeld Jorgensen (19) 34 points B Flight (24+) 1st Jan Lovgreen (25) 42 points 2nd Peter Hammond (32) 35 points

3rd Kurt Sandgaard (33) 35 points Nearest the pins: 4th Carole Kubicki, 7th Peter Hammond, 13th Ronnie Ratte, & 17th Lotte Boskov.

Longest first putt: 9th Ronnie Ratte & 18th Kaj Aabling.

Monday with 13 golfers we were heading off to Mountain Shadow, another course that used to figure regularly on our calendar. It’s unfortunate that this course, along with sister course Crystal Bay, are like most courses in this region, screaming for water. A shame as this is also a good course for us to play.

The course as it played was dry but it appears not to be in too bad a condition.

I can honestly say it was not that bad, and I have played on dryer tracks.

Dams and creeks were at an all-time low yet again, and if there is no rains soon, they will be in trouble.

Don’t forget Songkran is in April and that gets priority over everything in the water department.

The weather was good for us but we are gearing up for what appears to be a long hot summer. It is getting

(L to R) Craig Duncan, winner Steve Younger, and Dave Maw.

warmer and we are going to cop it this year.

We were playing one flight only and we were to play all the novelties while attacking this course from the blue tees.

A turn up for the books, Steve Younger stopped the run of Dave Maw, returning with a good score of 38 pts, back in the winner’s circle for Steve.

Second home and 4 points off the winner was Dave Maw.

Rounding out the day’s winners was Craig Duncan!

Winners from Mountain Shadow GC 1st Steve Younger (15) 38 pts.

2nd Dave Maw (17) 34 pts.

3rd Craig Duncan (11) 29 pts.

Near pins: #5 Dave Maw, #8 Still waiting, #15 & #17 Steve Younger, Long first putt: #9 Craig Duncan & #18 Dave Maw.

21 Feb. - 5 Mar. 2020

DATE: Apple’s Irish

FRI 21

SAT 22

SUN 23

TUE 25

Greenwood

Bunker Boys

WED 26

THU 27

Eastern Star Bangpra

Treasure Hill

Cafe Kronborg Colin’s Golf

MON 24

King Naga

Pleas. Valley Pattavia

Green Valley Crystal Bay

Growling Swan

SAT 29

Mt. Shadow

Pattaya CC Greenwood

FRI 28

Bangpakong

Parichat

Eastern Star Greenwood

Harry’s Golf I Rovers

Pattaya CC

Lekatai

Pleas. Valley

Greenwood

The Links

Khao Kheow

R. Lekeside

P.Valley/Crystal Bay/Plutaluang

Khao Kheow/ Bangpakong

Retox Game On Bar

Green Valley

Siam Country Resort

Sugar Shack

Crystal Bay

Pattavia

Mt. Shadow Pleas. Valley

Eastern Star Greenwood/ Treasure Hill

Pattavia/ Crystal Bay

Treasure Hill Mt. Shadow/ Plutaluang

Pleasant Valley/ Royal Lakeside

Pleas. Valley Khao Kheow

Greenwood

Treasure Hill

Pattava CC

Stay Sharp The Golf Club

Parichat

Tropical Golf

Pattavia

Valley View Hackers

Siam Waterside

Green Valley Bangpakong Royal Lakeside

Eastern Star

Burapha Greenwood

Greenwood

SUN 1

MON 2

TUE 3

WED 4

28 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Jan Andersson wins PSC Club Championship

Gross Runner Up – Jack Grindvold.

From page 32 Jack Grindvold, playing off 5, was definitely the pre-tournament favourite, having won the previous two years; however, there were a couple of other low markers who had other ideas. In the end,

Jack said he messed up one hole in particular which cost him his hat-trick, losing by one shot to Jan Andersson on 154. Peter Nixon took the Day 1 stroke win with 76 and Dave Stockman, who admitted he wasn’t all that keen to play from the longer blues

Stableford Plate Winner – Reijo Heiskanen.

on Day 2, surprised himself with a very fine 75.

Reijo Heiskanen had an amazing overall Stableford score of 89 to take the trophy with Pierre Zbinden, the runner-up on a very respectable 84. Overall stroke (net) went to Richard Kubicki on 143 with Dave Smith taking 2nd on 144, on c/b from Tommy Wickman.

The newly appointed general manager at the Amari in Pattaya offered the PSC a great deal to host the presentation and they definitely did not disappoint, providing us with a first class service and a fine spread of food, including a lovely choice of tempting desserts.

After everyone had enjoyed refreshments it was

Stableford Plate Runner-Up – Pierre Zbinden.

time for the presentation and announcement of the results.

Nigel called order and welcomed all the introduced PSC President Peter Malhotra who expressed his appreciation for the support shown by PSC members to the benefit of many local charities.

Jack then took over to announce the results, keeping

the staff on the run, distributing the many prizes to be awarded, as quickly as possible.

NOTE: The next PSC tournament will be a 2 person scramble at Parichat on Tuesday 18th Feb for a 9.30am shotgun start. Full details coming soon, sign up please at the PSC Office as usual.

Overall Net Stroke Winner – Richard Kubicki.

Overall Net Stroke Runner-Up -Dave Smith.

It was party time after a strenuous day at the Burapha Golf Course.

PCC lose to RST Cobras by 22 runs in Round 3 PCC Match Report – Indoor cricket league – Season 2, Round 3 PCC v Rugby School Thailand (RST) Cobras, played at RST, Banglamung on 03 Feb 2020.

Dhruv didn’t turn up for PCC, so Dave Samways, the Square Leg umpire and PCC member, stood in as the 6th man.

This match showed the importance of preserving wickets, an error made by PCC on previous occasions, and keeping extras to a minimum.

Cobras gave away 31, mainly wides, and PCC leached 22, mainly by Bernie Lamprecht.

RST cobras won the toss and put PCC into bat. Luke Stokes’ knee is improving but he still needs a runner (Bernie Lamprecht). He opened with Matt Harkness who made an immediate impact by being bowled first ball from Chris Lindop – a jaffa of a fully pitched-up inswinger.

Things settled down a bit with both openers scoring

well until Matt, on 15, was bowled again. This time by Steve Dunn. A reasonable start of 24 for 2, but the loss of wickets would be a consistent theme.

Jainish and Venkat took the next 3 overs. Runs were hard to come by and Venkat, getting bored at being bowled wides from Marcus Large, took a swipe at a wide ball that should have been left alone. Chris Lindop took an easy catch at cover. John Holland kept things tight with 3 dot balls and only 6 from his over. Chris L gave away 8 leg byes off the 10 runs from his over and 22 more runs had been added to PCC’s score – a satisfactory 46 for 3 after 6 overs.

Things went all Pete Tong, horribly wrong for PCC in Bernie and Dave’s final 3

Steve Dunn (RST Cobras) faces a ball from Jainish of PCC.

overs. Bernie was run out and then Dave was run out as he casually sauntered up the wicket. He failed to appreciate that Steve Dunn has a wicked arm.

The ball sped back to Marcus at the bowler’s end, bounced off his leg and brought down

the bails. Things got worse.

2 balls later, Bernie was caught by Steve Dunn off the side wall and Marcus had his 2nd wicket of the over. The comedy show continued as Dave was bowled on the penultimate ball by Chris Lindop’s trademark full

in-swinger. 26 runs had been added but 20 lost in penalties. PCC finished on 87 for 7 reduced to 52.

The Cobras opened their batting with Steve Dunn and Will Stoker. Jainish opened the bowling and had Will caught behind by Luke Stokes (the wibbly wobbly wicket keeper) second ball. Steve Dunn then took Venkat to task with 20 off his over until Matt Harkness steadied the onslaught with 3 dots.

Steve Dunn had 25 and RST Cobras were 29 for 1 wicket.

Nothing in it.

Chris L and Andreas Rodriguez took the middle 3 overs. Bernie bowled Chris, who has been out of sorts with the bat recently, first ball with one that sneaked between bat and pad. Venkat had Chris caught behind by

Luke Stokes, but the pair had added 22 despite the loss of 2 wickets. 51 for 3 and still nothing in it.

Marcus Large and John Holland were the final pair.

Marcus was sporting a fetching little top-knot (just like my grand-niece, aged 3) and some fluffy stuff on his chin (just like by grand-nephew, aged 14). The new look didn’t help his batting because he was LBW first ball to Matt Harkness. There were 6 dot balls in the last 3 overs but it wasn’t enough to prevent Marcus and John adding 23 runs and securing a win.

Cobras 94 for 4 reduced to 74 and a win by 22 runs.

Best batsman was Steve Dunn with 25 and best bowler was Marcus Large with 2 overs 15 for 2. MotM was Steve Dunn

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Associations & Clubs The next meetings of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be held on Sunday, February 23 & Mar 1, 2020. The PCEC program varies, but usually involves a guest speaker on a topic of interest to Expats. The program starts at 10:30 am with a buffet breakfast available from 9:00 to 11:00 am on the 4th floor of the Holiday Inn’s Executive Tower located behind the Holiday Inn’s Bay Tower on Beach Road.

BCCT Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Business Networking BCCT, in cooperation with AMCHAM, AustCham, BeLuThai, CanCham, GTCC, NTCC, STCC & SATCC, cordially invites you to BCCT Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Business Networking Evening on Friday 21st February 6.30 - 9.00 pm. Gravity Lounge, 24th Floor, Siam@Siam on Pattaya Sai 2 Road. Cost: THB 500 for BCCT/participating chambers members and THB 1,000 for non-members. Price includes food and a free flow of soft drinks, beer and wine. Booking: email banthita@bccthai.com The Eastern Seaboard Businessmen’s Dinner is a monthly event taking place on the last Thursday of the month. It brings together business leaders from various backgrounds including Automotive, Aerospace, Real Estate, Architecture, FMCG, Electronics, White Goods, Logistics, Recruitment, Legal, Consulting, and others in a relaxed atmosphere. If you are interested in attending please contact Anuttra.Sukruen@tinfish.co.th Rotary Club of Pattaya (Thai-English) meets at the

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Royal Cliff Grand Hotel on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Meetings begin at 19.00 hrs. President Stephen Devereux Email: stevecarlow@gmail.com Rotary Club Phönix Pattaya (German) meets every Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Pattaya at 19.00 hrs.

President Dieter Barth Email: dieter.barth@rotary-phoenix-pattaya.org Rotary Club of JomtienPattaya (English) meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Pattaya City.

Fellowship begins at 18.30 hrs and Dinner meeting at 19.00 hrs. President Joachim Klemm Email: jo.klemm53@gmail.com Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard (English) meets at the Siam Bayshore Hotel, 17.30 hrs for 18.00 hrs on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, followed by dinner (Fellowship) President Dieter Reigber Email: dieter.reigber@t-online.de Le Rotary Pattaya Marina, seul Rotary Francophone d’Asie, vous accueille les premier et troisième vendredis de chaque mois, début des réunions 19h, à l’hôtel Pullman G Pattaya Wongamat 445/3 Moo 5 – Soi 16 – Pattaya Naklua Road. Venez agir avec le Rotary pour changer des vies. Michel Roche Président Email: mmproche@gmail.com

Community Services Alcoholics Anonymous: The Pattaya Group meets Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are closed (alcoholics only) and are held at Soi Skaw Beach (off Pattaya 2nd Rd). Contact Carl 08-456-31-

671. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning. All meetings are ‘open’: contact 080 563 0232. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: Contact, Andrew 086 107 6631. The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515.

9.00 a.m. meetings every day at Satree Pattana Centre on Soi Skaw Beach off Second Road. Call 080 563 0232.

Narcotics Anonymous Hotline: 082 811 2686. 3 English speaking meetings in Pattaya near Central Festival and 2 in Jomtien each week.

Also, regular Thai speaking meetings at 12 noon every Sunday, and Persian Farsi speaking meetings at 5.30 pm on Thursdays. Please call the Hotline for details.

North Star Library on Sukhumvit Road, north Pattaya holds regular Thai language classes Mon - Fri from 10.30 a.m. till 12 p.m. and

1 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. Cost of admission is 100 baht per session for library members and 200 baht for non-members. Private lessons are also available for 200 baht per hour. In addition, the library also holds Yoga training every Tuesday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Father Ray Foundation. Cost is 1200 baht for 6 sessions (first session free).

For more information, call 081 575 4854 or email wan_nujan@yahoo.com Overeaters Anonymous The ‘Up to You’ group meets Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the housing area just behind Pan Restaurant in Jomtien on Thappraya Road.

Call Steve at 038-364-207(h) or 089-250-1359 (cell) for directions or more information.

Post 12146 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (Ban Chang – U-Tapao, Thailand) meets the second Saturday of each month at 13:00 at Sinthavee Park Condo, 2/ 1 Moo 5, in Ban Chang. If you are interested, please Continued on page 27

Thai Martial Arts Festival coming March 8-16

Tourism advisor Rattanachai Sutidechanai and Chinawut Sirisamphan, President of the Khru Muay Thai Association announce the fifth-annual International & Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival will take place March 8-16.

PCPR Pattaya will celebrate Thailand’s rich boxing history at the International & Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival March 8-16 in Pattaya.

Tourism advisor Rattanachai Sutidechanai and Chinawut Sirisamphan, President of the Khru Muay Thai Association announced the fifth-annual event Jan. 28 at

the Mytt Beach Hotel.

The festival will include 200 booths spread along Pattaya Beach offering everything from boxing lessons and memorabilia to food and drink.

The week-long competition will include Muay Thai boxing, Thai sward-fighting, Muay Thai-style aerobics, boxing training, traditional boxer dances and physical fitness tests.

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Sun Sabella takes your breath away

By Gloria Jones Photos by Carey Peck From Thappraya Road at the junction with Pratamnak, if you turn left into the road that leads to the much-loved Sugar Hut, immediately on the right you will find Sun Sabella. Alternatively, if you are on foot you can stroll in through the impressive palatial doors and enter straight into the heart of this marvellous resort.

Set amongst lush green trees, this collection of beautiful buildings encompasses

teak pavilions, restaurants, the Nin & Co patisserie, a purpose-built jazz pit, cocktail bar, stunning water feature (very worth seeing by night) and some charming traditional Thai memorabilia.

Sun Sabella has been named in honour of the owner’s parents who were Dr Samak and Dr Isabella McKinnon Robertson. They met whilst both were studying medicine at Edinburgh University and you can see the cherished memory of both in the signs at the traditional teak pavilions.

You can enjoy authentic Thai food in the splendour of these beautiful pavilions.

In fact, these same pavilions were dismantled from their former location at PIC Kitchen in Pattaya Soi 5 and then amazingly reassembled at their new home within the grounds of the Sugar Hut resort. Once Dr Sunya Viravaidhya had decided on this move, his sister Marisa suggested they coin a new name for the complex in memory of their parents.

Dr Samak and Dr Isabella (affectionately known to all as Ella) were therefore joined in the name ‘Sabella’ with “Sun” added for Dr. Sunya giving the new name ‘Sun Sabella’.

As well as the mouth-watering Thai dishes available at Sun Sabella Classical Thai Restaurant, there is food and drink available for any budget. This can be enjoyed whilst sitting at the available seating outside on more ‘Western Style’ dining tables and chairs or in this charming traditional Thai pavilion.

Keeping the family tradition going Dr Sunya’s beautiful daughter Yanin affectionately known as Nin, brings her passion for food from Bangkok to Pattaya extending to the wonderful

Nin & Co Patisserie comes to Pattaya.

Sun Sabella, a breath-taking journey through Thai culture.

cakes she creates. If you have a very special occasion and want something custom made, her creations really are works of art.

In the words of the immortal bard with all this mouthwatering food to select from, there must also me music and the Jazz Pit has that aplenty with not only Thomas the resident guitarist, but a whole host of resident guest performers of world class standing, who drop in to entertain with their live music.

It’s worth keeping up to date with who’s playing and what’s on offer by liking the Sun Sabella Facebook page @SunSabellaClassicalThai Restaurant Sun Sabella really is an oasis of calm on Thappraya Road where you can enjoy delicious food, great music and traditional Thai culture.

“If music be the food of love, play on”.

Sun Sabella will open its majestic palatial doors to welcome one and all on 23 February 2020.

To celebrate the opening, a 2-day Jazz Special Party will be held at the Jazz Pit on 23-24 February from 6.30pm onwards.

For Reservations tel. 038 251 686 & 038 251 687 or send a message to: Facebook page @SunSabellaClassical ThaiRestaurant.

Sun Sabella Classical Thai Restaurant, 391/18 Moo 10 Thappraya Rd., Pattaya City 20150.

VOL. XXVIII No. 4

From page 25 contact Membership Chairman Dan Morgan at <banchang vfw12146membership@gmail .com> or visit website: www. banchangvfwpost12146.org.

Royal British Legion Thailand meets on the last weekend of every month at various locations around the city.

Please join and like the Face Book page and you will see the all the social events listed. You do not have to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member and can join in the many social events arranged throughout the year. The Legion’s primary aim is the care and welfare of those who have served and/or their dependents. For general enquiries send an email to - chonburi. secretary@rbl.community.

Samaritans of Thailand English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community. Englishspeaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone. All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. (02) 713-6791.

Charity Concert Pattaya Soul Club presents Souled Out. The very best of Northern-Motown-Soul.

Friday 28 February 2020 at Hemingway’s Jomtien.

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8-10pm free flow of wine & San Miguel. Doors open at 8pm. 500 baht entry fee. All proceeds will be donated to Spectrum Child Autism Care.

Dining & Entertainment Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Hilton Pattaya features ‘Canadian Lobster’ as this season’s Chef’s Recommendation. Experience sweet and tender lobster meat from choices of grill, baked or with pasta from today to March 31, 2020. Selections of special creations include ‘Giant Lobster Thermidor’ served with mixed salad and crouton bread at THB 4,150 nett, ‘Grilled Giant Lobster’ served with truffle cheesy fries and 3 kinds of sauce including seafood, lemon butter and BBQ at THB 3,950 nett, ‘Lobster Mac & Cheese’ Conchiglie pasta with 4 kinds of cheese served with mixed salad and honey dressing at THB 1,950 nett and ‘Lobster Aglio e Olio’ black spaghetti with lobster, chili, garlic, basil and sun-dried tomatoes served with crouton bread at THB 1,950 nett. Located on level 34 of Hilton Pattaya and opens every day from 6pm to 11.30pm for dinner. For more information or reservations, please call 038 253000 or LINE ID @hiltonpattaya or bkkhp.pattaya.horizon @hilton.com

Pork with Herb Grilled Vegetables This recipe I have snipped from a South American chef I met. I have simplified the vegetable cooking, reducing it to a simple sauté in the herb mixture (forgive me, Arturo!).

Ingredients Serves 2 Pork steaks 1 cm thick 2 x 125 gms Balsamic vinegar 2 tbspns Garlic (minced) 1 clove Basil, fresh chopped 1 tbspn Mint, fresh chopped 1 tbspn Olive oil 3 tspns Sugar ¼ tspn Cayenne pepper 1 pinch Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste Seasonal Vegetables 60 gms (capsicum, baby corn, broccoli etc.)

Cooking Method In a small bowl combine garlic, vinegar, basil, mint, 2 tspns oil, sugar and the cayenne pepper. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Heat a dry cast iron skillet (frying pan) over mediumhigh heat until very hot. Rub the pork on both sides with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Now grill the pork on both sides (about two minutes per side for medium rare, three minutes per side to cook through).

Remove the pork and add the vegetables and the combined herbs and sauté quickly in the herb oil.

Place the pork on plates, add the vegetables and pour the last of the herb grill oil over the top.

New Delicacies at Pan San Domenico: Italian Antipasto: Parma Ham, Salame, Milano, Hot Salame, Mortadella, Olives, Mozzarella & Bell Peppers. Served with hot, crispy pizza bread. 580 Baht. Highly Recommended. Must Try! Black Spaghetti Seafood Ki Mao: With Prawns, Cherry Tomatoes, Chilly & Squids.

395 Baht. A must for spicy food lovers! Saeb-e-lee! Pan San Domenico, Jomtien Pattaya, 038 251 874, 084-345 1717. Pan Italia Restaurant, Na Jomtien Sattahip, 038 237 880, 065-570 7836. Pan Cafe Bar, Terminal 21, Pattaya, Tel. 086-392 3288 The Oasis Restaurant and Poolside of the Thai Garden Resort offers nightly dining presentations with different themed “all you can eat” buffets at the resort poolside: Monday – Italian buffet; Tuesday – BBQ buffet; Wednesday – Duck buffet; Thursday – German buffet with roasted pig; Friday – Asian Delights buffet; Saturday – international buffet; Sunday – Steak & Skewers buffet. The buffet starts from 6 p.m., runs until 9 p.m. All this for just 499 baht nett per adult. 299 baht for children under 12. (Kids under 4years old eat free). For reservations call 038 370 614 or make your booking at www.thaigarden.com under “buffet reservation”. Thai Garden Resort is located on North Pattaya Road, 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout and 200 meters before Tesco Lotus.

Yupins Restaurant A quick reminder that your favourite Oysters from Normandy are now arriving every Friday fresh the same day. Try them! For reservations, call 038 250394 or visit website: www.yupins.com

Hobbies A Stamp Market is held every Sunday from 10.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m.at Rahnpintang Moe Kata Restaurant, Panji

Place, on Soi Ponphraphanimit 7 (200m from the Bangkok Highway underpass). Here can you exchange stamps from the whole world. Call 089 091 3418 for more information and directions.

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 at Thai Polo Equestrian Club

Rest & Recreation eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya introduces ‘The Ultimate Relaxation’ a combination spa package with Thai and Hawaiian techniques together with choices of special add-ons from today to March 31, 2020. The Ultimate Relaxation package is priced at THB 3,700 nett per person and THB 7,000 nett per couple for 120 minutes.

Located on level 17 of Hilton Pattaya and opens every day from 10am to 10pm. For more information for reservations, please call 038 253 000 or LINE ID @hiltonpattaya or pattaya.eforeaspa@hilton.com

Shopping A Farmers’ Market takes place every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Holiday Inn hotel on Pattaya Beach Road from 10.30 am - 3.30 p.m. Products range from wellness items, jewelry, freshly prepared food, organic vegetables and fruits.

Sports The 24th PSC Charity Classic will be held at Green Valley on Wednesday March 11, 2020. 1st & 10th tee from 8am. A 2-person Stableford Better Ball Event. 2500 Baht* includes g/f, caddie, cart, entry fee. Prizes presentation buffet from 6pm at the Amari Pattaya. *only Green Valley members may walk 1550 baht (excl. cart). To enter or for more details call 038 415 424 Mobile: 095 706 2646. E-mail: info@pattayasports.org www.pattayasports.org The Dutch Bridge Club is based in The Garden Resort, North Pattaya, and is open to players of all nationalities.

B.Grimm is hosting the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 taking place on Saturday 22 February, at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club Pattaya, this marks the eleventh return of the annual tournament.

While the pink theme and allladies ensemble make for a unmissable affair, the Pink Polo holds special significance for its charitable cause. This year, all proceeds from the event will be donated to The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation, aimed towards supporting women in their fight against Breast Cancer, as well as raising awareness of the importance of breast cancer screening. The main highlight of the event are ladies matches between the

participating teams ; Thai Polo, La Familia team, Marengo, and Ethiopian Airlines team.

Pink Polo is also known for providing spectators with a fun and eventful Saturday such as Marching Band performance, Horseback Fashion Show, Yorkshire Terrier Club Thailand dog show.

Donations of THB1,000 gets you a wristband, covering lunch and drinks during the event, along with a Pink Polo limited edition gift.

Seatings are based on first come first serve availability.

We also offer a table reservation at 15,000 baht for 10 pax which includes 1 bottle complimentary wine and a reserved table near the field area.RSVP: thaipolo@lbg.co.th

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VOL. XXVIII No. 4

Jan Andersson wins PSC Club Championship Burapha and one last year at Bangpra. Mike, the Burapha GM, gave us an excellent rate for the two days as well as granting us permission to walk the course, even though one or two caddies found it a bit difficult.

The course was in its usual pristine condition, which was well appreciated by many and together with

excellent golfing weather, all was set for a great day out.

Tim and his team collected the cards at the end of the day and. ably assisted by Treasurer John Player’s computer skills, Tim set about producing the starting times for Wednesday until late in the evening, ready for the girls in the Pattaya Sports Club office to prepare all the cards.

Congratulations to participants on Wednesday, who all arrived on time. For the stroke players, they were pushed back to the blue tees just to give them a little more of a challenge, particularly with their short game as it was not so easy to reach all the par 4s in two.

Continued on page 28

Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 Cancelled Winner, Jan Andersson keeps a firm hold of his trophy. (L to R) Ing (PSC Office Manager), Jan, Peter Malhotra (PSC President), Jack Moseley (PSC Golf Chairman), Tim Knight (PSC Vice President) and Fang (PSC Office Staff).

Monday Jan. 20 – Wed. Jan. 22 Burapha Golf Course A and B The 2020 PSC Club Championship took place on the excellent A and B nines of Burapha Golf Course.

76 signed up to play on the first day, including seven ladies; however three

late withdrawals left 73 starters who were all on time to be registered and welcomed by the usual team of VP Tim, Nigel and Ing, with Golf Chairman Jack managing the start as usual.

On Monday, the first group was away ahead of the 9am tee time, only slipping a bit as the day progressed; on Weds, it all ran a little smoother with

79 players, starting about 6 minutes early and finishing exactly on time.

It was good to be back on this great course, particularly the A & B nines, always a great favourite. Over the last 10 years, Khao Kheow has been the most regular venue for the PSC Club Championships, with only a couple of visits to

LPGA Tour Statement on the 2020 Honda LPGA Thailand and 2020 HSBC Women’s World Championship Due to the continued health concerns and recent advisories in some Asian countries that large-scale events should be cancelled or postponed as a result of the coronavirus, the LPGA and its partners have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Honda LPGA Thailand, which was scheduled to take place February 20-23 in

Pattaya, Thailand, and the 2020 HSBC Women’s World Championship, which was scheduled to take place February 27-March 1 in Singapore.

It is always a difficult decision to cancel events and the LPGA greatly appreciates the understanding and all the efforts made by our title sponsors (Honda and HSBC) as well as IMG to host incredible

events for our players. The health and safety of our players, fans and everyone working on the event is always our highest priority. While we are disappointed that these tournaments will not take place this season, we look forward to returning to Asia soon.

Kelly Schultz, VP, Communications, LPGA

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