Pattaya Today Vol 15 Issue 08 - 1-15 January 2016 by Pattaya Today Online

Volume 15, Issue 08

1 - 15 January 2016

30 BAHT

New visa rules 2016

stay facility. Effective now, such visa runners may be able to obtain only a single-entry tourist visa and even that is likely to be refused if the official believes the applicant is “living” in Thailand on visas not designed for that purpose. “Visitors who want to vacation in Thailand for several months,” said Mr Chang, “are well advised to obtain their six months’ validity tourist visa in their home country in advance of their planned holiday.” He added that foreigners in Thailand with a 15- or 30-day stamp on arrival cannot any more obtain a new stamp by simply crossing a land frontier. Those requiring a further 15 or 30 days – depending on the applicant’s nationality – should return to Thailand by air and not a border crossing. It is, however, not a problem

ver the past few weeks, a number of changes to the visa system for Thailand have been announced. Pattaya Today, with the help of visa specialist Jessataporn “Chang” Sriboo, offers a summary of how farang are likely to be affected throughout the year. The most noticeable development is the new multiple-entry, six months’ validity, 60-day tourist visa which has replaced the old multiple-entry visa for vacationers. This new visa is available only in the applicant’s home country and requires a great deal of paperwork, including proof of income and of residence. Thus it is not available for Thai visa runners who in the past have visited Thai consulates in neighbouring countries to obtain a long-

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for visitors already holding a 60- or 90-day visa, with more than one entry, to renew their visa at a land border. The issuing of nonimmigrant visas in Thai consulates is not affected by the new regulations, but they are not always easy to obtain. Indeed, some smaller consulates actually display notices to the effect that non-immigrant visas are unavailable. At present, many foreigners in Thailand requiring a non-immigrant visa are taking a trip to the Thai embassy in Vientiane, Laos. But voluminous paperwork is required for a non-immigrant “B” visa (a first step in the application for a Thai work permit), a non-immigrant “Ed” visa (for students of the Thai language) or a non-immigrant “O” visa (often associated with

being responsible for Thai spouses or dependants). “These days,” explained Mr Chang, “it really is important to seek informed help before making the journey to a Thai consulate as the ground rules are constantly changing.” Foreigners wanting to live in Thailand on a variety of one-year visas should also be aware of recent regulations. For example, a foreigner applying for a retirement visa, or a renewal, must now provide clear proof of his or her residence through a house book, a chanoot or a rental contract. The old days when a water bill or similar would suffice are gone. “Since the bomb attacks in Bangkok earlier this year,” said Mr Chang, “immigration authorities have Continued on page 6

1 - 15 January 2016

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News

Big raids on nightspots

Led by Banglamung District Chief Chakorn Kanjanawatta, 50 police officers visited Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nightspots to check for legal transgressions. Several clubs were serving alcoholic drinks after the official closing time of 2 am, two of which were found to have customers under 20 years and were reported to the Chonburi governor for closure for several months as a punishment. A convenience store operator was also charged with selling alcohol to teenagers.

In an unconnected raid on Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key entertainment district, Walking Street, 100 police officers and soldiers checked several nightclubs and found that some tourists did not have their passports and were, as a result, sent to the main police station for a chat. The raids, unusual at the festive season for their intensity, were said to be in response to the National Council for Peace and Orderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directive that spot checks be conducted in tourist areas to uphold security for the benefit of all.

The driver of a gas-fuelled Mercedes-Benz car travelling near Sattahip said she smelled something burning but did not realize in time that it was her vehicle on fire. Laksameekarn Siritonyong, a Bangkok hotel executive, said she realized there was a problem when the car burst into flames as she was parking. A fuel leak was said to be the most likely explanation.

A British tourist made a police report after a group of transvestites accosted him on Jomtien beach. Leslie Patrick Murphy, 69, said he was minding his own business when the unwelcome group approached him with a variety of intimate offers. He tried to escape but two ladyboys followed him on a motorbike and one of them hit him with a crash helmet before they fled. Police said they would hunt down the ladyboys remorselessly as their behaviour was a threat to the wholesome tourist trade.

Burning car Ladyboys a shock strike again

Russian pedestrian killed

Russian Oleg Yuzhikov, 37, was killed whilst crossing the road in front of the Ambassador City Jomtien complex on Sukhumvit Road. The Russian driver of the vehicle which struck

him told police that the man just appeared out of nowhere in the darkness with the result that there was no chance of avoiding an accident. Police are appealing for witnesses.

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News

Pattaya mayor is 42 Rachada Chatikavanij, the wife of the Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, welcomed guests to their home on the occasion of her husband’s 42nd birthday. On this occasion

100,000 baht was raised on behalf of the Karunyawet Home for the Disabled and the sum was received by the director of the charity Jitra Temeesrisuk.

Industrial company celebrates 150 years

Thai Houghton Company Limited, leading manufacturer of industrial chemicals and lubricants, announced its new business plan at a conference held at Holiday Inn Pattaya. It will centre

Aerobic Marathon at Pattaya Marriott

on expanding business in the ASEAN Economic Community. Houghton has bases in Bangkok and Amata City in Rayong and is represented in 80 countries round the world.

Local star conquers injury in Dubai Thidapa Suwannapura managed to overcome a hip injury and won the second spot at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. The plucky Pattaya-based LPGA player earned praise from fans and the media. The Ladies European Tour event meant Thidapa ended her 2015 season with a cheque for 45,000 euro, and finished ranked 18th on the LET tour. She was in so much pain after her round that she did her press interviews with everyone sitting on the grass! Due to her heroics on the course, Thidapa has also been offered an honorary membership to the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. The season as a whole had been tough for 23-year-old, however, she still finished ranked 92nd on the LPGA tour and so retained her full LPGA card for another year. She plans to receive treatment for her hip during the winter break here in Pattaya. Thidapa started playing golf at an early stage, practicing

at Plutaluang Navy Course with her father who lives in Pattaya. Although Thidapa is on the road for most of the year and is based in Atlanta, Georgia on the East Coast of the United States, she still calls Pattaya her home. She has recently been seen on the fairways at Phoenix Gold Golf and Countr y Club, and with her honorary membership, she can now get ready for next season. Full yearly membership to Phoenix Gold is 60,000 baht. Should be a fun season as there will now be nine Thai ladies on the LPGA tour. Expect to see Thidapa’s fans at the 2016 Honda LPGA Thailand.

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya hosts conference

Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa executive assistant manager, Terapan Chuaprasert, presided over the Aerobic Marathon Contest, which is held annually and encourages the local population to exercise healthily. Ten aerobic trainers were on hand to give assistance to those on a learning curve and profits will be donated to help children in rural areas.

Deputy director of the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Siharat Lohachitranont, presided over the annual pediatrics conference to update participants in the latest developments on the subject of child illness and care.

Navy holds sports day

The commander of the Navy Academy School, Captain Prasong Sungtong, presided over a sports day for students from Sattahip and Bhuddamonthon schools. The purpose was to illustrate the physical fitness of the young people and to encourage a spirit of healthy competition.

Jet Skis across the gulf

Privy Councillor His Excellency General Surayud Chulanont presided over a ceremony to launch 40 Jet Skis going across the Gulf of Thailand in honour of His Majesty

the King’s 88th birthday. His Majesty actually traversed the same route in 1966 from Hua Hin to Toey-ngam Beach, Sattahip.

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News New tourist attraction opens

At the Love Art Park in Huai Yai, Rattanachai Suttidechanai presided over the opening of a gallery of love and memories. The exhibitions on display allow visitors to see different aspects of

art in paintings and sculpture in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world. The exhibition is open until the end of February and there is more information at www.loveartpark.com.

Cash needed to rebuild school

No smoking campaign spreads

President of the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter, Sanpech Supabowornsthian, presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding for 12 hotels in the area to be completely non-smoking, at any rate in bedrooms and public areas. The general idea is to promote healthy living without the dreaded weed and there will be stickers, posters and handbooks available in designated hotels. It is also possible to hire lecturers who will speak in graphic terms about their chosen subject.

New coffee shop opens

Parts of the Ban Nok School in Huay Yai were pulled down as the building was very old and not conducive to the learning process. Praichit Jetapai, chairwoman of the YWCA, said that one million baht had been raised for a new blueprint although this sum would not be sufficient. A campaign would be started to raise additional funds to ensure that local children can be proud of their new premises.

Daughters safe in burglary Operator Nattapon Kaennakam opened 400 CC Coffee on Third Road between North and Central Pattaya near Mum Aroi Restaurant. The new coffee shop serves real Arabica coffee, imported from Brazil, along with cakes and Thai dishes such as rice vermicelli with crab curry and rice topped with fried egg, crab, and basil. Open daily from 10 am to 10 am. Contact 091 452 6666 for reservations.

Chinese tourist drowns

A house in Ratanakorn Garden Home, Nongprue, was ransacked by unknown intruders whilst the owners were out. They heard about the crime only when their daughter phoned

More gang fighting Padbok Wernchai, 22, was injured after being stabbed in the face and arm during a confrontation with a group of teens in South Pattaya. Initial investigation revealed that two rival gangs had been drinking in the same bar when trouble broke out. The assailants escaped on motorbikes.

to inform them. The couple hurried home and found that the thieves had stolen small items worth about 60,000 baht. The good news was that their two daughters were safe in a locked bedroom.

Zhu Fuhe, a 68-year-old tour-group visitor from China, died while swimming in the sea near the Twin Palm Resort, Central Pattaya. Friends became concerned when Zhu did not return after saying he was going to swim. Rescue staff found him unconscious and rushed him to Memorial Hospital where he later died.

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News Whale Marina Condo opens Sontaya Kunplome presided over the grand opening of the Whale Marina Condo in Na Jomtien, an 8-storey construction of 4 rai by the beach. There are a total of 364 units designed in the shape of a whale with décor tuned to art and modernity. The project also features water sports and activities.

Here are some famous historical predictions to help you plan the year ahead: The future It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future. (Yogi Berra) Railways I see no reason to suppose that these machines will ever force themselves into general use. (Duke of Wellington 1827)

Chinese mayor visits Pattaya

Computers I think there is a world market for perhaps five computers. (Thomas Watson, IBM chairman 1943) Communications We have no need of the telegraph or telephones as there is no shortage of messenger boys. (Vincent Ardoy of the Post Office 1897) President I never thought my son would become president of Bolivia, otherwise I would have taught him to read and write. (Enrique Penaranda’s mother) Death I was once asked where neon goes to die and I replied that the most likely location was Miami Beach. (Lenny Bruce)

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and civic dignitaries welcomed Yang Lu Yu, mayor of the Chinese city of Jinan, to a meeting at Hilton Pattaya. There was a

talk about increasing tourism and investment between the two countries and the visiting mayor showed interest in the initiative known as Thailand Privilege Card Company.

Thailand fetes record 29 millionth visitor for 2015 by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org

The Thai tourism industry hit a new record with the arrival of the 29 millionth visitor, surpassing the projected target of 28.8 million and still counting. Elena Slobodian, from Russia Federation, the 29 millionth tourist, also dubbed ‘Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor’, was greeted at Suvarnabhumi Airport with a warm welcoming ceremony by senior executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Airports of Thailand (AOT), the Immigration Bureau, Thai Airways International and True Corporation. The woman was pleasantly surprised to receive two economyclass return tickets on Thai Airways, valid for one year; a voucher for a fivenight stay at luxury accommodation; a mobile phone with a 4G SIMcard and seven-day Internet usage, and a “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” certificate from TAT. The “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” activity was launched in June 2015 to recognise and reward every millionth visitor to the country. With strong support from the public and private

Afterlife We have no guarantee that the afterlife will be any less exasperating than this one, have we? (Noel Coward) Music It’s a sobering thought to consider that when Mozart was my age he had already been dead for a year. (Tom Lehrer) Heaven The future is like heaven, everyone exalts it but nobody wants to go there now. (James Baldwin) Gardening I told my daughter, who is fond of flowers, that she will find that gardening requires lots of water, mostly in the form of perspiration. (Lou Erickson) Television Thank goodness that electricity has been invented, otherwise we’d have to watch TV in the dark. (The Marx brothers) Gays If there is a heaven for homosexuals, it will be poorly lit and full of people you don’t want to meet twice. (Quentin Crisp)

sectors, the campaign has attracted considerable international attention and enhanced the value of the Thai tourism brand image. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas), Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “This historic achievement is a tribute to all those who work in travel and tourism, all the way from the rank-and-file employees at the grassroots level up to the senior executives. Our visitors and guests visit Thailand because of their confidence in our ability to deliver quality services with impressive total experiences. And it is the hospitality

of the Thai people who make this possible.” She added, “We would like to thank each and every visitor who came to Thailand. This year, travel and tourism has truly proven to be an economic mainstay for the entire kingdom. With the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) set to be launched, there is every reason to believe that Thai travel and tourism will retain its importance as a source of jobs, economic livelihood and income distribution.” According to preliminary figures, the Kingdom welcomed 28.3 million visitors between January 1 and December 16 last year, generating about 1.357 trillion baht in revenue.

Hospitals I have lived a long time and I warn you that a hospital is no place to be sick. (Samuel Goldwyn) Investments Never invest your money in anything that eats or needs repainting. (Billy Rose) Sin How wise are your commandments, Lord, as each of them applies to someone I know. (Sam Levenson) Sex Not many books will be written on sex because it’s a natural phenomenon which requires no research. (Bette Midler)

Opinions expressed in this column are the author’s alone and do not necessarily represent those of Pattaya Today’s management.

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News

New visa rules 2016 Continued from page 1

been instructed to tighten up their policy on residence.” Another retirement visa change is that an applicant needing a non-immigrant visa to start the procedure can no longer receive it in a local immigration office. Only the immigration head office in Bangkok can issue the nonimmigrant visa necessary to update to the one-year status. Other one-year visas include the education visa to study Thai where the rules have also been tightened. Checks may now

Security stepped up again

be made on the student to ensure that he or she is actually attending classes and making progress in the language. Additionally, approval is now being given for a three months’ study, which is extendable, rather than the old one-yearat-a-time facility. As regards the one-year marriage visa, for foreigners with Thai spouses, the application now requires even more paperwork than in the past. There is another route for a long visa which is associated with the Thai elite card which

Pet python bites man

Jessataporn “Chang” Sriboo, managing director of Visa2Britain

the Pattaya-based company Visa2Britain.

Vietnamese fishermen arrested

Officers of the Vietnamese embassy in Thailand visited a group of about 30 of their nationals who were arrested and taken to Sattahip naval base after being discovered illegally fishing in the Koh Kood area of Trat province. Nguyen Tien Cuong, secretary

Police and the army increased their vigilance in tourist areas, including Pattaya, after vague reports that ISIS terrorists might be lurking in some Thai cities. However, it was disclosed that several passport holders from Syria were in fact genuine tourists or had legitimate family or business interests in Thailand. Thus the hue and cry was called off.

has had a chequered history but is still operational. If a foreigner pays up front 2 million baht – and submits the approved paperwork – he or she is guaranteed a five-year visa extendable several times to a maximum of 20 years. In a variant, an applicant can pay 500,000 baht to receive a five-year visa, issued on an annual basis. “Anyone interested in the elite card and its visa advantages should take professional advice to ensure they have all the details,” said Chang, managing director of

of the Vietnamese embassy, said that the illegal activity of his fellow-countrymen had brought problems and a loss of face. He thanked the Thai authorities for treating the prisoners well and said the men would face a stiff lecture on their undesirable activity.

Beach vendors warned again

Soldiers and police visited Pattaya beach, opposite Pratumnak Soi 5, after a video clip surfaced online showing a beach vendor chasing tourists away. It was discovered that several vendors were still not following the rules by limiting

the space they use to 7x7 meters. It was said that the failure was ruining Pattaya’s image. Consequently, a committee was set up to monitor the situation on the beach to ascertain what exactly is going on.

New domestic terminal opens at Don Mueang by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org

A man who kept a python in his house as a companion was hospitalized after the creature bit him on the hand after apparently feeling hungry. Surin Chanin, 59, was assaulted by the three-meter long snake and had to be forcibly confined in its cage by rescuers. Surin said he normally fed one chicken every fortnight to the python. Surin was taken to Banglamung Hospital for treatment.

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has initiated operations at Terminal 2 at the Don Mueang International Airport for domestic flights. The facility can handle 11.5 million passengers a year, and is equipped with 70 check-in counters, 10 of which are for passengers with disabilities. The opening follows the implementation of a three-day trial operation which simulated real check-in conditions, luggage loading, immigration and boarding of passengers. Public transport, including taxis and airport express buses, are available. AOT is in the process of fine-tuning the details of areas such as washrooms, restaurants, and shops. A full opening is planned for next month. AOT has ensured that the new terminal as well as current facilities on operations are renovated, maintained and operated in line with international airport safety and security standards.

Don Mueang International Airport serves domestic and international flights by low-cost carriers, including Thai Smile, Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Orient Thai Airlines, etc. It handles a capacity of 28 million passengers per year; full operation of the second passenger terminal will bring the capacity to 40 million.

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News Dusit Thani Pattaya marks its 28th anniversary Snap Judgment

The last coup?

Dusit Thani Pattaya marked its 28th anniversary with a merit-making ceremony attended by staff and management led by GM Chatchawal Supachayanont (second, right), friends and associates as well as nine monks from the Jittapawan Temple. The day began with paying homage to the spirit houses on the hotel grounds including the statue of Prince Arpakorn, the hotel’s guardian whose monument lies on the resort’s gardens. The anniversary commemoration is done every year and donations of cash and other items from the hotel staff are an integral part of the event.

Welcome to transvestite competitors

Thirty hopefuls for the title of Miss Mimosa Queen Thailand assembled by invitation at The Agate Pattaya Boutique Resort where they were given accommodation by the management. The ladyboys were finalists and said their hope was to improve the image of transgender people throughout Thailand.

Amari Phuket celebrates the season of sharing with Dreams Come True Amari Phuket organises its annual CSR project called “Dreams Come True” and invites people who would like to support and create a little magical experience for local, underprivileged children during the festive season. The project involves selling greeting cards that are hanging on the Christmas tree at Amari Phuket’s lobby. There are 135 cards created by students from Baan Huay Muang Border Police School in Chumphon province. Priced at 250 baht each, the cards are available until January 15, 2016. Once the project is completed, Amari Phuket’s representative will organise a special activity for the students who wrote the cards by conducting games, hosting a special meal and donating clothes, books and toys for the children to enjoy a memorable festive season, making their dreams come true.

Dreams Come True is an initiative of Baht for a Better Life, managed by Amari and The Mosaic Collection. The programme provides educational assistance to underprivileged children

in Thailand and is supported by ONYX Hospitality Group Foundation. For more information, contact 076 340 106-14 ext 84 or email at phuket@amari.com.

More or less everyone assumed the 2006 military coup in Bangkok would be the country’s last. Of course, it was a political and economic failure but there seemed to be consensus that Thailand was maturing in most senses of the word. Indeed the 2006 coup leader, General Sonthi, said in 2013 that there would never be another coup d’etat as some army units would rebel against their commanders. Several Red Shirt leaders went on the public record to say that any attempted putsch would lead to violent resistance and bloody fighting on the streets. The predictions were totally wrong and another coup, without significant opposition, occurred in May 2014. So the question arises whether this putsch will be the final one. In the past 50 years there have been many attempted coups in Thailand, mostly successful but sometimes not, but what they all had in common was an attempt to shuffle the country’s leadership. The result was that, temporarily, the elite changed. Such putsches are sometimes called musical-chairs coups. The 2014 coup was perhaps different. Although the coup leaders initially said there would be a general election in a year or so, the deadline has been pushed forward and now stands at June 2017 or thereabouts whilst attempts are made to reform the country. One obvious way would be to reform the electoral system. Although the details are not yet clear, it seems sure that the current first-past-the-post voting procedures will be upended to make way for a procedure which will benefit small- or medium-sized parties. It’s still wait and see time. The junta government has also begun a much-vaunted anticorruption campaign, partly successful but marred by the recent publicity about the Rajabhakti Park project. The military leaders have also attempted to boost foreign investment in infrastructure programmes, especially railways, and have apparently grown politically closer to China than to the United States. General Prayut, the prime minister, has stated on many occasions that the function of his government is to lay the seeds of economic and political reforms which the next government will hopefully bring to fruition. If all this is successful, then the 2014 putsch will have been uniquely a breakthrough coup rather than one of the traditional musical chairs variety. There is no doubt that the current government would like their coup to be the last one. Critics, needless to say, discount much or all of the rhetoric. They point to the dictator-like powers of the prime minister under section 44 of the temporary constitution, the documented attacks on free speech and civil liberties – political meetings are still banned – and the alleged failure of the military leaders to make progress in either the fight against corruption or the need to improve the country’s economic performance in view of Thailand’s poor growth rates at the present time. As time goes on, critics of the coup seem to be getting bolder, which is inevitable in these days of a vibrant social media via the internet. A fair balance sheet of the current military government would have both pluses and minuses. The coup has certainly brought order to the streets, which was seriously lacking in 2013 and early 2014, and both the Thai general public and local and overseas investors are most relieved about that. Many people would also accept curtailment of civil liberties on a temporary basis if that was the price to be paid for economic revival: section 44 of the constitution allows for a rapid response without lengthy debating periods. But official figures suggest that an economic revival is very slow in coming. As President Marcos in the Philippines discovered in the early 1980s, having the power to introduce laws with the stroke of a pen is not a guarantee of an economic miracle ahead. The country was near bankruptcy when Marcos was deposed in 1985. With the formal inauguration of the ASEAN Economic Community at the beginning of 2016, the 10 countries of the ASEAN region will work increasingly together on economic growth issues and on free trade in particular. Thailand sits geographically and strategically at the heart of ASEAN and should be in a good position to benefit from the cartel-like structure. If the development is a success, and Thailand thrives economically, the conditions for a peaceful democracy will have been made. If not, the 2014 coup d’etat is unlikely to be the final one.

1 - 15 January 2016

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Our Community Global Top Group visits Father Ray Foundation

It’s time to give back to the community! Global Top Group Development team headed by Marketing Manager Alal Nina Neter visited Father

Ray Foundation to give donations to the children of the foundation. In time for the Christmas season, this was a great way to share blessings and put smiles on

their faces. The company hosted funfilled activities for the children including food, entertainment and games with corresponding prizes.

Rotary Club of Bangkapi presents a special Christmas treat

Redemptorist Center Chapel Catholic Mass Schedule by Rene Clausen

b y T h e C h i l d re n o f The Prachanives School Bangkok under the capable hands of teacher Jiraporn Patumtewapibal rang in the Christmas season on “Santa’s Elves – A Special Christmas Treat” at the Rotary Bangkapi luncheon, Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok.

Daily 06:30 (English) Sunday 08:30 (Thai), 10:00 (English)

Sukhumvit Road KM145 Between North & Central Pattaya Roads

038 422 290 Celebrate Mass in the chapel built by Fr. Ray Brennan

Experiencing the perfect luncheon with memorable Christmas carols performed by The Children of The Prachanives School Bangkok with a special surprise solo by Grand Opera Member Rotarian Stefan Sanchez and pleasing ears and heart, showing once again that the holiday season is all

about many positive things like fellowship, families, appreciation and love. The event has also been graced by a special delegation from the Rotary Club of Samphanthawong led by President-Elect Supaporn Arsa as well as many visiting Rotarians and guests from near and afar.

And again this year’s special Christmas event gathering of members, friends and families at the Rotary Club of Bangkapi ended on a big bash with giving and receiving of gifts, the making and/or breaking of New Year’s resolutions by ending another calendar year while heralding many traditions.

Remembering Miss Caulfield by Derek Franklin

Caulfield Day is not a public holiday, nor will most people know when it takes place or whose life it celebrates. But each year on the 12th of December, blind and visually impaired students around the country remember the life of an American lady who arrived in the Kingdom in 1936 and founded the first educational facility for blind children. Genevieve Caulfield was born in 1888 in the state of Virginia. She lost her sight at the age of 2 months due to a horrific accident when acid spilled into her eyes. She recovered, but was left with the ability to only see light in her right eye. She started her education the Perkins School for the B l i n d i n B o s t o n b e f o re enrolling at a similar school in Philadelphia where she studied Braille. After graduation she worked as an English teacher in New York before moving to Japan in 1923 where she

learned Japanese and again became an English teacher. While in Japan she met several Thai professionals and when she asked them about education for blind people in Thailand their reply was that there were no blind people in the Kingdom; she knew there and then that blind people were marginalized in society. In 1936 Miss Caulfield made her first visit to Thailand and three years later she opened the Bangkok School for the Blind. One student who attended the Bangkok school, and was taught personally by Miss Caulfield, was a young girl by the name of Aurora Sribuapan. Aurora was blind since birth, but following her graduation from school she traveled to the United States to study at Boston University. Several years later she met Father Ray Brennan and in the 1980s together they set up the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind. Since its opening, more than 500 blind and visually

i m p a i re d s t u d e n t s h a ve received an education at the Pattaya school. The school is now under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and recent visitors have included Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden; the King also supported the construction of a vocational training center which today sits opposite the original school on Naklua Soi 16. Without the influence of Miss Genevieve Caulfield thousands of blind and visually impaired children would not have the opportunities they have today, and for this reason

they pay their respects each year on the anniversary of her death, the 12th of December 1972. Khun Aurora is still at the school, even though she passed her 80th birthday a few years ago, and she led the current students laying garlands and red roses at a small statue of Miss Caulfield that sits in the grounds of the school. None of the students at the school today were alive when Miss Caulfield died, but they all know of her, they know what she did and they also know that without her dedication they would not have the opportunities they have today.

Pattaya Today's lifestyle, travel and culture guide

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

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Should auld acquaintance be forgot...

The holidays and your health

Memorable Drives & Rides 2015

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Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya by Mick and Di Barker

If you haven’t already visited Centara Grand Mirage – be prepared to be impressed! This extraordinary hotel is Pattaya’s first unique, themed hotel and it is a remarkable feat of architectural engineering and innovative design concepts. The hotel is created as two soaring 18-storey towers connected by sky bridges and set on the fine sands of Wong

Amat Beach. The exterior boasts its own jungle, water park, monsoon island, river, waterfalls, water sports, boating, fishing and kayaking, while the interior décor is a dwarfing experience of towering wooden columns, rockclad walls and colossal contemporary works of art. The design is truly titanic in its conception and yes, you will be blown away!

Soaring into the sky, all 555 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites offer a unique “Lost World” themed décor, each with extensive private balcony or terrace overlooking the breathtaking resort gardens and sea. The accommodation is luxuriously appointed with extra deep bathtubs or heavenly rain showers.

The Club Mirage Suites are luxurious rooms offering exclusive facilities and services for discerning travellers, including a private club lounge with indoor and outdoor seating and a choice of five complimentary daily meal presentations. In addition, complimentary use

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events

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

Oxford Junior School’s Christmas party Oxford Junior School Pattaya celebrated the season at its annual Christmas party at Cholchan Pattaya Resort. Director Kamonporn SaeTae (Teacher Benz) welcomed and thanked parents, alumni and guests. Sophon Cable TV CEO Chanyut Hengtrakul, guest of honor, delivered an opening address and stressed the importance of learning English at an early age, which is the official language of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The evening showcased the talents of students, all of whom prepared performances for the special occasion.

Hotel Promotions Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya delivers opening offer

Fabulous Sunday Brunch Package at Amari Pattaya

Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya has an exclusive opening offer where guests will enjoy the finest Swiss hospitality and stunning direct beachfront surrounds at a very special rate. Guests will enjoy the wonderfully appointed Deluxe Seaview Room and spectacular Na Jomtien Beach vistas for only 4,999 baht ++ per room per night. The offer is available until March 31, 2016. Launched on December 15, 2015, Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya's inspirational location is excitedly supplemented by gourmet cuisine and a pulsating destination experience that includes yachting and island exploration.

Amari Pattaya offers a fabulous Sunday brunch package for a special weekend to all its guests, now available on Amari.com for both Amari Garden Pattaya and Amari Ocean Pattaya. This package includes an exclusive offer for a fabulous Sunday brunch at Mantra Restaurant and Bar, with a selection of foods from around the world such as oysters, Alaskan king crabs, cold cuts, prime roasts, a chocolate fountain and more. Sunday brunch is from 11 am to 3 pm. Package also includes a 10 percent discount for an extra night, daily buffet breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi for the entire stay, 30 percent discount at Breeze Spa, 15 percent discount on salon services and products, 20 percent discount on food and beverages excluding room service and the minibar, and guaranteed late checkout until 4 pm. Book now until February 29, 2016. Prices start

For further information, contact 033 078 888 or hotel.pattaya.reservation@movenpick.com.

at 9,820 baht for a minimum stay of two nights and required stay on Friday through Sunday only. For more information, call 038 418 418 or visit www.amari.com/ocean-pattaya and www.amari.com/garden-pattaya.

events

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

Pattaya Marriott hosts staff party Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa hosted a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cowboy vs. I-sarn,â&#x20AC;? a theme party to thank associates for their efforts and motivate them for the year to come. Managing Director Supadit Maneeratjamratsri presided over the opening ceremony, while General Manager Somsak Tanruengsri presented Long Service Awards to veteran employees. In addition to heaps of food and drinks, the event featured a live band, games, talent show, costume contest and lucky draw.

Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

East Coast Kitchen

rendezvous

Open 6.00am - 11.00pm Holiday Inn Pattaya Executive Tower, level 6 Call 038 725 555

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

Hilton Pattaya hosts 5th anniversary ceremony

On the occasion of the hotel’s fifth anniversary, Hilton Pattaya held its annual Buddhist religious ceremony at the Seaboard ballroom. Rudolf Troestler, general manager, and Jean-Philippe De Haes, director of Operations, together with hotel management hosted an offering ceremony to nine monks. All hotel staff were invited to participate in the ceremony to pray for good luck this year, and also to show gratitude for all the good things received in the past year.

Royal Cliff celebrates “Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence 2015” by Mick and Di Barker

The Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH have received the 2015 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator Magazine in New York for the ninth consecutive year. To celebrate the event, the hotel’s deVine Wine Club held a global wine tasting. The award is bestowed on restaurants that offer at least 350 interesting selections of fine wine topped with matching quality restaurant cuisine. Chef Walter Thenisch and his brigade produced a stunning array of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and canapés to pair perfectly with the chosen wines. With the participation of eight awardwinning wineries with over 130 wine bottles offered from Australia, Chile, France, Italy and South Africa, it was a remarkable evening. The five award-winning restaurants are the Royal Grill Room and Wine Cellar, Rossini, Caprice, Chrysanthemum and the Larn Thong.

holidayinn.com

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya cleans Wong Amat Beach

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya staff led by Resident Manager Miguel Maldonado (6th from right) cleaned Wong Amat Beach including the hotel surroundings in public areas as part of the larger sustainability initiatives by Centara Hotels and Resorts. Centara Grand Mirage is active in their efforts to continue to help promote tourism in Pattaya through activities such as beach cleaning, which create a better environment for tourists and locals alike.

InterContinental Bangkok welcomes Michael Learns to Rock

InterContinental Bangkok, led by Simon J. Hall (left), area director of Sales and Marketing (Thailand) – InterContinental Hotels Group, welcomed Michael Learns to Rock. The Danish pop-rock band was in Bangkok for their show in Thailand – Michael Learns to Rock 25th Anniversary Live in Bangkok – held at Royal Paragon Hall.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya >> from L1 of broadband internet access for 30 minutes per day, complimentary laundry (two pieces per day) and concierge services. The new Deluxe Spa Ocean Facing rooms are uniquely designed for a romantic escape. With 42 sqm of lavish comfort including a spacious private balcony complete with a dreamy Jacuzzi from which to enjoy the panoramic sea views. Spa Cenvaree offers an ultimate spa experience. With 24 treatment rooms, an indoor Vichy shower experience, herbal steam room and sauna, hot and cold plunge pool, a yoga and meditation pavilion and nail salon for a life enhancing voyage of pleasure. Centara Grand Mirage boasts a coterie of restaurants, cocktail bars and snack stations. The newest restaurant which has benefited from a total refurbishment is Coast Beach Bar & Grill located beachside and offering handcrafted cocktails prepared by the hotel’s experienced mixologists. Gourmet cuisine from 10 am until midnight with particular emphasis on the catch of the day and hickory flavoured charcoal barbequing makes for a delicious venue in which to relax. More theme night buffets showcase Monday nights at the original Cowboy Night at Flames with grilled seafood and steak buffet, Thursday nights is the BBQ seafood buffet with Hawaiian Polynesian Fire

Dance Show and Saturdays there is a Seafood Bonanza at Oasis with a live cabaret show. Sunday nights it is a special Brazilian buffet at Coast Beach Bar & Grill. Ginger & Lime is the hotel’s signature Asian restaurant and presents nightly an Asian and Thai buffet dinner with live cooking stations. All culinary events commence at 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm and prices start at B.555 for the Asian and Thai buffet. A very special welcome is afforded to Centara – The 1 Card Members with a host of benefits including points for free stays at Centara Hotels and Resorts including free upgrades and more. This is the only themed hotel

COAST Beach Bar & Grill

in Pattaya. With five swimming pools, 12 waterslides of different lengths and features, waterfalls and the lazy river could there be more fun in the sun for the family? After dusk parents, friends and couples can enjoy the myriad of on-trend bars and restaurants for one of Pattaya’s most sophisticated dining experiences.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya 277 Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi Tel: 038 301 234 E-mail: cmbr@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ centaragrand/cmbr

Monsoon Island

SPA Cenvaree

explore

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

A lively day at Jim Thompson Farm and Flora Park Wang Nam Khiao in Nakhon Ratchasima by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org

Looking for somewhere to sneak away from the city life routine? Want to go somewhere with bright sunshine, blue sky, cool winter breeze, fresh air with delightful atmosphere, yet still get a glimpse of Thai culture in a natural environment? Just head towards Nakhon Ratchasima, a few hours by car northeast of Bangkok, and you will be in the land of beautiful nature and a culturally-rich region. Especially during December and January, at the time of the year when the weather is most pleasant and several attractions are at their best with beautiful flowers and lush greenery. And it is only this time of the year that the Jim Thompson Farm in Pak Thong Chai and Flora Park in Wang Nam Khiao will be open for visitors. The practice has turned the open season at the two attractions into highly-anticipated annual events, attracting a large crowd daily throughout the opening period. This time, Jim Thompson Farm opens from December 5, 2015 to January 10, 2016. Under the theme ‘Mang Mun Bun Khao’ (rice merit-making), the farm aims to demonstrate how rice culture is strongly interwoven with the Isan people’s way of life. The age-old ceremony is showcased along with several other subjects of interests across the over 600-rai area of the farm. The Jim Thompson Farm tour will expose visitors to several subjects related to the rice tradition such as a 14-metre-tall castellated rice hall, a multi-coloured rice paddy, a buffalo sculpture as well as several rice products used in meritmaking ceremonies. There is also a comprehensive showcase of Isan traditional architecture such as Thai Yuan house, ‘Sim’ or temple, Tripitaka hall, belfry, and the award-winning Korat-style house. Other highlights also include the picturesque field of pink cosmos, the impressive pumpkin patch and colourful flower fields, the ‘Jim village’ where visitors can see and try a hands-on experience in silk production processes of the renowned Jim Thompson brand, and the ‘Jim market’ where visitors can shop for fruits, vegetables, pot flowers, and fresh produce from the farm. So there are plenty of joyous activities that can delight visitors throughout the day. From the Jim Thompson Farm, Flora Park Wang Nam Khiao

Jim Thompson Farm

it takes about one hour by car to Wang Nam Khiao where you can also visit a splendid floral garden – the Flora Park Wang Nam Khiao. Here, following the tremendous success of the 2011 Wang Nam Khiao Flora Fantasia, the event has become an annual affair to showcase the wide variety of beautiful flowers and flower species breed and grown only in the Wang Nam Khiao area. Opened in November 2015 and running until February 28, 2016, the Flora Park showcases the world of thousands of beautiful flowers artfully designed to present the architectural wonders of the flower garden. Here you will be amazed with the panoramic birds’ eye view of the floral garden designed to look like a labyrinth of thousands of colourful flowers, which is really a feast for eyes. Do not just look, but do walk through the exotic garden which features more than 2,000 English roses and a wide variety of ornamental flowers in full bloom. If you are there with your lover, the romantic atmosphere will sweeten your love even more. Apart from the Flora Park, there are also the educational zones where visitors will get to learn of ‘Fah Prathan’ learning centre for sustainable agricultural development. The area is divided into different zones which visitors

can tour around the farm to visit each zone including a grape ozone, greenery coffee ozone, rubber ozone, veggie ozone, and eggie ozone. After finish the tour, visitors can also shop for organic and agricultural products, fruits, and vegetables fresh from the farm at the Farmers Market. If you have some more time, it is a good idea to stay overnight. Plenty of accommodation is available in the Wang Nam Khiao area or you can combine the trip to these two farms with a trip to Khao Yai, where there are plenty of natural wonders to cherish. Travel Tips Jim Thompson Farm opens daily between 9 am to 5 pm. Farm tour ticket is available at 180 baht for an adult and 135 baht for children on weekdays, and 220 baht and 180 baht, respectively on weekends. There is an exception of December 30 to January 3 when the ticket price will be 280 baht for adults and 220 baht for children. Tickets are available at www.thaiticketmajor. com/travel or any of the Jim Thompson stores in Bangkok. Visit www.jimthompsonfarm.com for further details. Flora Park Wang Nam Khiao opens daily between 8 am to 6 pm. Admission fee is 150 baht per person, 50 baht for children. Free entrance for small kids.

top tables

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

Mick & Di The Food Lovers

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

Should auld acquaintance be forgot… 2015 has been a very busy year for us. New aspiring restaurants have sprung up, sadly others have finally closed their doors, new culinary trends have burst on the scene and others (sometimes gratefully) have sunk without trace. Let’s start with the 2015 new kids on the block, and two that immediately spring to mind are Silver Lining and Somtum Villa. Both innovative in concept and both management-led by aspiring young visionaries. Having succeeded in making The Glass House the beachside restaurant of choice for locals, tourists and visiting Bangkokians, the charming entrepreneurial husband and wife team, Attapol and Sukumarn Itthirattanakomol have given birth to its sibling restaurant, Silver Lining. With a sensational bar serving designer cocktails and the house band providing the great music factor plus Japanese and Italian dishes filling the menu it is one exciting space. The joy of this restaurant is that it can cost as little or as much as you want. Don’t leave without witnessing the dramatic show where the air is filled with an impressive musical piece by Vincent Belorgey (known as Kavinsky) and the glass roof and walls theatrically glide on iron runners – it is indeed a very “moving” moment and one not to be missed. The other new addition to our favourite fun places of 2015 is Somtum Villa. Their ethos encompasses serving fresh organic ingredients and authentic traditional components from the tip to toe of Thailand which even spills over its borders to Myanmar and Cambodia. Set within a garden ambience with an easy, laid-back vibe, the menu zings with surprises. Som tam is a house speciality and to prove it they serve 21 variations on the theme. The deep-fried sea bass is sensational as is the overall pricing kept, in some cases, well below B.150. The newly opened Tea Factory is a must for tea devotees, plus pasta, burgers and much more. For oenophiles the newly opened wine cave will satisfy the discerning imbiber. We thought our “extreme” city of Pattaya offered just about every kind of leisure opportunity but as usual it always surprises us by pulling yet another rabbit out of the hat, this

time it bleats not grunts or purrs. A few kilometers outside Pattaya (opposite the Regents International School Pattaya on Highway 36) sits a pastoral playground named simply Pattaya Sheep Farm. Owned by Chang Siam, it is an idyllic attraction for all the family. Here the sheep roam freely but will come running when a bottle of milk is in the offing. They never seem to tire of being fed the nutritious white liquid and for B.20 it will make for a memorable moment for the kids. Other attractions include donkeys, Shetland ponies, deer, white buffalos, alpacas, a Ferris wheel, a shooting gallery, souvenir shops, an aviary and so much more. A veritable zoo-cum-fair ground-cum-carnival at an admission charge of only B.50 (little ones under 110 cm have free admittance) it’s a definite ‘baaaagain’. Their Barn Steak House specialises in premier cuts of Australian prime beef. Weighing in at 250 grams the tenderloin tops the list at B.630 closely followed by sirloin, rib eye and a hearty serving of T-bone with a weight of 400 grams for the carnivorous trencherman. Although new restaurants breathe new life into the neighbourhood we must not forget the restaurants which have stood the test of time and bring that familiarity which provides the “ah” feeling whenever we visit. Mata Hari is such a hostelry, home to a great pub-style bar and a restaurant where celebratory tables are the norm. Louis Noll and his wife Jackie have continued to fulfill their mission of quality fare with fair pricing and long may it continue. Gian’s, that bastion of Italian cuisine, has been serving consistently delectable food since 2007. The ebullient proprietor, Guido Vietri, has created a snazzy, modern Italian restaurant with a most pleasing ambience and sophisticated designer touches. The décor, though eclectic, works beautifully to produce a stylish, classy restaurant which exudes hospitable vibes and international professionalism. Gian’s combines traditional, healthy Italian cuisine with an agreeable modern approach from pizzas to pasta to gourmet Italian regional cooking. Gian’s food always puts a smile on our faces. Moving down the bay to Na Jomtien sits another Italian restaurant with the name of Bacco Beach. This extraordinary structure on Na Jomtien

Somtum Villa

The Barn Steak House

Somtum Villa's signature som tam with salmon

Silver Lining's sushi plate

Silver Lining

top tables

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com Beach is a phenomenal pleasure dome of gastro happiness. With seating for over 500 people inside and outside, 605 distinguished wine labels housed in their temperaturecontrolled wine cave, two pizza ovens of variable temperatures for specific pizza varieties, a rotary oven, micro brewery conditions where beer is kept at minus 2 degrees, VIP “Chef’s Kitchen” with seating for 18 people plus a pink baby grand piano – it is one extraordinary destination. Sited on a rai of pristine sands with vista day beds reaching down to the shoreline this is a beach destination like no other. Just a short hop from here on Pinnacle Beach is another muchloved destination – Drifters Beach Café. Eclectic retro rock, frosty beers, perfect thin crust pizzas, jugs of margaritas and an ace beach location to dream about makes Drifters Beach Café one of the area's funkiest fun bar-cum-eateries. Nestling on a quiet stretch of Na Jomtien Beach close to the Pinnacle Hotel it would be hard to improve on this laid-back beach bar. No invasive supersized flat screens here – just the wide blue yonder, mountains and ocean and the perfect place to kick back and forget your troubles for an hour or two. It certainly ticks all our boxes: an ambience so laid-back it’s horizontal, a backdrop of tropical paradise Oysters Kirkpatrick at Mata Hari

proportions, craft beers to slake the thirst and beyond borders chow it is hard to beat. Earlier in the year we drove out to the Rayong Marriott Resort and Spa. Its location is on Mae Phim Beach, a sleepy corner of the Eastern Seaboard which has been attracting a great deal of attention lately. With its pristine sands, local attractions and unspoilt landscapes it is no longer the secret hideaway of locals and weekenders from Bangkok. Newly appointed Chef Phatsakorn “Toto” Tatiyaphak is the executive chef with culinary responsibility for over five restaurants and bars at the resort. He possesses an impressive gastro-pedigree, specialising in global cuisine with a passion for Thai-Western-Mediterranean fusion dishes. “Chef Toto brings 24 years of culinary experience to the Marriott team, and will be rejuvenating Thai, Indian and international cuisines for C-Salt and Fish Bar,” said Trevor May, general manager. Chef himself stated that “my goal is to create Thai-style Western food with locally grown produce that captures the essence of fusion cuisine.” It’s a great awayday location and only a pleasant 90-minute drive from Pattaya. So that was just a few of our edible memories over 2015. We hope you have enjoyed reading about our gastro-exploits during

Guido Vietri - proprietor of Gian's

the year and wish you all a happy, healthy New Year. A big hello to a reader we sat next to one Saturday lunchtime who was telling us how much he liked that particular restaurant and was there solely because he had read about it from Mick and Di! Happy New Year, Paul! All the above restaurants have been featured either in our Dining Out or Gourmet Corner columns. Check out the website for details of all our archived reviews under the drop down “Life & Leisure”. Visit www.pattayatoday.net.

Drifters Beach Café

Salad Nicoise at Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa Bacco Beach

Remarks: Romantic dinner on the beach is available upon your request.

top tables

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

F&B Promotions French Bistro Favorite

Happy Children’s Day

Enjoy Twice… for Once

at Vistas Lobby Lounge, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

at Benihana Pattaya

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya highly recommends the “French Bistro Favorite” Madeleine, showcasing these traditional small cakes from Commercy and Liverdun, two communes of the Lorraine region in northeastern France. Taste this delicious collection of traditional French dessert available throughout January 2016. Vistas is located in the main lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, and opens daily from 9 am to 10 pm.

Come and celebrate Children’s Day at Benihana with a menu specially created for kids. With exciting recipes and the funny antics of Benihana’s lively chefs, you’re guaranteed to have a dining experience that’s completely unforgettable. Benihana Pattaya is located on the 2nd floor of Royal Garden Plaza.

at Twilight Bar, Centara Grand Modus Resort Pattaya

For more information or reservations, contact 038 714 981.

Benihana Sushi Deal

For more information and reservations, contact 038 412 120 ext 1395.

Chill Out on Chilean Evening

For more information or reservations, contact 033 007 888 ext 33.

at Infiniti Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort

New Kids Menu

at Benihana Pattaya

at Café G and East Coast Kitchen, Holiday Inn Pattaya

At Benihana, the renowned Japanese Steakhouse, “My Kitchen Is Your Table” is brought to life through dynamic “eatertainment”. Interact with the chefs, famous for their theatrical culinary skills, as they prepare your Benihana Sushi Deal. Stop by and order a Sushi Set Menu for under 100 baht! Benihana Pattaya is located on the 2nd floor of Royal Garden Plaza.

An evening of fine food created by the resort’s master chef and a selection of choice beverages from Chile presented by World Class Wine Co., Ltd. will be held on Thursday, January 14. Guests will enjoy an array of canapés that includes asparagus and mushrooms with mozzarella, lobster and prawn bisque tart, cod fillet, Australian beef with carrot purée, and lamb with curry béchamel. The Chilean Evening is from 6 to 8 pm and is priced at 990 baht ++ per person.

For more information and reservations, contact 038 412 120 ext 1395.

For more information and reservation, contact 038 259 888 or info.pattaya@starwoodhotels.com.

Asian Buffet Dinner

Foie Gras

at Modus Bistro, Centara Grand Modus Resort Pattaya

at Acqua Restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

It’s Asian street market every night at Modus Bistro with a line-up of delectable Asian dishes including noodles, salad, BBQ, soup, curry, stir-fry, desserts and more. Available daily from 6 to 10 pm. Price is 595 baht ++ for adults and 300 baht ++ for children age 7-12 years.

Enjoy the happy hour at Twilight Bar and get yourself a treat with two drinks for the price of one! Available daily throughout January 2016 from 5 to 7 pm and from 9 pm to 1 am. This sophisticated restaurant, located on the 6th floor, offers highlight rooftop dining with wonderful view across Wong Amart Beach. Open daily for dinner from 5 pm to 1 am, the restaurant serves authentic modern bistro fare. Savour succulent tapas, handcrafted cocktails, and wines to pair.

Daily at Modus Bistro 18.00 - 22.00 hrs.

For more information or reservations, contact 033 007 888.

InterContinental Hotels Group partnered with Nutrition Australia to launch a new Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts Kids’ Menu, available not only at Holiday Inn Pattaya but across the Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region. Featuring flavourful and playfully presented dishes to appeal to the small ones’ big imaginations, the new menu was created with nutrition at the heart, so parents can rest assured their kids are being fed well. Some of the new dishes on offer at Holiday Inn Pattaya include lamb skewers, DIY falafels, chicken ramen and custard cups. Guests can make the most of the ‘Kids Eat & Stay Free’ programme at Holiday Inn Pattaya by visiting www.holidayinn-pattaya.com.

Saturday Night Seafood Bonanza at Oasis Restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Throughout the month of January 2016, Chef Alberto Bruni invites you to try foie gras, highlighting its rich, buttery and delicate flavour in three exclusive gastronomic creations. Acqua Italian restaurant is located in the main lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, and opens daily from 6 am to 11 pm.

Seafood lover will enjoy a wide selection and variety of freshly grilled seafood including salmon, king crab, rock lobster, tiger prawn, fresh oyster trolley, and much more every Saturday night from 6:30 to 10:30 pm at only 1,299 baht ++ per person with half price for children from 6-12 years. Live circus show from 7 to 10 pm. Oasis Restaurant is located at the lower main lobby near the water park of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

Call for reservations at 038 714 981.

For more information or reservations, contact 038 714 981.

For food promotions please email press release at lifeandleisure@pattayatoday.net

A GEEK IN THAILAND: DISCOVERING THE LAND OF GOLDEN BUDDHAS, PAD THAI AND KICKBOXING By Jody Houton 9780804844482 This alternative guide to Thailand offers a smart and concise take on Thai culture, entertainment, daily life—covering all the classics—but also revealing the path less traveled. In short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerous, colorful photographs, it paints a revealing picture of Asia’s most popular travel destination.

STEVE JOBS: INSANELY GREAT By Jessie Hartland 9780753557020 Steve Jobs is the subject of a major movie project this autumn, and this graphic telling of his life story presents him as the ultimate American entrepreneur, who brought us Apple Computer, Pixar, Macs, iPods, iPhones and more. It’s a unique and stylish book, sure to appeal to the legions of readers who live and breathe the perfect blend of technology and design that Jobs created. Jobs’ remarkable life reads like a history of the personal technology industry. He started Apple Computer in his parents’ garage and eventually became the tastemaker of a generation, creating products we can’t live without. Through it all, he was an overbearing and demanding perfectionist, both impossible and inspiring.

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

The holidays and your health! by Thonglor Clinic

Holidays are quite often accompanied by excessive eating and drinking for lots of people. These excesses can be quite detrimental and spoil your annual holiday. Liver and kidneys take a beating. During our working days we are constantly exposed to a multitude of toxins at work and sometimes unknowingly at home too. A beach holiday seems like the perfect solution. But quite often we are so happy to be free from the daily grind that excesses are committed. Alcohol has to be detoxified via the liver and then the kidneys have to excrete the by-products. Occasionally too, food excesses or poisoning can also complicate matters. We are always feeling freer on a holiday and more willing to try new foods or tempting delicacies. Always remember to wash fruit or peel them if possible. Consume

hot food as quickly as possible after cooking so chances of food poisoning are reduced. With the symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, this makes regulating our bodies even harder. The first thing to consider is to maintain your hydration. Drink plenty of fluid to replace the losses. Sometimes even just the tropical conditions can tax our hydration balance. If the losses via vomiting or diarrhea are too great, intravenous fluid therapy may be required. This can be remedied within a few hours. Nausea can be controlled with mucosal protectors from the pharmacy or if needed via injections if the vomiting persists. Glutathione is also an important adjuvant to help the liver handle the extra work that is put upon it. This important amino acid comes under different forms, oral or via injections.

More forms of chronic environmental toxicity can be helped with chelation treatments. This form of treatment, very popular with Europeans, is done via intravenous drip that combines vitamins and drugs specifically designed to mop up toxins from your system. All you need is a few hours of rest while the fluid infusion works its way through your system. You can plan some relaxation time in a clinic for this. Rest by the beach is an important point of your holiday but sometimes it is not enough and these other therapies are there to refresh you and make you take a better advantage of your holiday period. Holiday season is also time to pamper yourself. From the toxins mentioned and the stresses of work, your appearance may tell a lot about your state of mind. Consider the help that Botox and fillers can do

for you to regain a more youthful and relaxed appearance. Wrinkles can be greatly diminished by a few injections of Botox and with the help of hyaluronic acid fillers, the creases and folds that come with aging can also be attenuated. These treatments only take a few hours and will greatly improve your appearance when you return home from your holiday. The effects of Botox can last six months or more. Fillers are gradually reabsorbed by your body over much longer periods. So every time you come on holiday you can return home looking younger and refreshed. New technologies are also developed continually in aesthetic medicine. Thread lifting has come along to prevent sagging of the jowls. Different methods exist and a very popular one is the use of longer threads with some small anchoring points to achieve better lifting. All these procedures are done with the

use of some local anesthesia so the discomfort is minimal. After all if these treatments hurt the patient… they are not willing to repeat the procedure next time it is needed. Time marches on for everyone, men and women! Depending on the length of your holiday, you may also consider liposuction as a tool to reshape your body. Maybe these love handles are not as sexy as you think. Sometimes men’s breasts can be a source of embarrassment. Saddlebags for women are difficult to reduce even with the strictest diets. Some fatty deposits just refuse to budge. Liposuction procedures require at least two weeks of post-treatment rest in Thailand before flying back home. Proper medical examinations with blood screenings are done before every surgery. If you wish to learn more about these treatments or if you want to schedule a consultation, contact Thonglor Clinic Pattaya on 038 252 055. Thonglor Clinic – Pattaya is conveniently situated on Thappraya Road.

L10

STRONGER, BRIGHTER, FITTER. eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya

fairness-fitness-finery

please dial 038 253 000 for inquiries and reservations

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

Spa Promotions Heavenly Vanilla Spa Package at Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Come to enjoy and spoil yourself with a divine-smelling and skinsoftening spa extravaganza. Experience the rich, luscious scents of fragrant vanilla and chocolate in this body scrub and body massage combo. You will also be able to recreate the experience at home with your free gift set of the best-selling Heavenly Vanilla Body Wash and Heavenly Vanilla Body Butter exclusive to Spa Cenvaree. Great deal for 90 minutes for 2,595 baht ++ for single and 5,000 baht ++ for couple. Available now until end of January 2016.

Radio Frequency for Skin Tightening If you’re looking for ways to tighten your skin without the extended healing time, pain, and expense of cosmetic surgery, you may want to consider radio frequency skin tightening. This procedure, which is relatively very good, is a nonsurgical option for people who want to treat wrinkles, sagging of the skin, and by Dr. Natnicha Loichuen other signs of aging. Radio frequency skin tightening is performed by dermatologists and skin care clinics, and uses radio frequency (RF) energy on the skin of the face, heating up the various skin layers to stimulate collagen production, which smoothes and lifts the skin’s surface. This procedure requires no incisions to be made in the skin and has a low instance of side effects. Radio frequency skin tightening is a viable procedure for many people whose skin has not reacted favorably to laser or thermal treatments in the past.

While you may have never heard of radio frequency skin tightening before, this skin care treatment has gained popularity with some dermatologists, as the waves are said to reshape and “teach” the skin to behave as it should. Dermatologists and skin care clinics that offer their patients anti-aging treatments most often use RF waves to rejuvenate the skin of the face, but can also use it on other parts of the body. The RF waves experience natural resistance from the skin as they penetrate the various layers, and just like an electrical wire becomes hot from the resistance to the flow of electrons, the skin heats up from the resistance to the RF waves. This heat helps boost collagen strength within the skin. The more collagen that is produced, the tighter the skin becomes. This procedure serves as mini Thermage.

For more information or reservations, contact 038 714 967 or email spacenvareecmbr@chr.co.th.

Freshen up your body and mind at eforea spa, Hilton Pattaya To bring light into your life in 2016, Hilton Pattaya’s eforea spa is offering luxury spa packages for you to freshen up your mind and soul throughout the month of January. There are two treatments to choose from: • 2 Hours body retreat: Begin the body treatment with exfoliating body scrub and masque followed by the express facial and the signature relaxing massage. Priced at 4,700 baht net per person and 8,000 baht net per couple. • 2.5 Hours essence of beauty: Enjoy muscle relieving with hot stone massage. Correcting facial at only 5,200 baht net per person and 8,900 baht net per couple. For more information, call 038 253 000, email pattaya.info@hilton.com or visit beeforeaspa.com.

Two-Hour Spa Buffet at Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand Modus Resort Pattaya

For more information and to book a FREE consultation, call Tel: 038 411 190, 038 411 990 or visit Nicha Clinic on Pattaya Second Road (opposite View Talay Beach Condominium and Central Festival Pattaya Beach).

Book Review

“By all means acquire beautiful and useful things but acquire them sparingly. Otherwise you’ll become ill. In the fifth edition of the US psychiatrists handbook The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, cluttering will be identified as a disorder called ‘obsessive hoarding’. Symptoms: holding onto junk mail, collecting things that might be useful for the future and refusing to discard broken machines. But the cure is easy: throw it all away!” Remember: Clutter is not the same as mess. It's worse! Simplicity over complexity is the clear message here.

by John K. Lindgren

The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes

The Residences From Beach, Mountain and Valley to Family, City and High-Rise dwellings. Pictured cosiness on glossy art paper. Amazing locations from the four corners of the globe including two Asian residences: Utsav family house outside Mumbai and Minoru Matsuzawa's rural retreat two hours from Tokyo. My favorite is the New Zealand Piha beach house built of locally sourced cedar wood, more wood and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Minimal environmental impact pairing sustainability with liveability. The Directory An extensive, in-depth reference section. Part 1: Places – Dream homes and neighborhoods with emphasis on local community from Barbican, London to Santiago, Chile to Chip Bee Gardens in Singapore. Part 2: People – Architects, window manufacturers and landscape gardeners. Part 3: Products – The best fittings and accessories. Suppliers of floors boards, armchairs, door handles (no DOOR KNOBS!) and bathtubs. However, IKEA seems to be is omitted.

Enjoy Spa Cenvaree’s Spa Buffet where you can choose any selected spa treatments and combine them to make your own relaxation program lasting for two hours. Select from a menu that includes: - Herbal Steam Therapy (15 mins) Enjoy our SpaScrub Buffet,(45 whereby - Botanical Bliss mins)you can select any Spa Treatment for 2.0 hours. Choose from the following selections: - Galangal Firming Wrap (60 mins) - Aromatherapy Oil Massage (60 or 90 mins) • Herbal Steam Therapy 15 minutes - Thai Massage (60 or 90 mins) • Botanical Bliss Scrub 45 minutes - Head Massage •(30 mins) Galangal Firming Wrap 60 minutes - Foot Massage (30 mins) • Aromatherapy Oil Massage 60 or 90 minutes • Thai Massage 60 or 90 minutes - Nourishing Organic Facial (60 mins) Head daily Massage Spa Cenvaree is•open from 10 am to 9 pm.30 minutes • Foot Massage 30 minutes Price is 1,800 baht ++ per person or 2,800 baht60++ per couple. • Nourishing Organic Facial minutes

Spa Buffet

For more information or reservations, 007 888 ext 21 or Special Offer:contact THB 033 1,800++ / person e-mail spacenvareecgmp@chr.co.th.

THB 2,800++ / couple

Chapter 02 The residences

Mountain and valley Minoru Matsuzawa’s home

For reservations, please contact Spa ext. 21

Celebrate the dawning of a brand new year with special packages designed to relax, rejuvenate and inspire radiant beauty throughout January, February and March 2016. Melt away your tension, and pave the way for a perfect tropical experience: 30-minute Aromatic steam and salt scrub followed by a 60-minute Aromatherapy massage. Upon leaving, receive a complimentary Anantara body scrub, valued at 800 baht, to enhance your skin treatment ritual at home. Package price is 3,800 baht. For more information and reservations, contact Tel: 038 412 120 ext 1711 or e-mail spa.pmrs@minor.com.

Chapter 02 The residences

Family Utsav House

01 cooking on the open hearth 02 Hiroko and Minoru by the charcoal fire 03 Living area with exposed beams; lampshade by Isamu noguchi 04 Bowl with leaves and charcoal

Open Daily: 09:00 - 21:00 Hrs. Delightful New Year

This promotion is not valid in conjunction with Baht Bonanza, at Royal Garden Spa, PattayaDiscount Marriott Resort & Spa Coupons and Gift Vouchers.

This Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes handbook/guide is loaded with striking photography, good practical advice, including city maps and floor plans. Buy it and use it as a reference again and again—it's a about the quality of life. Trust me. Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes is available at Asia Books (1,775 baht). Order online via www.asiabooks.com with free delivery anywhere in Thailand.

Edited by Andrew Tuck, foreword by Monocle magazine publisher Tyler Brule. If there is one coffee table design bible that will last this is be it: The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes. “A handbook for making a home that will stand the test of time; take knocks and scuffs in its stride – and where lives can unfold, children grow up and dogs run wild”. This 390 pages weighing 1,500 grams hardcover, red orange oeuvre published by German Gestalten Verlag, Berlin. Gestalten is best known for its more than 600 books about contemporary design, lifestyle, photography and everything that relates to visual culture. Here we have a well-researched design and interior architecture guide cum handbook which is divided into three sections for your intellectual and visual reference: Home Truths, The Residences and The Directory.

01 Textures and tones take their cue from the surrounding dry grasses 02 Wood and cement work is designed to weather over time 03 View into the guest bathroom 04 Local stone and wood give an earthy feel to the modern design

Minoru Matsuzawa’s home Chapter 02 The residences

Utsav House

Rural Shinichi Ito’s home

066

067

Open house This home may be sparse and simple but it is so rooted in its environment that it’s still undeniably cosy. Built from volcanic stone and reclaimed wood, and finished using timber sourced from the forest behind it, this is a minimal yet welcoming space that lets the world outside – seen through large broad windows – take centre stage.

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Home Truths An excerpt from one of the 21 short essays called Home Truths: A clutter-free room.

Shinichi Ito’s home 01

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diversions music / new release

Blackstar – David Bowie

Vol. 04 No. 01 | Jan 1-15, 2016

upcoming movies at Major Cineplex The Avenue Pattaya THE HATEFUL EIGHT

THE 5TH WAVE

Release Date January 7, 2016 Lead Actors Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Channing Tatum, Samuel L Jackson, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Bruce Dern Director Quentin Tarantino Writer Quentin Tarantino Genre Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Release Date January 14, 2016 Voice Actors Chloë Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe, Liev Schreiber Director J Blakeson Writers Susannah Grant, Akiva Goldsman, Jeff Pinkner Genre Adventure | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Blackstar (stylised as ★) is the upcoming 25th studio album by David Bowie. It is scheduled to be released on January 8, 2016, the date of Bowie's 69th birthday, and will feature seven songs. The title track was released as a single on November 20, 2015 and was used as the opening music for the television series The Last Panthers. "Lazarus" was released on December 17, 2015 as a digital download and received its world premiere on BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq the same day.

1. Blackstar 2. Tis a Pity She Was a Whore 3. Lazarus 4. Sue (Or in a Season of Crime) 5. Girl Loves Me 6. Dollar Days 7. I Can't Give Everything Away

automotive by John K. Lindgren Editor-in-chief: carsanook.com

Memorable Drives & Rides 2015 Six cars, one motorbike, and one scooter: German, Japanese, Italian and Swedish engineering – some CKD (completely knockeddown) built in Thailand, others CBU (completely built-up) imported. 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers; diesel, petrol and BlueTEC Hybrid. Petrol vehicles: Honda, Volvo, Harley-Davidson and Vespa Sprint Honda HR-V

Honda's premium sport crossover. Crossing over? Find Honda Jazz a tad too small and Honda CR-V...“My auntie and my mother drive them,” says a young executive who plays golf and rides BMX. This guy wants to be different that's why he chose Honda HR-V in Lunar Silver Metallic. The HR-V crossover comes loaded with practicality and frugal fuel consumption. Runs on E85, too. A crossover, a compact SUV, par excellence. HR-V comes in three variants: entry-level S at 933,000 baht, medium level E at 999,000 baht, and the top-of-the-line EL at 1,099,000 baht. VOLVO S60 T5 – Swedish Super Sedan New sporty looks, turbocharged power. Goes like the hurricane. Unmistakable Volvo DNA. Smooth contours and sweeping lines, expressive, organic details plus flashy 18-inch alloy wheels and the wedge like exterior. Volvo's S60 T5 boasts blistering performance and macho looks ready to take on the Teutonic autobahn stormers Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class sport sedans. Volvo S60’s T5 trunk badge spells it out: T for Turbo and 5 for the trim level. Not five cylinders! 220 horsepower mated to a silky smooth 8-speed gearbox. This Volvo is a thrill to drive, especially when the turbocharger kicks in with that evocative exhaust note. Price: 2,449,000 baht.

In post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive?

Four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother.

Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Urban assault with V-Twin power, torque and street cred. An American icon like Apple, Coke and McDonald’s. This big bike is also known as the Hog, Fat Boy or simply Harley. Peter Thygesen, Pattaya Today's rider: “My verdict after a weekend on the Forty-Eight down to Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Totally 550 kilometers. The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight feels, looks, and sounds like an American classic.” Peter concludes, “Although I’m now more of an adventure touring motorcyclist I had great fun on the Forty-Eight and I understand the younger, urban less experienced, the wannabe big Harley-Davidson riders will not be disappointed.” Price: 869,000 baht. Vespa Sprint 150 – Scooter Italiano Agile, powerful and urban chic, “The Mercedes-Benz of scooters”. One-cylinder, 150 cc, 12.8 horsepower. Vespa scooters with their lighter weight, automatic transmissions and feet-in-front design are easier to handle than more powerful motorcycles and can be less intimidating to new users. A great vehicle for scooting in Bangkok weekday traffic or a Sunday afternoon ride in Pattaya to Silverlake and Sattahip. Fuel consumption 47 kpl. “Turns on a Dime, Runs on a Nickel”. That’s a Vespa! Price: 121,900 baht. The Diesels: Mazda 2 XD, MINI Cooper SD 5-Door, Ford Everest 3.2 AWD and Mercedes-Benz E-Class BlueTec Hybrid. Mazda 2 SKYACTIV-D 1.5 Impressive diesel torque and premium interior. Except Subaru, this is the sportiest Japanese non-premium hot hatch. The new Mazda is a game changer in terms of styling, clean diesel technology, performance and fuel consumption. Step on it. There's power and torque on tap – almost like a BMW 3 Series diesel. Inside: 7-inch iPad-style infotainment display similar to BMW’s iDrive, Mazda calls it MZD connect. The compact Mazda 2 is perfect for urban driving and weekend escapes. In hot hatch or sedan models from 654,000 to 779,000 baht. New MINI Cooper SD 5-Door MINI attitude and extra space. This is the hottest of the premium, luxury hot hatches available in the Kingdom. In case you find the MINI Countryman a tad too large, the original Cooper 3-Door too compact, well, then the MINI 5-Door is perfect and it drives like a real MINI Cooper

with all that torque. Plus that cool, designer, trendy interior. MINI 5-Door tag line: “More doors, more fun”. Price: 3,180,000 baht. BMW/MINI/Motorrad multi-brand showroom: German Auto Pattaya. Located down Jomtien past Ocean Marina. Tel: 038 235 600. Ford Everest 3.2 Titanium Plus 4×4 AT

The big, bold and powerful 7-seater Ford SUV is here. Named after the highest mountain on our planet, the 8,848-meter Mount Everest, here is the second generation longawaited Ford Everest, one of the biggest and most powerful SUVs in Thailand. Propelled by a big block 3.2-liter Ford’s Duratorq TDCi turbocharged diesel delivering 200 horsepower and 480 Nm torque. Off-road ready with Ford Everest’s Terrain Management System (similar to Range Rover’s Terrain Response) with four driving modes – Normal, Snow (not in Thailand!), Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock. Price: 1,749,000 baht. Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG

The frugal, exclusive highway star saloon. The opulent interior and high-tech features include multimedia and navigation system linked to a premium Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system with 14 high-performance speakers. Safety: Nine airbags along with numerous safety features and lane departure assistance. Power comes mainly from a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder MB turbo diesel mated to an electric motor producing another 27 horsepower. Performance: 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption: 24 km/l. In 2004 British motoring editor Andrew Frankel drove the vehicle from Tangier in Morocco to Goodwood in the UK distance 1,968 km on one single tank or 80 liters of diesel! Try PattayaBangkok-Kuala Lumpur. No problem. Retail price: 4,190,000 baht. Driving and Riding in 2016: “Safety is in your hands”

Pattaya Today's lifestyle, travel and culture guide

L iv I N G

i n

stY L e

Life & Leisure is published forthnightly every 1st and 16th of the month and distributes a large number of complimentary copies to various high turn over establishments, including hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and coffee shops, and hundreds of copies are distributed via mail to the CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, directors and managers of top companies across Thailand. Views of named writers are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or amend any submitted artwork, photographs, illustrations and manuscripts. LIFE & LEISURE is published by Siamese Vision Media Co., Ltd. Address: 263/119 Moo 12, Soi Chaiyapruek 2, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Phone: 038 076 062

publisher & editor Chanphen Prasinchai printed by Print 87 Co., Ltd. Naklua, Pattaya City 20150

editorial graphic designers accounting Anantha Thiptong Suriyan Jarernphum Nattaporn Tepjantee Somboon Panich Sa-ard Noontabun

ditribution officer Thanaya Supphanuttanon

For advertising please call 089 607 9850 E-mail: lifeandleisure@pattayatoday.net SEE US ONLINE at www.pattayatoday.net/lifeandleisure

Property

Sansiri hosts New Year party for media page P5/25 >> Volume 4

Issue 24

1-15 January 2016

Explore your inner peace

Yoga Pattaya Studio

Highly qualified, world-class instructors teaching small, intimate groups and private sessions. Classes are available in English, Russian and Thai language.

oga Pattaya Studio offers a wide variety of styles of yoga and classes for all levels from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners, including Ashtanga yoga, stretching yoga, Mysore-style,

What's Inside: Property

Eastern Harmony and Friendship!

page P2/22

hatha yoga, hatha vinyasa yoga, vinyasa flow yoga, body weight yoga, yoga level zero, Zen meditation and stretching, fly yoga, prenatal class, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class, harmony and foundation, and relax yoga breathing.

Yoga Pattaya Studio also offers Art of Living courses where you could learn special stress releasing breathing techniques. They could provide pregnancy yoga classes in groups or on individual basis,

yoga and detox programs, and private yoga therapy classes. The bright, modern studio

http://pattayatoday.net/newspaper/property-business/ Legal Advice

MAGNA CARTA Law Office Celebrating 12 Years of Service

page P4/24

is conveniently located on Thepprasit Soi 12, close to Jomtien Beach.

Classifieds

Expat Money Corner

Business News

School and University Fee Planningâ&#x20AC;Ś

Thailand Travel Mart Plus planned for Chiang Mai

See us online at http://pattayatoday. net/businessdirectory

page P4/24

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page P8/28

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Volume 4

Issue 24

1-15 january 2016

Property

Eastern Harmony and Friendship! As the West and the Middle East seem to be crashing and burning their way towards World War III, the East is growing stronger and more harmonious by the day. Some incredible indicators of

they had "completely restored" relations after meeting on that remarkable Sunday. Out of almost nowhere, the three neighboring Asian countries that have suffered horrible

this have come about in the last month or so. Incredible indicators! On November 1, CNN (Cable News Network) reported the incredible news that China, Japan and South Korea proclaimed that

circumstances from each other-particularly during World War II--entered into a new era of understanding and mutual support in commerce, trade and socially. This is something that would

by Clayton Wade Managing Director

Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. clayton@premierinternational.com

have appeared to take decades if ever to accomplish and there it was...all of a sudden world headlines! If that was not enough of a very positive shock for you, just a week later President Xi of the People’s Republic of China and President Ma of Taiwan met for their historic meeting in Singapore signaling a new and positive era in China–Taiwan relations. When I heard this news concerning China’s relations with South Korea, Japan and Taiwan who most people would safely consider the last three countries on the planet to have friendly relations with China….I could not believe it and at the same time I was elated and felt the importance of what it meant for all of us in Asia and especially Southeast Asia! Needless to say, harmony seemed to be in the air. At the same time that China was mending fences and building better relations with its neighbors, Thailand’s real estate community was experiencing its own acts of harmony and friendship. After our recent International REALTORS® Conference 2015 in Manila, many ASEAN real estate associations began courting one another; recently there has been a flurry of signings of memoranda of understanding (MOU) between ASEAN countries promoting cooperation and the exchange of information for each other’s real estate markets. Although such MOUs are what I call ‘pleasant formalities,’ they are very serious moves among ASEAN nations to create business opportunities and understanding for members of each country’s property market. As well, the agreements provide for participants to support business and research activities of respective countries and their association members, with the goal of developing markets, investment, business and other activities within respective areas, all while complying with the laws of each country. At that same Realtors conference in Manila, the Thai delegation met formally with Vietnamese delegates--actually a government

Our very special thanks to Clayton Wade, managing director of Pattaya’s Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., for preparing this Pattaya Today column. Clayton Wade is managing director of Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., the Eastern Seaboard’s leader in exclusive property sales and rentals, and managing director of Premier Land and Development Co., Ltd. Clayton Wade has been running Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., with his wife, Khun Supap, for more than 20 years. He himself has been in the real estate industry for over 30 years, having started his career in the United States where he was licensed and practiced both real estate sales and property management in Seattle, Washington. Wade is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and a CIPS certification instructor

entity called the Vietnam National Real Estate Association (VNREA). Our Vietnam counterparts asked us to meet soon after and sign an MOU to solidify and initiate our mutual desire to promote good and productive real estate in and for each other’s country. We could not accept fast enough! Now we have just returned from that meeting of December 11 in Ho Chi Minh City, having signed the formal MOU at a ceremony at the classic Majestic Hotel Saigon. Included within the two delegations were Vietnam’s VNREA president, Nguyen Tran Nam, and general secretary, Tran Ngoc Quang, as well as Thailand’s Real Estate Sales and Marketing Association (RESAM) president, Somsak Chutisilp, and me, Clayton Wade, RESAM vice president and head of the International Marketing Committee. After both association presidents addressed the delegations, a formal ceremony was performed in which the real estate futures of both countries were signed, sealed and delivered to each other’s associations; each walked away with an original document to take home to their association’s membership.

Another of our (RESAM) great friends is Jeff Foo from Singapore’s Institute of Estate Agents (IEA) who had also proposed an MOU signing between Thailand and Singapore; that is being scheduled for later this month. As I mentioned, I refer to these MOUs as ‘pleasant formalities,’ but what a wonderful act of ‘harmony and friendship’ it is as the goodwill and comradery already are developing among our ASEAN +3 associations as we plan annual meetings and regular support for one another’s associations and real estate markets. As a result of all this positive energy, I recently proposed to our RESAM board that we initiate MOUs among our own Thailand real estate associations; these include the Thailand Real Estate Association, Real Estate Information Center, Thailand Condominium Association, Real Estate Brokers Association, Real Estate Professionals Association, and others. There is nothing quite like harmony and friendship on the organizational level and in the business sector itself, and these positive achievements promoting mutual understanding are bound

As I said above, harmony definitely is in the air. In the last few weeks, RESAM signed another MOU with John Li and Hwa Bok, representatives of South Korea’s real estate industry. Both gentlemen were with us in Vietnam and came to Thailand to promote their International REALTORS® Conference 2016 in Inchon from August 31 to September 3, 2016.

to produce fantastic results as ASEAN +3 and all of Asia head for the largest middle class boom in history, bringing with it the largest development of residential properties in history as well. It is inspiring to be in real estate and to be in Asia at a time like this to witness millions upon millions of families across Asia singing ‘Home Sweet Home’!

with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States. He is an instructor with the Thailand Real Estate and Business School (TREBS) and heads the International Marketing Committee as vice president for the Real Estate Sales and Marketing Association of Thailand. He also is a council member with the Gerson Lehrman Group, the New York-based international research and consulting firm, and is a registered consultant with the Coleman Research Group in Hong Kong. He has been a national panel judge with the Thailand Property Awards for almost 10 years. Having done business successfully in the Eastern Seaboard/Pattaya area for over 20 years, Clayton Wade is known throughout the Asia-Pacific region for his public speaking and television presentations as well as

having written regularly for leading newspapers and magazines (Bangkok Post, Thailand Property Report, Tropical Homes Magazine, Real Estate Magazine Thailand, Big Chilli Magazine, Tattler Magazine, Homes and Condos Magazine, etc.). The American-born entrepreneur is known throughout the Asia-Pacific region for his many accomplishments in promoting real estate on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard include having been a guest speaker with several of Thailand’s top political and business figures on CNBC’s Managing Asia. Premier Homes is Pattaya’s leader in exclusive property sales and rentals. Visit their website at www.premierinternational.com. Clayton Wade may be contacted at +(66) (81) 634-2915 or at clayton@premierinternational.com.

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Volume 4

Issue 24

1-15 january 2016

Legal & Expat Money MAGNA CARTA Law Office Expat Money Corner Celebrating 12 Years of Service

Magna Carta Law Office in South Pattaya, Thailand, is now in its 12th year of business operations. The company was named after the Magna Carta (meaning “Great Charter”), which was a seminal legal document signed by King John of England and his rebellious nobles on the 15th of June 1215 and which set out the rights of the individual to restrict the absolute power of the monarchy. In short, it was the cornerstone of the English Constitution and established the principle that every individual, including the king, was subject to the law of the land. It promised, amongst other things, that all free men had the right to justice and would not be imprisoned illegally without a fair trial. The Magna Carta was an important historical legal document and has been subsequently used as the starting point and the basis for defining the rights of the individual against the state. Its principles are at the heart of many modern countries’ democratic constitutions. The lawyers at Magna Carta Law Office today also stand by these basic principles and seek to uphold justice and the rights of their clients in all its forms. They are skilled and committed to achieving a legal solution for any problem or issue faced by their clients, whether it is advising them in the purchase or sale of a property or a business; protection of their rights against the vagaries of the criminal justice system; the recovery of monies and assets through the civil courts; obtaining a fair division of assets in a divorce; and even in death, ensuring a client’s assets are distributed according to their previously stated wishes. Indeed, Magna Carta offers a personal and dedicated service in all legal matters which is carried out by a strong team of both qualified Thai lawyers and foreign legal consultants whose aim is to achieve the desired outcome for every client. Being a one-stop-service law firm providing a wide array of services, Magna Carta is proud to have selected the best and most respected team members who are dedicated specialists in their field of practice. Since its inception in 2003, Magna Carta has been dedicated to excellence not only in providing quality legal services, but also in developing good relationships with its valued clients. The management and staff of Magna Carta Law Office work hand in hand to constantly seek various ways and means that will enable them to promptly respond to the different personal or corporate concerns of all their valued

Chalermwat "Pico" Wimuktayon

Noppadol Paiviroj

clients of different nationalities. Magna Carta has gained the trust of its clients because it makes sure that the entire team is always equipped with accurate and updated information. Magna Carta’s founder and CEO, Chalermwat “Pico” Wimuktayon, is the chairman of The Lawyers Association of Pattaya Provincial Court. He also serves on the committee of The Lawyers Council of Pattaya Provincial Court and the Advisory Committee to the Chonburi Province Immigration Bureau. SERVICES Legal • Criminal / Civil Law Consultancy • Litigation • Bail Bond • Company Set-up • Business Operating Licenses • Due Diligence • Building Permit • Visa / Work Permits • Setting up Juristic Person for Condominium and Housing Projects • Last Will and Testament • Notary Service • Legal Contracts • Representation at the Police Station • Family Law Consultancy • Prenuptial Agreement • Divorce • Child Custody / Child Adoption Financial • Full Accounting Service • Tax Planning • Balance Sheet Declaration • Auditing • Financial Advice • Loan Assistance Real Estate • Property / Real Estate Transactions • Property Valuation • Asset Management • Property Repossession • Transfer of Property Ownership

Anthony Justice

Peter McCarthy

MAGNA CARTA LAW OFFICE 193/126-8 South Pattaya Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150, Thailand Telephone : 038 373735-6 MOBILE NO. : 082 479 1204 Fax : 038 373672 Email : legal@magnacarta.co.th

www.magnacarta.co.th

by Tim Whiteley

School and University Fee Planning…

About the most expensive way to pay school and university fees is out of income at the time they’re due; that is for those of us who don’t have them paid by corporate employers. If there is the chance to plan ahead, there are specially designed savings arrangements that may well fit the bill. Such schemes have a built-in drawdown facility that allows for fees to be withdrawn at the required times. Even a modest growth rate has the effect of discounting fees and the longer it goes on the bigger the cost savings. The fact that, as expatriates, we can save offshore in a tax-free environment is a big plus. Educational fees are climbing at a higher rate than inflation, so it’s prudent to build in an escalating estimate of the amounts likely to be required. As a rule of thumb, the approximate increase in fee costs runs out at around 5 or 6 percent, and, as a further safeguard, savings contributions can also be increased automatically year-onyear by specific amounts, or percentages. University costs may well also have the additional expense of providing accommodation should the campus be some distance from the family home. The total cost, in this part of the world, to privately educate a child from the age of 5 to age 22, including university, is estimated to be approximately 200,000 USD. If you now multiply these figures for two or three children, the need for early planning becomes even more evident. Another possibility is to take out life insurance for the estimated amount required over the term needed to guarantee the fees are available should the worst happen to the family breadwinner(s); this, of course, gets more expensive as we get older. The other option is to set aside a lump sum earmarked for the purpose. Funds can be invested and the necessary amounts stripped out as and when required. There are offshore platforms that allow access to all listed stocks and securities available on all major markets, as well as deposit accounts with major banks. This provides for enormous flexibility of investment and the money can be placed in trust to ensure that your wishes are carried out, should the worst happen. Either way, planning as early as possible is the most effective way of making substantial savings on the cost of your children’s education. A personal illustration of the various schemes should be obtained to reflect your own particular circumstances, including the specific school’s tariff and the selected, potential university’s tuition fees. Important Note - This article contains general information only and is not intended to be taken as specific financial, investment, or tax advice. A personal analysis should always be obtained. Tim Whiteley of IFA International has over 25 years as an IFA, advising international investors and expatriates, both onshore UK, and offshore in Asia. With offices in Bangkok, and regular client visits to Pattaya, IFA specialises in wealth protection services, offshore trusts, QROPS UK pension transfers and QNUPS, creating tailor-made investment solutions for individuals around the world. IFA International does NOT provide discretionary portfolio management, securities advice, forex trading, or local brokerage / insurance products. The services that IFA International Group provides are for international investors and expatriates only and are not applicable to local nationals. This is NOT a solicitation to sell or market securities. Questions to the author can be directed to: timwhiteley@ifainternationalgroup.com

P5 / 25

Volume 4

Issue 24

1-15 january 2016

Property The Palm appoints Savills Thailand as property manager

Mark Bowling (left) with Winston Gale Nova Group has appointed Savills (Thailand) Limited as property management company at The Palm Wongamat Beach Pattaya. The Palm is a luxury beachfront condominium consisting of 542 units within two high-rise towers, providing a total living space of 30,000 sqm. The Palm boasts exciting facilities that you would normally expect to find in a five-star luxury hotel, such as the enormous multilevel infinity pool, water slides and fully equipped swim-up pool bar restaurant. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness centre overlooking the pools and the sea beyond. A clubhouse, children’s play area and many areas to relax under designer salas ensure that The Palm is fully focused on providing a relaxing lifestyle.

Savills already have a strong foothold in the property management sector in Pattaya with high-end condominiums Northshore and Northpoint to their credit. “I’m delighted to have been able to negotiate a management deal with Winston Gale and Rony Fineman at The Palm, particularly during my first month at Savills, and would also like to thank them both for their valued support,” said Mark Bowling, the newly appointed associate director, head of Eastern Seaboard at Savills. “I’m actively seeking to expand our property management business in good quality buildings throughout Pattaya and this is an exceptional portfolio for us to continue to grow from,” said Bowling.

Red Planet continues expansion with flagship Bangkok hotel

Red Planet Hotels continues to expand its fast-growing value hotel chain with the opening of the 201room Red Planet Surawong hotel in Bangkok. The Red Planet Surawong is the group's 26th hotel in Asia and fifth in Thailand. Red Planet also owns hotels in the Philippines (10), Indonesia (seven), and Japan (four). This latest addition features significant improvements to room design, including a full working desk and fridge. The lobby features Apple computers to complement Red Planet's signature free highspeed Wi-Fi, which is offered on unlimited devices throughout all of the company's hotels. Red Planet Hotels chief executive officer, Tim Hansing, said the latest addition to the company's portfolio would take the number of rooms it operates in the region to 4,118, and that "there is robust scope to double this number in the coming years".

"It is quite clear since we launched our new brand in July that we have given the value hotel sector the significant shake-up it needed to raise standards and service in this sector of the market. In the rush by developers to cater to the five-star end of the market this sector has, sadly, been left behind at times, and we are changing this," Hansing said. "In addition, we always offer a clean and well-serviced stay and have developed a 'best in class' product for the value sector in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. "Over 70 percent of our guests are under 30 years old and require a different experience from the usual stuffy and boring hotels. Half of our brand experience is online. We have found that the innovative InStay Mode of our app is particularly popular and transforms the experience of staying in our hotels." Red Planet Hotels launched its redefined value hotel brand with a mission to apply a cutting-

edge technology suite to the room booking process and to unveil its category-leading in-stay mode for guests' mobile devices. Hansing further added that Red Planet would soon be making additional announcements in regards to the expansion of the brand in its existing markets and in new countries. The company's Remembered loyalty programme is also expanding to offer a wide range of discounts and benefits, whilst the Red Planet Referred affiliate programme now allows anyone promoting its online widget to earn commissions on every booking generated. Red Planet also has a partnership with Uniqlo to provide staff uniforms. These elements, combined with the company's technological and hotel design enhancements, add flair to a hotel sector in Asia that has long-suffered from scant attention to detail.

Sansiri hosts New Year party for media

Sansiri Public Company Limited invited members of the media in Pattaya and Chonburi for an exclusive dinner with the company’s management and team to celebrate the New Year. Held at Hilton Pattaya, the New Year party also featured live band entertainment and lucky draw where Uthai Uthaisangsuk, Sansiri’s senior executive vice president of Business Development and Project Development Division (Condominiums), awarded each member of the local media a special prize.

P6 / 26

Volume 4

Issue 24

1-15 january 2016

Property Movenpick fast tracks Asian expansion strategy Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts is consolidating its expansion campaign in Southeast Asia with two new properties in Malaysia and Vietnam, both of which will open in 2018. Strengthening its development plans in Malaysia, the Swiss hospitality firm has signed a deal to manage the 30-storey Mövenpick Hotel Kota Bharu, a 453-key five-star resort in Kelantan, a state rapidly transforming on the country's east coast. This brings to three the group's portfolio in Malaysia, with an upcoming hotel in Kuala Lumpur and a beachfront resort in Terengganu. In the same year, Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh Bay will open on the beach in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, spanning some 20 hectares and featuring 250 rooms, 100 residences and 100 villas. The resort will be the fourth Mövenpick hotel in Vietnam, including those in Hanoi and planned openings in Phu Quoc and Quy Nhon in the next two years.

The two new management deals come on the heels of last month’s opening of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya—the brand’s fifth in Thailand. Debuts in the Philippines and Indonesia will follow this year: Mövenpick Resort Boracay and Mövenpick Resort and Spa Jimbaran in the south of Bali. "We are rapidly cementing a solid presence in Southeast Asia where we have identified strong growth opportunities for the upscale hospitality concepts Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts delivers," said Andrew Langdon, senior vice president Asia. "With the new properties signed for Vietnam and Malaysia, we see our cluster strategies for these exciting markets start to be realised, while our debuts in new countries mark another milestone in our strategy to be a major player in a region where we plan to open at least 15 new properties by 2020." Highlights of Mövenpick Hotel Kota

Bharu in Malaysia, a certified "green building" featuring the latest environmentfriendly technology to save energy and reduce wastage, will include the 815-sqm Emperor Suite, which will occupy the top three floors of the hotel, a helipad, an expansive banquet hall for 1,000 guests, a restaurant and café, stylish boutiques and retail outlets, male and female swimming pools, spa and gym, club lounge and business centre. Meanwhile, standout features of Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh Bay, a mixed-use resort situated along the pristine white beaches of Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay, will include an amphitheatre, a cooking school for guests, themed retail village, water park, spa, adventure zone for family activities and team-building retreats, and an exclusive kids' zone featuring miniature famous buildings and landmarks from around the world.

Mövenpick Hotel Kota Bharu in Malaysia

The President by AKARYN set for Vientiane AKARYN Hotel Group will launch The President by AKARYN in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, in March. Inspired by its setting, the hotel is uniquely located between the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. With only 30 spacious rooms, including two grand presidential suites with private butler service around the clock, the calming colour palate and elegant fittings will provide guests with a sanctuary from the city outside. Originally built for the Laotians by the Chinese government as a "gift", The President by AKARYN will blend original Laotian design with colonial influence to reflect the heritage of Laos and its bright future.

Fine dining with an everevolving menu of delicacies both locally and globally inspired will be served in a choice of seven dining options. High tea will be created daily by celebrated pastry chefs from around the world. All manner of private events will be hosted in grand style with intimate dining rooms and an impressive stately ballroom for up to 1,000 guests. The hotel also will house an exclusive private member's club, with access to a cigar lounge, humidor and whisky cellar that will present one of the finest and largest selection of cigars found in the region, with tutored whisky tastings held on a monthly basis. Perfectly situated for business travellers, the location sets the hotel

apart as a leading venue for state visits, dignitaries, UN, NGO and corporate meetings. The hotel will provide state-of-the-art business facilities and expert concierge services. The revolutionary Ayurah Wellness Centre will deliver an entirely new approach to fitness and healing for Laos. With treatments and bespoke programmes based on the four pillars of Ayurah Wellness – Weight Optimisation, Anti-Aging, Mind Balance and Detoxification – guests will benefit from both Eastern and Western philosophies to nurture the mind, body and spirit. The intricately landscaped gardens offer a flow of manicured spaces and lush tropical gardens, as

well as a swimming pool, outdoor dining, and classical music concerts in the private gardens every Sunday. Anchalika Kijkanakorn, managing director and founder of AKARYN Hotel Group said, "Vientiane has long been a favourite destination of mine, and we are proud to offer a wonderfully unique hotel both for

guests wishing to enjoy the city and the region and for business travellers as well as play host to weddings and other celebratory events on an intimate or grand scale. We are very excited to be able to preserve the heritage of this stunning building and re-instate it as one of the most spectacular landmarks in Laos."

AVANI Riverside Bangkok set to re-energise Thailand’s River of Kings A new star is ready to shine fresh light on the banks of Bangkok’s picturesque Chao Phraya River with the opening of AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel in April 2016. Rising 26 storeys, AVANI Riverside Bangkok overlooks the city’s bustling waterway and will boast uninterrupted views across Asia’s most dynamic city. Each

of the 251 stylish guest rooms and suites will feature a stunning uninterrupted river and city view. On the hotel’s rooftop sits Attitude Bar and Restaurant, which is set to become one of the city’s new it-spots to see and be seen. The views are unmatched, with panoramas over the thriving metropolis, as well as a designer infinity pool for a very

chilled perch to tower above the energy of capital. Ideal for parties, private events or sunset drinks, Attitude is just one of the four crave-worthy bars and restaurants at AVANI Riverside Bangkok. Long Bar and Skyline dish up an impressive choice of mouthwatering plates, while the stylish-casual Pantry offers up grab-and-go delights in the lobby. Designed with business travellers in mind, in addition to being a magnet for the leisure set, the lobby is digitised with computer connections and open meeting spaces making check in a breeze. The hotel also raises the bar with its modern Grand Ballroom, a flexible space of nearly 4,500 square metres, perfect for any event accommodating up to 1,500 people. AVANI’s passion for design will ensure that weddings, product launches, corporate events and conferences all go off without a hitch. The ballroom kicks things up an even higher notch with its own

open-plan kitchen. Party planners are invited to wow guests, letting them get up close and personal with the action of the chefs. The highest ballroom ceilings in Bangkok vault overhead, while its skylights flood the venue with natural light. Situated on the 10th floor, the venue showcases the same stunning views found throughout the hotel and is like no other space found on the river. Helping guests visit the city’s cultural and colourful attractions with ease, AVANI Riverside’s

complimentary shuttle boat reaches the BTS Skytrain station and pier at Saphan Taksin in only 15 minutes. However, with 60 world-renowned retail brands, restaurants, bars, spas and entertainment outlets at the adjoining Riverside Plaza guests will have everything at their fingertips, even without venturing into the city’s excitement. For business events, family fun, couple’s escapes and solo adventures, AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel looks forward to welcoming guests for a seamless stay in 2016.

P7 / 27

Volume 4

Issue 24

1-15 january 2016

Business News Thailand Travel Mart Plus planned for Chiang Mai by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org After 14 consecutive years in Bangkok, the 15th Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) will be relocated to Chiang Mai this year. Dubbed “Smile with Us,” the event will be at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC) on June 8-10, 2016. Registration is now open for buyers and sellers at www.thailandtravelmartplus.com. Organised annually by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the TTM+ is Thailand’s largest annual B2B tourism and travel trade event. Over the years, it has proven popular for exhibiting the new travel products and services emerging all around the country and the GMS, especially the small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said, “The time is right for TTM+ to be moved to another location. Chiang Mai is perfectly suited because it is the closest Thai city to our neighbours in the GMS with a new convention centre and superb hotel facilities to accommodate all the guests.” He added, “The emergence of Myanmar as a major tourism destination, plus the improving transportation connectivity in the GMS will further enhance the appeal of the entire area, giving buyers and media a chance to explore the many emerging new products and services.” TAT expects 400 buyers from 50 countries, in line with the strategy to penetrate emerging source markets such as Eastern Europe,

the Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East, South America and South Africa. Tour operators who do not currently feature Thailand and the GMS countries in their product profile will also get priority in order to interest them in expanding their client base. The registration fee for hosted buyers is US $300 (9,600 baht). The fee for non-hosted buyers is $200 for foreign delegates and $100 for local delegates. Late deciders can register on-site for a fee of $150. Applications are open until March 15. Amongst exhibitors, TAT is projecting 400 booths from all regions of Thailand and the GMS countries with a special focus on four main niche-market product groups: Ecotourism and Experience Thainess; Wedding and

Honeymoon; Health and Wellness, and The 12 Hidden Gems. The rest of the exhibitors will include the normal range of hotels/resorts, tour operators/travel agents, entertainment facilities, transportation, golf courses, travel associations, NTOs and others. Registration fee for exhibitors is 30,000 baht for early bird participants before February 15, 2016. After that, the rate will rise to 35,000 baht. The deadline is March 15, 2016.

Yuthasak said, “This event will be right in line with the TAT strategy to enhance the marketing profile of the secondary destinations in Thailand and the GMS and better distribute jobs and income around the region. It will also be an excellent opportunity for the excellent range of tourism products such as health and wellness centres, ecotourism resorts and national parks to market themselves.” For registration and further information go to: www. thailandtravelmartplus.com.

China grants Thailand a quota to invest Mitsubishi celebrates sales of in RMB-denominated securities 10,000 All-new Pajero Sport units

The Bank of Thailand welcomed the People’s Bank of China (PBC) announcement granting Thailand a quota of RMB 50 billion (equivalent to 273,000 billion baht) to invest in RMB-denominated securities in China under the Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (RQFII) scheme. This provides opportunities for institutional investors in Thailand to more efficiently manage their investment returns and diversify risks, as well as promote the use of Renminbi to facilitate the growing trade and investment between Thailand and China. Over the years, the two central banks have deepened their financial cooperation in support of the use of local currencies for trade and investment, starting with the signing of the RMB-THB Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) in 2011 and its subsequent extension in December

2014, followed by the establishment of the RMB Clearing Bank in Thailand early last year. The announcement of the quota granted under RQFII scheme marks another important milestone in the growing Sino-Thai trade and investment relations.

Phuket gastronomic delights recognised in UNESCO Creative City listing by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org Phuket, best known for its beautiful beach resorts, has now earned yet another distinction – inclusion on the UNESCO Creative Cities listing for its gastronomic delights. Thailand’s second most important destination after Bangkok, the Andaman Sea island was one of 47 cities from 33 countries included as new members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. They were categorised in seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music. Thailand’s largest island, often dubbed as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, Phuket is famous the world over for its beaches, diving,

water-sports and other marine-related activities. In recent years, the resort has seen the emergence of a spectacular product range, especially spas, health and wellness resorts, attractions and boutique hotels. Strong airline connections now provide direct access from many parts of Asia. One of the fastest growing market segments is weekend holiday breaks by visitors from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. In 2014, visitor arrivals to Phuket totaled 11,958,603 (Thai 3,499,187; foreigners 8,459,416), generating an

estimated 259.290 billion baht in income. Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “Phuket is no longer just a beach resort. It has become a complete holiday destination with a broad range of cultural attractions and convention facilities. Being

Mitsubishi celebrated the sales of 10,000 units of the All-new Pajero Sport and invited the 10,000th customer to visit the production line. Morikazu Chokki, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh), said that since the company started delivery of the new model last October, MMTh achieved 10,000 sales volumes. To express the company’s gratitude to customers and also celebrate the

achievement, MMTh has arranged “The 10,000 units sold celebration of the All-new Pajero Sport Delivery” by inviting the 10,000th customer to join the celebration at Laem Chabang factory. At the same time, the customer was invited to visit the Mitsubishi production line at the second factory of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand which, after Japan, is the second largest export hub in the corporation’s global production organization.

recognised by the United Nations’ most important cultural organisation for its culinary creativity is an added asset.” He added, “Phuket is already world-famous for its seafood. And promotion of Thai cuisine is one of the TAT’s topmost priorities because it is an indispensable part of the travel and tourism experience.” Launched in 2004 and now comprising 116 Member Cities, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network aims to foster international

cooperation with and between cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural vibrancy. UNESCO director-general, Irina Bokova, stated, “The UNESCO Creative Cities Network represents an immense potential to assert the role of culture as an enabler of sustainable development. I would like to recognise the many new cities and their countries that are enriching the Network with their diversity.

P8/28

1-15 January 2016

Business Opportunities

(ptmbo-c0015)Business P a r t n e r re q u i re d . 5 0 % share in busy prestigious beachfront bar on Dongtan Beach, Jomtien. 8 bedrooms, bar & restaurant, work permit available, new lease. Call Colin on 084 350 9304 (ptmbo-s0115)For Sale: Guesthouse & Bar. Central location Pattaya.4-storey, double unit.Large ground floor bar.Large external terrace. Jacuzzi suite. 6 large rental rooms.1 one-bedroom apartment with large ensuite& separate kitchen (suitable for owner or could rent out).1 studio apartment for staff. Fully furnished with all bar equipment. 3 + 3 year lease available & no key money.Sale Price: THB 2.3 million. Any reasonable offer considered. Contact Tel: 087 283 5349, Email: sven.tbac@gmail.com

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Houses for Sale

(ptmhfs-p0000)House for Sale in Siam Country Club. Land size of 56 Talangwa. Located in Soi Pronprapanimitr, 12/1 Central Pattaya Soi Siam Country Club. Price is 2.9 Million Baht. Call 081 487 5627 for more information. (ptmhfs-r0000)Townhouse for SALE 1.75M Soi Siam Country Club House, 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 100 sqm, 2 floors.Call 082 479 1204 (ptmhfs-ao0000)Beautifully located 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house for sale in Casa Jomtien in the heart of Jomtien, just 100 meters from Jomtien Beach. Land size: 72 w2. Price: 10 Mill. Baht. Facilities include communal swimming pool and tennis court. Contact Allan Ottesen on 085 697 8245 Lovely Home and Spacious in Town! Selling Price 6 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms/Full Basement with spacious interior of 400 Sqm interior/129 TLW of Land. Fully Furnished including a fully European Kitchen. This will not be on the market very long before it sells! For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real

Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR0855) Great Pattaya Central Home! Selling Price 8.9 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 200 Sqm/71 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6600) Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 27.5 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5846) Great Phoenix Lakeside Family Home! Selling Price 9.9 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 180 Sqm/200 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5035) F a b u l o u s 5 B e d ro o m s Lakeside Home! Selling Price24.95 Million Baht, 5 Bedrooms/ 6 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/ 380 TLW, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. At (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PR3346) Stunning New 8 Bedroom Beachfront! Selling Price 65 Million Baht, 8 Bedrooms/8 Bathrooms, 650 Sqm/850 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6536) Great Family Home Near Town! Selling Price 20 Million Baht, 5+1 Bedrooms/7

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 076063

Bathrooms, 1 Rai/660 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6363) Magnificent House with a Grand Palace Style! Selling Price 75 Million Baht, 5 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms, 620 Sqm/ 320 TLW, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. At (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PR6686) Charming Detached House with swimming pool and lovely gardens in Wongamat Location! Selling Price 21 Million Baht, Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathrooms, 300 TLW/300 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com. (PR6075) Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com. (PR5758) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 32 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 238 TLW/500

Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com. (PR4176) Gorgeous Lake View Thabali Home! Selling Price 7.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 90 TLW/206 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com. (PR4465) Great Home in the very popular Siam Royal View! Selling Price 33 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/360 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com. (PR4211) A Really Unique Estate on One Rai of Land! Selling Price 35 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 T LW. F o r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email:premier@loxinfo. co.thor visit our website atwww.premierinternational. com (PR5052) Phoenix Golf Course Villas! Selling Price 13.950 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/200 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.thor visit our website atwww. premierinternational.com (PR6407)

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 076063

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1-15 January 2016

VISA

P9/29

BRITAIN

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Houses for Rent

(ptmhfr-h0715)OCCASION: Beautiful Townhouse (South Pattaya). 2 minutes to city or beach, peaceful and green environment, superbly fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, 2 televisions, ADSL, 4 aircondition, garage. Contact: 092 647 1521 Thai Balinese Designed Home! Rental Price 125,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/

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5 Bathrooms, 387 Sqm/ 282 TLW, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. At (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PR4606) T h e Aw a r d W i n n i n g Development Home! Rental Price 70,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 260 Sqm/110 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PR6483) Bangsaray Beach Home! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/200 TLW. This is an absolutely fantastic family close to Bangsaray beach and Cartoon Network Water Park. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5961) First Class and Exclusive Home! Rental Price 1 2 5 , 0 0 0 B ah t / M o n t h , 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 560 Sqm./140TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5958) Lovely Thai Bali Style Homes! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 300 Sqm/125 TLW For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate

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Transfer of Property Ownership Real Estate Transactions Prenuptial Agreement Last Will & Testament Accounting Services Property Valuation Loan Assistance

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Tel: 038 373735 to 6 or 0824791204

193/126-8 South Pattaya Road Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Email: info@magnacarta.co.th

P10/30 1-15 January 2016

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House for Sale

Beautifully located 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house for sale in Casa Jomtien in the heart of Jomtien, just 100 meters from Jomtien Beach. Land size: 72 w2. Price: 10 Mill. Baht. Facilities include communal swimming pool and tennis court.

Contact Allan Ottesen on 085-697-8245

Houses for Rent

Baan Amphur Beachfront! Rental Price 50,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 220 Sqm/74 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6999)

Condos for Sale

View Talay Building 1B, 13th Floor Jomtien Side for Lovely Sea Views.32 sqm studio just been decorated, nice big Euro kitchen, fridge freezer, all matching furniture, big screen TV, new A/C. This condominium is located right near the main Jomtien to Pattaya Road. Ideal for buses and taxis and ideal for renting. Nice big swimming pool, bars and shops. Don’t miss it! For only 1,450,000 baht.In foreign name.Call: 084 529 9939 Porchland Condominium Jomtien 800 Meters to Beach.Lovely 38sqm, 2 nd floor, 1 bedroom, 1 lounge, 1 bathroom unit with beautiful lake views from the balcony. Fully furnished with nice Euro kitchen, fridge freezer, 2 big screen TVs, 2 A/Cs, everything as new. Building only 2 years old, lovely

swimming pool, fitness center. Private sale. Only 1,390,000 baht in foreign name.Call Alan: 087 139 1570 Incredible Sea Views and Right on the Beachfront! You will be impressed by this spacious 200 square meter fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo apartment with gorgeous sea views. It is a very good value for someone looking for a great beachfront home or a great rental property. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR0359) Spectacular Penthouse For Sale! Selling Price 20 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 282 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6517) Wo n d e r f u l l y D e s i g n e d Luxury Apartment! Selling Price 9.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 134 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931

and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR5559) Charming Condo with Great Sea View! Selling Price 45 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms, 640 Sqm, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. At (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PR1667) Foreigner Ownership in Jomtien’s La Royale! Selling Price 11.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 148 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4015) Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR5786) Ocean front Super Luxury Condominium! Selling Price 24 Million Baht, 3+1 Bedroom/5 Bathrooms, 217 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6662) High Floor View Talay III Condo Apartment!! Selling Price 14.4 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 198 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website atwww.premierinternational. com(PR5075) Nicely Decorated Apartment in Town at Northshore! Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4990) Great Sea View and Well Located on Pratamnak Hill! Selling Price 6 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 95 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6369)

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 076063

LAND FOR SALE

Wat Yan Area! Selling Price is 41,250,000 Million 16 Rai 200 Tarang Wah. (PLD0325) Phoenix Golfcouse Area! Selling Price is 12,000,000 Million 2 Rai 1 Tarang Wah. (PLD0711) Huayyai Area! Selling Price is 23 Million 31 Rai 200 Tarang Wah. (PLD0718) Bang Sarey Beach Front Area! Selling Price is 48,000,000 Million 324 Tarang Wah. (PLD0706) Soi Tungklomtanmun Area! Selling Price is 21,000,000 Million 14 Rai. (PLD0964) Sukhumvit-South Pattaya Area! Selling Price is 170,000,000 Million 6 Rai. (PLD0018) Pratamnak Beach Area! Selling Price is 96,000,000 Million 2 Rai. (PLD0003) Pratamnak Beach Area! Selling Price is 76 Million 2 Rai. (PLD0004) Soi Chaiyapornvithi Area! Selling Price is 40,000,000 Million 7 Rai 200 Tarang Wah. (PLD0002) Pratamnak Hill Area! Selling Price is 34 Million 1 Rai. (PLD0978) Huayyai Area! Selling Price is 1.7 Million 1 Rai. (PLD0927)

HOUSES FOR SALE Lovely Home and Spacious in Town! Selling Price 6 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms/Full Basement with spacious interior of 400 Sqm interior/129 TLW of Land. Fully Furnished including a fully European Kitchen. This will not be on the market very long before it sells! (PR0855) Great Pattaya Central Home! Selling Price 8.9 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 200 Sqm/71 TLW. (PR6600) Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 27.5 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. (PR5846) Great Phoenix Lakeside Family Home! Selling Price 9.9 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 180 Sqm/200 TLW. (PR5035) Fabulous 5 Bedrooms Lakeside Home! Selling Price 24.95 Million Baht, 5 Bedrooms/ 6 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/ 380 TLW. (PR3346) Stunning New 8 Bedroom Beachfront! Selling Price 65 Million Baht, 8 Bedrooms/8 Bathrooms, 650 Sqm/850 TLW. (PR6536) Great Family Home Near Town! Selling Price 20 Million Baht, 5+1 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/660 Sqm. (PR6363) Magnificent House with a Grand Palace Style! Selling Price 75 Million Baht, 5 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms, 620 Sqm/ 320 TLW. (PR6686) Charming Detached House with swimming pool and lovely gardens in Wongamat Location! Selling Price 21 Million Baht, Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathrooms, 300 TLW/300 Sqm. (PR6075) Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 Sqm. (PR5758) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 32 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 238 TLW/500 Sqm. (PR4176) Gorgeous Lake View Thabali Home! Selling Price 7.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 90 TLW/206 Sqm. (PR4465) Great Home in the very popular Siam Royal View! Selling Price 33 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/360 Sqm. (PR4211) A Really Unique Estate on One Rai of Land! Selling Price 35 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 TLW. (PR5052) Phoenix Golf Course Villas! Selling Price 13.950 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/200 TLW. (PR6407) Magnificent Country Estate Home or Resort for Sale with Great Business Opportunity! Selling Price 43 Million Baht, 7 Bedrooms/8 Bathrooms, 700 Sqm/2 Rai 285 TLW. (PR6004) HOUSES FOR RENT Thai Balinese Designed Home! Rental Price 125,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms, 387 Sqm/ 282 TLW. (PR4606) The Award Winning Development Home! Rental Price 70,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 260 Sqm/110 TLW. (PR6483) Bangsaray Beach Home! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/200 TLW. This is an absolutely fantastic family close to Bangsaray beach and Cartoon Network Water Park. (PR5961) First Class and Exclusive Home! Rental Price 125,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 560 Sqm./140TLW. (PR5958) Lovely Thai Bali Style Homes! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 300 Sqm/125 TLW. (PR6902) Nice Rental Home near Phoenix Golf Course Area! Rental Price 85,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 420 Sqm/200 TLW. (PR5086) Spacious 4 bedroom home with large private pool! Rental Price 100,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 4+1 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/ 1 Rai. (PR1601) Very Impressive Nagawari Home for Rent! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 250 Sqm/98 TLW. (PR2587)

CONDOS FOR SALE

Incredible Sea Views and Right on the Beachfront! You will be impressed by this spacious 200 square meter fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo apartment with gorgeous sea views. It is a very good value for someone looking for a great beachfront home or a great rental property. (PR0359) Spectacular Penthouse For Sale! Selling Price 20 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 282 Sqm. (PR6517) Wonderfully Designed Luxury Apartment! Selling Price 9.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 134 Sqm. (PR5559) Charming Condo with Great Sea View! Selling Price 45 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms, 640 Sqm. (PR1667) Foreigner Ownership in Jomtien’s La Royale! Selling Price 11.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 148 Sqm. (PR4015) Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm. (PR5786) Ocean front Super Luxury Condominium! Selling Price 24 Million Baht, 3+1 Bedroom/5 Bathrooms, 217 Sqm. (PR6662) High Floor View Talay III Condo Apartment!! Selling Price 14.4 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 198 Sqm. (PR5075) Nicely Decorated Apartment in Town at Northshore! Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. (PR4990) Great Sea View and Well Located on Pratamnak Hill! Selling Price 6 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 95 Sqm. (PR6369) Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 14.375 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. (PR3990) Beachfront Living in Dongtan Area Apartment! Selling Price is 4.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 96 Sqm. (PR6646) Stunning and Gorgeous Pratamanak Area Apartment! Selling Price 6.39 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom. 68 Sqm. (PR4979)

CONDOS FOR RENT

Great Marina Beachfront View! Rental Price is 70,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 157 Sqm. (PR5853) Beachfront Living at its Best for Rent! Rental Price is 42,000-227,500 Baht/Month, 2-5 Bedrooms/2-5 Bathrooms, 77-450 Sqm. (PRC084) Spectacular ‘Designer Apartment’! Rental Price is 80,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 168 Sqm. (PR0689) Absolutely Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 90,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm. (PR1704) The Resort Style Residence Apartment! Rental Price is 65,000 Baht/Month, 2+1 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 138 Sqm. (PR6896) Ocean front Super Luxury High Rise Residence on Jomtien Beach! Rental Price 120,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms, 217 Sqm. (PR6662) Lovely Apartment with a Nice Sunset & Island Views! Rental Price 75,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 254 Sqm. (PR5338)

Call Premier Homes Co., Ltd. 038-231-931 and 081-634-2915

Classified

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 076063

Condos for Sale

Great Marina Beachfront View! Rental Price is 70,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 157 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5853) Beachfront Living at its Best for Rent! Rental Price is 42,000-227,500 Baht/Month, 2-5 Bedrooms/2-5 Bathrooms, 77-450 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PRC084) Spectacular ‘Designer Apartment’! Rental Price is 80,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 168 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR0689) Absolutely Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 90,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 14.375 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR3990) Beachfront Living in Dongtan Area Apartment! Selling Price is 4.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 96 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PR6646) Stunning and Gorgeous Pratamanak Area Apartment! Selling Price 6.39 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom. 68 Sqm, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PR4979)

Condos for Rent

(ptmcfr-j1415)Private seaview apartments; beachfront or city location; weekly/ monthly; from 330 THB/night; 092-753 9309; photos: www.jkl53.com

Solution Sudoku Issue 08 9 8 5 7 4 1 3 2 6

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8 2 4 3 6 5 9 1 7

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by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR1704) The Resort Style Residence Apartment! Rental Price is 65,000 Baht/Month, 2+1 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 138 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6896) Ocean front Super Luxury High Rise Residence on Jomtien Beach! Rental Price 120,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms, 217 Sqm, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. At (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6662) Lovely Apartment with a Nice Sunset & Island Views! Rental Price 75,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 254 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PR5338)

Land for Sale

Wat Yan Area! Selling Price is 41,250,000 Million 16 Rai 200 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PLD0325) Phoenix Golfcouse Area!Selling Price is 12,000,000 Million 2 Rai 1 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PLD0711) Huayyai Area!Selling Price is 23 Million 31 Rai 200 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call

the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PLD0718) Bang Sarey Beach Front Area!Selling Price is 48,000,000 Million 324 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PLD0706) S o i Tu n g k l o m t a n m u n Area!Selling Price is 21,000,000 Million 14 Rai For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PLD0964) Sukhumvit-South Pattaya Area!Selling Price is 170,000,000 Million 6 Rai For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PLD0018) Pratamnak Beach Area!Selling Price is 96,000,000 Million 2 Rai For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational. com(PLD0003) Pratamnak Beach Area!Selling Price is 76 Million 2 Rai For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PLD0004) SoiChaiyapornvithi Area! Selling Price is 40,000,000 Million 7 Rai 200 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931

1-15 January 2016

and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com(PLD0002)

Job Vacancies

Painter to paint our kitchen cupboards and also a carpet fitter to fit a carpet in our bedroom.Tel: 085 084 4270 The Ranch Steak House Requires Manager, Steak Chef, Steak Sous Chef, Pizza Chef, Captain, Bartender, Welcome Staff. Interested call Mr Danny at 081 949 8702 Experienced Sales Person / Customer Service Wanted. We are looking for a female who is interested to work i n a p r o p e r t y i n d u s t r y. Requirements: Good written and spoken English / Chinese / Russian. Must be customer service-oriented. Must be sales driven, enthusiastic and hardworking. Send CV/Resume to john@

P11 /31

citygardenpattaya.com or call 0903855595.

Vehicles for Sale

To y o t a T i g e r S p o r t s Cruiser.4-door truck 2002. Champagne gold over silver. Powered by Toyota 4-litre 24 valve 4 cam V8, runs on LPG or Benzine, with automatic gear box and overdrive, raised suspension, new front and rear shockers, new front and rear stabiliser bars, new 17” alloy wheels. New interior, carpets and headlining. The bodywork is 100% immaculate with no marks, TV with power AMP, chrome roll over bar and much more. This must be the finest available. Looks, goes and sounds awesome. All these for only 340,000 baht.Call 084 529 9939 Beautiful Toyota Camry ’05. Drive only 79,000km. Colour Silver blue. Have many extras, Car look like new… Best price only 280,000 THB. Tel: 087 025 9711.

Deadline

Issue January 16-31 Please forward your classifieds by 5 PM on January 6 E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net

Fax: 038 076 063

or drop off at our office 263/119 Moo 12, Soi Chaiyapruek 2, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Youth Focus What should early learners do in school? by Sunel Visser

Parents wondering whether to wait a year to send their kids to kindergarten, take note: A new study from Stanford University shows that Danish kids who postponed kindergarten for up to one year showed dramatically higher levels of self-control, and reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent for an average child at age 11. This was reported by Jenny Anderson in Quartz on November 11, 2015. Inattention and hyperactivity—the traits of Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—weaken a child’s self-control, and prior research shows that self-control levels in childhood are linked to achievement. What should children be doing in school when they do start from an early age? Young children are deeply curious and learn a great deal through self-directed exploration. Developmental psychology research emphasizes the importance of imaginative play in aiding children’s emotional and intellectual self-regulation.

One of the sad outcomes of the current standards movement is that the Common Core standards make it very difficult for early childhood teachers to foster creativity, curiosity, and imagination, qualities much prized by the workforce. An IBM study of 1,500 CEOs worldwide, for instance, found that the quality they most prized in their employees was creativity. Stephen Hinshaw, an expert in hyperactive disorders, was quoted in Time magazine in 2003, saying, “Even more vital than early reading is the learning of play skills, which form the foundation of cognitive skills.” He pointed out that in Europe children are often not taught to read until age 7. “Insisting that they read

GIS Triumph and U15 Games Athletes from Garden International School (GIS) won dozens of medals at the Under 15 FOBISIA Games. The GIS Titan squad took part in the FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) tournament in Vietnam. On the first day of competition the GIS Titans ran, jumped, threw and swam out of their skins to finish runners-up in both track and

field and swimming events. They also did brilliantly in the football competition, where they finished as runners-up. Among their achievements were second place for athletics, swimming, boys basketball and girls football. There were also lots of individual gold medals, as the weeks of training paid off. Mark Beales is assistant head of Secondary at Garden International School.

at 5,” he said, “puts undue pressure on a child.” Joan Almon wrote in an article Seen Magazine of Sebastian Suggate, studying in New Zealand, who did an extensive search for studies that showed long-term gains for children who learned to read at 5 compared to those who learned at 6 or 7. He found one methodologically weak study from 1974 but could find no others. Speaking with teachers, I’ve learned that while some children in their kindergarten classes can do the work required by the standards, many simply are not ready. There is nothing developmentally wrong with the children. It is the expectations that are not developmentally appropriate. Does it make sense to

by Mark Beales

expect kindergarten children and preschool children to spend long hours preparing for reading, trying to master skills that come much more easily a year or two later? Given that there is no evidence of long-term gains, coupled with growing concern about losses; it is time for a change in Asia. Unfortunately, with standards set in place it is not so easy to change them to meet the needs of children. But one can be creative in how to meet them through experiential education and play. Many of the literacy standards can be integrated with each other in lessons that may focus on books but which include artistic expression, acting out of stories, or engaging in hands-on activities related

to themes from the books. Children love engaging with stories in multiple ways, and they then begin seeing literacy as part of a rich and creative life, not as an isolated activity. The same is true of meeting the math standards, or any other standards. In short, there is no evidence that pressuring children to read at 5 improves their later reading, and much concern that it is damaging. What we really need is a more vigorous education that meets young children’s needs and prepares them for the 21st century, which is often described as a century of imagination and creativity. Sunel Visser is a kindergarten teacher at Mooltripakdee International School.

1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

This & That Who really sank the Lusitania? Popular Conspiracy Theories The final chapter on the Lusitania closed on January 10, 2011 when the last survivor, Audrey Lawson Johnson, died in the English county of Shopshire. But the arguments about the sinking are likely to go on for the next 100 years.

Did he deliberately murder 1,200 people?

RMS Lusitania, a Cunarder en route from New York to Liverpool, was torpedoed on May 7, 1915 off the south coast of Ireland by a German U-boat. Nearly 1,200 people lost their lives including 128 Americans. Both Britain and America were outraged, condemning Germany for allowing the brutal sinking of an unarmed passenger ship. But some people think the story isn’t so simple. Allegations of a conspiracy to sink the Lusitania center on the claim that Winston Churchill, first lord of the admiralty, colluded with other senior maritime and political figures on the assumption that the serious loss of American lives would encourage the United States to enter the war on the allied side. What is known is that two days before the sinking, a British Admiralty conference decided

to withdraw the Lusitania’s naval escort without notifying the liner. The waters off the Irish coast were well known to be hunting grounds for German submarines, so the Admiralty decision does seem strange. Against this, it has been argued that the Lusitania, being the fastest ship afloat, would have outpaced any naval escort. The best defence against World War One submarines was to outrun them and this is what the Lusitania was evidently trying to do. The ship’s sailing orders stated that Lusitania should have been steering a zig zag course, but these orders seem to have been ignored. Again conspiracy theorists have argued that Captain Turner of the Lusitania was in league with Churchill and was deliberately endangering his ship. But that’s very unlikely. Neither Churchill nor Turner could know for sure that a Uboat’s torpedo would hit the ship. Indeed, it was a “lucky” shot which sank the liner as she slowed in order to circumvent the Old Head of Kinsale. In any case, if Churchill had been conspiring to sink the Lusitania, he was not successful. It took America more than two years before she

eventually entered the war. Another mystery surrounding the sinking is the second explosion just seconds after the first torpedo struck the bow. It has been argued that Lusitania was carrying a cargo of munitions, which was true up to a point: no troops or guns on board but certainly 5,000 cases of cartridges urgently needed at the western front. Technically it was not against international law to carry these particular items, but what else was she carrying in her hold – maybe a large quantity of explosive powder? We are likely never to know for sure as the wreck is fast disintegrating into a huge heap of corrosion. Some commentators believe the Royal Navy dropped depth charges on the wreck in the 1960s to hasten the collapse of what remained of the hull. The second explosion on board Lusitania was likely not caused by an illegal cargo and certainly not by a second torpedo as the U-boat fired just one. It was likely caused by exploding turbines or by highly flammable coal dust. What is for certain is that the liner took only 18 minutes to sink, which surely explains the large loss of life as many

A contemporary and inaccurate view of the sinking

lifeboats couldn’t be launched safely in the pandemonium and with heavy listing making the job well nigh impossible. There’s even a third Lusitania mystery which can never be solved. In the aftermath of the sinking, early accounts estimated that the liner had taken to the bottom of the sea several thousand dollars in cash. By 1922 these estimates had risen higher to six or seven million dollars, much of it in gold. During the 1950s the activities of the salvage company Rizdon Beezley around the wreck raised suspicions again that Churchill was trying to remove contraband. Against this, it can be stated that, before the days of elec-

tronic banking, ocean liners did indeed frequently carry gold bullion. Recent photographs of the wreck show that decomposition is now very fast. Moreover, parts of the wreck are covered with fishermen’s nets which make exploration even more dangerous. We can never be sure if the Lusitania was sacrificed by British authorities, as conspiracy theorists argue, but it’s certainly not been proven. More likely the U20 submarine was by chance in exactly the right spot to score a direct hit. After all, the Germans had warned publicly that ships flying the British flag were likely to be targets. And so it came to pass.

1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

This & That Your Pattaya Horrorscope

by Professor Blunt

by Karen Burns, www.UrbaneWomen.com

Guys Decoded: How To Tell He’s Into You Back in the caveman days, it was simple to know if a guy liked you; if he grabbed you and took you back to his cave, things were pretty clear! But ever since we’ve become more civilized, it’s become more difficult for women to tell whether or not a man was interested. It seems like attraction should be one of the easiest things in the world, but sometimes it’s just not easy to tell if you’re reading the signs correctly. In that case, here are five tips we’ve gathered; signals that should let you know if he’s got a thing for you. 1. He Brings You Unexpected Gifts This is one of the top giveaways that a guy has feelings for you. If he suddenly brings you an unexpected gift, you know that you’ve been on his mind and he’d probably like to be more than friends.

4. He Will Do Things To Impress You If a guy is interested in you, he’s going to do whatever he can to make sure that the interest is mutual. This means he’ll do things to try and impress you; to try and prove that he’s the man you should want to be with. He may boast about his great job with a good company so that you’ll know he can afford to provide a good life for you; it’s the same reason some men like to show off an expensive car or home. Other guys will try to show off their prowess in sports, as a show of strength is another (subconscious) way of showing you that he is able to take care of you. However he does it, it’s a sign that he is trying to convince you that he’s your man!

Giving someone a gift is a very personal act; it’s not something normally done for just anyone. Gifts are something we give to the people who are important to us. If a guy gives you a present of some sort – especially an expensive one – you can take that as a sign that he’s thinking of you in a special way.

5. He Emails Or Calls You Frequently Does he text you often or leave lots of messages on your Facebook page? That’s a great way to know that he’s really interested in you. People will often text you or leave you a message when there’s actually something to say or share – but if a guy’s interested in you, he’ll text, email, or call frequently, just to find out what you’re doing or to say “Hi.” It’s a sure sign that he’s interested in you!

2. He Teases You But Not Other Girls When a guy teases a girl, odds are that he likes her. For many guys, teasing is a form of flirting. If she responds favorably, great; if not, well then he can say he was “just teasing.” It’s an especially strong sign if he teases you a lot, but rarely teases other girls. If that is the case, then it’s a pretty sure sign of his interest in you. 3. He Smiles A Lot When You’re Together If you’ve ever had a big crush on someone, you know how it brings a giant smile to your face every time they come around.

(Jan 23-Feb22)  Aquarius You are hoping that 2012 will be a lot better for you than 2011. Well, it won’t be. You are still stuck in Pattaya with a poor, frozen pension and prices are going up all the time. Thousands of Aquarians have already been cremated in Pattaya and, to be absolutely frank, you are just another one waiting in line for the inevitable. You remember with fondness the 1960s which was the last time you could go around naked without people laughing out loud. Pisces (Feb23-Mar22) Your memory is going from bad to worse. You can recall what you were doing on the day Kennedy was shot but have no idea which dvd you watched last night. However January 2012 promises to be full of surprises for you. These could include a demand for back tax from your home country’s internal revenue service or an email from a former lover who wants to borrow a lot of money again. Aries (Mar23-Apr22) You are far too fond of your own voice which is one of the consequences of being born with ram’s horns. You would love to post a Youtube video of yourself giving a lecture on The Milky Way, but you are too thick to understand how to do it. Whenever you get up to speak at any of the local expat clubs here in Pattaya there is always a rush to the buffet if not to the general exit. This saves the organizers holding a fire drill. Taurus (Apr23-May22) Like all bulls you are very earthy which is another way of saying you don’t shower often enough. You feel you are going absolutely nowhere in life and this is exactly so. The most exciting thing likely to happen to you in 2012 will be sitting in a baht bus with a flat tire or standing behind a group of Russians in the hamburger queue or being in the immigration office when there’s a power cut. Gemini (May23-Jun22) You are popular only amongst people who are attracted to schizophrenics. You like to imagine you are a cross between Plato and Shakespeare but, in reality, you are a mixture of Tony the Tiger and Woody Woodpecker. Many Geminis are bisexual but they should rejoice they are not hermaphrodites which would mean they could never undress in public as well as being hard to spell for illiterates such as you. Cancer (Jun23-Jul22) It’s surprising you came to Pattaya to live because your idea of an exciting time is an argument with yourself in the bathtub. Hitler’s deputy was a Cancerian although, to be fair, he argued with the rubber duck rather than with himself. One of your greatest obsessions is your belief that people are screwing you although this is not the case in the sense that you would like. It would help if you picked your nose with just one hand.

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If a guy like you, then he’ll probably get that same big smile whenever you come near; it’s a sure sign that the sight of you makes him happy. There’s a difference between the normal polite smiles that people share when they pass in the halls and the smile of genuine happiness that you’ll see on the face of someone truly pleased to see you.

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For additional information on romance, health, fitness, beauty, skin care, hair care and more, go to www.urbanewomen.com.

and

by Madam Zyra

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Leo (Jul23-Aug22) It’s odd to think of you as a born leader of men as you are in reality a doormat for people to walk over. To try and compensate for this you kiss mirrors a great deal, especially when you are in the nude. Research has shown that most people arrested for disgusting sexual practices, such as necrophilia, are Leos. You like to think of yourself as a lion but the only connection is that you both have slimy noses and a cleft lip. Virgo (Aug23-Sep22) You are obsessed with cleanliness which is why you seldom venture onto Beach Road at night. In fact you rarely leave the house as you are usually on your hands and knees scrubbing the floor with a magnifying glass. One of your phobias is to find the water in the bathroom has been cut off just after you have had sex. There’s no need to worry as hiring a prostitute is way out of your budget. You have a great fear of cat hair. Libra (Sep23-Oct22) You are obsessed with your own self-importance. You have already joined fifteen Rotary clubs but have not been elected to the committee of any one of them. You are aware you are a complete jerk but persist in seeking out advice in the most unlikely of places, for example the weekly TV schedule and advertising hoardings. The best thing about you is you can explain, when drunk, the difference between café au lait and café latte. Scorpio (Oct23-Nov22) Sadly you are wrong about nearly everything. You think a computer hacker needs a kitchen knife and that an Indian meal is a Red Cross parcel. Fast food to you is finishing a hamburger and chips before the waitress has brought the knife and fork. You even sent your condolences when the wife of a dead African dictator asked you if she could put her husband’s cash in your bank account. You must avoid The Walking Street at all costs. Sagittarius (Nov23-Dec22) Your new year resolution is to be able to buy a sequined dress to wear, but that’s unlikely if you are a tubby man in his late 60s. Amongst your other unfulfilled desires are to buy high-heel shoes, which unfortunately are not made in size Euro 48, and to fit into a nurse’s uniform. This latter hope is also impossible as the only thing that will fit is the hat. Your application to join the Tiffany show chorus is unlikely to be acknowledged. Capricorn (Dec23-Jan22) All Capricorns are dishonest persons of the worst kind. Most politicians were born under this sign but often lie under oath when questioned about the matter. When you were at school, you read Cinderella six times trying to work out how to steal Prince Charming’s jewelry. It is assumed that, following a nuclear war, only cockroaches and Capricorns will survive. This will mean that possessing a mobile phone will be pointless.

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1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Local Sports A magic 40 for Micky! Green Valley – Stableford – White Tees 1st – Micky Beresford (16) 40 points T-2nd – Peter Thomas (15) 37 points T-2nd – Dave Ferris (20) 37 points T-2nd – Brian Carr (26) 37 points Rayong Green Valley was on the agenda again and we arrived right at 8:50 for our regular 9:27 tee time. Capt.

And a Merry Micky Christmas from Mr. Beresford!

Phil got the lads off a bit early and we were greeted with perfect weather which was nice and cool for a change. It seems nights are a bit cooler now as the days of unusually high humidity are behind us. There was a tight tie for second place as TGC regulars controlled the box this week. Peter Thomas, Dave Ferris and Brian Carr all did very well to rack up 37 points out there today. I think most of us would be happy to walk off the 18th with that on our scorecard! Today was the magic 40 for Mr. Beresford as he completely dominated a large field of 28 golfers out there. Mick walked away a full three strokes ahead of the pack for a decisive and well-earned victory. He shot 19 on the front and 21 on the back while playing with a group of single handicappers that provided useful inspiration! Those two

Warberg and Pattavia winners by Derek Brook

Winner Dick Warberg smiles with 2nd place finisher Brian Gabe The destination this day was Pattavia Century, and under (finally) a little cooler weather the hopefuls set out. Pattavia gets it right. With a course in very good condition, quite reasonable fees (1,050 baht to walk) and fine facilities, other courses in the area who fall back on “but we're closer” to charge more for less are too hopeful. It’s a longer drive, but the good news is much of the rough road to the course has been repaired enough to make the drive much less arduous, and even the main highway is getting a makeover. As stated, the course is in very good shape and forgiving, but where Pattavia bites back is on the slick and highly sloped

greens where three (and more) putts are common. Who could navigate the tricky greens? It was a close finish all the way down the line, but when all cards and countbacks were in Dick Warberg (hcp 21) edged out the rest with a respectable 35. Well played and congrats! The next was all countbacks at the 34-point mark. After much calculation, Brian Gabe (18) came out ahead of John Davis (12) and Alan Sullivan (11) and the honest Daryl Evans, who pointed out an error taking him out of the finalists. Near pins: Tom Herrington, Daryl Evans, Brian Gabe, John Davis Long putt: Brian Parish

by Steve Ellison

birdies didn’t hurt either! Pattana CC – Stableford – White Tees 1st – Steve Sweeney (26) 35 points 2nd – Mansik Young (24) 34 points T-3rd – Alan Rothwell (5) 33 points T-3rd – Fred Birch (5) 33 points Pattana is such a great golf course it is a shame we don’t get out here more often. With so many great courses in Pattaya, we are truly spoiled for choice with 24 courses on our menu. It is hard to schedule the perfect rota but do try Pattana if you are visiting Pattaya, it is well worth it. A couple of five handicappers by the likes of Alan Rothwell and Fred Birch graced the stage with 33s to tie for third. Hey, a podium spot still means a Christmas

card from Capt. Phil! Vising Mansik Young had a good day as well to take second spot with 34. That big grin on Steve Sweeney’s face back in the clubhouse could only mean he had a great round out there, sure enough his 35 was the best of the day and Smilin’ Steve Sweeney snatches first place. Bangpakong Riverside – Stableford – White Tees 1st – Alan Rothwell (5) 38 points 2nd – Bill Fershman (28) 36 points T-3rd – Walter Baechli (16) 34 points T-3rd – Mansik Young (24) 34 points On the motorbike ride to The Golf Club this morning, you could really feel the crisp and cool air and low humidity. This is a welcome change that should have been here a month ago. The afternoon rains have stopped now and high season and great weather are finally here.

Merry Christmas from Fred, Steve, Alan and staff of TGC! Yes, it is a bit of a haul to get out here, and yes, it is worth the effort. After the 1-hour-15-minute drive, we arrived at a beautifully maintained golf course in superb condition. There were a few wet patches from rains earlier in the week but no big deal. You could not fault the fairways and greens running at about a 9.5 and true. Alan Rothwell found his way to the top of the leaderboard again as he continues his run of good, solid golf for 2015. He does take the time to practice, which we all should do, and the rewards are evident. As Gary Player once

said, “The more I practice the luckier I get,” so well played Alan, nice shootin’! The Golf Club is “The Home of Golf in Pattaya” and located on Soi LK Metro. We broadcast all English Premier League, UFC, NFL, MLB and AFL games live. Our kitchen is open from 7 am to 10:30 pm with our famous Steak Nights on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya.com, and for more information mail us at pattaya4golf@gmail. com and see updates at www. facebook.com/golfclubpattaya. All handicaps welcome!

Ebrahim hails, John Anderson shines and Kae was over the moon! by San Mig Stu

Thirty-two golfers showed up enthusiastically again today, eager with anticipation on checking out Eastern Star after a lengthy absence for many of today’s group. We teed off the white tees after some debate as to whether we should use the closer yellow markers, however when it was pointed out that on the first tee the yellow markers were 4 yards behind the red markers, it was decided! The presentation of the course was very good, although the placement of the pins on the greens were in locations never before seen and made life very difficult for everyone. Despite this setback, the sun was shining and a lovely steady breeze kept conditions ideal for an enjoyable round. John Anderson again had a torrid time with the cards to work out who would be in the prize pool today, but eventually Peter Grey (our host) called for some quite as he began presentations and announced there were three grades today with A grade 0-18, B grade 19-26 and C grade 27-36. He then preceded with C grade winners calling Kae Dayton off her 19 handicap winning third spot on a countback with 38 points. Someone quickly called out, “How can a 19 handicapper win a position in C grade?” John and Peter exchanged quizzical glances and then met for a quick huddle and rectified the error with apologies all

around and to Kae’s eventual joy, as she was later announced as the B grade overall winner with her score. A grade winner was the ever popular Ebrahim with 35 points off his 16 handicap; John Anderson had an exceptional round collecting 41 points off his 28 handicap. Peter welcomed back today: Terry Payne, Denis Steel, Volker Buley, John Upex, Drew McGaw, Bill Steinman and Peter Bye, and bade farewells to John Coetzee (still reminiscing about South Africa’s loss in the rugby), Frank Riley and our star golfer Sal Brizzi. Safe journey guys and see you next year! At the completion of presentations, Peter offered everyone to partake in the complimentary hot food he provides, which today included a very large pot of tom yum chook and another

equally large pot of rice, which golfers and non-golfers alike took great delight in consuming. Thanks, Peter! Winners A Grade (0-18) 1st – Ebrahim (16) 35 points 2nd – Piere Cere (12) 33 points 3rd – Bill Cteinmen (11) 32 points B Grade (19-26) 1st – Kae Dayton (19) 38 points 2nd – Fritz Webber (24) 34 points 3rd – John Upex (22) 31 points C Grade (27-36) 1st – John Anderson (28) 41 points 2nd – Shane Young (21) 38 points 3rd – JC Lahoste (29) 37 points

From L-R: John Anderson, Kae Dayton & Ebrahim Al-AnsariEvent No. 3

NTPs 3rd – Sal Brizzi 6th – Volker Buley 13th – John Anderson 17th – Mark Stapleton Longest First Putt 9th – Geri Crilly 18th – Roy Dayton Deefa Russell Calcutts again took pleasure taking Deefa “The Charity toy dog” around the throng for some spare change to boost his collections for charity via the PSC. The Growling Swan will soon be announcing yet another beneficiary of these generously given funds by The Growling Swan’s players and patrons alike. The GS is a “friendly” golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers, young and old, male or female to have a hit on any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya. Contact Peter Grey if you are interested in playing on 086 150 3086. Lawn Bowls The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs The GS on Sundays at the same time for open grass bowling at The Retreat Bowls Club. Contact Paul Rennison on 084 345 4005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is about 350 baht, so great value for a day out!

1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Local Sports Nat has an easy win! by Peter Blackburn Along with golfers from Colin’s Golf Bar we had a healthy number of four groups who were ready to tackle the “Monkey Course”, Bangpra. We had a late tee time of 11:30 am to qualify for the cheaper green fee rate so we departed Phantom Bar at around 9:20 am in hope of perhaps getting an earlier tee time. Arriving after the 42-minute journey we discovered that there had been a bit of a mix-up with the bookings and there was another golf society booked in at the same time. This was quickly sorted out and the somewhat “hysterical” co-organiser of the other golf society calmed down and it was decided that our golfers would tee off the 10th tee at 11:08 am. “Much to do about nothing” as the saying goes and our first group got away at 11:20 am with lovely

weather conditions, although hot with very little wind. The course was in great shape with the greens rather slick, so three putts were the order of the day for many. We proceeded at a fairly good pace on the first nine but that changed somewhat when we arrived at our 10th tee (the first) to find a Thai five ball who were very slow to say the least, therefore it was necessary to point this out to them after a couple of holes and to their credit the pace did pick up a bit. It was a very enjoyable round of golf on one of the oldest golf courses in the area and we finished in four hours and 20 minutes. Nat Rukkid continued her recent good form and her 38 points was easily good enough to give her first place with Torben Lindgaard finishing second with 35 points. There were four golfers on 33 points

so a countback was required which resulted in Marco Beer (21-point back nine) taking third spot from Tore Eliassen (20-point back nine) in fourth place. Craig Simpson (19-point back nine) and your writer, Peter Blackburn (16-point back nine), were the two that, just missed out.

2nd – Torben Lindgaard (28) – 35 points 3rd – Marco Beer (16) – 33 points 4th – Tore Eliassen (21) – 33 points

Results 1st – Nat Rukkid (20) – 38 points

LFPs 9th – Brad Robbins 18th – Colin Davis

NTPs 2nd – Nat Rukkid 12th – Nat Rukkid

PSC Golf from BJ's by Derek Brook

Pattana A & B Nines (Stableford) This promised to be fun, with the biggest turnout, probably, of the new high season. Dick thought it would be fun to run the different flights off different tees, so the A flight were to play off the white tees and the B flight to play off the yellow tees. Of course Dick volunteered to do all the splitting of the flights so who was I to complain. But of course I did. Finally at the course we got underway in nice time and then it was just a great day out. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best clubhouse around, but the course is also a fine course to play and as I was in a buggy and the other two walking I had time to smell the roses. The two walking in my group included my grandson

who was playing his first round in Thailand, and as he had been volunteered to play I even lent him my old golf shoes that had been in my cupboard for a long time. I did not realise till the soles came off and the caddies held them on with elastic bands that old shoes here dry up and the soles fall off. Oh fun! Still the walk around was much enjoyed and all had fun. Till we got back in and a hot shower saw us up in the restaurant where GS2 (grandson 2) and Nigel Perry decided the best way to beat the ++ was to drink jugs of beer. Mind we had plenty of time as the other groups slowly trickled in. All saying what a great day they had had. Somehow on the way back I came down the ‘bouncy bouncy road’ and it just gets worse. Better to miss it if you can. Still with so many

Winners of flights players, and even more signed up already for next week, we were back late and I got into the presentation as soon as I could. In the A flight, 0 to 18, played off the white tees, the winner was Bob Watson with 39 points, as this was shot by a 4 handicap player it was a one over round, great golf. We then had a countback on 38 points that saw Brian Gabe in second and Brian Parish in third. We then had a countback on 37 points that saw Maurice

Plumbs was ripe to be picked Twenty golfers set out from The Swan, the weather looked good and excitement was in the air. Playing off the white tees, the day seemed a little tough looking at the scores. This scribe did not play so not much can be reported from the golf. Roy hit form and for the first time this visit took home the goods, closely followed by Kissy Buchanan, then a countback separated George Wilson, our resident scorer John Anderson and Pierre Cere. Ebrahim was on target with the par 3s (near pins) with Paco putting with form (long first putts). Winners 1st Roy Dayton (21) 36 pts 2nd Keith Buchanan (17) 34 pts 3rd George Wilson (21) 31 pts 4th John Anderson (28) 31 pts 5th Pierre Cere (12) 31 pts

Roberts in fourth and Rob Brown just missing out. In the B flight the winner had the best score of the day. Nigel Perry won with 42 points ahead of Barry Elphick in second with 38 points, Torsten Bischoff in third with 35 points and Dick Warberg in fourth with 32 points. Then time for a cold one. TTFN. Near pin: Bob Watson, Dave Nicholson, John Anderson, AVD Long put: Maurice Roberts

by Peter Grey

NTPs 2 Ebrahim 6 Roy Dayton 13 Frank Riley 17 Ebrahim

Long Putt 9 Frank Waterhouse 18 Frank Waterhouse On return to The Growling Swan, we welcomed back both Terry Linklater and Ian Masterton. We also said goodbye to George Wilson and Colm Mullen, both returning to their respective homes. Wish you both safe travel. Deefa, The Growling Swan charity hound, collected donations and the players are thanked for their continued contributions to assist the needy children of Pattaya.

Winner Roy Dayton with Deefa, our charity dog

1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

You & Your Pets Haute Cuisine for Pets Whether you share your home with a dog, cat, bird, fish or any other animal, your primary obligation to that pet is ensuring its health and safety. Choosing the right food is one of the most important ways to keep your pet healthy. Leftovers and other people foods are inappropriate for house pets, but because there are so many commercial options, it can often be difficult to select the right product. Nor is it necessary to provide your pet with nutritional supplements. Your best bet? High-quality products formulated for your pet’s specific life stage and nutritional needs, rather than cheap generic or store brands. When feeding a high-quality pet food, a daily supplement generally is not needed unless your little friend has been diagnosed with an ailment and prescribed a supplement by your vet. Oversupplementation can lead to health problems, so it’s important that you feed your pet vitamins and/or

Cats for You in Pattaya Cats for You is a great and much needed service in our area, but Paul and Sandra point out that adopting a cat or kitten is a longterm commitment with costs such as feeding and veterinary fees. Many adopters find it’s a good idea to adopt two animals so that they can enjoy each others’ company as well as yours. Contact Paul and Sandra on 0852875004 or look at their useful website http://cats4youinpattaya.webs.com/

Gracie and kids

minerals only if your veterinarian suggests it. Pets that are finicky may find canned food more palatable—it is often more appetizing and can be fed either alone or mixed with dry food. In addition, there are gravylike products that can be added to dry food to increase palatability. If you have already introduced your pet to human food, it’s not too late to switch to pet food. Just

remember to make the change gradually in order to decrease the chances of upsetting his or her digestive system. Make a slow transition over a week or so; start by adding a very small amount of dry or canned food to the food he’s used to eating. Then over the next several days or weeks, slowly increase the amount of pet food while decreasing the amount of people food.

For obvious reasons, this family of three lovely cats must go to a home together. They are indoor cats here and so would suit someone in an apartment that allows pets. William and Hazel still suckle off their mum at the age of 6.

Oreo

This friendly fellow was born disabled but, despite having to wear a nappy, he can scoot around like a Formula One driver. Oreo has to have his nappy changed four times a day but other than this he has no other special needs.

Bill and Ben

You’re probably aware of family health measures, but do you know what issues are important to provide for your pet’s well-being? This Pattaya Today feature may help answer some common questions.

This handsome pair of brothers has been to a new home once already, but sadly their new owner had to return to England and couldn't keep them. They are both very friendly and playful cats that are neutered and vaccinated – ready to go to a loving new home.

No Bones about It We may think of bones as a wonderful treat for dogs—and your dog probably agrees. But it’s a decision best left to experts. And now experts warn that chewing on bones can injure your best friend’s teeth, tongue, or mouth. Bones can also get stuck in the digestive tract, where they will have to be removed with surgery or an

endoscope. As an option, look for pet treats that can do double-duty by also helping to keep his teeth healthy. Ask your vet about safe chew toys, like rubbery balls or bendable bones and dental diet-approved kibble. You can also check the Veterinary Oral Health Council's website for approved dental treats.

Smoking kills cats and dogs. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of at least two fatal cancers in cats: lymphoma and oral carcinoma. Housecats get a double dose of toxins by breathing cigarette smoke in the air and by licking the residue off their fur when grooming. Dogs with long noses may develop cancerous nasal tumors from living with a smoker -- and short-nosed breeds are more prone to lung cancer.

Going to the Dogs... “Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” ~Orhan Pamuk

Tigress

This lovely kitten is one of three lovely sisters, one has already gone to a new home and now we hope someone out there will choose her or her sister soon. They are typical kittens and run and play around the house like crazy things.

Cat Corner Tip Spraying and Spaying Cats use their urine to say "back off" to other cats. They usually tend to spray their own territory when they're in conflict with another cat. But they also often spray when they feel insecure or when they are looking for a mate. If there’s conflict, or many cats

in the house, or changes in the routine around the home, there’s more chance a cat will mark his territory. To stop the spraying, have your cat neutered or spayed. Use an enzymatic cleaner where he's sprayed. If your cat keeps spraying, ask your vet for advice.

1-15 January 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Games

CROSSWORD Across

Down

1. ___ house 5. Vigoda and Burrows 9. Moses’ mountain 10. Paper cup brand 12. “It’s ___ the Game” (2 words) 13. Woman’s garment 14. Make tidy 16. “___ deal!” (2 words) 17. And so on (abbr.) 18. ___ and groan 20. Musician John 24. First (abbr.) 25. Singer Boone 27. ___ all come out in the wash 30. Change circuitry 32. ___ con carne 34. Those with ESP 35. Canadian territory 36. Mexican treats 37. Stitched 38. Slant

1. Debones 2. Open up a shoe 3. Milk (Fr.) 4. Football player 5. Some magazine pages 6. Two-piece bathing suit 7. Leave the stage 8. Gentlemen 9. Logical 11. Timetable abbreviation 15. Respectful reply (2 words) 19. Testifies 21. Swell out 22. Per person 23. Limited in scope 26. Dick Tracy’s wife 27. Cold and unfriendly 28. In this way 29. Similar to 31. Powerless 33. Country lodging

Solution Issue 07 This week’s subject is Films of the 1990s 1. In which film did Hannibal Lecter first appear? 2. Which Spielberg film was described as 65 million years in the making? 3. Which film gave Macaulay Culkin his first huge success? 4. Which English film swept the Oscar board in 1997? 5. Which musical instrument was the title of a 1993 Oscar winner? Answers: 1. The Silence of the Lambs; 2. Jurassic Park; 3. Home Alone; 4. The English Patient; 5. The Piano.

Identify which word is being defined. 1. Definition: Advancing in amount or intensity; "she became _____ depressed" First letter: I Answer: __________ 2. Definition: All the information collected at a single time or for a single purpose or by a single principal investigator. A _____ consists of one or more files. First letter: S Answer: __________ 3. Definition: The brother presiding over a meeting or committee. First letter: C Answer: __________ 4. Definition: A new version of a software product, such as an _____ from version 4.0 to 5.0. First letter: U Answer: __________ 5. Definition: A slang term covering whatever it is we are handling. It is the issues of the client. For convenience we might refer to it kind of as a substance, even though it really isn't. First letter: S Answer: __________

SUDOKU 1

9 8

Solution on Page 31

3 1 3 4 1 5 3 6 8 2 9 7 5 4 8 2 9 6

6 5

7 8

Answers: 1. Increasingly; 2. Study; 3. Chairman; 4. Upgrade; 5. Stuff.

Pattaya Today is published & edited by Chanpen Prasinchai for Siamese Vision Media Co., Ltd. ISSN: 2351-0471 Publication License Number 5/04/2557 Office: 263/119 Moo 12, Soi Chaiyapruek 2, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Tel: 038 076 062 Fax: 038 076 063 E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net Printed at Print 87 Co., Ltd. Naklua, Pattaya City 20150