Pattaya Today Vol 15 Issue 13 - 16-31 March 2016

Volume 15, Issue 13

16 - 31 March 2016

L1 - L12

P1/21-P12/32

30 BAHT

AIDS still a time bomb

A

lthough Thailand has made giant progress in the fight against HIV/ AIDS, health experts are warning that there is still a long way to go. The country has championed successful condom-promoting campaigns for the past 20 years which have slashed infection rates. All Thais who test positive for HIV can now receive free anti-retroviral drugs irrespective of their immunity levels. Last month’s Valentine Day campaign for the first time urged citizens to carry condoms rather than relying on the old argument that young men and women should visit temples, have a good meal and then retire to bed alone.

Nonetheless, a report from UNAIDS and the Lancet Commission has warned of a dramatic rebound of the disease unless prevention measures over the next five years are accelerated. On a recent visit to Bangkok, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said that campaigns must concentrate

on potential transmission to all populations. He explained, for example, that recent research had found that HIV infection was increasing amongst young gay men, none of whom witnessed the early days of AIDS and are consequently much less likely to practice safe sex or to get tested. But he emphasized that campaigns must be directed at all at-risk groups, including transgender people, sex workers, those who inject drugs and migrant workers who may have very little awareness of the subject.

Sidibe pointed out that, although the Thai government pays around 89 percent of Thailand’s overall AIDS-related expenses, it funds only about 14 percent of work at street level amongst key affected populations. The remaining budget is paid by external global sources which have stated they are withdrawing financial support in Thailand as the country rose to the rank of an upper-middle-income nation in 2011. In other words,

donors are saying that the Thai government must now assume total responsibility as the country has grown richer. The danger is that the government, beset by many financial woes, will not pick up the ball fast enough.

Despite a large commercial sex industry in some cities, including Pattaya, most Thais take a conservative view of sex which can be a disincentive to major government funding.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Southeast Asia with the number of teenage mothers second only

to neighboring Laos. “We have to accept condoms as a hygiene item in everyday life to protect against pregnancy and AIDS,” said Panumard Yarnwaidasakul, spokesman for the Department of Disease Control.

Thailand has about 9 percent of the total number of people living with AIDS in Southeast Asia. The country has about 450,000 people with HIV in a population of nearly 70 million, according to the latest data available from the Ministry of Public Continued on page 4

2

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

News Nigerian drug Ladyboys worry dealer caught about city image

Pattaya police have arrested Chinedu Odunze, 28, who allegedly sold drugs to locals and tourists during a profitable if now terminated career. An undercover police officer made a transaction with the accused to purchase illegal substances, but the Nigerian tried to escape in his car, damaging several motorbikes in his determination to flee. He was finally cornered by police near Sukhumvit 46 but his Thai wife, who was also allegedly involved in the selling, managed to escape with some substances still in her possession.

Two Thai transvestites who kicked a tourist later apologized and surrendered to police because they were concerned their behaviour might impugn Pattaya’s international reputation.

Tawatchai Pakinang and Teerasak Khampafang, respectively 23 and 26 years, approached a group of tourists and asked if anyone was interested in a horizontal leisure pursuit. When they received an angry response, the duo kicked a foreign man before regretting their recklessness and apologizing profusely for besmirching the city’s good name. It is understood that no criminal charges were brought following the incident.

UK pensioner Stolen necklace attacked in bar on the floor

Leonard Carr, 70, asked police to track down his attackers after a Thai woman and a male companion, together with two waiters, struck him repeatedly in a bar on Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya. It was not clear what caused the fray. One version was that the British guy had spoken brusquely to the woman but the cause might alternatively have been about the bill. A kindly onlooker took Carr to hospital where he recovered.

A Thai woman enjoying herself with friends in a Walking Street club felt someone touch her body and then realized she had lost her necklace. The victim Kusuma Takaen, 20, said she had been drinking but was aware of the theft. Her boyfriend then followed a woman outside the club where she was arrested.

Sanharuetai Chuenarrom, 37, initially tried to run away but then explained to police that she had found the necklace on the floor and assumed it did not belong to anyone. The case is still under consideration by the authorities whilst the police take statements from all concerned.

Checkpoint nets drug offenders

Banglamung deputy district chief Prapan Pratumchompoo ordered police to set up a checkpoint in the Naklua area after hearing reports that drug abusers were on the increase. Minor

offenders were sentenced to a period of vocational training, such as electrical repairs, so that they could lead a purposeful life in future.

The courses are held at the Kwanpaedin Centre in Banglamung.

3

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

News Amari Pattaya holds life-saving training Grand opening of Pattaya Beauty Mall

Amari Pattaya, in collaboration with the Pattaya City Sea Rescue (PCSR), held training in CPR and life-saving at the free-form swimming pool to provide basic knowledge on how to help victims from drowning and other emergencies. The training was led by Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Chutipong Changpuak (back row, third from right) from PCSR and Supanee Wangteerapong (back

row, right), Learning and Development manager of Amari Pattaya. Amari Pattaya

team members participated to increase their necessary CPR and life-saving skills.

New fertility centre opened

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has opened a new fertility centre making it one of the hospital’s premium quality medical services with a skilled team of specialists and state-of-the-art technology.

The centre provides services for people who have trouble in having children, said hospital director Pichit Kangwolkij at the opening ceremony.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh presided over the grand opening ceremony of Pattaya Beauty Mall with actress “Joy” Rinlanee Sripen, famous hairdressers and beauticians in attendance.

The new 2,400-sqm mall located on South Pattaya Road sells various cosmetics, hair and beauty products, and equipments for salon and spa.

Uraiwan Pusansa-ard, managing director of Pattaya Beauty (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said that Pattaya’s economy continues to grow as a number of tourists come here for holiday and shopping and Pattaya Beauty Mall is a perfect mall for their beauty needs.

4

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

News AIDS still a time bomb Continued from page 1 Health. It is estimated that 90 percent of the 7,800 or so new infections annually were contracted by those who had sex without a condom. Health authorities distribute about 40 million free condoms every year. A new campaign, set to run until 2019, tries to woo customers who are too shy to buy condoms in the shops. Several large businesses have also conducted campaigns in the past, including Kasikorn Bank which organized a distribution called Condoms for Confidence.

Drought foreseen in Pattaya area Banglamung District Chief Chakorn Kanjanawatta explained to the Banglamung Peace and Order Maintenance Council that the area will face problems occasioned by the current drought. He ordered officials to collect data about water sources and the rate at which the general public was using up the precious resource in the hard-pressed reservoirs. The district chief was particularly concerned about the issues of hording water for personal and selfish reasons.

Naklua shooting Building now has a road still unresolved

The local YWCA chapter president, Praichit Jetapai, led a group of community activists to host the inauguration of a new road leading to the kindergarten building of Ban Nok School in Huay

A Thai man is recovering in hospital after being shot by two armed men who fled in a black Mercedes-Benz car after the attack. Phomsit Akkraneewong, 35 and a businessman, was inside his condo unit when he heard two men knocking at the door. He sensed he was about to be attacked and opened fire which was returned. Phomsit was unable to answer detailed questions as he is still recovering in the intensive care unit. Police said they were disappointed that the CCTV in the condominium was out of order but they were checking up on the victim’s personal and business life to look for clues about the assailants.

Apparently, Phomsit had two licensed guns in his room but neither was registered in his name. Inquiries into this baffling case are continuing.

Ladyboy thieves still active

Yai. The school had previously received a one million baht budget to build an extension to the school, but access was a dire problem especially in the wet season. The problem has now been resolved.

Chinese tour leader robbed

A Thai man who works with Chinese vacationers woke up in his room on Sukhumvit Road only to discover that thieves had robbed him of 40,000 baht in cash, miscellaneous foreign currency, an iPad, a smart phone and a good-quality watch and gold necklace. The total value of the haul was estimated at 300,000 baht. Anupong Aranyikanon, 60, said that he had checked into his room in a hotel two days previously but had made the mistake of leaving the back door open. Checking the CCTV, police said they could see a man wearing a white T-shirt and shorts entering the room and then leaving 15 minutes

later. Unfortunately, there was not a clear image of his face.

Nonetheless, inquiries are continuing.

In a possibly-related incident, a Thai man has been arrested after stealing from Chinese tourists whilst they were sleeping. Songkiat Bunprasert, 31, was caught by police after the hotel’s CCTV caught him leaving the premises with a gold necklace with amulet, cash, a handbag and an iPad taken from the rooms of the guests in the middle of the night. Police said they arrested the suspect after finding him wandering around on Soi Bongkot without any purpose. When questioned, he apparently admitted his crimes.

Repairman receives shock No bomb after all

An Iranian tourist, Mohammad Argestani, 27, told investigators that two transvestites approached him in North Pattaya and began hugging him even as they professed being impressed by such a handsome guy. However, the victim parted from the embraces only to discover that his 3,000 baht had disappeared. In the same area, an Indian tourist, Bhavinkumar Sureshbhai Panchal, 33, and his Thai lady were robbed of substantial foreign cash and important documents after two highheeled strangers made an unwelcome approach. Police searched the entire area but the flighty birds had flown.

Srawut Yaemarsa, 26, received a nasty surprise when he was climbing a pole to fix the lights at the entrance to Nong Ket Noi temple. He was severely injured when a short circuit caused him to fall from his perch to the ground.

Police and bomb disposal officers raced to a woody spot near Sattahip after locals reported they had espied an iron tube covered with cement. Maximum security was observed as professionals attempted to blow up what turned out to be part of a car.

5

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

News New brochure for overstayers Immigration police handed out leaflets to the general public at Central Festival Pattaya Beach which informed them that, from March 20, new stiff penalties will be introduced for foreigners with an overstay problem. Serious offences can result in many years of being placed on the stop list to come back into the country. The new rules are apparently intended to reduce the crime rate, to improve the public’s safety and to give Pattaya a better image.

TAT to support the 12th Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony

by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced its continued support for the annual World Wai Khru Muay Thai ceremony in Ayutthaya, which is now in its 12th year. Scheduled to be held on March17, this year’s event will once again allow Muay Thai boxers from Thailand and around the world to pay respect to their teachers and for visitors to celebrate and learn about this ancient Thai martial art.

The 12th World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony will take place on March 17, 2016 at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, and there will be activities from 1 to 7:30 pm around the central temple Wat Langkha Khao. A Miracle Muay Thai Festival,

hosted by TAT and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, will allow visitors to learn about the history of Thai boxing and its fighting techniques. There will also be displays of sword making and traditional Thai tattoos as well as live music shows and exhibition fights by students from some of Thailand’s many boxing camps.

The much-anticipated Wai Khru Ceremony itself will take place around 5:30 pm when local and international fighters and boxing masters will proceed to Wat Mahathat to pay their respects to famous Muay Thai fighters from Thai history including Nai Khanom Tom and King Naresuan the Great. The evening will come to an end with an Amazing Muay Thai show.

In response to high interests from Muay Thai boxers and enthusiasts as well as local and international visitors, there will be Thai boxing matches and the Wai Khru Muay Thai competition at Ayutthaya Provincial Sport Stadium from March18-20, 2016 from 5 to 8 pm. Entry is free.

For more information, contact the TAT Call Centre 1672.

Cambodian lesson Compare Thailand’s convoluted rules about one-year visas with the situation in neighbouring Cambodia. There, you can obtain what is generally known as a “general” visa for $US 35 at the airport on arrival and can easily convert it to a one-year multiple-entry visa for under $US 300.

No fuss and no bother if you use one of the visa agents in Phnom Penh. It is especially popular with frequent visitors to Cambodia who don’t want to fill up their passports with Cambodian visas every time they enter the country.

Taxi crackdown Pattaya police and other officials are once again threatening to crack down on 300 local taxi drivers who are refusing customers, not using meters and exhibiting abusive behaviour. Apparently, this kind of thing simply won’t be tolerated in future in five resorts including Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. How will it all happen? One suggestion is that there should be fewer baht buses on the roads so that customers will use taxi cabs more and make the drivers more cooperative. Another idea is that the Pattaya police must “do something”. That one we have heard before.

Tourist numbers The Tourism Authority of Thailand says that marketing the city overseas in travel shows has paid off with numbers visiting the country expected to top 10 million in 2016. However, officials do admit that the Chinese tourists who have offset the decline in the number of Russians in raw numbers often don’t spend much owing to their habit of travelling on low or no cost packages which don’t contribute to the Pattaya economy. Thus a campaign is to be launched to persuade potential Chinese visitors to spend more or come on their own.

Highway tolls coming You may have noticed the building of five new toll booths on the Chonburi-Bangkok motorway which are expected to be completed by August this year. The booths will be located in Ban Bueng, Bang Phra, Nong Kham, Pong and Pattaya. Rates will be one baht per kilometer driven with a full drive from Pattaya to Chonburi costing 120 baht. Expect to see the so-called toll plazas in operation by the beginning of 2017.

Bizarre bridge One of the outcomes of the raid on the farang pensioners’ bridge club in Pattaya last month is that the club has likely become the most famous in the world, even while it was closed! Over 300 news stories in the local and international media were counted, not to mention untold thousands of messages on social media and blog sites. It’s not clear whether such publicity will boost the club’s popularity or frighten away wannabe players.

Bad Brits There’s been a recent splurge in the number of Brits getting into hot water in Pattaya. Local news has counted seven in the past month who were abusive or drunk or were breaking the drug laws. They included a Scotsman who was harassing tourists on Walking Street and punched a city hall officer. If Scotland ever becomes an independent country, the authorities there might need to post a full-time consular officer here as the English are likely to walk away from foreigners north of the border.

Marriage of chief’s son

Smile news You have to check the detail if buying a ticket from Thai Smile, the subsidiary company of the major Thai airline. Last October, there was a great fanfare that all Thai Smile flights would use Don Mueang Airport and no longer Suvarnabhumi. But a passenger has just written in to say that he missed his flight to Phnom Penh because it started from the latter. The lesson is to check your ticket carefully.

Don Mueang news Speaking of our second airport, the facility is already geared up to handle 30 million passengers a year following the opening of Terminal 2.

Further redevelopment is on the cards with a modernization of Terminal 1 and the possible construction of a new passenger terminal connected to the Bang Sue-Rangsit rail link which is also known as the Red Line. Only two years ago, people were querying whether Bangkok in fact needed two airports. Indeed it did and does.

Sontaya Kunplome, former assemblyman, and Komsan Eakachai, Chonburi governor, presided over the wedding of Kankorn Kanjanawatta and his bride

Nathapan Wansao. Kankorn is the son of Banglamung District Chief Chakorn Kanjanawatta. The reception took place at Baan Sukhawadee in Banglamung.

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

6

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

News Global Duty of Care Awards call for nominations

Redemptorist Center Chapel Catholic Mass Schedule

The International SOS Foundation launches the first annual Global Duty of Care Awards to recognise organisations and individuals who have made a significant contribution to protecting their staff as they travel and work overseas.

The International SOS Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation with the goal of improving the safety, security, health and welfare of people working abroad or on remote assignments through the study, understanding and mitigation of potential risks.

Laurent Fourier, director of the International SOS Foundation, said, “A considerable amount of effort is involved across departments to support travelling staff.

The goal of the awards is to recognise those involved in creating and implementing

the programmes that mitigate travel, health and security risks to workers when they are abroad. We want to shine a light on best practices to raise standards in Duty of Care.”

The global call for submissions is now open to all organisations, institutions and non-governmental organisations. The 2016 Global Duty of Care Awards will be presented in the following

c a t e g o r i e s : I n n ov a t i o n , Thought Leadership, Resilient Care, Communication, and Partnership.

One winner will be chosen and presented an award for each of the five categories.

Winners will be announced at the awards gala dinner on June 16, 2016 at The Mira Boutique Hotel, Hong Kong.

The judging panel includes internationally recognised

leaders in fields related to Duty of Care.

Organisations and individuals may download the nomination form at www.dutyofcareawards. com. Nominations may be submitted via email at info@ internationalsosfoundation. org. The awards entry period closes on April 11, 2016. The awards shortlist announcement will be on April 25, 2016.

Bangkok hosts Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016

by Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATnews.org

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

Bangkok successfully hosted the fourth annual awards ceremony to celebrate Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, which placed progressive Indian Restaurant Gaggan in Bangkok in the top spot for the second consecutive year while recognising three other Bangkok dining establishments in the top 25.

Held on February 29, 2016, at the W Bangkok Hotel before an audience of Asia’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs and industry VIPs, the awards ceremony is testament to Bangkok’s popularity as the capital of culinary excellence. The significant role the awards play in celebrating the best of the best in the Asian restaurant scene is also recognised by the host country Thailand through a strong presence of highranking officials including the Deputy Prime Minister HE General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports HE Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, as well as TAT’s executives.

The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016 recognised Gaggan in Bangkok in top spot for the second consecutive year, thus placing the progressive Indian Restaurant in the dual titles of The Best Restaurant in Asia and The Best Restaurant in Thailand.

© Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

Thailand is also represented by three Bangkok establishments namely Nahm (No 8), Issaya Siamese Club, rising 20 places to No 19, and Eat Me at No 23.

In addition, David Thompson, the celebrated

chef of Nahm in Bangkok and Long Chim in Singapore, has been named the 2016 recipient of The Diners Club® Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is voted by members of The Diners Club® Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy,

comprising over 300 leaders in the restaurant and culinary industries throughout Asia.

For a complete list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016, visit www.theworlds50best. com/asia/en/asias-50-bestrestaurants.html.

7

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

News

Socks donated to students

Snap Judgment Superbugs galore

At Baan Charknok School, Lions Club of Phratumnak chairman Komkrit Prasitnarits and other officials donated

390 pairs of socks to the children who received them with sincere thanks. A lunch was also provided to the students.

The adventure is just beginning

The Royal Garden Plaza’s General Manager Lalita Wimonwan presided over a promotional event “Let the Adventure Begin 2016” with prizes for the

general public which included round-trip air tickets to Dubai and the Maldives and a host of other pleasant surprises.

Colors of the East Festival returns for the ninth year Chonburi Vice Governor Pawat Lertmukda presided over the opening ceremony of the 9th Colors of the East held at Pattaya Beach in front of Central Festival from February 25 to 28. Under the theme of Colors of the East, Colors of Your Life, the event featured the main four provinces of the eastern region: Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

The four-day festival, aimed to encourage tourism, improve people’s income and even reduce unemployment, is a joint cooperation among tourist police volunteers, EasyKart, The Sanctuary of Truth, Love Art Park, Art in Paradise,

Pattaya Dolphin World and Resort, Teddy Bear Museum, Cartoon Network Amazone, Pipo Pony Club, Thai Thani Arts and Culture Village and others.

There were over 120 booths

selling OTOP products, tour and hotel packages, and local food, plus mini-concerts from local artists. A free accommodation was also at stake in a photo-sharing contest at the event’s Facebook fanpage.

There are real concerns that aggressive superbugs are now becoming so common that antibiotics are no longer able to kill them. Worldwide, there are already 700,000 deaths a year from conditions that were easy to manage in the past, including well-known blights such as diarrhoea and skin sores. If present conditions continue on their upward path, that number could rise to 10 million or more by the middle of the century. The reduced effectiveness of antibiotics is very real yet is too often ignored.

Countries in Asia are regarded as particularly vulnerable.

Alongside gaps in healthcare services, dense populations and poor sanitation contribute to a breeding ground for superbugs that kill with impunity. The problem is well-known – the most significant factor is irrational and heavy use of antibiotics from over-the-counter availability and excessive prescription. With a dearth of new antibiotics being developed, much more has to be done if longer-term epidemics are to be avoided. We need to guard closely the efficacy of those antibiotics that we already have.

There are certainly simple measures which would improve the situation. Governments must ensure that legitimate antibiotics are obtained only on a doctor’s prescription and not automatically over-the-counter. Legislation must also be strengthened to prevent the manufacture and sale of fake or substandard antibiotics. This will disrupt our tendency to reach for – let’s say amoxicillin – at the first sign of a cough and will also reduce the number of fake products on the market.

Governments also need to promote changes in the prescription habits of doctors by emphasizing the diminishing returns of antibiotics. This would help medical professionals feel confident in the treatments which they recommend and will enhance professionals’ ability to resist pressure from both the public and the drug companies to overprescribe medicines as a presumed easy fix.

Another problem to be addressed is the use of antibiotics for purposes that have nothing to do with health, for example the livestock and fisheries industries must desist from using life-saving antibiotics for what is known as “growth promotion” in animals. Unless such issues are tackled with some urgency, the world faces a return to the dark, pre-antibiotic era of public health. The evidence is already there in Southeast Asia: resistance to first-line antibiotics means that the treatment of once-basic illnesses is now more difficult and time-consuming.

That situation in turn means that curing illnesses is getting more expensive and time-consuming, whilst economic production is adversely affected as workers take longer to recover. One estimate is that, if present trends continue, the gross national product of many nations will be adversely affected by around 3 percent.

The encouraging news is that the commitment to tackle the antibiotics problem is beginning to solidify. Governments, pharmaceutical companies and multinational organizations have lately recognized that concerted action is required.

Adhering to WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance is the best plan with a commitment to include drafting and implementing national action plans with a clear outcome based on measuring, documenting and reporting progress. WHO will work closely with member states to monitor progress and reach those goals, hopefully making the region a leader in the global fight for world health.

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director of WHO in Southeast Asia, said, “The menace to health security requires intelligent policymaking backed by keen and effective enforcement.” He added that attitudes to drugs in the population at large must also change and people need to understand the wider issues involved. If words are not translated into action, then the consequences will be many times more catastrophic than they already are. Let’s hope the 10 governments of ASEAN nations are listening.

8

16 - 31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Our Community Pacific Healthcare donates bikes to Pattaya Orphanage

At Amari Pattaya, Pacific Healthcare led by Chairman Cyrille Buhrman (back row, second from left) and CEO Patrik Bruhlmann (back row, left) together with Richard Gamlin (back row, centre), resident manager of Amari Pattaya, donated four bikes to children from the Pattaya Orphanage led by Radchada Chomjinda (back row, second from right), inter-adoption representative. They came to participate at Pacific Healthcare’s team building activity at the garden of Amari Pattaya.

Holiday Inn Pattaya supports Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center

As part of supporting the social development and wellbeing of Pattaya’s community, Holiday Inn Pattaya led by Kate Gerits, area general manager – Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok and general manager – Holiday Inn Pattaya, together with management team, supported children at Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center in Pattaya. This project aims to bring happiness to children by repainting tables, organizing fun activities for children, and donating 15,000 baht.

Mercure Pattaya and Hotel Baraquda Pattaya love our planet

Showing how much they love Planet Earth, the management and teams from Mercure Pattaya Hotel and Hotel Baraquda Pattaya MGallery by Sofitel organized a “Big Cleaning” activity with Accor’s Planet 21 program around Pattaya Beach Road.

Happy birthday to you

by Derek Franklin

On the final Friday of every second month, more than 200 children get together for a party. Not just any party, but a birthday party. The residents of the Father Ray Children’s Home, Father Ray Children’s Village and the Father Ray Drop-In Center were recently joined by the youngsters from the School for the Blind to celebrate the birthday of everyone born in January and February.

Almost 300 children attended the party, which started with a dinner of fried chicken, pink noodles, somtam salad and as much fresh fruit as they could eat.

When so many children are all together the noise can at times be deafening, but give them food and you could

almost hear a pin-drop, it was that quiet.

But the silence never lasted long as it was soon time to sing “Happy Birthday” and blow out all the candles.

Forty youngsters were born in January or February, and everyone was called to the stage to receive a beautifully wrapped gift.

For one young boy who recently reached the grand old age of 12, this was the first time he was celebrating the day of his birth. Orphaned at the age of 2, he has lost count of how many different places he has lived. But now he has a home, and each year his birthday will be celebrated, though he looked somewhat nervous climbing onto the stage to collect his birthday present for the very first time.

Once all the gifts had been presented, the volume of the music was increased and the children danced. Groups of children stormed the stage to perform their version of pop songs. Between eating cake, singing at the top of

their voices, screaming at the performers and showing off their new birthday gifts, the children all agreed that the party was one of the best ever.

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

AGLOW International comes to Pattaya region A G L OW i s a n o n denominational Christian gathering of women from all cultures and backgrounds, established in 1967, and now with chapters in 170 nations. The new Pattaya chapter warmly invites all Thai and English speaking women to bring old friends, make new friends to enjoy good food, plus interesting and challenging speakers who share personal life experiences that uplift and encourage all who attend.

Regular monthly meetings

will be held every fourth Tuesday of each month, beginning March 22 from 12 noon to 2 pm at Sandalay Hotel located on corner of Pattaya Beach Road and Soi 2. Cost of 220 baht per person includes a delicious buffet lunch.

The first international speaker will be former Pattaya resident Janelle Wallace, now living in Redding, California.

Once established, AGLOW Pattaya plans to support some local Pattaya charitable foundations as well as foster

AGLOW Pattaya chapter leaders planning the first meeting include (L to R) Joanna Samuels, Michelle Jeffries, Lynne Thompson, Sherri Hackwell, and Dianne Doell

relationship building within the Thai and English speaking community.

For more information or to reserve your tickets, call Sherri at 061 730 6601.

Rotary District Conference at Nakhon Ratchasima

by Rodney James Charman

First day at Rotary District Conference 3340 RI (Rotary International) 24 at Nakhon Ratchasima saw the opening ceremony start with music by an orchestra composed of students from Suranaree School. That was followed by a welcome speech by District Governor Vivat Pipatchaisiri and finally by Past Rotary I n t e r n a t i o n a l P re s i d e n t Bhichai Rattakul.

Second morning Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard was at hand to talk and demonstrate their water filter systems.

Nice to see the main District Governor Vivat Pipatchaisiri’s entrance display boards included images of Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard at work.

Rotar y Club Eastern Seaboard was presented with Excellence Rotary Club Award with deep appreciation in honor and recognition of outstanding and invaluable contribution to the

community. Also, Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard Charter President and Board Member Martin Bands received a

Certificate of Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Transfer.

Foundation Recognition of 1,000 points were transferred

to him in recognition of his generosity, dedication, time and effort to District 3340 during Rotary year 2015-16.

Pattaya Today's lifestyle, travel and culture guide

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

L iv I N G

i n

stY L e

Amadeus

Cool Nautical Luxury at Hotel Baraquda Pattaya

Promise - Ib Ottesen

dining out L6

escapades L10

music L11

BMW Goes Family MPV with New 2 Series Gran Tourer

by John K. Lindgren

The all-new BMW 218i Gran Tourer is “Beemer's” first-ever minivan or sevenseater and first front-wheel drive vehicle.

“The Times They Are a-Changin”, sang Bob Dylan. Now, there's a BMW with room for all including kids, dogs, mountain bikes and stuff.

The 2 Series Gran Tourer was rolled out at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show and was soon joined by the Active Tourer, the kid brother creating a completely new BMW segment of compact premium minivans or MPVs.

>> continued on L5

L2

events

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya hosts a soiree for wine lovers The IWS Chilean Wine Tasting at Sky Restaurant

by John K. Lindgren

Ever since they arrived decades ago in Thailand the wines from that distant long ribbon shaped South American country, Chile, and their “new world” red and white varietals have been appreciated as excellent value for money wines.

Recently Pattaya Today attended the “Sit the Sky” Chilean wine tasting by IWS (Independent Wine and Spirit) company importer of Concho y Toro, Chile's biggest winemaker founded in 1883 by Don Melchor de Concha y Toro.

The event priced at 799 baht net per person took place at Siam@Siam's al fresco Sky Restaurant on the 24th floor.

A light sea breeze and an unforgettable vista over a nocturnal Pattaya Bay was the perfect setting. The tasting included four whites and four reds.

Here are our favorites: The first white, a dry Sunrise Sauvignon Blanc 2014 matched with smoked salmon, sour cream dill and cucumber canapé. The wine in greenish yellow color with intense, citric notes like lemon and grapefruits and a touch of herbal notes.

Very fresh, balanced and with good acidity. A perfect Sauvignon Blanc with salmon condiments. Delicious!

Next my preferred white: the Reservado Chardonnay.

Pale yellow in the glass. On the palate peach, apple, tropical fruit matched with a small serving of pickle vegetables stick, herbal cream cheese. All lip-smacking good!

Onwards. One more white: Concho y Toro Sendero Sauvignon Blanc 2015. Pale yellow color with herbaceous aromas with notes of crisp citrus and

peaches. Light and refreshing finish paired with a classic bruschetta bread, avocado tuna tartar and olives. Delectable! Bread and wine just like the Romans.

Smiling faces everywhere as the seated guests impressed by the stunning views were sniffing, swirling and tasting the wines.

Chile is a country also known for making fine red wines. Our first red: Concho y Toro's Reservado 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and what better than goat cheese with grilled color pepper on toast. The “Cab” in shiny red color. Medium body. On the palate fruity, berries, red plums and chocolate notes. You can't go wrong with the cheese and Cabernet Sauvignon combo. Good to the last drop.

The Merlot grape was originally imported from France in the 19th century. It found a new home in Chile. Our favorite Sendero Merlot. 100 percent classic merlot grape. In the glass ruby-red color with delicate violet tones. On the palate notes of cherries, black pepper and a touch of cocoa. A well-rounded wine with good body and a persistent finish. The finger food: Grilled eggplant with Parma ham rolls and feta cheese.

Another heavenly match. Cheers!

A most memorable wine tasting. Compliments to the chef, the excellent service and the organizers: Chanchai Suwannakitti, room division manager, and Niruth Hongchanda, Food and Beverage director, and Andrea Picello, assistant marketing and retail manager of Independent Wine and Spirit (IWS).

Wine lovers in Pattaya and Bangkok. Do not miss the next Siam@Siam wine tasting. Excellent value for your Thai baht, breathtaking views included. Book now!

eve n ts c a le n d a r THE 37TH BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW Date: 23 March – 3 April 2016, Wednesday-Sunday, 12-10 pm Venue: Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Activities: The 37th Bangkok International Motor Show will be organized under the theme concept of “No Boundaries Mobility”.

Leading car and motorcycle companies as well as auto accessories companies are conjointly participating in the show with their latest products on display and available for sale.

The show this year is set up covering the exhibition space of more than 140,000 sqm in total, which said to be the biggest exhibition space in Asia. It is believed that the show will help stimulate the Thai automotive industry at not lesser than 40 billion baht.

For more information: www.bangkok-motorshow.com

MISS HOOTERS SWIMSUIT PAGEANT Date: 25-26 March & 3 April 2016, Friday-Saturday & Sunday Venue: Hooters Bangkok, Pattaya (Beach Road Soi 13) & Phuket Activities: Watch Hooters Girls compete to be Miss Hooters Thailand (free entry). The winner will get a chance to go to Las Vegas to compete for Miss Hooters International.

For more information: Hooters Pattaya Tel: 038 415 318 www.hootersasia.com

MEETING OF STYLES PATTAYA 2016 Date: 26-27 March, Saturday-Sunday Venue: South Pattaya

Afterwork Urban Latin Party at Havana Bar Havana Bar at Holiday Inn Pattaya launched its new extensive menu and drinks with a two-night event – Afterwork Urban Latin Party and Saturday Salsa Party.

The Friday night event saw guests take some time out from work and enjoy Latin tunes from DJ Henry Knowles and happy hour from 7 pm until midnight with buy one, get one drinks and complimentary samplers of the new savory menu including Smashed Avocado and Corn Chips; Avocado, Tomato and Cream Cheese Bruschetta; Ahi Tuna Poke and Wonton Chips; Pork and Chorizo Picks with sweet onion relish; Cubano Sandwich; Revolutionary Star Burger, and Up Town Havana Burger. Mixologists prepped up new signature drinks such as Peach Heaven, Tom Yam, Elder Gin, Sparkling Flower, Creamy Toffee, Apple Mojito, Strawberry Mojito, and Passion Fruit Mojito.

The event also marked Havana Bar's first Friday Latin night brought about by a strong following of the bar's Saturday Latin nights. Two guests came home with two-night stay and onenight stay at Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom from the lucky draw.

Activities: Enjoy a two-day graffiti festival for artists and art lovers to wander through an abandoned building down in Pattaya indulging both their soul and tummy.

The Meeting of Styles location this year is near South Pattaya Beach, just 10 minutes away from Pattaya Beach and town, at an abandoned 5-storey building, which will be habited for two full days with multicultural talents ready to make this building come back to life.

Meeting of Styles focuses on the expression of street art and giving back to the local community by inspiring them and leaving a positive ambience for the love of street art. The festival will also include music entertainment from well-respected Thai crews playing a mix of old school R&B and hip-hop all the way to electronic sounds throughout the festival.

So come on down to Meeting of Styles Pattaya 2016 and support all the local and international artists and experience Meeting of Styles market with unique and hip clothing, accessories, food and drinks.

For more information: www.facebook.com/MOSThailand2014 www.facebook.com/IntMeetingOfStyles www.meetingofstyles.com

L3

events

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

Holiday Inn Pattaya Stonefish Wine Tasting Red & White Fine Aussie Wines & 5-Star Gastronomy

by John K. Lindgren

Wine dinners and wine tastings were frequent at the swank five-star hotels in Bangkok not long ago. Now, they are on a back burner. But, in Pattaya there's no stopping them—sometimes two wine tastings per night.

Regular wine tastings take place at Holiday Inn Pattaya on the beachfront area at the retro-chic, highceilinged Havana Bar which has become de rigueur for Pattaya and Bangkok wine aficionados. Pattaya Today recently attended the popular Stonefish wine event on a Saturday night 6:30 to 9 pm. Cost 990 baht net (no hidden charges, no “plus, plus”). Where in Bangkok do you find this deal – tell me?

As we arrived, the Havana Bar was almost filled to the rafters with 30 somethings male and female, the young at heart, expats, locals, in-house guests and Bangkok wallahs. The wine stewards behind rows and rows of sparkling wine glasses. The food stations filled with an array of delicious canapés, savories, and finger food including smoked salmon, miniature bruschettas and the irresistible charcuterie and cheese selections. All this at 990 baht. Free-flow serving of Stonefish, Garfish and Shell Bay “new world” wines.

The tasting started with a cocktail reception: a dry Champenoise style South Australian Stonefish Brut Cuvee NV (non-vintage) Hunter Valley premium sparkling wine boasting fresh bouquet, yeasty characters, and rich creamy palate. A well-balanced bubbly with a crisp, clean finish. What an elegant starter!

More white wines were followed accompanied by morsels of salmon: Stonefish Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River. A Western Australian 'SB' displaying an appealing mix of tropical fruit with pear and citrus.

Fresh and lively on the palate. Good length with rich mouthfeel. A first-class Sauvignon Blanc suited to all occasions. Alcohol content: 12.5 percent.

Next a classic Burgundy grape Pinot Gris also grown in Italy where it's named Pinot Grigio. Garfish Pinot Grigio 2012. Straw color with green highlights, this white Pinot displays appealing aromas of fresh pear and apple. The palate is refreshing and lively. If you're a Chardonnay drinker do try this Garfish Aussie Pinot Grigio. The last white to match the delicious servings from the pastry station: Garfish Moscato from McLaren Vale South Australia. Light straw hue, this luscious Moscato displays apricot, peaches and melon characters. Sweet floral aroma but low in alcohol. Muscat is the name of this classic grape.

Next a triumvirate of big Aussie reds: Shell Bay Shiraz Cabernet, Stonefish Cabernet Sauvignon and Stonefish Shiraz. Powerful, full-bodied wines with average alcohol content well over 14 percent – four glasses and you better get a taxi home or check-in at Holiday Inn Pattaya. The first one a Shiraz/Cabernet 2014 blend.

On the palate soft and supple with rich fruit and hints of toasty oak. Sniff it and you'll discover berries and

blackcurrant. The old saying: Red wine and red meat works here.

Stonefish Cabernet Sauvignon 2012: A big, bold, Ozzie Cab. On the nose a rich a fragrant bouquet of blackberry and plum. The palate is luscious, round and fruitful with blackcurrant and berries notes. A splendid “King” of red as the Cabernet Sauvignon is sometimes called.

Finally, the Stonefish Shiraz 2014. Interesting, classical dark skinned grape. In Old Europe known as Syrah. Shiraz is also the fifth largest city of the Islamic Republic of Iran, hardly a wine drinking country. But, in Australia Syrah or rather Shiraz has found a new home and is the most popular red wine Down Under and it is thanks to the Aussies that bold red is so popular among North American wine drinkers. Stonefish 2014 Shiraz is a case in point. Handpicked grapes from carefully nurtured Western Australian vineyards. The wine displays a youthful rich and ripe palate with red berries and spices interwoven with oak. A well-balanced, fullbodied wine enhanced by soft tannins. An excellent accompaniment to grilled red meats and game dishes.

This impressive Holiday Inn Pattaya wine tasting ended on a high note with Latin tunes by Havana Bar Latin Night DJ Henry. Chapeau! Big applause to the organizer Holiday Inn Pattaya dream team and the Stonefish Importer Wine Dee Dee Pattaya Co., Ltd., a local enterprise.

All you Bangkok wine lovers watch this space and make sure you don't miss the next Holiday Inn Pattaya Havana Bar wine tasting.

Nota Bene! All prices in Thai baht and net (no surprise service charge and taxes).

In Vino Veritas!

Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

L4

rendezvous

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

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

holidayinn.com

Dusit Thani Pattaya fetes Honda LPGA winner Lexi Thompson accepts a congratulatory bouquet from Dusit Thani Pattaya represented by director of rooms, Pramot Sothana, at the hotel after her victory at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course. Thompson is the first American to clinch the title of Honda LPGA Thailand 2016; it was the seventh LPGA win of her career and her success also awarded her the prize purse of US $1.6 million (approximately 59 million baht) along with a trophy. The resort has been the official home to the prestigious ladies golfing event since 2009. This year marks the 10th year anniversary of the world-class women golfers tournament in Thailand.

South African Wine Experience at Amari Pattaya Amari Pattaya Resident Manager Richard Gamlin (second from left), together with the hotel management team, gave a warm welcome to the Independent Wine and Spirit (Thailand) Co., Ltd. representatives led by Andrea Picello (left), assistant marketing and retail manager, and Supasit Peanchitlertkajorn (second from right), sales manager, during the South African Wine Experience event held at the hotel’s Garden Lounge.

Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa shine the light for Earth Hour

events calendar ASIAN BEACH POLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2016 Date: 30 April 2016, Saturday Venue: InterContinental Hua Hin Activities: The Asian Beach Polo Championship 2016, staged by the InterContinental Hua Hin and B. Grimm, is an annual event to raise funds for the Nabha Foundation under HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha.

Aside from the polo itself, there’s a horseback fashion show and other activities.

In recognition of Earth Hour and to spread familiarization of climate change, Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa will participate in the biggest candlelit dinner in the world with a special offer of buffet dinner at Sala Rim Nam and Garden Cafe at only 650 baht net.

Associates and guests are invited to switch off all non-essential lighting for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on March 19, 2016 in support of Earth Hour – a global movement, uniting businesses, organizations and individuals in taking action to raise awareness to the issues of climate change.

Champagne Bar opens at A-ONE Pattaya Beach Resort

For more information: Tel: 02 650 3055 www.thai-polo-club.com

TOP OF THE GULF REGATTA 2016 Date: 30 April – 4 May 2016, Saturday-Wednesday Venue: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya Activities: The best sailors from throughout Asia and beyond will come together to celebrate the nautical lifestyle in this friendly waterside setting with high-octane racing in the day and chic parties on the lawn each evening.

For the casual sailors, yacht charter opportunities are available and for non-sailors, tickets to the evening parties can be purchased at Ocean Marina Yacht Club. The gala dinner under the stars is a regatta finale not to be missed.

For more information: Regatta Call Center Tel: 090 909 7469 Email: info@topofthegulfregatta.com

The newly-opened Grissini Champagne Bar is a relaxing and restful bar with a comfy atmosphere to enjoy fine lunch or romantic candlelit dining. Premium dishes and varieties of wines, beers, cocktails and drinks are available.

The menu focuses on providing guests with premium quality and variety. The kitchen team and experienced chef present exclusive and delicious dishes featuring fresh oyster, foie gras, lobster and more, with luxury champagne or imported draught beer on tap plus signature cocktails.

Five highlight menu items include seared foie gras on brioche with apple and truffle sauce, almond battered oyster deep-fried served with wasabi mayo, organic salad with lobster and sesame dressing, steamed Alaskan king crab with mayo and salad, and homemade crab cream soup.

Grissini Champagne Bar is located near the swimming pool of A-ONE Pattaya Beach Resort and opens daily from 11 am to 11 pm.

For more information, call 038 259 555.

L5

automotive

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

BMW Goes Family MPV with New 2 Series Gran Tourer

>> from L1

The Bavarian luxury Gran Tourer shares the same 136 hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol turbo engine, frontwheel drive chassis and interior as the smaller Active Tourer.

by John K. Lindgren The visual difference Editor-in-chief: carsanook.com between the two “Tourers” is seen from a side view. Compare the C-pillars at the rear – Voila la differance!

The Gran Tourer is 210 mm longer and has two more seats and a higher roof. That means a bigger boot measuring 560 liters – and if you fold the seats flat that space grows to a whopping 1,820 liters. Access is easy through the tailgate, while the load height is low – good for heavy items or big canines.

How much? There's a 200,000 baht price difference between the two BMW Tourers. The Active Tourer retails at 2.499 million baht and the Grand Tourer Luxury at 2.699 million baht.

Styling The Grand Tourer is instantly recognizable as true BMW with the low windscreen and the clearly defined and muscularly sculpted bonnet and the low-slung front. The wide kidney grille forms the optical focal point and is lower than the double-round LED headlamps which create a dynamic, aggressive look that is unique in this vehicle segment. The side view might give you a minivan, MPV impression but the rear is unmistakable BMW with the L-shape large tail lights extending far into the side walls giving the Gran Tourer a solid road-hugging stance with those cool 17-inch light alloy wheels.

Interior Since this is the top-of-the-line Luxury variant it's all delicious black Dakota leather upholstery, soft touch fascia with fine wood trim highlights.

Electric front seats. Second row with adequate leg room, head room and a generous armrest with cupholders.

For the kids a third row which can be completely lowered into the loading floor. On longer road trips four adults and two children will travel comfortably. The cockpit is driverorientated and functional. Everything at your fingertips and the multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel is rake/reach adjustable. Parking. No more pulling the handbrake! It's an electronic switch. Just a touch to engage or disengage.

Now, the infotainment system: BMW iDrive with controller knob on the center console connected to a 6.5-inch color screen. Plus a premium Harman Kardon hi-fi sound system, AM/FM radio including Bluetooth and audio

International food and Thai Cuisine Jomtien Bead Road Corner of Soi 8

streaming in conjunction with compatible smartphones apps.

Under the bonnet a compact 1.5-liter 3-cylinder, 136 hp, 220 Nm torque turbocharged petrol motor matted to a smooth and fuel saving a six-speed automatic gearbox. This downsized BMW engine never feels underpowered be it cruising or overtaking on the motorway. Fuel consumption near 20 kpl is unexpected for a sevenseater minivan.

Driving Experience The higher roofline gives the driver adequate all-round vision even in challenging traffic situations, as well as making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Press the START/STOP button. Tap on accelerator... and near 2,500 rpm the distinctive BMW engine soundtrack starts to thrill you. The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer gives the driver the option of sporty, comfortable or economical engine/vehicle settings: ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes are activated via the Driving Experience Control switch in the center console. Deploy it and a predefined set-up that configures the power train and chassis kicks in. ECO PRO mode helps the driver achieve an efficient and frugal driving mode without compromising on comfort. This feature enables improvement in fuel economy of up to 20 percent.

On our Bangkok-Chonburi-Pattaya test drive the Gran Tourer, which is slightly narrower than a BMW 3 Series, was easy to navigate through congested urban areas and a real autobahn cruiser on the

Tel : 038 756698, 091 0564911 www.jomtien-boathouse.com

motorway. Furthermore, the 1.5-liter petrol engine is impressively quiet.

Safety The 2 Series Gran Tourer was awarded the maximum five-star rating

by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme). Six airbags as standard plus the alphabet soup of safety systems: DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system includes ABS, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). And the Parking Assistant which takes the hard work out of parallel parking with the help of ultrasonic sensors.

Sporty? Yes, Sir! That's what I call this seven-seater Gran Tourer, because it is a BMW and it drives and sounds like a “Beemer” and it's pure FUN to drive, But it is also a family vehicle, smooth and relaxing in town and fast on the expressway.

A totally new Bavarian Motor Works automobile. But still the “Ultimate Driving Machine” – now with the motto: Rev Up Your Family.

A test drive is recommended at BMW German Auto Pattaya, BagnaTrad or Chaengwattana.

BMW 218i Gran Tourer Luxury

Engine: 3-cylinder 1.5-liter petrol turbo Transmission: 6-speed automatic Power output: 136 hp Torque: 220 Nm 0-100 kph: 9.2 sec Max speed: 205 kph Fuel consumption (combined): 19 kpl Price: 2.699 million baht www.bmw.co.th

L6

top tables

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

Mick & Di The Food Lovers

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

AMADEUS Top-Drawer Tapas and

Tapas Plate

Fine Dining Italian Style Amadeus is the new incarnation for this imposing restaurant which sits at the corner of Jomtien Soi 5, Second Road. Under the aegis of its new owner, the charming Photchani “Kikka” Kaeosathit, it has been reinvented, revamped and has emerged a three-zoned leisure destination with a laid-back tapas restaurant, a sleek, ubersophisticated fine dining area and a super-sophisticated urbane cocktail lounge with classy leather sofas, lowlevel tables and flatteringly subdued lighting making it the perfect place to sit back, relax and sip luxury cocktails. The snazzy lit cocktail bar is more than well stocked with speciality spirits, including eight brands of tequila, all the proprietary brands needed and a plethora of Italian liquors that are enjoyed as

aperitivos, digestives and often also important ingredients for some of Italy’s favourite desserts.

For casual dining sit in the front conservatory style restaurant with window tables overlooking the street and a big ingredients filled fridge where all the tapas mixtures are on display and where two hams, one an Italian boneless ham prepared according to an age-old recipe

by Benedictine monks, covered with red and green pepper for its unmistakable branding and the other the famous Spanish Jamón ibérico made exclusively from black Iberian pigs – both just waiting to be sliced and enjoyed.

Where to start from the 20-item tapas menu? Prices range from B.95 to B.145 for the steamed marinated seafood in olive oil. The tapas chefs

can serve a mixed selection of 12 dishes for sharing (B.1,200) or orders can be placed individually for each portion. Chef prepared us a tasting menu of dishes and we were served bresaola rolls with mascarpone cheese, marinated carpaccio of Trentino beef with rocket and cheese, octopus with potato salad, smoked salmon with cheese, servings of those superb hams accompanied by big juicy Italian olives and a brilliant speck smoked ham. It was all outstanding, the quality of the ingredients top-notch topped with excellent preparation and sourcing.

The wine list is extensive and Italian centric with bottles ranging from a very reasonable B.950 (Sangiovese Ottaviani) to the legendary Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido at B.27,900. We enjoyed a glass

Turbot Fillet on Spinach

or two of the first-rate Pinot Grigio Collavini at B.260 a glass or B.1,290 by the bottle and their excellent house Sangiovese. But back to the tapas medley – there’s a tuna and black olive dip, marinated anchovy, peppers with tuna, squid and cannellini beans, shrimps and chickpeas—the options are mouth-watering. Bruschetta is another speciality offering roast beef with Gorgonzola cheese, eggplant and mozzarella, mascarpone cheese with anchovies and black olives plus much more.

Pizzas are thin, crisp and traditional, margherita (B.270) through diavola (spicy salami), Italian sausage with tomato, mozzarella and mushroom to the top of the pile the Amadeus special of tomato, mozzarella, smoked salmon and shrimps.

We continued with an excellent turbot fillet on spinach with mashed potato and lemon butter (B.590). Turbot is a princely fish that deserves to be cooked with care and attention and here it received the

care it deserves and emerged with buttery soft flesh and perfect texture complemented by the well-flavoured spinach and delightful mash. Beef eaters won’t be disappointed with the grilled Australian grain-fed ribeye (B.950) or the impressive grilled super steak of Australian Wagyu 4 prime rib weighing in at over 1 kg for all you trencherman out there.

Amadeus is an on trend, contemporary Italian restaurant which serves a terrific array of quality tapas and top-notch Italian cuisine which fits with any occasion or social gathering; it can provide the lavishness of fine dining or the zoosh of a tapas plate complemented by creative cocktails and fine wines.

Forecourt parking is available if you flash your lights at the barrier for admittance.

Amadeus Restaurant & Tapas Jomtien Second Road, on the corner of Jomtien Soi 5 opposite Rompho Market Open daily from 5 to 11 pm Tel: 095 718 1534

Hotel Promotions Brandsite Exclusive Promotion at Amari Pattaya Amari Pattaya offers its new and special Brandsite Exclusive Promotion, now available only on Amari. com, which is a separate special offer from Amari Ocean Pattaya and Amari Garden Pattaya.

Amari Ocean Pattaya offers a free one-time 30-minute Heads Up Massage at Breeze Spa for one person per room per stay. This promotion is not applicable to children 12 years old and under.

It applies only with bookings made on Amari.com and cannot be combined with other packages or promotions. Book and stay now until March 31, 2016. Prices start at 3,950 baht for all room types and with no minimum stay required.

On the other hand, Amari Garden Pattaya offers one free pan of pizza at Essence Restaurant per room per stay. You can choose one choice of toppings (Pizza Margherita, Pizza Hawaii, Pizza Tonno, Pizza Italian or Pizza Picante). This offer is not applicable for takeaway orders, valid for bookings made on Amari.com and cannot be combined with other packages or promotions. Book and stay now

until March 31, 2016. Prices start at 2,600 baht for all room types and with no minimum stay required.

For more information, call 038 418 418 or visit www.amari.com/ocean-pattaya and www.amari.com/garden-pattaya for your exclusive stay.

Holiday Inn Pattaya introduces unique meeting experience with special price Holiday Inn Pattaya offers meeting planners a unique meeting experience with special room price at 3,800 baht net including breakfast and Wi-Fi internet plus special benefits.

Inspire your next meeting and save more by booking a minimum of 10 rooms by March 31, 2016 for stays until April 30, 2016. The meeting package also includes one complimentary room for every 15 paid rooms, one upgrade to Executive Room with club benefits for every 15 paid rooms, 10 percent discount for daily delegate package and complimentary usage of Auditorium for 2 hours.

Terms and conditions apply.

For more information or meeting inquiry, call 038 725 555.

L7

top tables

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

F&B Promotions Contemporary Sushi

American Wine Experience

at Oasis Restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

at Garden Lounge, Amari Pattaya

This March is a high-end, contemporary sushi experience at Oasis restaurant. East meets West as foie gras, Wagyu and softshell crab are combined to create a rock and roll symphony of flavours.

Oasis Restaurant opens daily from 6 am to 11 pm.

For reservations, call 038 714 981.

Easter Brunch: It’s Going to Be EGGciting at Edge, Hilton Pattaya

On Friday, March 25, 2016, an American wine experience is ready for you to enjoy. Spend the time with free-flowing wines, a nice selection of tapas and canapés, and live duo band music in Garden Lounge’s amazing atmosphere.

This is a relaxing time as guests enjoy fine wines in a lovely garden setting at only 950 baht net per person from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Children 6 years and older may play in the Kid’s Club free of charge for the duration of the event.

For more information, contact 038 418 418 or email fbreservation.pattaya@amari.com.

Funtasea Easter Wonderland at Panorama – Dramatic Atmosphere, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel

On Sunday, March 27, from 12 noon to 3:30 pm, Hilton Pattaya invites guests to spend quality time with families over a sumptuous Easter brunch at Edge on level 14 with a menu designed and prepared by the hotel’s executive chef. Guests will enjoy Easter seasonal menus, roasted meats, lavish hot and cold displays and an array of decadent desserts. After brunch, little guests will be fascinated by special appearance of the ‘Easter Bunny’ along with kiddies’ activities, including egg painting, art collages and many more on this memorable day.

The Easter brunch is priced at 1,400 baht per adult and 700 baht for children of ages between 6-12 years. Children below 6 years dine for free. Guests who enjoy fine wines can opt for the wine buffet at an additional 1,100 baht per person.

Book now to avoid disappointment, limited numbers available.

For additional information and reservations, call 038 253 000.

Japanese-inspired menus in March 2016 at Mantra Restaurant & Bar, Amari Pattaya For the entire month of March 2016, enjoy a Japaneseinspired cuisine created by the hotel’s executive chef. A selection of tantalising dishes will be specially prepared for guests to savour and crave for more.

To accompany these culinary delights as you indulge, you can enjoy creative and refreshing sake cocktails.

The highlighted menus include grilled Wagyu beef yakitori with Japanese leeks, truffle and teriyaki sauce, and baked Hiramasa kingfish served with Japanese pickles and sushi rice.

Prices range from 280 to 1,400 baht.

Mantra Restaurant and Bar is located on Beach Road in North Pattaya.

For further information and reservations, contact 038 429 591 or email email@mantra-pattaya.com.

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

For more information or reservations, contact 038 714 981.

Come and join Royal Cliff ’s Funtasea Easter Wonderland to celebrate an unforgettable Easter with the entire family on Sunday, March 27, 2016.

With fun and unique games, exciting lucky draw and special treats lined up for the whole family; don’t miss this memorable afternoon of non-stop family fun!

Every game has a winner and every winner gets a prize. Each one also gets a chance to decorate colorful Easter eggs and delightful bunny cookies or take part in an exciting Easter egg hunt.

The party is from 2 to 5 pm. Admission fee is only 400 baht for hotel guests and 450 baht for all outside guests.

Other delightful perks include enjoyable arts and crafts, an Easter snack buffet, fun face-painting, and lots of special prizes.

Get ready for a truly eggciting Easter Sunday! Reserve a table now!

For more information or reservations, contact Monica at Funtasea – Kids World by emailing: funtasea@royalcliff.com or calling 038 250 421 ext 2064.

Benihana Gift Vouchers, the ideal gift for every festive occasion

at Benihana Pattaya

Have you got a special occasion to celebrate?

Give thanks and gratitude to your friends, family or employees with Benihana gift vouchers. These vouchers are perfect to share.

Benihana Pattaya launches gift vouchers: a special reward of 25 percent discount when purchasing 100,000 baht or simply purchase individually at 2,000 baht and 10,000 baht.

Buy now and receive amazing savings!

Benihana Pattaya is located on the 2nd floor of Royal Garden Plaza.

For more information, contact Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa on 038 412 120 ext 1395.

Seafood BBQ Buffet at Rim Talay Restaurant, Amari Phuket Amari Phuket’s Rim Talay Restaurant launches a special seafood BBQ buffet promotion, available from now onwards and priced at 940 baht ++ per person (excluding beverage). Children under 12 years of age will get a 50 percent discount. Guests will enjoy a variety of dishes every Wednesday from 6:30 to 10 pm.

For more information and reservations, contact 076 340 106 ext 8027 or rimtalay@amari.com.

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

VISA

BRITAIN

NEW SERVICE

Renew Your UK Passport Without Visiting Bangkok The procedure for obtaining or renewing a British passport in Thailand is now complex. We can assist you, check forms and documents and submit the application and collect the passport on your behalf.

Our comprehensive visa services also include: - Visas for Thais visiting all countries worldwide - Visa extensions for foreigners in Thailand - Retirement, marriage and education visas - Company registration and work permits - Marriage service and registration - English teaching and test centre

Successful business record for almost 20 years

VISA2BRITAIN HEAD OFFICE 183/34 Soi 13/2 Moo 10 Pattaya City, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

Mobile: 081 754 9342 or 084 362 6574 Tel: 038 711 145 Fax: 038 710 163 Email: changvisa@gmail.com

www.visa2britain.com

L8

top tables

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

ANWAR ON JOMTIEN BEACH

Enjoy Lebanese style eating overlooking the bay of Jomtien

Anwar Alhadi has added another branch to his string of successful Lebanese restaurants.

His latest addition is sited on the corner of Soi 5, Jomtien Beach.

It’s a big airy terrace facing the beach with lots of al fresco tables to catch the sea breezes and stunning views out over the bay of Jomtien.

The cuisine of Lebanon is the epitome of the Mediterranean diet. It is abundant with fruits, vegetables, olive oil, pickles and primarily lamb and poultry.

A unique cultural history has helped to make Lebanese food the most popular of all Middle Eastern cuisines. Turkey and France have probably been the two countries which left a significant stamp and influence on the types of food represented

by Lebanese food today.

Mick and I have known Anwar for some time, having reviewed his previous restaurants on Third Road and also Cedars, which can be visited on 6th floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach which is always a busy popular

eatery. An extensive range of fruit mocktails, fresh juiced shakes and juices, coffees, teas and Singha beer are served but if you are partial to a glass of wine you will need to bring your own with only B.100 corkage charge levied.

The menu is bright, pictorial and broad and makes for exciting reading. From various renditions of creamy houmous (chickpea/sesame seed/garlic paste) through shawarma (shredded lamb), tabbouleh (cracked wheat mixed salad) to chicken, and a myriad of grilled meats, they all evoke the mysteries of Arabic cuisine. The beachside location is definitely not reflected in the prices here, with dips, salads and appetisers in the B.100 range and all prices are net with service left to your own discretion.

A popular mode of eating in Lebanon is the “mezze” way (similar to Spanish tapas). There are literally dozens of dishes here, both hot and cold, that could make up a dinner mezze.

What is ultimately chosen is Lebanon Kibbeh

of course to the whim of each individual. We elected to order the mixed selection of cold starters (B.300) with extra plates of vine leaves (B.175), falafel, shish tawook (marinated chicken) kibbeh and the restaurant’s signature bread.

There is a presentation wizard in this kitchen. Each dish was beautifully decorated with the bejeweled colours of fresh vegetables, studded with olives, pine nuts and scented with heady olive oil and herbs. The mixed starter consists of a creamy, garlicky houmous, a wonderful moutabal giddy with smoky mashed aubergine infused with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, pomegranate juice and olive oil. Fattoush is a traditional mixed salad, healthy and delicious mixed with crisply fried pieces of flat bread. The tabbouleh was super-green, zingingly light and herby exhilarated with piquant parsley, various herbs and cracked wheat. The bread is a must; these big,

freshly baked pillowy puffs of flat bread are just perfect for tearing and dipping into the rich, smooth pastes and a natural accompaniment to all the flavours. Dark, luminous green vine leaves stuffed with fragrant rice and herbs, spicy falafel (vegetarian patties of chickpeas) and the national dish of Lebanon, kibbeh, were sensational. Kibbeh is an emulsified paste of the freshest lamb which had been hand mixed with bulgur wheat and flavoured with lots of aromatic herbs resulting in a Middle Eastern pate consistency which was then deep-fried and served with spiced yoghurt.

For meatier affairs there’s the mixed grill (B.395) which serves a huge platter of their lamb chops, boneless lamb, grilled marinated chicken, kebabs, and chicken wings served with French fries.

For fish lovers, shrimps or grilled salmon with pepper or provencale sauce would fit the bill perfectly. Arabic buryani are classic, popular dishes perfect for lunches and suppers alike. Here they come

accompanied by chucks of juicy lamb or chicken with peeled shrimp (B.240), lamb shank and many more variations of the theme. There are a dozen or so Thai dishes to round out this remarkable menu.

Last items on the menu before desserts offer Manousah or Arabic pizza. Here traditional flat bread is laden with minced meat or cheese or spinach or thyme or combinations of all four to produce a substantial, hearty filler for those times of the day when it is needed.

Anwar serves original Lebanese food with a passion.

So obsessed with eating are the Lebanese that even their country’s name came about because the snow-covered mountains inland reminded them of the pure whiteness of “laban” (yogurt). Do visit and discover for yourself why Lebanese cuisine is considered the jewel of the Mediterranean.

Anwar

Jomtien Beach Road, on the corner of Jomtien Soi 5 (Soi Immigration) Open daily from 10 am to late Tel: 092 585 7221

Stuffed Vine Leaves

Hotel Promotions Holidays That Have Everything at Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa Spend some cherished moments with the one you love through a delightful package at Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa. This wonderful package will allow you to escape the chaos of the city together and create memories of serenity. Relax with an overnight package, which provides you a sumptuous, complimentary Thai dinner for two at Sala Rim Nam restaurant.

Enjoy a ‘Taste of Thailand’ with a range of world-class dining that will satisfy your palate and help you relax from your busy lifestyle.

For more information, contact 038 412 120, email: pattayamarriott@minor.com or visit Marriott.com/PYXMC.

Discover one of the hidden gems of Thailand at Amari Buriram United Visit one of the hidden gems of Thailand, Buriram province, with the two-night Super Saver Package from Amari Buriram United starting from 2,752 baht ++ per room per night in a Deluxe room from now until June 30, 2016.

Located in the north-eastern part of Thailand, Buriram, where ancient Khmer and modern Thai civilisations meet, is approximately four hours by car or a 65-minute flight from Bangkok. Thailand’s first football-themed hotel, Amari Buriram United, is only 10 minutes from the city centre and set within the grounds of the Thunder Castle Stadium, home to the celebrated local football team, Buriram United. Guests will be amazed by many not-to-be-missed attractions such as Prasat Phanom Rung, Prasat Muang Tam, Chang International Circuit and the newly opened Buriram Castle lifestyle community mall which features distinct zones for dining, fashion, spa and beauty, sports and kids’ enrichment and entertainment.

The package includes: • An authentic Thai set dinner daily at Kick Off restaurant • Daily breakfast for two • Guaranteed early check-in from 10 am

• Complimentary welcome seasonal fruit platter in room • Guaranteed late check-out until 3 pm For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.amari.com/buriram-united.

L9

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

Eat chocolate without guilt Been avoiding the luxury of chocolate? Now there’s a new reason to bite into the dark, delectable treat: People who eat chocolate at least once a week experience improved memory and abstract thinking, according to a new study published in the journal Appetite.

“Our study definitely indicates that the direction is not that cognitive ability affects chocolate consumption, but that chocolate consumption affects cognitive ability,” reports psychologist Merrill Elias, one of the lead scientists in the study. “It’s significant—it touches a number of cognitive domains,” Elias adds.

Officials said the benefits proven through the study would make frequent chocolate-eaters better at daily tasks like remembering a phone number or shopping list, and multitasking.

Opt for dark chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa.

Meanwhile, another recent study found that eating dark chocolate in moderate amounts is associated with lower levels of abdominal fat. Scientists speculate

A Touch of Rose at Tea Tree Spa, Holiday Inn Pattaya

that the antioxidants may help fight inflammation and improve metabolic functioning.

Is there an early warning test for stroke?

Strokes seem to come out of the blue. But most of them happen due to decades-long damage to blood vessels and growth of artery-clogging plaque. That raises the question:

Is there an early warning test for stroke?

Yes and no. A test called the carotid ultrasound can detect the buildup of cholesterol-filled plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck.

These arteries deliver blood to the brain. The test, which uses sound waves, is quick, safe, and without any immediate potential for harm.

It makes perfect sense for someone experiencing lightheadedness, memory loss, or the warning signs of a stroke or mini-stroke. Having a carotid ultrasound test also makes sense for anyone in whom a doctor hears an abnormal sound called a bruit (BREW-ee) as he or she listens to the carotid arteries through a stethoscope. The scan is also a reasonable idea when a person has known risk factors for stroke, such as a previous "mini-stroke," high

Spa Promotions

blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. But a carotid ultrasound isn't a good idea for otherwise healthy people at average risk for stroke.

If you're wondering whether you should ask your doctor for such a test, here are some questions you might want to consider: • If the test finds something, what's next?

• If it doesn't, are you in the clear?

For most people, a better approach would be to pay attention to fighting things that cause or contribute to the formation and growth of cholesterol-filled plaque — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, not enough exercise, smoking, and the like. Getting those risk factors under control will go a long way to preventing stroke.

Spoil yourself with a touch of rose with exclusive treatment from Tea Tree Spa from now until March 31, 2016.

The specially created treatment starts with 30-minute Body Scrub with Sugar Rose followed by 60-minute Aromatherapy Massage and finish up with 30-minute Express Facial by Dermalogica.

Price is at 2,590 baht net per person or 4,950 baht net per couple. Advance booking is required.

For more information, call 038 725 555 ext 3902.

FitSpa Package at LifeStyles on 26, Centara Grand at CentralWorld From now until March 31, 2016, LifeStyles on 26, Fitness and Spa Cenvaree, located on 26th floor of Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, offer a special promotion called “FitSpa Package”.

For only 1,900 baht, the package includes one personal training session and a onehour spa treatment with any choice of oil. All equipment and facilities are available for your enjoyment and a variety of activities such as yoga fly, Pilates, aerobic, TRX and Thai boxing.

Purchase 10 packages and receive two personal training sessions and two onehour spa treatments with any choice of oil.

For more information, call 02 100 6299.

L10

STRONGER, BRIGHTER, FITTER.

escapades

eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya

please dial 038 253 000 for inquiries and reservations

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

Cool Nautical Luxury at Hotel Baraquda Pattaya

by John K. Lindgren

Among the fishes in the oceans there are more than 20 different species of barracuda (lat.: Sphyraena) a tropical and subtropical saltwater fish that range in size from less than 50 cm to nearly 2 meters in length.

In Pattaya City there is only one Baraquda. Note the French spelling!

The Hotel Baraquda Pattaya is part of the Gallic global hotel giant Accor's five-star MGallery boutique collection. This luxurious yet hip property is located on Pattaya Second Road, only a 3-minute walk from Pattaya Beach and a few steps from shopping plazas, community malls, Thai and international restaurants and vibrant nightlife establishments.

Hotel Baraquda Pattaya MGallery

By Sofitel features 72 luxury nautical-themed rooms and suites decorated in cool white accents enriched with warm sandy tones and wooden floors. For the epicureans there is plenty: the SEA all-day gourmet restaurant, Nauti-Café and bakery, and the popular Sunset Lounge rooftop bar and dining venue. Down below the ubiquitous Pool Bar. For business and seminars two well-appointed meeting rooms: the DNA and the White Lounge.

And, of course, complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas.

For your well-being the Gym with Life Fitness equipment and the Spa for some pampering and total relaxation.

Upon our check-in we are greeted by the affable front office crew at a reception desk which is in shape of a ship. The lobby's high ceiling and a minimalist cool white decor adds more sophistication to the nautical design that permeates the Baraquda. Across the lobby - there's the distinctly shaped swimming

Lobby Baraquda Suite

Pool Bar

pool (la piscine) including a compact waterfall. What an oasis in the heart of Pattaya, so tranquil and so distant from the madding crowd.

My guest room on the 4th floor is one of the deluxe units. Immersed in soft light with contrasting parquet floor. A modern and functional room with a very comfortable center of the room bed cum sofa/daybed. On the wall a flat-screen TV and a cozy, smaller corner sofa. To my right, attached to the bed, the amazing work-desk space with easy-to-reach charging points and light switches.

More interesting interior design solutions: the glass-walled bathroom and lavatory with dark wood elements. Like being on luxury yacht.

Ship Ahoy!

Time flies and the shadows grow longer. Some guest still relaxing and White Lounge

Gym SEA Restaurant

unwinding, charging their batteries on their deckchairs by the swimming pool.

A quick shower. A little bit of downtime. A glance at the ongoing Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club Pattaya and off to the al fresco rooftop Sunset Lounge on the 6th floor. Here tapas and cocktails are served including an awe-inspiring Bay of Siam sundown

Nauti-Cafe

Grand Baraquda Suite

vista. Our choice from menu without hesitation: Six succulent French Fine de Claire oysters washed down with chilled sparking dry Prosecco served in tall Champagne flutes at only 299 baht net. The day ends on high note as the sun drops behind Koh Larn.

C'est magnifique! C'est MGallery!

Sunset Lounge After a good night’s sleep on fluffy pillows and under cool bed sheets the buffet breakfast is waiting at the SEA Restaurant facing the pool. A sumptuous smorgasbord with a delectable mix of western and Asian dishes. There freshly baked flaky croissants, cheeses, green, red yellow vegetables, muesli, yoghurt, local fruits,

cold cuts, and eggs are made to order, à la minute. Congee, pho, and other noodle dishes are also available. The service is friendly and efficient. “More coffee, sir?” – “Yes, please – double espresso!” After le petit déjeuner time to check out, time to leave – our sojourn has come to an end.

It has been an unforgettable 24-hour experience of hip, nautical cool à la MGallery including culinary highlights in the heart of the exciting, bustling Pattaya City, Chonburi province, only a two-hour drive from Bangkok metropolis.

As I leave my guest room I notice the tall, tabletop fish sculpture. The Baraquda, of course.

Hotel Baraquda Pattaya MGallery By Sofitel 485/1 Moo 10, Pattaya Second Road Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Tel: 038 769 999 www.hotelbaraquda.com

Spa Promotions Refresh your Skin with Summer Sorbet Scrub

Bring Light into Your Life

at Devarana Spa, Dusit Thani Pattaya

at eforea Spa, Hilton Pattaya

For this summer holiday, Devarana Spa has prepared you to enjoy sunbath and maritime breeze with less sunburned worry through its sorbet scrub recipe. This brand new recipe scoops up your skin with the juicy cooling sensation at temperature around 15-20 degrees Celsius while refreshing your dull summer skin with its potent mixture of potatoes and citrus fruits such as strawberry, kiwi, and orange and lemon.

Find your summer skin care’s buddy at all Devarana Spas in Thailand in March and April 2016.

Price is 2,500 baht net for 60-minute scrub or receive complimentary 30-minute scrub with a minimum two-hour booking.

This March, Hilton Pattaya’s eforea spa is offering luxury spa packages for you to freshen up your mind and soul. There are two treatments to choose from: • 2 Hours Body Retreat: Begin a body treatment with exfoliating body scrub and masque followed by the express facial and 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 and correcting facial at only 5,200 baht net per person and 8,900 baht net per couple.

For more information, contact Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Pattaya on 038 371 044 or pattaya@devaranaspa.com.

For more information, call 038 253 000, email pattaya.info@hilton.com or visit beeforeaspa.com.

L11

diversions music / new release

Promise – Ib Ottesen

Vol. 04 No. 06 | Mar 16-31, 2016

upcoming movies at Major Cineplex The Avenue Pattaya ALLEGIANT PART I

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

Release Date March 17, 2016 Lead Actors Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Theo James Director Robert Schwentke Writers Noah Oppenheim,

Adam Cooper, Bill Collage Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Release Date Lead Actors

Director Writers Genre

Ib Ottesen was a 20-year-old merchant marine sailor, when he arrived in Klong Toey Harbour in Bangkok in 1972 with little money and his beloved guitar. The Vietnam War was in every day’s headlines. American soldiers were having a good time on R & R in Bangkok and also finding their way to few nightclubs in sleepy Pattaya. The hostesses in the cocktail lounges in Bangkok’s famous Patpong Road were hustling drinks in long evening dresses, and John Denver’s Country Roads was topping the charts.

To survive, before going back to navigation officer’s school in Denmark, Ib Ottesen landed a job in a Patpong cocktail lounge, The Cloud Nine (now the Crown Royal), entertaining the audience with mostly Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and John Denver songs.

Upon graduation with a merchant marine masters certificate, Ib Ottesen, using Bangkok as his base, sailed some years all over the world, before finally settling down permanently in 1980.

The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before.

Fast forward to 2016.

Having spent the past three decades building and running hotels, condominiums and restaurants in Bangkok and Pattaya, Ib Ottesen found himself semi-retired, with most responsibilities handed over to his wife Kannikar and his son Allan. Maybe just to pass time, Ib wrote a bunch of songs, and went to Nashville to record the album Promise with some of the best musicians in the industry.

Ib Ottesen has certainly not forgotten his musical roots, and a folk mixture of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash can be heard through his well-written ballads.

While four of the songs on this album are in his native Danish language, the others are in English.

All the amazing lyrics are tough, and straight to the point.

However, Don’t Worry Dad, a song about what goes through parents’ minds, when their teenage child is not at home at an agreed time, is really mind boggling, especially if you have teenage kids going out in Pattaya.

Get The Guns Off The Street is written just after the Sandy Hook School shooting, but could have been written many times since.

Whatever Could Have Been Done is painting a picture of the world we live in. Sad thing is that new verses could easily be added daily.

Among other great songs on the album are the title song Promise, The Mercy Machine, The Ballad of Mary Jo and Dead Man Walking.

A solid album from Ib Ottesen indeed.

Promise is available for downloading on iTunes.

Some tracks are on YouTube. Search for Ib Ottesen.

The album is also available for sale at Jomtien Boathouse, Jomtien Beach Penthouses and at the Captain’s Corner Restaurant.

March 24, 2016 Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams Zack Synder Chris Terrio, David S. Goyer Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs.

upcoming shows by Pattaya Players

Pattaya Players Community Theatre presents French Lies & British Secrets Come prepared to laugh as you spend an evening with Pattaya Players! The community theatre company has put together an exciting double bill to kick off its 2016 season: - The Apollo of Bellac by Jean Giraudoux, directed by Doug Campbell Learn “the secret” that so many ladies in Pattaya already know – how to get a man to do anything!

- Murder in All Innocence by Colin Cross, directed by Duane Hauch A witty Agatha Christie spoof – can you figure out “whodunit” before the show ends?

On April 1-2, 2016, Friday-Saturday, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner (including a free welcome drink) at the White Horse Pub, The Eastern Grand Palace Hotel, Soi Khao Talo (just off Sukhumvit Road near Tesco Lotus/Outlet Mall), then head upstairs to watch the show in a large performance space. The venue offers plenty of free parking. Buffet dinner starts at 6 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Price is 700 baht per person (members of Pattaya Players will receive a 10 percent discount off the ticket price!). Reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets are also available at the door.

You can become a 2016 member of Pattaya Players for just 100 baht.

Membership includes a 10 percent discount at all performances throughout the year. To purchase your membership, contact Pattaya Players or you can also join at the door.

For bookings, reservations or more information, contact e-mail: pattayaplayerstake2@gmail.com or pattayaplayerspr@gmail.com, phone: 094 772 0162 or 087 146 6281, or visit www.facebook.com/groups/pattayaplayers, www.pattayaplayers.org.

A LITTLE LIFE

By HANYA YANAGIHARA 9780804172707 Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and for the National Book Award 2015. A Little Life follows four college classmates—broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition—as they move to New York in search of fame and fortune. While their relationships, which are tinged by addiction, success, and pride, deepen over the decades, the men are held together by their devotion to the brilliant, enigmatic Jude, a man scarred by an unspeakable childhood trauma. A hymn to brotherly bonds and a masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century, Hanya Yanagihara’s stunning novel is about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves.

SPARK JOY: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE JAPANESE ART OF TIDYING

By MARIE KONDO 9781785040481 The secret to Marie Kondo’s unique and simple tidying method is to focus on what you want to keep, not what you want to get rid of. Spark Joy is Marie Kondo’s in-depth tidying master-class, focusing on the detail of how to declutter and organise your home.

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 CEO’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

Business News Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld appoints new GM

page P7/27 >> Volume 5

Issue 5

16-31 march 2016

The Riviera Jomtien Glamorous Celebration Party

What's Inside: Property

IHG grows luxury portfolio with first InterContinental resort in Pattaya

Mercedes-Benz SLK Giveaway & EIA Approval Celebration

P

attaya developer Riviera Group is committed to raising the quality of dwellings in Pattaya to be able to fulfill the lifestyle of the residents to the fullest. The Group has been praised as the best developer creating outstanding masterpieces guaranteed by its recent prestigious award “Highly Commended Best Luxury Condo Development on the Eastern Seaboard” from Thailand Property Awards. Introducing its latest project The Riviera Jomtien

launched under the concept of “Born to be glamorous” set elegantly on over a 6-rai land plot, this 46-storey luxury building comprises 1,075 units with a dramatic 360-degree panoramic view of Pattaya City, just a 2-minute walk to Jomtien Beach. With over 3.8 billion baht investment, The Riviera Jomtien now gets Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit and will start its construction by March 2016, expected to be completed by 2018.

Winston Gale, management and owner of Riviera Group, said, “I’m so delighted that The Riviera Jomtien has extremely caught attention from customers and recently succeeded to obtain EIA approval. The outstanding and selling point of this project is its unique, modern and sophisticated design which comes from me and the quality architect team and it will soon become a new landmark of Jomtien.

When combining with the most rapidly expanding potential location in Pattaya, The Riviera Jomtien has attracted a huge number of customers who are looking for residential units as well as investors. Sitting on a prime location coupled with unrivalled quality and comprehensive facilities, The Riviera Jomtien can truly cater to the needs of residents. First and foremost, it offers competitive price, 40 percent cheaper than other neighboring high-end beachfront projects, which is definitely worth the investment.

“After the launch of The Riviera Jomtien earlier, we have received excellent feedback from customers and currently achieve 65 percent booking units. To celebrate our outstanding success and to give something back to our customers, the project today kicks off The Riviera Jomtien – Glamorous Celebration Party, a luxury red carpet themed party, by having ‘Lookked’ Metinee Kingpayome as the Group’s brand ambassador. At the event, a big thank you prize Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 will be presented to our lucky customer”.

Continued on page 4/24

page P4/24 Legal Advice

Acquisition of Thai Citizenship

page P6/26 Expat Money Corner

Feeding the World

page P6/26

Business News

Royal Cliff wins Guest Review Award from Booking.com

page P7/27

Classifieds See us online at http:// pattayatoday.net/ business-directory

page P8/28

P2/ 22

Volume 5

Issue 5

16-31 march 2016

Property

Bangkok Real Estate Scene!

A lot has been happening within the real estate scene lately, especially in Bangkok.

On February 25, the Real Estate Sales and Marketing Association (RESAM) met in the nation’s capital with Jeff Foo and Tracey Wong, representatives of Singapore’s Institute of Estate Agents, to sign a formal MOU providing for exchange, representation, and other mutual benefits to each other’s real estate interests in and between the two countries.

This was yet one more act of unity as RESAM had just signed a

similar MOU in Ho Chi Minh City with the Vietnam National Real Estate Association.

As the ASEAN vision has just been opened, unity and working together has been reverberating throughout the Southeast Asia real estate sector.

The following day, February 26, at the Arnoma Hotel in Bangkok, a special press briefing focused on the ASEAN Real Estate Network Alliance Convention and Expo, scheduled for August 26 and 27, 2016. Thai media was well represented to hear from eight

by Clayton Wade Managing Director

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

of the country’s leading property sector associations representing the building industry, condominium and housing development industry, property management industry and more.

A real cross section covering all aspects of the real estate industry were brought together in support of the upcoming ASEAN Real Estate Network Alliance Convention and Expo which shows once again how strongly our ASEAN neighbors are with us and with each other.

Another exciting and wellreceived exclusive expat seminar was the 2016 Real Estate Investment event at the Radisson Blu Grand Hotel on March 5. Three keynote speakers were featured, including Sutee Srichiraratana of the Ananda Group, Frank Kahn of the Night Frank Agency, and myself, Clayton Wade of Premier Homes in Pattaya.

The seminar began with a basic overview of the Thailand property market and economy and presented a sound foundation as to why Thai property is still good for oversea buyers. Highlight of the program was the question and answer segment in which the following questions were posed: 1. Given the current market situation, what do you think are some of the investment opportunities in Thailand?

2. If the government is going to spend 1.8 trillion baht in mega infrastructure projects, is real estate a direct beneficiary?

3. How attractive is Thai property market to foreigners?

4. If I were to invest in Thai real estate, where should I invest and what are the key strategies?

5. As a foreigner, is it easy to buy Thai property?

The five questions were addressed by all three speakers, providing the audience with an in-depth look into

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

the Thailand property market.

Following the Q&A, Frank Kahn shared his insight into the Bangkok condo and housing markets with emphasis on where best to purchase properties today.

He also provided comprehensive information on Bangkok rental yields and new construction takeup rates, and presented helpful information to first-time buyers for making sound choices for their Bangkok property investment, whether small or substantial.

Enthused by the information presented in response to the seminar questions and especially Frank Kahn’s buyer tips and info, the audience had so many questions that the moderator had to invite those with further questions to approach the three speakers off stage after the presentation was completed.

The event was well-prepared and -presented and the audience which was only expected to be 100 to 150 ended up to be well over 300 interested property shoppers.

The sponsors, the Ananda Group, DD Property and the audience left that seminar happy with themselves; it was a ‘win-win’ experience for all involved.

Just three days after the Ananda Group’s exclusive expat seminar, March 8 to 11, a delegation of 23 Vietnamese real estate officials arrived. They comprised 10 members of the Vietnam National Real Estate Association (VNREA), a Vietnamese government organization, and 13 leading real estate professionals from across Vietnam.

The group was led by VNREA Chairman Nguyễn Trần Nam and General Secretary Tran Ngoc Quang.

Their arrival began with a special meeting of Vietnamese and Thai delegates hosted by President Chounchaisit of the Thailand Real

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

Estate Association who welcomed participants. Then Samma Kitsin of the Real Estate Information Center gave a well-received keynote talk about the history and accomplishments of the Thailand Government Housing Banks Real Estate Information Center.

To close this special greeting ceremony was a talk by the Vietnamese representative on the development of real estate in Vietnam.

The next day, Chounchaisit provided an intensive property tour for all delegates which featured a special introduction and survey of one of the LPN Group’s most successful ‘lower income family living developments’.

This survey was particularly important as the Vietnamese are experiencing an incredible boom in property development on all levels but particularly the lower income and ‘starter home’ purchasers.

Vietnam reached 8 million middle class citizens in 2012 and four years from now the country expects to reach 44 million middle class citizens; the need to provide for the lower income and starter home purchasers is going to be incredible.

The Vietnamese delegation’s final day started with an introduction to Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, Ph.D., D.FIABCI, CRS, MRICS, who introduced the officials to his Agency for Real Estate Affairs, Thailand Real Estate and Business School and Thailand Appraisal Foundation.

Immediately following that session the Vietnamese delegates were whisked off to be special VIP guests at the special opening of the Thailand Builders Exhibition and then the Thailand House and Condo Exhibition both being presented side by side at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center.

Yes, it was a very full three days for our special Vietnamese delegates and they were able to make many important contacts and business connections.

As you can see, the real estate sector has been very active lately and the synergy being generated between our ASEAN neighbors is getting stronger by the day.

With ASEAN activated but just a couple of months now, it is easy to see the benefits and productivity already.

What’s good for ASEAN members is good for us all!

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.

P4/ 24

Volume 5

Issue 5

16-31 march 2016

Property IHG grows luxury portfolio with first InterContinental resort in Pattaya InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Amburaya Resort Company Limited to rebrand the Sheraton Pattaya Resort, a luxury resort nestled on the Phratamnak Hill south of Pattaya Bay, to InterContinental Pattaya Resort.

The resort will be operating under the InterContinental brand next month. The 156-room beachfront resort located fiveminute walk from the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, will offer a selection of superior, premium rooms and villas, in a lush, exotic locale, coupled with unparalleled service.

Guests can look forward to a variety of cuisine at the hotel’s allday dining and signature restaurant, and unwind by the three lagoon swimming pools, work out at the fitness centre or indulge in an array of relaxing treatments at the spa. In the months following the opening, the resort will also feature Continued from page 1/21

a Club InterContinental lounge and Planet Trekkers, a dedicated space for young guests, as part of the new offerings to reposition the property as an InterContinental Resort. Guest rooms will be renovated including the creation of Club InterContinental rooms on a dedicated floor. InterContinental Pattaya Resort will join Holiday Inn Pattaya to be the second resort managed by IHG in the popular beach destination.

Clarence Tan, senior vice president, Development, AMEA, IHG, said, “As one of Thailand’s top beach destinations, Pattaya attracts both international visitors and locals from other Thai cities looking for an idyllic weekend getaway.

Phratamnak Hill is a prime location and one of the most exclusive areas along the coastline, which is perfect for the first InterContinental resort to cater to guests who want a luxurious experience. We’ve had a great partnership with Amburaya Resort Company Limited who we

launched our Holiday Inn Express brand in Bangkok with, and we are delighted to work with them again to provide guests with exceptional experiences in Pattaya.”

Amburaya, who owns Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, has a proven track record in high-quality hotel developments and continues to expand its portfolio of hotels and resorts in key cities across Thailand.

Sunny Bajaj, managing director, Amburaya Resort Company Limited, said, “The InterContinental brand is globally recognised for its consistency in delivering top-notch luxury travel standards. With the growing popularity of Pattaya amongst luxury travellers, partnering with

IHG is a strategic decision for us to bring our property up to the next level catering to guests seeking luxurious experiences. We are confident InterContinental Pattaya Resort will be one of the most highly sought-after hotels in Pattaya, and look forward to a great partnership with IHG for many years to come.”

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts is one of the world's leading hotel brands with a long and successful heritage since the first InterContinental was founded in 1946. Today, InterContinental is an award-winning brand, picking up accolades such as the coveted title of "World's Leading Hotel Brand" at the World Travel Awards last year – an award it has held for six

consecutive years, and the title of "Best Hotel Brand Worldwide" in this year's Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

Globally, IHG operates 184 InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, with 52 hotels due to open in the next three to five years. In Thailand, there are three InterContinental Hotels and Resorts: InterContinental Bangkok, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort and InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, and 15 other hotels across Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo. The company has 15 hotels and resorts in its development pipeline, due to open in the country within the next three to five years.

The Riviera Jomtien Glamorous Celebration Party The Riviera Jomtien nestled on over 6 rai – dividing into a 2-rai indoor land plot and a 4-rai outdoor land plot, comprises 1,075 units in different sizes ranging from 22 to 110 sqm. There are four types of rooms available including 275 studio units, 733 one-bedroom units, 63 two-bedroom units and four duplex units priced from 2.2 to 26 million baht per unit.

Over 80 percent of the residential units offer a breathtaking panoramic view of Pattaya City and a direct road leading from the project to the beach, just a 2-minute walk. In addition, it is outstandingly equipped with high-end facilities such as highspeed lifts, a 310-car parking lot, playground, convenient stores, 24hour security, Wi-Fi, a large pool and decking areas on the 37th floor and an infinity edge sky pool on the 42nd floor, providing a dramatic 360-degree panoramic view. The entire 42nd floor is dedicated to leisure and recreation activities including sala, a large sky lounge, a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gym and fitness center, gardens, Jacuzzi, BBQ area and a tranquil zone to admire the stunning scene of sunset. In addition, this highend project also offers residents accessible routes which make it easy to travel to Pattaya City or Sukhumvit Road in just a few minutes,” Gale concluded.

P5 / 25

Volume 5

Issue 5

16-31 march 2016

Property Retailers’ physical store expansion undeterred by online growth by

Growing online sales will not deter retailers’ physical store expansion plans in 2016, reports CBRE in its seventh edition of How Active Are Retailers Globally?, a study of over 150 major international brands based in Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA. While European countries dominate the target destinations this year, China is the top target market in APAC and the fourth most popular globally, with 27 percent of retailers looking to expand there.

This is followed by Hong Kong in sixth position (24 percent), Japan in seventh (22 percent) and Singapore in ninth (21 percent). The top three

globally were Germany (35 percent), France (33 percent) and the UK (29 percent).

Other key highlights for APAC: • China and Hong Kong maintained fourth and sixth place, respectively, whilst Japan (seventh), Singapore (ninth) and Australia (11th) all rose higher in the ranking, up from 13th, 18th and 15th positions, respectively • Most APAC markets saw increased interest for 2016 vs 2015, with the exception of China and South Korea which softened somewhat • Meanwhile, interest in Southeast Asia surged, with Malaysia

(10 percent), Indonesia (9 percent), Thailand (8 percent), Vietnam (8 percent) and the Philippines (8 percent) all receiving more than double the interest they saw in 2015, when all markets secured between 1 to 3 percent When questioned about the risk factors for them in the coming year, brands indicated that real estate cost escalation (56 percent) and unclear economic prospects (42 percent) continue to be at the forefront of their minds.

“We’re seeing more of a challenging economic environment, and concerns such as high operating costs and a lack of quality space means retailers are somewhat more

wary this year. However, even as markets such as China and Hong Kong are seeing a slowdown, we see increasing numbers of opportunistic retailers looking to enter markets like Hong Kong, supported by strong underlying consumer demand. Japan and Australia remain attractive, while Southeast Asia showed strong growth due to opportunities for retailers around an expanding middle class and stronger economic growth,” said Dr. Henry Chin, CBRE’s head of Research, Asia Pacific.

“There are still opportunities for retailers to grow their business in the Asia region—as underscored by the region having four of the top 10 most popular destinations worldwide. The goal now for all brick and mortar retailers is to build an engaging offer that encourages people to stay longer and spend more,” said Joel Stephen, senior director and head of Retailer Representation, Asia at CBRE. Physical stores still key The survey findings show that 83 percent of brands suggest their physical store expansion plans for 2016 will not be affected by the growth of e-commerce. Meanwhile, from a retailer perspective, only 22 percent of the brands are concerned about stiff competition from online retailing as a threat to their business.

At the same time, retailers are quite cautiously optimistic on physical sales network expansion. Out of those questioned, 17 percent have largescale ambitions with many retailers

looking to open more than 40 stores (up from 9 percent in 2015) in 2016.

The vast majority (67 percent) are looking to open up to 20 stores.

“A physical store presence in key locations is still critical to the strength of a brand’s image. Stores still need to create an emotional affinity with shoppers, and customers still feel a need to go into stores, to physically touch a product and enjoy the feel-good factor associated with a particular brand experience.

The store is integral to the shopping journey and can be used in a number of different ways, such as to click and collect, research of the product or brand, or to test the product. It isn’t solely about the transactional side,” said Stephen.

A new trend for 2016 saw a fifth of brands, largely from the Americas and EMEA, stating their intention to expand into travel hubs—such as airports and train stations—in 2016 as this will give them access to high footfall in busy locations. However, for APAC-originating retailers, shopping malls remained the most preferred destination by far at close to 90 percent.

Whilst globally the key concern for brands in lease negotiations was ‘lease length’, APAC-originated retailers were most concerned with turnover rent clauses (known as GP) as the most important characteristic.

The region’s retailers were particularly concerned about changing consumer behavior (40 percent) which is higher than the global average (31 percent).

Five Top Tips for Choosing a HDB Estate If you are looking for a HDB flat for sale or rent, you will find that sites such as Property Guru list several different estates, each with anywhere between several hundred to several thousand flats available.

You probably already have an idea of what type of flat you want; the size, number of bedrooms, the amenities you need, and your budget. When you are looking for flats, it is equally important to consider which estate to choose as this will have a significant effect on your lifestyle.

It goes beyond choosing the estate closest to your work or your children’s schools, there are many other considerations to make. Here are just some to mull over: 1. Transport and Traffic This will be a major concern, particularly if you have to travel to work. If you are planning to commute using public transport, it is worth enquiring how frequent and reliable the local bus and train services are, how quickly it will take to reach your place of work, and what the weekly costs will be.

YourSingapore.com, for example, has detailed information on all public transportation around Singapore.

By comparing each estate this way, you can find which is the most

affordable. If you travel nationally or internationally frequently for work or other reasons, ensure that you are close to good national railways or airports, as you don’t want to be let down by poor transportation. Don’t forget to check also how late trains and buses run and how safe they are (this is especially important for young women travelling alone at night).

If you plan to drive or car share to work, it is perhaps more important to find out about the local traffic situation and how frequently you expect to be sitting in traffic jams. An urban area may be closer to your work, for instance, but it is also more likely to experience heavy traffic flow, which could perhaps take longer each day to travel through than if you lived in an estate further away.

2. Crime It is obvious that you will want to choose an estate with a low crime rate, but even the best neighbourhoods can have underlying crime problems. The best way to find these out is to ask potential new neighbours when you are looking around at flats, check websites, and look for past news reports for each neighbourhood, which you can do in Straits Times. If there are ongoing

problems with theft, drugs, or other serious crimes, this is a red flag that you should consider another estate.

3. Recreational Facilities Amenities such as healthcare, places of worship, and supermarkets are of course important factors which will greatly influence your choice of neighbourhood, but don’t forget also about how you will spend your personal time. It isn’t fun to be shut away in your flat all weekend, so look into theatres, open land, places of interest, sports facilities, libraries, and community centres in each area which cater to your hobbies and interests. If you want to go somewhere more relaxing at the weekend, look into any parks or more ambient areas where you can go to unwind during your down time. It is also nice to have one or two good restaurants in your area both to visit and to take out of town guests to when they come over to see you. Generally the higher the local population, the more there is available.

4. Infrastructure Depending on the age of each estate and the wage bracket of the local population, there may be significant infrastructure problems

that may not be listed on real estate websites or even visible on first glance. New towns, higher income areas, places which attract a lot of tourists, or recently developed estates will likely have living conditions up to standard. Older towns or less economically developed areas may have severe need for repairs, and perhaps even unsafe living conditions.

5. Education If you have children who will have to change schools due to your move, it is essential to look into the schools in each area to find the right one for your children. Look into the reputation, specialty subjects, and test scores of each school. If you are

looking for a specialty school such as a religious denomination school or an international school, investigate how many of each are in each estate you are looking at. You may even find higher education facilities or specialty colleges, such as art schools. Again, it is also important to check what transport is available to get your children to and from school safely.

There is no point in moving into the perfect flat if everything beyond your doorstep is not up to the same standard. By looking around at the wider area and keeping all of these things in mind while you are flat hunting, you are sure to find not only the flat that is perfect for you, but the neighbourhood too.

P6 / 26

Volume 5

Issue 5

16-31 march 2016

Legal & Expat Money

LEGAL ADVICE

by Magna Carta Law Office

Acquisition of Thai Citizenship A person who is born with parents who both hold Thai nationality automatically acquires Thai nationality, whether they were born inside or outside of Thailand.

A person born with one alien parent does not automatically acquire Thai citizenship. Citizenship depends on the immigration status and the marriage status of the parents. A person born to either a father or a mother of Thai nationality, whether born within or outside Thailand, may apply for Thai citizenship.

A foreign person who would like to obtain Thai citizenship must go through the naturalization process.

The application to change to Thai citizenship must be filed with the competent official according to the form and in the manner prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations. The approval or denial of the application is at the discretion of the Interior Minister.

An applicant who wishes to apply for naturalization as a Thai citizen must possess the following qualifications: 1. Must be of legal age in accordance with the Thai law and the law under which he has nationality; 2. Must have a good behavior; 3. Must have a regular occupation; 4. Must have resided in the Thai Kingdom for a consecutive period of not less than five years on the day of

filing the application; 5. Must have knowledge of Thai language as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

The qualifications 4 and 5 do not apply to the following; • The applicant has rendered distinguished acts or deeds for the Kingdom of Thailand; • The applicant is a child, wife, or husband of a person who has been naturalized as a Thai or has recovered Thai nationality; • The applicant previously had Thai nationality; • The applicant is a husband of a Thai national.

Foreign applicants residing in Thailand with children who are not of legal age in accordance with Thai law may concurrently apply for such naturalization for his children. In this case, such children shall be exempt from possessing the qualifications 1, 3, 4 and 5.

Others may apply for such naturalization on behalf of another person according to the following situations: • A guardian, under a court order, may apply for naturalization for an incompetent person and present evidence to prove the person’s birth in Thailand. In this case, such person shall be exempted from possessing the qualifications 3 and 5; making an affirmation of

Expat Money Corner

by Tim Whiteley

Feeding the World Food and water, basic survival for us humans and just about everything else living; more and more investment funds are focusing on the basics.

What are the facts?

Starting with water; estimates suggest that the world population will increase by 40 percent to 9 billion by 2050. As their purchasing power increases, developing countries like China and India are consuming more and more

goods that require water for their production. Meat, for example, can take up to 10 times more water to produce than cereal crops. Several studies have concluded that demand for water is increasing at twice the rate as the world's population.

Water is one of the strategic resources of the 21st century, along with food and energy resources. Increased investment in water infrastructure and water treatment will be necessary in order to meet higher demand. Clearly

loyalty to Thailand shall be at the discretion of the Minister.

• A ruler of public foster home, with the permission of the children and in conformity with the Minister, may apply for naturalization for children of legal age and have been staying in such foster home, under their responsibility, for not less than 10 years. In this case, such person shall be exempted from possessing the qualifications under 1 and 3.

• A Thai person may apply for naturalization for the adopted child who is of legal age in accordance with the Thai law. The adopted child must be registered as a legitimate child of the Thai person for not less than five years, supported by evidence proving the birth of the child in the Kingdom of Thailand.

In this case, such persons shall

Fongchan Suksaneh was one of the first people to gain Jus soli citizenship under the 2008 Nationality Act be exempt from possessing the qualifications 1 and 3.

A person of Thai nationality, who is married to a foreigner and has acquired his/her spouse's nationality, does not lose his/her Thai nationality unless he/she wishes to renounce his/her Thai nationality by declaring his/her intention to

the competent authority, or his/ her Thai nationality is revoked by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. A person, who has renounced Thai nationality, may apply for recovery of Thai nationality if the marriage has been dissolved for whatever reason. The application must be filed with the competent official according to the form and in the manner prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

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 humanitarian issues are the prime concern. It has been suggested that investing in water will go some way to tackling the problem by improving the living conditions of people all over the world, thereby providing an ethical element to such investments.

It’s also argued that receiving a reasonable financial return is not just profiteering, or in contradiction with the need, since the funds sponsor projects worldwide, which taxpayers and charities alone cannot entirely fulfil. A parallel here exists with the privatisation of water supplies in various countries.

To illustrate how the water market is likely to evolve, over the coming few years, let’s look at the figures. In China, for instance, investment in water conservation was a record 142.7 billion yuan (US$20.9 billion) in 2009, over twice the 2008 expenditure. This trend is unlikely to ease up if Beijing wants to reach its ambitious economic goals and prevent the social and political unrest that would, almost certainly, result from water shortages.

The developed countries have more stringent regulations and, for that reason, the European Union intends to invest a total of almost €350 billion in new infrastructure between 2006 and 2025. And by 2019, the United States is expected to invest some US$900 billion in the same sector.

It has been mooted that investing in water will go some way to tackling the problem by improving the living conditions of people all over the world, thereby providing an ethical element to such funds. It’s also argued that receiving a reasonable financial return is not just profiteering, or in contradiction with the need, since the funds sponsor projects worldwide, which taxpayers and charities alone cannot entirely fulfil. A parallel here exists with the privatisation of water supplies in various countries.

Notwithstanding all these financial commitments, nation states will not be able to meet the increasing global demand for water on their own. When many countries are looking for ways to reduce their sovereign debt, both industry and private citizens will need private sector involvement, as well. The so-called “water outsourcing” market’s share of this segment is already significant, with an estimated US$260 billion current annual turnover.

In light of these facts, the world faces a daunting challenge in the coming years. The scale of the problems might lead one to question the reality of achieving the necessary goals. The theory goes as follows.

Firstly, unlike fossil fuels, water is a renewable resource. The water cycle is similar to a closed circuit.

Water evaporates from the world’s oceans into the atmosphere, only to return to the surface in the form of precipitation. The total available water, therefore, remains basically stable. However, the problem is that only a miniscule fraction of the world's water, approximately 0.25

percent, can be used by us, as the rest is in the form of salt water, glaciers and wastewater.

Global demand for soft water will therefore exceed supply in the years to come, resulting in an inevitable price increase. As we speak, the world water market stands at around US$500 billion, which is growing steadily, at an annual rate of 6 percent. There are many listed companies involved in this trend, which offer attractive opportunities for investors. One part of the industry that looks particularly promising is the water desalination sector, which is enjoying higher rates of growth.

This technology allows freshwater to be created from seawater, at a reasonable cost, in regions where drinking water is scarce. Experience has shown that a careful selection of companies, within the water sector, who offer a competitive advantage over their peers, with a solid outlook for growth and attractive multiples, should continue to offer higher returns, when compared to the MSCI World Index.

Continued on page 7/27

P7 / 27

Volume 5

Issue 5

16-31 march 2016

Business News Royal Cliff wins Guest Review Asker Skaarup Bay named executive chef of Mövenpick Award from Booking.com Royal Cliff Hotels Group has once again been recognized as a top performing hotel based on guest reviews as it received the Guest Review Award 2016 from Booking.com, a world leader in booking accommodations online.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group said it is delighted to receive the prestigious Guest Review Award 2016, which is a symbol of excellence signifying that it is considered a best guest experience provider among 800,000 properties on Booking. com. This award is given out to hospitality properties throughout the world on an annual basis in recognition of their outstanding achievements over the past year. Award winners are

Siam Hotel Pattaya

assessed by guest reviews on Booking.com with an overall score of 8.0 and above.

“We are delighted to receive the Guest Review Award from Booking.com and to be recognized as a provider of exceptional guest experiences,” Vitanart Vathanakul, executive director of the Royal Cliff

Hotels Group said. “This award speaks for our guests’ high level of satisfaction and their positive feedback with regards to their holiday experiences in the property.

We would like to thank all our wonderful guests for our fantastic review score that enabled us to garner this outstanding achievement.”

Unixx South Pattaya holds Open Home Weekend event

Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts appointed one of Thailand's leading culinary figures, Asker Skaarup Bay, as executive chef of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya.

The 262-room property opened last month, delivering the first five-star hospitality experience on pristine Na Jomtien Beach. It is a statement in elite beachfront accommodation, gourmet cuisine and superb destination choices such as yachting and island exploration.

Chef Asker will oversee four restaurants and bars including Twist, an allday dining venue, T55, a grill room with great steaks inspired by New York's Meatpacking District, the pool bar and a lobby lounge.

"Chef Asker is a great team leader who has worked extensively in fivestar hotels globally for over two decades," said Andrew Langdon, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts senior vice

president Asia. "He has a great knowledge of Thailand and its cuisine, as you would expect from someone who has been an executive chef at some of the best hotels in Thailand and around the region."

Known for his grace under pressure, patience and motivational skills, Danish national Skaarup Bay has enhanced his knowledge and expertise through continual exposure to many new cuisines.

He has tantalised the most refined palates at famed restaurants and hotels such as Quo Vadis restaurant in London, Restaurant Mosaic at The Westin Sydney, Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai, Shangri-La Bangkok, and The Leela Hotel and Resort Goa. Skaarup Bay's luxury executive chef assignments in Thailand include Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok; Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas at Krabi; Pimalai Resort and Spa at Koh Lanta,

Krabi; The Village Coconut Island, Phuket, and Radisson Blu Plaza in Bangkok, his previous position prior to joining Mövenpick.

"It's a great privilege to be chosen to shape the dining experience from the start at a new world-class hotel," Skaarup Bay said. "We are the first real five-star experience at Na Jomtien, which is a lovely beach, a stone's throw from Ocean Marina and the yachting and sailing community."

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld appoints new GM Raimon Land invites new and existing owners to enjoy special privileges to buy or furnish units at UNIXX South Pattaya on March 19-20, 2016 with leading bank, furniture and interior partners to provide advice and special offers. Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, UOB and Thanachart Bank provide enticing terms for mortgages and borrowing. Modern Form, SB Furniture, Hop Idea, Toshiba, BOSE, HomePro and more are on site to answer questions about the best ways to furnish with discounted offers.

Now ready to move in, Unixx South Continued from page 6/26

What’s needed?

For a sweeping overview of the risks we face and the potential solutions, the place to start is the document known as the Beddington report. It was compiled by the British government under the auspices of the chief science adviser, Sir John Beddington. In addition to the report itself, the home page for Global Food and Farming Futures offers links to dozens of papers, most of them specially commissioned for the project, that review the science of issues related to the food system.

The overall conclusion of the Beddington report is that, to meet rising demand, the world has

Pattaya provides weekend getaway concept with dual bay views of Pattaya and Jomtien Bay with freehold ownership starting from 2 million baht. Units purchased and transferred within April also receive an additional 1 percent cashback discount.

On March 19-20, guests can visit onsite from 9:30 am to 5 pm with complimentary dining provided by Tree Tales, a chance to see the extensive facilities as well as completed fully furnished units. To find out more information, call 02 651 9600 or email to: direct.marketing@raimonland.com.

no choice but to move to a more intensive agriculture, especially in regions where productivity is low today — but that it needs to do so with maximum concern for the longterm environmental and economic sustainability of that intensified production.

The report includes recommendations on virtually every major problem plaguing the food system today, from coping with climate change to alleviating water scarcity to cutting food waste. Separately, Dr. Beddington is chairman of a new commission that is zeroing in on the issue of climate change and agriculture, with recommendations due late this year.

Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels and Resorts, announced the appointment of Eric Weber as general manager of Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

Eric Weber is a Swiss national and has more than 27 years of experience in hospitality industry. He has worked for various leading hotels across Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe. Prior to being appointed as general manager of Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Eric was general manager at Hyatt Regency Mumbai in India.

Oxfam, the global relief group, recently published an analysis of the food situation and the risks in coming decades. The themes echo many of my own findings and those of the Beddington report, but the Oxfam report has a sharper tone on certain issues, particularly relating to the behavior of corporations, investors and governments in rich countries. Raymond C. Offenheiser, head of Oxfam’s American branch, was recently on the radio talking about these issues. One of the major conclusions of the Oxfam report is that food prices could easily double from today’s high levels by 2030, with climate change likely to be responsible for a major part

of that increase. The section on food contains extracts from The New York Times’s article by Justin Gillis.

As time goes on the private sector will, we believe, increasingly

play a valuable, sustainable and economically viable role in funding vital programmes that meet the challenges facing us all concerning the supply of food and water for an ever increasing population.

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.

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

P8/28

16-31 March 2016

Business Opportunities

(ptmbo-sn1315)Ice cream shop with external seating for customers at a major tourist attraction in Pattaya.

The business is easy to run and maintain. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm. Sale Price: THB 450,000. Contact Sven on 087 283 5349 or email: sven.tbac@gmail.com (ptmbo-sn1315) Bar & Guesthouse for sale in Central Pattaya. New lease available 3 + 3 years & NO KEY Money. Security deposit on the lease THB 200,000. Large ground floor bar tastefully decorated with separate Jacuzzi suite, 6 large rental rooms (all with air con, en suite bathroom, balcony and furnishings), small office, laundry room, large staff sleeping quarters/studio apartment and a 65 sqm one bedroom top floor apartment with its own kitchen and large en suite bathroom. Separate rear entrance to gain access to rental rooms. Priced to sell.

Sale Price: THB 1.7 million.

Contact Sven on 087 283 5349 or email: sven.tbac@ gmail.com (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

Classified

(ptmbo-sn1115)Resort for Sale. A beautiful resort set in over 2 Rai of land in a tranquil area of Pattaya, but within 20 minutes drive of the town centre. The resort comprises of 9 (nine) chalets, a swimming pool, a large clubhouse/bar/restaurant with full kitchen facilities and seating for over 100 customers + 2 staff rooms. The land is leasehold with 11 years still remaining. The lease has been registered in a company name at the land office. The land rent is paid annually and is fixed for the full term of the lease at an exceptional rate.

There is room for expansion and building permits can be obtained to build a further 9 chalets. This is a rare business opportunity and viewing is highly recommended. The business comes with a limited company. Sale Price: THB 7.80 million. Owner Finance Available. Contact Sven on 087 283 5349, Email: sven. tbac@gmail.com.

Services Provided

(ptmsp-kp1815)New Storages & Warehouses & Lockers for Rent.Short/Long Term okay. Located in South Pattaya. Start from 600BHT/ Month! Call 081 107 1717 www.WonderStorage.com Magna Carta Law Office can assist you in securing loans from 1 million up through various financial institutions with no credit checks or black marks and no penalty for a bad credit history. All loans are secured against either land or property

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Ice cream shop with external seating for customers at a major tourist attraction in Pattaya.

The business is easy to run and maintain. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm.

Sale Price: THB 450,000 **********

Bar & Guesthouse for sale in Central Pattaya.

New lease available 3 + 3 years & NO KEY Money.

Security deposit on the lease THB 200,000.

Large ground floor bar tastefully decorated with separate Jacuzzi suite, 6 large rental rooms (all with air con, en suite bathroom, balcony and furnishings), small office, laundry room, large staff sleeping quarters/studio apartment and a 65 sqm one bedroom top floor apartment with its own kitchen and large en suite bathroom. Separate rear entrance to gain access to rental rooms. Priced to sell.

Sale Price: THB 1.7 million Contact Sven on 087 283 5349 or email: sven.tbac@gmail.com

and we are able to lend you up to 50% of the appraised valuation of your asset. The funds will be available around 10 days from the start of the application. Loans can be for a period of 6 months to 1 year and can be extended for longer if needed. Call either 038-373735 or 081-9833620 to make an appointment.

N.P. Poolshop. Swimming pool equipment sales and service, maintenance, fitting.

Problem solving and repairs, all that you need for your pool, pumps filters, salt water chlorinators, chemicals etc. call or visit us for your competitive quote. Open mon. – fri 9 am. To 4 pm.

We are easy to find, leaving Pattaya use Sukumvit North, turn right at Road 36 towards Rayong for 1.5 kms. Turn left at 7-11, 100 meters turn left Soi 1, we are 80 meters on the left. Phone English Nittaya 087 065 6929 or 081 004 4971 email: nppools580@gmail. com 35/1 Nongplalai Service for set-up company, accounting, balance sheet, visa, work permit, application of social security. Contact Korawit Accounting Co., Ltd. 084 754 4214 Nattakit Construction Renovation Company. Need office, home, garden, swimming pool improvements? Very reliable contractor, high quality standard job with reasonable price. Please call 038 373 145 (English), 086 831 8879 or 087 509 0102 (Thai) PAC Co., Ltd. Can renovate your condo at a very reasonable price with very good standard of work. Ring 087 139 1539 for estimates Eng, 087 150 4845 Thai If You are Having a Problem with Your Computer either software orhardware,please phone 0868202577 or 0972549072 (Thai &Eng). I will go to service at your place.

WORACHAI AIR Services offered: Air-condition installation, cleaning, and repair. Refrigerator repair.

Call 089 513 7826 or 087 149 4976 (Khun Pom)

Education & Training

(pta-tk0008)Do you want to Study Thai Language or Thai Culture in Fun & Easy Way? Come to Thankful Knowledge Learning C e n t e r. L e a r n w i t h t h e native professional teachers.

Affordable price & friendly environment call 038 373 175 or 038 416 493.

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

Houses for Sale

Pool Villa for Sale in Silk Road Place. Best Place to Live & Invest. Swiss owner selling his very nice corner plot pool villa. Great facilities include top security, automatic gate, communal swimming pool, tennis court, kids’ playground, gym. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 94 sq.wa. Please call 090 130 9302. Price: 8.9 million baht neg.

Beautiful 5-Bedroom villa w/pool in a very popular village in Jomtien 28,500,000 baht. 1,000 sqm land area, house is around 380sqm,with tropical garden, for more inquiries pls. contact Panida (thai) 083 909 7822 or Edward (eng) 081 491 8406, or you can e-mail us at info@4wallsthailand.com Luxurious 4-Bedroom house w/ pool near Mabprachan lake16,500,000 baht.

Includes 2 living rooms and a European-style kitchen, for inquiries please contact Panida(thai) 083 909 7822 or Edward(eng) 081 491 8406, you can also e-mail us at info@4wallsthailand.com House with private pool in Central Park 5 Village Pattaya 6,900,000 Baht, 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, around 200 sqm area, for inquiries, pls. call Panida (thai) 083 909 7822 or Edward (eng) 081 491 8406, or you can e-mail us at info@4wallsthailand.com (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 Ya c h t C l u b ! ! S e l l i n g Price 25 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 Price 24.95 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 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 2 1 M illio n B a h t, B a h t, 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)

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

Classified

Houses for Sale

Beautiful Private Home Village For Sale! Selling Price 16,000,000 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3+1 Bathrooms, 111 TLW/289 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.

(PR1158) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 26 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 27 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 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 (PR5052) Wat Yan & Bangsaray Are Home Villas For Sale!

Selling Price 5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 170 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 (PR1154) Unique and Spacious Beachside Townhomes!

Selling Price 15.9 Million Baht or 28 Million Baht for both side by side Luxury Townhomes with each having 5 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 356 Sqm/89 TLW. Great layouts high standard interior design and just a few steps to the beachfront. 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 (PR7006) Fantastic Estate Home For Sale! Selling Price 32 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/6+1 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/291 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 (PR4516) 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

16-31 March 2016

285 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 (PR6004)

Houses for Rent

Thai Balinese Designed Home! Rental Price 125,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 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 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 200 Sqm/102 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 (PR1090) Luxury & Modern Home Designed! Rental Price 1 3 5 ,0 0 0 B a h t/M o n th , 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 480 Sqm/256 TLW. This is an absolutely fantastic family close to Bangsaray beach and Cartoon Network Water Park.

For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier

Criminal, Civil, Labor & Family Law Consultancy Bail Bond Company Set-up Visa & Work Permit Notary Service Legal Contracts Representation at Police Station

P9/29

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 (PR7007) First Class and Exclusive Home! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 380 Sqm./125TLW. 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 (PR5614) 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 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 (PR6902) Nice Rental Home near Phoenix Golf Course Area! Rental Price 85,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 420 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 (PR5086)

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

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.magnacarta.co.th CONTACT US AT

Tel: 038 373735 to 6 or 0824791204

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

P10/30 16-31 March 2016

Houses for Rent

Spacious 4 bedroom home with large private pool!

Rental Price 100,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 4+1 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/ 1 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 (PR1601) Very Impressive Nagawari Home for Rent! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 2 5 0 S q m / 9 8 T LW. F o r 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 (PR2587) 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

Seafront condo with infinity pool, tennis - Banglamung - 153 sqm - 2 Bed, 2 bath see pictures at https://www. facebook.com/thailand. bayview - Sales: 4,000,000 Bht T: 082 122 4335 E-mail: bay.view@live.com 1 bedroom unit in Atlantis resort condo in foreign name 1,790,000. baht. 36.44 sqm, fully furnished, for inquiries,

Classified

pls. call Panida (thai) 083 909 7822 or Edward (eng) 081 491 8406, or you can e-mail us at info@4wallsthailand. com 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

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

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) Spacious 1 Bedroom Pratamnak Hill Condo!

Selling Price 2.95 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 39 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 (PR3478) 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 at www.premierinternational. com (PR5075) Luxury Wongamat Beach Area! Selling Price 15.750 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 101 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 (PR3104) 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) 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)

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) Na Jomtien Beachfront! Selling Price is 60 Million 1 Rai. (PLD0983) Na Jomtien Beach Area! Selling Price is 22.078 Million 122 TLW. (PLD0988)

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 25 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 Private Home Village For Sale! Selling Price 16,000,000 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3+1 Bathrooms, 111 TLW/289 Sqm. (PR1158) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 26 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 27 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 TLW. (PR5052) Wat Yan & Bangsaray Are Home Villas For Sale! Selling Price 5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 170 Sqm. (PR1154) Unique and Spacious Beachside Townhomes! Selling Price 15.9 Million Baht or 28 Million Baht for both side by side Luxury Townhomes with each having 5 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 356 Sqm/89 TLW. Great layouts high standard interior design and just a few steps to the beachfront. (PR7006) Fantastic Estate Home For Sale! Selling Price 32 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/6+1 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/291 TLW. (PR4516) 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 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 200 Sqm/102 TLW. (PR1090) Luxury & Modern Home Designed! Rental Price 135,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 480 Sqm/256 TLW. This is an absolutely fantastic family close to Bangsaray beach and Cartoon Network Water Park. (PR7007) First Class and Exclusive Home! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 380 Sqm./125TLW. (PR5614) 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) Baan Amphur Beachfront! Rental Price 50,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 220 Sqm/74 TLW. (PR6999)

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) Spacious 1 Bedroom Pratamnak Hill Condo! Selling Price 2.95 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 39 Sqm. (PR3478) 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 FloorView Talay III CondoApartment!! Selling Price 14.4 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 198 Sqm. (PR5075) Luxury Wongamat Beach Area! Selling Price 15.750 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 101 Sqm. (PR3104) Great SeaView andWell 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 ‘DesignerApartment’! Rental Price is 25,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedrooms/1 Bathrooms, 104 Sqm. (PR3114) Absolutely Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 90,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm. (PR1704) Gorgeous Penthouse Jomtien Beachfront Condominium! Rental Price is 80,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 200 Sqm. (PR0359) Ocean front Super Luxury High Rise Residence on Jomtien Beach! Rental Price 120,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms, 217 Sqm. (PR6662) Absolutely Finest Designed Condo! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 153 Sqm. (PR1866)

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

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

Condos for Sale

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

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 25,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedrooms/1 Bathrooms, 104 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real

Classified

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 (PR3114) 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

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR1704) Gorgeous Penthouse Jomtien Beachfront Condominium! Rental Price is 80,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 200 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 (PR0359) 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) Absolutely Finest Designed Condo! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 153 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 (PR1866)

HIRING: MARKETING STAFF. We are looking for a person interested to join our team and be part of the most successful developer in town, Global Top Group Co. Ltd. Requirements: Thai Female, Good command in English both verbal and written. Must be enthusiastic and hardworking. Send CV/Resume jobs@globaltopgroup.com or call 090-741-7417

Land for Sale

16-31 March 2016

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 A re a ! S e l l i n g P r i c e i s 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) Soi Chaiyapornvithi 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 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.

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 Golfcourse 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 A re a ! S e l l i n g P r i c e i s 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) Soi Tungklomtanmun Area!

Selling Price is 21,000,000

Solution Sudoku Issue 13 4 2 5 7 8 1 9 6 3

9 3 7 4 6 5 8 2 1

8 1 6 3 2 9 7 5 4

3 8 9 6 1 2 4 7 5

2 5 4 8 3 7 6 1 9

7 6 1 9 5 4 3 8 2

5 9 8 2 7 3 1 4 6

1 7 3 5 4 6 2 9 8

6 4 2 1 9 8 5 3 7

premierinternational.com (PLD0002) Pratamnak Hill Area! Selling Price is 34 Million 1 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 (PLD0978) Huayyai Area! Selling Price is 1.7 Million 1 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 (PLD0927) Na Jomtien Beachfront!

Selling Price is 60 Million 1 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 (PLD0983)

P11 /31

Na Jomtien Beach Area!

Selling Price is 22.078 Million 122 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 (PLD0988)

Job Vacancies

HIRING: MARKETING STAFF. We are looking for a person interested to join our team and be part of the most successful developer in town, Global Top Group Co. Ltd. Requirements: Thai Female, Good command in English both verbal and written. Must be enthusiastic and hardworking.

Send CV/Resume jobs@ globaltopgroup.com or call 090-741-7417 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

Deadline

Issue April 1-15 Please forward your classifieds by 5 PM on March 23 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

33

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Youth Focus Students Are Discovering Linux

by Wesley Gibbs

The biggest complaints and headaches from students about their computers these days are viruses and malware. A possible solution is transferring their operating system from Windows or Mac to Linux.

According to the HowtoGeek. com website: “You do not need an antivirus program on Linux.” Linux uses a different file system than Windows or Mac, and by design, will not run unapproved programs or processes. Leading the HowtoGeek to say: “Using an antivirus is completely unnecessary for desktop Linux users.”

Linux is an old computer operating system and wellknown to many technical people in the industry as it is the most widely used system anywhere on the internet,

from web servers, and WiFi routers to many brands of mobile phones.

Desktop distributions of Linux traditionally took a back seat to the old war horses of Windows and Macs. That is until recently with the evolution of many new and user-friendly development distributions of the Linux OS.

Linux Mint is a top contender with a polished desktop interface that would be instantly recognizable to Windows users, as well as an impressive suite of user themes, backgrounds artwork and spectacular screen savers. Mint programs are also centrally located in one software manager and can be instantly downloaded and installed with

a single click – very similar to mobile phone apps from the Google Play Store.

For the curious and adventurous user willing to explore, Linux comes in many other tasty flavors. Zorin Linux is similar to Mint in

International Women's Day at GIS All the female members of staff at Garden International School (GIS) helped celebrate International Women's Day in style.

Led by Head Girl Berenice, there was a whole school assembly that reminded everyone how there was still a need for gender equality.

After some speeches, every

female member of staff at GIS – including the teachers, maids and admin staff – performed their own dance to feminist tracks such as Destiny's Child's “Survivor” and Chaka Khan's “I'm Every Woman”.

Mark Beales is assistant head of Secondary at Garden International School.

by Mark Beales

many respects. MakuluLinux is specifically designed to integrate immediately and intuitively with social media accounts. And the popular and well-supported Ubuntu with its unique Unity desktop would be instantly

recognizable to Apple Mac users.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Steam OS Linux is designed especially for gamers. Qubes, Tails and Security Onion are focused on user privacy and security. OpenSUSE is a distribution designed for business use. And Arch Linux is a do-it-yourself OS that can be built and customized from the ground up.

Most Linux systems also come with the LibreOffice suite which allows users to write and save documents in the popular Microsoft .docx

or .pptx format with perfect translation back to MS Office.

Linux is also great for education and learning.

Students are learning how to install learning games directly from a command line.

Examples include Tuxtype, for fun arcade style typing practice, and Stellarium, which turns your computer into a fully functional planetarium.

Children’s Linux distributions include Qimo (like Eskimo), KidX, and Edubuntu. Students at MIS are now learning how to run fully functional versions of Linux Mint and Qimo in VirtualBox right on top of Windows.

If you are interested in learning more about Linux, you can download a distribution of your choice from distrowatch. com, burn it onto a bootable DVD, or write it to a USB stick, and boot into a LIVE version, which allows you to see, experiment and test drive Linux on your computer without touching any part of your existing computer setup. It’s never been easier to experiment with newer, useful, exciting and more productive computer technologies like Linux.

Wesley Gibbs is an ICT teacher at Mooltripakdee International School.

34

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

This & That

“They’re coming to get you Barbara” Zombies are not strictly cannibals

At this year’s Halloween, zombies are said to be outnumbering vampires at parties nationwide.

The reason is not hard to discover.

Vampires are small fry as they threaten only individuals whereas zombies intend to wipe the whole slate clean by killing off the entire human race. So donning a zombie uniform rather than Dracula’s cape is gonna make you feel far more important and powerful.

The above paragraph is probably nonsense, but

then that applies to almost everything that’s written about zombies. One thing is for sure – they lack sex appeal and women in particular are not turned on by them.

Zombies represent a threat to the ordered world in which we live. They signal the end of the world, the apocalyptic climax foretold in many world religions and, in the case of Christianity, the Book of Revelations.

In Hollywood, zombies began as unpaid workers. In White Zombie and other films

Let’s go, they say McDonald’s is packed today

of the 1930s, zombies are the lifeless bodies summoned back from the grave to work in mines and to move around underground precious metals or coal. They never seem to eat anything and don’t need to be paid. Priceless workers indeed and great replacements for horses.

Zombies then went into something of a Hollywood slump until George Romero revived them in his 1968 Night of the Living Dead which also spawned a number of sequels. These are the zombies

that everyone remembers: shambling creatures who are not strictly cannibals as they never eat each other, only the flesh of the living.

They have several weaknesses including a tendency to move very slowly and to have very low intelligence which allow humans to outwit them on the run.

These are the zombies you see at parties trying to scare the daylights out of you.

But what do these zombies actually represent? In Dawn of the Dead, one of Romero’s

Time to get up and find breakfast I guess

sequels, they are the ultimate consumers destroying supermarkets and riding up and down escalators as they search for non dead victims to munch. That’s right – we humans are the real zombies who are gobbling up the world’s resources in an orgy of consumerism before the collapse of civilization as we know it.

By the beginning of the current century, Hollywood had grown tired of these themes. Zombies now began to move at amazing speed as in 28 Days Later and could even fly at you from the air.

They also became ever more gory. The most disgusting of all the zombie films was probably Braindead in 2002 which made traditional horror offerings such as The Texas Chain Saw stuff look like Walt Disney. Practically every scene has oceans of blood or flying body parts.

There was also humour.

In 2004 Shaun of the Dead hit our DVDs. Shaun is an

everyday sort of chap who is content with his humdrum daily life and fails even to notice that his city is being taken over by zombies. When the penny finally drops, Shaun picks up his baseball bat and resolves to save mankind from the new tribe of unspeakable monsters. In other words, the zombie plague gives Shaun his main chance in life to show he’s made of metal and able to take charge in an emergency.

What has all this to do with the zombie at the Halloween party? Not a lot, though it’s important to ask him (rarely her) what type of zombie he actually represents.

Perhaps he is a shift worker in the mines doing voluntary work 24 hours a day. Or maybe he represents the group who are dedicated to bringing about the end of the world as we know it. It’s even possible he is giving you the opportunity to show you can be a leader by bashing his head in with a baseball bat.

Answers on a postcard please.

35

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

This & That The World’s Top 10 Most Valuable Tech Brands of 2016

the sorely missed expandable storage option. Revenues have also improved this year, most of them coming from Samsung’s semiconductor business which produces chips for most smartphone manufacturers, including, ironically, their fiercest rival, Apple.

by Emily Irwin, www.UrbaneWomen.com

4 Easy Ways To Keep A Long-Distance Relationship Alive And Healthy

Uber Starts Well but has a Tough Road Ahead

As the world’s tech companies gather in Barcelona for the biggest event of the year, leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance has released its annual review of the state of their brands, the Brand Finance Tech 100.

Apple Not Rotten Yet

With a value of US$145 billion, Apple remains the world’s most valuable brand. Despite annual predictions of a plateau or fall from grace, brand value is up 14 percent.

Revenue for the last three months of 2015 was a recordbreaking US$75.3 billion. Though there has been much disappointment about slowing growth, this must be seen in the context of an exceptional period at the end of 2014 following the release of the iPhone 6. To not just maintain but increase sales in a saturated market is encouraging and assertions that Apple has gone rotten are premature.

Uber has firmly established itself in the top end of this year’s technology table with an impressive brand value of US$11 billion. This makes the ride hailing app’s brand more valuable than industry giants such as Panasonic, Dell and Sony. However, challenging times could lie ahead. Uber launched its new logo with great fanfare this year; however the colourful geometric shapes that make up the new identity failed to impress. Critics were quick to label the new logo ’unattractive’ and ‘ambiguous’.

The backlash resulted in Uber’s head of design stepping down only a day after the new identity was revealed. Uber continues to face regulatory challenges in the west, as the company is bombarded with protests and lawsuits from taxi unions and transport authorities while in the east, the company struggles to turn a profit. This is largely due to fierce competitors, such as Didi Kuaidi, which is the favoured low-cost ride hailing company in China.

WeChat Nearly Doubles

Snapdragon Leaves Qualcomm Red-Faced Qualcomm is one of this year’s biggest losers in the technology table; brand value has taken a 17 percent dip whilst the brand rating has been downgraded from AA+ to AA. This is largely due to the fact that the company’s flagship processor, the Snapdragon 810, was nothing short of a disaster. Qualcomm’s highly anticipated processor was found to overheat and malfunction when subjected to heavier workloads. The issue was so critical that Samsung dropped the Qualcomm processor from its extremely popular Galaxy line. Qualcomm lost a year’s worth of orders from one of its biggest clients, and the consequent damage to brand value is clear.

S6 & S7 Restore Samsung’s Image Samsung’s brand rating, which indicates the strength and future potential of the brand, has been restored to AAA this year thanks in part to the positive reception of the Galaxy S6. Critics raved about the significantly improved design, which also put the Galaxy S6 on the radar of voguish iPhone users. The recently unveiled Galaxy S7 looks to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor but adds features such as water resistance, extended battery life and

WeChat increased its brand value by 83 percent this year, making it one of the fastest growing brands in the technology table. The messaging app, which also offers a payment platform, has seen rapid growth, with registered users totalling at an astonishing 1.1 billion, out of which 100 million are based outside of China. Tencent, the holding company that owns and operates WeChat, announced that WeChat will start charging its users for payment transactions in March 2016, a move that could boost revenues even higher.

The World’s Most Valuable Tech Brands – Top 10

Brand values for hundreds of the world’s top brands from all industries can be found on Brand Finance’s website (www.brandirectory.com).

The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but if you’ve ever been (or are currently) in a long-distance relationship, you know how difficult it can be to keep it afloat. Long-distance relationships require much more effort and care to hold together than other relationships do.

This article will teach you four easy ways to make a relationship work when you and your partner are separated by distance.

1. Keep In Touch Every Day In a regular relationship, talking to your partner every single day may seem a bit excessive, but in a long-distance relationship, it is vital. A decrease in communication, or the complete absence of it, can make you both feel less secure in your relationship.

Make sure you contact each other every day, whether you use text messaging, e-mail, or phone calls. This will keep both of you constantly reassured that the other is committed to the relationship. It may seem like a chore sometimes, but when you can’t see each other face-to-face every day, it’s important to your relationship that you remain a real part of each other’s day-to-day lives in whatever way you can.

2. Renew The Romance Continually To keep a long-distance relationship alive and healthy, keep exchanging those little romantic gestures you did when your romance was fresh and new – things like gifts, cards, and text messages. Be consistent about it.

If you make the effort to do romantic things like these even when your partner is far away, your partner will know that they really mean a lot to you.

3. Avoid Arguments As Much As Possible Differences of opinion crop up in every relationship sooner or later. This is normal, natural, and not something to be worried about. What matters is not that you disagree about something, but how you choose to deal with it.

If you and your partner encounter a disagreement while you’re far apart, give your partner an uninterrupted 5 to 10 minutes to make their case for their side of the argument, then ask him to do the same for you. Be sure to establish at the beginning that while one of you is talking, the other will listen without judging or interrupting.

This technique gives each of you the opportunity to fully understand the other’s viewpoint, while preventing misunderstanding and poor communication from getting in your way. Once you’ve both heard each other out, you can work out a compromise.

4. Above All, Be Patient Like communication, patience is even more important to a longdistance relationship than it is to a regular relationship. No matter how much you miss your partner, pushing the relationship too far before you’re both ready to go to the next stage will not do your relationship any good.

It’s perfectly fine to discuss possibilities for your future, including your plans to live in the same area at some point, but you should both try to avoid pushing each other into any serious commitment that you’re not prepared to make.

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

36

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Local Sports Pink Polo 2016 Harald Link, chairman of B.Grimm Group and president of Thailand Equestrian Federation (TEF), together with Nunthinee Tanner, the first lady polo in Thailand and chairperson for Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2016, organized the equestrian event to raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer at King

Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.

The event held at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya also featured special activities and charity booths such as pony rides for children, a fashion show on horseback, kid polo lessons and kid polo match, pony feeding as well as shopping brand-names

products, winning prize games and charity for participants.

Before the competition started, celebrities and spectators joined the historic

divot-stomping, a multihundred-year tradition by wandering all over the field stomping down the torn up turf, a chance to also show

Team members and sponsors gather for a group photo

Traditional divot-stomping

Results: 1st – Keith Norman (12) 36 pts 2nd – Tony Robbins (13) 35 pts 3rd – Geoff Parker (14) 33 pts cb Near Pins: Les Burns, Colin Greig, Jimmy Carr As today was the final game of the month, it was crunch time for determining Golfer of the Month. Four players were in contention and it was Tony Robbins who emerged the winner by two points over Colin Grieg, Gerry Cooney and Geoff Parker. A sweet result for Tony who came second to Geoff in December and second to Colin in January Crystal Bay GC – Medal Thirty players today for a Medal round at an almost deserted Crystal Bay. The course was in excellent condition particularly the recently renovated B nine. Just one minor complaint: while the B nine was closed they should have upgraded the sprinkler system as there were many dry / burnt / hardpan patches. That being said, we consider this track excellent value for the money.

The good conditions produced some excellent scores with popular laughing Les Burns storming B Division with a net 67 despite a 9 on a par 3. Jimmy Carr took second on countback from Gordon Melia with a net 69 and poor Tim Winder with his net 70, being his best round for years, missing out. Tony Robbins won A Division with a fine net 69 followed by Mashi Kaneta net 71 with Colin Greig net 72 edging out Tony Berry on countback.

However these good scores were eclipsed by Gordon Melia on the par 3 sixth hole where he saw his 8 iron shot rise majestically in the air,

by Raleigh Gosney

land like a butterfly with sore feet, and roll gently into the hole for a hole-in-one. Congratulations to Gordon and thanks for the round of drinks.

Results: A Division 0-15.5 1st – Tony Robbins (14) net 69 2nd – Mashi Kaneta (16) net 71 3rd – Colin Greig (9) net 72 cb B Division 15.6-36 1st – Les Burns (33) net 67 2nd – Jimmy Carr (18) net 69 cb 3rd - Gordon Melia (17) net 69cb Near Pins: Tony Berry, Phil Moore, Jimmy Carr, Gordon Melia (hole-in-one) Burapha GC – Stableford Only 13 players for Burapha as it seems the minute green fees get over 800, numbers start to fall away, despite this being a class course in excellent condition. We played A and B courses off the white tees which didn't seem to concern the big hitters and the older members relished the chance to play a few second shots with irons instead of woods, although there were still several holes over 400 yards.

Tim Winder, still smarting from Crystal Bay when he had a net 70 and didn't finish in the dough, continued his good form and this time took the honours with 38 points, with Mark Stanley edging out Jimmy Carr on countback for second both with 37 points.

Results: 1st – Tim Winder (25) 38 pts 2nd – Mark Stanley (8) 37 pts cb 3rd – Jimmy Carr (17) 37 pts Near Pins: Mark Stanley, Geoff Parker, Les Cobban (2)

started which was a very exciting game. Thai Polo Team beat the opponent 5 to 3 and received Her Majesty Queen’s trophy.

The Thai Polo team, in pink, beat the Maple Leaf Team, in white

Finale fashion show with Nunthinee Tanner

Bunker Boys Golf Bang Pakong GC – Stableford Only 10 of our finest could rouse themselves out of bed today for the trek up the motorway to Bang Pakong. Strange why this course is not so popular, it's a relatively easy 50-minute drive (unlike the current battle up 331), good price and excellent condition.

This is Keith Norman's favourite course and again he produced the goods winning with 36 points despite leaving his drive on the 18th up a coconut tree. Tony Robbins (35 pts) was second with Geoff Parker taking third on countback from Takeshi.

off their gown and chat with other spectators.

Then, the final match between Maple Leaf Team and the host Thai Polo Team

Pony rides for children

PSC Tropical Golf from BJ's

by Derek Brook We have played some really tough courses over the last few weeks and thinking outside the box we thought why not play a course we have not played for a long time, that is in most respects, forgiving. So on the morning we went off to play Royal Lakeside.

Leaving a little earlier, it is after all a little more distant than most courses we play, we were all fed and watered and on our way nice and early. The traffic being kind it only took us about an hour and I have to say that all the drivers found the course in fine time. A little surprising as I can remember many drivers in the past making major detour, indeed one only spotted the course as he spotted it from the overhead transit motorway, and one driver who ended up in a field as he totally relied on his satnav. Happy memories.

The book in was fine, the changing rooms excellent and soon all were outside practicing on the putting green. However, the starters said we could go early, so off we went with a strong breeze behind us. This is not a difficult course and is well defined, and on this day it was in very good condition. Maybe the fairways were a bit sparse in areas, but the course seemed to have been lightly used and it was very playable.

Many of the golfers said how pleasant it was to hit balls off grass on the fairway.

The greens were also quite good and were in fact quite tricky. The biggest problem on the day was the strong wind which seemed to play havoc with the ball. Mind I suppose it did help at times, especially when fully behind, but not when across the fairway as my ball kept going right.

We were soon around and did not see anyone ahead so as a start three-ball were able to make very good time. We then stopped at the rest stop on the last green and partook of a cool drink or too on the basis that it would be cheaper than the restaurant in the clubhouse and how right we were.

The changing rooms are great, so after a quick shower it was into the restaurant to find the food fine but the prices a little high. Still I thought I would have a bite to eat and found the food really good, the only problem I found was that there was too much so had to leave some. Nearly broke my heart, but such is life.

Getting old is not much fun, but I suppose it is better than the alternative.

I am told the trip back was quick and smooth; however I find Mashi’s back seat more comfortable than my bed. So I reached BJ’s refreshed and ready to go.

George King with two of BJ’s best With this being a relatively ‘easy’ course I expected the scores to be good, but they were even better than I thought, and if you did not get 38 points you were nowhere, and one player had his best round for 20 years, Happy days.

We also found we had two ‘birthday boys’, Mashi and Paul Weatherly and that must be against the odds.

In the A Flight, 0 to 19, the winner was Walter Baechli with 41 points ahead of Paul Weatherly with 40 points in second and a countback on 38 points that saw Tom Herrington in third and Andre Van Dyk in fourth.

In the B Flight the winner with a round that was superb, and his best for years, was George King with 48 points. A round he will always remember. We then had a three-way countback on 39 points that saw Gordon Clegg in second, Dave Cooper in third and Daryl Evans in fourth.

This was a great day out and some great scores. Some days a round like this puts a spring in the step and a glint in the eye. And a few beers on the bill. TTFN. Near pins: Andre Van Dyk, Tom Herrington, Derek Brook, Dave Cooper Long putt: Tom Herrington, John Anderson

37

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Local Sports Horseshoe Point Dressage Competition for young novice riders

by Sandra Cooper Our first competition for 2016 at Horseshoe Point Pattaya was held on Saturday, February 27. This was an in-house introduction to what dressage competitions are about for our younger riders. Some tests were semi-led for 10 of our younger riders, for the older riders a more independent approach.

Our next competition is the 2016 FED World Jumping Challenge Event from March 18-20, 2016. This includes dressage and jumping events for riders local and around Bangkok. We welcome anyone to come along and watch. For more information, contact 038 253 500

Winners: Walk Trot young riders semi-led 1st place: Agatha Kotova Walk Trot older riders independent 1st place: Milolika Zyulkova Trot Canter Test 1st place: Emily Campbell Appleton

Patrick Engles holds off playing partner Pierre Cere to get the nod

by James Olsen

Twenty-seven golfers set out to take on The Crocodile Hole at Treasure Hill GC, the weather looked good and excitement was in the air. Rated quite low, the 16th claims plenty of victims as scoring on this hole is quite low.

We attacked the course from the yellow tees and, although the course was in great nick (and the greens played true), scores were on the lower side of average. It was also obvious as to how the golf is slowing down as no other groups were spotted on this very popular course!

Both divisions, having four placings, were all separated by two countbacks!

Playing partners Patrick Engles and Pierre Cere went down to the countback as did playing partners Graham Rice and Stu (Cassa) Rifkin. Then Kae got the chockies via the countback system from Tiziano.

JC Lhoste took care of our resident scorer John Anderson, again on a countback!

Results: Division 1 1st – Patrick Engles (10) 36 pts 2nd – Pierre Cere (11) 36 pts 3rd – Graham Rice (14) 35 pts 4th – Stuart Rifkin (15) 35 pts

Winners from L to R: Eric Black (with D-For), Kae Dayton & Patrick Engles

Division 2 1st – Kae Dayton (19) 32 pts 2nd – Tiziano Del Pastro (26) 32 pts 3rd – JC Lhoste (29) 31 pts 4th – Stuart Rifkin (28) 31 pts

NTPs 2nd – D-For (Charity Dog) 6th – Jim Carlson 13th – Graham Rice 17th – Eric Black Long Putt 9th – Pierre Cere 18th – Don Richardson On returning to The Growling Swan,

Mr. Wood makes his mark!

by Steve Ellison

Green Valley – Stableford – White Tees 1st – Jim Dundon (16) 39 points 2nd – Mark Wood (9) 38 points 3rd – Masao Ishikawa (16) 37 points The high season still rolls on here in Patts and the weather is nothing to complain about. All of our signup sheets are full these days so please plan in advance and let us know where you want to play and we will get you up on the board. Just email pattaya4golf@gmail.com, it’s easy!

Green Valley is in great shape these days and always a popular venue for our Monday golf. We had a very straightforward 1-2-3 today and they took home all of Phil’s handsome man vouchers.

Ishi has been a very consistent player these days and has been in the frame on many occasions this past month. Today was another exhibition of good, solid play to give Ishi third spot on the podium with a 37-point card. Mark Wood found himself sandwiched betwixt a couple of 16 handicappers to claim second with a fine 38.

Jimmy Dundon had the best card of the day and nobody could beat his 39.

Jim is getting a lot of practice out here at RGV with Mr. Mascari and the Donovans gang and today used the knowledge to his benefit. Jeez, he even got Stevie out of the house to come down for a drink!

Khao Kheow A & C – Stableford – Yellow Tees 1st – Terry Dyer (15) 38 points 2nd – Fred Graham (16) 37 points T-3rd – Kenny Aihara (5) 36 points T-3rd – Mark Wood (9) 36 points It was to be a long day out at KKCC this Wednesday, not so much timewise, but lengthwise as playing from the yellow tees proved quite exhausting. We all enjoy a good test of golf, but the course beat the field today and only two blokes shot better than their handicap.

Condition of this Pete Dye course was just great, as was the 950 baht green fee.

The weather started out gorgeous, but as the day wore on the heat started to beat us down. It ended up being a good day to have those arm sleeves on; I am getting enough of those funny red blotches on the forearms! Pass the SPF 40 please!

Anyway, let’s see who did good out there and posted the big numbers. Two of our regulars were in the hunt, but Mark Wood and Kenny Aihara both came up a bit short and still turned in respectable 36s on the cards. Aussie Fred Graham didn’t let the heat get him down and posted a promising 37 pointer. The day was all for Terry Dyer, and a 38 at this length is a superb round so a well-earned victory it was. Nice shootin’ Mr. Dyer.

welcomes were extended to Chris Stewart, Fez Duriban, Bear Wilkes, Brad Todd (younger brother to Martin) and The Judge, Eric Black. Always with new starters there has to be people leaving, farewell Jerry Dobbs, take care, mate and hope to see you again soon!

D-For, the charity hound, collected donations and the players are thanked for their continued contributions to assist the needy of Pattaya. We are still collecting for the caddies that were killed leaving Pattaya CC. Silky Oaks – Stableford – Yellow Tees 1st – Mark Wood (9) 39 points 2nd – Jim Dundon (16) 38 points 3rd – Blake Hanna (16) 36 points What a lovely track to finish the week on. Silky Oaks is steadily climbing the ranks of popularity of Pattaya golf courses with the lads here at The Golf Club. For myself, the elevation changes make this a bit of a cross between Green Valley and St. Andrews, and with a combination like that you cannot go wrong.

Condition of the course was very nice indeed, once you get around all the other construction that is going on with the surrounding areas. The weather was just fine as well and starting early left us with just a little of that afternoon heat.

It was another good round for Blake Hanna (remember he shot a 43 last week!) as the 16 handicapper is getting into the groove with Thailand golf. Blake still has another month here so watch out for more from him.

Looks like Jimmy and Mark swapped around their Monday scorecards as this time it was Mr. Wood with the 39 and the win.

Our triple monthly medal winner did well here today and the silky smooth Scotsman bags a deserved win at Silky Oaks! With a week’s tally of 38-36-39 and three podium places, Mark Wood was our best golfer this week! That’s got to be good for a free pork chop dinner don’t you think? See ya on the next Steak Night Markie!

By the way, just heard our mate Colin Davis bagged an ace on the B-8 par 3 at Khao Kheow, so congratulations on that one Colin…it’s the best one!

38

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

You & Your Pets Choose healthy food for your cat Are you deliberating between wet and dry food for your cat?

The answer is simple: both can be nutritionally complete, but only if they are high-quality products appropriate for your pet's life stage and nutritional requirements.

Wet cat food, such as those in cans and packets, contains higher protein levels, decreased carbohydrate levels and higher water content—up to 78 percent, compared to 10 percent in dry food.

The advantage of dry food, of course, is that it can safely be left out all day without spoiling.

When it comes down to it, water is the most important nutrient—whether you feed your pet wet or dry food. So ensure that fresh water is available at all times. Feeding a diet high in water

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/

Tansy

can be especially beneficial for cats with constipation, diabetes, kidney disease and tendencies toward crystal formation. In addition, increased protein levels may be beneficial for overweight and diabetic cats. However, it is generally acceptable for a pet without any of these health

concerns to primarily eat dry food.

Just keep in mind that in addition to feeding your pet a high-quality food, kittens, adults and mature cats all have different nutritional requirements.

Therefore, it is important to feed your cat a diet intended for his or her life stage.

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.

Rabies and You

Cats for You in Pattaya

Actually, the topic this issue is not pet health but human heath as it relates to rabies. If you or a loved one is bitten by any animal, seek medical evaluation at once. First to clean and dress the wound; second to screen for rabies.

Rabies is less common today in dogs and cats; bites by these animals carry a low risk. If the animal appeared healthy at the time of the bite, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. In most cases, no preventive antirabies treatment is needed. But if the dog or cat appears ill at the time it bites you, or if it becomes ill during the 10-day quarantine, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian for signs of rabies.

And you, too, should seek medical advice about the need for antirabies treatment.

The 10-day quarantine period is a precaution against the remote possibility that an animal may appear healthy but actually may be sick with rabies.

Numerous studies conducted on rabid dogs and cats show that the rabies virus that's introduced into a muscle travels from the site of entry to the animal’s brain by moving inside nerves. During this period (known as the incubation period), the animal does not appear ill. Incubation may last for weeks or even months.

Tansy is our meet-and-greet cat for he is always the first at the gate when people come to visit. He has to have his eyes cleaned every day after surgery that he received when he was just a tiny kitten. As you can see his favorite hobby is eating and cooling his cockles.

Tasha

This young lady has been with us for quite a while now; the reason for this is that she is very shy: as soon as someone comes to visit she runs and hides under the bed.

However she is a very loving girl who, once she gets to know you, will surely be your best friend "furever"!

Tiny Tots

These three tiny tots were born here just a couple of weeks ago; there are two girls and one boy.

By the time you read this article they should be nearly ready to be adopted so please be quick to come and see and choose one before they are all reserved.

A bite by the animal during this period does not carry a risk of rabies because the virus is not yet in the animal's saliva. Only late in the disease—after the virus has reached the brain and multiplied there to cause an inflammation—does the virus move on to the salivary glands and saliva.

Ginger Nutz & Pepe

After the virus has multiplied in the brain, almost all animals show the first signs of being sick with rabies. Most of these signs are obvious to even an untrained observer. Then within a short period of time, usually three to five days, the virus will have caused enough damage to the brain that the animal will show unmistakable signs of rabies.

When the dog or cat doesn't show these signs during the quarantine period, it's fairly safe to assume that it was not sick enough to pass the rabies on with its bite.

These two handsome ginger boys are friendly and lively cats.

Although they look alike they are not in fact brothers but do enjoy each other's company so it would be nice if they went to a home together.

Both of these fine fellows are neutered and vaccinated ready to go to their new home.

Cat Corner Tip Avoiding the Litter Box

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in 17th-century England. During heavy rainstorms, many homeless animals would drown and float down the streets, giving the appearance that it had actually rained cats and dogs.

Going to the Dogs...

Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear. ~Dave Barry

Is your cat boycotting the litter box? Often, it’s because she doesn't like the litter or just doesn’t like the box.

Your best bet is to use unscented litter in an uncovered box, and keep it clean; scoop the litter at least once a day and change it completely every week or two. Put the box where there’s not a lot of people traffic or other pets (cats are modest pets and like their privacy). You might also try using more than one box and experiment with different kinds of litter.

39

16-31 March 2016

www.pattayatoday.net

Games

CROSSWORD Across

1

9

Down

6. Rearward 9. Police car 11. Lipton, e.g.

12. Plunder 13. Twitch 14. Well 15. Blue dye 17. New doctor 18. Con man’s plan 21. Corrida cheers 22. Aviator 24. Buffalo coin 25. Hence 29. Fla.’s neighbor 30. Ideas 32. “___ Only Knows” 33. Superficial 34. Mrs., in Tijuana 35. Beforehand

3

4

5

6

10

7

8

27

28

11

12

1. Blunt 2. Greasy 3. Neighbor of Canada and Mexico 4. “___ the Beguine” 5. New Jersey’s capital 6. Clothing 7. Pretends 8. Mexican meal item 9. Financial adviser (abbr.)

10. Kid 16. Dover’s state (abbr.)

17. Vast 18. Sindbad, for one 19. Locust’s kin 20. Biblical boat 23. Honolulu greeting 24. Henpecks 25. Embezzler’s cash source 26. Pious 27. ___, dos, tres…

28. NNE’s opposite 31. Road covering

1. Have misgivings

2

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

29

30

32

33

34

35

26

31

Solution Issue 12

This week’s subject is Books 1. Who also writes as Barbara Vine?

2. Who wrote The Downing Street Years?

3. In which decade were the Hitler diaries exposed as fake?

4. In which decade was Mein Kampf written?

5. What was Jeffrey Archer’s first successful novel?

year back

first

give

after

time day

work

up think

way

know

well

want

make

good

come

people

look

WHAT’s the WORD? new

over

take

out

say

Answers: 1. Ruth Rendell; 2. Margaret Thatcher; 3. 1980s; 4. 1920s; 5. Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less. other

get

Identify which word is being defined.

1. Definition: A business acquisition. The acquiring company records at its cost the acquired assets less liabilities assumed. The reported income of an acquiring company includes the operations of the acquired company from the date of acquisition.

First letter: P Answer: __________ 2. Definition: With considerable certainty; without much doubt; "He is _____ out of the country".

First letter: P Answer: __________ 3. Definition: The organization that actually produces or fabricates an item; not necessarily the supplier in a transaction.

First letter: M Answer: __________ 4. Definition: To change the form of something through a succession of states or stages, each of which is preparatory to the next. The successive changes are undertaken to improve the quality of or refine the resulting object or software.

First letter: D Answer: __________ 5. Definition: A company's distinctive competencies to do something well and efficiently.

First letter: C Answer: __________

SUDOKU 1

2

2 3 5 4 8 5 9 6 2

8

4

9

6

3

9

7

1 8 3 7

4

5

Solution on Page 31

7 4 2 5 9 6

3

5 9 3

Answers: 1. Purchase; 2. Probably; 3. Manufacturer; 4. Develop; 5. Capabilities.

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