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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
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CONTENTS FEATURES 4 Wedding facts from around the world 7 Coming to the Big Screen 8 Forthcoming Events 18 Trader/Kiss Newsletter 19 Wedding Quiz 60 Pattaya Personalitites TRAVEL &ATTRACTIONS 24 Pattaya Attractions 26 Koh Habitations SCHOOLS & EDUCATION 32 Book Review 33 St Andrews EXPAT LIVING 30 Bargain Hunter 31 Pattaya International Ladies Club 35 Yoga Pattaya 37 Dr Peter Lewis 40 Dining in Detail 62 Dave Thrifty 75 Expat Article 76 Fool in Paradise SPORT & LEISURE 46 The BPL Roundup 50 6 Nations Rugby 52 Fishing MOTOR & MARIEN TRADER 54 Talking Wheels 58 Disabled Sailing Association CLASSIFIEDS 64 Classifieds
Welcome Readers To the mid February month edition and I hope after your romantic Valentine’s celebrations you are all in the mood for our Wedding themed issue . Read all about ceremonies all over the world on page 4 and try our quiz on page 19. You might also like to find out where in Pattaya to get your flowers for the big day on page 40. Plenty of usual features such as our Daily Events - so if you want to amend some details or your club isn’t in there write to us or message us on Facebook to let us know. Also we’re emailing a newsletter to all our Trader and Kiss fans as can be seen on page 18 to keep you abreast of what’s happening before the magazine hits the streets. To sign up for this just write to pattayatrader@pattayatrader.com and we’ll add your email to our listing. Also please check our website : www.pattayatrader.com where our home page has an online version of the magazine for you to read at your computer. Just be sure if you have a pop up blocker to disable it for our site if you’re having problems viewing The Trader and Property Trader magazines. Or you can also screen it at: www.issu.com/pattaya Enjoy! Editor
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Pattaya Trader is published by Chang Siam Publishing Co. Ltd. (part of Voova Group). The name Pattaya Trader is a trademark.
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
By Kevin Cain
Y
our wedding day has arrived and it is meant to be the happiest day of your life. Months perhaps years of planning have gone into making this one special day a triumph for the bride to be.We are all familiar with scenes of the big white formal wedding held in cavernous churches with hundreds of attending guests but have you ever thought about other people around the world and how they celebrate the sacred bond of marriage ?
TUJIA – CHINA Pity the poor ladies of the Tujia Nation living in the Chinese provinces of Hunan, Hubel and Guizhou. Tears normally accompany wedding ceremonies at one stage or another but these ladies take it to a whole new level. A month in advance of her big day the bride sits and cries for a whole hour every day. Not to be outdone, ten days into the bride's ordeal her mum joins in and shows her solidarity with her daughter. Then in a further ten days granny joins the weeping party. By the end of the month every female in the family is bawling alongside the bride probably even the cat.I am not certain where all the men are during all this, or what they have to do but I suspect it gives them the perfect excuse to pop down to the pub every night to escape the incessant noise. The reason behind all this babbling is that it is supposed to be an expression of joy, as the women weep in different tones. Now I have never heard of harmonised bawling before and I am sure it is not a pleasant experience. I can't help thinking that the bride won’t look too good on her big day -looking like Po with large Panda eyes.
KENYA - AFRICA Throwing confetti or rice at a wedding celebration is a common enough occurrence and a pre wedding word or two of advice from Daddy on the big day is also tradition.But spare a thought for the poor Massai brides as they leave their family home with their new husbands. Not only does Daddy impart words of wisdom to his baby girl, he also spits on her head and breasts. I just hope he does not have the habit of chewing tobacco, or that new evening outfit will be ruined for the reception !
FRANCE Rather surprisingly, conservative France has a rather bizarre tradition after the wedding ceremony is complete The wedding guests gather all the leftovers, rubbish, confetti (the
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more gross the better) and tip it all into a toilet.Then the bride and groom are invited / forced to drink the brown disgusting mixture from the bowl. Today the rubbish is sometimes substituted with liquid chocolate, it might taste a little better but it cannot look too good. I just hope the unlucky couple choose the correct toilet to drink from!
YUGAR – CHINA The ethnic people of Yugar from the Gansu province of China have a more dangerous and startling tradition before a marriage takes place. The groom will actually shoot his bride with a bow and arrow three times. This target practice takes place without arrowheads but still the blunt wooden shaft can cause serious damage. It is rather like shooting your loved one pen after a couple of months of wed-
with rubber bullets which may well hapded bliss but before you get married?
Tradition dictates that the groom the distraught bride and then erous token of love is supposed to I suspect that many grooms miss mother-in-laws instead but that is
plucks the embedded arrows from breaks the shafts in two. This genindicate everlasting love. Although their intended and hit their future pure supposition.
KOREA Up to now we have been focusing the bride either on or leading up to their main focus directly following the wedding socks are removed, then his ankles are tied firmfeet beaten with fish, I am not certain where the fish piscatorial torture is supposed to prepare him for his
mainly on gross things happening to wedding day but in Korea the groom is the ceremony. He is held down, his shoes and ly together.The hapless groom then has his bare are obtained, possibly the buffet ? But anyway the nuptials.
Now I know that Sushi is very popular in that part of the Korean wedding banquet.
world but my advice is to not partake of the fish course at a
EUROPE In the fifteen hundreds it was common for people to get married in June. Not that June was particularly thought of as a lucky month or the middle of summer but because most people took their annual bath in May.They were therefore considered to be still smelling pretty good in June so many weddings took place then. However if the bride was starting to smell a bit fruity by then, she would carry a bag of herbs or flowers called a bouquet.
EGYPT In Egypt in times gone past, consider the plight of the poor bride on her wedding night. Most Egyptian grooms thought it was bad taste to deflower their new brides themselves so just paid one of their servants to perform the gruesome task. I wonder if their brides also did the same thing and paid one of their maids to nag the husbands for the rest of their married bliss.
INDIA In parts of India, women who are born Mangliks (when Mars and Saturn are both in the 7th house) are apparently cursed, and are meant to cause an early death to their husbands.The wise sages and gurus then put their thinking caps on and considered an antidote to this dilemma. One of the most enlightened minds came up with the idea that the Mangliks should first get married to a tree and then the tree be chopped down to break the curse.It is not exactly dictated what tree should be chosen for this immediate divorce but it brings another meaning to the phrase a branch of the family and possibly being the derivation for the origin of family trees. These unusual and bizarre traditions from all around the world are absolutely true and did or do occur.- It gives food for thought for those whinging brides and grooms who cannot even agree what hymns to play during the wedding ceremony !
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EVERY MONDAY FOOD AND DRINK
International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Cheese burger Monday Where: Dicey Reilly's Cheese burger with a pint of Chang for 199THB Time: from 10am
Game Night Where: Aqua Bar, Mercure Hotel Darts, table football and pool. Buy one beer, get one free. Time: from 5pm
Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Mondays Where: News Steak & Grill Buy one meal from the regular menu, get another of equal or lesser value free of charge Time: from 6pm Happy Go Lucky Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list). Time: from 5pm Robins Nest Chicken Breast Chasseur with saute potatoes 189 baht Pizza & Pasta Buffet Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Great buffet for 399THB omly Time: from 6pm to 9pm Themed Buffet Where: Tavern By The Sea Different theme every night Time: from 6.30pm
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Bira Bike Day Where: Bira Circuit Motorbike practice. Time: from noon
Pattaya Bridge Club Where: Altos Restaurant Time: from 1pm
Six-a-Side Football Where: Planet Football, Soi Siam Country Club Time: from 6.30pm Zumba, Jazz, Hip Hop Classes Where: Tony's Fitness Center (3rd Road) Time: from 7.30pm to 8.30pm Pub Quiz Where: Shenanigan's Time: from 8pm
EVERY TUESDAY FOOD AND DRINK International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am Pizza Tuesday Where: Havana Bar, Holiday Inn Hotel 279THB for signature pizza Time: from noon Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Go Lucky Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list). Time: from 5pm
Monday Quiz League Fixtures list available by email: pattayaquizleague@ hotmail.com Time: from 8.30pm
Wine & Tapas Evening Where: Witch's Oyster Bar & Restaurant Gorgeous variety of great wine and tapas. Time: from 6pm
8-ball Pool League 12 Pattaya bars playing on a home/away basis. www. pattaya-funtown.com/ pattaya_pool_league Time: from 8.30pm
BBQ Buffet Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Great buffet for 399THB only Time: from 6pm to 9pm
MUSIC AND SHOWS
iBar Hip Hop Party Club Insomnia (in the middle of Walking street) 7pm Monday Night Party Where: Mixx Discotheque (Bali Hai Pier) Time: from 8pm
cheese or French Fries for free! Time: from 8pm Robins Nest Chicken Breast Chasseur with saute potatoes 189 baht
SPORTS AND LEISURE Bira Car & Truck Day wher: Bira Circuit Car and truck practice. Time: from noon Pattaya Darts Double-In League Visit: www.pattayadarts.com Time: from noon Yoga Class Where: Tony's Fitness Center (3rd Road) Time: from 6pm to 7pm Expats 6-A-Side Football: Where: Planet Football, Soi Siam Country Club Time: from 6.30pm. Pattaya Chess Club Where: Brau Haus Everybody welcome. Lessons available. Boards and clocks provided. Time: from 6.30pm Ladies 9-ball handicap Where: Megabreak Pool Low entry fees and great prizes. Time: from 8.30pm
Buy 2 get 1 free on Cocktails Where: News Steak & Grill Special Cocktails Time: from 9pm Wine Night Promotion Where: Access Inn All bottles 999THB, all glasses 99THB. Buy one bottle and gent terrine, Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
EVERY WEDNESDAY FOOD AND DRINK
International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am Pizza Wednesday Where: Dicey Reilly's Pizza Margarita with a glass of wine 299THB Time: from 10am Wednesday Special Where: Robin’s Nest Beef & Tomato Lasagne with garlic bread & side salad 189 baht Time: from noon Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Go Lucky Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list). Time: from 5pm Thai Contemporary Night Where: Oceana Restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Enjoy a selection of traditional Thai dishes such as som tum, tom yum goong, choo chee curry, pad Thai and the Essan grilled specialties and Thai contemporary dance. 800THB per person. Beverages not included. Time: from 6pm Multi-Cuisine Buffet Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Enjoy live music and www.pattayatrader.com
delicious cuisine for 399THB only. Time: from 6pm - 9pm
SPORTS AND LEISURE Pattaya Bridge Club Where: Altos Restaurant Time: from 1pm
10-ball handicap Where: Megabreak Pool Low entry fees and great prizes. Time: from 4pm Six-a-Side Football Where: Planet Football, Soi Siam Country Club New players and spectators are welcome! Time: from 5pm Spinning Class Where: Tony's Fitness Center (3rd Road) Time: from 6pm to 7pm Polyglot Club Where: Anchor Coworking Space, Chaiyapruek Rd. Language exchange club. Free and open to all. Time: from 7pm Bingo Night Where: The Bondi Jomtien Beach Three games of one line, then two lines, then Full House! First two games in English and Thai but last game in Thai only, so bring along your Thai friends or choose your favourite waiter to help! Nine prizes of vouchers for the Bondi or local venues, bottles of alcohol and the chance to win the rollover Jackpot! When you pay the bill, you also have a chance to win the money in "Crack the Safe" game. Time: from 9pm
MUSIC AND SHOWS
Bodega Fever Where: Pullman Pattaya Hotel G Featuring Lorenzo Santos. Enjoy live music and Tapas and free flow wine or draught beer for 899THB Time: from 7pm to 10pm Charity Concert for Banglamung Elderly Home Where: Da Claudio Restuarant, Jomtien Plaza Featuring Dutch Baritone Ronald Willemsen. Time: from 8pm Don't stop the party! Where: Mixx Discotheque DON'T STOP THE PARTY WITH DJ ANDY P , DJ V , DJ CHAMPION , DJ JIMMY Time: from 10pm
SOCIAL EVENTS
Motor auction Where: Collingbourne Auctioneers Motorbikes and cars! Don't miss the best deal! Time: from 4pm to 6pm Rotary Club of JomtienPattaya meeting Where: Royal Cliff Beach Resort Time: from 6.30pm
PATTAYA IMPROV GROUP Weekly Improv Nights You are more creative and funnier than you think you are. Prove it to yourself at one of Pattaya Players' FREE comedy improv workshops! These will be held every Wednesday. Create original theatre comedy instantly, on the spot, under the direction of Sheldon Penner, Dramalog Award-winning playwright and director, and a former member of the Groundlings Sunday Show and the Thieves Theatre. We will play theatre games and perform for one another in a friendly, no-pressure, supportive environment. Everybody is welcome, from age 12 and over. No experience necessary - just the desire to play, laugh and have fun. Please come to take part or simply support the participants as a cheering observer! For more information and to reserve a place on the session, please contact Sheldon at sheldon@sheldonpenner. com. Location: White Horse Pub, Eastern Grand Palace Hotel, Soi Kho Talo, Pattaya Feel free to join us for dinner and/or drinks beforehand starting at 6 PM at the the White Horse bar, with the workshops starting at 7 PM. Click Like for the Pattaya Improv Group!
PLEASE NOTE: All dates, times and details were correct at the time of publication. Pattaya Trader is not responsible for the postponement, cancellation or relocation of events.
FB page: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / Pa t t a y a - I m p r o vGroup-595839277228367/
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EVERY THURSDAY FOOD AND DRINK International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am Thursday Special Beef & Tomato Lasagne with garlic bread & side salad 189 baht Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Go Lucky Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list). Time: from 5pm Sangria Night Where: Aqua Bar, Mercure Hotel Sangria only 150THB per glass. Buy one, get one free. Time: from 5pm Ladies Cocktail Night Where: Breeze Beach club, Centara Grand Pratumnak
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Only 250 Baht for Free flow cocktails. Hang out by the beach with your girlfriends and enjoy the "breeze". And for the gentlemen all local beers only 100 Baht Time: from 5pm to 10pm Pasta evening Where: Havana Bar, Holiday Inn Hotel Live music. Pasta and glass of wine for 450THB. Time: from 5pm German Buffet with Roasted Pig Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Enjoy live music and delicious cuisine for 399THB only. Different theme every night. Time: from 6pm to 9pm Buy 2 get 1 free Where: News Steak & Grill Special cocktails Time: from 9pm
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Pattaya Archery Club Where: Pattaya Shooting Park, Huay Yai All welcome; equipment and coaching provided. For more information visit the website: www.pattayaarcheryclub. com Time: from 10am to noon Pole Dancing Class Where: Tony's Fitness Center (3rd Road)
Free for members. 99 THB per class for non-members. Time: from 5pm to 6pm Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club Where : Horse Shoe Point, Soi Siam Country Club New players always welcome. For more information contact Damian McCoy 086 111 2816 or Adrien Simon 095 705 0822 email info@pattayapanthers.com. Time from 7:00 pm
MUSIC AND SHOWS
Latino Thursday Where: Sunset Lounge Bar, Baraquda D2 Hotel Featuring Lorenzo Santos Time: from 5pm Thursday Night Where: Mixx Discotheque DJ DOMINATION (WINNER BEST DJ IN ASIA, WINNER BEST VIDEO DJ IN THE WORLD!) DJ EDDIE PAY (FROM PAY & WHITE ,OFFICIAL FASHIONTV DJ DUO) + MIXX DJs TEAM Time: Happy Hours from 10pm to 12 am - buy 1 get 1 free
SOCIAL EVENTS
Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard meeting Where: Siam Bayshore Pattaya Hotel http://www.rotary-es.org/ rotary-new/index.html Time: from 6pm
PLEASE NOTE: All dates, times and details were correct at the time of publication. Pattaya Trader is not responsible for the postponement, cancellation or relocation of events.
Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
EVERY FRIDAY FOOD AND DRINK
Mojito Night Where: Aqua Bar, Mercure Hotel Mojitos only 150THB, buy one get one free. Time: from 5pm Thai Buffet Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Enjoy live music and delicious cuisine for 399THB only. Different theme every night. Time: from 6pm to 9pm
International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am Irish Party Where: Murphy's Law Free food and shooters. Pattaya United Football supporters meet. Every Friday Time: from noon Robins Nest Fish & Chips 189 Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Go Lucky Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list). Time: from 5pm
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Seafood Evening Where: Havana Bar, Holiday Inn Enjoy live music and Seafood platter for 1200THB. Time: from 5pm
MUSIC AND SHOWS
Latino evening Where: Siam@Siam Hotel Featuring Lorenzo Santos Seafood buffet and free flow wine or draught beer for 799THB Time: from 6pm to 10pm
Mix Tape Where: Hard Rock Cafe A roster of four guest DJs play soulful funk Deck y sounds, deep house, tech and all manners of groovy tunes laced with rock & roll. Time: from 9pm
William Strattan Touricks plays 60s/70s music Where: Shenanigans Time: from 7pm Funky Soul with John and Michael Where: Sunset Lounge, Dusit D2 Baraquda Enjoy these amazing performancers! Also Rooftop tapas & dinner served every night Time: from 5pm
Ladies Night Where: Access Inn Come with your friend and BUY 1 BOTTLE AND YOU GET 1 FREE! Time: from 8pm
SPORTS AND LEISURE Pattaya Bridge Club Where: Altos Restaurant Time: from 1pm
Six-a-Side Football Where: Planet Football, Soi Siam Country Club Time: from 6.30 pm Yoga Class Where: Tony's Fitness Wongamat Time: from 7pm to 8pm Fight Night Where: Pattaya Boxing World Real fights. No show! Tickets at door
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EVERY SATURDAY FOOD AND DRINK Robins Nest Fish & Chips 189 Super Saturday Specials Heineken Pint 89 baht Guinness Pint 160 baht Tiger Light Bottle 59 baht International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am Steak and Wine Where: Dicey Reilly's Get a free glass of wine or beer with a rib-eye or t-bone steak. Time: from 10am Super Saturday Specials Where: Robin’s Nest Heineken Pine 89 Baht Guinness Pine 160 Baht Tiger Light 59 Baht Time: from noon Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Go Lucky Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list). Time: from 5pm International Buffet Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Enjoy live music and delicious cuisine for 399THB only. Time: from 6pm to 9pm Delicious Seafood Market
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Buffet Where: Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Best dinner for those who enjoy seafood. Price per person in 1299THB Time: from 6.30pm to 10pm
SPORTS AND LEISURE International Tennis Players Academy Where: Ambassador City Tennis Courts For children and teenagers aged from 10-16 of intermediate level skill. Time: from 8.30am
Kiddy Kickers & Soccer School: Where: Planet Football, Soi Siam Country Club Time: from 9.00am. Pattaya Archery Club Where: Pattaya Shooting Park, Huay Yai All welcome; equipment and coaching provided. For more information visit the website: www.pattayaarcheryclub. com Time: from 10am Pattaya Cricket Club Practice Where: Horseshoe Point All welcome. For more information visit the website: www.pattayacricketclub. com Time: from 3pm
Where: Pullman Pattaya Hotel G Featuring Lorenzo Santos. Tapas and free flow wine or draught beer for 899THB. Time: from 7pm Latin Night Where: Havana Bar, Holiday Inn Hotel Special Mojito cocktail for 159THB. Time: from 8pm Sax on the roof Where: Sunset Lounge, Dusit D2 Baraquda Featuring Aht Gunlayanukupt, Thai Kenny G. Rooftop tapas & dinner served every night. Time: from 5pm
SOCIAL EVENTS Auctions at Collingbourne Auction Where: Collingbourne Auctioneers, Soi Chaiyapruek General Sale auctions are held every Saturday at 11.30am at the auction rooms in Pattaya. Prior to the General Auction we have the Motor Auction at 11am; selling cars, bikes, boats, jetskiis, pick-up, trucks etc. On Wednesdays we sometimes have clearance and no reserve sales, where you can grab a bargain. Time: from 11.30am
MUSIC AND SHOWS Balearica Where: Momento Beach Club The best house music around in the coolest spot in Pattaya. With Marco VDB, Large DJ and Rich Mander on duty. Free entrance. Time: from 2pm Bodega Fever
PLEASE NOTE: All dates, times and details were correct at the time of publication. Pattaya Trader is not responsible for the postponement, cancellation or relocation of events.
Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
EVERY SUNDAY FOOD AND DRINK International Variety Breakfast Where: Cucumber Pub & Restaurant International Variety Breakfast including coffee or tea start from 150 THB to 230 THB Time: from 10am Carvery Buffet Where: Dicey Reilly's Special carvery buffet for 399THB. Time: from 10am Sunday Calling Where: Momento Beach Club Djs and Barbecue at the swimming pool. 290THB for all you can eat. Time: from 2pm Draft Beer Promotion Where: Witherspoons Pub Daily Pint Promotion 12-8 pm Heineken, Tiger, Chang 100 baht a pint Guiness 150 baht a pint Happy Go Lucky @ Where: Latitude Lounge and Infiniti forensics, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Buy 1 Free 1 (choice of drinks in the list).
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Time: from 5pm Steaks and Skewers Buffet Where: Thai Garden Resort Poolside Enjoy live music and delicious cuisine for 399THB only. Different theme every night. Time: from 6pm to 9pm
SPORTS AND LEISURE Pattaya Archery Club Where: Pattaya Shooting Park, Huay Yai All welcome; equipment and coaching provided. For more information visit the website: www.pattayaarcheryclub. com Time: from 10am to noon Pattaya Sports Club Softball Recreational pickup games Where: Thai Polo Club New players welcome. For more information, contact John: scrabbleking@yahoo. com Time: from noon Pattaya Cricket Club Practice Where: Horseshoe Point All welcome. For more information visit the website: www.pattayacricketclub.
com Time: from 3pm 9-ball handicap Where: Megabreak Pool Low entry fees and great prizes. Time: from 6pm
designed for 10-15 players, last approximately 30 minutes and will be run in English. Time: from 7pm
MUSIC AND SHOW Acoustic by Yves Baron Where: Oceana Restaurant & Hotel Atrium Centara Pratamnak Time: from 6.30pm William Strattan Touricks plays 60s/70s music Where: Shenanigans Time: from 7pm
SOCIAL EVENTS Pattaya City Expats Club Where: Tavern By The Sea Time: from 10.30am Pattaya Expats Club Where: Mercure Hotel Time: from 11.30am Werewolves Game Where: Anchor Coworking Space Rules will be explained by game master Kaizoku in just five minutes. Games
PLEASE NOTE: All dates, times and details were correct at the time of publication. Pattaya Trader is not responsible for the postponement, cancellation or relocation of events.
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| WHAT'S HAPPENING ?
WHERE TO FIND! LIVE MUSIC AND SHOWS
Alangkarn Theatre (variety show), Sukhumvit Road (at 155km marker), Na Jomtien. Open 6pm onwards Thursday-Tuesday. Tel: 038 256 000 or 038 825 6007, www.alangkarnthailand.com Alcazar Show (cabaret), Second Road, North Pattaya. Open 6pm onwards. Tel: 038 410 2247 Ankor Night Club & Lounge (nightclub), Walking Street Soi 16 Aqua Bar (nightclub), Mercure Hotel, Soi 16, behind The Avenue, South Pattaya Bamboo Bar (live band), South Pattaya Road (20m to the left of Walking Street sign) Blues Factory (live blues band), Soi Lucky Star, off Walking Street. Open 8.30pm. www.thebluesfactorypattaya.com Colosseum Show Pattaya (cabaret), Thepprasit Road. Open 6pm. Tel: 038 906 530, email: rsvn@ColosseumShowPattaya.com, www.ColosseumShowPattaya.com Differ Pub (nightclub), North Pattaya. www.differ-pub.com Dusit D2 Baraquda Pattaya (live band), Second Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 769 999, email: d2pa@dusit.com FLB (live band), Walking Street Flexx Club (nightclub), behind McDonald’s, southern end of Walking Street Hopf House (house band & Italian tenor), Beach Road (cnr Soi 13/1) Insomnia (nightclub), Walking Street. www.clubinsomniapattaya.com Jazz Pit (jazz music), Soi 5, off Second Road, North Pattaya. www.pic-kitchen.com Lima Lima (nightclub), Bali-Hai Pier end of Walking Street. Tel: 089 990 2447 Lucifer’s Disko (live band), Walking Street Malibu (cabaret), Second Road, cnr Soi 13/2 (Soi Post Office) Mixx Discotheque (nightclub), Bali-Hai Pier end of Walking Street. www.mixx-discotheque.com Garden Resort). Cross Colours Band starts 9pm. Tel: 038 370 616, email: reservation@thaigarden.com Play Club (nightclub), Soi Lucky Star, Walking Street. Open 10pm-6am every day Roija Gentleman’s Club (live music, soul), Thepprasit Soi 7, South Pattaya Rolling Stone 2 Bar (live rock n roll band), Walking Street, cnr Soi 16 The Pier (nightclub), Walking Street. Tel: 080 480 6661. Open
7:30pm to late The Rendezvous Resort, Lake Mabprachan Tiffany’s Show (cabaret), Second Road, North Pattaya. Open 6pm onwards. Tel: 038 421 700, www.tiffany-show.co.th Tony’s Entertainment Complex (live band), Walking Street. Tel: 038 425 795, www.tonydisco.com Utopia (live band), Soho Square, Walking Street
THE BIG GAME I-Rovers, Soi LK Metro, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 489 494, www.i-rovers.com. Jameson’s Irish Pub, Soi AR (Soi Sukrudee), Central Pattaya. Tel: 038 361 873, email: info@jamesons-pattaya.com, www.jamesons-pattaya.com Kilkenny Bar, Soi LK Metro, South Pattaya. Email: info@ kilkennypattaya.com, www.kilkennypataya.com Legends Pool & Sports Bar, Pattaya Klang (nr Third Road). www.legendspoolpattaya.com The Players Lounge, East Pattaya. www.theplayerslounge.asia Witherspoons, Soi Buakhow (nr Soi Lengkee), South Pattaya. Tel: 038 721 121, www.witherspoonspattaya.com
FOOD & DRINK Access Inn, Third Road, nr Soi Lengkee, www.accessinnpattaya.com Akvavit Grill & Bar, Jomtien Beach Road. Open 9:30pm to midnight. Tel: 038 233 672, www.akvavitjomtien.com Bruno’s Restaurant & Lounge Bar, Thappraya Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 364 600, www.brunos-pattaya.com Dicey Reilly’s, Second Road, next to Royal Garden Plaza News Steaks & Grill, Thappraya Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 267 174, www.newssteaks.com Robin’s Nest Restaurant & Guesthouse, Soi Diana Inn. Tel: 038 720 194, www.robinsnestpattaya.com Tavern by the Sea, Beach Rd, North Pattaya Tel: 038 418 418 Wine Cellar, Naklua Soi 12, North Pattaya Tel: 038 226 054 or 080 204 5551
PLEASE NOTE: All dates, times and details were correct (to the best of our knowledge) at the time of publication. Pattaya Trader is not responsible for the postponement, cancellation or relocation of events.
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Issue Issue 170178 DECEMBER | AUGUST 2015 2014 Issue 184 || FEBRUARY 2016
Big C Cinema, Big C Shopping Mall, Second Road, North Pattaya Major Cineplex, The Avenue Mall, Second Road, South Pattaya. www.majorcineplex.com SF Cinema (6th Floor CentralFestival Shopping Mall), Central Pattaya. www.sfcinemacity.com
SOCIAL SCENE Anchor Coworking Space, Chaiyapruek Road. Tel: 038 231 540, www.anchorcoworking.com CouchSurfing, Triangle Bar, Soi Chaiyapoon, South Pattaya. www.couchsurfing.org Havana Bar, Hilton Hotel, Beach Road, South Pattaya Lions Club, Jomtien Branch, www.jomtienlions.org, email: jomtienlions@hotmail.com Momento Beach Club, Theprasit Soi 8, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 422 114, www.momentobeach.com Pattaya Expats Club, www.pattayaexpatsclub.info Pattaya City Expats Club, www.pcecclub.org Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard, Siam Bayshore Hotel, South Pattaya. www.rotary-es.org Rotary Club, Jomtien-Pattaya, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Pratamnak Road. www.rotaryjomtienpattaya.org Royal British Legion, Tropicalbar Thailand 39/132-133 Moo 10, Boonsumpan, Pattaya 20150 . Meeting every Last Saturday of the month. Tel 089 807 2335 or 038 361 887 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Soi Diana Inn, South Pattaya. www.vfwpost9876.com
SPORTS & LEISURE Archery Club, Pattaya Shooting Park, Huay Yai. www.pattayaarcheryclub.com Backgammon, B.G. House & Restaurant, Thepprasit Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 081 664 9085, www.blot.asia Bira Circuit, www.bira.co.th Bridge Club, Altos Restaurant, Thappraya Road (nr overpass) Cheers Bar, Pattayaland Soi 2 (Soi 13/4), South Pattaya. Monday Quiz League and Wednesday League, pattayaquizleague@hotmail.com Chess Club, Brauhaus Restaurant, Second Road between Soi 7 & 8 Cricket Club, Horseshoe Point. Email: pattayacricketclub@gmail.com Darts, www.pattayadarts.com Hash House Harriers, PH3 www.pattayah3.com
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AT THE MOVIES
Hash House Harriers, PBH3 Bush Hash House Harriers www.pattayahash.com/pattayabush.html Hash House Harriers, PJMH3 Jungle Monkey Hash House Harriers www.pattayahash.com/monkey.html Hash House Harriers, PJH3 www.pattayajungle.com Lawn Bowls (indoor; for school-age and college children), Coco Club, behind Phoenix Golf, Baan Amphur. Sue: 087 1358357 Megabreak Pool, Soi Diana Inn, South Pattaya. Tel: 086 033 6617 Muay Thai, Pattaya Boxing World, Sukhumvit Road, North Pattaya. Tel: 038 726 203, www.pattayaboxingworld.com Nervous Wreck Bar, Soi Yamato (Soi 13/1), South Pattaya. Monday Quiz League and Wednesday League, pattayaquizleague@ hotmail.com Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Sukhumvit Hwy (km 157), Jomtien. Tel: 038 237 310, www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com Palmers Bar, Pattayaland Soi 2 (Soi 13/4), South Pattaya. Monday Quiz League, pattayaquizleague@hotmail.com Petanque, email: petanque.Th@gmail.com Planet Football, Soi Siam Country Club, Eastern Pattaya Tel: 038 248 212, www.pattayafootball.com Pole Dancing Classes, Tony’s Fitness Wong Amat Gym, Naklua Soi 16 Polo, Horsehoe Point, end of Soi Siam Country Club, East Pattaya. Tel: 081 835 2419, email: santithaipoloclub@yahoo.com Polo, Huay Yai. Tel: 02 663 045; 02 258 0194. www.poloescape.com Pool www.pattaya-funtown.com/pattaya_pool_league QueenVictoriaInn,Soi6,CentralPattaya.www.queenvicpattaya.com. Wednesday League, pattayaquizleague@hotmail.com Rest Stop, Soi Chaiyapoon, South Pattaya. Monday Quiz League and Wednesday League, pattayaquizleague@hotmail.com Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pratamnak Rd, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 250 116, www.varuna.org Rugby (Touch), Horseshoe Point, next to Siam Country Club. Email: pjcrouch@hotmail.com Seafari Dive Center, Soi 12, South Pattaya. www.seafari.co.th Shenanigans, Jomtien Complex, Thappraya Road, Jomtien. Open 11:00am until late every day. Tel: 038 303 490, www.shenanigansthailand.com Softball, pickup games at Thai Polo Club. Email: scrabbleking@ yahoo.com Tennis, (for children and teenagers 10-16 only) Ambassador City Tennis Courts, Jomtien The Londoner, Soi Post Office (soi 13/2), South Pattaya. Monday Quiz League and Wednesday League, pattayaquizleague@ hotmail.com The Ranch, Third Road (opp. The Village), South Pattaya. Monday Quiz League, pattayaquizleague@hotmail.com The Sportsman Pub, Beach Road Soi 13, South Pattaya. www.sportsmanpub.com, Tel: 038 710 609 Yoga, Balaji Studio, Soi South Pattaya 24. Tel: 089 748 6204, www.balajiyoga.com
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By Kevin Cain
SEXY GIRLS, MUSIC AND DANCE, SOI 6?
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ou might be tempted in thinking sexy attractive girls; scantily clad, serving beer in Pattaya that I was visiting a GoGo or Beer Bar in one of Pattaya’s less salubrious sois.
However, nothing could have been further than the truth I was actually attending the grand opening of Hooters on beach road. The famous American franchise has come to Pattaya with it’s own brand of casual dining and drinking. The first thing that strikes you is the size of the place, Hooters Pattaya is the chain’s largest restaurant outside of the USA. It can comfortably sit over 500 diners in the daunting two tier establishment. But for the life of me I can never understand restaurant / bar designers preoccupation of building split level flooring everywhere, people were continually tripping over and the place was packed. I had an interview with Mr Mike Ward the GM of Hooters before the event took place. Mike explained he had 25 years’ experience in the F&B world and the opening of this restaurant had been his most challenging so far. Perhaps those of us who live in the city can sympathize with his plight. The restaurant is owned by Destination Resorts who run the Hooters franchise across Southeast Asia. Their aim is to open 30 outlets across the region in the next six years and eight of them will be here in Thailand. Already Bangkok and Phuket are up and running with Pattaya being the third. I asked Mike about the brand’s most famous attribute which of course are the Hooters Girls and how this would be different in Thailand. He explained that the waitresses are a vital ingredient to the success of the brand worldwide, he continued to stress that the Hooters Girls are extremely well paid, over 35,000 THB a month. “It is definitely a career, and the girls have a full 2-4 weeks training” It is a fact, that often Hooters Girls go on to top model and fashion jobs after they move on from the company. And that they are also active in any charity and community activities the brand engages with. If the girls progress on to management then they have to undertake a five week course at Hooter Inc. in the USA. Worldwide 30% of Hooters management staff are female.
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Photos by Chanichar Bond and Hooters PR
TRAVEL & ATTRACTIONS
There were some rumours emanating back from Hooters in Bangkok that there had been troubles with service and length of time waiting for food to be delivered. Mike assured me that Hooters operates an advanced service and customer satisfaction system called Hoot-Sac. At the bottom of every bill is a customer response code to go on line and complete a customer satisfaction form which is sent direct to America. Sampling some of the food it is fair to say that for people who love the famous wings and burgers that Hooters are famous for will not be disappointed, although my Thai colleagues did not seem to agree. There are five Thai dishes on the menu so hopefully that will cater for local demands. The restaurant is modern and well appointed, it has a typical American diner appeal that is consistent with the global brand but also an edge to it of modernity. There are enough screens dotted around to show every sport and every evening a live DJ plays music till 4am. This is where Hooters Pattaya might have it’s most success. As a late night music venue I can see it being a roaring hit, the location is perfect and the ambiance just right. However, whether the restaurant can attract the daytime dining trade with so much cheaper competition we will have to see. I do not know if their real target market is quite as easily identifiable as say Bangkok with the Thai High So crowd and the huge wealthy expat working segment. Pattaya is more complicated with large Chinese touring parties, retired expats and budget tourists. Having said that the growth of Bangkok weekend residents is increasing rapidly. I am glad that such an enterprise has opened it’s doors in Pattaya and I sincerely hope it attracts more such ventures. It helps to elevate the status of the city from it’s less than glamorous reputation. In conclusion there is no doubt that this is a top class venue in a perfect location, with one of the most famous brands in casual dining. Whether Pattaya is the correct place for such a venture time will tell. I sincerely wish Mike and his staff good luck and hope they succeed in their enterprise, it will definitely be for the benefit of the city having such a famous brand as part of the entertainment scene.
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
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| TRAVEL & ATTRACTIONS
By Terrence Collins
The eagerly awaited grand opening of Hooters, rocks Pattaya to the core.
T
his is the fourth Hooters world famous American franchise to open In Thailand, after Phuket, Bangkok soi 15 and Soi Nana. Showing that the iconic brand is spreading its wings and showing real commitment to Asia with the eventual aim being for 30 new Hooters locations opening around the region in the next five years. Hooters Pattaya is located on beach road near Royal Garden Shopping center, slap bang in the middle of all the action and boasts seating for 500 diners, 40 flat screen TV’s and almost 3,300 Sqm of floor area, making it the biggest international Hooters restaurant in the world, coming second place only to Hooters Las Vegas. There is real confidence that the growing tourism industry in Pattaya will benefit from this brand.
Being such a large restaurant with ample seating and so many TV’s, not forgetting the hospitable service of the Hooters girls, surely this alone makes the Pattaya venue the best in town to view sporting events, or the perfect place to meet up for a stag night or other big night out on the town.. Another great feature that is bound to be the focus of many a great party night is “Ricardo” the rodeo bucking bull, the first of its kind in Pattaya I believe. Also the brand will be initiating several events for local charities such as the washing of bikes by the Hooters Girls with proceeds going to charity and being the venue for many charity events. I am sure Hooters will be full to the rafters at the beginning of May when Pattaya hosts the “Pattaya Panthers” Rugby 10’s tournament, for Rugby fans the highlight of the calendar year.
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TRAVEL & ATTRACTIONS
If that doesn’t seem mind bogglingly enough, do you know Hooters employ over 300,000 Hooters girls worldwide? Just think about that for a moment. In Thailand you can expect to see restaurants open in Chang Mai, Koh Samui and even Khon Kaen. Meaning soon you will be able to enjoy Hooters famous Chicken wings and hospitality practically were ever you go in Thailand. So just when you thought the Pattaya lifestyle couldn’t get any better, think again. Thanks to Hooters, the future is bright and many good times are to be had by all, with two well stocked bars, great food and the hospitality of the lovely Hooters girls, I for one am, sure to end up face down in a bowl of wings in the near future. So if you haven’t visited Hooters yet, don’t be shy, be sure to visit and see why everyone is going Hooters crazy.
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| TRAVEL & ATTRACTIONS
By John Borthwick
KOH HABITATIONS: TRY THESE ANDAMAN ALTERNATIVES
T
wo Andaman sles, Koh Phayam and its snoozy neighbour, Koh Chang — the other Koh Chang — haven’t yet been washed away by the tides of tourism. To visit them you go via a coastal town (with a confusing name) that is worth a good look-see.
Visitors ask: “I get to Koh Phayam and Koh Chang via Ra-nong or Ray-ong?” The two names might sound similar but the towns are as alike as soap and som-tam. One, not far from Pattaya, is best known for its controversial petrochemical plant. The other one, a little gem, is hardly known at all. Ranong-on-Pakchan, aka Ranong-Below-Radar, is an Andaman Sea port town tucked in under the southernmost tip of Burma. Few foreigners come here for its own sake — as opposed to passing through en route to two low-key Thai holiday islands that float just offshore. As alternatives to Phuket, the “Acapulco of the Andamans”, on neither island do you find yourself entangled with a mob of moonraving tripsters or massed tour groups. This Koh Chang — not the one “with same-same name” in the eastern Gulf of Thailand — is just 18 sq km in area and has some 20 small resorts with bungalow-style accommodation. Low, sandy and therapeutically uneventful, this is where you retreat for slow beers, long reads and longer walks. But, not all is soporific. My friend Ree once saw 30 hornbills there in a single tree. Beat that, Walking Street. Meanwhile, south of Koh Chang, Koh Phayam has more elaborate but still unpretentious lodges, such as the friendly Bamboo Bungalows, plus a mere handful of bars and no cars — so far. You get around on motorbikes along narrow concrete paths. Come late afternoon, Phayam’s west coast beaches like Aow Yai get truly gorgeous when the cicadas and the Andaman sunset crank up the volume together. If somnolent, insular life like this isn’t your cup of sand for too long, then Ranong town is also a launch-pad for more energetic Andaman excursions on live-aboard dive boats to legendary spots like Richelieu Rock or Black Rock and encounters there with whale sharks and manta rays. It’s a 20-minute, 500-baht longtail trip across the Pakchan River from Ranong to Kawthaung (formerly Victoria Point), Burma’s most southerly town, for either a visit to its casino island (if that’s your thing) or a revolving door visa run for another 15 days in Thailand. Burma (Myanmar) visa costs are currently US$10 for Kawthaung area only, but check first. If you’re cashed-up, a yacht cruise to Burma’s unplundered Mergui Archipelago, departing from Kawthaung, is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to what has been called, accurately, “a marine Shangri-La”.
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TRAVEL & ATTRACTIONS
Ranong town, capital of the province of the same name, sits 570 km southwest Bangkok and is a slice of authentic Thailand — or, perhaps Chinese-Thai land. Settled and developed by Hoklo immigrants from the Fujian region, Ranong’s streets are lined with traditional shop houses that sell everything from washing machines to gold.
The town of around 25,000 people is clearly prosperous (going by the size of its banks) and yet it lacks the dubious Siamese (or anywhere) twins of HiSo vanity and LoSo disadvantage. Evidence: I spot just one BMW and no beggars. It’s a seemingly egalitarian town whose main tourist attraction is free: the public hot springs. And, believe me, they are hot. At the open-air Raksawarin baths I (the only farang in sight) first try the 40-degree Centigrade pool. Four minutes of allegedly medicinal scalding in this lobster pot has me fleeing to cool off in the 35-degree pool.
True, Ranong isn’t picture postcard-pretty or nostalgia soaked (in fact, parts of it are quite drab). Its ace is simply that it is real. I stroll up the main drag, Ruengrat Road — no touts, no come-ons — pass the gold shops (not today, or tomorrow), check out the markets (which never much thrill me, anywhere), consider a Chinese temple or two and a new-old wooden palace, and then look for a watering hole. There’s beer or coffee at Pons Place (plus travel bookings and WiFi) and then a fine feed of fresh garlic prawns at the Hideaway. Amid the demands of 21st century tourism — that every town or island should brag a flash-bang festival, galactic resort or trawl mall of déjà-vu franchise shops — Ranong and its satellite islands offer the perfect antidote: good ol’ down-home Thailand.
Getting there. Ranong is a four-hour drive north from Phuket. Nok Air flies daily from Bangkok (Don Mueang); the airport is 23 km south of Ranong. The nearest train station is Chumphon, 120 km east. Information.
- Koh Chang: www.wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Chang - Koh Phayam: Bamboo Bungalows right on the beach and the sunset. www.bamboo-bungalows.com - Ranong: Numsai Khaosuay Resort is a four-star haven of calm with swimming pool. www.numsaikhaosuay.com - BurmaBoating, luxury yacht cruises. www.burmaboating.com - Kawthaung: Victoria Cliff Hotel. Bungalows with a view of the Andaman Sea. www.victoriacliff.com
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By Kevin Cain
M
akha Bucha (sometimes called Magha Puja) day is one of the most revered and celebrated days in the Buddhist calendar. . Here in Thailand it is respected just as highly as anywhere else in the Buddhist world. The third lunar month in the Thai language is called Makha, and to venerate or honour is called Bucha. So literally Macha Bucha is honouring the teachings of Buddha on the full moon of the third lunar month. It was during the reign of King Rama IV also known as Mongkutklao or King Vaijiravudh that the Land of Smiles first started celebrating Makha Bucha day. It was about 150 years ago that King Rama IV recognised the significant importance to Buddhist teachings and that Makha Bucha was one of the most important events in the religion. The king then introduced the festive day and it has gained popularity ever since.
The history of the day is well documented and it was the first time Buddha outlined the three fundamental teachings of Buddhism. * Not to do evil * To do good * To purify the mind Makha Bucha is celebrated throughout the whole kingdom and fundamentally observed in the same manner everywhere. However, some cities and towns have their own special way of honouring Makha Bucha which makes it even more personal and special for them. Most Thai's observe Tum Boon or Making Merit and perhaps one of the other four Precepts. The more religious may honour the whole five. The Five Precepts are known as Rub Sil, they are the basic codes for the ethics of Buddhism: To abstain from harming a living thing, to abstain from stealing, to abstain from all intoxicants, to abstain from backbiting, gossip, telling lies and to abstain from sexual immorality. The official observance on the day includes four devotional rituals * Wien Thien – This is the ritual of circling around a temple three times clockwise bearing candles, incense and flowers and placing them at the feet of Buddhist statues. * Tum Boon – A very common occurrence during any Buddhist religious day, the act of making merit. * Tuk Bard – A form of making merit but specially for monks and novices. * Rub Sil – Involves meditative observance of keeping the Five Precepts. Makha Bucha is celebrated all over the kingdom with differing reverences and practices, obviously the monks and the temples observe the strict teachings but lay people tend to celebrate the day slightly differently. The King participates in a series of special events and ceremonies. Traditionally the monarch invites thirty monks for breakfast at the royal palace. After which they pray and chant mantras of the Buddha's teachings. In 1851, King Rama IV ordered that a Makha Bucha ceremony be held every year forever at Wat Phra Kaew and other notable places to celebrate the auspicious occasion in Bangkok are; Golden Mount, Paknam Phasicharoen Temple, Wat Bho and Wat Benjamabopit. Whilst in Pattaya, Wat Chaimongkol is an excellent place to observe the day. If you are an expat or a tourist who happens to find yourself in the Kingdom on the full moon of the third lunar month then there are a few things that you should bear in mind: The day is a highly revered and respected religious occasion, so do not be surprised if the local bars and pubs are closed due to a ban on alcohol. The local supermarkets and stores will probably not be selling alcoholic drinks. Respect this tradition, after all it is only one day and if you are desperate then it is advisable to drink at home. If however you are intending to embrace the occasion then follow the following guidelines: * Remove your shoes entering a temple or religious place * Wear appropriate clothing do not turn up in swimming attire, and no hats should be worn * If there are any carpets in a temple especially in front of a Buddha do not stand on them * Respect devotees offering up prayers If you happen to be in the south of the country then you will find that observations of the holy day l take place under high security. This is unfortunate, but necessary due to the religious conflicts and unrest happening at the moment. Wherever you happen to be in Kingdom enjoy celebrating this special religious occasion, it might be very different to anything you have experienced before.
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
LOCATION SPOTLIGHT
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a y a t t a P Welcome to Bargain Hunter. My name is Belinda and before living in Pattaya I was a buyer in London’s West End. An important part of my job was to look out for items of quality, value and with that certain special something. Now I look out for bargains in and around Pattaya to share with you.
BOBBY BROWN MAKE UP COUNTER
If this month I advise you to go to the perfumery department in Central and take a make-up lesson at the Bobby Brown counter for the princely sum of 3,000 baht you may well suggest that my Bargain Hunting crown be taken away from me. However, hold on and see exactly what it is you get for your money. First and foremost the 3,000 can be redeemed on purchase so therefore the wise thing to do is to go there when you have a costly make up purchase due: a foundation or concealer for example. Then you should make your visit just before a special event – party or meal out – so that your beautifully applied make up can see you through to your special evening. Then there are the long term benefits to having a make-up lesson which will save you many baht over the years. For example setting your foundation by dabbing with your finger rather than using a sponge where most of it will be wasted or using a half turned powder pad to gently press the powder onto your face to set it and avoid over-use. Also there are simple tricks for selecting colours that will look natural – such as applying 3 liquid make ups to your cheek and seeing which one “disappears” as this will be the one that tones in best with your skin. Choosing your bronzer by matching the sun tan on your forearm and the most natural lipstick colour for your face being the one that matches the inside of your lip. All new to me and obviously a big help in preventing the waste of throwing away wrongly purchased shades. Tong the Senior Studio Manager and Brow expert really knows her stuff. By having you look in the mirror while she does one ½ of your face and then teaching you how to replicate it on the other side you get invaluable tips on how to use the brush or applicator at each stage. Don’t worry – she will also put right any mistakes you make! Also as her title suggests, she gets to work on your eyebrows by plucking and shaping them and at the finally tally gives a 10% discount on your purchase. My session with her lasted just over an hour and at the end I was given a loyalty card with offers of the following at my next session: Eyebrow Grooming “Party Make up” tutorial And a 15% discount for my birthday month. ….So you see all in all a bit of a bargain and a lovely way to spend some time pampering yourself and learning from a skilled artist. Now if my male readers are feeling a little left out, I’m including a couple of bargains that perhaps may be more interesting to them. As even though we’re in high season at the moment there are still some bargains to be found in pubs around town. The Sportsman for example is offering a pint of Heineken on Mondays for just 99 baht And then on Wednesday they have an excellent value deal with a 150 baht burger accompanied by a free bottle of San Miguel. Cheers ! If you have any thoughts, suggestions or comments please write to me “Belinda Bargain Hunter” at:pattayabargainhunter@outlook.com ALL PRICES AND OFFERS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE TAKEN FOR ANY OFFERS BEING WITHDRAWN OR OUT OF STOCK.
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Sail & Dance PILC TRIP Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Join us for a day trip to the beautiful islands
9.30 : Departure from Ocean Marina Visit to the island Koh Khram, Koh Rin or Koh Pai 12-00 : Lunch Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing and dancing 16-00 : Return to Ocean Marina Price per person: 2600 THB (includes catamaran day tour, lunch BBQ + Thai food), soft drinks and fruits, use of towels, snorkelling sets and fishing rods , round trip transfer. PILC'S A first luncheon of 2016 was held at Bacco's restaurant, Na Jomtien. (This Italian trattoria is situated right next to The Glasshouse, which I'm sure a lot of people are more familiar with). The entrance is mighty impressive as you walk through an enormous wine barrel - empty of course – into a delightful Mediterranean themed dining area and bar. The lunch, whilst adequate, was not quite as appealing as we experienced on our last visit there. There were only two choices of dessert! But, sitting on the open-air terrace, with a cool breeze blowing, beautiful sandy beach in front, catching up with friends over a glass of wine or two, all created a lovely, relaxing atmosphere. 55 ladies attended, including two new members (Dorthe from Denmark and Gail, a Canadian from Paris) who Helle welcomed to the club. The raffle was generously supported and 7,200 baht was raised for various PILC welfare projects. Thank you for giving to such worthy causes.
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
SCHOOL AND EDUCATION SPECIAL
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| HEALTH & WELLNESS
By Gaz Booth
St Andrew’s International School One Day, One Goal 2016
The 2016 “One Day, One Goal” Charity football event -hosted by United Football- took place at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley as the dark grey clouds above looked ominous but thankfully never resulted in a downpour. This year’s charities funds were raised for : The Shelter, Take Care Kids and Fountain of Life. Through sponsorship, donations and entry fees our 2016 event looked to be the biggest yet. As usual the morning session began with the football tournament. 53 teams from 8 schools comprising of 400 children, made for a fierce competition and our biggest turn out ever. The standard was extremely high and St. Andrews once again proved to be a force to be reckoned with. When all was said and done St. Andrews came away with 4 out of a possible 8, 1st place trophies. Children as young as 5 through to 13 showcased their enthusiasm, ability and skill all in the aid of a good cause. Every Baht raised from their entry fees has gone to one of the 3 charities. In the afternoon as the tournament came to a close, the focus shifted to the children from our charity groups. They were treated to an afternoon of football coaching, basketball coaching, swimming lessons and play time on the bouncy castle. It is the least we can give back to the community and the kids clearly got a lot out of it. Our Parent Teacher Group (PTG) once again played a pivotal role in the day, keeping everybody fed and hydrated throughout the day was no mean feat. Several other stalls were in attendance including: The Marriott Rayong and The Pattaya Rayong Ladies Circle. Also our CAS Crew students were on hand to keep children entertained and help run the afternoons activities. The children were also given gifts courtesy of Hanky Panky Games and hats courtesy of United Football. At time of writing the total money raised and donated to our charities is well in excess of 150,000thb!
Alumni visit Green Valley for inaugural reunion day A group of around 25 Green Valley Alumni members braved the elements and paid a visit to their former campus for an afternoon of socialising with friends and teachers as well as some friendly sporting competition. The afternoon was considered an unparalleled success with students and teachers alike enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, the chance to reconnect with old friends and teachers and the chance to give staff a run for their money on the football field and the basketball court. The alumni really pushed staff to the brink in the Basketball competition, it could have been the age gap, or maybe a few too many mince pies over the Christmas break but whichever way you cut it- 10-8 to alumni girls and 12-8 to alumni boys speaks for itself. When the action moved over the football pitch the tables turned with the staff getting a reprise thrashing the alumni 6-1 on a pitch which one Alumni describe as ‘a bog’ after the torrential rains. Sour grapes maybe. The day culminated in a courtside party and BBQ where the staff and ex-students had a chance to mingle, catch up and share memories of their time at St. Andrews. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
By Belinda Wilson
HEALTH & WELLNESS
PRANAYAMA WITH ANASTASIA AT YOGA PATTAYA
S
o what is it that we all do night and day without so much as a second thought?.................. YES....................... BREATHE !
Breathing is essential but not often considered. It is the process by which we move air in and out of our lungs to deliver oxygen to where it is needed in the body whilst removing carbon dioxide as we exhale. Most of our energy comes from breathing and yet as we grow older breathing capacity can be lost after the age of 30 by 10-27% for every decade of life thereafter. Controlled breathing not only keeps your mind and body functioning at its best, it can also lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation and help you de-stress. So it is definitely a process worthy of consideration. Whilst the effects of breathing techniques on anxiety haven’t been studied at length, many experts encourage using the breath as a means of increasing awareness, mindfulness, or for the yogis among us, finding that elusive state of Zen.
Therefore I was keen to try Yoga Pattaya’s Pranayama class (breathing to you and I) last Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. Without a particularly heavy “outing” the night before, I was hangover free and “up for it” – although maybe an hour of breathing exercises would be a good hangover cure? Certainly I was hoping to take away plenty of info, tips and helpful exercises to learn to de stress and help with some pretty bad sleeping patterns that so many of us have here in Pattaya – and I was not disappointed ! In Yoga terminology Pranayama is the control of Breath". "Prana" being the breath or vital energy in the body, representing the pranic energy responsible for life or life force, and "ayama" means control. So Pranayama is "Control of Breath". Anastasia our teacher was very efficient and explained everything in English. However if you are expecting a grinning, jolly teacher of the like that you find in an American Aerobics lesson or fitness video you will not get that experience here. Don’t be put off. Since moving to Pattaya I have been in a few classes with Russian teachers and have found them to be serious and exacting but this should not be mistaken for unfriendliness. They just want you to get the very best experience possible from their class and do everything correctly and to the best of your ability. Smiles and small talk are left for the end of the session when you describe how you are feeling and tell them what you thought of their class. The exercise room – as with all of the studios at Yoga Pattaya – is light and bright with a full wall mirror. There was a lovely breeze from the early morning air wafting through which also afforded the peaceful sound of birds tweeting and distant sound of Thepprasit traffic. This was especially heightened by the fact that we were told to keep our eyes closed for about 80% of the lesson with Anastasia first of all demonstrating and explaining the exercise with us then following on in a meditative state. At first I was surprised to be told to breathe both in and then out through the nose as I am more used to in through the nose and out through the mouth instructions but apparently by inhaling and exhaling rapidly through the nose you can raise vital energy and increase alertness. For our first exercise the breaths in and out were of equal duration but as short as possible and we were encouraged to make a noise whilst doing this. Another exercise Nadi Shodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing” - is said to help unite the right
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| HEALTH & WELLNESS and left sides of the brain and bring calm and balance. We had to hold the right thumb over the right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril then at the peak of inhalation, close off the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril,continuing the pattern by inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb, and exhaling through the left nostril. In fact there were many different exercises to take us through the hour concentrating on the 3 Bandhas: the energetic locks that contain the prana in the torso and concentrate it in the three main energy channels (nadis) of the body. Starting at the bottom “literally” the Mula Bandha is between the pubic bone and the tailbone. Here you pull the pelvic floor up whilst feeling the lower deep abdominal muscles engage and pull towards the spine. This helps build core body strength as you hold the posture and also protects the low back muscles. Mula bandha is also said to increase your energy and vitality, and improve concentration and mental clarity. Then Uddiyana Bandha, the abdominal bandha, is focused on as you exhale and pull the abdomen under the rib cage. Uddiyana bandha engages and tones the abdominal muscles creating a strong core and again activating and energizing. Finally Jalandhara Bandha (the Chin Lock) is practiced by bending the head forward and pressing the chin against the throat. It is used in the practice of Kumbhaka or holding breath when the Jalandhara Bandha presses against the thryroid and para thyroid glands which regulates the body metabolism. So actually quite a lot to concentrate on and by encouraging us to focus, with our eyes closed, on the area just above the nose and between the eyebrows a great preparation for the next stage - meditation. The end result – certainly a clearing of the head and mental preparation for the coming day and the next time I’m wide awake at 4 a.m. I shall be putting what I learnt to good use!
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
By Belinda Wilson
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
DR PETER LEWIS AT SURE CELL’S PRATUMNAK MEDICAL CENTRE
r Peter Lewis was back in town for a few days so I took the opportunity to have another chat with him about his clinic on the right hand side of Soi 6 just before Pratumnak Road. I first of all asked him if he preferred the name “Sure Cell” or “Pratumnak Medical Centre” and he replied that he is happy for patients to find the clinic by either name. “Sure Cell” which is internationally well known but the “Pratumnak Medical Centre” being more relevant to Pattaya. He also went on to say that “Sure Cell” is widely associated with stem cell treatment and not normally what people would automatically think of/search for when asking “Where can I go to get my knee looked at ?”.
a staggering 12,000 patients - as he warns:
Getting “your knee looked at” is certainly something you should be considering Dr Lewis for, as he has now treated
“The Only thing you can do wrong is leave it too late” He looks at arthritis in the knee in terms of 4 stages: 1 being the patient’s complete unawareness of the problem 2 and 3 a rising rate of twinges, discomfort and pain with finally 4 a “bone on bone” situation at which time people are usually contemplating knee replacement surgery.
“At stage 2/3 Sure cell have no failures but don’t wait until grade 4”. That said, he was keen to tell me of a recent case with a lady in Bangladesh who at grade 4 was being treated for severe bilateral osteoarthritis (both knees to you and me) As only one knee can be operated on at a time Sure Cell were “offered the other knee” so that the stem cell treatment could be pitched “head to head” with orthopedic surgery. This proved to be a very important case as the family were involved in a new clinic in Bangladesh. Delighting in their mother’s recovery (both knees are now fully functional) they were only too keen to effect introductions and help with the recent introduction of Sure Cell’s newest clinic in Bangladesh. Dr Lewis has just returned from there extremely excited with the initial response. The 2 foremost TV stations there have given him face to face interviews and the clinic’s opening is being announced as “Big news for Bangladesh”. This now takes the company’s total number of clinics worldwide to 14 with: 3 in New South Wales 7 in Melbourne (spread throughout the suburbs and focusing on special interests e.g. 1 more focused on cosmetic treatments, another in sports related injuries, et.) 1 in Tasmania, Ours here in Patttaya The newest in Bangladesh And the 1 in Fiji . Not because this is Dr Lewis’ preferred holiday destination – as I quipped but because a doctor trained by him went back to Fiji to open a clinic there. So what can you do if you want Dr Lewis to “look at your knee’ – well you should make an appointment at the Pratumnak Medical Centre on 090 980 3405 where the friendly, efficient staff will be sure to let you know when he is “next in town” (generally a few days every 4 weeks).. He also recommends that if you come to see him armed with X Rays to be sure that they have been correctly taken as not all hospitals automatically do this, i.e. that you have a weight baring X Ray ( you are standing when the X Ray is taken) or a “Sky line” X Ray that looks down at the back of the knee cap. This is required whe you are experiencing pain moving up and down stairs (rather than when lying in bed at rest) as it can indicate arthritis at the back of the knee. Certainly you should get both knees checked out as the 2nd may not be giving immediate grief but have a problem that will need sorting sooner rather than later.
Most importantly for us all, the Dr’s recommendation is that we all watch what we eat and exercise: “Cut out sugary foods, white rice, bread and breakfast cereals. Eat more fish and green vegetables and get on an exercise bike”. Even 5 minutes every morning on an empty stomach will reap benefits. “Obesity, Arthritis and Diabetes are the new epidemics” and patients at Pratumnak Medical centre are always given exercise and dietary advice to go with their treatment.
For more information please contact 090 980 3405 or www.surecell.co.th www.pattayatrader.com
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| FOOD & DRINK
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MUSIC
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| EXPAT LIVING
by Kevin Cain
FRESH FLOWER LTD Whether preparing for your big day or just attending a formal function it is without doubt that fresh flowers add so much to the occasion. No wedding in the world would take place without the requisite blooms in place and they are not simply just for decoration. For instance have you ever thought why brides carry a bouquet? My research informed me that the origins were a little blurred the reasons differing from; a necessity to cover odour or ward off evil spirits to the giving of some of the posy as a memento for hunting guests as a lucky talisman. I think that today bouquets are carried to bring beauty, elegance, a touch of colour and a bit of old custom. different meanings than others:
But before you rush ahead and order your wedding blooms traditionally certain flowers have
Roses are the most popular flowers by far at weddings and this is because the rose signifies love, joy and beauty. A white rose indicates innocence, a red rose shows passion, ivory roses are supposed to indicate fidelity and dark pink roses expresses the couple's gratitude. Chrysanthemums are also very popular as they can be used in combination with nearly any other flower as they have no strong scent, they also indicate wealth, abundance and truth. Lilies are in vogue at the moment for wedding flowers, they represent beauty and bring a touch of class to a bouquet or centerpiece. Perhaps orchids are the most exotic as they are so expensive and also have deep meaning of love and beauty.
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FOOD & DRINK
Of course flowers are not just used at weddings but the same significance is still attached to the different blooms. Whatever your reasons for hunting down and shopping for your favourite blooms it is certain that a reputable flower shop will be a boon to you in your selection.Fresh Flower Ltd is the perfect shop to assist you in your choice, and to help design the most original and fresh arrangements. Located in the Jomtien Complex on Theppraya Road, this boutique florist offers excellent service and top notch flowers and blooms. They offer an extensive range of bouquets either tall or round, baskets, loose flowers and artificial flowers. Fresh Flower Ltd offers superb advice and will tailor make an arrangement to your specification or design something original for you. Fresh Flowers Ltd specialise in providing high quality imported blooms which are available online as well as by person at their premises. Their online service is simple and very easy to use. They will deliver anywhere in the Pattaya area the same day, all you have to do is select the arrangement you wish from those displayed and the bouquet will be delivered to your door. Payments are accepted either by bank transfer or by PayPal, if you do not have a PayPal account then Fresh Flowers Ltd will arrange one for you. So really there is no excuse not to have the aromatic perfume of fresh flowers permeating your home, simply pick up the phone or get online. www.freshflower-ltd.co.th
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By Glenn Cowan
Do you remember what life was like before Google Maps?
D
epending on the sort of driver you are you might have had a Garmin or other portable navigation unit. Sadly these nearly always struggled to keep up to date with the sheer volumes of new routes that have cropped up, not to mention live traffic situations.
Personally, having owned a Garmin, I always found it quite a task to pin-point the exact destination. It seems to make no real difference whether you are using English or Thai language. So I for one was really grateful when Google put more of their resource into improving an already good mapping system. Recently we have seen a huge growth in larger mobile phones and tablets, making it easier to read things like maps while on the go. This has undoubtedly spurred Google on to introduce a whole load of updates to its routing software.If you haven’t made the switch over to Google Maps then here are just a few of it’s latest innovations.
There is Congestion Ahead! No one likes congestion (obvious statement!), but it’s part and parcel of getting from A to B. Picture the scene. You are travelling to a destination you haven’t been to before and all of a sudden the traffic starts to back-up. This could be a real issue, especially if you are under some form of time constraint. Do you carry on and hope that the traffic starts to ease? Or do you look to find an alternative route? Decisions, decisions….. Driving under stress isn’t good for anyone, even more so when in Thailand. There are way too many other (lunatic) drivers to be aware of. However, Google has developed a way of keeping you updated and will even tell you in advance to expect delays. What’s more, the navigation system will estimate how long the delay is likely to be for and that you are still on the fastest route (obviously assuming that you are), if not it will advise of different action to take. The technology behind this innovation is that Google is now able to harness the power of other users. For example, it knows how long it should take an average to drive a certain distance; however, reading data from other users further ahead it knows if the traffic starts to slow down.In short, the more people that use Google Maps, the more reliable the service becomes.
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Seeing Traffic Patterns Another great feature is the recent introduction of “traffic patterns”. If you are someone that makes a regular journey then this really will be up your street (pun intended!) You can probably imagine what it would be like to avoid traffic, either by leaving a little earlier or later? Well the Google Maps desktop site is where you can check. You enter your route and change the default icon from “live traffic” to “typical traffic”. All that’s left to do is to adjust the slider to the time of the day and you will see exactly what traffic normally looks like at that time of day!
Popular Times Google has even been working on ways to improve your experience while visiting different locations.A great example of this is by integrating “popular times” for restaurants. As well as gaining information on opening times, reviews, website info and contact details, the app now has the ability to display the busiest times in a chart. In practice this works out to be a very handy way of avoiding peak times, great if you are not a big fan of queueing up! In the example below for the Glass House in Pattaya you can see that on a Thursday they are busiest around 7pm. This useful information might well assist in planning a family meal out.
Driving Mode! Another quite brilliant feature that the big G has added in recent times is called “driving mode”. Currently it is only available via Android; however, Google are saying that it should roll out to Apple in the near future. Here’s the lowdown on how it works. Google has the ability to predict where you are going, before you even ask for directions! Sounds a little creepy? Well, for some people it might be…. but in a nutshell it can be used without even putting Google Maps into navigation mode and will provide plenty of useful information as you drive.
No Data Connection, No Worries One of the great challenges and bugbears for many people is that in the past a constant data connection would be needed to use Google Maps. Again, things have changed for the better with regards to this. The user can simply download all of the map data that you need to navigate in the region that you are travelling and make use of this when in “offline mode”. The brilliant thing here is that all of the POI’s, fuel stations, shops etc are included. Using this feature couldn’t be easier too. Simply perform a search based on an address or town / city, then open the menu at the bottom of the app. Tap the download button, scale the map so that the full area that you are looking for is shown on the screen, tap download again, give it a name and then hit the save button. Bingo, offline map created for later use.
Sending Directions to Your Phone Given that a large number of people research a trip on their desktop or laptop, Google has made it super easy for users to send this info to a smartphone. Simply create the route on your desktop / laptop and use the “Send to Your Phone” option - easy as pie! If you haven’t checked out the latest updates to Google Maps then perhaps now’s the right time? Be sure to let us know at Pattaya Trader which is your favorite feature!
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| SPORT & LEISURE
By Kevin Cain
THE BPL ROUND UP
A
s the season has turned the corner for the second half of things then there is still massive uncertainty about which team will actually win the Premier League and which three teams will be relegated to the Championship. Also there is great debate on who will actually make the Champions League and the Europa Cup for next season.
But still surprising everybody is the continuing success of Leicester City. Far from fading away into the nether regions of midtable, Leicester City are holding on strong and competing strongly for the league. I think most honest genuine football supporters around the globe would be quite happy if Leicester were to win the Premiership against all the odds, and Claudio Ranieri the famous Tinker Man will end triumphant on his return to Premiership management. Still baffling Manchester United fans is the decision to leave Louis Van Gaal in charge at the Theater of Dreams. His style has been heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike for being boring and too defensive. Across the city of Manchester on the sky blue side, things are going a little better. However, Manchester City's season has also been spluttering and they are not the consistent team of prior seasons. It must be highlighted that both these clubs spent heavily in the close season and the new additions simply have not performed. Is it poor management or bad coaching ? That remains to be seen if changes are made at the top . Meanwhile in north London both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both looking good to seriously be in the mix come May the 15th and the last games of the season. Arsenal have been playing some attractive stuff and Mr Venger has surprised a lot of critics, even some home supporters. But it is their north London rivals that have astonished many people. Mauricio Pochettino has molded one of the strongest Spurs squads for decades. Tottenham are possibly the best team in the Premiership on the eye and play swift passing football with attacking flair players such as Dele Alli. If they continue to play the same way for the rest of the season then a top four place is the least they can expect.
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SPORT & LEISURE
It seems strange summarising the top of the division without evening mentioning Chelsea, but the former champions are still languishing in thirteenth place, a point behind Everton who themselves continue leaking goals on a regular basis.
The relegation battle at the moment concerns three big guns, the most seriously in trouble is Aston Villa who are rock bottom of the league. Many cannot see Villa getting away from trouble but the warning signs have been on the cards for the last three or four years. Villa have been flirting with the bottom three for too long recently and perhaps they need to go down to rebuild and re-structure. It would be a sad day if relegation did happen for Villa as they are one of the elder statesmen of the Football League and the Premiership. Just above Aston Villa are Sunderland and Newcastle United. Big Sam has been installed at the Stadium of Light to keep the Black Cats up and with his prior record of keeping teams from relegation then there is hope for Sunderland. Newcastle also have a strong squad and the return of some long term injuries should be enough to bolster their Premiership hope. So if this is the case who will accompany Aston Villa in the drop ? The favourite four according to the bookies to compete for relegation are; Swansea, Bournemouth, Norwich and West Brom. But there is always a late comer who slides down the table uncontrollably in the last few weeks of the season.
There are a couple of teams that come to mind in this category and who you would not normally associate with the dreaded drop - and this season I think Southampton and Everton need to look over their shoulders. Southampton have had a couple of good results recently but it papers over a very average season so far. Meanwhile at Goodison Park, Roberto Martinez has a fixation of dabbling with death in front of goal. His insistence that his defenders play out from defense has seen the Toffee's concede too many goals to unlikely opponents. All this contributes to what is so far a most intriguing season where any team can beat another and the unexpected is the norm. Typifying this is Liverpool who on their day can beat the best away but lose against the average at home. Surely Jurgen Klopp can turn a very average team around to once more challenge for honours? Watch this space.........
Upcoming Key Fixtures: Sunday 14th February Arsenal v Leicester City Manchester City v Spurs Sunday 28th February Manchester United v Arsenal Wednesday 2nd March Liverpool v Manchester City Saturday 5th March Tottenham v Arsenal
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| SPORT & LEISURE
By Kevin Cain
SIX NATIONS RUGBY
T
he biggest Rugby spectacular in the northern hemisphere started this month. The Six Nations Rugby tournament with the most powerful teams in Europe battling it out against one another: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales taking to the turf to prove who is the champion team for 2016.
6th 6th 7th
February February February
France v Italy Scotland v England Ireland v Wales
Stade de France - Paris Murrayfield – Edinburgh Aviva Stadium – Dublin
13th 13th 14th
February February February
France v Ireland Wales v Scotland Italy v England
Stade de France – Paris Principality Stadium – Cardiff Stadio Olympio – Rome
26th 27th 27th
February February February
Wales v France Italy v Scotland England v Ireland
Principality Stadium – Cardiff Stadio Olympio – Rome Twickenham – London
12th 12th 13th
March March March
Ireland v Italy England v Wales Scotland v France
Aviva Stadium – Dublin Twickenham – London Murrayfield – Edinburgh
19th 19th
March March
Wales v Italy Ireland v Scotland
Principality Stadium – Cardiff Aviva Stadium – Dublin
This year both BBC and ITV will be sharing the live television coverage of the games while Royal Bank of Scotland will continue with the major sponsorship for the fourteenth year Any Six Nations championship held after a World Cup year is normally littered with changes and this tournament will be no different.Coaching changes of Eddie Jones for England and Guy Noves for France take centre stage, whilst there are some sad farewell's to familiar players; Paul O'Connell, Gordon D'Arcy, Pascal Pape, Adam Jones and Ryan Jones to name but a few. Perhaps Ireland will start the tournament as slight favourites to win it outright, and if they do it will be the third time in succession. The advantage of three home games for the Irish seems to point the finger firmly towards them. However, if 2015 was anything to go by then things could be closer to call than at first glance. Last year it all went down to the wire and on the final day of matches any one of four teams could have won the trophy. In the end Ireland managed to sneak home and grab the cup for the second year on the trot.The only thing that might hinder their success are the two tricky away games to England and France, but the home games in front of their fanatical crowd in Dublin look a certainty for victory. Perhaps a dark horse for this year is Wales as it is a fact that the following Six Nations tournaments after World Cups in 2007 and 2011 Wales went on to win Grand Slams. They have arguably the
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best back five in the competition and with Dan Biggar kicking for them they have a potential tournament winner. The new coaches at France and England will also want to make their mark on the Six Nations competition. Guy Noves for France has a formidable record with his Toulouse side, some said he fashioned them into a team that could win international matches. With players such as Louis Picamoles and Yoann Huget leading the team, France always have a chance. Whereas Eddie Jones is a seasoned campaigner and top coach. After England's dismal display in the World Cup, Jones has taken a chainsaw to the coaching staff and replaced the whole lot with a strong new team. In come Steve Borthwick, Paul Eustard and Ian Peel but I think a last day away game to France in Paris is a hurdle that will prove too high for the fledgling England team. Italy and Scotland are expected to both be competing for the wooden spoon once again. Italy are no longer the pushovers that they were five years ago. At home especially, they can be a real tricky away day for any team. And in this year's competition Scotland have to travel to Rome, this could be the crux game to decide who holds up the foot of the table come the 19th of March. So there is the mix of uncertainties that all go to contribute to what promises to be a wide open Six Nations tournament. It seems to be a very even competition this year and don't be surprised if we end with a great finale day just like 2015.
Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
SPORT & LEISURE
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| SPORT & LEISURE
Hi Folks, I have waited six months for delivery of my new 20 HP 4 stroke engine. I had the option of getting an engine straight away but it had electric start and power tilt. These additions would have increased the weight on the transom, and a large battery would be needed. The wait was justified when I took the boat on it’s first fishing trip, the livewell had so much more water in it that it slopped into the boat. Also the boat had a problem with the front riding high in the water and struggling to plane. I changed the livewell into a cooler box and fitted a hydroplane onto the outboard engine. Things are not still quite right but it is work in progress. So my first run out to Koh Man Wichia took 40 minutes (flat seas) instead of 90 minutes, more fishing time! I started to fish for bait using a seven small hooks rig with the bottom two hooks baited with thin strips of squid. As I struggled to get the minimum of 8 live fish I knew that the prospects of a decent sized fish were small. Something big hit the small hooks, and at first dived and then rocketed up at an angle away from me. A three foot long barracuda went airborne and cut through the 8lb braid main line. I did not have to worry about him being hampered by the rig and 50gm weight as his razor like teeth will take care of that! Finally I anchored up on the rising tide (20 inch rise) got the rods in the water only to see the floats going the wrong way. I had forgotten that on a small rising tide during winter the second current rises to the surface and acts like a dropping tide. Doh!
By Roger
After re-anchoring I had two float rod and one bottom out with live red sand fish (bpla si deang) I went back to bottom fishing. Once again the bottom bite was not good and the only highlight was a 3lb leather jacket which went well. Two hours later the wind picked up and swung the boat around and took me away from the hot spot. Another move was needed, but it did not improve the bite and with no bites on the big rigs I went home musing on the fact I got the bigger engine to go to Koh Man Wichia and the last dozen trips have drawn a blank. Captain Deang boat with Scott’s guys have been doing ok, with various sized queen fish, a change from a very quiet October and November. The same quiet time I had trolling for surface fish. My last trip out with my fishing buddy Frank saw us start at it’s a bit choppy there due to the constant speed boats going to Hat Dawean on Koh Larn. That and the jetskis make this mark almost unfishable but there are fish to be had amongst the chaos on a dropping tide. We put our lines in the water just before turning westward, I got a medium sized horse mackerel (bpla si deang) straight away and Frank reeled to get out of the way. As per what usually happens, he got a hit on the reel in as I landed my 8 oz fish. “Just a small one” as the fish coasted towards the boat and close to “something big just hit it!”. Then it was off to the races, as the fish motored away from the boat and when it was near the boat it dug for the bottom. I had to keep motoring the boat into the waves and keep it away from the rocks close by, whilst keeping an eye out for speed boats. I had the landing net handy so if one got too close I could wave it around to show that we had a fish on. Some ten minutes later a 13.5 inch, 20 oz (600gm) horse mackerel was in the net. A great double and great start to the day. By the end of the day we had thirty fish, one 13.5 inch, two 12.5 inch about 1lb each and the rest all medium sized. A whole lot of fun on light tackle and good eating to boot. Last minute news, another run out to Koh Man Wichia, just as I was about to move and re-anchor one rod bent over. I luckily had the drag set just right as I had tied the rod to a cleat and had to untie as the line went between two other rods. Then it went under the anchor rope and as I threaded it through the line twisted around the tip. Finally I got to enjoy five minutes of a 2 kg Spanish mackerel zipping around before netting him. That was the only bite of the trip, but rewarding. Have fun, Roger
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
| MOTOR TRADER
By Edd Ellison
A
t the end of last year a trio of leading Thai drivers, all well-known names to Pattaya race fans, took on one of the biggest challenges in Asian motorsport, the Macau Grand Prix. The annual street race, now in its 62nd edition, is the most important ‘temporary’ circuit in Asia – and in fact one of the most important in the world, probably ranking only behind the famous Monaco F1 circuit. The ‘Guia Circuit’ is hugely demanding on drivers and cars; tight and twisting it’s only for the bravest of the brave and razor sharp reflexes are needed to keep away from the unforgiving barriers.
heels
W g n i Talk
Let’s start with Nattavude. He's arguably Thailand's most accomplished racing driver, the elder statesman of the paddock. To his many Thai fans – and that includes many here in Pattaya – Nattavude is known simply as ‘MadCow’. What most Thai fans don't realise though is that it was actually the Macau fans that slapped the MadCow moniker on him and they also claim Nattavude as one of their own. To impress the Macau ‘faithful’ isn't an easy task, they've seen too many big and brash reputations arrive and depart humbled over the years. That he first turned up in the motorbike race and promptly delivered put him straight up there amongst the principality’s hallowed names. This was Nattavude's fifteenth consecutive year on the Guia Circuit and this time he was back in the ‘Road Sport Challenge’, which is always one of the most vibrant, popular and hard fought races on the programme. Lotus dealer and enthusiastic racer-team owner Eric Wong handed him a seat in one of his machines as he was entering a gaggle of the British sportscars. The connection between the two men, both veterans of Macau, was forged a couple of years ago when Eric found Nattavude a seat in his popular Lotus Elise One Make series, which was then on the programme, and in a neat twist he also found a seat for the Thai driver’s daughter, Tanchanok, herself a young and promising race driver. This really is a pukka ‘racing family’; motorsport runs deep in their blood.
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Into that mix came the three Thais, driving for three different teams across two top categories. Pasin Lathouras, Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak and Nattavude Charoensukhawatana. Three very successful racetrack ‘gladiators’ and amongst the best drivers to have ever carried Thai flags on the side of their cars.
So while Nattavude wasn’t really new to driving a Lotus racecar, the small and grunt-restricted ‘One Make’ Elise is a world apart from the three-litre ‘V6’ Evora. Ever the professional who seeks out perfection, Nattavude simply wasn’t happy with where the Evora was following the opening free practice session and he had a list of changes for his engineers to enact overnight ahead of qualifying. “I have set up the car before it came to Macau after [testing] in Zhuhai,” he said. “Everything was correct for the settings but this morning I ran out and found it wasn’t correct for here, like the gear ratios and the suspension is too soft so I have to change the dampers and change the alignment.” However he was quite pleased with the general feel of the Lotus and looking forward to the race. “This is the first time I’ve raced this car,” said Nattavude. “I think it’s quite reliable because the power isn’t so high, it’s around 420 [hp] and the car weighs around 1,200 [kg] without the driver, so the balance isn’t so bad.” Rocking up in Road Sport with the Evora was something of a David versus Goliath situation. Nattavude would be taking on a lengthy entry list stuffed with much more powerful Mitsubishi and Nissan runners and he would need to fight extra hard if he wanted make his way into the top ten overall against these formidable machines.
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“The competitors are all very strong, like the Evolutions [and] we are loosing advantage because on the main straight they pull away so far so I cant catch up with them in the first turn or the second turn, so that’s a big problem,” he admitted. “After the uphill I try to catch up but it’s not enough, it’s a big gap.” In qualifying Nattavude hauled the car into sixth place but at the green lights for the race he was swamped in a sea of more powerful Evos and GTRs and with a clear power deficit there was very little he could do. However this driver never gives up and he dug in deep, held his ground and chipped away through the race to finish in seventh, an impressive achievement
Pasin and Vutthikorn weren’t fazed one bit by the roster of professional drivers in factory cars on the entry list and out on track they banged in strong times to qualify in the mid-teens, the former edging out the latter. Pasin as the youngest driver in the race still has a lot to learn here, so every lap was invaluable, while for Vutthikorn it was his first time here in more than a decade so he also had to shed the rust and get reacclimatised.
Then to Pasin and Vutthikorn. Both were contesting a brand new race as the ‘FIA GT World Cup’ replaced the ‘Macau GT Cup’ as a headline event on the programme for this year. The ‘World Cup’ concept is reserved for GT3 cars and aims to bring together leading manufacturer teams and professional drivers from around the world for a spectacular event as the best of the best head off with each other.
The pair, starting side by side on the grid, enjoyed a safe getaway in the first race of the weekend. However as this was the ‘Qualification Race’ ahead of the ‘World Cup’ final race the next day the strategy for all the drivers was to get to the finish line safely and there were few heroic attempts made. Pasin and Vutthikorn though moved up the order a couple of places to improve their overall grid positions for the main race. Job well done – and no scratches, well not any big o nes at least. The ‘final’ played out in searing heat and with all the factoryentered cars squabbling at the top end of the grid anticipation was huge. Pasin and Vutthikorn enjoyed some excellent opening laps to climb up to tenth and eleventh places. However by that point Pasin was reporting over the radio that he was suffering understeer and gear shifting problems. It stayed that way until mid distance. Then Vutthikorn, after a very smooth and fast drive, slipped on a patch of oil. Without sufficient advance flag warning there was simply nothing he could do and he whacked the barriers, immediately ending his superb afternoon’s work. That swiftly brought out the Safety Car and his incident would settle the race.
Both these drivers took their careers abroad with much success last year. Pasin, the youngest driver on the grid at just 21 years of age, raced in Europe and wound up vice champion in International GT Open last as well as winning the 24 Hours of Spa in Pro-Am. Appearing in the ‘World Cup’ at Macau capped off a stunning season.
From the ‘young gun’ to the seasoned star. Vutthikorn is one of the defining Thai drivers of the last decade, winning multiple domestic championship titles. Last year he raced in the highly competitive Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and was rarely off the podium.
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It meant Pasin didn’t have the chance to try to push up any further, but, despite technical issues on his Ferrari, he had managed to lock into the top ten, an excellent result that more than beat the team’s objectives for the event. He was the only amateur driver to finish in the top ten of the ‘World Cup’ and he had held his own driving a privately entered car run in a field brimming with professionals and factory cars. “It’s been a great way to end the year,” said a satisfied Pasin afterward. “To race here is really special, it’s just such an awesome track and such a tough challenge and this year with it being the new FIA World Cup race there has been even more added pressure. The team did a great job in setting up the car and I kept working to consistently improve my lap times with each session to get where I needed to be to be competitive in the race.”
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| MOTOR TRADER
By Edd Ellison
“LE MANS” RACING COMES TO THAILAND
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here now seem to be a never ending list of ‘firsts’ for Thai motorsport and 2016 has kicked off with yet another ‘first’ for the country as ‘Le Mans’ racing arrived here and specifically the famous ‘Le Mans Prototypes’ rolled into town. A truly iconic racecar shape that’s never been seen in Thailand before. Since the new state-of-the-art circuit in Buriram opened a year and a half ago the motorsport landscape has been turned upside down and the inaugural visit of the Asian Le Mans Series didn’t disappoint one bit. The cars were spectacular, the drivers oozed top-level skills and the racing was fierce. At the end of three hours of frenetic action victory went to the series debuting Oreca LMP2 driven by Indonesian driver Sean Galeal and his Italian teammate Antonio Giovinazzi. 22-year-old Giovinazzi was in Buriram for the first time and also driving an LMP2 car for the first time, but he looked quick and sharp from the very first moment the cars hit the track. Despite his youth he’s enjoyed a very successful single-seater career already in karts, Formula Pilota China, and F3 in the British and European championships. “For sure it’s very nice to be in Thailand, it’s my first time in Thailand and also first time also for me to be in an LMP2 car so everything is new,” he said in the intensive build up to the race. “But the track looks really good, it’s really smooth, a lot of nice corners, slow speed corners, so it will be interesting also to see the start of the race. I’m really enjoying it.” He converted that pole into victory, but it certainly wasn’t an easy afternoon’s work for Giovinazzi or Galael, they had to work hard to pull off the win and fight back into contention after an early problem. Thai motorsport fans though had plenty to cheer when it was announced that Tanart Sathienthirakul had made a late entry into the race; he was driving an LMP3 prototypes for Team AAI. Tanart’s certainly a well-known young Thai driver name, but the fans have had to follow his racing career abroad for the last half a decade. “My last race [in Thailand] was karting five years ago,” he explained as he prepared to get out on track. From domestic karting Tanart went straight to Europe to race in F3 and has been a little bit out of sight ever since. “I race in Europe so I kind of live in the UK so I don’t have to fly back and forward every time,” he explains.
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MOTOR & MARINE
And in a vote of confidence in him, Team AAI had entrusted Tanart with its #89 LMP3 for the 30-minute qualifying session. “The [team] wanted me to gain as much experience as possible as I’m going to be the one starting the race,” he explained just after the qualifying session finished. “I don’t think my time is too bad, if I went one second quicker it would [have been] great, but it didn’t happen,” he said. “But I think in the race tomorrow if I can keep the gap I think we still have a chance.” Tanart had a lot of weight growing on his young shoulders by the time the lights went green for the race, dubbed the ‘3 Hours of Thailand’. The only Thai driver on the grid he would be representing his home country on the occasion of the first ever visit by a Le Mans’ status event to Thailand. He quite simply rose to the occasion as he drove a neat and tidy stint to safely hand over the car to his teammate around the hour mark. The crew eventually finished second in LMP3 and that handed them a well deserved trip to the podium. A very good weekend’s work. It wasn’t just about acclimatising to a ‘prototype racecar with its enclosed cockpit and enclosed wheels though during the race as driving an hour-long stint was another new experience for this young driver. “One hour, it’s different, because I always do a sprint race,” Tanart said after his trip to the podium. “With this [race] you have to be consistent [and] not make mistakes.” Departing with a trophy on his long awaited return to a Thai racetrack was an excellent way to wrap up the weekend. “I quite enjoyed it, it’s been hot, it’s been roasting inside [the cockpit] but it’s been good fun,” he added. The first ever visit of the ‘Le Mans prototypes’ breed was a big success and the good news for Thai fans is the series will be back again next year. The Asian ‘franchise’ of Le Mans is growing fast from virtually a zero base so expect a lot more cars on the grid in Buriram next January.
So it was a little bit of a surprise when his name was lodged with the race organisers’ but he reckoned that the combination of driving a prototype racecar in Thailand simply wasn’t one to be missed. “I would like to experience LMP cars and decide what I’m doing this year, so we will step up from here and see what happens,” he says. When he went off to race in Europe, Buriram’s striking Chang International Circuit wasn’t even a distant dream in its proud owners’ eyes. But now well used to racing on the most famous tracks in the world, Tanart was pleased to be finally out on this circuit the first time. “I think the track is a fast track and a flowing track so you have to get in the rhythm and it’s not so bad, but when you’re not in the rhythm it’s a bit tricky,” he says. With practice successfully done his first big test would be qualifying. A workmanlike effort focused on steadily improving really did the trick, although with all the teams and virtually all the drivers new to the track, the pace was hotting up session by session. “I’m one and a half seconds faster than yesterday and I think I can still improve [further], not by much, but a few tenths,” he said after qualifying.
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| MOTOR & MARINE
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By Kevin Cain
PATTAYA PERSONALITIES
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ollowing last issue's well received article about Khun Nicky from Mimosa, this month we focus on yet another Pattaya personality who has helped to forge the city into what it is today.
Margi Grainger is the person behind the Hand To Hand foundation that we all know is responsible for giving so much to underprivileged children from the area
Margi Grainger is the person behind the Hand To Hand foundation that we all know is responsible for giving so much to underprivileged children from the area. Quite a great deal has already been written about the foundation in this publication and it was time we thought that something was written about Margi herself. I have been fortunate enough to meet Margi on a few occasions and I was fully prepared to expect the whirlwind that is Ms Grainger when I went to meet her at the Hand to Hand school for this interview. As usual nothing is free with Margi and the cost of my interview was to move a huge grey wooden elephant to the back of her pickup truck where she was going to deliver it somewhere more in need of wooden elephants !
Margi was born in Australia in the land of the Powder Puff Girls in Townsville Queensland. Margi was born in Australia in the land of the Powder Puff Girls in Townsville Queensland. By her own admission she was not a particularly clever child and in fact was actually in remedial class from an early age.But by sheer bloody determination she managed to squeeze into university and take a teaching degree. She understood that she had the compassion needed for teaching and had always been interested in the story behind the event. In particular people’s stories intrigued her and this inquisitiveness was to give her a huge advantage for the future ahead. Another trait that Margi surprised me with, was that she is and has always been a big risk taker. For somebody who is in charge of the welfare of around fifty children this came as quite a surprise. After graduating and a brief period of teaching in Australia, Margi formulated a plan to teach around the world to see new places
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and experience different cultures. Her first point of call happened to be Bangkok and she secured a position in a private Thai / Bilingual school.This proved to be a disaster as the treatment of the children by the teachers was inhumane and barbaric. Beatings were common and Margi spent most of her evenings in tears because of her inability to change the mindsets. At one point at the end of term Margi tipped a whole barrel of discipline canes into the rubbish tip and was reprimanded for her actions. In desperation to clear her mind she took a bike trip to Kanchanaburi and by pure chance met a lady from St Andrews School Pattaya. Within two months she had secured her first teaching position in Pattaya and unknown to her Margi had found her new home. Soon later she joined the ISE School where she spent eleven years happily teaching the children. At this point something dramatic came into her life and again it was by chance.
“I was saved in Pattaya” A colleague had invited her to a bible study group on the promise of a free dinner. Afterwards. Margi was transformed and said, “I was saved in Pattaya” - this was followed by five minutes of hysterical laughing by both of us. The very statement of being saved by religion in Pattaya of all places is a contradiction in terms, but it was deadly serious. Subsequently off her own bat, she started to do charity and community work and it all started with the local police asking her to organise events for Children's Day. Here Margi met the most significant person in her life, a little eight year old Cambodian boy named Tan and his three year old sister. Tan was crying and apologising for being hungry but this chance meeting spurred Margi on to devote her life to underprivileged children. “It's not about what everybody else thinks, it is what God thinks that matters” Margi confided, when she spoke about her difficulties trying to get Hand to Hand Foundation off the ground. Her fellow colleagues and people from the prayer group thought she was crazy to give up her job and take such a risky path but Margi was determined.
She started visiting slum areas and asking poor mothers and fathers what were the most important factors that they wanted for their children. She started visiting slum areas and asking poor mothers and fathers what were the most important factors that they wanted for their children. Three answers kept on coming back time and again; food, shelter and education. Margi asked if she could offer all three to their kids for free, would the parents then send them to her new school ?. So in 2010 the Hand to Hand Foundation was formed. Giggling Margi told me that on the board of trustees were; an ex drug addict, a prostitute, two single mums and herself. They started their first school with no tables, chairs, books or teachers.
the school continues to go from strength to strength with over 40 kids from slum areas Now in 2016 the school continues to go from strength to strength with over 40 kids from slum areas around the city all getting and education, food, shelter and above all bundles of love. God bless Margi, and thank the Lord that there are people in the world that think of others and not just themselves. As always I left the school feeling 8 miles high with a large smile across my face. Leaving her premises and hearing the laughter and fun from the children, I looked back and thought I saw the large grey elephant on the back of the pickup truck give me a knowing wink.
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| BUSINESS NEWS
By Dave Thrifty
Time is Money Last Month we looked at Barclays' Equity Index going back to 1945 and how well equity investments have performed over long periods.
sticking in there. A more realistic scenario to make the point is the following.
There is little doubt that equities are a dangerous place to be in if you have a short investment horizon. But if you have ten or more years before realizing your investment, equities will generally come out on top with one big proviso. You really do need the psychological equipment to handle the bleak downturns that equities will surely bring. It’s been my experience that there’s no free ride; anywhere in life.
Had you invested US$10,000 in the S&P at the end of December 1989.it would have begun ominously. Stock prices had crashed in October 1987 but the benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average clawed its way back over the following year. By the middle of 1990 the Dow had risen well above its precrash levels. But as the US economy slumped into recession, the market tumbled sharply losing roughly 20 percent between July and October 1990.
This Month I came across the past history of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. This index has not suffered a loss in any 15 year period going back to 1926 This basket of the 500 large cap U S stocks with dividends reinvested, delivered average annual gains of 11.3% between January 1926 and December 1999 easily beating inflation - the No 1 enemy of investors. If we compound 11.3% each year in real money terms what does it mean? A US$1,000 investment in the S&P 500 in January 1926 would have grown to US$2,845,628.to day
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But not many of us invested US$1,000 in 1926 and are still running around Thailand with nearly 3 Million bucks. The point of the illustration is to make a case for
PATTAYA TRADER
After that the tide turned. For much of the next eight years the stock market never looked back. The $10,000 which had ridden roughshod in the early years by December 1999 was worth $53,243. Another proof that time is money Of course it’s easy being wise in hindsight. The wounds of a 20% downturn on your portfolio in real terms at the time of the fall is forgetting about your grandchild’s education forgetting about that new holiday home and if you’re elderly a more modest retirement than planned. Even though we are familiar with the investment benefits of staying in the market how many of us who say invested $1 million in 1989 would have sat tight when we had lost $200,000 ? If we had of course we would have had a nest egg of over 5 million 10 years later.
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I’m making this point so strongly because I know that not all of us are equipped to handle these crippling losses Look at these two scenarios. You are given $1,000. Choose between (a) a sure gain of $500 or (b) a 50% chance to gain $1,000 and a 50% chance to gain nothing. Question 2 you’re given $2,000 Choose between (a) a sure loss of $500 or (b) a 50% chance to lose $1,000 and a 50% chance to lose nothing. Look closely at the problem. The possible outcome from each situation is the same but how the question is phrased can influence your decision Richard Thaler of the University of Chicago maintains that we avoid risk to capture additional gain but we will take a risk to avoid a loss. These two questions if answered honestly seem to illustrate that: The bottom lines when all the little games are over is how well will you sleep at night after a 20% drop in your portfolio. You might have the dream of increasing your wealth in the future but remember you could loose another 20% in the next month. Past historical performance is a great guide but the guarantee of future performance is never there in equity markets. Think hard and long before jumping in. If you choose equities make sure you have the time and the stomach for them. david.thrifty@yahoo.com
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Automotive Seat Toledo 2003
Cars and trucks
Toyota Vios J model .2010. only 45000 km one owner from new FSH. 310,000 baht tel 0868425676 310,000 THB Email: mrbeauch@hotmail.com
Seat Toledo 2003 100000 km, excellent condition.Call Joseph, 08 46533874 170,000 THB Phone: 08 46533874 Email: baertschi.peter@gmail.com
Nice car, excellent condition. Call Joseph, 08 46533874 170,000 THB Phone: 08 46533874 Email: baertschi.peter@gmail.com
For Rent Pattaya 4 Door Toyota Vigo Moving sale everything must GO all reduced to clear. Need to clear space stuff out moving in 8 weeks so lots to go for sale. Nice clean Chevy Aveo 4 door, Petrol, manual Gearbox, Cloth Interior, Cold Air MP3 Stereo radio. Silver Color Low Km only 69000km full 1st class Insurance 9 months left, Taxed. Remote key Alarm central locking etc. Quiet running can runs perfect no problems at all. Sell for 225000bt Pattaya 225,000 THB Phone: 038406492 Phone: 0897539751 Email: asianglory@gmx.com
Boats
Speed Boat For Sale Fiber glass, 22 foot, 115hp Yamaha out board. Good condition. 250,000 THB Phone: 0819171241 Email: lomdaoresort@gmail.com
Chevrolet Aveo 2010 4 Door Manual
Mazda 323 Protege Lpg MAZDA 323. 4- door sedan.Blue metalic. 2000 year. 277000 km. Engine 1600cc. LPG+ Gasoline. New front tires.Cd radio,automatic transmission,rear sensors, central locking, power steering, power mirrors.Farang owner.Comes with full Mazda service history book.Andy 84,000 THB Email: andrej.urbanija@gmail.com
4 Door Toyota Vigo for Rent PattayaI rent my Vigo 4 door manual gearbox, Diesel, all the usual extras. Per Day 890bt Min 5 days, 1 week 5500bt 1 Month 18500bt Long term 6 months 17500bt 12 months 16500bt. Special Teacher Rate 6 to 12 months 15000bt.1st Class Insurance unlimited Miles.6k Deposit Copy Passport, Drivers License and Address. 890 THB Phone: 038406492 Phone: 0897539751 Email: asianglory@gmx.com
Vintage Mersedes For Sale! Urgent sale! For sale unusual, vintage Mercedes-Benz body W116, 1970 model year, mileage corresponds to the age, color dark green, cream leather interior, air conditioning , automatic gear, audio, engine of Toyota 2491 cc, in excellent condition, on a good course, get and go. Price 270,000 baht reasonable objective bargaining at the examination. Саr is in Pattaya. Phone Moscow +79031773863 (Russian), Pattaya +66837804420 (RussianEnglish 270,000 THB Email: korostelevs@rambler.ru
Motorcycle
Like A New Excellent 2014 Honda Cbr 150 R It’s Only 3,400 Kms / Pattaya / It has covered parking garage / Never been in an accident / Ready to transfer / 59.900 THB / 0871351920 59,900 THB Phone: 0871351920 Email: ilgincbirbilgi@gmail.com
Honda Msx 125 – 2015 – 55,000baht
HONDA MSX 125 - 2015 - 55,000Baht For sale due to relocation. lots of extras, great bike, low milage, full green book available. 1st to view will buy 55,000 THB Phone: 0907 713 674 Email: hgwarner1307@gmail.com
Reduced ! Like A New Excellent 2014 Honda Cbr 150 R It’s Only 3,400 Kms
Honda Integra Nc700
Year: 2013 Milage: 2100 km no scratches, no accident, as new 330,000 THB Email: zsaverzsavi@gmail.com
Honda Steed Custom Leather Seat
Custom made Black Leather Honda Steed Seat will fit 400 or 600cc Bike. Please view all the photos as part of the description. Sell for 3900bt Pattaya 3,500 THB Phone: 038406492 Phone: 0897539751 Email: asianglory@gmx.com
- From to first owner like a new, excellent 2014 Honda CBR 150 R / Pattaya - It has 3.333 Kms on the clock - Registered 25th April 2014 It has covered parking garage - All the electronics, engine and main components in perfect condition, nothing wrong with this motorcycle - Regularly serviced (1.000 kms. is done ! You have to go next service on 4.000 kms.) - Tyres in perfect condition (original tyres so like a new) - It’s a wonderful black color - 2 keys - Green book, maintenance book, member and user manual book - Never been in an accident, no have scratch - Ready to transfer - Come try it out and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed ! - You are welcome to test drive at any day and time. (Soi Khaotalo / Soi 4) - Price : 53.000 THB If you have any questions please call me : 0871351920 / English 53,000 THB Phone: 0871351920 Email: ilgincbirbilgi@gmail.com
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Honda Cbf 650 F For Sale great BargainYear 2014 CC’s 650 Km 126 onlyFull Exhaust systemColor Black Ignition Type Manual ABS Yes Accident Never Condition Brand Registered Yes lTax Paid Up Yes With Legal Book Insurance 12 Months Original OwnerBought original in Honda Big Wing Pattayawith all tuning parts include and exhaust system 390.000 THBNow selling for only 280.000 THB (Negotiable) brand new (picture available) and a 1 year Insurance which I extent today 23 Dec 2015.For serious inquiry everything can be send by pictures or video, registration,etc..etc,For Further information please contact anytime 280,000 THB Email: romandurksen@gmail.com
Honda Cbf 650 F For Sale Great Bargain
Honda Cbr1000rr 2008
8,200 km,euro spec 299 kph Invoice paper + import tax paid Pirelli diablo super corsa tyres, over racing exhaust,titax levers,BMC air filter,k+n oil filter,r+g radiator guard,afam fr+rr sprockets,d.I.d chain,quick action throttle,carbon:rear fender,seat cowl,side covers,chain guard,turn lights,led tail light with turn lights,renthal grips,engine covers,rearsets,hel brake line,hyperpro rear shock spring,MRA cockpit screen oil change every 1000km (motul 300v) always kept inside Excellent condition 350 THB Email: johndurnford24@gmail.com
Businesses for sale
Cnc Machine Shop For Sale CNC Precision Machining manufacturer.We provide a wide range of CNC machining and CNC turning services, such as:1. Precision Machining Services for Mass Production, Bespoke and Prototype Parts.2. Design, Production and Maintenance of Molds, Dies and Tooling Jigs,3. Heat Treatment, Grinding and Welding.4. Protective Finishes: Anodizing, Zinc Plating , Nickel Plating , Black Oxide and Painting. Location provides easy access to major industrial estates at:Amata
Mr Craig Fletcher
Honda CF 650 F For Sale Original bought in Pattaya Honda Big Wing plus all tuning and exhaust paid 390.000 THB Details: -Full exhaust system (Installed in Bkk) -Parts tuning see Pictures-Book availableyear: 2014-Km: 126 ONLY Please contact me for further information by line: roman.durksen Videos can be send by line 290,000 THB Email: romandurksen@gmail.com
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Business Investments
Financial Service/instrument Sir,We can deliver Financial service/ instrument(BG/SBLC/MTN/DLC/LC) at affordable price to our customers in other to derive maximum utility. We understand that finding the right company to provide financial instrument is not easy. We are certified financial company that delivers banking instrument for lease which we adhere to our terms and condition. Over 96% of our clients are satisfied with our work whether it is business or financial service. Once transaction is in progress, we ensure we keep you posted on the progress of your paper. We also get you connected to the provider for personalized service. Instead of stressing yourself out looking for financial instrument or company why not let professional like us deliver financial instrument to you within the time frame required by you. For further details contact us with the below information....Thank you.RAMESH SUBRAMANIAM IYER Contact: rsi.leaseconsult at gmail dot comSkype ID: rsi.leaseconsult 25,000 THB Email: rsi.leaseconsult@gmail.com
Electronics Active Plus Solar Water Heater Cli0388aa
ACTIVE PLUS - the name that stands for Quality, Reliability and Long life . Active plus solar, the manufacturer is one of the pioneers in promoting use of solar water heaters . Emm vee Solar manufactures eco-friendly and pollution free products that not only go a long way in helping global efforts in conserving the environment, but also helps customers in reducing their electricity bills thereby generating additional savings. Contact mobile96621 66770 CLI0388AA8-12-2015 Email: marvelcompserve01@gmail. com
Nice swimming pool with bar. Possibility to create a big restaurant for with 60 seats. very nice area. 2 units 1 Bar 1 Sitting area both with aircon. 2 Large storage areas possible for staff living quaters 1 large cooking area.This is a private swimming pool with a direct owner contract. Deposit 50,000The rent is 5000 bahts monthly. 500,000 THB Email: canary22015@outlook.com
Business For Sale In South Pattaya Business for sale in South Pattaya. Would easily convert into a restaurant. Shop house with bar and four rooms.Two of which can be rented out.See Google places for business and look for Jasmine Bar south Pattaya you will see photos of bar and rooms. 650000 Baht or near offer. 650,000 THB Phone: 0848769270 Email: leeandmoreagain@gmail. com
Bar Restaurant For Sale East Pattaya The darkside. Very popular in expat community with seating for 60 and 8 pool teams. Good profits and low overheads. Has 4 years left on 5 year lease. With no key money and low rent. Accounts available. Excellent business. 1.3 million + stock at value. 1,300,000 THB Email: john@dxthai.com
Expat Television Tv For Expats WORKS WORLDWIDEWatch UK USA German French Italian norway sweden and denmark TV Channels all the mainstream plus sports channels such as Sky,BT Sports,Bien,Espn,Setanta,Fox,Star and Much more.We also provide 1000s of movies including the latest releasesThe box operates via the internet and we provide a free after service and free set up service via email,skype or 12 call phoneOne payment 3999 Baht NO MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS FREE POSTAGE VIA EMS IN Thailand 3,999 THB Email: sugardaddyken100@yahoo. co.uk
Desktop PCs
S M Computer Services Computer Sales And Services S M Computer Services: computer sales and services. We deal in computer system, networking, Linux, server, laptop printer. All kind of Computer peripherals repairing and selling. For more information contact us +91-9904080395 or mail us on smcomputersahd@gmail.com Email: hi5savigang@gmail.com
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Cameras
Brand New Original Canon Eos 5d Mark 3 Camera Brand new original Canon EOS 5D Mark 3 Camera with complete accessories and 12 months warranty Skype: original.product1 35,950 THB Email: myrights001@gmail.com
Home Entertainment
2x Pioneer Cdj 2000 And Djm 2000 Nexus Mixer * Compatible Media: Music CD, CD-R, CD-RW, USB Devices * Supported files: MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF * Compatible with USB storage file systems: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, HFS + * Frequency range: 4 Hz - 20 kHz * Signal to Noise Ratio: 115 dB or more (JEITA) * Total Harmonic Distortion: 0, 0018% (JEITA) * USB Ports: USB-A (1), USB-B (1) * Terminals Audio Out: Audio output (RCA) x 1, digital output (coaxialx1 * Other Terminals: Control (3.5mm mini) x1 * Audio Output Voltage: 2.0Vrms * Power Supply to Use: 120 axac (60Hz) * Power consumption: 26W * Unit Weight: 10 pounds, 14 2,000 THB Email: multi.techmusical@gmail. com
Employment Part Time
Earn More Money With Data Entry Jobs 100% Legitimate, Genuine & Scam Free Online Data Entry Jobs. Work at Home in your spare time. No workload, No Time Limit. Massive Income Every Month. Do Online Assignments, each of 4-5 lines. Get Paid Rs.5/- to Rs.10/- Per Assignment. Maximum Earning Per Month is Rs.25,000/-. For more details E-mail us at :info@easypostjob4u.com or Visit Us at www.easypostjob4u. com Call -Ph. 03532461473, Mobile09434019000, 09474425752 Advertiser GYU5449BSS Email: sub4sharma2015@gmail.com
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Earn From Home By Ad Posting 100% Legitimate, Genuine & Scam Free Online Data Entry Jobs. Work at Home in your spare time. No workload, No Time Limit. Massive Income Every Month. Do Online Assignments, each of 4-5 lines. Get Paid Rs.5/- to Rs.10/- Per Assignment. Maximum Earning Per Month is Rs.25,000/-. For more details E-mail us at :info@easypostjob4u.com or Visit Us at www.easypostjob4u. com Call -Ph. 03532461473, Mobile09434019000, 09474425752 Advertiser GYU5449BSS Email: sub4sharma2015@gmail.com
Hobby and Sport Pool Table For Quick Sale. Excellent Condition - No Defect!
Due to storage space is needed, serious buyer needed for a near new pool table. Size 8x4 Ft. 6 legs with a granite top. Price 34K is inclusive of all accessories, installation, leveling by professional and delivery. Please contact David 0954159959. 34,000 THB Phone: 0954159959 Email: britishexpatthailand@gmail.com Wholesale Skin Care In Bulk Or Odm Free Shipping Within Thailand Wholesale skin care in bulkStart from small amount depend on productsFacial cream, body cream, whitening/lightening/fairness cream, moisturizer cream, gold gel and anti aging cream and more.Free Shipping within ThailandMake to Order Lead time of production: 3-14 days depend on the queue.Food and Drug Association Approval, and Certificate of Free Sale letter availableFor make to order will take minimum 7 business days for letter inquiry.Order more than our minimum, please contact us for quotation. 800 THB Phone: 0979636626 Email: royalbeau.com@gmail.com
Music
Buy New: Yamaha Tyros5-yamaha Tyros4-yamaha Psr S950-yamaha Psr S910-yamaha Psr S750-korg Pa3x KEYBOARDSYamaha Tyros 5 76 key Keyboard Yamaha Tyros 4 61 Key Keyboard Yamaha Tyros 3 61 Key Keyboard Yamaha Motif XS8 88-key Yamaha Motif keyboard XS7 76-Key Yamaha Tyros2 61-Key Keyboard Yamaha PSR-S700 61-Key Portable Yamaha PSR-S900 - 61-Key Keyboard Yamaha PSR-S910 - 61Key Keyboard Yamaha PSR-S950 - 61-Key Keyboard Yamaha 88-key synthesizer S90ES Yamaha MO6 61-key synthesizer Yamaha S08 Synthesizer 88 keys Yamaha LS9-32 Digital Mixing ConsoleYamaha LS916 Digital 48kHz Mixing Console with 16 ChannelsYamaha 01V96VCM Digital Mixing ConsoleKorg Pa3X Professional Arranger WorkstationKorg Pa2xpro 76 Key Pro Arranger Pro Keyboard Korg PA800 PRO ARRANGE Korg M388 88 Key Keyboard Workstation Korg TR88 88-key Workstation Korg OASYS 88 88-Key Workstation Korg Pa500 arranger keyboard 61 keys Korg PA50 Arranger Workstation 1,600 THB Email: enquiry-musicalstore90@ hotmail.com
Home and Garden For Sale Large House Soi Khaotalo Pattaya 2 storey, nice garden, quiet location.4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms. Covered 2 car parking sala pavilion. Apartment with own entrance.464 m2 Registered thai name.Fully redecorated Ready to move in!!!!!!! 7 THB Email: fransnijpels@gmail.com
Cleaning Liquid In Bulk Free Shipping In Thailand
Free shipping within ThailandWholesale and OEM Bulk Soap Gel and all Cleaning Liquid that needed in the spa, resort and restaurants.Minimum Order 330$USD (or 10,000Thaibaht), mixable with other products inthis category; soap and cleaning liquid in bulk onlyLead time: 3-30 business days depend on order.Price are NOT included VAT.FOB price at the company in Bangkok, Thailand. Free Shipping within Thailand 1-3 business daysOrder via the message box here orFactory is guarantee by standard of Food and drug association Approval, biodegradable, Excellent quality of ingredients (Food Grade) and guarantee from department of livestock department that our products can be used in slaughterhouse. 10,000 THB Phone: 0979636626 Email: royalbeau.com@gmail.com
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Lighting
Led Lighting Various Products Suppliers
Chang Sin LED is one of the leading LED Lighting Company in bangkok, Thailand, China, specializing and providing Complete Range of LED products with best manufacturing technology and high class quality products. We provide a large range of LED products which are aimed to meet different lighting needs to various types of customers with the best LED Lighting Solution. Our LED Lights are applicable for Offices, Homes, Shopping Malls, Showrooms, Hotels, Home Theaters, Farm Houses, Architectural Lighting and almost all areas of lighting. We can also provide LED Lighting as per customer’s requirements on selective basis. We at Jear Hoaw Energy aim in increasing customer satisfaction by providing our customers with good quality products and services. We are always working on introducing new type of LED Lights as per the market needs and keeping pace with the new inventions of LED Lights in the International markets. We at Jear Hoaw Energy are 65 THB Email: kimbery2@gmail.com
Miscellaneous
Clothing and Fashion
Leather Jacket
Thai herbal compressed ball for face3 choices 15g 0.83$USD per a piece(25thaibaht)minimum 100 pieces each kindFree Shipping within Thailand.Aloe Vera helps moisturizer,relaxTanaka helps smooth skin and lighterOriginal helps the face skin has good blood circulationBody Herbal Compress Ball 50,100, 150 200g made from more than 15 types of herbs50g: 1$(30thaibaht)100g: 1.50$USD(45thaibaht)150g: 1.60$USD (48thaibaht)200g: 1.67$USD (50thaibaht)Make to order only, please order in advance 7 - 15 days, as we always make it fresh for best quality.Benefit: Helps reduce muscle pain, flow the blood circulation, healthy skin. USE: soak in room temperature water then steam it till it hot. Wait till it warm, don’t let it cold, then compress it on face softly. 2,500 THB Phone: 0979636626 Email: royalbeau.com@gmail.com
Cosmetics and Personals skincare Seeking Women
Looking For Lady Hi..i.’m a european man looking for lady with open mind to have fun together, if u want to know more send me an e-mail , bye Email: white-beach@hotmail.com
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PATTAYA TRADER
Whitening Body Bar Soap Cheap Wholesale
Thai Herbal Compress Ball Make To Order Wholesale
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whitening bar soap Cheap FREE shipping within ThailandColorful whitening body bar soap 100gMixed berried whitening body bar soap 70gRetail 30 thaibaht per a pieceWholesale price50 pieces 20 thaibaht each piece100 pieces 12 thaibaht each piece1,000 pieces 11 thaibaht each piece10,000 pieces 10 thaibaht each piece20,000 pieces 9 thaibaht each pieceIf interesting to do OEM, ODM, or wholesale, please feel free to contact us at email aboveor Line : thaiherbcare 30 THB Phone: 0979636626 Email: royalbeau.com@gmail.com
Pets
Beautiful Labrador Puppies From Thailand Champion Romeo We are very happy to announce the arrival of 9 labrador retriever puppies on the 25th December (5 male, 4 female, one male and one female have been reserved already). These puppies have multiple champions in their pedigrees and have been fathered by Thailand Champion Romeo. These puppies come with pedigree from the kennel club of Thailand. They are de-wormed at 3, 5 & 7 weeks of age. Fully vaccinated at 6 & 8 weeks of age. Two year full money back guaranty on any hereditary hip, joint or eye problems. If you are interested or have further questions please contact us. 20,000 THB Email: premierlabradors@gmail.com
I have a collection of Leather Jackets in good condition. All sizes.. Both for Men and Women. n.If interested in seeing them please contact me... 500 THB Phone: 0890160950 Email: stcathjr@gmail.com
Quick Loan With Low Interest Rate Apply
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
Computing and technology
Web And Application Development In Bangalore We are providing end to end solution for Web and application development, CLI0327AA, 26th Dec Email: marvelcompserve01@gmail. com
Building and decorating
Building Materials Supplier At Ahmedabad
Now renovate your house with lowest price in ahmedabad. We are providing all type of building materials with minimum price from the market value. So now renovate your house in your budget. Contact mobile- 78749 62027*By-CLI0407AA 09-12-2015 Email: ankr0408@gmail.com
www.pattayatrader.com
Would you like to be in a spoof of Agatha Christie? Ladies, would you like to know what to say to a man that will make him do anything you desire? Then you should come toPattaya Players’ open auditions!! When: Thursday, 11 February 2016 at 6:30 PM Where: Eastern Grand Palace, Soi Khao Talo (GPS Location: 12.909871,100.900562 (la,ln)) We are looking for men and women of all ages to play several major and minor roles in our next show, which will consist of short comedic one-act scenes. We also welcome auditions from singers and musicians. The show will be held in late March/early April. Actors do not need to bring any material to the audition – scripts will be provided for cold reading. Rehearsal schedules will be announced once the show is cast, but we typically rehearse two evenings per week. For more information, please call 092.413.7876 or email: pattayaplayerstake2@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
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| EXPAT LIVING
PATTAYA TRADER
PROVIDED BY WWW.PUZZLES.CA
SOLUTIONS ARE ON PAGE 75 72 72
Finished the crossword? And the Sudoku? And the quiz?
Why not play
the Pattaya Trader Game? Grab a partner, a rope and your copy of the Trader and go to YouTube to find out how to throw the best party in town! www.youtube.com/PattayaTrader
Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
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TRADER GIANT X WORD FEBRUARY 2016 Important Phone Numbers Banglamung Police Station Sukhumvit Rd, Banglamung Tel: 038 222 100 Banglamung Post Office Tel: 038 428 225 Chonburi Immigration Office Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road Jomtien Post Office Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road (to 4.30pm Mon-Fri) Tel: 038 231 944 Naklua Fire Brigade Sukhumvit Rd, Banglamung Tel: 038 221 000 Pattaya City Helpline Tel: 1337 Pattaya City Hall North Pattaya Road Tel: 038 253 100 Pattaya City Hospital Soi Buakhow Tel: 038 420 562
ACROSS
Pattaya Electricity Banglamung office Tel: 038 221 007 Hotline: 1129 (for electricity failures) Pattaya Fire Brigade Third Road, South Pattaya Tel: 038 424 678 Pattaya Health Department Tel: 038 429 374 Pattaya Memorial Hospital Tel: 038 429 422 Pattaya City Police Station cnr Beach Rd & Soi 9 Tel: 038 429 325 Pattaya Post Office Sukhumvit Rd (nr Na Jomtien) Tel: 038 429 341 Pattaya Tourist Police Pratamnak Road, nr Fitness Park Tel: 1155 Tel: 038 429 371 Pattaya Water Works Tel: 038 222 462 Sawang Boriboon Rescue Service Hotline: 1669
1. Left out (7) 5. Selected passage (7) 9. Voracious fish (9) 14. Tally (5) 15. Countries (7) 16. Fiend (7) 17. Everyone (3) 18. Huge (7) 19. Large oceanic bird (9) 20. Night (7) 21. Smooth fabric (5) 23. Large group of musicians (9) 26. Astonishment (9) 27. Scales down (7) 28. Scottish pole (5)
DOWN
1. Acquires (7) 2. Insinuated (9) 3. Claw (5) 4. Perilous (9) 5. Additional (5) 6. Hassle (7) 7. Valuable possession (5) 8. Not permanent (9) 9. Incentive payment (5) 10. Decay (3) 11. Concord (9) 12. Dissimilar (7) 13. Amphibious reptile (9) 20. Epoch (3) 22. Essential (9)
30. Tibetan ox (3) 31. Bullfighter (7) 33.Supplementary components (11) 36. Gem (7) 38. Barrels (5) 40. Emaciated (7) 41. Precaution (9) 42. Flower arrangement (7) 43. Squalid (5) 44. Repel (7) 46. Lit up (11) 48. Bland (7) 50. Conclusion (3) 52. Bowling area (5)
53. Tooth (7) 55. Exuberant (9) 58. Crafted (9) 60. Precise (5) 62. Patio (7) 63. Pirate (9) 66. Chuckled (7) 68. Sprocket (3) 69. Envisage (7) 71. Eight-sided polygon (7) 72. Lodging house (5) 73. Takes legal action (9) 74. Beer mug (7) 75. Before (7)
24. Desert plants (5) 25. Laconic (5) 26. Clumsy (7) 27. Attains (7) 29. Self-consciously timid (7) 31. Small or token amount (7) 32. Remote (7) 34. Young swans (7) 35. Commanded (7) 37. Elusive (7) 38. Historic account (9) 39. Thin (7) 41. Sagacious (7) 45. Borders (5) 47. Fabric woven from flax (5)
48. Exactly the same (9) 49. Beating (9) 51. Lacking (9) 53. Laziness (9) 54. Pasta dish (9) 56. Vertical (7) 57. The night before (3) 59. Inactivity (7) 61. Small child (7) 63. Extreme happiness (5) 64. Fruit of the oak (5) 65. Inflexible (5) 67. Official guide (5) 70. Colony insect (3)
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Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016
| EXPAT LIVING
By Kevin Cain
IS PATTAYA “A FILTHY HELLHOLE OF NEON AND SEX?”
T
he above quotation was featured in an article that Thai Visa had on their website last month. It did not particularly stand out from the rest of the normal gloomy negative sensationalism featured, but it did make me ponder about the city I now call home. The quote was made by a Mr Christian Bergland who in his infinite wisdom decided to impart to Thai Visa his thorough knowledge of Pattaya and Vang Vieng in Laos. Mr Bergland continued to prattle on at Pattaya's expense by citing that; “ “While the beachfront city is notoriously popular with gentlemen of a certain age and sensibility who like to pay for sex, it’s rare to find any other demographic where there is as widespread passion for Pattaya.” He goes on to state that the food and beaches are also disappointing. There is no doubt that Pattaya does have it's fair share of sex and drugs and rock and roll but surely it is not the only city in the world that offers these dubious services ? Perhaps Mr Bergland is not as well traveled as his article suggests, but I can think of many places as notorious as Pattaya or Vang Vieng in the civilized cities of Europe and America; Amsterdam, Hamburg, Las Vegas, Tijuana, Berlin, Ibiza, Moscow, new Orleans, Rio, Tokyo, Macau............ What he fails to mention is that Pattaya does not try to hide anything, it is open and accepts criticism square on the jaw. You cannot argue with his point that sleaze exists in Pattaya, what I object to is the one sided and blatant attack. Mr Bergland is merely stating the obvious and he could have exchanged Pattaya's name for one of many.However, his in depth research seems to have stopped there. It occurs to me that his argument against the rest of Pattaya is seriously flawed. Did he not venture to the beaches of;
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Jomtien, Cosy Beach, Na Jomtien, Koh Larn, Wong Amat and Naklua Bay ? Or did his hot air and bluster not take him that far from Walking Street ?. As for his negativity towards the restaurants and cuisine of Pattaya, then obviously he does not know one end of a Chateaubriand from a Crepe Suzette. Or perhaps he would be more suited to a Hot Dog topped with his verbal diarrhea .Pattaya is stacked out with fine dining restaurants; Cafe de Amis, Mata Hari, Bruno's, Casa Pascal, Mantra, Gians to name but a few and if you want top class Thai food then Pattaya is famous for it's fish and seafood. Criticism can be a valid and worthy tool, but for it to be taken seriously a balanced and honest approach should be put forward. It is no use simply blasting something without giving an alternative or advice on how to rectify the malaise. Pattaya has it flaws and definitely areas to be kept away from, but for the people that call it home it has so much to offer. It has it's own micro climate, when it is raining five kilometers away the sun is shining in Pattaya. When it is blisteringly hot in Bangkok, cool sea breezes keep temperatures from soaring. There are fantastic shows, cinemas, shopping malls, tourist spots and cultural offerings. And to prove my point there are more and more coach loads of tourists arriving by the day and not just filled with gentlemen of a certain age. My advice to the Mr Berglands of the world is to do their homework thoroughly before putting pen to paper and for Thai Visa to publish such rubbish,shame on them. Why not consider printing something positive for a change ? ………………..What are your thoughts ? Are you a Berland or a Cain ? Write to pattayatrader@pattayatrader.com and let us know. Ed
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SOLUTIONS
www.pattayatrader.com
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| EXPAT LIVING
E
By Neil Hutchison
The Party
arlier in January, people all across Thailand celebrated ‘wun dek’, or Children’s Day. I remember as a child I once asked my father, since we had Mother’s Day and Father’s day, when was Children’s Day. He simply replied that every day was Children’s Day. Nevertheless, in Thailand it is taken seriously and the adults ensure the kids have a good time. In my small Thai village, a large marquee was set up covering three quarters the width of the soi, a karaoke machine was brought in along with four speakers each the size of a small car, and mats were laid out. Hundreds of balloons were hung and by five o’clock, food of all descriptions appeared from houses around the neighbourhood. When the kids, aged from zero to twelve, came from everywhere, the music was cranked up and the party went into full swing by six o’clock. And, of course, everybody was welcome. Usually, no invitation is necessary to attend Thai parties and all are welcome to join in the fun. I once visited a friend living on Ko Si Chang, a small island off the coast of Sri Racha. My mate met me at the ferry pier then we began to walk the few hundred metres along the main street to get to his place. It turned out there was a party about to start to celebrate a young Thai man’s entry into the priesthood and the entire main street was blocked off to traffic. At least twenty tables and hundreds of chairs took over the roadway. Each table was covered with a neatly-laundered white tablecloth and contained a bottle of Black Label, a bottle of Mekong, two large bottles of Coke, six bottles of soda, a full ice bucket and tray of glasses. Beside each table sat a box of large bottles of beer; three Singha, three Chang, three Tiger and three Heineken. Food was being cooked for guests, the music had begun and everybody was ready for a great party. As we shyly walked through the middle of this to my friend’s house, we were stopped by a lady who we later found out was the lad’s mother and, therefore, hostess of the party. She entreated us to sit at a spare table. We thanked her very much but politely excused ourselves since we did not know anybody. The lady insisted we stay and was helped by other Thai people who directed us to a table. We discovered later that to have continued to refuse would have been insulting to the family. They were not just being sociable, but really did want us, the only two farang in town, to help them celebrate. It turned out to be a fantastic night. I can’t help but compare it to life back in Australia. We used to have great parties in Australia last century but, from what I’ve heard, that is no longer the case. The Politically Correct, Big Brother, moronic, power-hungry Controllers have put a stop to any fun. Take the Children’s Day party I mentioned earlier; here’s how a similar party would pan out in suburban Oz: As soon as the marquee went up, any driver who could not get past would call the police to report someone blocking the public roadway. Within thirty seconds of the music starting, the police would receive another barrage of complaints about the noise from every house within six blocks of the party. That’s when they would act. A squad of a half dozen marked police cars and a SWAT team would descend on the street but stop short of the party so the
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commander could address his troops. “People, we have a situation here. An unlicensed party is in progress with an unknown number of perps in attendance. Intel reports suggest there is alcohol and underage people involved, and we must also assume weapons in the form of deadly forks and spoons may be on hand. You should all be wearing your vests so now check your weapons. Ensure you have a full clip with the safety catch on until we make the bust. Intel reports there are no ethnic minorities, indigenous Australians or illegal immigrants present, so the use of deadly force has been authorised. I repeat; the use of deadly force has been authorised. Now, return to your vehicles and prepare to move on my signal.” In one well-rehearsed movement, all the vehicles with sirens blaring plus the armoured car containing the SWAT team would surround the party. In amongst screaming children and confused adults, the assault team pointing weapons and shouting orders would take defensive perimeter positions. Every civilian would be ordered to the ground with hands behind their heads. The power supply to the music system would be cut and the commander would then address the captives. “Which one of you is in charge here?” When one guy responds, he would be hauled to his feet, frisked and then dragged to the commander. “What is your name?” “Mike Smith.” “Michael Smith, you are hereby charged with conducting an unauthorised party in accordance with the No Fun Without Permission Act of 1998. You and your accomplices will also be charged with loud noise violations in accordance with the Noise Abatement Act 1990, and with obstructing a public thoroughfare in accordance with the Clear Road Act of 1997. Who erected this marquee?” “Well … we did.” “You and others will be further charged with erecting an unlicensed structure without having a current Health and Safety Erection Certificate. Who connected the electrical cables to the amplifier and the portable lights?” “Me and the wife.” “You will both be charged with connecting electrical devices without being a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Who lit that barbeque?” “I did.” “You will be further charged with burning a fossil fuel in an exposed environment without first obtaining a Carbon Trading Certificate and also with lighting a fire in a residential area. Do you have a current liquor licence?” “No, I didn’t know I needed one.” “Providing alcohol for consumption in a public place is also an offence. Consuming alcohol in a public place is an offence as well. You and others will also be charged with consuming alcohol in the proximity of minors.” And so it goes on. In Australia, all the adults would have ended up in court and the kids taken into custody to be interviewed by Children’s Services and assessed for any psychological damage. In Thailand, the kids had a lot of fun and all went home by 9:00pm. The adults continued to celebrate until midnight; no complaints, no trouble and no
Issue 184 | FEBRUARY 2016