Vol 12 issue 06 1 15 december 2012

Long Live the King!

ทรงพระเจริญ Volume 12, Issue 06

Property & Business It’s all Golden for Tulip Group

pages 17-32

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GMs Outlook Pornthep “dev” Chawla

Project Manager Blue Sky Development Co., Ltd.

30 BAHT

Thailand driving licence valid throughout ASEAN

A

nyone holding a valid Thai driving licence can now use it in nine other countries without the need to obtain an international permit.

These countries are Mynamar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines which, together with Thailand, make up the 10 country ASEAN economic grouping.

Citizens of these countries, together with foreign nationals holding a driving permit issued by any member state, are now able to drive in all member countries for as long as the licence is valid. Thailand issues separate

licences to drive cars and motorbikes so Thais and foreigners need to have the appropriate permit for the category of vehicle they intend to drive abroad. For those who prefer, international licences can still be used for driving in Thailand and throughout ASEAN. Kosin Weeranthanaphan, new head of the Banglamung transportation authority which is situated behind the International School of the Regents, said, “Both foreigners and Thais can take advantage of this move by the ASEAN countries to simplify day-to-day procedures. From 2015 China, South Korea and Japan will be added to the list of

countries where a driver’s licence issued in an ASEAN country can be used.”

The transportation head also reminded foreign applicants of the documents needed to obtain a Thai driving licence – original passport and valid visa + photocopy, two photographs, a recent certificate of residence issued by the Immigration Bureau and a doctor’s certificate not more than one month old. Applicants also receive information on current traffic regulations in Thailand and take a competency examination currently available in Thai, Continued on page 4

Kosin Weerananthanaphan is new head of Banglamung Transportation Authority

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Crackdown on teenage dare devils Banglamung Police organized a massive hunt with 20 officers and 50 volunteers focused on reducing the number of teen motorbike gangs plaguing the resort with their noise, disreputable behavior and even gun warfare. Police Colonel Somneuk Changate said that there had been reports of shooting incidents involving men under 20 years of age at Mini Siam on Sukhumvit Road, so he decided to take prompt action. More than 100 motorbikes were seized, many without proper registration. Some of the boys were as young as 14; their parents were summoned to the police station to collect their delinquent offspring.

Drunken tourist refused to wake up Staff at a short-time rooming house on Walking Street became concerned after a Russian tourist, accompanied by a ladyboy from Laos, did not come downstairs long after his companion had left the premises. They found him dressed only in boxer shorts and obviously very drunk. In spite of much shaking and shouting, the man would not regain consciousness and a team from Memorial Hospital arrived to check his pulse and

blood pressure. After coming round with the aid of smelling salts, the Russian said he did not want to go to the hospital and promptly fell asleep again. A receptionist told investigators that the ladyboy had left very soon after entering the premises and may have panicked or stolen some cash from her customer in a hurry. Police said they would wait until the victim felt better before resuming their inquiries. Inside the room were

two empty beer cans and an ID card belonging to a Lao-

tian national which were kept as evidence.

Ladyboy confesses Chinese tourist jaywalks to his death to trouser theft

Indian tourist Anand Kumar, 46, had a lucky escape when a transvestite came up to him in Soi Yamoto and tried to caress him even as nimble fingers were lifting his wallet from a trouser pocket. The tourist cried out for help and that’s what he got from local residents and motorbike taxi drivers who detained the ka-

toey and summoned police.

Police identified the suspect as Surasit Jaima, 23. He confessed to the charge, explaining that he had recently lost a well-paid job and had been reduced to penury and hunger. His accomplice fled on a motorbike after noticing that the crime had not gone as well as hoped.

Farmer killed in snooker hall Huay Yai police are searching for a suspect after 42-yearold Somkhuan Phinosiriphan was killed with five gunshot wounds in a snooker hall. Police arriving on the scene found the dead farmer still holding a beer can. A snooker cue was lying beside the corpse. One witness said the murderer was a man named San. The witness

said that the victim was annoying players at the snooker table by talking nonsense as they tried to pocket the balls.

Finally, an angry San fired his gun several times at pointblank range and then fled in his Chevrolet pickup truck.

Police have the truck’s registration number and expect to make an arrest soon.

Two Chinese tourists were hit by a car as the couple attempted to cross Sukhumvit Highway in the dead of night, according to Banglamung Police. The husband, 64-yearold Liv Gvo, was dead at the scene opposite the Cholchan Resort. His wife, Xu Huandi, 62, was rushed to hospital

with serious injuries. Witnesses questioned why the couple tried skirting heavy traffic rather than using the nearby overhead pedestrian bridge. The driver of the car, former police officer Thaweesak Mongkolkan, remained at the scene to give his statement to investigators.

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Thai driving licence valid throughout ASEAN Continued from page 1

English, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic. Successful candidates receive their driving licence(s) on the day of application.

Kosin warned foreigners not to believe agents who claim to be able to

obtain Thai driving licences without the applicant showing up. “All driving licences are issued only to the applicant in person who pays the appropriate fees at the transportation office’s service counter”. He added that the use

Kicking the nicotine habit

Professor Sawang Saenghiranwattana, specialist in lung and respiratory disorders, reports that a campaign has been launched to discourage Thais from smoking. At a press conference at Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital, he said the campaign would focus on youth.

of driving licences beyond national borders was one example of the 10 ASEAN countries preparing to open a free-trade area and implementing policies to remove tariffs from December 31, 2015.

Chinese tourists to Pattaya in 2013

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Khunpluem and Thawit Chaisawangwong, chairman of Pattaya City Council, met with Xin Gu, chief executive from Perfect China Company and his team to discuss further expansion of Chinese tourism

to Pattaya. The mayor had visited the company in China earlier and promoted tourism.

Now the Perfect China team wanted to learn more about Pattaya. They plan to bring 5,000 Chinese tourists to Pattaya next year.

Police campaign against drugs

Colonel Thammanoon Mankong, superintendent of Pattaya police station, together with representatives of City Hall and the Lions Club Pattaya, presented flags and shirts to youngsters at several Pattaya schools in a

campaign to promote DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Program). The campaign encourages children to avoid drugs which might lead to dependency, ill-health, gang warfare and violence.

ASEAN free-trade delayed for a year Inception of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has been postponed until Dec. 31, 2015. It originally was scheduled to take effect December 31, 2015. Thai foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the reason was that more time was needed to prepare the regulatory changes. “ASEAN is more concerned about the substance than about the date,” he stressed.

ASEAN representatives

from all 10 regional countries agreed that there needed to be more progress in several areas, including visa requirements for ASEAN nationals travelling across the region. Some leaders have expressed concerns about the negative effects of the AEC, in particular a growth in international drugs trafficking and people smuggling for both illegal work and for prostitution.

Amongst other issues wait-

ing to be addressed in detail are tariff and non-tariff barriers, investment liberalization, connectivity and transport, small- and medium-sized enterprises, development issues for ASEAN integration, labour mobility and regulatory reforms of many kinds. Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen in his opening speech at the ASEAN conference said a whole series of action plans would be required.

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New car plant opens in Rayong

ZF Lemforder Thailand officially opened its new base in Nikom Industrial Estate, Rayong. The new plant will vastly increase the output of automotive spare parts. Company executive Reihard Buhl said that the aim now is to produce 240,000 parts per year (up from 200,000) to prepare for the onset of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 which is expected to boost trade between Thailand and her nine regional partners.

Poster kid wins 5,000 baht

The Lions Club District organized the 2012 Peach Poster Contest at Central Festival Pattaya Beach for 11 to 13-year-old children to show off their artistic talents within three hours. The

winner was Anuchit Karnbanchong, a student at Baan Nernplabwan School. Producing the best drawing earned him 5,000 baht and the opportunity to enter the next round.

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Asia photo contest open to all World Coffee Tasting 2012 The FCCT and OnAsia have long sought to promote the work of Asia’s leading photojournalists. Since the launch of the contest in 2007, it has grown to attract thousands of images from across Asia-Pacific, with winners chronicling everything from the environmental destruction of Indian coal mines to Thailand’s 2011 election to the dramatic political reforms in Myanmar.

Winners are chosen by an expert panel of judges and displayed at the FCCT’s gallery in a special two-month exhibition every year. They also receive substantial cash and other prizes, including a top prize of $3,000 and free round-trip airfare in Asia for the Photographer of the Year.

Two new sponsors are Diethelm Travel Group, one of the largest and best-known travel service providers in Asia, and Documentary Arts Asia (DAA), a Chiang Maibased organization that supports documentary photography and film in the region.

Diethelm Travel Group will provide funds to help pay for prizes, and Documentary Arts Asia will be provide administrative support. Longstanding supporters include Indorama Ventures, Star Alliance, TQPR public relations

and Bloom Digital Pro Lab & Studio.

Who’s eligible to enter the contest? Any photographer with images shot in the AsiaPacific region. Judges will accept submissions in four categories: * Spot news - for the best single image photograph taken at a news event. No more than five photographs per photographer may be submitted. * Feature photography - for best single-image nonnews feature photo. Up to five photos. * Photo essay - for best collection of up to 12 photos on a single topic. No more than three photo essays. * Migration – A special category, sponsored by Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, for the best single

photo or photo essay of up to 12 images focusing on issues related to migration involving Asians, human trafficking, and integration of migrants in Asia.

No more than five single images and/or three photo essays.

The contest aims to promote excellence in photojournalism, so judges will look images that impact our lives in significant ways as well as investigative photo-reportage involving important issues, especially where such photography is part of a significant body of work.

Photos must be submitted by noon Bangkok time, Dec. 14, 2012. Winners will be announced in early 2013. Enter the contest by submitting images online at http://fcct.onasia.lightrocketmedia.com For more details visit http://www.fccthai.com

The Coffee and Tea Association of Thailand and City Hall presented the World Coffee Tasting 2012 at Royal Garden Plaza last week. Pattaya’s biggest annual coffee exhibition was opened to locals and tourists alike by Somporn Naksuetrong, vice-president of the shopping mall, and Theerawat Wongworathad, president of the trade association. The event included a Latte Art Competition where contestants competed to win Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak of Thailand trophy, and a painting-withcoffee competition for prizes of more than 200,000 baht.

Pattaya floods bring chaos again Yet more sudden and heavy afternoon rainstorms brought some parts of Pattaya to a standstill last weekend. Soi Bukao was under water for several hours and traffic was brought to a virtual standstill in places. Business owners stacked sandbags in an attempt to keep out the unwelcome water, but the waves created by slow-moving cars and trucks deluged many of the low-lying bars and restaurants. Jomtien Second Road was in a similar position for much of the afternoon. In a further flash-flood a month earlier, even Jomtien Soi 5 was flooded. That street’s drainage system is currently

being updated. A City Hall spokeswoman said this year’s late rains have been exceptionally heavy, mainly owing to the tropical depression coming west from Vietnam, which

has created temporary water mayhem in some districts.

According to weather forecasters, thunderstorms could persist for a few days but not for longer.

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BHP hosts tinnitus conference

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya hosted an international meeting of medical specialists on hearing and speech balance problems, especially tinnitus which can affect speech as well as hearing. Doctors from the United States, Britain, Spain and the Philippines joined their Thai colleagues to discuss the latest techniques in treating these serious ailments in people of all ages.

Mayor invites investors and retirees to make Pattaya their second home Pattaya’s youthful mayor is extending an invitation to investors, retirees and long-stay visitors to make the resort their second home.

Saying that “Pattaya caters to tourists from all cultures and walks of life, providing a safe, relaxing, fun–filled stay,” Mayor Ithiphol Khunplume noted that the city of one million “happy inhabitants” has undergone major revamping and is now more than ready to provide the best of residential, recreational, healthcare and infrastructure facilities.

He went on to point to “white sandy beaches, world-class hotels, wide variety of local and international restaurants, as

well as shopping centres and markets.” Of course, he did not neglect to mention the more than 30 international standard golf courses offering “challenges for golfers, no matter their handicap.”

The mayor called on his audience to visit the city and recognize Pattaya’s advantages compared to cities in industrialised countries with poor economic conditions and harsh winters.

In contrast, he said, there is global recognition of Pattaya’s superior quality of life, offering a wise and secure investment for a second home.

“Without a doubt, you are sure to be impressed by the

multitude of modern hospitable services, facilities and amenities offered by this ocean-front city. It’s a true certainty that Pattaya will win your heart, knowing that your second home/retirement paradise can fulfill your dreams of life in a ‘heaven–on–earth’ paradise.

“Pattaya’s constantly improving services and modern comforts make use of the latest technology, comfort and security innovations, assuring that your ‘new home’ not only rivals your present quality of life, but, in many cases, actually elevates your lifestyle to new levels of luxury and well– being.”

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Thai-Russia tourism safety conference The safety of Russian visitors was the focus of a top-level meeting among Pattaya officials, tourist agents and Russian delegates.

Deputy Mayor Ronnakit Ekkasing told the group that up until now all officials involved have been trying to provide the safetest solution for visitors and have now started a pilot project—the Walking Street “safety zone.” All tourism companies have also been asked to have insurance for all visitors they bring to Pattaya; companies that fail in that regard will be legally barred from operating here. All this will be discussed further with Phanga Wanthanakul, honorary Russian federation consul in Chonburi and Rayong.

Others at the confab included Dr. Prathan Surakitbuan head of Chonburi Office of Governor; Athaphon Wannakit, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya branch; representatives of City Hall, Pattaya Tourist Police, Pattaya Police, and private companies; Andrey V. Dvornikov, Russian consulate in Thailand; Davydenko Dmitry, chairman, Tourism

of Safety Commission, and representatives from tourism associations.

Russian representatives at the meeting urged Thai authorities to improve the safety of tourists in Pattaya and throughout Thailand. Many criminal cases were pointed to, noting that Russians too often encountered those who posed as Thai government officials and demanded. The Russian

consul also suggested that instead of the Thais seizing the tourists’ passports--legally the property of the Russian government--Thais should hold credit cards as security.

Thai officials are considering all precautions and will continue working on security improvement inasmuch as Russians remain the most significant national group to visit Pattaya.

Ocean Marina Boat Show 2012 The Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2012 opened last week at Ocean Marina Yacht Club. One of Asia’s biggest and best international-class shows was put together by Ocean Property Company, Pattaya City Hall and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya. The event consisted of land-based displays of boats, a classic boat parade, fashion show, Dragon Boat race, and music.

On hand for the opening Nov. 24 were Poramet Ngamphichet, member of Phalang Chon political party region 7; Deputy Mayor Ronnakit Ekkasing; Theerawat Phiphatdittikul, managing director, Ocean Property, and Rear Admiral Sunan Manatuplin, executive director of the organizing committee of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.

Police prevail over City Hall

Banglamung Police defeated City Hall officials 3 to 1 in the The Third Annual Banglamung Samphan football season. A total of 13 teams, mostly drawn

from local municipalities, competed in the annual event which this year was opened by Banglamung District Chief Chaowalit Sang-Uthai.

O Wine Gallery burglarized

More than 13,000 baht, a mobile phone and a computer notebook were stolen from The O Wine Gallery and Restaurant when owner Warawut Prakobkarn left the premises. The fa-

mous folk singer, who was at a meeting in Bangkok, was alerted by his manager that a burglar forced his way into the Thepprasit Road restaurant at 3 a.m. The surveillance camera revealed that

the robber was a man of about 30 years old and about 160 cm tall. He broke in through a balcony window and left with the loot by another window near the ground floor.

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Hilton Pattaya launches teddy bear project

Hilton Pattaya has initiated a fund-raising campaign to help protect children from poverty, discrimination and exploitation. Through its Charity Teddy Bear for Underprivileged Kids Project, the resort seeks donations for

the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand (www. hhnthailand.org), an NGO based in Pattaya.

Beginning today (Dec. 1), both the Network and Hilton Pattaya are selling the teddy bear for a contribution

of 999 baht. The stuffed toy is available in a choice of three outfits—chef ’s attire, bikini and bathrobe.

To buy a charity teddy bear or for more information,l +66 (0)38 253 000 or email pattaya.info@hilton.com

Centara names new Pattaya GM Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer, Centara Hotels & Resorts, has appointed Dominique Rongé as general manager of Centara Grand Resort & Spa Pattaya. The Belgian, with 15 years in hospitality, speaks Dutch, English, French and Italian.

Rongé started his career at the Waldorf Astoria in Rome, and then moved to Jean-Pierre

Bruneau’s three-star restaurant before joining Crystal Cruises in 2004 as chief concierge and assistant F&B manager. In 2007 he transferred to Chedi Hotel Phuket where he was executive assistant manager, F&B, then went to Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island as GM. He came to Pattaya following a stint as resort manager of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.

Dominique Ronge

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Treetops Condominium Successful Start

The Boutique Group of Companies held a wellattended launch party at the Pullman Hotel, Naklua Road, for the Treetops Condominium.

Boutique’s managing director Prab Thakral opened the proceedings by explaining that the 252 units split over 12 floors of the Treetops Condominium, strategically located between Jomtien and South Pattaya (next door to Pattaya Court), are based on the principle of “nature meets style,” emphasizing its cutting-edge design, stunning sea views and prestigious location. Boutique Group of Companies was a recipient of a Winner’s Award in the Thailand Property Awards 2012 for the retail development on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit 47, Rain Hill, whilst the facilities of Treetops will include a rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, tropical roof garden, BBQ area, rental management services, professional landscaping, a resortlike 9 metre-high lobby throughout and top security. The launch party for Treetops also included the signing ceremony with the backer-bank Siam Commercial, photo sessions, champagne toast, a lucky draw, the VieTrio Band and party time with DJ Kenny.

MARRIOTT RESORT

Atlantis gets environmental nod

Hosts Anura Vineyards Wine Event

By Mick and Di The Food Lovers

Tymen

Dylan

Enjoying the wines and buffet are (left to right) Pasit Foobunma, board member, South African–Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC); Tymen Bouma, Anura Vineyards Maker; Allan Riddell, director SATCC; Dylan Counsel, director of operations, Pattaya Marriott, and Ross Edward Marks, vice president, Central Wine Cellar.

Mariott Resort hosted a gourmet barbeque recently paired with a selection of wines from the famous South African wine makers, Anura Vineyards. Positioned on the foothills on the Simonsberg Mountains, Anura enjoys a wide variety of soils, slopes and micro-climates allowing the proprietor and wine maker Tymen Bouma to produce speciality wines of unique character combining the robust fruit of the New World with the elegances and complexity of the Old. To get under way a Joy labeled sparkling wine was poured. A delightful flute of bubbles with well balanced acidity which then seamlessly sequed into the second wine of the evening, the Joy Sauvignon Blanc. Its zesty tones of citrus fruit with a crisp refreshing palate proved the ideal match for Executive Chef Louis Rodrigo Zamora’s house made Gravlax redolent with beetroot and dill. We particularly enjoyed the next wine of the evening an Anura Rose. Roses can be very under-rated but this one rose to the occasion with its dry but fruity hints complementing the next assortment of dishes admirably. Tasty toasted ciabatta was both swathed in a tomato salsa and sauteed mushrooms anointed with a delicious truffle oil. Another favourite of the evening was lobster tails with truffle mayonnaise and the sashimi peppered tuna served on a stick over a bed of dry ice. For a dramatic finish the Anura Pinotage-Syrah stylishly escorted the marmalade lamb cutlets. With its overtones of oak and black pepper it made for a robust and pleasing marriage of flavours. Check their website for more such events.

Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa is located on Pattaya Beach Road next to the Royal Garden Plaza. Tel: (038) 412 120.

Blue Sky Development Company’s Atlantis Condo Resort, a water-themed condominium complex 300 meters from Jomtien beach, held a celebration party at its Second Road showrooms following the granting of the all-important Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the government. Construction begins shortly and the 1,036 room complex will be completed in the spring of 2014. Apart from Blue Sky executives and partner marketing and sales companies, many estate agent representatives attended the party with an extensive buffet provided by Amari Orchid Resort. The Atlantis complex is already 90 percent sold at pre-construction stage.

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Elderly advised on healthy lifestyle

MC at Cape Dara Resort

Pattaya City Health Department organized a seminar for elderly residents to learn about keeping well as they age. Nine monks from the Jittaphawan Temple were in attendance to illustrate the power of prayer and meditation. Dr Udom Lodwan, a traditional herb doctor, talked to the group about the importance of plants in a healthy life as they are non-toxic and non-chemical. A communal meal was then served to the participants at City Hall.

Nina Kullanatda Patchimsawad seen here with Philippe Delaloye, general manager of Cape Dara Resort Pattaya.

The celebrity MC was shooting a documentary to be aired in January.

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Amari Orchid names winning couple

Walaiporn Chamnan and her fiance Stephen Alexander are the lucky winners of the Amari Orchid Pattaya Win a Wedding competition. The couple, seen here with David Cumming (second from right), area general manager of Amari, won prizes valued at more than 250,000 baht.

Lifetime award for Archie

Dusit upgrades facilities for next month’s Open

Mantra features VieTrio concert

The Dusit Thani Pattaya is finalizing arrangements for the upcoming PTT Pattaya Open, set for Jan. 27 to Feb. 3 at the hotel’s upgraded tennis facilities. Seen here are the hotel resident managers Neoh Kean Boon (fourth from right) with Pentangle Promotions managing director Geoffrey Rowe (center). The women’s tennis tournament, played at the Dusit for 22 years, will feature Vera Zvonareva and Ana Ivanovic.

Celebrating 22 years in Boyztown, Cafe Royale presented 14 achievement oscars to Pattaya celebrities, most notably to 90-yearold Archie Dunlop (left) for lifetime services to worthy gay causes and fund raising for AIDS-related charities.

The awards were presented

by Café Royale managers Thomas Kalb (centre) and David Kerridge.

Blaring music from vehicles lures visitors

Richard Margo, resident manager, Amari Orchid Pattaya, presents bouquets to the VieTrio Band following their performance at Mantra Restaurant & Bar.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand organized a caravan bedecked with many colours and loud music for a round trip from Pattaya to Chantaburi. Palasin Sewotwrath, assistant director of the Pattaya tourism authority, said that the idea was to draw in more visitors to the Eastern Seaboard and to increase the revenue of local communities.

E VE NT S CALE N DAR Silk Phuk Siew Festival and Red Cross Fair

His Majesty the King’s Birthday

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

Date: Now – December 10, 2012 Venue: Khon Kaen

Date: December 5, 2012 Venue: Bangkok

Date: December 5, 2012 - December 6, 2012 Venue: Phuket

Phuk Siew or Friendship Making, an ancient and beautiful event for the people of I-san has been practiced for over a century. As it is considered a very important event, Phuk Siew has therefore been organised together with the silk festival. As a result, this has become an annual ceremony of the people of Khon Kaen since 1980. “Siew” (a word for “friend” in Northeastern dialect) refers to 2 people who are full of great loyalty, sincerity and share a close relationship with one another. Nothing, even death, will put them apart. This relationship is not only supposed to happen among those 2 “friends”, but also that true relationship will be shared with others in their families, among relatives and siblings of the “friend”.

Activities: Visitors will enjoy the opening ceremony procession, local silk weaving exhibitions, Red Cross Fair, silk pavilion, sales of OTOP products, join the friendship making ritual and Northeastern style dinner, beauty contest, local folk performances, etc.

The outstanding and unforgotten spot of the event is an “arts and cultural corner” that will be full of various kinds of activities and entertainment.

For more information: Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel No: 0 4322 7714 – 6 Visit: www.tourismthailand.org

An important public holiday is held on 5 December to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch. Known in Thai as ‘Wan Chalerm’, the occasion is marked by an outpouring of love and reverence by Thai people throughout the kingdom and around the world.

Activities: On 5 December, buildings and homes all over the country are elaborately adorned with flags, portraits of His Majesty and bunting, predominantly in the color yellow. Around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue areas of Bangkok, thousands of vividly colored marigolds decorate the streets. On the evening of the holiday itself, the streets around Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang are closed to traffic and thousands of people take to the streets. Spectacular fireworks displays are held and the atmosphere is joyous and festive. The best way to enjoy the atmosphere is to take a bus to the Rattanakosin area, and just stroll along the crowded but traffic-free streets for a truly memorable experience.

An international boating regatta to win the royal trophy of H.M. The King.

Activities: The event is held during the first week of December, so in 5 December (The King’s Birthday) the crews gather in front of the Boathouse Resort on Kata Beach in a candle-lighting Ceremony to celebrate the event.

For more information Contact: Kata Beach Tel No: 0 7621 1036 Visit: www.kingscup.com

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A ROUND P ATTAYA

Triathlon athletes train at Woodlands Hotel

Some 40 foreign and Thai athletes from the Thailand Triathlon and Cycling Team (TTCT) and Bike Zone Team underwent intensive training at Woodlands Hotel and Resort Pattaya, where they were coached

by Stephane Bringer, Woodlands general Manager. Bringer also was a winner of the 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 Thailand Triathlon Championships. During the two-day training program athletes mastered their skills in swimming, cycling and running.

Russian travel agents visit Centara

Andre Brulhart (second from left), general manager, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya and Phillip Hall (third from left), the hotel group director of sales and marketing, seen here at annual meeting of Russian travel agents at Acqua restaurant.

Others in photo are Svetlana Shcherbakove (far left), hotel group sales manager–Russia/ Europe; Chef Alberto Bruni (centre); Austin Robinson (fifth from right), general manager, Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, Centara Boutique Collection; Wuthisak Pichayagan (far right), executive assistant manager, Food & Beverage; Inna Balashova (Inna Reisen); Larisa Nefadova (Kolonne Reise); Elena IIina; Natalie Tatarinova (llves Tour); Anna Kharitonova, Irina (Grand Orchid Travel), Oksana Nazarenko (Royal Travel Asia), Anastsia Tarasova, Tatiana Tarasova (Paragon Travel).

Botany exhibition at Brulhart names Royal Garden security manager

Deputy Mayor Weerawat Kharkai and Somporn Naksuetrong, deputy director of the Royal Garden Plaza, opened the Charm of Eastern Plants Exhibition at the Beach Road shopping mall.

With the cooperation of Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, more than 50 shops on the ground floor were bedecked in a sea of green and golden plants. Shoppers were able to purchase one of the many specimens on display, including unusual cactuses.

Andre Brulhart, general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya has appointed Sivapoth Daenchompoo as security manager. A graduate of Dusit Thani College Bangkok, where he majored in marketing management, Sivapoth has more than 10 years experience with such international chains as Le Meridian Hotel, Pathumwan Princess Hotel, JW Marriott Bangkok Hotel. For the last two years he was assistant security manager at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair Date: December 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012 Venue: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for 417 years. It enjoyed a long period of prosperity shown by the magnificent ruins at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park. The extensive collection of ruins and records indicating the historical and cultural wealth of Ayutthaya earned this park recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities: The fair is organized annually and features light and sound shows of its glorious years, exhibitions of Ayutthaya as a World Heritage Site, culture performances and beauty pageant contests.

For more information Contact: TAT Call Center 1672 Tel No: +66 3524 6076-7 Visit: www.tourismthailand.org

what's

on

Every Day is a Holiday at Hilton Pattaya Guests can enjoy a range of Christmas delights and can buy hampers to make excellent gifts at Drift on level 16. At Edge on level 14, guests will savour cuisine from around the world with a wide selection of menu options in grand buffet style. For an exclusive Christmas dinner during 24-25 December, guests can celebrate in style at exquisite Flare on level 15 with four-course set dinner or indulge with friends and family members at Pattaya’s premier rooftop restaurant & bar Horizon on level 34 which offers set dinner. For reservations contact +66 (0)38 253 000.

Auditions for An Evening of One Acts Pattaya Players (Home of Pattaya’s Professional Amateurs) will audition thespians for “An Evening of One Acts,” including two one-act plays, “Oprah Made Me Do It” and “A Jolly Sinister Jape.”

Seven parts available—three for men, four for women. If you’re interested in reading, stop in at the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3. Candidates for crew as well as cast will be interviewed for the plays, which will be performed Mar 1 and 2.

For further details email pattayaplayers@gmail.com.

Samitivej Christmas Market 2012 at Samitivej Srinakarin Samitivej Srinakarin Children’s Hospital Bangkok, hosts the ninth annual Samitivej Christmas Market 2012 December 1 and 2 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Net proceeds will be donated to the New Life Foundation to provide free pediatric heart surgery to needy children. New Life has performed surgery on 61 children. For further details, contact 02-378-9000, info.srinakarin@samitivej.co.th or visit http://bit.ly/Samitivejxmas Special Game Menu Casa Pascal Restaurant is offering a special Game menu for this Hunting Season, with Vension, Pheasants and Partridges. For detailed on the menu information please visit www.casa-pascal.com For reservation call 038-723-660 or 085-992-0482 (Pascal) or email info@restaurant-pattaya.com Saigon Bistro Located on the 6th floor of Central Festival Pattaya, this latest foodie offers Vietnamese dishes at great value.

The delicious traditional beef noodle soup is just 98 baht.

Discounts of 10-15% available. Tel 038 003 609.

Pattaya Auctions Collingbourne Auctions Saturdays at 11 am and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Great items to buy and sell and lots of new furniture every week now being delivered. See www.pattayaauctionhouse. com or contact 038 068 207 or 084 464 9486.

Chess Club With Grand Master (no less) at Brau House, Second Road (near soi 7) play every Tuesday at 7 pm. Free entry. Lessons available. Call Gerhard 081 159 5341 to find out more information.

Bridge Club Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. at The Alto Restaurant,Thappraya Road. Tel. 085 818 2172 or see www.pattayabridge.org

River Kwai Bridge Week

NEW YEAR’S WITH HILTON PATTAYA

Date: December 7, 2012 December 16, 2012 Venue: Kanchanaburi

Date: December 31, 2012 – January 1, 2013 Venue: Hilton Pattaya

This event takes you back to the times of World War ll through the River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war. This bridge was the part of the ‘Death Railway’ the spanned the River Kwai connecting Thailand and Myanmar, costing thousands of lives of prisoners and local labourers supervisory by Japanese troops.

Organized to commemorate those who died while building the bridge.

Activities: This event features a remembrance ceremony held at the Ailed War Cemetery, light and sound presentations, cultural performances, and historical displays and exhibitions.

For more information Contact: TAT Kanchanabur Tel No: +66 3451 1200,+66 3451 2500 Visit: www.tourismthailand.org

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1 - 15 December 2012

Hilton Pattaya is also the best venue for New Year’s celebrations.

Guests can enjoy sumptuous dinner buffet at Edge, exquisite set dinner at Flare or secure the premier location at one of the hotel’s stunning private islands at Drift with unsurpassed views of the ocean. Guests can also celebrate the New Year with friends and colleagues at Horizon on level 34 with six-course special menu by executive sous chef of Horizon, Chef Shaun for the ultimate experience the next level of celebration.

To welcome 2013 with joy, guests can kick-start the gorgeous year with a tempting brunch for the whole family at Edge from noon until 330pm.

Contact: +66 (0)38 253 000 E-mail: bkkhp.pattaya.festive@hilton.com

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1 - 15 December 2012

Today's Editorial A failed coup attempt There was never a ghost of a chance that the Pitak Siam demonstration in Bangkok would lead to the fall of the government in an Army-led putsch. If this was a serious attempt to turn back the clock on Thai politics for a five-year freeze then it was badly timed and poorly organized. If anything, former General Boonlert Kaewprasit’s street rally has strengthened rather than weakened the government.

We know for sure that it was a coup attempt because, in the middle of the fray, General Boonlert called his Army buddies to request assistance after the police lobbed gas canisters and it became obvious that the number of rallyers was far too small to have any lasting impact. When General Boonlert first proposed the mass demonstration he openly stated that he would love a coup to get rid of the corruption in the Pheu Thai government and to destroy the ongoing influence of the exiled Thaksin Shinawatra. Although some apologists for the general claimed he simply wanted the government to give up power without Army intervention, this was never a feasible option in any case.

Perhaps Pitak Thai was too influenced by the Yellow Shirt movement which helped bring about a coup in 2006 with a few marches and then brought down a successor government by occupying Suvarnabhumi airport two years down the road. But it was never going to be this easy a third time. In November 2012 the government was much better prepared as the authorities took complete control of the strategic Makkhawan Bridge, holding the demonstrators at bay and stamping on any attempts to spread the rally to other areas.

Pitak Siam scored an own goal as the movement was badly led by a splintered group of ex-military men and royalists who were divided about whether to seek confrontation or to remain calm. Both strategies were tried at the same time with the inevitable failure assured. General Boonlert himself seemed in the last few weeks to have a somewhat idiosyncratic approach to politics, explaining that he needed one million supporters at the rally and then saying that 70,000 would be enough. In practice, only a third of that latter number turned up, although many supporters seemed to have been stopped or sidetracked by police manning barricades in Bangkok and in the provinces.

The Red Shirt leadership, still government loyalists by and large, also behaved shrewdly in keeping well away from the Pitak Siam really site. If fighting between the opposing groups had gotten out of hand, then there might just have been the excuse for Army intervention to restore peace. But the Red Shirts behaved sensibly and took heed of the instructions of Deputy Prime Minister Chalmerm Yubamrung to keep their distance and to avoid the rather obvious trap laid by the Boonlert group.

However, the Boonlert failure–which he readily and frankly admits, by the way– does not mean that the anti-Thaksin forces have been silenced forever. Pitak Siam at least showed that you can get 20,000 people out on the streets, twice if you count their first stadium rally, in spite of all the mistakes their leadership made.

Once the Pheu Thai government revives the hoary old issues of constitutional reform and the return of Thaksin as a free man, it is more than likely that demonstrations will resume. The country is still split wide open on these issues. Successors to general Boonlert may well have the opportunity bring out another strong civic movement to challenge the Red Shirts and the government.

But the leaders of any future anti-Thaksin campaign will need to think long and hard about a confrontational strategy which might succeed. The government has now been forewarned. Simply jumping in the swimming pool, holding your nose and hoping for the best is a recipe for abject failure.

P OINTS OF V I EW

www.pattayatoday.net

What Our

Readers Say

Jet ski skepticism

(RW writes) Being doubtful about City Hall’s and the Police’s real interest in cracking down on the jet ski bandits, I got my answer in the recent local story that the Pattaya cops had arrested a vendor who extorted 25,000 baht from an Indian tourist who had allegedly scraped the side of the boat. The vendor returned the money after he admitted being surprised that the tourist had gone to the police to make a formal complaint he had been scammed.

So far so good, but after they had the money returned, the tourist refused to press charges and the vendor was released. Perhaps the tourist found out he might have to remain in Thailand for a year in order to give evidence at the trial. So everything is back to normal and you can forget about any crackdown. When is Thailand going to learn that killing the goose that lays the golden eggs is a very shortsighted policy?

(Jason Wells writes) I had read a lot on the internet about how the jet ski menace in Pattaya had been improved, but I have to tell you frankly that the scams still exist. I did rent a jet ski recently just to test the reality. I found a rental base on the Jomtien beach and agreed to rent a craft for half an hour.

But when I insisted on photographing in some detail the jet ski so that I could be sure there were no marks or dents which

I might be blamed for later, the vendor became very irate and refused to do business with me.

I actually went to the trouble of reporting this encounter to the tourist police but they said I should contact City Hall on the ever-ready number 1337. The lady on the other end of the phone said there was nothing she could do as any business is entitled to refuse service if they want to do that.

But it seems obvious to me that jet ski renters are still trying to trick the public or why would they refuse to let me take the photographs?

(Ed: It’s frustrating [RW refers] to western minds, but dropping the matter after the suspect returns the cash is very common in minor cases of harassment or fraud in Thailand. The determination to find a compromise is never far from the minds of the police when asked to intervene in disputes of this sort. To be fair [Jason Wells refers] the jet ski renter tells us he did offer to take the photographs and give you copies, but I can understand your reservations. City Hall told us that the number of complaints about jet ski fraud had diminished by 70 percent over the past two months. However, the comprehensive insurance scheme for renters has not yet started and there remains too much scope for extortion. The only real solution is to forbid the extra-charging of tourists for alleged damage arising from a rental unless human injury or death is involved. In that particular scenario, the police would take responsibility for prosecuting if the circumstances warrant it.)

Frank, Forthright & Frigid A real eye opener I have always prided myself on being a safe driver, but recently I have noticed that the cars in front appear fuzzy.

Also I notice that in sunlight I have to squint to be able to see the vehicles coming in the other direction. I am not too worried about this as I have to let go of the steering wheel to shield my eyes only if the sunlight is very bright indeed.

When it is raining I have no problems whatsoever. I notice that I see a lot clearer, especially on motorways, if I close one eye. It is absolutely true that I am in my late eighties but I feel as fit as a fiddle, so I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be able to get around just like younger people. I do have one friend Mavis, who insists on walking everywhere when I am around, who said I ought to see a doctor to have my eyes checked. I did agree to this although I should point out he was a foot doctor who said he couldn’t go higher than my knee. He said I looked great and suggested I could earn a part-time living as a taxi driver. Have a nice day Agony Ivy. Nora Batty Agony Ivy writes: Dear Nora Batty, It is tempting to say that Pattaya traffic these days is gridlocked nearly all the time, so not to worry too much. But I do suggest that you always carry your last will and testament on the front seat next to you as this will save the traffic wreck commissioner and the mortuary staff a lot of time and effort in due course. Have you thought of changing your car for a steam roller equipped with flashing lights and a loud claxon which would at least forewarn other road users of your approach?

Losing my libido When I first got married I enjoyed sex with my husband very much indeed. But recently the very thought of his touching me makes me feel quite sick. I have been to several doctors who assure me that my hormones are in working order and that I am fine for a woman of 39. My husband isn’t really aware of the situation since we often wear funny-face masks when having sex so he can’t see that I am grimacing and grinding my teeth. Frankly, I don’t think that any man

could satisfy me these days. I wondered if I am a lesbian but I went to a Pattaya sex show with two women, a dartboard and two ping pong balls and I very nearly threw up on the spot. I feel I am missing out in life and am writing to you in the hope that you can restore meaning to my life.

Saddened Sandra Dear Saddened Sandra, Having studied the photo of your husband you sent, I can quite understand your position. He looks like something out of the movie Halloween. It is of course possible that you are asexual which means that you are not attracted sexually to anybody. Of course, you could still be a lesbian but one that doesn’t like to use a dartboard or ping pong balls. There are lots of them around. You also need to be aware that sexual fulfillment does not need an erect partner. I am sending you with my compliments a copy of my pamphlet Sexual Joy Without Touching, which has never been out of print for 17 years and which I hope will give you some ideas, especially the section on holding your breath indefinitely.

Forty a day habit I am so desperately unhappy as I just cannot stop putting on weight since I gave up smoking six weeks ago. Whenever I feel like a cigarette I simply munch a packet of crisps. My favourite is Salt and Vinegar by the way. So I have changed one 40 a day habit for another and feel so guilty going to the wholesaler and buying huge boxes of the damn things. Can you suggest a diet which actually works? Please do not make me look stupid.

Fatty Fanny Dear Fatty Fanny, The next time you visit the wholesaler simply buy a huge box of tinned dog food rather than potato crisps. Whenever you feel like a cigarette, quickly open a tin of dog food and stick your nose in it and take a deep breath. You will not feel hungry for hours. To be effective, it is very important to open a new tin each time so don’t put in the fridge until next time. You might also consider obtaining a large dog to get rid of the evidence.

Otherwise the dustbin men will think there is something very odd going on in your household.

T IPS & A DV ICE

www.pattayatoday.net

1 - 15 December 2012

15

funeral, leaving my baby in Thailand with a relative. Will I be able to do that?

A: It is a disadvantage of passports with more than one person included that the family group must travel together. This is because if one person leaves the country with the passport, there is no documentation about those remaining behind. We suggest that you approach your embassy to give your baby a separate passport and so endorse the original one. You can then leave, as your name will be the only one included on Mr. Chang @ VISA SERVICE IN PATTAYA Sponsored by your travel document.

E-MAIL: changvisa@gmail.com 183/27 M.10 Soi 13/2 Nongpure,

Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Mistake at airport Mobile: 66 81 7549342 Q: I recently arrived at Suvarnabhumi Tel: 66 38 711 145 airport but the officer did not see my 60www.visacentergroup.com www.visa2britain.com Fax: 66 38 710 163 day-visa and gave me only a 30-day stamp Empty passport ness I have two passports and both of them on arrival. However, I shall be leaving for Q: I recently lost my passport because I are valid. I recently entered Thailand with Cambodia before the 30 days is used up, accidentally dropped it down the toilet. I the first passport but it is now almost full. just for a few days, and then returning to obtained a new one from my embassy, but a So I want to leave Thailand with the second Thailand. Do I need to do anything about friend told me I cannot leave the country with passport. Is this OK? the mistake? it. So what am I supposed to do?

A: Not OK. You must leave Thailand with A: In your particular case no need to do A: You must take your new passport and any the same passport you entered the country. If anything. Leave the country for Cambodia and documentation provided by your embassy to the you lose it, you must obtain a replacement. You you will receive an exit stamp which cancels the Immigration Bureau. Officers there will locate can use the second passport to enter Thailand on 30 days. When you return show the Immigration your most recent entry stamp in the former pass- your next trip. But you cannot switch passports Officer your still unused 60-day tourist visa and port from their computerized records and give once you are here. he will give you a stay of two months. This visa you a exit stamp approval in your new passport.

can be extended for a 30-day period, if needed, You must not go to the airport without visiting Baby in passport at a Thai Immigration Office.

Q: I am a woman from Ukraine and the Immigration Bureau first.

my passport is also that of my one-year-old Reporting a farang Two passports baby. We travelled together into Thailand but Q: There is a drunken Irishman living in Q: Because I travel the world on busi- I now want to leave the country and go to a my street who is a real nuisance to everyone

in the locality. I know for a fact that he is working without a permit in a local bar and openly flouting the law. How can I get him expelled from the country?

A: You can’t. What you can do is to report the circumstances to the Criminal Investigation Department of your Immigration Office. They will want a written report from you and a copy of your passport and address. You should take the details of this man (full name and date of birth or passport number) and any useful photos. Whether the immigration acts on your information or not is entirely a matter for their discretion.

Owning a condo Q: I want to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand and I could raise the 800,000 baht through a combination of my income and cash in a Thai bank. However, I own two beautiful condos in Pattaya which are worth several million baht each. I am wondering if I can use the deeds of one or other to obtain the retirement visa.

A: Afraid not. Ownership of property in Thailand is not currently a criterion for obtaining a retirement visa. The only acceptable proof is a letter from your embassy confirming your income in the first country and/or a bank letter and bank book confirming the current balance in baht or an acceptable foreign currency. You do not need any Thai bank deposit if your first country income is 65,000 baht a month or more.

Brushing and washing kitty can only go so far. You can reduce your exposure to triggers even more if you make a room or two cat-free (like your bedroom, homeoffice--wherever you spend a lot of time), and keep your house clean—vacuum, change bedding, and clean the litter box regularly to clear the air of allergens. As to you personally, it will help reduce your symptoms if you wear special clothing just for playing with kitty, keeping your other clothing dander free. Wear wet rubber gloves and run your hands over your cat’s favorite spots. If still you experience mild symptoms like nasal congestion, treat them with over-the-counter medicines. If your symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor about prescription-strength medicines.

place the timer or the temperature selector—either of which would be best left to a professional.

Your Visa

Queries Answered

QUICK TIP

Making pasta? Save time and energy by using a lightweight pot for boiling the water. The water will come to its initial boil faster in a lightweight pot, and will return to the boil faster, too. This also helps prevent the pasta from clumping at the bottom of the pot.

Ring-Around-the-Collar I don’t pretend to be an expert homemaker at my age, Andy, but since losing my wife last year I have tried doing everything on my own. The biggest problem I seem to have is with laundry. Specifically, how to get my shirt collars clean. The rest of the shirt comes out of the washer sparkling clean, but I am always left with what we used to call ‘ring-around-the-collar.’

Can you help this old codger?

Dean Dark or dirty rings around a shirt or blouse collar are caused by excess body oils, Dean. They can be removed by pouring shampoo on the stains before laundering. Rub the shampoo in as if you were washing your hair, then drop the shirt or blouse into a normal load of laundry. Shampoo is specifically made to remove body oils, so keep a bottle of inexpensive shampoo close to your washing machine and use it for all kinds of stains in clothing. You might consider keeping a small bottle in your travel kit as well.

Tom Cat Andy, I just love that feature in Pattaya Today with the cats and kittens available for adoption, and my hat’s off to the couple who takes in those needy little fellas. Which brings me to my question— which really isn’t a problem around the home question. I want so much to adopt

one or two of those cats from Paul and Sandra [at Cats for You], but I am allergic to cats. When I visit friends who have cats, I feel congested and my eyes itch. Is there any way to cure my allergy or something I can do to prevent such reaction so that I can have a cat or two in my home?

Tom You’d have to check with a medical doctor for an answer to your first question, Tom. And while asking, you might confirm that your allergy really is to cats and not to pollen or smoke. Ask too what treatment might relieve or prevent your symptoms. Beyond which, there are steps you can take that will help. If you’re willing to experiment, start with one kitten and focus on controlling the kitten’s dander (skin flakes). Start by trimming the cat’s claws to prevent scratches.

Then take him outdoors for brushing every other day or so to remove loose hair or mats. If he’ll let you, shampoo him a couple times a week. Use only cat or kitten shampoo and keep water out of his face and ears. Towel dry, then give him a treat so he’ll associate a bath with something pleasant. At least initially, keep him out of your bedroom. Around your home you might try using air cleaners with high-tech filters and or anti-allergy room sprays, and put away any dust-catching rugs and curtains. Clean your house often; better yet, get someone else to do it.

Unfulfilled Wash We have a semi-automatic clothes washer that was expensive when we bought it, but that was nearly 10 years ago. Now it needs help. The latest problem is that it doesn’t fill up properly.

We’re not ready to buy a new washer and we thought instead you could tell us what is it that causes washers to not fill up.

Sam and Tik Obviously, it could be any one of number things. Start by checking the water inlet screens to make sure they aren’t blocked, then look for any clogged hose filters and check the hoses themselves.

Are there any kinks in the line? You say its semi-automatic (whatever that means) so it may have an electric timer. That might be defective or set improperly. Is the temperature selector functioning as it should? If the problem is with blockage or clogging, the obvious solution is simply to clean out the screens and filters or replace them. Equally obvious is to straighten the water supply hoses if there is a kink. As to the timer and temperature selector, press the buttons firmly--or adjust the dials-and see if that helps. If not and if no other problem is evident, you might have to re-

Andy’s Helpers Hi, Andy. This is in response to the water pump question from Ron (Pumped Up). When local plumbers connect pumps and water-storage tanks, they do not understand what happens. If the incoming mains water supply is turned off, you turn on your pump and take water from the storage tank. When the water in the tank drops enough to open the incoming valve to the tank (we call it a ‘ball valve’), then the pump trips in, taking water from the tank and replacing it back into the tank again so that your pump is on-off on-off until the mains water refills the tank and closes the valve again. The only way to overcome this problem is to install an electric shut-off valve on the supply to the tank so that when the electric supply is on to the pump it also is onto the valve which closes, stopping the water circulation.

Then, when the mains water resumes, turn off the pump and the valve will open to refill the tank. It should also make your pump last longer. I hope this is of some interest.

Ian Hi, Andy. Someone gave me a tip to stop birds from nesting on exterior air conditioning units: dangle a green rubber snake so it sways in the breeze. Only problem is I don’t know where to get green rubber snakes.

Rick in Jomtien Thanks to Ian and to Rick in Jomtien.

(I can’t say I’ve ever shopped for green rubber snakes. Maybe one of our readers can help.)

Closing Line A sign in a restaurant window reads: Don’t stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.

--Handy Andy

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1 - 15 December 2012

SOS Rice Appeal 2012

O UR C OMMUNITY

by Derek Franklin The annual SOS Rice Appeal in Pattaya starts Dec. 5, on the birthday of HM the King, and continues the weekend of Dec. 8, 9 and 10 at major shops and supermarkets the city.

Everyone in Pattaya is encouraged to donate rice to help feed the 850 children and students with disabilities living at the Father Ray Foundation.

Each year these children eat 75,000 kgs of rice, and this year, more then ever, they need your help.

Please buy and donate a bag of rice at any of the following establishments: Best, Big C, Big C Extra, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Foodland, Friendship, Makro, Mike’s Shopping Mall, Tesco Lotus, Tops and Villa Market.

12.12.12. – an auspicious day The 12th day of the 12th month in the 12th year of the century is seen by some to be an auspicious day and not just because it is also the first day of Christmas. On this day the Foundation has organized a fundraising event to purchase Christmas gifts for the children.

The host this year is Bobby Brooks, local businessman and long time supporter of the Father Ray Foundation, who just happens to be celebrating his own birthday on the twelfth.

The event will take place at the Redemptorist Center on Sukhumvit Road. Tickets cost just 500 baht. For this

you will have a great evening of entertainment and can be sure that each and every child and student receives a gift at the Christmas party.

More information about the work of the Father Ray Foundation can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email info@ fr-ray.org

Pattaya Sports Club

by William Macey

Hand to Hand target the underprivileged Margaret Grainger is a one off. Her day is devoted to helping the underprivileged children of Pattaya. She runs a day care centre for 50 plus children from the slum area to provide time for their parents to work. She visits the local prison three times per week to help the children who have been caught up with the problems of parents who have been arrested. She makes regular visits to slums in Pattaya and is also involved with City Hall to educate children on the dangers of online liaisons.

There are also 50 children that have been fortunate enough to have been given a scholarship courtesy of Margaret’s contacts and to cap it all, she is training for the Cross Bay Swim to raise funds for her various projects.

You would think that all this activity would occupy all of her time but, unbelievably, she has found a little bit extra to start something new.

There are a number of chil-

dren in Banglamung Hospital that come from poor families and suffer from all manner of ailments including respiratory problems, intolerance to mother’s milk, premature birth, etc. The hospital and the families cannot afford everything that is needed, very often, not even being able to buy nappies/diapers.

With this information, Hand to Hand will decide if they can help in an immediate, practical way or in the longer term. In the last week they have attended to 23 children under 10 years of age.

The nursing staff are aware of the help that Hand to Hand can provide and, as such, will contact them to arrange immediate visits, particularly in emergencies.

There is an ongoing problem with babies that need specialised formula milk that neither the family nor hospital can afford. It is a special dried milk from a supplier in Bangkok; it has all the nu-

trients babies require and is a substitute for the mother’s milk. They are currently helping an eight-month old baby who was born premature. His parents had to leave him to return to work and are unable to visit him mainly from a transport perspective. He has a number of medical issues which leave him at the weight of a two- month old.

He has never had visitors nor has he beenheld by anyone other than the nursing staff.

Fortunately, Margaret has the

help and dedication of some great volunteer staff and one in particular, Pye, who is as devoted to the children as Margaret and is ever present. Pattaya Sports Club are always happy to help Hand to Hand whenever possible. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Margaret on 0890936067 or William at Pattaya Sports Club on 0861522754 or look at their web page handtohandpattaya.com Margaret will be pleased to receive your call.

(William will be too.)

www.pattayatoday.net

GMs Outlook: “Listen, Learn, Manage and Show Respect.”

– Pornthep “Dev"Chawla

Project Manager Blue Sky Development Co., Ltd.

page 8/24 >>

Volume 1

What's Inside: Expat Money Corner

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

It’s all Golden for Tulip Group

Rumours of the West's demise are greatly exaggerated!

page 4/20 Legal Corner

Check your annual balance sheet for the coming 2013

page 4/20 Success Breeds Success

Top Pattaya developers continue to pick up the plaudits

page 5/21 Keeping an Eye on the Condo Market!

page 6/22 Automotive

All new Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2 TDCi

Another Branded Residence from Tulip Group

by Jason P. Payne Vice President, Tulip Group

So as high season approaches, Tulip Group and their team of designers and architects have been busy finalizing the details for their latest branded residence in Central Pattaya. We are pleased to announce that Golden Tulip Hotel and Residence has now been launched to the market place and it seems like hungry investors have already been chomping away to secure units in the project.

Tulip Group do seem to have the ability to not actually launch a project but still sell a huge number of rooms before the official launch, this has happened with all their projects, Waterfront being a shining example whereby the project to my knowledge has never actually been officially launched, no big party, no agent day, not a lot really apart from some nice advertising and clever PR. This resulted in Waterfront Suites and Residences selling over 125 units in the first two months, very impressive considering the history of the project and no marketing material.

Continued on page 2/18

page 10/26

Classifieds Section on page 11/27 SEE US ONLINE at www.classifieds.pattayatoday.net

2 / 18

Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

Business Feature Continued from page 1/17

It seems like the same has happened with Golden Tulip Hotel and Residence. Tulip Group decided that they would offer the project to buyers on “an early bird investor deal.”

This basically involved not giving any real information on the project but it gave investors the opportunities to cherry pick the best units and the best available prices.

A spokesman for Tulip Group confirmed that this approach has yet again been a huge success, resulting in 220 units being sold in a little more than four weeks. Yes that’s right, 220 units sold without a showroom, a brochure, artist’s impressions and even who the hotel group would be. Mighty impressive, I would say, and I think it demonstrates the confidence that people have in Tulip Group.

Well the early bird deal is now over. Tulip Group have now finalized everything, including signing a management agreement for both the hotel and condominium with a worldwide international group in Golden Tulip Hotels & Resorts, which in itself is a big deal for Tulip Group being that Golden Tulip are owned and managed by Louvre Hotels and are the second largest in Europe and eighth largest worldwide.

Kobi Elbaz, Tulip Group CEO, told us more about this new working relationship.

“We are very excited to be working with Golden Tulip,” said Elbaz. “They are an international brand with more than 1,000 properties in 40 different countries, so this is indeed a new direction for us. Golden Tulip Hotels like us have very high standards in what they expect from one of their properties, so I feel the relationship is a natural one, and we are looking forward to constructing a fantastic hotel and branded residence, and to developing and building a successful working relationship and to working on more projects together”

So what about the project?

Golden Tulip Hotel and Residence Pattaya will be located behind Avenue Shopping Complex in Central Pattaya, directly opposite Tulip Group’s hugely successful Centara Avenue Residence which was launched last year and almost sold out in little more than ten months. The project will offer a 200 room four-star hotel with its own separate facilities, and six condominium buildings housing 788

one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments in a courtyard-style set up with a 3,500 SQM swimming pool and mini water park, fish ponds, Jacuzzis and pool bar.

The entire project sits on just under 11 rai (16,500 SQM) of land. It has been reported that Tulip Group had purchased the city center land for 500 million baht--a figure that would have been unheard of a few years ago.

“We have made a significant investment in order to secure this plot of land, but we feel the area is continually growing and we see no reason to dwell on how much we paid for the land,” said Elbaz. “Our goal now is to construct a true resort in the city. Our team has worked extremely hard to design this mixed use development, and we are very happy to be working with Golden Tulip Hotels, who man-

age not only the hotel but the entire complex.

Pattaya is continually growing and we are proud to be part of its growth.”

Regardless of how much Tulip did actually pay for this land, it is evident that Tulip will be investing a significant amount of capital into this project, and demonstrates their confidence in Pattaya and this location in particular, being that CARS was such a huge success, as Jason Payne, Tulip Group vice president explained. “This area is indeed up and coming and I would also say established, with a number of very successful completed condo projects all that have given investors excellent capital appreciation but also significant rental returns. Centara Avenue Residence is a fine example of this. At launch, units were priced at 57,000 to 65,000 baht per SQM; the same units are being re-sold by investors at prices in excess of 80,000 baht per SQM just a year later. To me that represents a great return and demonstrates the strength of the area.”

Tulip Group are currently constructing the onsite sales offices and showrooms which are due to be completed in December, but buyers can visit the Centara Avenue Residence showrooms for further information, alternatively at www.pattayacityresidence.com, or by telephone 038 724308.

Key Project Facts

- 200 Key 4-Star Hotel - 16500 SQM Land Parcel - 6 Condominium Buildings - 788 one and two bedroom fully appointed Apartments - 3500 SQM Swimming Pool with Jacuzzis, Water park, Fish Ponds, Waterfall & Pool Bar - Kids Club - Landscaped Roof Terraces with Yoga Zones & Relax area - Fitness Clubs with Sauna and Steam Room - Luxuriously Appointed Lobbies with Glass Elevators

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Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

Legal & Expat Money LEGAL CORNER Mr. Ponthep Werachon Thai Solicitor

Mrs.Darunee Werachon Thai Solicitor & Accountant

WERACHON LAW OFFICE

315/304, Moo 12 Theppasit Road (Soi 12) Nongprue,Banglamung, Pattaya City Chonburi 20260 Kingdom of Thailand Tel: (038) 304 084, (038) 251 533 Fax: (038) 304 027 Mobile: 081 423 4255, 089 889 6483 Website: www.thaisolicitor.com, e-mail: thai@werachonlawyers.com

Expat Money Corner

by Tim Whiteley & Jerry Dingley

Rumours of the West’s demise are greatly exaggerated!

Check your annual balance sheet for the coming 2013

What lies beneath?

It can be proved that the property market in Pattaya is affected more by outside factors than the enforcement of Thai laws. The real sector is still focused more on residential property than speculation. You may ask yourself if you can find any other place which can be Eden for the hedonist man like you. The main problem is from the many secondhand car salesmen who become consultants in Pattaya. What they can do is just lie to make easy money.

To set up a company to buy property is not complicated. It is why many unlicensed persons find the way to make easy money from the gullible foreigners. These unlicensed professionals are foreigners who can speak English native accents by just saying, “No problem my friend, everyone does like this in Pattaya”.

Some unlicensed consultants want to have their own law firm to steer some gullible foreigners to transfer money into their fake client or escrow accounts. In Europe or America, the law is quite strict with a client or escrow account. Many foreigners were steered to buy the fake business or beer bars by transferring money into the fake client account. After losing money, these gullible foreigners scare to fight for “Justice” by the misconception that these crooks are powerful in Pattaya. “Having a good lawyer and dare no one” should be the motto you may share with our former wealthy prime minister who retained a team of lawyers to fight with the military junta.

If you need a lawyer, you should deal directly with the Thai lawyer who is licensed as a “Tanai Kwam” not only “Legal Advisor”. You may check their professional license issued by the Lawyers Council of Thailand which should be openly hung on the wall.

A qualified accountant must hold a license issued by the Federation of the Accounting Professions of Thailand. A qualified accountant may work under the same roof with a licensed lawyer but not with a certified public accountant (CPA) who has to work independently. It is similar to the relation between a “solicitor” and “barrister” in the UK who have to work independently.

Most foreigners who set up a company to buy the real property will know only they have to pay for their accounts every year. Do they know what lies beneath their accounts?

The Annual Financial Statements (Balance Sheets & Tax Returns) The end of May is the deadline for filing the balance sheets and tax reports of all companies having the normal accounting period starting from 1st of January to the end of December of each year. Failing to file the balance sheets and tax report within 150 days from the end of the accounting period is punishable for the maximum penalty fines of 50,000 baht for each director and company which can be totally 100,000 baht. The imprisonment can be imposed if you still ignore after the lenient fine punishment has been imposed. For the good faith violator, the minimum penalty fines can be about 12,000 baht for the Police Department and 2,000 baht for the Tax Department. But the tax you will have to pay is the separate issue.

Before paying for the annual financial statements which are balance sheets and tax returns, you should have a profound discussion with your licensed lawyer and qualified accountant about the accounting and tax structure of your company. You may search for more information about taxation for dormant companies in our reading room www.thaisolicitor.com.

The English language of Thai professionals in Pattaya may not be so excellent but somehow fair enough for your understanding in all technical aspects. Most of them will prepare a trial balance in English in order that you may review the structure of assets and liabilities to verify tax implications.

If you set up a company to buy the real property which includes the piece of land and building house, the assets in your balance sheet should be recorded as follows:Current Assets  Cash & Bank Deposit  Accrued Interest Receivable Fixed Assets  Account Receivable & Loan from Director  Land & Building Total Fixed Assets Total Assets The real property is called “immovable property” under the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand which means “land” (geographical part) and “building” (building structure). The ownership of the land is recorded in the Land Title Deed (Cha Nod) and the ownership of the building house is recorded in the House Register Book (Tabien Baan).

If you buy the land and house, you should check if the seller has registered with the land office for transfer of both land and building house to you. Some unethical developers avoid the transfer tax by only declaring the land not the building house in order that the transfer tax will be based only on the land.

Some buyers may receive only the land not the building house once they buy the property. It is advisable to use the term “land & building house” in stead of “property” once you deal with a seller or broker.

Once you prepare the balance sheet, you should ensure if the “building house” is also recorded in the balance sheet.

What tax lies beneath?

In case you buy only the empty plot of land and build up a house, all payments you make to your contractor will be subject to the 3% withholding tax for construction service fees. If you fail to deduct this 3% withholding tax, you will be responsible for the tax with surcharge and penalty fine. Under the Revenue Code of Thailand, the company making a payment for service fee must deduct the 3% withholding tax.

The problem can be that some buyers buy the “property” from the developer who avoids the transfer tax by registering with the Land Office only for the transfer of the “land” not the “building”. The developer may use the name of your company to apply for a building permit. Your company will automatically become the owner of the building house. The question is “How do you get this house?”

If it is understood that you bought the house from the developer but you fail to register the transfer of ownership of the house with the land office, it can be regarded that you are involved with the “conspiracy theory of tax evasion” with the developer which is punishable under Thai law.

The developer may say that you hire the developer to build up the house for you. In this case, the payment you make to the developer will be subject to the 3% withholding tax which must be your responsibility. If you fail to deduct 3% from the payment you make to the developer, you will have to be responsible for this withholding tax with the Revenue Department.

What lies beneath is the 3% withholding tax with the scenario which may shock you more than a thriller from Hollywood.

The media can’t stop talking about the recent shift of financial muscle from the west to the east. Let’s cut through the sensationalistic journalism and get the facts.

The World Bank updated its figures to include 2010 on March 30, 2012. It concludes that the total world GDP amounts to something over 63 trillion dollars, of which China and India combined represent 7.65 trillion.

The United States and Western Europe alone account for 31.29 trillion, even in our depressed state. Barring decimal points, this makes the US and EU 409 percent larger than the sum of China and India and virtually 50 percent of the world’s economy. Also, none of the figures take into account the fact that the United States and many of the countries that make up the EU have been wealthy for generations, if not centuries!

Ask your average farm worker in rural China or any other part of the developing world how he or she is benefitting from the recent meteoric success of their country and I suspect you will find their life has barely altered. The burgeoning middle class making up the new consumer classes represent only a small fraction of the population although, in China’s case, that still adds up to a significant number.

The fact is that most of the world’s brands and a huge percentage of the world’s best customers are either European or American. We haven’t even touched on the lesser sized, but still significant economies that would consider themselves to be ‘western’ in fiscal terms. If you factor those in, you can add more trillions to the total.

I have excluded Japan, since I’m not sure on which side of the fence they would fall.

The remaining emerging economies are growing well in percentage terms from their earlier figures but still below their counterparts in the west when it comes to GDP, or turnover, to put it in everyday parlance. In other words 5 percent of a comparatively small economy in growth terms is still much less than 2 percent growth in a much larger developed economy’s GDP. Another important factor to take into consideration, when assessing relative prosperity, is population. China has a GDP of 5.93 trillion, which ultimately has to support a population of 1.3 billion souls. The US, for example, has aGDP of 14.59 trillion, with a population of only 313 million. All these figures do is serve to underline that the western economies have hugely more money to spread around vastly fewer numbers of people. China has a billion more mouths to feed than the US, with around 60 percent less money. The fact is that, to avoid likely civil unrest, China need to achieve a minimum of approximately 6 percent per annum just to try to keep pace with the demand for jobs from their huge population.

So before we write off the west as ‘has beens’, I suggest that, over the next 20 or 30 years, it will likely be an icy day in The Maldives before real financial power, at any world-changing level, moves away from the current incumbents.

The reason the emerging nations have found relative favour with the markets is that they went through a major downturn in 1997 and came out of that having learnt some important lessons about fiscal housekeeping; something the west should have taken notice of, rather than continuing down the same arrogant path.

Nonetheless, the west will undoubtedly come out from under this cloud and start to move forward again, with the majority of their GDP intact, they will be fitter, sleeker and better prepared for the task ahead. The fact is, as Mark Twain nearly said, “reports of the west’s demise have been greatly exaggerated”.

Armed with the above facts, what financial moves can we make to take advantage of the west’s gradual upturn? History has shown us that it takes around 12 to 18 months for the public to realise we are in a recession and about the same to appreciate that it’s over and recovery is already in town. However, this time it is somewhat different with the on-going open wounds of Greece and the like.

One of our suggestions is to consider major corporate stock, with strong fundamentals and high-yield dividends, on both sides of the Atlantic. Even if the stock bumps along with the markets dancing to the tune of the European sovereign debt crisis, the yield will likely remain and capital growth in the share price should not be too far behind. Warren Buffett hasn’t done too badly with a similar philosophy.

Tim Whiteley and Jerry Dingley have a combined experience of over 50 years as IFAs advising international investors and expatriates, both onshore UK, and offshore in Asia. With offices in Bangkok, and regular client visits to Pattaya, they specialize in wealth protection services, offshore trusts, QROPS UK pension transfers and QNUPS, creating tailor made investment solutions for individuals around the world. IFA International does NOT provide discretionary portfolio management, securities advice, forex trading, or local brokerage / insurance products. The services that IFA International Group does provide are for expatriates and international investors only and are NOT applicable to local nationals. This is NOT a solicitation to sell or market securities. Questions to the authors can be directed to: info@ifainternationalgroup.com.

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Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

Property Success Breeds Success

by Guy Van Harten BSc (Hons)

Top Pattaya developers continue to pick up the plaudits

In my October column I discussed the future of the residential real estate market here in Pattaya, drawing two main conclusions; firstly that the current trajectory of conventional property development is operating in an unsustainable manner and secondly, that the future of the market belongs to professional players who are able to deliver genuine value-for-money (which is more about adding value and has little correlation to low prices). Throughout the piece I cited two specific individuals who characterized the essence of ‘professional players’ and who I believe to be the future of residential property here in Pattaya – Kobi Elbaz of Tulip Group Thailand and Terrence Allen Collins of Bravo Thai / Siam Developments. As such, it came as no surprise to learn that both of these individuals have picked up yet another set of awards to go with their already burgeoning collections.

On Friday Nov. 23, the inaugural Best of Thailand TV

Representatives from Tulip Group Thailand with their award for Best Condo Development - Waterfront and host Daniel Boccalini (centre) (Photo by CMPhotography)

Terrence Allen Collins (3rd left) and The Vineyard team celebrate another awards success; Best Villa Development – The Vineyard (Photo by CMPhotography)

Show Awards was held at Bruno’s Restaurant, with several awards on offer including Best Condominium Development Pattaya which went to the iconic Tulip Group project, Waterfront, as well as Best Villa Development Pattaya which was awarded to The Vineyard, unquestionably Pattaya’s finest series of housing developments. Hosted by Daniel Boccalini, an engaging media personality widely recognized for his existing lifestyle programme My Second Home, the awards were a celebration of the finest that Pattaya has to offer; with other nominations including Best Entertainment Venue and Best Restaurant. Set to air on nationwide television through MCOT World and True Visions, the event has capped an incredible year for both Tulip Group and Bravo Thai, with each picking up a multitude of commendations and awards for their outstanding contributions to the Pattaya real estate industry.

So what are the key reasons behind a very select group of individuals and companies enjoying the majority of the suc-

cess? First and foremost, the most important attribute is passion. The desire to create, to inspire and to do something out of love is the first step to being successful. Secondly, a strong work ethic and a sense of true dedication and commitment are required–the self-discipline to push oneself both physically and mentally is crucial to accomplishment. Finally, the ability to generate ideas and utilize creativity cannot be underestimated. Being able to turn problems into solutions or recognizing a unique opportunity is a trait which allows companies to gain a competitive advantage. I believe that Tulip Group Thailand and Bravo Thai are led by individuals who share these traits in abundance–and as such the future of the Pattaya property market is in good hands.

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Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

Property

Keeping an Eye on the Condo Market!

Southpoint Pattaya

Yes, I wrote ‘What’s Up with the Condo Market’ in March of 2012 and as stated that not many in the real estate industry want truth and/or consumer awareness. It’s just not welcome here in Pattaya! Pointing out the pitfalls in our industry is perceived as a threat to advertising sales in the minds of most publishers, and even brokers and developers avoid it like the plague.

Admittedly, one must have pure intentions and not be merely seeking attention and/or grand standing when discussing the financial hazards in real estate from time to time. That is precisely why I am writing this particular column now not even a year since I wrote ‘What’s Up with the Condo Market’.

I have always been and continue to be very bullish about real estate in Pattaya and throughout the Eastern Seaboard. I am sure I will continue to be so for many years, but I feel it is my journalistic duty to draw attention to market indicators.

Having said that, and after a good year and a half of upbeat and positive columns about our local real estate industry, I am starting to see some, let’s say, interesting warning signs or at least cautionary signals in the market.

On the one hand, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of condominium construction going on all over Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard, and it appears as if there is no end in sight, but I am starting to wonder about a few things not only locally but throughout the Asia Pacific region.

As far away as Vancouver, British Columbia, the headlines read Hong Kong Reins in Property Bubble. The article goes on to say that Non-local buyers will be hit with 15per-cent levy to cool down the market Now that’s a government stepping in to avoid a property crash as Hong Kong is obviously going to great lengths to save the local property market from a sudden and devastating devaluation.

A survey conducted after the new 15 percent levy against foreign purchasers was made public showed 62 percent of the 229 mainland Chinese asked, said they will delay buying property in Hong Kong for the next six months, while three percent said they won't buy in the city any more, which shows just how drastic this levy is against foreign purchasers.

Now that’s Hong Kong, but how about a little closer to home…like Phuket?

Results of a Phuket Gazette real estate poll last July indicate that most people foresee a downward trend in real estate prices on the island over the next five years due to oversupply.

A total of 1,868 readers were asked:

The Palm Wongamat Beach Pattaya

by Clayton Wade Managing Director

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

Tanan Tanpaiboon, former head of the Phuket Real Estate Association, recently warned that over-development in the Phuket real estate sector risks creating a bubble that could see real estate prices fall due to oversupply. What do you think will be the overall trend in real estate prices on Phuket over the next five years?

Overall, nearly two-thirds of those taking part (62.5 percent) thought that real estate prices would fall. Of these, most thought the fall would be large (32.7 percent), slightly more than those who predicted a moderate decrease (29.8 percent). In contrast, just under a third of voters (29.4 percent) thought prices would rise.

Of these, 23.8 percent predicted only a moderate rise, while just 5.6 percent thought the rise would be large. The remainder of those taking part, 8.1 percent, predicted real estate prices would hold steady.

In a demographic breakdown, Thais were the most pessimistic, with 71 percent thinking prices would fall. Of these, more thought the drop would be large (40 percent) than moderate (32 percent).

The trend in voting among those identifying themselves as “foreign local residents” or “tourists or visitors” was almost identical, with more than 60 percent in each group predicting a fall in asset prices. Now that’s 60 percent of the foreigners’ polled and 71 percent of the Thais polled all seeing Phuket real estate prices falling in the near future.

So where does that leave Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard as concerns the future of this incredible condominium boom we have been experiencing?

Is Pattaya facing a pricing bubble?

Well, the notion of a bubble has been around since as far back as 2005.

Yes, for more than seven years local industry leaders have been wondering if local real estate is experiencing a pricing bubble and there has been talk that the condo market in Bangkok is reaching bubble proportions as well.

According to market analysis and its long

Our very special thanks to Clayton Wade, managing director of Pattaya’s Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., for preparing this Pattaya Today report.

Clayton Wade has been running the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. with his wife, Khun Supap for more than 16 years.

Clayton Wade has been in the real estate industry going on 25 years. Having started his real estate career in the United States, he was licensed and practiced both real estate sales and property management in Seattle.

He was personally responsible for bringing in the first 53 General Motors executives for

the start up phase of Thailand’s General Motors manufacturing facility and had a three- year exclusive with the company. Following that experience he placed most all of the start up executives for the Eastern Seaboard’s BMW manufacturing facility.

Clayton Wade is a council member with the Gerson Lehrman Group, the New York based international research and consulting firm, and has been a national panel judge with the Thailand Property Awards for many years.

Clayton Wade is known throughout the Asia-Pacific region for his writing, public

established conventions, real estate markets in general are assumed to be rational and to follow certain market formulas.

In a completely normal real estate market, property bubbles which, by definition, are not normal or rational price inflation incidences, should not exist.

It is true that in normal situations, real estate prices can most often be assumed to reflect the actual value of properties.

However, markets do not always respond as we think they should and pricing bubbles, which are created when varied perceptions by consumers drive prices of a commodity far out of their real value range.

So, do Bangkok, Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard face an impending real estate bubble?

Well, we would all love to have a crystal ball, but that’s not going to happen. We are left with our own take on what is ahead in real estate.

We have had a tremendous run on the construction and sales of condominiums, but top developers are still selling very well. In Bangkok, the Sansiri Public Co., Ltd., has just announced the construction and development of a new luxury condominium that is slated to have apartment units selling at over 400,000 baht per square meter!

With more than 200 construction projects currently planned for the Eastern Seaboard and Pattaya-- and most all selling well, it does make a person ask, “Are our local condominium prices appropriate enough to avoid a pricing bubble?”

Many say prices are still very attractive and not over inflated, and with our new emerging markets (Russia, India, China, Arab nations, etc.), the area just might be able to maintain a healthy supply of properties and avoid an oversupply.

Yes, so far so good is about all one can say about our real estate sector at this time, and the designs, layouts and quality of the area’s condominium developments just keep getting better and better! speaking and television presentations. His many accomplishments in promoting Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard real estate industry include having been a guest speaker with several of Thailand’s top political and business figures on CNBC’s Managing Asia program.

Premier Homes is Pattaya’s leader in exclusive property sales and rentals, which may be seen by visiting their website at: www.premierinternational. com.

Clayton Wade may be contacted by telephone at +(66) (81) 634-2915 or by email at: clayton@ premierinternational.com.

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Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

GMs Outlook

Atlantis is Yours to Discover in Jomtien A top resort lifestyle you can afford

by Barry Kenyon

It’s a measure of the spreading fame of Atlantis Condo Resort Pattaya that it’s much higher in the Google internet ranking than the famous lost continent described by Plato and the ancient Greek historians two thousand years ago. Situated on Jomtien Second Road, just 300 meters from the beach, the Atlantis water-themed 1,036 fully furnished condos in five buildings (ingeniously named after Greek and Roman gods and goddesses) comprise eight storeys and are set in a tropical, landscaped 2,600-sqm water park which is the largest in any current Eastern Seaboard condo development.

Pornthep “Dev” Chawla Project Manager Blue Sky Development Company Limited

Blue Sky Development Company Limited has a 50-year history of successful Thai investments in hotels, villas and condos, but this is the first project in Pattaya. The second, Grande Caribbean, situated on Thappraya Road, is already being successfully promoted too. Blue Sky is a Thai-owned, private company with a long tradition of quality and service resulting in group assets of several billions of baht. Amongst the major assets in Bangkok are the Citrus Hotel chain and CitiChic Hotel. Atlantis Jomtien has a total investment value of over one billion baht and is underwritten by Land and House (LH) Bank.

In a traditional Indian way, Atlantis has allowed the next generation

of Blue Sky families to make a strong mark on the project. The project manager is Pornthep Chawla, known universally as Dev, a 23-year-old Thai-born engineering undergraduate and MBA graduate of universities in Thailand and the United States, who acts at the onsite office in Jomtien as the interface between the sales and marketing teams and the Blue Sky directors. The must-see, fully furnished and equipped one and two bedroom show- units are exactly what the finished ones will be like on completion in April 2014.

“Now that we have the allimportant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, construction can soon begin in

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Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

GMs Outlook

earnest,” says Dev as he surveys the 11 rai construction site in one of the Eastern Seaboard’s fastest growing and popular areas.

“We owe so much to our local agents, Clare Property Pattaya and Compass Real Estate, and to our marketing partner Silvermover Company Limited.” Very much a team player in his business dealings, Dev is conscious that good relationships are the key to commercial success. His business philosophy can be summed up as “Listen, Learn, Manage and Show Respect.”

Another important marketing strategy for Atlantis is the Blue Sky easy payment scheme for foreign owners. They can purchase a condo with a 25 percent deposit, a 30 percent follow-up payment over the next 18 months and the balance due on completion of the project in April 2014. Thai nationals

and registered companies may buy in for 15 percent deposit, 20 percent over 24 months and the balance again on completion. Each condominium unit is 34.5 sqm, with one bedroom, but this can easily be converted to double units of 69 sqm and two bedrooms.

Beyond the 24-hour security, a sophisticated key card entry system and the quality of the finished product, which can be fully appreciated only on inspection of the show-units, Blue Sky plans top-notch facilities including a wooden galleon, with tall masts, rigging and sails which will serve as the resort’s full-service club house and lounge, a full-equipped rooftop gymnasium with state-ofthe-art Jacuzzis, and a water park swimming pool with a waterfall, large water slide and sandy beach.

A shallow pool and playground are planned for the kids. One of

the five buildings, named after Minerva, who was the Roman goddess of wisdom as well as commerce, will house retail units, a restaurant and probably a bank for the convenience of owners and their guests and friends.

The success of Atlantis at preconstruction phase is illustrated by the fact that 90 percent of the units are already sold. However, the take-up by foreigners at around 30 percent still allows non-Thais to own one or more units in their own name. Charlie Warner of Silvermover, marketing manager for Atlantis, sums it up: “With the fantastic location, amazing facilities and the superb finish of the apartments, Atlantis is setting the standards in this real estate bracket. Moreover, the easy finance terms make this a great investment opportunity which is undoubtedly why selling

has been very brisk since day one.”

Asked about the future of Pattaya and Jomtien, project manager Dev says that the resort is now obviously spreading northwards to Laem Chabang and in the opposite direction to Na Jomtien and Bang Saray.

“Clearly the expansion cannot remain only in Pattaya City and Jomtien as the scarce resource of land will eventually run out,” he says. “I feel that the Pattaya Mayor Khun Itthiphol Kunplume and his team have done a first-rate job in attracting public and private investment to the area. But the only solution to increasing traffic snarl-ups in the short term is to continue the expansion of the Eastern Seaboard into the hinterland areas. For sure, it will take some years yet before the anticipated ring-roads and a

possible high-speed train from Bangkok will be operational.”

Clearly a Blue Sky budding star, even at his young age, Dev can be expected to mastermind many more mega-projects in the future. His self-confidence and engaging manner, coupled with the company’s record of always keeping to its word in business dealings, means that Atlantis is likely to be only the starting point for luxury developments along the Eastern Seaboard. Does he get time for any leisure activities in his extra-busy schedule? “Absolutely,” he exclaims disarmingly, “sky diving, scuba diving, sports, music and travelling to foreign countries are all part of my regimen for staying on the ball.” “Oh, and I forgot to say I try to keep abreast of the latest technologies in all aspects of life,” he concludes. Here’s a guy who could truly do with more than 24 hours in a day.

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Volume 1

Issue 22

1-15 december 2012

Automotive

All new Ford Ranger

Wildtrak 2.2 TDCi

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

Ford's new global macho pickup built in Rayong The Ford Ranger XLT pickup powered by a turbo diesel was the first real American challenge to the dominance of the Japanese one-ton Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Mazda commercial vehicles or “pickup trucks” in the Kingdom of Thailand. The name “Ranger” reminds me of the Lone Ranger, the fictional American cowboy, vigilante.

I once drove a Ford Ranger XLT from Bangkok to Hua Hin and back via Bangkok all the way to the eastern province of “Aran” or Aranyapratet at the Cambodian border.

And what a truck it was. Kick ass! Tough looks, commanding driver's view and tons of torque. Fun to drive. Good memories, in spite of the manual shifter, the drab basic, pale grey plastic interior and the old school AM/FM radio with a tape cassette! That was almost ten years ago. The old Ford Ranger pickup.

In 2011 the all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak was rolled out. Wildtrak! That's right sans “C” No spelling mistake! I suppose it looks kooler and tougher without “C”. Mercedes Benz turbocharger or compressor models also spell their badges with K – Kompressor.

Some say this new Ranger is a truck on anabolic steroids. Big, tall and muscular measuring 5.35 meters long and 1.85 meters wide. Weight: 1.800 kg. In Thailand it is available with two engine variants and ten different trim levels. From a 2.2 liter, four cylinder diesel with 150 bhp to a big block 3.2

liter, five cylinder sponking out 158 horsepower.

Price range. The entry level model: Open Cab 2.2 XLT with a 6-speed stick shift. Retail price: 679,00 baht. The top of the line 3.2 liter 6-speed automatic Wiltrak costs: 1,099,000 baht.

Our demo unit is the blue, Double Cab 2.2L. 4X4 ( four wheel drive) Wildtrak turbo diesel with a 6-speed automatic. Price: 999,000 baht.

The design is utilitarian chic with a strong emphasis on brand image. In the front a chrome three- bar grill with an oversized blue Ford oval in center. Huge headlights, fog lamps and a massive, slightly curved hood.

The Brits still call it a bonnet (“my Bonnie is over the ocean”). (And they call the truck a lorry!)

Our Ranger is a high rider (high ground clearance) and it stands tall on 17-inch wheels with tough protruding front- and rearwheel arches. In the rear on the lift gate, a large Ford oval and the biggest taillights I've ever seen on a pickup. Plus the branding

Ranger and Wildtrack on the tailgate and the 4X4 and the 2.2 6-SPEED badges on the side of the truck.

Inside the new Ranger, carbon fiber and

leather upholstery with red stitching and Wildtrak brand embossed in the headrests.

Large instrument panel with clear blue dials and meters. The old Ranger had only AM/ FM and tape cassette. Maybe a CD, as well.

Now, 2012 we have MP3, CD, Bluetooth, USB and iPad connectiveity. Multifunction steering wheel. A large over-sized center console box with cup holders. Power windows, cruise control, front driver and passenger airbags, and stability control. Rearview camera for safe parking. Dual air conditioning to keep the rear passengers cool and comfortable as well. The rear space claims to have the best-in-class legroom.

The drive: The handling and performance feels very passenger car like. The turbo charged engine provides almost instant acceleration with a turbo kick. Fuel consumption about 13 kpl. Off-road and onroad the new Ford Ranger Wildtrack is able to soak up lumps and bumps easily, while the 2.2 diesel engine was quieter than we expected. With pickups it’s all about practicality. That's what we have here. Depending on which Ranger model you choose, the length of the load bed will vary. Even on our Wildtrak 4-door double cab we would have had enough space to carry a Steinway concert piano.

Ford Motor Company (FoMoCo) is on the right track after investing US $500 million in the Rayong production plant, which is one of the three global manufacturing sites including the South African and Argentinian Ford factories. This makes the Ford Ranger a truly global truck sold in 180 countries.

Soon you'll see many Rangers on the roads of the world continents except in the United States. Because the Ford Ranger is still considered too small for the Americans.

But perfect for the Kingdom of Thailand as a SME (small medium enterprise) company car and weekend family vehicle – provided you have enough space to park it in the “muuban”, or in your condo car park slot.

Call your Ford dealer – get behind the

wheel and take it out for a spin. Especially if you have never driven a pickup before.

Don't worry about the clutch, gas and finding the right gear. The new generation of Ford Rangers comes with smooth 6-speed automatic transmissions. Just put the shifter in “D” and Drive!

Ford Ranger Double Cab Wildtrak 2.2 TDCi Engine: 2.2 turbo diesel Power: 150 horsepower Top speed: 160 kph Maximum torque: 375 Nm Fuel consumption: 13 kpl Price: 999,000 baht www.ford.co.th

1 - 15 December 2012

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 374535

Articles for Sale

(ptmas-e0009)Mobility Scooters -- Free test ride at your home! Portable mobility scooters, latest models. Full ser vice from Thailand’s mobility scooter specialist.

Call 081 875 0860 or 02 964 8405-07, www.ecobrand. net, info@ecobrand.net for prices and brochures.

Contact us now for your free test ride at your home!

Chest of Drawers from Index H120cm x V50 cm x D 48 cm. price Bt4000 Bt., and one more: W120cm x H 90cm x D 48 cm. price 5000 Bt. DESK Index: W 120 cm x H 75 cm x D 60 cm price 6000 All in White Color and in good condition. Call: 038 250 305 or 085 698 2096 I-Water and I-Spa. Healthy Water. For drinking and for shower.DETOX, cleanse body and good health. Call 086 833 2914 Nana For Fans of our Cartoonist in “The Pattaya Today”.

Mike Baird ( M.J.B. ) - you can now buy his SIX E-Books at www.bangkokbooks. com. $3-99 - $4-99 each.

All E-Books are in Beautiful FULL COLOUR. You can carry them around with you, or show them to your friends, store them on your computer or give them as a Unique Gift. You never know you might see yourself in them.

Boats/Yachts

LEE MARINE. International Marine Brokerage.

New and Pre-owned Yacht sales and authorized dealers for Riva, Ferretti, Pershing, Riviera, Prestige ,and Jeanneau,Cantiere delle Marche Trade in considered , New Listings wanted.

Contact: Mark Heath Ph: 081 787 9408 Email: mark@leemarine.com

Business Opportunities

(ptmfk-bo0512) Bargain Beach Road Soi 8.Commercial area +/- 110 sqm (bar, gogo,..) for rent. Key money 300,000/year.Rent 45,000/ month or for sale 1.2 MB.Tel: 086 512 4387 (ptmpt-bo00)For Sale or Lease. 23 Nice Two Room Apartments located in 3 buildings on a one rai land parcel in a very central location south Pattaya. Within 5 min walking distance to walking street,however still a quiet and secure area.For more info contact 081 9099098, No agents please APARTMENT BUILDING - Easy to r un business opportunity. This new three storey 21 room apartment building in a central location, not far from Siam Country Club Road, has been built to European standards with 3 one bedroom apartments and 18 studio apartments all with spacious bathrooms and balconies, most are furnished and most have AC units fitted, ideal for long stay expats and holiday lets. Included in the sales price is an adjoining plot of land approx. 450sqm that can be used to extend the building and add a communal pool or to build a private villa. The building has its own water bore and a water filtration system is in place.

Total land area 1,465 sqm. For Sale: 12.5m Bt. Website Ref: HOTE010. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com GUESTHOUSE & BAR -Ideally located profitable 10 room guesthouse and bar. Located in a busy Soi in Central Jomtien and close to the beach is this 3 unit building with the ground floor running as a bar with pool table, music system and large flat screen TV. There is ample room to install a kitchen to offer breakfasts and food to the guests and

customers, thus increasing the profits fur ther. T he upper floors contain 10 fully furnished guest rooms, a store room and maids room. An established business. For Sale: Leasehold 2.95m Bt, monthly rent 30,000 Bt. Website Ref: BUSS019. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com WALKING STREET AGO GO. Newly re-fitted 250 sqmAGo Go for sale in this busy foot traffic Soi adjacent to Walking Street, four floors, offered with a 5 year lease and a very reasonable rent of 40,000 Bt per month. A great opportunity to take a step into the night-time entertainment business for a very reasonable outlay. For Sale: Leasehold 2m Bt, monthly rent 30,000 Bt. Website Ref: BUSS015. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com

Education & Training

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

Affordable price & friendly environment call 038 373 175 or 038 416 493. We speak Thai, English, German&Duetsch.

Apartment for Rent

(ptmaf-r0712)AROMDEE APARTMENTS, quiet, clean, well maintained, with European management. Fan/AC rooms for rent start from 3800 baht monthly. Free Wi-Fi, CableTV, Gym, and Car park. Inside Minimart, breakfast dishes, coffee bar/bar, 24 h laundry, and CCTV security coverage.

Within walking distance of Big C, Tesco Lotus, and BKK Bus Station North Pattaya.

Phone Thai/Eng.: 082-3043907, Phone Norwegian/ Eng.: 087-329-0300, Office/ Fax: 038-370-861 Web: www. aromdeeapartments.com Email: aromdeeapartment@ hotmail.com

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House for Sale

(ptmhs-0512)Beautiful Private Pool Villa plus Car (Vitiara 3 door sport) in excellent condition for sale, near Mabprachan Lake. 2 en-suite bedrooms, spacious living room, good size swimming pool and garden. House 135 sqm, land 416 sqm, includes nice furniture, Plasma TV 43” etc. Totally private ,10 min. from Sukhumvit. Bargain house pool and car for 4.8 million O.N.O. includes free water. Oscar 083 102 9293 HS1641: Beautiful Thai Bali style house with private swimming pool and large garden in a quiet location in the Mabprachan area. 3 bedrooms, 5 bathroom. Priced at just THB14.95 million.

To arrange a viewing call Paradise City Property on 038 373 966 or 081 761 3238 or via email to pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com HS1652: Tasteful single storey house on a quiet village in East Pattaya.

This recently refurbished 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom house is priced at just THB2.95 million. To arrange a viewing call Paradise City Property on 038 373 966 or 081 761 3238 or via email to pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com Pool Villa For Sale - A very nice renovation has been undertaken by the owner, the detached single storey land area 248 sqm , living area 130 sqm property is stylishly furnished throughout with top quality fittings and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 luxurious bathrooms, full European white kitchen with oven and microwave, dining area, large open plan living room complete with sound system, a large flat screen LCD TV in every room, private pool, pool side terrace, water features, remote closing gates, communal pool, 24/7 security and just 600m to Jomtien

Night Plaza, food market, restaurants, shops and bars.

Great value at this price!

Price: 5.6mBt.Website Ref: PLVS142. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Townhome - For Sale – Located close to Jomtien Beach these very stylish new town homes offer spacious yet affordable living offering , 1 8 0 s q m , 3 b e d r o o m s, 3 l u x u r i o u s b a t h r o o m s, European kitchen, open plan living room, dining area, balcony, key card entry, secure car parking, communal pool, fitness, 24/7 security and just a couple of minutes walk to the beach, numerous restaurants, shops, bars, food market and taxis.For Sale in foreign name:6.8m Bt..Website Ref: HSES093. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com House – For Sale - For those who desire to be close to the beach yet live in a quiet, secluded and secure village in Jomtien. This large spacious single storey house is stylishly furnished land size 288sqm, house size 140sqm, throughout offering 3 bedrooms, 2 luxury bathrooms, European kitchen with oven, open plan living room and dining area, covered terrace, landscaped garden and

covered parking. Communal pool and club house, 24/7 security, close to shops and just 600m to the beach. For sale: 4.75mBt. Website Ref: HSES083. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com House – For Sale - Two storey semi-detached houses in a very quiet secure development in East Pattaya just a 5 minute drive from Sukhumvit Road.

Very spacious, well furnished land size 120 sqm, house size 160 sqm and offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan lounge, dining area, European kitchen with oven, car parking, club house, communal pool and 24/7 security. Outstanding value for such a large family home. For sale: 2.5m Bt. Website Ref: HSES071. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com C h a r m i n g Tr o p i c a l Bangsarey Home! Selling Price 12.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 160 Sqm/183 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR2799)

12 ZZ/28

1 - 15 December 2012

House for Sale

Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 29 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5846) Great Mabprachan Lake Family Home! Selling Price 11.9 Million Baht and Renting at 90,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 330 Sqm/350 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR2694) Nice Home with Large Swimming Pool & Garden!

Selling Price 9.5 Million Baht and 6 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 560 Sqm/400 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR3895) Amazing Pratamnak Luxury Estate! Selling Price 60 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 634 Sqm/330 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5946) Oriental Thai House in Jomtien Location! Selling Price 15.9 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 450 Sqm/155 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier

Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5972) S t u n n i n g To w n h o m e on Jomtien’s Dongtan Beachfront! Selling Price 22 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/4 Bathrooms, 25 TLW/400 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com. (PR6083) Charming Detached House with swimming pool and lovely gardens in Wongamat Location! Selling Price 25 Million Baht, Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathrooms, 300 TLW/300 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com. (PR6075) Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com. (PR5758) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 34 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 238 TLW/500 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com. (PR4176)

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 374535

Beautiful Balinese Style Estate Home with large swimming pool! Selling Price 12 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 362 TLW/280 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com. (PR4802) Great Home in the very popular Siam Royal View!

Selling Price 29.9 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/360 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com. (PR4211) A Really Unique Estate on One Rai of Land!

Selling Price 50 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5052) Great Home in View Talay Villas! Selling Price 12.9 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 160 Sqm/72 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR4854) Great Private Estate Home!

Selling Price 14.9 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 375 Sqm/500 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5365) Stunning House at Santa Maria For Sale! Selling Price 37.5 Million Baht, 4+2 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 900 Sqm/650 TLW. This is an exceptional home built with the best of materials furnished with only the best.

For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5790) Great Bungalow with wonderful interior décor on Pratamnak Hill! Selling Price 11.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 170 Sqm/100 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR4365)

House for Rent

(ptm-hfrO0512)Suwattana Garden Houses for Rent in East Pattaya. 168 sqm fully furnished houses for rent in Suwattana Garden Village, SoiNernPlab Wan, 10 minutes from the city center. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 aircondition. From 14,000 baht per month, one-year lease.3 units available. English 080 094 0018 Thai 084 001 0907 House For Rent – Bang Sarey - Superb value rental in a secure, quiet village on the edge of Bang Saray.

The executive style property is stylishly finished and furnished throughout and offers, 3 bedrooms, 2 luxury bathrooms, living area 190 sqm, land area 400 sqm , open plan lounge and dining area, LCD TV, European kitchen, covered car parking, large corner plot with tropical landscaped gardens, (internet, UBC TV available), communal pool, fitness, 24/7 security and just a couple of minutes drive from fish restaurants, shops and the beautiful Bang Saray Beach. Minimum rental period of 6 months applies at 25,000 Bt or a 1 year lease at 22,000 Bt per month. Website Ref: HSER012. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com H o u s e Fo r R e n t – A two storey semi-detached house in a very quiet secure development just a 5 minute drive from Sukhumvit Road.

Very spacious, well furnished land size 120sqm, house size 160 sqm and offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan lounge, dining area, European kitchen with oven, car parking, club house, communal pool and 24/7 security. Outstanding value for this large family home. A minimum rental period of 6 months applies at 18,000 Bt per month or 16,000 Bt for a 1 years lease. Website Ref: HSER011. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Po o l Vi l l a Fo r Re n t Located in this exclusive new development near to the new Jomtien 2nd Road this modern design single storey pool villa is stylishly finished and furnished throughout offering 2 ensuite bedrooms, 2 luxurious bathrooms, land area 210 sqm, living area 125 sqm, high gloss European kitchen, open plan living room and dining area, UPVC windows, private pool, poolside sun terrace, car parking, small park outside the property, 24/7 security and just 700m to the food market and shops and 1km to Jomtien Beach. 60,000baht per month, 55,000 Bt on 6 month lease or 45,000 Bt per month on 1 year lease. Website Ref: PLVR289. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com

1 - 15 December 2012

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 374535

House for Rent

Fantastic Home in Great D e ve l o p e m e n t ! Re n t a l Price 110,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 440 Sqm/300 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com(PR2184) Exclusive Home in Family Friendly Village! Rental Price 110,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/400 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR1601) Impressive Lakeside Estate Home! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 5 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 650 Sqm/600 TLW. This is an absolutely fantastic family home right on a lake next to Phoenix Golf Club and in the country just minutes from town. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5679) Resort Living just 50 meters from the Beach in Jomtien!

Rental Price 75,000 Baht / Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/25 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR2977) Gorgeous Seaview from Bang Sarey Hills! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 470 Sqm/600 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR2424) Nice Rental Home in Phoenix Golf Course Area! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/600 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5230) Fantastic Home in the Mabprachan Lake Area!

Rental Price 80,000 Baht/ Month, 5 Bedrooms/3+1 Bathrooms, 360 Sqm/400 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR0193)

Stunning Home with Large Swimming Pool for Rent! Rental Price 75,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/200 T LW. Fo r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR5070) B e a c h f r o n t Vi l l a w i t h Impressive Interior Design!

Rental Price 130,000 Baht/ Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/400 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR6017)

Condo for Sale

(ptm-cfs0712)Waters Edge, N a Jo m t i e n , a b s o l u t e beachfront, 70sq mts corner unit. Amazing sea views.

6,300,000. 087 901 5229 (ptmcfs-p1212)Condo for Sale. Top five nice sea view in Pattaya!! 116sq.m.

2bedrooms 3bathrooms 2balconies 3aircons on hifl. fully furnished, excellent design, perfect condition with LCD 42”, nice atmosphere & peaceful area at NaJomtien beach. 1 min. walk to the beach, very quick sale only 36,000/sqm. call owner 081 933 2240 ask pictures pitipity@hotmail.com View Talay 5 C - A really stylish finish and modern furnishings in this mid floor studio 48 sqm on the Pattaya side of these very popular beachfront buildings with stunning sea views over KohLarn Island.

The studio offers a truly luxurious bathroom, fitted wardrobes, a fully functional European Kitchen with hob, hood and breakfast bar, stylishly furnished living area, large balcony, huge communal pool, CCTV, 24/7 security and a couple of minutes stroll to the beautiful DongtanBeach and numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis.For Sale in foreign name: 3.3m Bt. Website Ref: CDOS587.

Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com View Talay Residence 3 - A spacious high floor furnished studio 55 sqm overlooking the pool in these very popular new low rise buildings at the top of Soi 5, just a 150m walk to Jomtien Beach and 100m from the new Jomtien Night Plaza. The property is stylishly furnished throughout offering 1 luxurious bathroom, European kitchen, larg e balcony, white flat screen LCD TV, communal pool, cafe, 24/7 security and just a short stroll to numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis. Has been rented out easily at 22-20,000 Bt per month. A

great investment for living property a really great knock down price.For Sale in foreign name: 2.8m Bt. Website Ref: CDOS528. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Amazing Pratamnak Seaview Penthouse! Selling Price 27.5 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom/5 Bathroom, 481.55 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4000) Fabulous and Low Priced Apartment at Ocean Marina!

Selling Price 19 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 274 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5414) Wonderfull y Designed Luxury Apartment! Selling Price 10.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 134 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5559)

ZZ/29 13

Beautiful Apartment with Sea Views! Selling Price 12.6 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 135 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR4136) Foreigner Ownership in Jomtien’s La Royale! Selling Price 11.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 148 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR4015) Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5786) Great Jomtien Beach Area Apartment! Selling Price 3.5 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/2 Bathrooms, 80 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR5084)

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1 - 15 December 2012

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 374535

Sea, Sunset and Island Views at Ocean Marina!

Selling Price 17.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/3 Bathroom.

177 Sqm, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR3834)

Condo for Sale

High Floor View Talay III Condo Apartment!! Selling Price 14.4 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 198 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR5075) Nicely Decorated Apa r t m e n t i n To w n a t Northshore! Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4990) Gr eat Sea Views and Stunning Décor in North Pattaya! Selling Price 7.474 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 74 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4862) Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 13.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR3990) Best priced Apartment in Na Jomtien’s Pine Shore Condo! Selling Price is 7.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 91 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4987)

Condo for Rent

FOR RENT: APARTMENT at LA ROYALE BEACH: on the beach of Najomtien, superb frontal 180° sea view, 2 bed 2 bath, large balcony w. jacuzzi,, fully equipped kitchen w. washing machine, 148 m², 26° fl., shady Pattaya side with amazing city views.

Modern style deco, newly furnished.Swimming pools, fitness, covered car park, 24h security. 44,000 THB month long term. Call 084.928.74.01 English, Français, Nederlands.

Very Impressive Sea View Apartment!! Rental Price is 40,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedrooms/1 Bathrooms, 64 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR5045) Beachfront Living at its Best for Rent! Rental Price is 42,000-227,500 Baht/ Month, 2-5 Bedrooms/2-5 Bathrooms, 77-450 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PRC084) Beachfront Life Style for Rent! Rental Price is 85,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 266 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR0737)

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North Pattaya Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 100,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 311 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4262) Modern Designed Beachfront Apartment! Rental Price is 48,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 101 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR5423) Stunning Apartment for Rent in Northshore! Rental Price 40,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 64 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4570) Fantastically Designed Apartment at Grand Condotel! Rental Price 42,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 95 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR4187) Stunning Apartment for Rent in Jomtien Beach Area! Rental Price 27,500 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 102 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4464) Modern Designed Beachfront Apartment!

Rental Price 60,000 Baht/ Month, 2+1 Bedroom/3 Bathroom. 214 Sqm, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR5166)

Beautiful Apartment with Spacious Living Area! Rental Price 55,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom.

340 Sqm, For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR5491)

Land for Sale

(ptm-lfs0012)Land for sale.

3.2 Rai 49 TLW, Close to Jomtien 2nd Road. Call: 084 754 4214 (ptm-lfs0712)1 Rai Bang Saray, close beach Filled, Cleared 3M BHT, 084 105 4533

Services Provided

PAC Co., Ltd. Can renovate yo u r c o n d o a t a ve r y reasonable price with very good standard of work. Ring 087 139 1539 for estimates Eng, 087 150 4845 Thai If You ar e Having a P r o b l e m w i t h Yo u r Computer either software orhardware,please phone 0868202577 or 0811574561 (Thai &Eng). I will go to service at your place.

If you are Looking for a Computer Graphic Designer,Web designer or would like to make someprintedmatters inreasonable price, please phone 0868202577 (Thai) or 0811574561 (Thai &Eng) or e-mail: info@ ssallinone.com

Job Vacancies

(ptmjv-a1212) Wanted Thai Staff for working in Restaurant. Contact Mr. Joshi – 088 820 2024. Annapurna Restaurant, 159/154, Moo 5, Soi 4, opposite World Gems Collection, Pattaya Nua. Junior Graphic, Junior Accountant at True North, Production Manager at URS’s behalf. Requirements: Secondary 6/Vocational - Salary based on ability - Full-time; Sr. Account Representative John. - No age limit. Requirements: Bachelor Degree- Salary based on ability - Full-timeThe experience will be an advantage. Call: K. Nid 082 478 6444, email: nidjarin@ silvermover.com Assistant to Condominium Manager Wanted.We are looking for a female who is interested in working with property management.Job description: customer service to the condo community residents, proper ty inspections of the common areas, building’s accounting and more.Requirements: Good written and spoken English, independent, well organize, good computer and accountant skills. Experience is a plus.Salary according to skills. CV with photo to allott25@hotmail.com

HOUSES FOR SALE Charming Tropical Bangsarey Home! Selling Price 12.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 160 Sqm/183 TLW. Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 29 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. Great Mabprachan Lake Family Home! Selling Price 11.9 Million Baht and Renting at 90,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 330 Sqm/350 TLW. Nice Home with Large Swimming Pool & Garden! Selling Price 9.5 Million Baht and 6 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 560 Sqm/400 TLW. Amazing Pratamnak Luxury Estate! Selling Price 60 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 634 Sqm/330 TLW. Oriental Thai House in Jomtien Location! Selling Price 15.9 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 450 Sqm/155 TLW. Stunning Townhome on Jomtien’s Dongtan Beachfront! Selling Price 22 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/4 Bathrooms, 25 TLW/400 Sqm. Charming Detached House with swimming pool and lovely gardens in Wongamat Location! Selling Price 25 Million Baht, Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathrooms, 300 TLW/300 Sqm. Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 Sqm.

HOUSES FOR RENT Fantastic Home in Great Developement! Rental Price 110,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 440 Sqm/300 TLW. Exclusive Home in Family Friendly Village! Rental Price 110,000 Baht/ Month, 4 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/400 TLW. Impressive Lakeside Estate Home! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 5 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 650 Sqm/600 TLW. This is an absolutely fantastic family home right on a lake next to Phoenix Golf Club and in the country just minutes from town.

Resort Living just 50 meters from the Beach in Jomtien! Rental Price 75,000 Baht / Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/25 TLW. Gorgeous Seaview from Bang Sarey Hills! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 470 Sqm/600 TLW. Nice Rental Home in Phoenix Golf Course Area! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/ Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/600 TLW. Fantastic Home in the Mabprachan Lake Area! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/ Month, 5 Bedrooms/3+1 Bathrooms, 360 Sqm/400 TLW. Stunning Home with Large Swimming Pool for Rent! Rental Price 75,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/200 TLW. Beachfront Villa with Impressive Interior Design! Rental Price 130,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/400 TLW.

CONDOS FOR SALE Amazing Pratamnak Seaview Penthouse! Selling Price 27.5 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom/5 Bathroom, 481.55 Sqm. Fabulous and Low Priced Apartment at Ocean Marina! Selling Price 19 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 274 Sqm. Wonderfully Designed Luxury Apartment! Selling Price 10.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 134 Sqm. Beautiful Apartment with Sea Views! Selling Price 12.6 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 135 Sqm. Foreigner Ownership in Jomtien’s La Royale! Selling Price 11.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 148 Sqm. Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm. Great Jomtien Beach Area Apartment! Selling Price 3.5 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/2 Bathrooms, 80 Sqm. High Floor View Talay III Condo Apartment!! Selling Price 14.4 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 198 Sqm. Nicely Decorated Apartment in Town at Northshore! Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. Great Sea Views and Stunning Décor in North Pattaya! Selling Price 7.474 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 74 Sqm. Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 13.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. Best priced Apartment in Na Jomtien’s Pine Shore Condo! Selling Price is 7.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 91 Sqm. Sea, Sunset and Island Views at Ocean Marina! Selling Price 17.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/3 Bathroom. 177 Sqm.

CONDOS FOR RENT Very Impressive Sea View Apartment!! Rental Price is 40,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedrooms/1 Bathrooms, 64 Sqm. Beachfront Living at its Best for Rent! Rental Price is 42,000-227,500 Baht/ Month, 2-5 Bedrooms/2-5 Bathrooms, 77-450 Sqm. Beachfront Life Style for Rent! Rental Price is 85,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 266 Sqm. North Pattaya Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 100,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 311 Sqm. Modern Designed Beachfront Apartment! Rental Price is 48,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 101 Sqm. Stunning Apartment for Rent in Northshore! Rental Price 40,000 Baht/ Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 64 Sqm. Fantastically Designed Apartment at Grand Condotel! Rental Price 42,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 95 Sqm. Stunning Apartment for Rent in Jomtien Beach Area! Rental Price 27,500 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 102 Sqm. Modern Designed Beachfront Apartment! Rental Price 60,000 Baht/Month, 2+1 Bedroom/3 Bathroom. 214 Sqm. Beautiful Apartment with Spacious Living Area! Rental Price 55,000 Baht/ Month, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom. 340 Sqm.

Call Premier Homes Co., Ltd. 038-231-931 and 081-64-2915

E-mail: premier@loxinfo.co.th

www.premierinternatinal.com

1 - 15 December 2012

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 374535

Job Vacancies

Position: CM Executive (Pattaya). Purpose of the job: Provide high quality efficient customer services, Po i n t o f c o n t a c t a n d customer services on-site, Manage client foot traffic on-site, Responsible for General Administration of Reservation and Contract, M a n a g e p ay m e n t s a n d receipts, Responsible Sales Administration, Manage and Coordinate client requests and feedback between site and Head Office, Support Head Office Operations.

K ey Accountabilities: CM Executive is located at PattayaSales office and dedicated to be point of customer services on-site; Responsible for executing contracts in timely manner; CM Executive responds to the clients’ enquiries and requests. If CM Executive doesn’t have the immediate solution then she/he discusses with CM Manager and AVP-CM; CM Executive is required to support other projects and head office operation when necessary; Client profile in the system responsibility of the CM Executive at the time of executing contracts and must be constantly updating and renewing client profile information in the system; Entering all correct data

and on-going cases and its status of the corresponding client in the system is responsibility of CM Executive.Qualification:At least Bachelor Degree in any field; Good team player; The ability to lead and demonstrate a “can do “ attitude.;Minimum 1 year work experience in client relations field; Ability to work in MS office; Well organized and good understanding of responsibility; Good understanding of legal terms and contracts; Excellent level of spoken and written English; Have strong interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills; To be able to work under pressure a n d d e a d l i n e. E - m a i l : careers@raimonland. com or call 02-6519601 Ext. 191 Contact person: Khun Vatanya.

Position: Sales Executive (Pattaya). Key Accountabilities: Conduct Sales of luxury real estate in Pattaya; Conduct on-going sales follow up by phone and email; Assist with various tasks associated with the marketing efforts of luxury real estate.

Qualification:Bachelor Degree in any field; Minimum 2 years of experience in Property; Excellent command in English, verbal and writing skills; Good computer skills with the ability to operate

basic computer programs and internet; Service-minded, enthusiastic, self motivated and confident personality and good telephone manner required.E-mail: careers@ r a i m o n l a n d . c o m o r call 02-651-9601 Ext. 191 Contact person: Khun Vatanya.

Position: Sales Executive – PRC (2 positions).

Location: Bangkok based, Pattaya based. Key Accountabilities: Excellent verbal and written English skills; Extensive real estate related sales and sales management background; Experience offering shared ownership products like timeshares, Vacation or Fr a c t i o n a l O w n e r s h i p, Private Residence Clubs; Excellent communications skill; Good computer skills; Past management experience helpful; Professional appearance and demeanor.

Qualification: Conduct direct sales of fractional or time share real estate products; Conduct ongoing sales follow up by phone and email; Assist with various tasks associated with the marketing efforts of fractional real estate; Assist with various tasks developing The «Private Residence Clubs» sales team.E-mail: careers@raimonland. com or call 02-6519601 Ext. 191 Contact person: Khun Vatanya.

Position: Agent Coordinator (Pattaya).

K ey Accountabilities: Create and Maintain Relationship with existing Agent Network; Recruit New Agents both locally as internationally; Monitor & Renew Agency Agreements and Performance; Control Registration Procedures from Clients introduced by Agents; Assist Agents in the whole selling process to their clients; Coordinate Visits to RL Properties; Selling to referral clients introduced by the Agent; Organize Agent Events; Maintain RL database in relation to Agents/Events.

Qualification:Bachelor Degree in any field.Minimum 4 year of experience in Property Sales.Excellent command in English, verbal and writing skills.

Good computer skills with the ability to operate basic computer programs and internet.Ser vice-minded, enthusiastic, self-motivated and confident personality and good telephone manner required. E-mail: careers@ raimonland.com or call 02651-9601 Ext. 191 Contact person: Khun Vatanya.

Urgent! Experienced Wa i t r e s s Wa n t e d f o r International restaurant.

Must speak English. Good salary + tips. Call 091 240 4331.

Restaurant Casa Pascal has Following Vacancies.

Service: 1 Captain (Female or Male) Good command of English is essential, 2 Waitress / Waiter acceptable command of English is required. Part–time are also welcome. Kitchen: 1.

Chef de parties, acceptable command of English is required; 2. Cooks/Cook Helper. Part–time are also welcome. Admin: 1. Cashier/ Accountant, good command of English is essential. We pay extremely good salaries and excellent benefits to the successful candidates.

Remuneration package includes: Duty Meals, Salary, Sales Commission, 71 paid holydays, Overtime paid, Ser vice Charge, M o n t h l y Pe r f o r m a n c e Bonus, Tips sharing, special incentives. Applicants please call 038 723 660 / 0850964374 for interview. www.casa-pascal.com BulgamaSauna.Sauna, restaurant & massage. Newly Opened Korean-Style sauna is looking for Thai staffs to start as soon as possible. Good Salary + incentive. Thai Massager, Foot Massager

ZZ/31 15

10 positions; Cook Thai, Chinese or European 2 positions; Cook Assistant 3 positions. Contact: Khun Poon: 089 422 8280, Office: 038 170 951, E-mail: bulgama@hotmail.co.th, Address: 45, Moo 7, Nongplalai, Banglamung, Chonburi20150 Real Estate Staff Required for New Company. Must speak English and have own transport. Please apply to: info@anaakot-group.com A c c o u n t a n t Po s i t i o n Available for new real estate company. Please apply to: info@anaakot-group.com

Vehiclesfor Sale

Motorbike for Sale. Beautiful red Psx150, 6 months old.

2000km Cost 80,000, Sell 66,000. Eng 086 157 3739, Thai 087 861 6628 For Sale Honda Air Blade, w h i t e c o l o r, e xc e l l e n t condition, change oil every month. Asking 25,000 baht.

Phone 085 698-2096 (ptmvs-c000) Tata Xenon Drop Side Truck 2011, Single cab, 2.2 litre turbo, CNG fuel. One owner, from new cost 580,000Bt. Real bargain 390,000 Bt. Call 087 139 1539

Deadline Issue December 16 - 31 Please Forward Your Classifieds by 5:00 PM December 7 E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net Fax : 038 - 374 535 Or drop off at our office 221/3 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

Tel : 038 - 374 534

E DUCATION

www.pattayatoday.net

1 - 15 December 2012

33

Can you see your child thinking?

by Amy Chapman Over recent years a Harvard University research team called Project Zero has completed extensive research into a teaching concept called Visible Thinking. The research looked at how children think and learn, considering the depth of their understanding, their ability to make connections between facts and reality and their engagement with learning. They found that many children only think in shallow ways, this was not for lack of ability but due to a lack of education in how to think and learn. The overall outcome being that children who are educated to think will become children that are not closed-minded but openminded, not bored but curious, neither gullible

nor sweepingly negative but appropriately skeptical, not satisfied with "just the facts" but wanting to understand.

In the past it has been suggested that skills and abilities are the key factors in producing successful learners. Of course it can never be debated that they are of great importance, but awareness of opportunities that require thinking and positive attitudes toward thinking and learning are tremendously important as well.

Visible thinking suggests that many current practices of teaching focus on memorising content rather than exploring ideas. If a child is assessed when the content is simply memorized it can leave very little leeway for pupils’

These photos are examples from the Project Zero Website, demonstrating what Visible Thinking looks like in action. (www.pz.harvard.edu/vt/visiblethinking_html_files/VisibleThinking1.html)

Dynamite Diwali at GIS

by Mark Beales Garden International School staged yet another spectacular Diwali night as hundreds of guests came to celebrate this major Indian festival. After a fantastic buffet dinner served up by Zaika Restaurant in Pattaya, more than 300 visitors watched a fireworks display and then sat down to enjoy some spectacular performances. First up were Hansika and Jhanvi who performed a Rajastani folk dance, followed by a Nachle remix, put on by Apoorva,

Gauri and Heta. Next came a performance by Lilly, Swamini and Tanya. IB students took to the stage for an energyfilled dance routine dubbed Modern Mix Up: Thug Le. It featured Arwut, Sopon, Maria, Sofia, Nan and Louis.

Following this, Harshita, Vidooshi and Anvita danced to Gunguna Re, then Abhigyan, Anushka, Jignil, Shilpi, Srishti, Yash and Arjit from Years 8 and 9 performed their own Face Off. To round off the evening, Parth, Harsha,

Lalit and Azeez performed Dancing Duos, then Yogesh and Heta set the stage on fire with some eye-popping dance moves. The finale was left in the hands of the student band Hat-Trick (Rohit, Rain, Robert, Jiaxine, Ben B and Yogesh) who performed Socha Hai. The whole event was an incredible success brilliantly organized by the IB students with help from Morris, Baker, Lenz and John from MIS. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is

individual learning styles and skills. If a child is assessed on how they can explore an idea rather than memorize it, a teacher can see a student’s thinking because misconceptions, prior knowledge, reasoning ability, and degrees of understanding are more likely to be uncovered.

Project Zero also suggest that teaching children how to think is the best way to prepare them for their future. Suggesting that as educators and parents, we should always aim to prepare our children for their future careers, but how can we do that when some of the jobs we are preparing them for may not have even been invented yet? Teaching them how to think and how to take advantage of situations to think is a way that this dilemma can be overcome. Producing young adults who can demonstrate a deep level of understanding, engage with learning and learn independently.

Leaving us with the question: How can we make our children’s thinking visible?

The Project Zero Website offers a vast a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the time when the Indian sage Mahavira attained a state of nirvana. The generous event sponsors were the Camel Pub, Kon Tong Grill (Tex-Mex), Aditya Birla Chemicals, Indorama Ventures, Lek Furniture Store and Dream Hygeine.

For more on GIS in Ban Chang visit www.gardenra yong.com

amount of information and resources showing the wide variety of routines and ideals that can be used across all subjects and levels. Some examples of how children can develop Visible Thinking are things such as encouraging children to challenge information they are given, ask why, how and what, compare information about the past or other countries to their own lives. Consider factors such as whether things are true, fair, objective or subjective and able use this knowledge to demonstrate understanding. If children get things wrong in the classroom or at home, to simply tell them it is not correct does not allow for the child to think or learn from their mistakes. Encouraging them to think and discover why what they have done is not correct has much more meaning than simply telling them the simple fact.

If you are interested in learning more check out the Visible Thinking website www. pz.harvard.edu/vt/visiblethinking_html_files/ VisibleThinking1.html .

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1 - 15 December 2012

E NTERTAINMENT

www.pattayatoday.net

Bryan Adams Rocks the World

by Peter Read

Bryan Guy Adams came into the world on bonfire night--Nov. 5, 1959. Canadian born to British parents whilst from his grandmother he also inherited Maltese ancestry. Bryan spent his formative years always on the move due to his father’s diplomatic postings, which included a year in Tel Aviv, Israel, four years plus in Lisbon, Portugal, and a year in Vienna, Austria, as well as extensive postings throughout Britain. Finally, when he was 14 the Adams’ family returned to Canada to settle in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Upon the family’s return to Canada Bryan soon found parttime work as a dishwasher to enable him to earn money to buy a guitar. He quit that job after a year, and with guitar in hand, formed his own group and started auditioning as a guitarist.

Whilst on the auditioning front he landed a few jobs including lead vocals on a single released by ‘Sweeney Todd’. At 15 he quit school to play nightclubs, go on tour, and found work as a backing vocalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

In 1978, aged 18, Bryan met Jim Vallance, former drummer and principal songwriter for Vancouver-based rock band ‘Prism’. They became friends; in fact they are still best friends to this day. This partnership was the first real step on his road to stardom.

In late 1978 Bryan signed his first record contract with A&M Records for the paltry sum of one dollar, and whilst some of his earlier recordings have surfaced over the years, originally they had little success until 1983 when the song ‘Straight From the

Heart’, from his third album ‘Cuts Like a Knife’, became his first top-ten hit in the US. Released in November 1984, Bryan’s next album, ‘Reckless’, hit the top spot in the US and gave us such classic hits as ‘Run To You’, ‘Summer of ‘69’, ‘One Night Love Affair’, ‘Somebody’ and ‘It’s Only Love’--a duet with Tina Turner. In December Bryan and his group played concerts in Chicago, Detroit, New York and Philadelphia.

Into 1985 and more touring. This time throughout the United States, then later Japan, Australia, Europe and at last Canada, after which he took part in an ensemble of Canadian artists to record ‘Tears are Not Enough’, in aid of the African famine relief effort. He was then back touring, this time with Tina Turner, visiting 50 cities across Europe, then more gigs throughout the States and Canada.

The follow-up album to ‘Reckless’, ‘Into the Fire’ was released in 1987 and hit the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic and introduced us to the singles ‘Heat of the Night’ and ‘Hearts on Fire’. In 1989 Bryan did backup singing on ‘Mötley Crüe’s’ album, ‘Dr. Feelgood’, and also on ‘Belinda Carlisle’s’ song, ‘Whatever It Takes’.

And that brings us to the 1990s and the release of his album ‘Waking Up the Neighbours’, which peaked at number 6 in the USA, but hit the top spot in both the UK and Germany. The album included his career biggest hit ‘Everything I do, I do it for You’, the song was featured on the album and a movie--‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’ starring Kevin Costner and Alan Rickman. The song was a massive hit throughout the world hitting him the top spot, and in the UK it held the top position for an incredible 16 weeks, a record that still stands to

this day. Bryan also picked up the Grammy Award in 1991 for ‘Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television’.

Bryan was once again back touring, which included two first-ever shows in Reykjavík, Iceland, and a concert at the Ritz Theatre in New York City on January 10.

The concert sold out in less than 20 minutes. Attending were music icons Ben E. King and Nona Hendryx. He then went on to tour in New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Europe.

In November 1993 Bryan released a compilation album entitled ‘So Far So Good’, which once again hit the top spot in many countries around the globe and included the hit single ‘Please Forgive Me’. Onto 1994 when he collaborated with Rod Stewart and Sting on the single ‘All For Love’ written for the Motion Picture ‘Three Musketeers’, another No 1 single.

We saw Bryan with yet another No 1 single in 1995 with the release of ‘Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?’ from the movie ‘Don Juan DeMarco’. Onto the release of his next album in June 1996, ‘18 Till I Die’, another major hit in the UK, Australia, the US and Germany, and included the hits ‘The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me’ and ‘Lets Make a Night to Remember’.

On 27 July Bryan performed at Wembley Stadium in London in front of a crowd of about 70,000. It was his second soldout concert there and it is often considered his biggest concert ever as it went out live to 25 countries. Fans from all over the world came up to watch the performance, which received rave reviews from audience and critics alike.

In December 1997 Bryan released the album ‘MTV Unplugged’, which included three new tracks ‘Back To You’, ‘A Little Love’ and ‘When You Love Someone’. His next album ‘On a Day Like This’ was released in 1998 and it generated two top-ten singles in the UK ‘Cloud Number Nine’ and a duet with Melanie C of ‘The Spice Girls’, ‘When You’re Gone’.

To finish of the 90s Bryan released the album ‘The Best of Me’ with the title track becoming very successful.

On Nov. 27, 2000, Bryan played on-stage with The Who at the Royal Albert Hall. A DVD of the concert was issued.

Bryan photographed the band and his photos appear in the DVD booklet.

Throughout the first decade of the 21st Century, although not as huge as he once was, Bryan has still not been far away from the limelight. Highlights included: Writing and performing on the soundtrack of the movies ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’, ‘The Guardian’, ‘Bobby’ and the Disney movie ‘Old Dogs’.

September 2004 saw the release of the album ‘Room Ser-

vice’, the album did well throughout the world, debuting at number one on Billboard’s European album chart.

In 2005 he released ‘Anthology’--the first two-disc compilation CD that also included two new tracks and featured a new version of ‘When Your Gone’ with Melanie C. 2008 saw the release of his eleventh album, appropriately entitled ‘11’ for which he embarked on an 11-day, 11-country European tour, and although it made the top spot in Canada and number two in Germany it failed to capture the imagination of the USA record buying public.

On Feb. 12, 2010, Bryan performed a duet with Nelly Furtado. The song was called ‘Bang the Drum’ and was co-written with Jim Vallance for the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, in front of 60,000 spectators at BC Place Stadium.

Bryan was one of several well known Canadian musicians to visit Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at his official residence for an informal jam session.

Bryan Adams performed at the opening ceremony of ICC World Cup Cricket 2011 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

On Jan. 31, 2012, he announced a 20-date concert tour across Canada between April and June, to be followed by a new studio album expected to be released late in the year.

Most of Adams’ philanthropic activity is dedicated to his foundation ‘The Bryan Adams Foundation’, which aims to advance education and learning opportunities for children and young people worldwide, believing that an education is the best gift that a child can be given.

The foundation is mostly funded by his photographic activities. Bryan has had his photographs published in British Vogue, L’uomo Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Interview magazine and i-D, among others. His other photographic efforts include founding ‘Zoo Magazine’, the fashion/art magazine based in Berlin, Germany which he shoots for regularly. As a photographer, he has worked with many of his musical peers, including Shania Twain, Mick Jagger, Arcade Fire, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Robert Plant, Take That, Joss Stone, Plácido Domingo, Sarah McLachlan, Celine Dion, Billy Idol, Moby, Lindsay Lohan, Amy Winehouse, t.A.T.u., Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Ferry, Lenny Kravitz, Die Antwoord, and Morrissey to name a few.

In 2002, Bryan was invited, along with other photographers from the Commonwealth, to photograph Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee; one of the photographs from this session was used as a Canadian postage stamp in 2004 and again in 2005, another portrait of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is now in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

You have to admit that to have succeeded to such high levels in two of the world’s hardest professions, the music industry and photography, Bryan is a special kind of guy, and I am sure we have not heard the final chapter in this intriguing life story.

E NTERTAINMENT

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1 - 15 December 2012

Close shave for General de Gaulle

It’s difficult to categorize Fred Zinnemann’s movie, Day of the Jackal (1973). It’s not really a who-dunnit, as we know from the start that the president of France doesn’t get shot by an assassin but dies peacefully in his bed some years later. Nor is it a particularly violent film. There are several

a watermelon pierced by an explosive bullet as The Jackal practices what he hopes to do to General de Gaulle.

Day of the Jackal is clearly a suspense classic because the screenplay assembles an incredible array of complicated material which then unfolds in almost documentary starkness.

people murdered in it, but Edward Fox (as the assassin, The Jackal) feels there is no alternative and puts them out of their misery very quickly. In fact the most gruesome image in the entire film is the rear shot of

We never really find out who the “Jackal” really is. Perhaps he is British and maybe he killed dictator Trujillo in the Dominican Republic in 1961 (the movie wrongly refers to Dominica which is a different

BOOK REVIEW

by Barry Kenyon

Have you promised your organs for harvesting after death?

According to a new book, The Undead (Dick Teresi, Pantheon Books, 350pp, US $27), “pretty dead” is good enough for transplant surgeons who stress that if you wait for everything to be 100 percent dead you’d never have an organ donation.

In history, lack of a heartbeat was the gold standard for determining if you had dropped off this mortal coil.

But not even that was fool proof. People declared dead do come back to life and rigor mortis sometimes occurs in the living. Even stiffness or coldness or lack of a pulse can be misleading. A researcher in 18th century France recorded 150 pages of accounts of premature burials and mistaken deaths.

To get round this problem the ancient Greeks cut off a finger and the Slavs rubbed bodies with warm water. The

country). Anyway he is hired in 1962 by a group of Frenchman who want de Gaulle assassinated. His price is US $500,000--nearly $4 million in today’s values. “Considering that I’m handing you France, I wouldn’t call that expensive,” he crows.

Working from Frederick Forsyth’s bestseller, Zinnemann tells both sides of the story as it unfolds during the month of August 1963. The Jackal prepares two disguises and three identities, getting a legal British passport in the name of a child who died in 1931 and calls on European experts for his materials. An old gunsmith, expertly played

by Cyril Cusack, makes a weird-looking lightweight rifle with silencer, sniper scope and explosive bullets. A forger provides French identity papers and a driver’s license but is murdered after he tries to blackmail The Jackal. Then the contract killer enters France to work out the details of his attempt to murder the president.

Meanwhile the French government has received information that an attempt will be made on de Gaulle’s life. But

the general absolutely insists he will make no changes in his public schedule and that all attempts to block the assassination must be conducted in secrecy. Top police forces in other countries add their own skills and knowledge but they don’t even know who this “Jackal” is. Much of the fascination of the movie is the insight into police investigative work which is a combination of exhaustive checking and intuition. But The Jackal is clever too and keeps on running and scheming even after his false identity is discovered.

Edward Fox is not portrayed as a killer with luck but one with uncommon intelligence and nerves of steel.

Fox was not well known by cinema audiences in the early 1970s, but he’s an excellent choice. There is not much chance in the fast-paced movie for in-depth characterization, but he portrays a convincing persona – boyishly charming, impeccably groomed, possessed of an easy laugh and casually ruthless.

He kills instantly but only if there is a reason. For example, he murders a woman he sleeps with on a one-night stand and

kills a gay man he picks up in a Paris sauna precisely because they find out who he is and what he intends to do to shake up France.

The movie was filmed at great cost all over Europe, mostly on location, and that special care shows in the finished product. Zinnemann mastered every detail including the casting of a perfect de Gaulle look-alike. It was initially a disappointing arrival at the box office but soon found a cult following and has been a great success on both video and DVD. You can buy it today from Amazon for around US $8. But even the most recent DVD has few extras. A remake of 1997 is best forgot-

ten and bears few similarities with the original. It is often asked if the Zinnemann movie is based on fact.

Afraid not; it is based on Forsyth’s novel.

Although the movie begins with a true incident – an attack on de Gaulle’s fast-moving car by armed mercenaries in the Paris suburbs in which nobody was killed or injured, the rest of the movie is pure fiction. Several international criminals were known as The Jackal but none of them ever took a potshot at de Gaulle as he congratulated former members of the Resistance at a celebration recalling the liberation of France from the Germans. Not to worry, it’s a great story.

How dead is dead? by elizabeth royte ancient Hebrews considered putrefaction and the awful smell the only sure guide that you had indeed fallen from your earthly perch. As science progressed you were given an extra chance – smelling salts, electric shocks, sharp pricks in your finger and the application of acid on the bare skin.

In 1981 the Uniform Determination of Death Act in the United States declared that, to be dead, your entire brain has to cease to function irreversibly. But the act is silent on how the function is measured.

The assumption is that the brain-dead will quickly move to conventional heart-lung

death. Alarmingly, the braindead can maintain a long list of bodily functions, including some sexual response, stress responses to surgery and the ability to gestate a fetus.

The result is that death can be a human construct of

convenience where a patient lives in a “death lite” netherworld with a nonresponsive brain cortex but a functioning brain stem. A tiny minority of patients in this vegetative state have been known to sit up and speak. The author writes,

“We would all sleep better at night if we could believe that patients being harvested for organs were unaware, but that does not make it so.”

Dick Teresi consorts with death in many places – mortuaries, execution chambers, hospices, intensive care units and meetings of people discussing near-death experiences. But he steers a wide berth around two important groups in this unseemly drama – grateful organ recipients and those who are in a persistently vegetative state for years. Thus the book raises many critical questions about death, but it doesn’t provide all the answers by any means.

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1 - 15 December 2012

L OCAL S PORTS

www.pattayatoday.net

PSC golf from the Growling Swan

PSC Golf from Tropical Bert's

by Peter Blackburn

by Derek Brook

On a fine and sunny Pattaya morning we made our way to The Growling Swan to prepare for the journey to the challenging Treasure Hill Golf Course. A couple of late cancellations brought our numbers to 30. We welcomed our good friend Walter Baechli back from his cycling tour of Northern Thailand and new-

comer George Smails from Newcastle, UK. Our numbers were once again boosted by two groups of Growling Swan “delinquents” who this time insisted on being together in one minivan for reasons best known to themselves.

It was time to farewell Lindsay Fry who is returning to New Zealand on the weekend and also Eric “Judge” Black and Paul Simons who are returning to Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Our three full mini vans arrived at the quiet course in 50 minutes. After announcing explanations and instructions for the format of the day, which for the first time included an additional competition of “Divorce Pairs,” our first four ball got away at 9.55 a.m.

The weather was terrific and there was noone in front of us so we proceeded at a very good pace, enjoying the condition of the course along the way. The areas around some of the greens that had received much work were progressing well and the greens themselves were in good condition. We took just under two hours to complete our front nine and, with the weather remaining perfect, just had the one drink stop before tackling the “Crocodile Hole”, which most of our group managed to score on for a change (except J J). We finished our round in a little under four hours.

It was an enjoyable round (particularly with a group of four “stirrers”) and the Divorce Pairs format caused plenty of cursing and finger pointing, but it was all good natured.

We still played our own individual Stableford game but were paired off within our groups, i.e., the first two players in the group were a pair and the next two also, etc. The idea then was after completion of a hole, the points of one of the pair was multiplied by the points of their partner. For instance if player One has 5 for 2 and their partner, player Two, has 4 for 3, then 2 x 3 being 6 is their team score for that hole. The downfall is when one of the pair wipes a hole, as 0 times anything = 0. After the round all the team scores are totaled and the winners decided.

In addition to the Divorce Pairs competition we were able to have two grades: A Grade for handicaps 0 to 21 and B Grade for handicaps of 22 and over. We also had nearest the pins on the four par threes and longest first- putt awards on the 9th and 18th. These were collectively sponsored by The Growling Swan, Bernie McCart, Brendan Byrne, Walter Baechli, Ken Bernek and Tony Olcorn. We thank these golfers for their generosity.

In a tight finish at the top of A Grade with two players on 36 points, it was Mike “Hunter” Gosden (18 point back nine) who ended up in first place with Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei (17 point back nine) in second spot. Irishman J J Harney was third with 35 points and with three golfers on 30 points it

was necessary to have a count-back to see who was going to miss out. Stu Rifkin (17 point back nine) was fourth and Takeshi Hakozaki (16 point back nine) was fifth with the unlucky one being Brendan “Casper” Byrne (14 point back nine). J C Lhoste was too good in the B Grade winning with 34 points and with three golfers on 33 points another count-back was required. In second place was Fred Dineley (18 point back nine) with Paul Simons (17 point back nine) third and Jerry Dobbs (15 point back nine) in fourth spot. In another count back to decide fifth place it was Max “Two Corsets” Bracegirdle (16 point back nine) who edged out Bernie McCart (14 point back nine), both having 30 points. With just two golfers able to play to their handicap it was the golf course that once more took honours on the day.

Winners in the Divorce Pairs competition were J C Lhoste and Alain Taddei with a combined score of 74 points and in a count-back for second and third places with both pairs having 62 points it was Peter Blackburn and J J Harney (44 point back nine) just beating Mike Gosden and Stu Rifkin (36 point back nine) Results for Treasure Hill: A Grade – 0 to 21

1st – Mike Gosden (12) - 36 points 2nd – Alain Taddei (18) - 36 points 3rd – J J Harney (11) - 35 points 4th – Stu Rifkin (14) - 30 points 5th – Takeshi Hakozaki (10) - 30 points

Pleasant Valley (Stableford) Well the high season is here and we now tend to play the courses that look after us in the low season and high season.So off we went to Pleasant Valley. This course is just ‘up the road’, so to speak, next bridge past Khao Kheow, turn right and it is on the left.

Simple, is it not?

The weather looked fine, as the sky looked good. Now who remembers so much rain in November? Still we were soon there and the day looked fair. Mind the course looked wet, but we were allowed carts on the course, so time to find out if the course was in decent condition.

We were away on time, but as it turned out we were following a 5- ball. As it happened they were playing at a fair pace so it was a good pace to set us all. The course was a bit soggy in places but all in all not bad. The fairways were in good condition, the rough was not too punishing and the greens, despite the odd problem, were fast and tricky. All in all we had a fine and enjoyable day out.

The view from the restaurant is as fine as from any restaurant, save maybe Pattana, and

Near Pin Colin Faraday (2), Coghlan and Mike Gaussa

Near Pin Mike Gaussa, Joel Flor, Kevin Dunne and Dick Warberg

Divorce Pairs

1st – J C Lhoste and Alain Taddei – 74 points 2nd – Peter Blackburn and JJ Harney – 62 points 3rd – Mike Gosden and Stu Rifkin – 62 points

NTP’s

9th – Ken Cornwall 18th – Peter Blackburn

The Growling Swan NAGA Award (for worst score on the day which discreetly is not made public) was won by big Ken Cornwall who took it in very good spirit and insisted on taking the NAGA cap to wear back at the bar. Deefa the Dog was once again paraded by big Ken; he collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya from our ever generous Growling Swan golfers. Back at The Growling Swan afterwards whilst consuming low-priced Aussie beers, much discussion was had regarding the Divorce Pairs format. Whilst most enjoyed the concept it’s probable that next time pairs will be comprised of a high handicapper with a low handicapper. Nevertheless, the day was once again enjoyable with lots of laughs and an element of “cheekiness” from certain members of the Growling Swan “delinquents” contingent!

Growling Swan Golf welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low and high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan (formerly The Bunker Bar) in Soi Chaiyapoon at 8 a.m. with transport departing at 8:30. For bookings or more information contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to petermbl@hotmail.com

Plutaluang (Stableford) I had a choice here: go to a course I do not particularly like, or stay in bed. Well stay in bed won, and I awaited the return of our brave group who ventured down there to tell

that is questionable. The food is well priced and of a good quality, so we were able to relax there before our drive back, which proved a bit of a dream. I woke up as we reached Pattaya; Mashi can be noisy at times, or perhaps it was the cough of the smokers.

It was not long before we got into the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 19, The winner was Mike Gaussa with 40 points ahead of Kevin Dunne with 39 points in second and Tony Scamber in third with 38 points. In the B Flight the winner was Joel Flor with 42 points ahead of Keith Phillips with 41 points in second and Colin Faraday in third with 38 points. Then it was time to relax and test ‘Happy 3 Hours’. T.T.F.N.

1st – J C Lhoste (23) - 34 points 2nd – Fred Dineley (29) – 33 points 3rd – Paul Simons (23) - 33 points 4th – Jerry Dobbs (24) – 33 points 5th – Max Bracegirdle (27) - 30 points

LFP’s

Kevin Dunne and Henry

me I had made a mistake. I waited in Bert’s with a cold beer refreshed and relaxed as they returned. This report is based on their comments: They played the North and West. I much prefer the other 18 holes, if I must play. This 18 holes usually grinds me down and I feel it would be better returned to the wild. It is infested with long leaf grass, however many players swear by this 18 holes and it is used for regional qualifiers.

Mind I felt much better in my decision.

The weather was ‘rain squalls’ all day and the course was wet with no roll. Also the rough was soggy and hard to get out of.

Seemingly the greens were in good condition, except for being a bit slow, and the rain and ground conditions made for a long round, well over 5 hours.

How sad.

All in all not the most successful of days, however the worst day on the golf course is better than the best day at work, and being a ‘goldie oldie’, I can tell you a ‘ lie in’ is better than struggling around a golf course you are not even keen on. For once I was not argued with by a band of windblown and soggy golfers.

So to the results and the winner with 34 points: Andre Van Dyk, ahead of Mike Gaussa with 32 points in second. We then had a count-back on 31 points that saw Henry O’Brien in third with Mike O’Brien and Daryl Evans just losing out. Then it was hot tea for some with the golfers’ special of fish, chips and peas. I had a few cold Un’s.

T.T.F.N.

B Grade – 22 and over

2nd – Ken Bernek 6th – Kae 13th – J J Harney 17th – Max Bracegirdle

Long Putt Wong

Mick

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L OCAL S PORTS

1 - 15 December 2012

37

PSC 120th monthly tournament Bunker Boys at The Ranch

by William Macey

Crystal Bay It was a perfect day for the 111 competitors (three no shows) who played in this month’s tournament at Crystal Bay – not too hot and the sun hidden by some light cloud. The

course was in fine condition as the leading scores demonstrated. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the clubhouse, which is in need of urgent refurbishment. Joe Mooneyham, golf chairman, and Nigel Cannon, social chairman, were at the course early to prepare for the registration. Clearly this course is not used to running major competitions; it took some firm negotiations by Joe to ensure that the competition ran smoothly, as there were a number of other groups scheduled to play. At times they had no caddies. Joe was at the drink stop between the two starts to ensure there were no infiltrators to our competition. Joe and Nigel handled the registration and both the leading groups were away on time with rounds of about 4 1/2 hours.

As the cards were handed in it was clear that there were going to be a number of good scores in all flights.

Low gross winner was Max Scott (3) who

by Geoff Parker

had a great round of 73 gross. Mark Wood (10) took ‘A’ Flight with a net 66. ‘B’ Flight winner Gerry Cooney (17) had the best of the day with 45 points. Frans Olgers (21) won ‘C’ Flight with 44 points. It was a threeway count-back to determine ‘D’ Flight with Mick O’Connor (24), Ivan Plunkett (23) and Don Camody (23) each having 41 points with Mick declared the winner on the best back 9. There were nine ladies. In top spot was Wendy Bernek (34) with 38 points, with regular Noi Emmerson (15) runner-up with 37. The presentation and reception this month was at Dicey Riley’s, who put on a fine buffet and some special drink prices. After all were satisfied, Nigel reminded members that tickets for the PSC Christmas Party were on sale at PSC Clubhouse. Joe Mooneyham then expressed his appreciation to all participants and said free tickets were still available for the Professional Tournament in early December at Amata Springs. Nigel then announced the

Eastern Star G.C. (Stableford) An almost full turnout of golfers as 31 players set off for what turned out to be an interesting, and at times exciting, round. The eight groups teed off on schedule under bright cloudy skies. By the time the first groups reached the third hole the rain arrived. Fortunately, it was only necessary to stop for 10 minutes, and the round continued smoothly until some threatening dark clouds started to gather on the inward nine. Thunder and lightning were close by and, although no rain arrived, several of the more sensible groups took shelter for 15 minutes until the storm passed.

One of the cavalier players who chose to play through the lightning was heard to comment on how difficult it was to putt when one’s bum is tightly puckered. The simple answer is that you don’t mess around with lightning on a golf course. What’s the point of taking a chance when you only have to wait a few minutes to carry on without risk to life or limb. The round was eventually completed in bright sun-

winners. Lucky draw followed with many going home with a little extra. The 50/50 winner was a delighted and happy Jack Robertson. The next PSC monthly is on Friday Dec. 14 at Mountain Shadow; sign-up sheets are in the clubhouse. shine and the main topic of conversation back at The Ranch was—unsurprisingly—tropical storms and when will they end this year!

A Flight 1st Gerry Cooney(hcp. 12) 37 points 2nd Paul Smith(hcp. 5) 34 points 3rd Neil Hurst(hcp. 12) 34 points B Flight 1st Paul Edgar(hcp. 17) 30 points 2nd Les Burns(hcp. 30) 27 points 3rd Gary Leigh(hcp. 17) 26 points Near pins : Colin Greig, Gerry Cooney, Neil Hurst and Keith Smithson.

Emerald G.C. (Stableford) A late change of venue was necessary when we were unable to secure the extra tee times we required at Khaow Kheow, so we switched to the Emerald course. Our last visit to Emerald was at the end of September, and at that time the course was severely damaged and we’d decided to give it a rest for a while. We’d heard recent reports that the course was recovering, so today was an ideal opportunity to assess the progress made. We were disappointed to find that the course hasn’t fully recovered, although some of the damaged areas around the greens are starting to improve. The fairways were muddy and soft following recent heavy rains, so conditions were far from ideal. All in all it’s going to be a couple more months at best before the course gets anywhere near back to its previous condition, which is sad because most players would rate it as one of their favourite local venues. Ex-Bunker Boys champion John Hughes rediscovered some form to record the best score of the day, one point ahead of Keith Smithson; they were the only two who played to their handicap on the day.

A Flight 1st Keith Smithson (hcp. 2) 36 points 2nd Gerry Cooney (hcp. 12) 35 points

3rd Paul Smith(hcp. 5) 34 points B Flight 1st John Hughes(hcp. 17) 37 points 2nd Gary Leigh(hcp. 17) 35 points 3rd Mike Corner(hcp. 18) 33 points Near pins: Geoff Hart, Gerry Cooney, Roger Touhey and Paul Smith.

The 7th John Preddy Memorial Charity Tournament Mountain Shadow (Stableford) A full field of 72 players assembled at Montain Shadow to compete in the annual competition for the coveted John Preddy trophy and to raise funds for the A.T.T.C. charity. We were generously supported by our sponsors, KPK Foods, Indophil Resources, The Ranch, DHL and the Triangle Bar, so there were some great prizes available. The players were competing in four-man teams for the individual Stableford competition and a simultaneous team competition (best three individual scores on each hole). After the usual last minute cancellations, substitutions and late arrivals, all the teams eventually got away. The course was in good condition and relatively clear, so the only holdups were caused by our own slower teams.

Both the individual and team competitions were keenly contested and some great scores were returned.

Even the novelty competition on the 18th hole (nearest the tree) required a winning shot from Thomas Nyborg which ended up touching the tree--and leaving him no second shot! There was a great turnout for the presentation and free buffet back at The Ranch, and Buff did us proud with a great spread of food, which was almost (but not quite) totally consumed by the hungry golfers. The raffle was a great success (thanks to a great job by Gordon and Marion selling the tickets). We’ll report details of the funds raised for A.T.T.C. later.

Individual Competition 1st Freddy (hcp. 20) 43 points 2nd Owen Walkeley(hcp. 10) 40 points 3rd John Hughes(hcp. 17) 38 points Team Competition 1st Rigsby’s Rogues (John Hughes, Paul Smith, Keith Smithson and Mike Lloyd) 123 points 2nd Brian’s Bandits (Brian Maddox, Owen Walkeley, Les Burns and Tom Jones)121 points Longest Drive : Paul Smith Longest Putt : Nick Caulfield Near pins : JJ Harney, Lee Butler, Laurence Harding and Paul Smith.

Nearest the Tree (18th hole) : Thomas Nyborg Booby Prize : Scott Bruehart The Bunker Boys are a PSC-affiliated golf society who play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya Third Road (in front of the fire station opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

If you enjoy a fun day out and a friendly but competitive golf competition, why not come and join us? We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation. New players are always welcome. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at http://www.bunkersociety.com

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1 - 15 December 2012

B EAUTY & W ELLNESS

Oh, my aching back Stop complaining; take a walk

Are you suffering from lower back pain? Are you tempted to sit it out until the pain subsides or just lie down and sleep it off? Well stop complaining and get moving. First to a medical professional to ensure the pain is not being caused by some serious ailment, then to the beach, a park, a gym or anyplace where you can walk and/or exercise.

Assuming your doctor doesn’t forbid activity, go ahead and get active. The pain probably stems from having pulled a muscle that caused swelling in your lower-back. That, in turn, presses on your nerves. Moderate exercise--like walking, swimming and yoga--helps decrease inflammation and swelling.

Lower back pain is quite common. Ask around during your next pub visit; chances are every other bloke is suffering—or has suffered—similar ailments. The condition usually vanishes within a matter of weeks, giving you the option of

Did you know?

Sleeping at least six hours each night – but no more than nine hours -- can help turn back the clock on your age. That’s true for men and even more so for women. For optimum anti-aging benefits, try to get about seven hours of sleep.

Men: Be Careful Out There

A cheap deal is not always a good deal, as a once under-endowed man painfully learned.

Seeking to enlarge the size of his penis while keeping the cost down, the then 45-year-old man was treated at an illegal clinic. Now, five years later, he has been diagnosed with cancer stemming from the penal enlargement procedure. The patient has been hospitalized in Bangkok with what may be a fatal infection. living with the pain for about a month, or walking it off over the next seven days.

You may be sick and just don’t know it yet It’s estimated that upwards of one million people in Thailand—including expats—are walking around with a potentially fatal ailment that they are unaware of. That hidden enemy is diabetes—which untreated can result in stroke, heart and kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, blindness, limb amputation and a host of other unpleasant consequences. Diabetes and prediabetes can be present for years without revealing any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, it's important

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to get regular screenings.

Diabetes symptoms in women and men are the same – and tend to come on gradually. Some of the warning signs to be aware of include: • Blurred vision • Increased thirst and a need to urinate more than usual • Increased or constant hunger • Extreme fatigue • Skin sores that take longer than normal to heal • More infections than usual • Weight loss If you experience several symptoms of diabetes or any unusual symptoms that linger or get worse rather than better, see your healthcare provider sooner rather than later.

Watching Your Weight?

Take note: Avocados have the highest number of calories of any fruit, weighing in at 167 calories per 100 grams

5 important, often-overlooked Facts about sunscreen

by UrbaneWoman.com

You diligently put your sunscreen on every morning, and take it with you. That makes you sunscreen-savvy, right?

Not necessarily. Most people don’t use sunscreen the way it should be used for maximum effectiveness. You’re probably making one or more of these common mistakes and missing out on some of the sun protection you could be getting.

Here’s how to get the most out of your sunscreen: 1. Sunscreen Expires “Best if used by” dates on sunscreen should be taken seriously. Sunscreen only has a shelf life of six months. If yours is past its expiration date, the filters in it are probably no longer functional, so the sunscreen cannot offer you any protection from the sun.

If you still have sunscreen from last summer (or any time

more than six months ago), throw it away and replace it with a new container.

2. You Need 1 Fluid Ounce Of Sunscreen To Cover Your Body One fluid ounce is the amount of liquid a shot glass will hold. (It’s also about the same volume as an egg, or a golf ball.) That’s how much sunscreen you need to cover your whole body properly.

Don’t skimp when applying sunscreen – the more you use, the more thoroughly protected your skin is.

In addition, sunscreen is meant to be put on 20-30 minutes before you go out into the sun, not when you get to your outdoor destination. Sunscreen only works if your skin has absorbed the chemicals from the sunscreen that block UV rays, and that takes time.

3. Any Exposed Skin Can Get A Burn Areas with exposed skin that people frequently overlook when applying sunscreen include the ears, the back of the neck, the lips, and even the scalp. (If you part your hair, the part exposes some of your scalp to the sun. I’ve had sunburns there before. It wasn’t fun.)

These small areas of skin need protection from the sun, too, so don’t forget about them when applying sunscreen. Another way to protect your ears and the back of your neck is by wearing a hat with a brim at least 4 inches wide.

4. Not All Sunscreens Have UVA Protection Have you ever bought a sunscreen because it said it had SPF 60 or higher? Did

you check to see if it also had UVA protection? No? If it didn’t, then it was only protecting you on a surface level.

Some sunscreens with high SPFs offer little or no protection from UVA rays.

There are two kinds of ultraviolet rays emitted by our sun, UVA and UVB rays.

The ingredients that give sunscreen its SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only protect against UVB rays, not UVA rays.

The former cause your skin to burn, but the latter can get into the deeper layers of your skin, where they can speed up skin aging and contribute to skin cancer.

If you use a sunscreen that doesn’t offer UVA protection, you’re risking your long-term health.

5. Sunscreen Should Be Reapplied Periodically Throughout the Day No matter how diligent you are about applying sunscreen each morning, you probably aren’t applying more of it at the correct intervals.

The chemicals in sunscreen that screen out ultraviolet radiation don’t last forever – they break down in the sun. No matter what SPF your sunscreen is, you should reapply it every 2 hours, especially if you’re going to spend the entire day out in the sun.

For additional information on skincare, and for other tips on beauty, health, fitness, romance and more, go to www.urbanewomen.com

www.pattayatoday.net

B EAUTY & W ELLNESS

1 - 15 December 2012

39

REJUVENATE – REPLENISH – RESTORE WITH MADE COLLAGEN

By Di Barker

Have you heard the latest beauty buzz in town about a new anti-aging procedure? Most of us want the benefits of skin rejuvenation without having to resort to surgery, don’t we? Well – take a few minutes out to read this article about the healthiest facial restoration around.

This latest treatment is called Made collagen and is based on the most advanced facial detoxification and skin rejuvenation originating from Italy. It uses homeopathic preparations such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes and cell therapy.

Developed by Professor Made (pronounced madee), it is the latest cosmetic discovery to arrive in Thailand. The party season is approaching and you want to look your best – so please continue reading to get the low down on the healthiest facial rejuvenation in town.

Firstly, where do you go to get this treatment? That’s easy – it’s Thonglor Clinic on Thappraya Road in Jomtien.

Always searching for effective ways to stay in the forefront of medical science, this is the up-to-the-minute treatment to be offered at their clinic. Homeopathic collagen facial injections are now being offered

as an all-natural beautifying treatment and best of all it’s non-toxic, hypo-allergic, FDA approved and has no known side effects.

Homeopathic Made-collagen encourages the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid (the skin's natural hydration). It helps skin to look its best and dramatically slows the aging process, leaving your complexion smooth and radiant.

I was told that patients had noticed a decrease in uneven skin tone, hyper-pigmentation and sun spots, while sagging skin appeared lifted and rejuvenated. All the information I researched was positive – it was an all natural product with so many constructive advantages – I was convinced and ready to undergo the procedure myself.

Since this collagen is a natural product, a series of treatments is required, which will over the period make the skin produce more of its own collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Some of the other cosmetic benefits include the flushing of toxins and dead skin cells, speeding up the metabolism and stimulating blood circulation, restoring and balancing the body’s immune radicals to prevent wrinkles, and deeply nourishing the skin.

I arrived at Thonglor Clinic and after an informative one-to-one discussion was guided to the upstairs treatment rooms. After being greeted by Dr. Thinapat Tiprata, my face was thoroughly cleaned. He then applied antiseptic spirit to the areas where the injections would be placed these are the 16 facial acupuncture points) and commenced the treatment. Extremely thin needles are used for these in-

jections which are administered at the surface of the skin.

Honestly, the injections were virtually painless – uncomfortable in some areas but really not painful. After 20 minutes it was done, an arnica gel was applied to prevent bruising and a SPF cream -- and I was ready to go home.

Before I left though I was presented with four small boxes of Guna homeopathic medicine. Thonglor Clinic desire to present the very best in holistic therapies and offer in conjunction with the collagen injections these Guna products for total beauty management. Guna is a leading Italian manufacturer in this field; their medicines have been conceived to restore the body’s full balance.

Everyone is given a different combination of these medicines. I was prescribed three detoxification products and a hormonal balance remedy which come in the form of micro doses to be taken daily diluted in water. The most convenient way is to add 20 drops of each into a 1.5 litre bottle of water which can be kept in the fridge for drinking throughout the day.

My treatment is ongoing. In fact I’ll be needing ten weekly treatments but I have been advised that after two or three a beneficial difference will be noticeable. I’ll be keeping you updated on the treatments with these articles but in the meantime if you’d like to investigate further just pop into Thonglor Clinic and the staff will be happy to advise on the appropriate treatment. Collagen treatments can help you age gracefully and look younger and that’s something we’d all love, isn’t it?

Thonglor Clinic Jomtien is located on Thappraya Road, about 100 mts. before Bruno’s, coming from Pattaya. Tel: (038) 252 055. Fax: (038) 252 056 or visit www.thonglorclinic.com.

40

Y OU & Y OUR P ETS

1 - 15 December 2012

Cats for You in Pattaya Paul and Sandra, both British expats with big hearts, moved to Pattaya several years ago and decided to devote their time to saving and rehoming sick and abandoned cats and kittens.

They have more than 40 cats and kittens ready now to find loving and caring homes in return

Button

This tiny chap was rescued along with his brother and sister, they were around four weeks old when we got them so are now about six weeks old. By the time you read this article they should all be ready to go to their new loving homes. (Be quick to reserve one.)

This lovely young girl is so very loving, she likes nothing better than curling up on your lap and having a nice cuddle. She is timid with strangers but we are sure that she will warm to her new owner quickly.

Derek and Maliwai Doyle have been looking after abandoned or homeless dogs (and some cats too) for ten years. They currently have 150 dogs in their care and many of them would make devoted life companions for new owners. Derek is an amazing British expat who simply loves getting up in the morning to be greeted by all those wagging tales. All the animals for

A one year old female, Nadia was rescued from a condo building site in Jomtien after her rubbish tip home was bulldozed. She is friendly and loyal and gets on well with other dogs.

Vaccinated and spayed.

for all the affection and fun they will show in return. The animals are given to their new owners free-of-charge. (Most are already vaccinated).

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

Clark

Shelley

Mabprachan Animal Shelter

Nadia

www.pattayatoday.net

Clark is Shelley's brother and is very similar in character if not in looks, he too loves to be cuddled but again is nervous of strangers. It would be lovely if someone could take them as a pair; we will guarantee they will give you hours of fun !

Max

Max is a very-regal looking fellow.

He enjoys his own company best but does love to jump on your lap and suck your clothes whilst kneading your tummy with his big paws !

rehoming are vaccinated and neutered but this, together with all those hungry mouths to feed, has cost the Doyles a small fortune. Although adoption is free, they are looking for help with the ongoing costs.

If you are looking for a loyal friend, always remembering that the relationship really is for life, then one (or more) of these dogs could be yours. Contact Derek on 089 505 7021 or visit the comprehensive website www.mabprachananimalsshelter.org to get a real feel for this excellent organization. Pattaya Today is proud to support the work of the Mabprachan Animal Shelter as well as the other really good cause, Cats For You, also featured on this page.

Holly

This young female dog had to be moved from her first Pattaya home as she didn’t get on with two other dogs. But she adores humans and would make an ideal family pet provided that she doesn’t have to share it with other four legged characters.

Vaccinated and spayed.

Tian

Tian is a young and healthy male and part of the same pack which Nadia belonged to.

Nothing pleases him better than wagging his tale and showing affection to two-legged brothers and sisters. Vaccinated and spayed.

Cats Are Supermodels

Goldie

Goldie is an affectionate girl and the Pattaya Today team remember her in particular during their inspection visit. She is looking for a good home now after her very poor start as a puppy in dire slum conditions. Vaccinated and spayed.

Just in time for Christmas gift-giving, “Cats Are Supermodels” has been published by newspaper columnist Stu Bykofsky whose wit and wisdom exposes cats for what they are. “Like supermodels, cats are beautiful, sleek, self-centered, moody, aloof, usually sleepy, always hungry, but rarely willing to eat what’s put before them.” If that sounds like any cat (or supermodel) you know, then laugh and learn your way through this new book that combines feline fact, fiction, satire, opinion and jokes.

Cats Are Supermodels scatters little-known cat facts among observation, reporting and analysis of cats and their female servants. If you live with a cat and a cat is on the cover of your Christmas card and your cat ‘signs’ your cards and you downloaded the ‘cat fishing’ app on your iPad for your cat to play, this book contains immediate psychological support, says Bykofsky, an award-winning author.

For the purposes of storytelling, cat behavior is amusingly generalized, stereotyped and caricatured. Like the story of Thelma Jackson, a 29year-old legal secretary who starved to death seated in her living room armchair, unwilling to move because her cat was comfortably curled up in her lap. Ms. Jackson was Catholic.

The book is intended for women who live with cats, women who plan to live with a cat, people who love cats and people who don’t love cats, but need a thoughtful gift for women friends who do.

Dog lovers will enjoy it, too, because dogs are used as a foil and play a contrasting role in the book. Men will find insights into the feminine mind.

High-fashion supermodels will not like it, but a) they can’t read, b) they won’t read and c) they don’t like anything. They are just like cats.

For more information, and/or to read a sample chapter in the book, and/or to order a copy at the discounted rate of US $10 (only 300 baht), go to www.catsaresupermodels.com .

Astrocat The first cat in space was a French cat named Felicette (a.k.a. “Astrocat”).

France blasted Felicette into outer space in 1963. Electrodes implanted in her brain sent neurological signals back to Earth. She survived the trip.

CAT CORNER TIP RJ Peters, who has just published Our Amazing Cats in time for the holidays, sends this tip to Pattaya’s cat lovers: When playing with your cat, it helps to vocalize your enjoyment.

Rather than silently pulling a toy for him to chase, laugh a little!

Let him know you're having fun, too. Playing is a bonding activity between you and your cat, so make the most of it!

Her new book--fun, funny and informative--is available from Amazon Books and at www.ouramaz ingcats.com

www.pattayatoday.net

T RAVEL

Cathedral of Notre-Dame

Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims By virtue of the outstanding handling of new architectural techniques in the 13th century and the harmonious marriage of architecture and sculpted decoration, Notre-Dame Cathedral at Reims is a masterpiece of Gothic art. The perfection of the architecture and the sculptural ensemble of

12th centuries by a Benedictine abbey church.

The monastic buildings date from the 12th-13th centuries, but were extensively remodelled during the 17th century. However, some interesting medieval parts were conserved. The present cathedral, built on the site of the

1 - 15 December 2012

41

Elite Card never dies The government has decided, for sure, to resurrect the Elite Card which guarantees you certain favours (discounts at saunas and golf courses, etc.) in return for a large cash sum. Now the once-in-a-lifetime joining fee has been raised to two million baht – formerly between one and one and a half million – but you will be able to obtain a one-year-visa, renewable, so that you will never again need a retirement visa. Mind you, given that the retirement visa costs 1,900 baht, it does seem a trifle expensive to go the Elite route. But one new bonus of the Elite Card is that you will be able to meet influential Thai businessmen at least once a year. What everybody wants to know is what happens to your two million baht investment if the Elite Card stumbles once more and is cancelled?

A Chinese future Indications are that Chinese tourists are a powerful force to be reckoned with for Thailand’s tourism industry. Most farang in Pattaya seem to think the Chinese move around in tour groups, following an umbrella and spending next to nothing.

Think again. One third of all passengers on board Thai Air Asia during this year have been Chinese. The total number of Chinese visitors so far this year is more than two million, up nearly 40 percent on last year. Chinese nationals spend an average of US $874 on shopping per foreign trip, the highest in Asia. Thai Air Asia is busy expanding routes between the two countries, and there’s serious talk of a high-speed train route linking southern China with Thailand by 2020.

Tourist police changes Nothing more clearly illustrates the changing visitor profile to Thailand than developments in the Foreign Tourist Police Assistants (FTPA) in Pattaya. These are the 40-odd foreign volunteers who assist the regular officers on Walking Street. Three years ago, they were nearly all Europeans and Americans. But now there are increasing numbers of Russians and Arabic and Farsi speakers, needed to converse with the public in their own language. FTPA, all of whom are vetted and undergo compulsory training, are there at their mobile base to give general advice to tourists as well as to sort out any trouble, if asked to intervene by regular Tourist Police Officers.

the cathedral were such that numerous later edifices were influenced by it, particularly in regions of Germany. The former abbey still has its beautiful 9th-century nave, in which lie the remains of Archbishop Saint Rémi (440-533).

The former archiepiscopal palace known as the Tau Palace, which played an important role in religious ceremonies, was almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century.

The cathedral, the Archiepiscopal Palace, and the old Abbey of Saint-Rémi are directly linked to the history of the French monarchy, and hence to that of France in gen-

eral. These places were part of the coronation ceremony, the result of a perfect balance between Church and State that made the French monarchy a political model throughout Europe until modern times.

Of great importance in the early days of Christianity in Gaul, Reims had a number of archbishops who were major figures in the Roman Catholic Church, canonized after their deaths. This was the case for the most famous among them, Rémi (440-533) the archbishop who baptized Clovis and instituted the Holy Anointing of Kings. The ceremony was fully established in the 12th century; after that time almost all French sovereigns were consecrated at Reims. For the Royal Anointing, which took place in the town's cathedral, the Ampulla containing the Chrism, or holy oil, was brought from the Abbey of Saint-Rémi. Rémi was buried in St. Christopher's chapel, which was replaced in the 11th-

Carolingian church which was destroyed by fire, is one of the great French cathedrals of the 13th century. Along with the cathedrals of Chartres and Amiens, it is at the summit of the classical Gothic style.

At Reims all the innovations introduced at Chartres may be found, except that the builders of Reims, perhaps conscious of erecting the church for the coronation of the kings of France, enhanced the structural elements with greater lightness and made more openings in the walls to allow maximum light to filter through the stained glass and illuminate the sacred space. Nowhere is sculpture so prevalent on a Gothic facade than it is at Reims.

More than simple ornamentation, the sculpture of Reims Cathedral is an integral part of the architectural composition. Reflecting both Île-de-France traditions and the minor arts of the Champagne region, the sculpture possesses a monumental character and a grace inspired by the silversmith’s or goldsmith's art. While the smiling figures on the west facade are famous, the sumptuousness of the composition of the Crowning of the Virgin (above the central portal) or the grave antique nobility of other figures such as Elizabeth in the composition depicting the Visitation should not be overlooked.

The old archiepiscopal palace was both the Episcopal See and an important step in the coronation ceremony, the banquet being held there. It was almost completely rebuilt

by Robert de Cotte at the behest of Archbishop Le Tellier.

The beautiful 18th-century Palatine chapel and the 15thcentury banqueting hall were kept intact.

Brits have to rethink The decision to close the British consulate in Pattaya has annoyed the local expat population of Brits as there will be no substantial presence in the city. Thus, those needing an income verification letter for Thai immigration must travel to Bangkok or use the postal services or get a friend or a commercial company to visit the embassy on their behalf. The embassy has advertised the position of honorary consul in Pattaya but it’s without any salary and the working hours are expected to be not more than four a week. The lucky he or she won’t have a base, won’t have a public telephone number for contact and will take orders only from superiors in Bangkok.

Sukhumvit tunnel delayed As expected the proposed four lane, traffic-relief tunnel under the intersection of Central and Sukhumvit Roads has been put on hold for at least a year. City Hall says that they are still taking public reaction and the government has not yet given the financial guarantee to complete the work, believed to be in the region of one billion baht. Although the tunnel would be a big help once completed, the several years of construction would see even worse traffic chaos as parts of Sukhumvit were closed off. Similar plans to ease traffic congestion at Thepprasit Road and North Pattaya Road junctions with Sukhumvit are also on hold for the same reasons.

Nursing Home Care The Namthip Nursing Home, near Mabprachan Lake, is an option for those caring for elderly, sick relatives who cannot afford the enormous fees of private hospitals in Thailand.

Obviously you will want to check it out first. Look at namthipnursing home/facebook or phone nurse manager Nouch on 081 940 1948.

Catty quotes of the week - If cats could talk, they wouldn’t bother to (Nan Porter) - Do not meddle in the affairs of cats for they are subtle and will piss on your computer (Bruce Graham) - Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function (Garrison Keillor) - They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription, but I say “Can he name a kitten”? (Samuel Butler) The editor and management of Pattaya Today don’t necessarily share the views expressed in this column

Dining Out with Mick and Di, The Food Lovers

Rooftop Bubbles and Bites plus Vino/Gastronomy Hilton Pattaya continues to add the wow factor to its already star-studded in-house venues. From their lunch time budget busting buffets and evening extravaganzas to their sensational Sunday brunch all hosted at the Edge restaurant, to the gastronomic fine dining at Flare and the contemporary, globallyinspired flavours at the stunning Horizon restaurant and rooftop lounge, they have all gained an enviable reputation for some of the most sophisticated gastronomic enclaves in Pattaya.

The Infinity bar has just been embellished with an exclusive, bubble bar serving

world bar sets the benchmark for the newest culinary cocktail trend. The contemporary “tower” presents dishes of scallop ceviche, salmon tartare, tuna tataki and a duo of Fine de Claire oysters. The salmon tartare shimmered and shined with chopped capers, gherkins, shallots, grain mustard and extra virgin olive oil with just a tear of Tabasco sauce to zing the ingredients together. We both loved the raw scallop ceviche tossed together with red onion, avocado and orange segments, fresh lime juice and olive oil. The citric acid in the lime alters the structure of the proteins in the fish making it more

glass of Domaine Chandon Brut or Rose costs 1,300 baht per person while for 4,500 baht a couple can enjoy the bottle and two towers.

The next evening we were back at the Hilton to attend their wine dinner at Flare entitled, “Meat the Reel Australia”, the name having been inspired from the Surf and Turf concept of the menu.

The wines to be served were from Australia’s premier region, McLaren Vale and the estate of Brokenhills. The ambassador from the winery was the convivial director, Leigh Gilligan, who together with his garrulous colleague Jonathan Glonek, manag-

cocktail sets and the finest Chandon’s sparkling Brut or Rose. The new bar is called RAW. Mick and I visited recently and with finest fizzys in hand we marveled at the jawdropping sunset panorama that was set before us. From our exquisite aerie on the 34th floor, this top-of-the-

opaque and firm just as if it had been cooked by heat. The tuna had been seared and sesame coated then mixed with ginger, edamame (green soy beans), red radish and spring onion. Polar fresh oysters completed our RAW gastronomic experience. The gourmet tower accompanied by a

ing director of Bangkok Fine Wines Company, made the evening such a gastro-vinicultural success.

A flute of sparkling Charles Steiner Brut launched the evening before we were charmingly guided to our table. We were dining with the charismatic Dhaninrat

(Sunday) Klinhom, marketing communications manager.

A sextet of appropriate glasses were enticingly laid on the table as an augur of the supreme vinicultural event to come.

The first wine poured was an Amand’s Brook Sauvignon Blanc 2012. Strong and intense with hints of herbs and gooseberries, it was a commanding start to the evening which married bravely with the intense flavours of the Japanese-inspired tataki appetiser. Seared slices of rare beef and tuna were accompanied by a delicious soylemon dressing and crowned with julienne strips of radish and scallion and sprinkled with golden fried garlic and edamame-- it was sensational. A delightful grouping to set the palate tingling. Next to be served was a personal favourite, and aptly named “Up in Smoke” homemade, lemon- smoked salmon with a ribbon of crispy pork rested on a bed of horseradish and roasted butternut. Served in a small glass fish bowl, the salmon was enfolded in a cloud of smoke with a round of rice paper serving as a lid.

Slowly peeling away the paper, the lemon smoke wafted out across the table. An inspirational dish and one of my favourites. It was served

with a golden, mildly-oaked 2009 Margaret’s Bluff Chardonnay. The coupling was a superb harmony of balance with soft hints of citrus.

“Beauty and The Beast” was the humorous title of the next course. Essentially a sweet corn bisque had been blended with spicy chorizo, enhanced with a blackened Hokkaido scallop and anointed with parmesan, pine nut crisps and green onion oil. The serving of a 2010 Helen’s Gorge Verdelho was spot on, the fruity overtones boosting the sweetness of the soup.

Next we moved on to the reds. The first to be served was 2008 Crombolo’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon; almost black/dark purple in colour with intense overtones of cassis, it was a big, generous wine. Its gastro-companion was a dish consisting of baked lobster, spinach and truffle in puff pastry, fresh mussels and orange essence in a foie gras cream. The savoury finale of Australian Angus 150-day grain-fed beef tenderloin,

grilled tiger prawn, roast vine tomatoes, hand-cut, chunky, oven chips with a chili beer cream was escorted by the biggest wine (14.5 percent) of the evening--a Bundie’s Patch Shiraz. A quintessential McLaren Valley wine, it was intense with plums and spice and truly delicious.

The extreme tenderness of the beef and sweet brininess of the prawn together with the inspired emulsion created a truly astonishing main course. After such a stunning pageant of dishes, the dessert bestowed the sweetest of endings, pineapple ravioli with marinated strawberries and a margarita sorbet coupled with a sweet Sandalford Port.

We were all now replete with exquisite food, superb wines and more than a hint of bon homie. The service had been exemplary and the attention to detail exceptional, making for a very special and memorable experience. For a luxury gastronomic journey it would be hard to beat Flare at the Hilton Pattaya.

The Hilton Pattaya is on Beach Road atop Central Festival. Tel: (03) 825 3000. Horizon is open daily from 5 p.m. till 1 a.m. Flare is open daily from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Check out all the culinary venues on www.hilton.com/pattaya.

nburi o r k i a F ’ arus ‘Bo s i V f e h C e: Full nam uisine c n r e t s e an and W i s A aya : y lt ia c Spe ilton Patt ,H estaurant

Flare r ming @:

icoise N a n u T h: Warm

Perfor

Featured

dis

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

Captain’s Corner

The oldest and most famous bbq joint in town

Everyone loves a barbeque and that’s exactly the formula that has made Captain’s Corner at the Residence Garden on Thappraya Road such a great success for 15 years. It is the flagship of the Ottesen empire which includes Jomtien Boat House, Jomtien Beach Residence and the newlycompleted Jomtien Beach Penthouses. After closing for renovation, it is now open after its extensive make-over.

Moving a swimming pool cannot be an easy task but that is what happened here.

The restaurant is now sited around the new aquamarine pool and bar area. With the backdrop of swaying palm trees it is a very pleasant experience to spend a few hours

here indulging in the delights of their Texas BBQ. Alan Ottesen is the amiable force, in the vanguard position, for the family’s Pattaya/Jomtien ventures overseeing and directing their operations.

Captain’s Corner is the oldest and most famous BBQ joint in town. Its decade and a half of service to Pattaya’s barbeque lovers endorses the sentiment that we all indeed do love an evening of treating ourselves to grilled dishes.

The whiff of barbequed meat was in the air as Mick and I entered the restaurant recently. We sat beside the display-lit pool while we sipped on a glass of the wine of the month–a very decent Shiraz Cabernet from south east Australia at a very reasonable 790 baht. The daily all-you-can-eat barbeque buffet is only 395 baht + vat (children under ten eat for free).

It was a Tuesday night when we visited so unfortunately we missed hearing the dulcet tones of George Sinatra who performs in his inimitable fashion on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while the other popular singer, “Elvis”, commences his cabaret performance at 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Nostalgic songs of the 50s and 60s waft

over the steaks on these nights and are always extremely popular events, so reservations are requested. Now the barbeque beckoned. Take the clip on your table over to the cooking station and it will be attached to your chosen plate of uncooked items. Hand it to chef and it will appear on your table not long after.

On offer are a myriad of choices from different cuts of juicy steaks, homemade sausages, hot dog sausages wrapped in bacon, fish steaks,

prepared spare ribs, spicy marinated chicken kebabs, pure beef burgers, chicken drumsticks, pork chops and tenderloin, interestingly prepared skewers, corn on the cob, squid, vegetable kebabs and foil wrapped potatoes in their jackets. Having made our choices we filled our plates with a starter of chilled seafood, salad, garlic bread and a selection of sauces and dressings.

Moving back to the table we had time to enjoy our

prawns, squid and salad before the chef presented us with our barbeque choices.

All our selections were cooked perfectly and we particularly liked, of course, the steaks but also the spicy chicken kebabs, all the sausages and the excellent vegetable skewer containing onions, pineapple and tomato. A selection of Thai dishes are also available each evening, and I enjoyed the keng curry kai and wok-fried mixed vegetables which made for an interesting fusion concept to the grilled items. Together with the sauces (loved the peanut one) there is truly something for everyone. Don’t leave without ordering one of their famous Irish coffees.

This is a big party venue.

The area can seat 150 people comfortably and together with the BBQ facilities and

stage area makes for an excellent celebratory setting.

Christmas is almost upon us so check their website for the extensive festive buffets that will be happening here on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. A nice touch, especially over the party season, a pick-up (and return) service is available from anywhere in the Pattaya-Jomtien area, just phone (038) 364 314.

Captain’s Corner packs a lot of punch for the money.

It certainly puts the Texas BBQ into Pattaya and the newly-renovated restaurant is a delightful venue. This is a wonderful place for families.

Children are positively encouraged not just tolerated.

The staff are friendly and efficient and the ambiance positively resonates with good feelings.

Captain’s Corner is located at the bottom of Thappraya Road, South Pattaya. Tel: (038) 364 318. BBQ buffet is available from 6 p.m.

Warm Tuna Nicoise

Chef's Profile:

Modern take on a classic French tuna nicoise salad with green beans, black olives, egg, potatoes & shallots Ingredient Blue Fin Tuna, trimmed New Potatoes, boiled & peeled

400g 8

Black Olive Tapenade

60ml

Green Beans, blanched, topped & tailed

120g

Cherry Tomatoes, halved & semi-dried

100g

Shallots, sliced

50g

Baby Capers

20g

Quail Eggs, poached Hollandaise Sauce Whole Grain Mustard Anchovy Fillets Parsley, chopped

4 60ml 5g 4 2g

Micro Herb Salad Olive Oil Maldon Salt Black Pepper, ground

Hilton Pattaya 333/101 Moo 9 Nong Prue Banglamung, Pattaya Chonburi, Thailand 20260 Tel: +66 (0)3 825 3000 Fax: +66 (0)3 825 3001. pattaya.hilton.com

Chef Visarus ‘Bo’ Faikronburi

Cooking Method

Sous Chef

• Season the tuna with Maldon salt and a lot of black pepper.

• Heat up a non-stick pan, add the olive oil until smoking.

• Sear the tuna on all sides.

• To the same pan add the new potatoes and fry until golden.

• Add the shallots, green beans, cherry tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute.

• Add a knob of butter and the chopped parsley and capers, toss and remove from the pan.

• Add the whole grain mustard to the hollandaise sauce and season to taste.

• Place the potatoes firmly on a warm plate and spoon the beans mix on top of that.

• Top with the poached quails egg and cover in mustard hollandaise sauce.

• Slice the tuna and place on the other end of the plate.

• Spoon on the olive tapenade, top with the herb salad mix.

• Drizzle with olive oil.

Trained as an electrical engineer, Chef Bo realized his culinary passion when he got his first job in a small restaurant as a cook helper 10 years ago. Since then he has been driving himself to better his skills and knowledge in some of the top 5-star hotels in Bangkok. In 2010 Chef Bo got the opportunity to work alongside the opening team of Hilton Pattaya as Chef de Partie where he has remained and progressed to become the Sous Chef in-charge of Flare’s kitchen.

44

L EISURE

1 - 15 December 2012

The Cascade Restaurant - Thai Set Menus for Lunch & Dinner

Throughout December, lovers of Thai cuisine will definitely enjoy our two set menus for lunch and dinner featuring some of the very best and most popular Thai dishes including Penang Gai, Kong Wang Sam Kasat with 5 kinds of appetizers (Golden fried crab claw, chicken dumpling, deep fried prawn wrapped in egg noodle, fish cake and pomelo salad), Tom yum Gung, Kluey Kai Cheum Kub Ice Cream Ruammitr Kati Sod. Price for each set menu is THB 600 net per person The Cascade is located near the Main Lobby of Dusit Thani Pattaya Open daily from 6am- 1am. For reservations, please call (0) 3842 5611-7 ext. 2153.

Happy Father’s Day at Rembrand Hotel Bangkok

This year for all fathers coming with their families for the special lunch or dinner, fathers will eat for Free at Rang Mahal, Senõr Pico, da Vinci, Red Pepper and Flavours.

Celebrates Father’s Day on December 5 with special offers from all our award-winning restaurants. Come on down with the family, friends & most importantly the Dad! For more information, please contact Sirirat Petpranomporn at 02-261-7100 ext. 7443 or pr@rembrandtbkk.com or please visit www. rembrandtbkk.com.

Exclusive South African Wine Dinner at Flare Hosted by Ross Edward Marks

The promotion is held in partnership with the leading wine expert from Central Wine Cellar, Ross Edward Marks who was previously Head Sommelier of the Waldorf Astoria New York. At the night, he will host the 6-course dinner while presenting matched wines from the South African Anura winery.

Hilton’s Executive Sous Chef Shaun Venter, a native of Stellenbosch South Africa, will recreate the authentic taste of his homeland at Flare restaurant on Thursday 6th December 2012 from 7pm onwards.

Swirl the glass, clink and toast to this fabulous wine dinner at only THB 3,000 nett per guest.

For more information or reservations please call +66 (0)38 253 000 or email: saneh.prakobsub@hilton. com.

www.pattayatoday.net

Russian BBQ at Flames

Flames restaurant is presenting a variety of Russian dishes in BBQ buffet style every Wednesday night. Chef Ping is preparing assorted meats and seafoods, there is a salad bar, and a free flow of vodka. Priced at only Baht 1,399 net per person.

Flames is located on the beachfront of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. The restaurant opens daily from 19.00-22.00 hrs. Call to reserve at (038) 301 234 ext 4272.

Mexican Fiesta at Patummat International Restaurant

Father’s Day Treats at Benihana, Pattaya

Make Father’s Day dining special at Benihana. Treat your dad to Behinana’s combination set menu, both for lunch and dinner, this spectacular set menu. Watch our talented chefswork their magic as they prepare sizzling Teppanyaki cuisine cooked just the way you like it.

Price: Baht 5,550 for 4 people. Early bird booking before 2nd December 2012 only Baht 4,900 net.

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

End the year on a high note with a trip south of the border to enjoy range of delicious Mexican dishes available daily for lunch and dinner on our awardwinning Patummat buffet.

Indulge with such delights as creamy guacamole, crispy tortilla chips, tantalising tacos, spicy salsa, refined beans, tasty tamales, chilli con carne, toasty tostadas, feisty fajitas, exotic enchiladas and more.

Promo runs now until December 31, 2012. Prices are Baht 950 nett for lunch (11:30–14:30), Baht 1,150 nett for dinner (18:00–22:30), Baht 1,399 nett for Sunday brunch (11:00–15:00).

With special offers: • Dine 3, pay 2 for daily buffet lunch • Dine 4, pay 2 for daily buffet dinner To make a reservation, please call 02–2470–123 ext. 1810 or visit www.sukosolhotels.com.

14th Century inspired. The famous legend “Alibaba and the 40 Thieves” architecture provides the perfect setting for Pattaya’s most famous Indian Restaurant. A breathtaking surrounding of treausres acquired from various parts of the globe, combined with the exceptional Mughalai cuisine makes Alibaba what it is today.

At Alibaba, we have recreated the atmosphere and cuisine of that era to give you an unforgettable dining experience.

1/13-14 Pattaya Klang Road Pattaya, Thailand, Opposite Centera Beach Hotel (Formerly Nova Lodge Hotel) Next to Krung Thai Bank (Main Branch) Tel: 038 361620 Mobile: 081 9498702

www.pattayatoday.net

H OTELS & R ESORTS

1 - 15 December 2012

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Village Farm and Winery

The Simple Charms of the Country

by Hannah Carrodus

For people who want a swish hotel amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, the Village Farm and Winery is not for you. Indeed, if you shiver at the thought of being cut off from the internet, bracing morning fog and finding yourself surrounded by unfamiliar plant life, then you also may want to give the Village Farm and Winery miss. But for those who can do away with their modern gizmos for a few days, you will find the Village Farm and Winery an immensely fulfilling experience. The Village Farm and Winery A demands that guests abandon themselves to nature, yet it rewards their efforts by helping them rediscover a joy for life’s simpler pleasures. I discovered these pleasures myself, as a couple of weeks ago my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to stay at this lovely getaway.

After hauling our little car up the long and winding mountains that make up Highway 304, we finally arrived at the Village Farm and Winery. The property is located in the beautiful Baan Pai Ngam Village in the Wang Nam Keow district--an area known for its breathtaking views and fresh climate. The farm itself is tucked between the Tublan and Khao Yai national parks.

The first thing we noticed as we stepped out of the car was the chill in the air; being 500 metres above sea level certainly had an impact. Yet while it did take us a minute to adjust to the crisp atmosphere, the rolling green hills, which were lined with endless grapevines, soon won us over. Rustic wine barrels were scattered along a traditional cobblestone path, which led to a charming wooden barn that had a thatched-straw roof. This delightful set-up was a lovely surprise, and we felt as though we were in Europe, rather than Thailand.

Shortly after arriving we were greeted by a friendly staff member, who told us a little about the history of the property.

We learned that the owners started producing wine in 1997, after a group of French guests said they were certain the beautiful slopes of what was then the Village Farm would be perfect for grape growing. Sure enough, the Frenchmen were proved right: one year later the grapes of the Chateau des Brumes–the chosen name of the new winery–had ripened.

These days the Chateau des Brumes is one of Thailand’s finest wineries, producing several excellent drops. Thankfully, all guests are able to sample some of this delicious produce, as two complementary meals--including wine with dinner--are included in the price of all accommodation. Though varying in sizes and set ups, each type of accommodation shares the same concept of country living with style and comfort. All rooms and buildings are designed to fit into the farm environment and strike a balance with nature.

We stayed in the Village Home, which consisted of an earthy wooden house that had a large comfortable bed in the middle and was draped with lovely white curtains.

Once we’d settled in it was time for a hearty dinner and we made our way to the Village Barn to satisfy our appetites. The Village Barn–a production mill turned restaurant–was exactly the type of establishment one would expect to find at a country

estate. The dark wooden interiors were charmingly illuminated by soft, overhead lights and on the tables were red and white checked tablecloths. We opted for a traditional European roast, which included tender beef soaked in thick gravy, crunchy roast potatoes, cauliflower topped with a cheesy sauce and several fresh vegetables. This tasty meal was washed down with a heavy 2003 Chateau des Brumes red (85 percent Shiraz, 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon). Delicious. Keeping with the country spirit we decided to retire early to bed and despite the patter of the rain I had the best sleep I’d had in weeks.

The next morning we rose early and had a walk around the area. A couple of the staff members had suggested we explore the walking paths that adjoined a nearby forest, so we took their advice. Mist snaked between the dark trees, but we could glimpse the morning sunlight peeping through. Our voices echoed as we chatted. We saw lychees and longans growing in the wild and spotted little birds perched in their nests. It was a beautiful picture.

We then decided to reward ourselves for our early exertions by rejuvenating at the Cliff Cottage Country Spa. Built of natural timbers and set atop a high ridge-face amidst the fresh, clean air of the Wang Nam Keow highlands, the Cliff Cottage Country Spa was the ideal place to relax. I opted for a red wine hydrotherapy session and a red wine body scrub. I’d been to spas before but had never experienced anything like this! I discovered that grapes are excellent exfoliates and that red wine is lovely to soak in. Some may find inhaling grapy aromas for 80 minutes (the soak lasted 20 minutes and the scrub went for 60 minutes) a little intoxicating, but I loved it.

In the afternoon we explored the Wang Nam Keow region,

visiting the Chinese Shiitake Mushroom Farm and Thai Samakkee’s Chrysanthemum community, admiring the dazzling bright flowers. Members of the community generously showed us around, sharing their knowledge about the local area. Upon our return we sampled several glasses of wine as the sun was setting then it was back to The Village Barn for a final meal. This was a weekend to remember. Unfortunately we only had a couple of nights at our disposal, but for people wishing to have a longer holiday there’s plenty to do in the Wang Nam Keow area, such as visiting the majestic national parks.

Our stay at the Village Farm and Winery was lovely and I suggest you experience it for yourself. For your next long weekend, escape Bangkok’s heat and take the 2.5-hour drive up to this scenic area. You’re sure to feel refreshed.

Village Farm and Winery 103, Moo 7, Ban Pai Ngam, Tambon Thai Samakkee, Amphur Wang Nam Keow, Nakhon Ratchasima Tel: 04422 8407 8 www.villagefarm.co.th

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T ECHNOLOGY

1 - 15 December 2012

www.pattayatoday.net

2014 Ford Fiesta to come equipped with MyFord Touch

by Eric Abent, slashgear.com

If you’ve been shopping around for a new car, it’s understandable that the Ford Fiesta might not be at the top of the list. However, today Microsoft and Ford are giving us a reason to take a second look at the 2014 Fiesta, announcing that it will come equipped with MyFord Touch.

This isn’t exactly the same MyFord Touch we’ve seen in other vehicles, as it will make use of a new 6.5-inch touchscreen.

That’s exciting enough, but Microsoft and Ford have also made a few improvements to SYNC. This includes “more natural” voice recognition, which means that you’ll no longer have to say things like “Radio” or specify the genre when you tell the system to play music. Instead, you’ll be able to simply say the frequency or Sirius name of the station your after, which is a pretty handy tool to have on board.

Add streamlined Bluetooth connectivity and improved navigation controls that make it easier to enter the address of your destination, and you’ve got a new version of MyFord Touch that’s worth getting excited about. Of course, we’re sure that new 6.5-inch screen will make on-screen navigation easier in general, so that’s something to consider too if you’ve been thinking about getting a connected car.

Sadly, this new technology is a little while off, as it will be making its debut in the 2014 Ford Fiesta, which won’t be arriving until next year. The good news is that the Ford Fiesta is a pretty affordable car all things considered, so you shouldn’t have to break the bank just to get a car that has a pretty cool feature in MyFord Touch. We’ll undoubtedly be hearing more about this as the 2014 Ford Fiesta gets closer to release, so keep it here at SlashGear for additional details.

Huawei launches Ascend G330

Huawei has launched its latest handset, the Huawei Ascend G330, which will arrive in the UK at the start of December The Ascend G330 is a follow up to Huawei's earlier G300 and sports some pretty decent specs for a phone.

It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and boasts a 1Ghz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, a 4-inch 800 x 480 display and a 1500mAh battery.

Huawei has also thrown in a couple of pre-installed big-name apps such as BBC's iPlayer and EA's Sims Freeplay - saving you the hassle of actually downloading it yourself.

The Huawei Ascend G330 is slated to arrive on the TalkTalk network by early December. Other networks will have to wait until 2013 for the Chinese manufacturer to share the handset love.

VESPA 946 Inspired by the WWII-era MP6 prototype, the Vespa 946 ($TBA) is the scooter at its most pure and refined. The 946 is powered by an ultra-modern single cylinder, 125cc, fourstroke engine that offers fuel consumption of over 55 km per liter — that's nearly 130 mpg — and 30 percent fewer emissions. Other features include a lightweight, high-quality build that incorporates plenty of aluminum, and a sleek design that's perfect for the urban commute.

software

by: Dan Cheeseman

Online Temptation

It wasn’t long ago that affairs started at work, an office fling or a little hanky panky at the Christmas office party, but now you can play away from home without even leaving it. Today temptation exists in your hand – via your mobile - or on your PC every day of the week.

For all the benefits of the internet and the improved connection it has given us it also allows you to play away from home far, far easier. Think social networks, Skype and even emails. We can find old flames or meet new people and that can be dangerous territory, for online flirting can develop into something else.

Facebook is becoming the number one reason for marriage breakdowns and is increasingly being used as a source of evidence in divorce cases, according to lawyers.

The social networking site was cited as a reason for a third of divorces last year in which unreasonable behaviour was a factor, according to law firm DivorceOnline. I just wonder how Facebook compares to ‘bar girl’ or ‘money’ for a reason for relationship breakdown here in Pattaya?

So think twice next time you confirm the next pretty face friend request that arrives in your Facebook inbox as it could be your downfall.

Plus, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Do not be surprised at what your partner may also be up to every time they login or pick up their mobile. It’s a little sad when you think about this, but don’t be naive to it.

I am not suggesting we are all turning into serial online flirters but the stats don’t lie and the Facebook statistic for rationale for divorce is as staggering as it is a reality to check as to what is now happening out there.

Here is the issue. Who doesn’t like a little attention?

And via the internet it is as easy to get as it is to give.

Flirting with the distance of computers is far easier for the masses than actually doing it face to face.

games

blog.microsoftcambridge.com

Microsoft Stores to expand across Europe

Microsoft entered the retail market in 2009 and is now set to open stores across Europe in 2013... as long as the US stores perform well.

A report in the Financial Times has stated that Microsoft is looking to expand its retail outlets into European territory.

Microsoft currently has stores spanning 27 U.S. states, and recently made the move into Canada and Puerto Rico.

Mirroring the Apple Store customer service experience with an ‘Answer Desk’ instead of a ‘Genius Bar’ and the more accurately named ‘Technical Advisors’ instead of the famous

‘Geniuses,’ these stores are also of a similar format and live in similar locations.

Although there are obvious similarities, Microsoft stores also stock third-party hardware such as HTC and Nokia Windows Phone smartphones as well as its own products - but they have been slated in the US for the lack of on-hand demos and abundance of OEM stickers.

With current sales of the Windows 8 falling below expectations, a push towards services could help Microsoft gain some traction with it's new operating system.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 tops UK games chart Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 takes out Hitman Absolution to retain the top position in the UK games sales charts.

The hype surrounding Agent 47's much heralded return to games after a six year absence hasn't been enough to unseat Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 from its position as the UK's top selling game. Hitman Absolution, the first Hitman game released by IO Interactive since 2006's Hitman: Blood Money, enters the charts at second position, with Black Ops 2 in first place and FIFA 13 grimly hanging onto third place.

The only other new entry in the games chart this week is the superb LEGO: Lord Of Rings, in which dependable developer brings their block smashing action to Middle Earth. The only other new IP to make a notable entry into the charts is the PS3 exclusive, Book Of Spells, which debuts in twentieth place.

G AMES

www.pattayatoday.net

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Across 1. of the city 4. type of beetle 9. agree 10. brief reports 11. unemployed 12. presumptuous 13. mythical being 14. plant fibre 16. quote 18. fitting 20. lights 21. fruit of the black thorn 24. not our 25. harmony 26. frank 27. hinder

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ner can bid in his own right, it’s highly unlikely you will strike oil. The opposition are very likely to get into the bidding and, in most situations, it pays you to pass.

In actual play, a very odd thing occurred. Partner did open the bidding with a surprising bid of one heart! Your right hand opponent doubled for take-out – obviously he has spades – and you have to decide what to do if anything.

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Solution Issue 05

Better Bridge Bidding To pre-empt or not?

Most players know that if you have seven cards in a suit with less than opening points, then you may want to open three in that suit if you have the chance before anyone else bids. But it’s not compulsory you know.

Let’s look at this hand with you as the dealer and both sides vulnerable. ♠ 9 8, ♥ Q 10 8 7 5 4 3, ♦ 6 5 4, ♣ Q. Just because you have seven hearts, don’t get carried away. Your hand is terrible, unless partner happens to have a fit by sheer luck, and could catch a serious cold if you get doubled for penalties in a vulnerable state.

It’s best to pass. Unless part-

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At the table, the opponents eventually settled for six spades which they could make. You sacrificed in seven hearts, doubled, and were four down, a loss of 1,100 points. A good result as the opponents could get 1,430 for a small slam in spades. Well done and pour yourself a stiff drink.

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1. Who killed music superstar Marvin Gaye?

2. Which female vocalist duetted with George Michael on If I Told You That?

3. Which James Bond theme did Tina Turner sing?

4. Which character in the film Psycho was supposedly buried in Green Lawn Cemetery?

5. Which vessel sank on the Seven Stones reef off Lands End? 6. In which year did the last male Titanic survivor die – 1990, 2000 or 2010?

7. Was the battle of Actium a sea, land or air contest?

8. What was the only language well known to the historical Jesus?

9. Which war did Foyle’s War on TV deal with?

10. In which year of world war one did America formally join the allies?

11. Which color do Morris Dancers predominantly wear?

12. How many packs of cards are normally used in Canasta?

13. Are hearts a minor or major suit in bridge?

14. Which is furthest south – Bath or Bristol or Southampton?

15. Who was the younger when he died, Eric Morecambe or Tony Hancock?

16. Which US national park has a highway Alligator Alley?

17. Which American TV detective liked to snack on raisins?

18. Which Grand National winner was the first to be trained by a woman?

19. Which language do the words kiosk and caviar come from?

20. What was the name of the Addams’ family pet octopus?

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Level this week: HARD. Score ten or more and you’re ready to join a quiz team. Answers below.

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1. His father; 2. Whitney Houston; 3. Goleneye; 4. Mrs Bates; 5. Torrey Canyon; 6. 2000; 7. Sea; 8. Aramaic; 9. World War Two; 10. 1917; 11. Two; 13. Major; 14. Southampton; 15. Tony Hancock; 16. Yellowstone; 17. Columbo; 18. Corbiere; 19. Turkish; 20. Aristotle.

Answers:

Pattaya Today is published & edited by Lucksika Natham for Siamese Vision Media Co., Ltd. Office : 221/3 M.11 Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Tel: (038) 374-534 Fax: (038) 374-535 E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net Printed at Print 87 Co., Ltd. Naklua, Pattaya City 20150