Vol 12 issue 17 16 31 may 2013

L1 - L16

Volume 12, Issue 17

16 - 31 May 2013

30 BAHT

Thai wives MAY lose UK pensions

A

bout 2,000 Thai wives of British men stand to lose their UK pension rights under legislation under active consideration by the British government. The new law proposes to end pension payments to foreign spouses on the general grounds that many such wives have “never set foot in Britain at all.”

Under current law, foreign spouses – nearly all female – are entitled to claim a married person’s allowance based on their partner’s history of national insurance contributions.

Where the British spouse’s contributions are inadequate, a one-off bereavement payment is made.

Of the 2,000 Thai wives who stand to lose up to 6,000 pounds a year, or nearly 300,000 baht a year, about 500 are believed to be in the Pattaya area. Many of them have been drawing UK pensions based on their deceased husband’s contributions for many years. Under the proposed rule-changes, a foreign spouse would not receive a pension unless they had made regular financial contributions to the British government.

The total number of foreigners likely to be affected globally is nearly a quarter of a million.

Continued on page 4

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News Slot machines under attack again Fifty policemen and Banglamung licensing officials made a surprise visit to Soi 17, Pattaya, and found 17 slot machines (too ma or horse boxes, in Thai) and 11 losing gamblers in three adjoining premises. A spokesman for the Banglamung administrative office stressed that one-armed bandits are illegal in Thailand and that the police plan future raids to uncover other gambling dens.

Katoey nailed and jailed A Russian tourist was so angry that a persistent genderbender snatched his gold chain that he inflicted several blows before police arrived.

The beefy tourist, Evseng Alimskiy, 36, told investigators that he was waiting for his girlfriend to return from shopping on Beach Road when a katoey propositioned him. After declining the ladyboy’s advances no fewer

than three times, the offender reached out to snatch the tourist’s gold necklace, only to be floored in a rugby tackle. Several onlookers were forced to restrain the agitated Russian whose chain had been damaged. At the police station, the 29-year-old Ladyboy, Porn, pleaded she had no money for food or rent, so turned to prostitution first, theft only as a last resort.

Prostitutes found on Pattaya Beach Road Keeping Pattaya safe, police arrested 35 prostitutes along Beach Road the evening of May 7. The sweep by 20 officers and eager volunteers was led by Captain Wisanu Chaisuwan, charged with suppressing vice here--a mission that may not yet be complete. The 35 free-lancers of both sexes were found loitering under trees or seated on benches, all hoping to attract customers. Motivation for the 35 arrests was

to protect Pattaya’s image because some contend there is a link between prostitution and crimes against tourists.

A young lady named May, one of those arrested, called the event “no big deal,” as she could afford the 100 baht fine before returning to work on Beach Road. The names of those rounded up were recorded on the police computer before the band of Beach angels was released into the night.

Hungarian gangster flees Thailand

When a hotel worker reported her Hungarian boyfriend missing, police immediately launched an all-out search. At first it was thought that Toth Lajas, hailing from Budapest, was being held hostage. Then he was suspected of having vanished in a stolen car. Finally it was discovered that the car in question was misidentified and that police were on an errant path. Turns out that Lajas held a falsified work permit and had been under investigation as a suspected mafia member. Police now think the man has fled Thailand.

Thieving girlfriend arranges boyfriend bash

Pitbulls guard loan sharks

Local police armed with search warrants raided several premises in Nongprue after learning that loan sharks charging exorbitant rates of interest were based there.

At one house with tight security, police found loan documents, bank books and names of customers. Two angry pitbull terriers were also discovered. Several men were arrested, including a driver and a collector of dues. The ringleader is thought to have escaped shortly before the police raid began. Chonburi police have been ordered to crack down on loan sharks after reports that they are expanding and intensifying their activities.

A woman who had grown tired of her boyfriend stole his money and allegedly arranged for a group of villains to kill him. Wasin Susprasern, 18, was rushed to Banglamung hospital with a large gash on his neck. He told police that his girlfriend Ploy had cheated on him. When he complained to her, she stole his cash but promised to re-

pay it at a secret meeting. In reality she had arranged for a group of thugs to attack him with knives. The young man managed to escape to a beer bar in Soi 15 where the owner informed the police and hospital authorities. Police used their radio communications to block off exit routes for the young attackers but without success.

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News

Thai wives MAY Aussies, Singaporeans lose UK pensions top 2013 Pattaya Regatta Continued from page 1

There are several reasons why the British government is determined to end the “give-away” pensions. Firstly, it is seen as a cost-cutting exercise during economic hard-times.

But there is also the growing trend for couples to meet online for the purposes of marriage. Steve Webb, British pensions minister, said “New technology facilitates relationships across the continents in a way that wasn’t the case 20 years ago.” Research in Thailand suggests that many women here marry British men to ensure they have an income for life.

However, pension experts say the devil is in the detail and that an administrative nightmare is likely to ensue. Interim arrangements will probably mean that foreign wives who have never been to UK will lose out altogether and immediately. But Thai wives living in UK will be in a very different position, especially as many already have their own national insurance number.

Philip Coulter, a Pattaya-based British man with a Thai wife who has only made brief trips to UK, said “The British government is clearly washing its hands of its responsibilities. I have paid national insurance contributions all my life so why should my wife be penalized after my death just because I happened to fall in love with a Thai?”

British newspapers are also speculating that the new move has been sparked by the prospect of same sex couples being able to get married in UK. “The British government is trying to avoid footing the bill for thousands of foreign gays once their British husband shuffles off this mortal coil,” wrote a blogger commenting on a Daily Telegraph article.

Australia’s Black Betty sailed home with the prestigious Coronation Cup successfully competing against some 250 boats with 500 sailors from 30 countries in the ninth annual Top of the Gulf Regatta at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

With a large contingent of Australian sailors taking part across fleet, and a growing number of Singapore entries, both countries won big this year. Competing for the prestigious Coronation Cup were four Australian boats in the 16-strong class, with two

Aussie crews and one from Hong Kong battling it out at the top on the final day.

Defending champions Easy Tiger IV, skippered by Chris Way, had a slow start but scored a bullet in Race 8 to raise their hopes. It was not enough. They placed fourth overall.

Two Australian entries Black Betty, skippered by Gary McNally, and Problem Child, skippered by Brian McMaster, battled down to the wire. Quality racing across the entire one-design fleet with clean hoists and

drops, and tight roundings made for a fitting finale to a spectacular series.

In the end it was the consistency and four first place finishes by Black Betty (19) that made the difference. She was crowned 2013 Coronation Cup champions at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

A 1,2 on the final day was not enough to secure the title for Problem Child (22), but they were a worthy runner-up and Andrew Moore’s Tigrana (25) placed third.

In IRC Racing 2, it was Rolex Sydney Hobart regular Matt Allen and his crew on Ichiban (6), who scored six firsts from seven races to be the clear class winner, beating local favourites Royal Thai Navy 1 (11), skippered

by Cpl. Wiwat Poonpat, who finished second overall.

Dean Rheault’s Souy 1 (20) finished third.

Singapore Management University had three teams racing in the Regatta this year – two in the Platu class and one in IRC Racing 3.

Hi Jinks (6), skippered by Peiquan Chung, finished the Regatta undefeated and was crowned class champion.

Second place went to the allThai team on Sansiri Ooh la la (15), skippered by Patinyakorn Buranrom, and third to Tai Two (19), skippered by Sadunori Osada.

In IRC Racing 1 it was another Singapore boat Foxy Lady (8), skippered by Bill Bremner, that placed second on the last day--enough to secure the overall class win.

Thai team Wan Marang (11), skippered by Kevin Whitcraft, finished second, and David Ross’ KukuKERchu (15) were third.

David Liddell’s Miss Saigon (8) were back to their winning ways in the Ocean Multihulls class with a first in the last race to place first overall. Despite a late surge, Sonic (11), skippered by Kirati Assakul, couldn’t make up ground on Miss Saigon and settled for second overall with Scott Galle’s Black Swan (14) in third.

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News Cow breeders meet again

Respects paid to four legged Buddha

Pattaya’s ninth annual livestock show at the sports center on Soi Chaiyapreuki Two, Jomtien, awarded prizes to the best cow, goat and sheep breeds. The event brings together the region’s farmers who are keen to play a role in boosting tourism by demonstrating the high quality of animal stock locally.

Legal assistance for Walking Street

A memorandum has been signed between the office of the Pattaya Attorney and owners of premises on Walking Street to provide free legal advice when disputes occur.

The agreement covers leases, ownership arguments and the protection of women and children.

Beach tourism under review Pattaya City Council members met with Transportation Minister Praserty Jamsuangtong and other national tourism officials to consider how to improve safety after the recent collision of two speedboats that seriously injured 18 Korean tourists off the coast of Koh Larn. Pattaya Police and Tourist Police also attended the meeting. It was decided to open a pier office to check boat and tour licences. There will also be a checkpoint base to keep a close eye on traffic in the waterway between the mainland and nearby islands.

Dusit Thani Pattaya named one of Pattaya’s best Pegas Touristik (Thailand) named Dusit Thani Pattaya one of the best five-star hotels in the city. Selection was based on customer satisfaction and comes on the heels of Dusit Thani having received the Coral Starway Awards, another Russian tourism organization. Seen in photo is Chatchawal Supachayanont (seventh from right), general manager of Dusit Thani Pattaya and his management team.

Marketing exhibition for autos

The Thailand Motor Festival, sponsored by Yanyont Square Group and Inspire Entertainment, is holding its annual fair at Pacific Park, Sri Racha until May 19. This is the third year in succession that Chonburi province has been chosen as the base for several leading manufacturers to publicize their latest models. Next year the Festival will be held in Udon Thani.

Villagers invited the local media to Boonkanjanaram temple to see the famous four-legged statue of Buddha, so named because its legs are crossed twice. The Buddha has resided in the temple for 50 years and is believed to be able to perform miracles by curing sick individuals provided that devout prayers are uttered. Several local inhabitants confirmed that there have been some amazing cures performed there.

China hosts golf convention

China is to host the 2014 Asia Golf Tourism Convention at the Mission Hill golf course in Shenzhen, China. It is believed to be the largest golf course in the world with many five-star hotels and resorts completed or under construction.

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News POLI CE Beware latest scam Keep your eye on your taxi driver when going to Suvarnabhumi. A couple hired a taxi but en route to the airport the cab stopped in the middle of the road. The driver turned back and asked the passengers to help him push the taxi to the side of the road as he had run out of gas.

The moment the couple were out of the vehicle, the taxi zoomed away with their luggage and belongings. Later caught, when he tried to sell the mobile phone of one of the passengers, the driver admitted to police he had done this many times. At his home investigators found hundreds of valuables and even a puppy which had been stolen.

Suspects leap from building Two Cambodians implicated in the death of a Thai man jumped out of a building on South Pattaya Road as police came to arrest them. The suspects, identified as Pern and Jia, leapt from the third floor of an apartment block.

They were rushed to Banglamung Hospital with many broken bones. The Thai victim, who rented out apartments as a business, was hacked to death after he tried to break up a fight amongst Cambodian tenants.

Another internet victim A Chinese local government official has been fired from his job after photos of him with two Thai ladyboys were posted on the internet by an anonymous source. The unlucky guy was on holiday in Pattaya when he had his photo taken in the company of two contestants in a beautiful transvestite competition at a well-known theatre. He told reporters that he never expected the routine photo would be posted on the net.

Fishing thief reeled in A man who tried to steal five fishing rods from a moored boat at Bali Hai pier was arrested by police after a citizens’ arrest by local fishermen who were concerned about the potential loss of property. The wannabe thief, 25, explained that he did not intend to steal the rods but was unable to think of any other way of obtaining the equipment to catch some fish.

100,000 baht or 25 baht A 44-year old man with 100,000 baht in his pocket drank a bottle of water taken from a convenience store without paying for it. He explained to investigators that he wanted to be jailed to give him some time to think out a problem. He was in a legal dispute with a karaoke bar owner and wasn’t sure how to proceed. His plan failed when the store owner withdrew the charge that he had stolen an item worth 25 baht.

Stress caused bike torching A man suspected of torching motorbikes in order to relieve stress told police that he was worried about his losses in football gambling.

Answering questions, he denied he was involved in any way with the ongoing violence in the south of the country. He said he had started the fires on his own without help, but police say he must have had accomplices to torch around 30 bikes in the last month.

Close watch on guns Police say they will increase vigilance in the increasing number of crimes committed by youths and men carrying guns. Nationally, a total of 46,630 guns have been seized of late. Police will be on the lookout in particular for teenage motorcycle street racers, released convicts and loan sharks. It’s possible that the parents of people carrying illegal guns will also be prosecuted, of course, assuming that they are still alive.

Another Viagra-type death The health dangers to old men taking sex stimulants was illustrated yet again when the body of 75-year-old Milos Vujatov, a naturalized Australian, was discovered in his Pattaya hotel room after his newly-met girlfriend raised the alarm. He had taken a Cialis tablet but fallen asleep whilst waiting for the drug to take effect. He had then convulsed and died.

Clearly he did not take the medical advice that men of pensionable age should obtain medical clearance before indulging in the hardening tonic.

Coroners and autopsies Following yet another British death in a Thai bus crash directly or indirectly linked to poor vehicle maintenance and bald tires, a coroner in southern England has written to the Thai authorities to provide more information on this and other similar cases. Sad but true, yet such requests are routinely ignored by the Thais and have been for umpteen years. The British foreign office needs to update its travel advice by warning about the sheer number of bus crashes and the near impossibility of getting to the bottom of them.

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Thai-Cambodian soldiers sign accord Senior military officers at the ThaiCambodian border areas have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost the stability and safety of vulnerable areas and to guarantee that locals on both sides will be able to live their lives without bullets and explosions. The bond created by such agreements is seen as important in view of the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community which will introduce free-trade between member countries. The disputed issue of the Preah Vihear Temple complex was not aired during the meetings.

Tourist trials need speeding up Aware of the negative international publicity from crimes against tourists, the Tourism Ministry has put forward several ideas to provide overseas visitors better legal protection. Written complaints from tourists who have been physically attacked or robbed, or both, are particularly high in Pattaya and Phuket, both popular beach resorts. Last year, the Tourist Police received 1,938 complaints overall from international tourists, though many were based on alleged rip-offs during shopping expeditions.

In the short term, Tourism Minister Somsak Pureesrisak has suggested to the Justice Ministry that courts be open at weekends and nights specifically to deal with cases arising from crimes committed against tourists. Somsak said that, at present, court cases could take many months to be heard and the plaintiff tourist cannot wait that long in Thailand. Some criminals are acquitted because witnesses are not able to return to Thailand to give evidence.

A spokesman for the Tourism Council of Thailand said the idea of extending court opening times was a good one, but he pointed out that Saturday sessions were already in

operation in some cities, including Pattaya. Late-night sittings might put undue strain on the judges unless their numbers were substantially increased. Another suggestion was that public prosecutors should speed up their inquiries so that the waiting time for tourist plaintiffs could be reduced.

But a more radical proposal is the Tourism Ministry’s suggestion that a tourist court, separate from existing courts, should be established to promptly handle varied criminal and civil lawsuits lodged by foreign visitors. “We are concerned,” said the Minister Somsak, “that the length of time a case takes may fail to serve justice or maintain the confidence of tourists in the safety of their own lives and property.”

The main problem with this suggestion is that the introduction of a tourist court would require a change in the law or amendments to existing legislation. Even if the matter is expedited, there would be a delay of at least two years. Several other countries, including Singapore, do have tourist courts specifically handling matters concerning foreigners.

On the other hand, Singapore has far fewer serious crimes than Thailand

and the number of tourist arrivals is much smaller in the island city state.

The Tourism Ministry later clarified that Somsak was referring only to cases where the foreign tourist is the plaintiff. Where foreigners themselves are accused of committing crimes whilst in the country, the existing system with its long delays and lengthy bail remands would not change. The majority of prosecutions against foreigners in Thailand are for immigration offences, particularly overstay visa problems and working without an authorized permit, and most lengthy jail sentences are for drugs offences.

Tourist arrivals in Thailand this year are expected exceed 24 million. The government is thought to be concerned that its tourist income target of 2 trillion baht (almost 700 billion US dollars) might be compromised if crimes against tourists are not more effectively contained.

Pattaya in the last 12 months has witnessed several murders and physical and sex attacks on foreigners. Several foreign embassies have expressed their concern about their nationals being subjected to scams especially involving jet skis and overpricing at shopping venues.

Liberian lunges at bag snatcher

Thief caught on CCTV

Police were quick off the mark when a Liberian football player was robbed of his bags by two youngsters on a motorbike. Barclay Saydee, a Liberian national, and his girlfriend Somwang were driving their motorbike near Bali Hai pier when the incident occurred. Police were given a good description of the attackers and one of them was arrested some time later in Soi Potisan.

Nhoi, 16 years old, said he was very sorry for the offence but explained he was desperately short of cash so he was unable to have a good time. When Barclay, the robbery victim, spotted Nhoi in police custody, the Liberian lunged at him in anger but was restrained by police. All parties were taken to Banglamung Hospital where superficial wounds were treated by staff.

A back door which was left open allowed two house robbers to steal 300,000 baht in cash and jewelry from business premises on Third Road. The owner, 70-yearold Suwon Udomdech, told police that the thieves had broken into a room on the second floor after walking in through the back door. CCTV footage showed two men, one of whom stood guard, surveying the premises before the crime was committed. One of them was aged about 30, wearing dark clothes and sporting a pink cap. The house was unoccupied at the time. Investigators believe the criminals were familiar with the premises and the location of valuables. Suwon is offering a reward of 50,000 baht for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.

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News North Pattaya is on the come General managers and senior management from seven North Pattaya hotels met at Amari Orchid Pattaya to discuss the launch of a destination campaign, ‘North Pattaya, more than you think.’

The highly competitive hotels agreed there is an opportunity for mutual cooperation to promote the area through the campaign, which welcomes partnerships with quality tourism stakeholders in North Pattaya. Goal of the effort is to build a reputation for the area as a worldclass destination for corporate meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) and Indian Weddings.

Sheer Bravado, a Bangkok-based creative communications agency, is developing a high-end brochure and website centered around ‘North Pattaya, more than you think.’

(L to R) Brendan Daly, general manager, Amari Orchid Pattaya; Sittidej Rochnavibhata, general manager, Cape Dara; Sophon Vongchatchainont, general manager, Pullman Pattaya G; Andre Brulhart, general manager, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya; Chatchawan Supachayanont, general manager, Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya; Garth Solly, general manager, Holiday Inn, and Sanpech Supabowornsthian, assistant managing director, Unchaleewiwat’s Group.

Dine and Fly with Hilton Pattaya “Dine ‘n’ Fly with Hilton Pattaya” has been reintroduced for a third year, running from now through November 30, according to Philippe Kronberg, general manager of Hilton Pattaya.

The promotion offers guests the chance to win prizes while enjoying great food and beverage deals as well as luxurious spa treatments.

By spending 3,000 baht at any restaurant, eforea: spa at Hilton, or on in-room dining, guests will have the chance to jet off on a holiday for two to Hilton Singapore, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Hilton Shanghai or Conrad Seoul.

Five winners will either receive return airfares with two nights’ accommodation and daily breakfast at one of the destinations, or be entitled to a rooftop party at Horizon on level 34 worth up to 100,000 baht.

For more information call +66(0)38 253 000 or email pattaya.info@hilton.com

Miss Tiffany Universe crowned

Changing Pattaya’s image

Netnapada Kanlayanon (Neck) was crowned Miss Tiffany Universe 2013 in the world’s most famous ladyboy beauty pageant at the Tiffany Show Theater in North Pattaya. The 22-year- old beauty queen was awarded a 500,000-baht diamond tiara, a Honda Jazz, and 1.5 million baht in prize money. Runners up were Chanunchida (Blossom) Roungpechrat and Sopida (Ning) Rachanon. A special prize went to Yada (First) Kongsrijarean, who was named most popular amongst the press.

One reason to pay your bill If you’re a Sophon Cable TV customer and if you pay your bill you will be eligible for a lucky draw, according to Ratkit Hengtrakul, vice-president.

Prizes include three new motorbikes, return air tickets to Singapore, gold necklaces, iPhones and other hand-held devices. Pick up your reward at Central Festival Pattaya Beach Saturday May 18.

Mitsubishi Electric has donated several outdoor exercise machines to Pattaya City to assist in the public campaign to encourage people to become fit. Anan Bunjerdtham, the company’s general manager, presented the millionbaht worth of equipment to Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplume at a ceremony, held at Pratumnak Hill, celebrating Mitsubishi’s 40th anniversary in Thailand.

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News Diplomas for the worthy Snitch n’ Snitch

Thailand’s elite police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), is asking foreigners to snap a picture of foreigners working without a permit and to send it to headquarters where it will be considered for action.

Somebody will surely have to work overtime ploughing through all those photo albums. Old-timers may remember that senior police made a similar request in 2004. History tends to repeat itself.

Farangs still spending

Foreigners are still spending big sums on Thai property, especially condos. Last year they spent 13.17 billion baht in Pattaya, about 20 percent of the total nationally. But the customer profile is now changing – more Russians and Asians and fewer western Europeans and Americans. It’s no secret why that is.

Piyadee Prasertsom, director of Thai Itoh Vocational College, handed out certificates of achievement to students of languages, tourism and commerce at a ceremony held at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, The college was founded in 2003 and specializes in real-world short courses for young adults.

Thai Airways sponsors clean-up

The key to a long life

Vegetables and chill paste help people to enjoy a long and healthy life according to two Thai grandmothers who recently celebrated their 100th birthdays. By the way the vegetables have to be boiled. Portions of chips are decidedly off limits. Speaking of which, we like the mention in a Pattaya restaurant menu that “We only use earthy potatoes in our chips.”

Learning from Singapore

The Singapore government says it is abandoning tourist growth based solely on numbers and will concentrate instead on sustainable quality based on the yield (i.e. spending) from each visitor. Mind you, Singapore has never been popular with Cheap Charlies as it is very expensive. Will Thailand follow the trend to quality rather than quantity? Don’t bet on it.

Tourist safety

The new minister of sports and tourism said the physical safety of overseas visitors would take priority under his watch. Of course, it’s an easy thing to say. But, within days, two speedboats collided 80m off Koh Larn near Pattaya, throwing 28 Koreans into the sea. Some of the injuries were horrendous – legs ripped off – and the two drivers initially fled the scene.

Big boys in golf

As Thai Airways celebrates 53 years of flying the skies of Thailand and around the world, the country’s national airline is sponsoring a spring cleaning of Pattaya beaches. The Thai Air campaign, Loving the Sea and Saving the Beach, attracted many volunteers to help clear plastic bottles and assorted rubbish from the sands between Soi 4 and the Dusit Thani Hotel.

City Hall asks for help

Top golf executives met in Pattaya to boost Thailand as one of the world’s top three golf destinations. The top two are apparently Spain and the US. Tickets are now on sale for the August 7 exhibition match between Barcelona and Lionel Messi against a Thai selection. Go to ThaiTicketMajor online for your seat.

New police station

Part of the disused tourist information office on Beach Road (100 yards short of the Walking Street entrance) is to be turned into a new tourist police station after much-needed renovation and repainting. It’ll be good for the Tourist Police to have premises in a busy area. The main building on Buddha Hill is by no means on the main tourist circuit and is seldom visited voluntarily.

Deputy Mayor Wutisak Reamkitjakarn will lead a City Hall administrative team to go out into the community and listen to the concerns of the general population. Officers of the local authority will also explain to everyone the difficulties and challenges of running an expanding and diverse city such as Pattaya.

Scamming the scanners

James McCormick must have been a top-notch salesman to have conned so many government departments into believing that the GT200 scanners could detect so many targets from explosives to drugs. It is rumored that a Thai politician was persuaded to buy one after being assured by McCormick that it could detect an upcoming military coup.

Overhearing Psycho

First aid training

When Psycho first came out in 1960, cinema audiences needed ambulance men on duty with smelling salts. After recently watching Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece on the TV monitor in a Pattaya beachfront bar, an elderly British lady was heard to remark as Janet Leigh clutched the bath curtain in her final, gasping moments, “Well, if you stay in a real dump like that what do you expect?”

Coconut Ghosts

Environmentalists moan at the cutting down on so many trees, but the road widening of Beach Road to make four lanes is well under way. A small part is already completed. Let’s hope that the extra space isn’t gobbled up by dozens of parked buses or by lines of motorbikes waiting to be rented.

After completion, where will all the Coconut Ghosts stand? (It’s a local expression for prostitutes).

The editor and management of Pattaya Today don’t necessarily share the views expressed in this column

Deputy Mayor Ronnakit Ekasingh hosted a session at the local disaster prevention center to train 40 local officials how to deal with fires and give emergency medical assistance to the injured. The officials will be expected to cascade their newly-found expertise to their subordinates.

Pattaya police chief now inactive Following intervention at national police level, the head of Pattaya police station Colonel Suwan Chiewnawintawat has been put on inactive duty. The termination order follows a regional police raid on premises housing illegal gaming machines earlier this month which, it is alleged, had been left untouched by local police. Police colonel Suwan had denied this interpretation and claimed his officers had cooperated with the regionally based officers. However, he was ordered to clear his desk in 24 hours.

Pattaya Today's lifestyle, travel and culture guide

L iv I N G

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

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stY L e

Subaru's all new XV cool crossover

Linger Longer with Anantara

Casa Pascal

automotive L15

explore L7

dining out L8

The SPA

Cenvaree

Experience

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort

Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Total Bliss

by John K. Lindgren

Here is how to escape the blazing high-noon tropical heat with immediate relief plus intense well being. An afternoon Cenvaree Spa session at the luxury Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort in Pattaya.

A gentle breeze arrives from the shimmering bay of Wong Amat Beach as we enter the spa building adjacent to the northern wing of the towering, multi-storey resort hotel. The al-fresco reception area sits in the midst of a lush green garden. The dÊcor of beige sandstone, bamboo, brown tiles and water sets you in the right mood. This is an oasis for relaxation and serenity. The Cenvaree SPA’s treatments are designed to ease you into your holiday and for walk-in customers to help melt away all the work-related stress and (low back) muscle pains.

There are 10 luxurious suites for couples with private Jacuzzis and 12 single treatment suites. Plus a high-tech Vichy room. Opposite the treatment rooms hot and cold plunge pools--high ceiling, pool chairs and reading material included. The area includes a steam room and a Finnish style sauna. Everything is immaculate, the towels are thick and the ambiance is luxurious, relaxing. So cool and quiet. The compound also includes a popular yoga and meditation pavilion.

>> continued on L6

L2

events Hard Rock Pizzeria relaunched Pattaya's newest pizzeria, launched poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel, features "more than pizza, even though they are as tasty as we can make them, we can now offer something a bit more stylish,” according to chef Joseph.

Dubbed ‘Pizzeria,’ the al fresco eatery was added as part of the hotel’s renovation.

It opened without fanfare last year and is now officially launched with a new menu of Neapolitan-style pizza, select main courses, and a variety of desserts.

Open from noon till 10 p.m.

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

eve n t s cal en d ar The Next Level of Groove, DJ Kade playing Classic House Date: May 18, 2013 Venue: Horizon on level 34, Hilton Pattaya DJ Kade, one of Thailand’s premier DJ and voted top 10, 2012 ladies championships, arrives in town.

Activities: Join the pack for what promises to be a night of Deep Tech, Soulfulhouse, Minimal, Hip-house and Lounge. There will be special priced Möet & Chandon as well as ladies cocktails throughout the night.

Entry is free, dress code naturally applies.

Get ready to party like a rock star and experience the next level of relaxation at the open-air bar, stretching out into the never-ending skyline with the hippest beats and the coolest drinks.

For more information or reservations please contact: Tel: 038 253 000 E-mail: bkkhp.pattaya.horizon@hilton.com

Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival Date: July 10 – 12, 2013 Venue: Loei Phi Ta Khon is a type of masked procession celebrated on the first day of a three-day Buddhist merit making holiday known in Thai as “Boon PraWate”. The annual famous festival takes place on the second or third weekend in June at a village of Dan Sai, Loei Province. The festival is held to worship spirits, the protectors of the village, and to ask for plentiful rain for the coming farming season.

Activities: Phi Ta Khon is paraded by young men who wear huge masks made from carved coconut-tree trunks, topped with wicker work and sticky-rice steamers, and dress as ghosts to parade a sacred Buddha image. The procession is marked by a lot of music and dancing. In addition, on the second day of the festival, the villagers gather at WatPonchai to listen to the messages of the thirteen sermons of Prince Vessandorn recited by the local monks.

For more information please contact: TAT Loei office Dan Sai District Office Tel: +66 4289 1266

Foodland's thank you party

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2013 Date: June 15, 2013 - August 15, 2013 Venue: Bangkok

Foodland Supermarket Co., Ltd, and food and beverage importers treated Foodland customers to a party featuring international meat, dairy, baked goods and wines. It's a way of saying "thank you" to guests, said Edwin Lim, Foodland managing director.

Activities: During the event of Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, participants can experience and enjoy discounts of 10-80%, and many other privileges at participating department stores, shopping malls, King Power Duty Free, jewelry shops, golf courses, Thai products, spa and massage, hospitals, as well as from the leading airlines and online travel agencies. There are also discounts to be enjoyed at participating merchants at selected tourist attractions in Bangkok, Chiangmai, Phuket, Hat Yai, HuaHin, Pattaya, Koh Samui and other famous destinations in Thailand. The event attracts many target tourists such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea etc. to travel and go shopping in the low season of Thailand.

For more information please contact: TAT Bangkok Office Website http://thailandgrandsale.tourismthailand.org Tel. +66 2250 5500 ext.2951

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events Southpoint Show Suites Unveiled Southpoint Pattaya unveiled its new sales gallery and show suites at a party held at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club. The developer, Kingdom Property, said it guarantees that the specifications and materials used in the show units are exactly what will be delivered to buyers and investors.

The showroom on Pratumnak Hill is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ROMANTIC DINING ON THE BEACH THB 3,600 nett.

Inclusive of 5 course set dinner Table reservation 038 933 888 Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

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rendezvous Funnyman at Centara Grand

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

Development seminar at BHP Dr. Supakorn Winnawan, a deputy director of Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, opened the Second Trauma Day – Emergency Medical Personal Development Program at the hospital. The training--for doctors, nurses and other staff—is meant to develop skills to better care for accident victims.

Thai comic Note (Udom Taepanich) vacationed at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. He is seen here with Andre Brulhart (right), general manager of the resort.

Travel show hosts at Sheraton Pattaya Resort

Thonglor Pet City opens in Rangsit Dr. Boonch T. Poolporn, managing director of Thonglor Pet Hospital, launches the chain's newest branch at Future Park Rangsit.

Dubbing the new unit, “Happy Place for Pet Lover”, Boonchu presented the dogs and cats super model search and a new Thonglor Pet City Brand Ambassador. The newest pet clinic features a dog soda spa, swimming pool, training. and more.

TAT meets at A-One

Hosts of TV’s Nhee Tiew Thailand, Fluke-Krirkphol Masayavanich and Natalie Chiaravanond, are seen here during their visit to the Sheraton Pattaya Resort. From left to right are Thanaphat Chakkaphak, hotel marketing communications manager, Natalie, Fluke, and Tomo Kuriyama, hotel general manager. Nhee Tiew Thailand is a travel show on Channel 5.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a seminar at A-One The Royal Cruise Pattaya attended by (left to right) Chuchart Oncharoen, director, TAT Rayong-Chanthaburi; Chairat Trirattanajarasporn, chairman, Rayong Tourist Association; Borisuth Prasopsub, executive director, TAT Eastern Region; Sunee Vaewmanee, hotel PR manager; Watcharapol Sarnsorn, TAT marketing consultant, and Chaiwat Tamthai, TAT assistant director, Pattaya.

HOT SUMMER PROMOTION 20% off everything except set menu

Centara’s Krabi resorts join helmet campaign Wayne Duberly (front row, far right), general manager of Centara AndaDhevi Resort & Spa Krabi, and David Martens (front row, third from left), general manager, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, donned helmets as part of the 100 percent Helmet Campaign.

Fei Ya named Thailand’s Best Restaurant Thailand Tatler has again presented Thailand’s Best Restaurant Award to Fei Ya, the quintessential Chinese restaurant in the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel. This represents the third consecutive year that Fei Ya has been so honored by the luxury lifestyle magazine. Seen here are Leung Shing Hoi, executive Chinese chef (center) and Fei Ya Ambassadors.

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Cabin Grill eatery opens at A-One For the opening of the new European and Thai restaurant Cabin Grill, A-One The Royal Cruise Hotel Pattaya invited monk Mitsuo Gavesako (standing), abbot of Wat Sunanthawanaram Kanchanaburi, to bless the first meal. Owner Suppawan Ratanaopath is seated second from left.

Bangkok Hospital donates to Immigration Bureau

Immigration officer SuwitpolImmjairat accepts donation of 2,000 facemasks from Pongsak Boonyaleepan, director of Bangkok Hospital, as part of the hospital's campaign against respiratory tract disease.

Happy birthday, Chanyut Chanyut Hengtrakul (fourth from left), advisor to the Interior Ministry, celebrated his 60th birthday with family and friends in Pattaya. It took the local guru two blows to extinguish all the candles.

Smoke Free Life

Somsak Tanruengsriattaya (left), general manager, Marriott Resort & Spa, presents a ‘Quit Smoking’ T-Shirt to Pramote Sa-Ngunpiew, a fitness attendant who quit smoking to set a good example for his daughter. The resort encourages associates who smoke, to quit, for a healthier, longer and smoke-free life, as part of Marriott's Smoke Free program.

New Centara Grand Phratamnak choses Fendi furniture

Fendi Casa furniture has been selected for Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya, set to open in August. Seen finalizing their order from the luxury Italian fashion house are (left to right), Chananchida Wongsa-ard, resort sales and public relations manager, Uraiwan Sinpitucksagull, Décor Mart brand manager for Fendi Casa furniture, and Dominique Ronge, general manager of the resort.

Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

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The SPA Cenvaree I start out my Spa experience with a refreshing cup of cold herbal tea.

As my masseuse arrives, I am ushered in to the Sauna and steam room beside the hot and cold plunge pool area.

A shower and a peeping hot steam room session follows. Then a dip in the plunge pools; hot and cold back and forth. “Aqua Therapy”, says Igor one of the many Russian hotel guests. Then to the Finnish Sauna.

Take the bucket. Toss the water with a scoop over the heated stones.

The temperature rises sharply. Six minutes is enough. One more dip in the plunge pool. And a walk on the

Happy Hour at our pool bars BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

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wooden deck to the treatment room where June, my therapist, waits. On the menu is the Songkran Sand Magic Treatment. Three steps.

This treatment combines four parts: a foot scrub, a body scrub, a body massage and an herbal bath. All in all, the pampering takes about 120 minutes.

First, the foot scrub which involves the use of a mixture of sand, sea salt, fresh mint leaf and neem tea.

This ritual is said to help wash away negative energy.

The second step, the sea sand body exfoliating treatment, begins with smoothing yogurt and coconut

wrap on the body prior to a salt scrub used to exfoliate the skin. The treatment is relaxing and soothing.

Here I start to doze off towards slumber land. The setting is very sleep inducing, the colours, the textures and my masseuse’s smooth therapeutic touch.

The third, step. Here the whole body receives a soothing massage with skin-nourishing virgin coconut oil, followed by an herbal compression massage using sand pouch with heated sea sand, crushed sesame, grated ginger and warming black pepper.

The herbal pouch is dipped in

SUNDAY - THURSDAY 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CALL 038 933 888

coconut oil and then pressed at strategic points of the body to relax muscles. The heat from the sand pouch will help draw out toxins and bring relief to joint conditions, as well as reduce water retention.

Perfectly balanced temperatures and pressures, no pain or discomfort at all. Pure bliss.

To wash off the body scrub or mask, you can choose either a stimulating Vichy shower or a detoxifying Thai herbal tea bath. The Songkraninspired pampering is rounded off with a cup of detoxifying herbal tea and complimentary fresh fruit and yoghurt at the comfortable outdoor relaxation area.

This Songkran Sand Magic spa package is available until the end of May at Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya.

Package prices at baht 2,595++ for single and baht 5,000++ for couple.

Throughout the guests’ experience at the spa, they will experience an ‘’Awakening’’ concept designed to liven up senses through music, rituals and traditions. Guests will be presented with the opportunity to learn about traditional herbs and their benefits in spa treatments as well as enveloping the philosophy of letting go of time and finding peace in a tranquil setting.

The spa menu is extensive, with both individual treatments and packages, special half-day couple packages based on rituals traditionally given to brides and

grooms before the marriage ceremony, and a multi-day retreat package.

Other Spa Cenvaree Signature Treatments include • Thai Harmony Four Hands Signature Massage • Couple Half-Day Spa Journeys • Ayurveda therapies and balancing programs • Aquatic Experience with Vichy Rain Shower • Hot Stone Therapy, and Slimming treatments • Jurlique Anti-Ageing Facials • OPI Nail Care System Activities • Yoga and dance classes for adults and children • Thai massage classes • Life-enhancement talks by visiting consultants In order to attain the most from your spa experience, arrive 25 minutes prior to your treatment and enjoy an herbal tea in the relaxation lounge and take advantage of the steam, sauna and plunge pool facilities, which are complimentary for all spa guests.

A visit to Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya SPA Cenvaree is highly recommended. Located on the ground floor of the resort, the spa offers full service menu that goes beyond the usual trappings of a city spa. Each spa journey is designed to deliver results and rejuvenation through a personal approach, which takes into account all aspects of the individual’s current health, fitness level and lifestyles.

The decompression, relaxation and the rejuvenation – you deserve it.

Trust me.

SPA Cenvaree

Centara Grand Mirage Open daily: 09:00-21:00 Tel: 038 - 301234

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Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

Hotel Promotions

Linger Longer with Anantara

Family Holiday Package, Cape Dara Resort Pattaya Valid:

Package Deluxe Room: Package Deluxe Corner Room: Extra bed for 3rd adult: Selling channel:

Linger a little longer and enjoy time well spent at one of Anantara’s dream hideaways.

Make the most of a special seasonal worldwide deal that offers great discount rewards the longer you stay, as well as a complimentary daily breakfast buffet. With up to a generous 40 percent off luxury accommodation, there’s never been a better time to experience some of the world’s most exotic destinations in Anantara’s signature style.

Anantara Kihavah

Choose from a collection of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas located across Asia, the Maldives and the Middle East. Book a minimum three, four or five night getaway before 20 July 2013 for a stay between now and 31 July 2013, reaping greater savings the longer your escape.

Uncover Thailand’s exotic diversity.

Experience unforgettable adventures at Asia’s premier elephant camp in the verdant jungle of the Golden Triangle. Delve into Bangkok’s rich cosmopolitan and cultural scenes from sophisticated hotels that boast impressive views over the cityscape and majestic River of Kings. Indulge in a blissful beach getaway, from royal seaside charms to the natural beauty of the Andaman and famous tropical islands.

Travellers can also spread their wings across Asia. Live the dream of holidaying in beautiful Bali, choosing between a romantic cliff-side haven and a boutique retreat in the trendy enclave of Seminyak. Become immersed in China’s ancient culture and unique natural attractions from inspirational island and riverside sanctuaries. Unwind along Vietnam’s vibrant southeast coast and trace the footsteps of merchants in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Call the Indian Ocean your playground and luxury accommodation your tropical home away from home in the breathtaking Maldives, perhaps for a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation or the most romantic holiday imaginable.

In the Middle East, legendary escapades whisper across the sands

Now until May 31, 2013 4,599 net include breakfast/room/night 5,099 net include breakfast/room/night 1,000 net include breakfast/night For direct reservation to our reservation office only

Value added: • Stay minimum 3 nights receive 10% discount • COMPLIMENTARY Extra bed includes breakfast for child less than 12 years old, maximum 1 extra bed in room.

• COMPLIMENTARY breakfast for 2nd child less than 12 years old sharing parents' room in existing bedding.

Maximum 2 children in room Conditions: • For direct reservation hotel only • Subject to availability • Full pre-payment at the time of booking • The booking is not able to amend or change once the booking is confirmed • Nonrefundable if cancelled or changed.

Cape Dara Resort Pattaya For reservation, call 038 933 888

Hilton Pattaya Announces Its New ‘Dine and Fly with Hilton Pattaya’ Promotion Popular promotion offers guests an extended range of prizes Hilton Pattaya announced the ‘Dine And Fly with Hilton Pattaya’ promotion that is running for a third consecutive year.

Held from May 1 to Drift lounge & bar eforea spa at Hilton located at Hilton Pattaya November 30, 2013, the promotion offers guests the chance to win exciting prizes while enjoying great food and beverage deals as well as the luxurious spa Edge restaurant Shore bar treatments at Hilton Pattaya.

By simply spending THB 3,000 at any of Hilton Pattaya’s restaurants, eforea: spa at Hilton located at Hilton Pattaya or on in-room dining, guests will have the chance to jet off on an unforgettable holiday for two to either Hilton Singapore, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Hilton Shanghai or Conrad Seoul.

Five winners will either receive return airfares with two nights’ accommodation and daily breakfast at one of the destinations, or be entitled to throw a rooftop party at Horizon on level 34 worth up to THB 100,000.

“Back by popular demand and having received positive feedback from our guests, our aim is to offer value-added privileges to guests through promotions such as this so they can relax and enjoy the distinctive dining and spa experiences available at Hilton Pattaya,” said Philippe Kronberg, general manager, Hilton Pattaya.

In 2011, the promotion offered three getaway prizes to Phuket, Hong Kong and Koh Samui while in 2012, the hotel presented food and beverage packages as well as holidays to Koh Samui, Kuala Lumpur and Paris.

Hilton Pattaya’s Edge restaurant offers indoor and outdoor terrace dining, stunning views of Pattaya Bay and an abundance of natural light. Flare restaurant features authentic Thai cuisine with a truly global twist. Savor tapas style snacks and Caribbean cocktails at Drift or unwind with unique rooftop views at trendy champagne bar and restaurant, Horizon.

Anantara Xishuangbanna

Anantara Mui Ne Restaurant and Pool View

of the world’s largest desert, a vast island wildlife park offers opportunities to track free roaming Arabian animals, and a lush mangrove waterway balances urban splendour with a refreshing view of nature.

So what are you waiting for? Discover the benefits of a Stay Longer escape with Anantara.

For reservations and full promotional details, visit anantara.com/staylonger or call +66 (0)2 365 9110

For more information please call +66 (0)38 253 000 or E-mail pattaya.info@hilton.com

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

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SATURDAY DINNER BBQ SEAFOOD BUFFET

THB 899 NETT

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

SATURDAY 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM CALL 038 933 888

Mick & Di Casa Pascal The Food Lovers

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

Delivers on So Many Levels

For a restaurant in downtown Pattaya to remain a popular destination for twelve years speaks volumes for its food philosophy and attention to detail. Forever pushing the culinary envelope Casa Pascal serves locals, tourists and ex-pats with a host of options from the crack of 8.00 am when their super economy (only B.185) BBQ brunch breakfast rolls into action until 11.00 pm when the dinner service finally winds down and the kitchen chills out after a full on gastro-day.

Mick and I have dined at Casa Pascal’s gourmet emporium many times over the years and consider it one of our favourite foodie haunts in the area. Pascal contacted us recently to update us on the new developments happening at his restaurant including the extraordinary fact that the new menu contains many items which have been reduced in price – yes, you are reading that correctly! Amazing but true, price hikes happen regularly, which we obviously have to understand – but reductions, not very often.

On the night we visited the restaurant was febrile with action.

Word had obviously spread about the value for money dishes that are

now leaving this kitchen.

Chef/proprietor Pascal and his wife Kim are always around to ensure that that their restaurant runs on oiled wheels. It had been a while since Mick and I had visited, which we rectified the other week, and quite honestly, we had forgotten just how good it is.

Décor-wise it is classy and elegant. Tables are beautifully dressed with colourful napery all nestled alongside a colonnade of large wooden pillars. On entry charming servers guide you to your table and the Casa Pascal experience is launched.

Gourmet set menus change regularly and offer a selection of seasonal dishes. Prices are B.690 and B.1,140 for free flow wine. These 4-course gastronomic events are very popular and can be viewed on the Casa Pascal website. On the evening we visited flamed pork medallions in green peppercorn sauce, prepared at your table and poached tilapia fish filets in a dill and white wine sauce were the offered main courses.

Mick and I had opted to select from the a la carte menu. I had intended to order the giant white asparagus from France but alas it was not a Friday and I was too early for their arrival. Instead I ordered one of the new dishes on the menu, a minimeze of Greek appetisers (B.260), while Mick plumped for the Japanese beef carpaccio “Mirin style” (B.210).

Served on a stylish 9 sectioned plate my appetiser was packed with a myriad of flavoursome items including a cool and creamy tsaisiki, pickled fish, marinated prawns, olives, salad, feta, squid and a stuffed vine leaf.

The gossamer-thin Japanese style

carpaccio had been lavishly doused in the Mirin wine with additions of sesame oil, soy sauce and sprinkled with spring onion. An unusual take on this popular dish and one which Mick gave his unreserved approval.

In the past, I have ordered Pascal’s signature appetiser of goose liver pate, which rewards with a plate of luxury overload, and remarkably this is one of the dishes that have been drastically reduced to only B.340. Other starters on the cold appetizer menu feature the house signature smoked Norwegian salmon, short seared tuna in sesame coating, gambas al ajillo (B.240) and a Spanish appetiser platter of 9 all-time favourites.

If soup is your fancy you would be hard put to find better. There is a soup wizard in this kitchen! From traditional French onion soup through lobster bisque and creamy pumpkin. On a previous occasion I tried the lobster bisque with cognac and it was superb, thick, dark, and creamy with generous chunks of lobster.

Fish lovers are well served with the options here including dory filet baked in puff pastry, pan-fried red snapper, pan seared Alaskan scallops on lobster sauce and the house signature dish of sea bass baked in rock salt crust.

However on this occasion I decided to try the premium sliced chicken breast in a mild Madras curry with fresh fruits which I enjoyed very much. Soft tender pieces of chicken served in a lightly curried cream sauce hit the spot immediately while Mick’s choice of oven roasted rack of lamb seasoned with the restaurants speciality 7-herb mix was another hit.

The grill page lists the luxury meats and steaks which can be served with the house special sauces. The finest Australian Wagyu beef tenderloin, lamb cutlets, a great rib eye steak and a hearty mixed grill comprising of beef, pork loin, chicken breast, sausages and bacon are prepared to your taste and accompanied by one of the many varieties of vegetables and potato options. The restaurant also serves a large selection of Thai dishes.

The dessert menu beckoned and

we surrendered to the chocolate mousse with Grand Marnier, marinated oranges and vanilla sauce – well, you only live once! Yes, you’ve guessed it was ambrosial, the finest chocolate complimented by the orange liquer and chef’s vanilla sauce. Couple this with a glass of an Italian hazelnut liquer called Frangelico and it was a quick road to heaven.

The beauty of this restaurant is its professionalism combined with elegance and comfort where well dressed local foodies come for an intimate night out filled with fantastic food and bags of style.

In these belt-tightening times Casa Pascal has re-invented his menu to reflect the preferences of his budgetconscious customers. Value for money breakfast/brunch/lunch menus offers the astute customer an opportunity to taste a sample of Pascal’s food at wallet friendly prices while the dinner menu still retains its gastronomy but now at more relaxed prices.

Casa Pascal

Tel: (038) 723 660 or 081 983 4182.

Located in the street opposite The Marriot Resort & Spa on Second Road, next to the Ruen Thai restaurant.

Open daily from 11.30 am to 11.00 pm.

Limousine service and valet parking. www.restaurant-pattaya.com

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SUNDAY BRUNCH

THB 1,500 .- free THB 2,200 .free flow soft drinks flow drinks & wines Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

SUNDAY 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM CALL 038 933 888

F&B Promotions Flames

Havana Bar & Terrazzo

Lobster promotion at Flames

“Kiss Me Please” May Cocktail of the Month

Chef Prapud and his team at “Flames” restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya proudly creating a special menu of “Lobster” - the ultimate shell fish, to culinary indulgence just for you. Enjoy the sensational menus such as a grilled half tail on an aromatic mixed salad (THB 950++), a grilled half with mushroom risotto (THB 1,100++), grilled whole with herb butter and condiments (THB 1,500++) or as part of a mixed seafood platter with New Zealand mussels and Norwegian salmon (THB 1,300++).

Havana Bar & Terrazzo has always been known for premium spirits, innovative combinations, and now with the loveliest cocktail “Kiss Me Please”. The perfect combination of liqueurs such as premium Vodka, Maraschino and Southern Comfort mixed with cherry and cranberry juice served with creative decoration melon’s kiss and cherry. Kiss Me Please is available throughout this May only.

Live band plays weekly from Wednesday to Saturday and live acoustic, by guitarist Adam, plays every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hi Club membership card for Havana Bar & Terrazzo is available for purchase offering great privileges, discounts and special offers.

Flames is located on the beachfront of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.The restaurant opens daily from 19:00-22:30 hrs. Call to reserve at (038) 301 234 ext. 4272.

Kurobuta at Benihana Delight in an experience at every table at our renowned Japanese Steakhouse.

Interact with the chefs, famous for their theatrical Teppanyaki culinary skills, with International Kurobuta Beef prepared in Hibachi cooking style.

Choose to share the fun with fellow guests, or book a private dining room.

For more information and reservations please contact Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa 038 412 120 ext.1395.

Bodega Festejar At Beach Bar, Pullman Pattaya Hotel G From now until 31st July 2013 As every Wednesday evening draws near at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, the party-goers, thrill seekers and cool crowds find their way to the Beach Bar to enjoy the unique flavors and sunblessed taste of Bodega

by Executive Chef Thierry, while they listen to the enchanting voice of FRENCH guitarist Santos make the night perfect.

Sink into an armchair next to the glittering swimming pool and feel the music, the sexy salsa, the yearning whirl of flamenco and much more. Along with drinks, irresistible treats include the chef ’s delicious take on street Thai food and innovative tapas with a touch of Spanish savoir-faire.

Chic price only THB 699 net with FREE flow of Sangria, White & Red Wine, Draught Beer and unlimited tapas. Santos performs 7:00 – 10:00 pm.

For reservations and information, please call 038 411 940-8

Havana Bar Southern Hemisphere’ the First Wine Tasting at Havana Bar Holiday Inn Pattaya announced its first wine tasting promotion at Havana Bar. The promotion is held in partnership with the leading wine expert from VS Classic Wines.

Southern Hemisphere introduces guests to a wide range of big flavors from Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Chile and New Zealand.

Experience a variety of south of the equator’s wine accompanied by tapas and canapés at only THB 890 Nett per person on Saturday 01st June 2013 i.e.

• Welcome cocktail starts 7pm • Introduce to Southern Hemisphere starts 7.30pm • Lucky Draw starts 8.30pm Guests can also bring home their favourite selection of great wines available at a special price.

Havana Bar & Terrazzo is located at beach front, North Pattaya (in front of Holiday Inn Pattaya).To make a reservation please call 038 725 555.

Sunday Brunch Happy Sunday Brunch - all you can eat brunch buffet at Radius Restaurant Enjoy the time-honored tradition of a Sunday Brunch with family and friends Radius Restaurant, Cape Dara Resort Pattaya.

Executive Chef Youngyuth and his culinary team have created more than 300 items for the buffet, and there is a healthy juice and vegetable bar. Brunch includes seafood buffet, grill, carving station, sashimi, dim sum, chafing dishes and much more. End the meal at dessert station, where there are cakes, tarts, and many other selections, along with ice cream, sorbet, and fresh fruits.

Price is only THB 1,500 per person with free-flow soft drink or THB 2,200 with free-flow red and white wines. A discount of 50 percent is applied for children below the age of 12, and there is no charge for children below six years of age accompanied by their parents. All prices are subject to service charge and tax.

Brunch is served from 11:30am to 3:00 pm.

For reservation and information call 038 933 888 or www.capedarapattaya.com

Pool Villa BBQ Enjoy your own private Pool Villa BBQ dinner at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is featuring a real treat for couples staying in pool villa accommodation with a special evening BBQ. Enjoy the private setting of the villa while your personal chef prepares dinner the way you like it, and your butler takes care of the serving and the arrangements. This really will be a night to remember for just Baht 5,900++ per couple. Served every day from 19.00 pm to 22.30 pm.

Package includes tailored BBQ dinner for two persons, with three BBQ menu options available; two glasses of sparkling wine; private chef and butler service; romantic dinner decoration in the villa; and a photo souvenir.

All prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government tax.

For more information or reservations in advance, please call 032 512 021-38 ext 7 or visit our website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com

For reservations and more information, call +66 (0)38 725555 or email: juthamard.boo@holidayinn-pattaya.com

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

Flare hosts gourmet GranMonte Wine Dinner

By Mick and Di The Food Lovers

GranMonte Vineyard and Winery are the pride of Khao Yai. Nestled in the beautiful Asoke Valley, they produce some distinguished, New Latitude Wines and are making significant inroads into the global wine industry. Along the way, they have won a plethora of bronze, silver and gold medals. This patriotic vineyard hosted a wine dinner recently at the well-known Flare at the Hilton Pattaya Hotel. To present the evening the charming Nikki Visootha Lohitnavy, oenologist and operations director of the family business, was present to introduce and inform on the intricacies of these new world wines.

Executive chef Supoj had devised a stunning Thai menu to complement and compliment the nuances of the flight of wines we were to enjoy on our Thai wine-anddine odyssey.

The evening delightfully began with an amuse bouche of a crispy mussel and bean sprouts pancake. The pancake element was in fact nori seaweed wrapped and rolled around a spicy mélange of mussels and crunchy bean sprouts. Wonderful vibrant flavours aroused the taste buds and, served with the first pouring of the evening, Sakuna Syrah Rose, it was an excellent curtain raiser.

As fish lovers, Mick and I immediately fell for the next course of twoway coconut shrimps accompanied by salmon and scallop sashimi. Fat, juicy prawns had been wound with vermicelli and deep fried to crunchy heaven with the other rendering coated in a spicy coconut mixture and delicately crisp-fried. Escorted by the precisely sliced salmon and scallops and sprinkled with wee cubes of sweet mango and chili, it was a triumph of a dish. The wine pairing with this course was the award-winning Viognier Asoke Valley 2012.

Wing bean salad, rock lobster, soft boiled quail eggs with oriental leaves followed to much eulogizing from our table. Small stacks of the spicy salad had been crowned with a chunky piece of lobster and topped with a soft creamy miniature egg. Zesty with chili piquancy, the salad was a wow to which the lobster immediately made friends. Scattered with yellow, red and mauve edible flowers, it was a beauty to behold. The accompanying wine was a well balanced Sole Chenin Blanc Viognier, aromatic with stone fruit with just a touch of acidity.

Tom Klong Pla Krob (smoked fish and shredded prawn soup with sweet leaves) followed to smash our expectations into oblivion. It was a knockout. We have been reading a lot about “umami” recently, which has been described as “the fifth taste” (sweet, salty, bitter and sour being the other four). Japanese coined name, it has come to mean a taste that is rounded, rich, robust and savoury. Such a taste screamed forth from this delectable soup – smoky, salty, spicy and fishy, it presented a sensational flavour which even now defies an exact description, the essence being so profound. Foodies listen up – this soup is definitely one for your gastronomic bucket list. The wine escort for this course was a bold Orient Syrah 2010 which, with its gallant properties, made the ideal companion to this audacious Thai soup.

Sorbet Popsicle sticks were then served at table (in a very elaborate piece of culinary theatre) to calm the palate and pave the way for the main course. Chef had excelled himself with this major event. asps were heard around the table as we were served the stunningly presented platter. Bamboo fish, sweet clam and betel leaf curry cannily presented in a coconut shell, aromatic jasmine rice wrapped in a lotus leaf with grilled asparagus and fish sauce plus a smoked shrimp or two. Sorry to repeat myself but this is clearly another item for your foodie bucket list. The flavours bounced and jumped from the plate while the sweet clam curry (oh my! that curry) was the most delicious piece of Thai wizardry we have tasted in quite some time. Kudos to chef Pupoj for producing and creating this plate of “Thai-namic” excellence.

Dessert was a fusion of east and west sweetness. A mixed pandan and taro custard was topped with a crème brulee-inspired hard caramel crust coating accompanied by chilled Thai melon and chocolate mousse. We are increasingly finding a palate for dessert wines and the one married with this Thai pudding was a delightful Bussaba sweet Chenin Blanc.

Something wonderful is happening in Flare’s quintessential Thai kitchen.

Classically driven but with contemporary overtones it is the producer of the finest Thai cuisine. Fine dining Thai style is indeed alive and well at Pattaya Hilton’s Flare.

Flare, Pattaya Hilton Hotel, Beach Road, Pattaya Tel: (03) 825 3000. Open from 6.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. daily.

Visit the GrandMonte website (www.grandmonte for more details of their wine selection, tours of the vineyard and wining and dining in their Montino cellar door and Vin Cotto restaurants.

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top tables

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

Al Porto raises the benchmark of Italian cuisine Can there ever be too many Italian restaurants? Nay, say Mick and I because each has its own specialty, personality and flair and many are regional specific. The newest Italian eatery to emerge on our dining scene is the splendid Al Porto. It sits in Pattaya’s port loudly proclaiming its culinary provenance with its Tuscan inspired style and décor. Proprietor/chef Nicola Marchetti, a seasoned restaurateur with two successful restaurants already under his belt, has created a menu of diverse dishes from the length and breadth of Italy. Managing front of house and bringing a wealth of customer service is manager Massimiliano Maldini, who comes by way of the popular Bacco restaurant in Bangkok.

The spacious dining area exudes warmth and friendliness coupled with a striking elegance and charm.

This beautiful contemporary space is big (it can accommodate up to 200 people) but it is not instantly obvious as clever zone-seating makes for comfortable defined sectors. Options are al fresco on the terrace, a comfortable fan-cooled area including a glitzy laid-back cocktail bar giving way to an inner (air conditioned) sanctum for a more private rendezvous.

We were dining with padrone Nicola and his business partner to share a tasting menu of their signature dishes. After a delicious aperitivo of an Aperol Spritz (think a gentle Campari), we were ready for the Al Porto experience but not before we were guided around the state of the art wine cave. A unique collection here of patriotic wines from the quotidian to the glitterati of Italian vineyards. Back at the table you’ll need to lean back, relax and give yourself some time to peruse all 12 pages. Massimiliano (Max) is on hand to recommend and advise on the wine, and on his recommendation we were served a classic 2009 Valpolicello Repasso Palazzo which married well with the courses to come.

The first starter to be served was a trio of carpaccio, salmon, snow fish and tuna sprinkled with rocket leaves and topped with olive oil and lemon. We could have eaten the gossamer thin slices with a spoon they were so soft and yielding. Other starter dishes include fresh tuna tartare with lemon and sliced orange (B.360), sliced octopus with green sauce and steamed potatoes and sliced veal with tuna sauce, capers and black olives (B.450). Bruschettas are always a good choice and here they range from the classic with

with the briny taste of the sea and a hint of floral tones from the white wine. There are over two dozen pasta choices with specialties from the across the length and breadth of Italy.

To follow we were served risotto al nero di sepia (Italian rice with squid in black ink). This speciality dish can be found in many restaurants in Italy but not so often elsewhere in the world. The flavour of the ink is mild and with its beautiful black silky colour it made for one of the star dishes of the evening. The next dish to hit the table was tuna encrusted with sesame seeds and served with king prawns. Big fat juicy prawns and pink tuna made a marriage from heaven. We had just managed to save space for dessert and were served chef’s signature tartufo of chocolate with cream. This famous ice cream is usually composed of two or more flavours and comes with a fruit syrup centre. I tell you – if heaven had a name it would be Al Porto’s chocolate tartufo - it was devine.

This had been one culinary extravaganza to remember, but Nicola had one more indulgence up his sleeve, a dessert cocktail. This

is a new finisher that is taking the cocktail set by storm. Full octane espresso coffee is served with a measure of Tequila – a heady mix indeed which wrapped up the evening with a rousing finish. As we stepped out into the night, pink cheeked, replete and thoroughly lubricated we knew we had enormously enjoyed our Al Porto experience.

As long-time food writers we eat out often but once in a while a restaurant raises the bench mark and shines through with a new level of gastronomy. Such a restaurant is Al Porto, everything about it is top notch from the friendly, attentive service to the extensive menu. Designed as the jewel in the crown of chef Nicola’s coterie of restaurants, it sparkles with style, panache and Italian hospitality.

Al Porto is located on Bali Hai Plaza (next to Lima, Lima Disco). Free parking available in the adjacent car park. Remember to get the restaurant to stamp your parking chit on departure.

Tel: 038 425030 E-mail: alporto.pattaya@gmail.com.

Open daily from 3 p.m. to midnight.

tomato, garlic and basil to sausage and fresh cheese plus Gorgonzola and asparagus. Pizza lover? Here they come in 21 varieties and cost from B.270.

Nothing says Italy like its food and nothing says Italian food like pasta.

It is estimated that Italians eat over 60 pounds of pasta per person per year--eaasily beating Americans who eat about 20 pounds per person.

Our foray into their pasta world was penne with fresh crab meat and white wine. It was a wonderful concoction, comforting and delightful

Restaurants: Downtown Balcony

Benihana

Le Saigon

Mata Hari

The Balcony is an appealing destination with its distinctive terrace, its European cookery and modern-day Thai cuisine, it has something to suit every taste and pocket.

Scrumptious cakes and pastries and the modishness of the graceful salon.

Specializing in Teppanyaki dining, this Japanese restaurant employs specially trained chefs to prepare the meals right at the guest's table.

Fresh succulent seafood, plump juicy chicken and tender filets of beef are perfectedto your delight.

Vietnamese-Eurasian Cuisine. Good Foods, Fine Wine, Spectacular View.

Le Saigon is a stylish restaurant presenting lavish cuisine in a dramatic sky high venue.

The wines are carefully selected and cocktails are creative and generous.

Mata Hari is a stylish, boutique restaurant, renowned for serving fine European and Thai cuisine and has been a firm favourite amongst the local expats for many years'.

An intimate European specialty restaurant where the ambience is casual elegance, big on quality, consistency and service.

The Balcony Restaurant & Bakery 151/39 Moo 5 Naklua Rd. Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Tel. No.: 038 411 429

Benihana Pattaya Royal Garden Plaza, 218-2-4 Beach Road Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150,Thailand Tel. No.: 038 412 120 ext. 1395

Le Saigon Bayview 413/9-10 Jomthien Complex Tappraya Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260 Tel. No.: 038 250 329, 038 250 322 Website: www.saigonbistropattaya.com

Mata Hari Restaurant 482/57 Moo12 Thappraya Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Tel. No.: 038 259 799 Website: www.mataharirestaurant.com

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top tables

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

Bamboo Fish Grilled fillet of sea bass marinated with herbs in a bamboo case accompanied with tamarind, lemon - chilli dips and vegetables Ingredients 250g Seabass fillet 1 Bamboo case 50g Lemongrass, chopped 50g Galangal, chopped 50g Dill 15g Mang Lak leaves 20g Sugar 10g Shallots, chopped 20g Mushrooms, sliced 5g Salt 5g Pepper 10g Garlic, chopped 10g Basil leaves 3 tablespoons Chicken stock

tee Chef May kolrat g Thaimon ood nal Thai F io it d a r T : aya Specialty ilton Patt H , e r la F : ing @ Perform ish Bamboo F red dish:

e: Full nam Cooking Method Place chopped lemongrass, mang lak leaves, galangal, shallots and garlic together in the bamboo case Add Seabass fillet with mushrooms and basil leaves on top Season with sugar, salt and pepper

Featu

Add stock chicken Grilled in the oven for 20 minutes Place on a serving dish and garnish with dill Serve immediately with tamarind, lemon - chilli dips and vegetables

Hilton Pattaya 333/101 Moo 9 Nong Prue Banglamung, Pattaya Chonburi, Thailand 20260 Tel: +66 (0)38 253 000, Fax: +66 (0)38 253 001. pattaya.hilton.com

Chef Roy’s Roasted Bone Marrow with Macerated Strawberries in Balsamic vinegar and Truffle Toast

Considered to be an exotic ingredient by most, bone marrow is one of those misunderstood protein that intimidates most cook but is a delectable indulgence to those who knows the amazing flavor it packs in its osseous cradle. Befriend you favorite butcher for the freshest shins and have them clean and cut it for you. A little bit of this flavorful recipe goes a long way, and its best served as an appetizer that is sure to impress your family and friends! If you’re up for it, a few drops of great aged syrupy balsamic vinegar would be a great finish to this dish. Pair it with a glass of your favorite champagne!

For the Bone Marrow:

F or the Toast:

4 pieces beef shin bone (cut in half ) 5 pieces garlic Handful of Picked Italian parsley leaves ½ cup grated parmesan 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 2tablespoon crumbled blue cheese

4 slices white bread 1 tablespoon grated parmesan 2 tablespoon melted butter 1 tablespoon truffle oil 2 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves Salt and pepper to taste

For the Macerated Strawberries : 2 cups diced strawberries 2 tablespoon sugar ½ cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon crushed black pepper Salt to taste To cook the strawberries, bring a sauce pot to medium heat and add the strawberries and sugar. Deglaze with the balsamic vinegar and add the ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the desired consistency is achieved. Let it cool and reserve until ready to use.

For the toast, cut each one in half and take out the crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the truffle oil, butter, parmesan and parsley, season with salt and pepper and spread them on the toast. Place them in a rack over a baking sheet pan and bake for 2mintes being careful not to burn them Pre-heat the oven in bake setting to 400°F. Scrub the bones’ exterior with a (brand new) clean scrub to get rid of any extra meat or dry blood. Arrange in a baking pan and season with salt and pepper. In a food processor, pulse the garlic, parsley and parmesan together with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil, a little bit at a time until incorporated. Spread a thin layer on top of the marrow with the crumbled blue cheese. Place in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked.

Switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2 minutes or until the top browns and crisp up.

L12

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

Promotions Regent Phuket Cape Panwa: Wellness Package Regent Phuket Cape Panwa is offering spa treatments at special prices until the October 31, 2013.

What Are The Signs Of Diabetes?

10 diabetes symptoms to watch for

by Elizabeth Smith, UrbaneWomen.com

Regent’s Wellness Package features a wide range of massages and treatments, harmonizing Chinese and Thai traditional therapies. The selection of treatments includes the 90-minute signature Regent Wave Massage, where skilled therapists melt away pressure with soothing wave motions, and the 120-minute Traditional Thai Massage. Also included amongst the complimentary services is a choice of 25-minute Warm Bamboo Rolling, a 40-minute Chinese Abdominal Massage or a 120-minute Traditional Thai Herbal Compress. Guests are also invited to enjoy scheduled daily yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and Kinetic classes, and revitalize after treatments with a healthy Japanese Bento Box and an energy boosting drink. Complimentary access to the beach, fitness centre and tennis court is also provided.

Reservations can be placed directly with Resort Reservations,Tel +66 7620 0800, Fax +66 7620 0803, Email: reservations.phuket@regenthotels.com or visit http:// www.regenthotels.com/Phuket.

Luminous Spa The “Facial Treatment by PAYOT” is now available at Luminous Spa Indulge yourself on holidays with a premium pampering programs at our Luminous Spa. Enjoy the benefit of waking up early with 30% discount for treatments and massages during 11:00am to 2:00pm, every Sunday to Thursday.

Cape Dara Resort Pattaya 256 Dara Beach, Soi 20 Pattaya-Naklua Road Pattaya 20150 Tel 038 933888 www.capedarapattaya.com http://www.facebook.com/CapeDaraPattaya

Diabetes is a disease that cannot be detected at an early stage as the symptoms are very much generalized and are ignored for years. This disease can affect every body part and leads to dangerous consequences when it is not recognized at the right time.

To avoid complications, every woman should get her blood sugar levels tested frequently especially after the age of 40. Also, there are some common symptoms that you can look out for (which you’ll find in this article) which are indicative of diabetes: 1. Sudden Loss in Weight A sudden loss in weight that cannot be explained can be indicative of diabetes (especially of type I).

Since glucose cannot be used effectively by individuals who are diabetic, their body tries to break down excessive fats deposited in the body as energy sources, hence resulting in weight loss.

2. Increase in Urination Frequency

Sign up for Weekend Plus Fitness Club benefits!

Call (66) 38 412 120 ext. 1700 or email pattayamarriott@minornet.com

Aisawan Spa Summer Smoother Skin Promotion This summer just got a whole lot cooler with the incredibly skin soothing, moisturizing and smoothing natural healing power of an Aloe Vera Wrap followed by a gentle aromatherapy oil massage, to restore your mind and body inside and out.

Enjoy the sun without long lasting negative effects with the Summer Smoother Skin Promotion throughout April and May 2013 at Aisawan Spa in Pullman Pattaya Hotel G. Around the world for centuries, aloe vera has been widely used to stimulate tissue regeneration and help fade skin marks, scars and freckles. It can also be applied to skin to soothe sunburns and rashes, as well as helping to moisturize dry, flaky skin or skin suffering from chaffing due to wind and cold weather. In fact, hardly anything is more versatile, useful and restorative than the wonderful green aloe vera!

The benefits of this wondrous plant are especially useful when combined with an aromatherapy treatment that activates blood circulation, toning the body and reducing toxins.

The Summer Smoother Skin Promotion package is for 80 minutes at only Baht 1,900 net per person.

But this is not the end of the advantages of seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in Aisawan Spa this summer. For those feeling the need for one of the other treatments offered, feel free to reward yourself with 25% off on all other spa treatments and packages!

AISAWAN SPA opens daily from 9 am – 10 pm.

Advance reservation is required. Please call 0 3841 1940-8 Ext. 3501 – 3502 or email to info@pullmanpattayahotelG.com

6. Fatigue If you are getting tired very quickly and experiencing fatigue without any reason, it may be due to diabetes.

7. Feel Hungry Easily An increase in hunger which leads to over eating (also called as polyphagia) can mean diabetes for you as insulin causes a rise in hunger.

8. Slow Wound Healing Wound healing is very slow for people who are diabetic and therefore if you notice that cuts and wounds are taking much more time than they usually take to heal, it could be indicative of diabetes.

Fitness Club Exclusive five star facilities, including a 650 square meter outdoor swimming pool, aerobic studio, tennis courts, gym and many privileges.One Year membership just Baht 24,000 (excluding VAT), valid 1st -31st May 2013. Experience the difference as a Fitness Club Member at Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa.

5. Dark Pigmentations on Your Body Dark pigmentations on your body (and especially around your neck) is another symptom of diabetes as the body responds by producing additional amounts of pigments when the insulin loss from the body is high.

An increase in the frequency of urination (also called polyuria in medical terms) is another sign that is indicative of diabetes.

3. Unexplained Excessive Thirst Unexplained excessive thirst can be an indication of diabetes as the body tries to compensate for all the water that has been lost due to polyuria.

4. Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a sign that indicates an increase in the body’s blood glucose levels as, glucose building up around the lenses of your eyes could cause a blurred and unclear vision.

9. Experience Urinary Tract/Vagina Infection on a Regular Basis A frequent attack of infections especially of urinary tract and vagina can be indicative of diabetes as excessive accumulation of glucose can lead to infections.

10. Numb/ Tingling Sensation On Your Hands And Feet A numb sensation or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet might be a symptom of diabetes as diabetic neuropathy affecting nerves of the body can lead to these symptoms.

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

>>>

Bedbugs are making a comeback after having been virtually eradicated by the end of the last century. Modern pesticides are of little help. In search of an answer to combating these miniature vampires, we turned to the Balkans. It seems that residents there have been using kidney bean leaves to entrap the bloodsuckers. The leaves have microscopic hooked hairs that pierce bedbugs’ feet and trap them. Now, where to find kidney bean leaves?

L13

STRONGER, BRIGHTER, FITTER.

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya

please dial 038 253 000 for inquiries and reservations

What is PRP therapy?

by Dr. Natnicha Loichuen

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is derived directly from your own blood. PRP is a blood plasma with concentrated platelets above baseline values. Platelets contain an abundance of growth factors which play a central role in blood clotting and initiate or accelerate tissue healing. Healing can occur in various tissues including tendons, ligaments, muscle and bone.

Along with tissue repair, growth factors also stimulate new blood vessel growth to promote the wound healing process.

Pain relief and healing benefit - Packed with growth and healing factors, platelets initiate the repair. Process and attract the critical assistance of stem cells to intensify the body’s effort to heal. PRP injection stimulates the wound-healing process and reduces the pain duration much faster.

Safe, effective and lasting results - Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of transmissible infection and allergic reaction. Because PRP resolves pain through healing, the results gradually increase as the healing progresses more than 1-2 years.

The earlier treatment, the better outcome - PRP can be very effective in treating osteoarthritis, especially in the earlier stages. PRP may stimulate cartilage regeneration, which could potentially inhibit the deteriorating effects of age and slow the progression of arthritis.

Platelets contain substances called Growth Factors (GF) that activate and rejuvenate cells in the body.

These growth factors, when released from platelets, stimulate proliferation of fibroblasts which produce collagen and generate new capillaries to rejuvenate the skin.

Growth Factors PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor) TGF-B (Transforming Growth Factor-bet) VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) IGF ( Insulinlike Growth Factor)

Functions Cell growth, differentiation, blood vessel growth Blood vessel, collagen synthesis Cell growth, migration, new blood vessel growth Collagen synthesis, blood vessel growth New blood vessel growth, cell growth Collagen synthesis with PDGF, cell growth, differentiation Healing Stage

BEFORE & AFTER

Call 038-411190 or visit Nicha Clinic at Pattaya 2nd Road (Opposite View Talay Beach Condo and Central Festival Pattaya) for more information and to book a FREE consultation.

Present this coupon and get

50%

discount on all laser treatments

L14

diversions Book

Review

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

upcoming movies Epic

After Earth

Now You See Me

Lead Actors Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Isabelle Fuhrman

Lead Actors

Director M. Night Shyamalan Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi Release Date 31 May 2013

Director Louis Leterrier Genre Thriller Release Date 31 May 2013

One thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home.

Legendary General Cypher Raige returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai. When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father.

Today, he gets his chance.

An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

by Barry Kenyon

Hitler -- Bad but not mad It has long been believed that Adolf Hitler was insane. The attempted explanations are legion. One theory is that he caught syphilis from a Jewish prostitute in his early days, even though his surviving medical records show no such disease. The American Secret Service during the Second World War came up with the idea that the Fuhrer was a sadomasochist who projected his sexual perversions onto the world stage. Easy to say, of course, but difficult to prove clinically.

As Neumann and Eberle reveal in their new book Was Hitler Ill? (Polity Press, US$28), the Fuhrer was depressingly ordinary in many of his habits. He spent far too much time relaxing and watching movies and chattering at his hideout near Munich when he ought to have been paying attention to the eastern front. He is known to have had heterosexual affairs with several women and spent his later life in a monogamous union with Eva Braun. Like Briton’s King George VI, Hitler employed a speech therapist howbeit for different reasons. Hitler spoke too much and George VI not enough.

We know from the detailed files of his medic, Dr. Morell, that Hitler took a variety of drugs including sedatives, stimulants, painkillers and much besides. It is often claimed that Morell was slowly poisoning Hitler, but the authors demonstrate that these theories originally came from medical rivals, such as the physician Karl Brandt, who was very jealous of Morell's influence over the Fuhrer. Morell does seem to have given Hitler methamphetamines on occasion, but there's no evidence the patient was hooked on them.

In fact, Hitler's medical problems were commonplace. He had awful teeth with a mouthful of fillings and crowns and spent many hours in the dentist's chair, undergoing his final extraction as late as November 1944. He had irritable bowel syndrome which was more likely brought on by stress rather than by his vegetarian diet which was bland but hardly dangerous. The Fuhrer's notorious flatulence and belching seem to have been the consequence of his penchant for thick pea soup and talking as he ate.

The surviving records show Hitler had slightly raised blood pressure and the beginnings of coronary sclerosis, but those conditions were not life-threatening. A more likely problem was Parkinson's disease. As early as 1941 his staff noticed a tendency to shuffle rather than walk, although the condition got a lot worse only at the very end of the war when he aged tremendously. His health also suffered as a consequence of the bomb explosion in his headquarters in July 1944, caused by a failed military coup. The explosion blasted his eardrums and blew shrapnel into his body. Yet he met Mussolini at the railway station just hours later.

Hitler was never a particularly fit man. When he did take a walk in the Bavarian Alps it was invariably downhill with a car at the bottom of the hill to take him home. It is one of the paradoxes of the Third Reich that its leaders never even attempted to reach the physical high standards demanded of others in Nazi propaganda. On the other hand, Hitler was likely healthier than many middle aged men of his day as he neither drank nor smoked. Indeed, recent mouth translations of the silent home movies taken by Eva Braun reveal Hitler actually claiming the connection between cigarettes and lung cancer.

In summary then, Hitler was not mentally ill in the clinical sense. Of course whether his beliefs were rational is quite another matter. But his hatred of the Jews, his nationalism and his imperialism were all beliefs shared by millions of his fellow-countrymen at the time, even though they spend the years after 1945 denying their complicity. The notion that Hitler was a deluded madman leading millions of innocent Germans down the path to total ruin is simplistic nonsense. Hitler had many, many willing henchmen. The responsibility for the horrors of the Third Reich had many roots.

Although Hitler tried to keep his private life "private" for the sake of his image as the great leader, we know a great deal about him. He liked chocolate cake and loved looking up subjects in an encyclopedia.

His main hobby was lecturing to captive audiences on any topic that entered his head. Although he hated the USA, believing it to be Jewridden and swarming with Negroes, his own train was called Amerika and his favorite movies were King Kong and musicals such as 42nd Street. He claimed to want an alliance with England, but it's impossible to believe that he ever played cards for money with Winston Churchill.

There are limits.

Lead Actors

Amanda Seyfried, BeyonceKnowles, JoshHutcherson

Director Genre

Release Date

Chris Wedge Animation | Adventure | Comedy 24 May 2013

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world -- and ours.

music / new release

Morgan Freeman,Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg

by Billboard.com

Lady Antebellum – Golden

1. Get To Me

Golden is the fourth studio album studio by the American Country music trio Lady Antebellum. It will be released on May 7, 2013 in the US, Australia, and New Zealand and May 6, 2013 in Europe and South Africa.The album was preceded in January 2013 by lead single"Downtown", which has peaked at #2 on the Hot Country Songs chart and at #1 on US Country Airplay. On April 16th, the track "Goodbye Town" was released to iTunes as a promotional single for fans who pre-order Golden.The band has described "Goodbye Town" as "one of their favorite productions" on the record.It will be released as the album's second single on May 13, 2013.

2. Goodbye Town 3. Nothin’ Like the First Time 4. Downtown 5. Better Off Now 6. It Ain’t Pretty 7. Can’t Stand The Rain 8. Golden 9. Long Teenage Goodbye 10. All For Love 11. Better Man 13. Generation Away

L15

automotive

Vol. 01 No. 10 | May 16-31 2013

Subaru's all new

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

XV cool crossover

Move over Outback. Here is the all new “Scooby” XV AWD Subaru's new XV is like the compact red Swiss Army Knife of the automotive world: a jack of all trades: a family saloon, a SUV and a dynamic, fuel efficient all wheel drive vehicle.

Maybe it's distant from the smokin' hot boy racer Subaru Impreza, but it still carries the fire proof Subaru DNA; the flat, low positioned boxer engine, the symmetrical all time four-wheel drive, and an outstanding World Rally Championship (WRC) legacy that no other Japanese sedans have ever achieved.

The XV looks sleek, well built and muscular. The front sports the new Subaru hexagonal grille and in the rear the big protruding taillights. Side view: check out the genuinely fat fender

flares and a big fender gap, the look is a combination of bravado and utility. Plus those delicious 17-inch alloy wheels with silver spokes and cool black contrast.

Hey, good lookin'...

In North America the Subaru XV is known as the Crosstrek. This new crossover replaces the previous Outback in Subaru's line-up of new powerful spin-offs. The new XV's motor option in the Kingdom is a 2-liter flat four-cylinder boxer engine good for 150 horsepower and 196 Nm torque. Our demo came with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic gear box.

The only model marketed in Thailand.

Some die-hard Subie aficionados would still prefer the stick shift, manual gearbox version.

With this knowledge we drive out of Subaru HQ in Bangkok, in the new XV painted in metallic grey. The XV sits on the tarmac some 10.4 centimeter taller than the standard 2013 Impreza thanks to a lifted suspension and beefier 17-inch tires.

“Commanding view,” says my codriver. This is a car to tackle long highway stretches or non-paved, wet, slippery country slopes. The ground clearance is a significant 8.7 centimeter plus a departure angle of 5 degrees more than the competition can offer. A vehicle for all seasons. Come hell or high water!

When I step on the accelerator, the traction, the grip is immediate. It's permanent symmetrical four wheel torque distribution, providing a unique ability to zigzag and perform whiteknuckle u-turns, if you like. In spite of its height, the pitch, roll and dive are far less pronounced than in competing Japanese-, American- and Korean-made compact SUV's.

I look at my navigator with a smile: “This is a driver’s car!” And the secret?

It's simply, the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive concept mated to the boxer engine, providing an impressive balance and handling enhanced by low center of gravity. No over or under steer which is so common with the front and rear wheel drives.

The wunderwagen Porsche 911 Carrera AWD also uses a boxer engine.

(0-100 kph in 4.9 seconds). Price 9 million baht.

Our Scooby XV's acceleration is adequate: 0-100 kph in 9.9 seconds.

Still under ten seconds. (You can do 3.1 sec to 100 in a red Ferrari Enzo. Retailing at a cool 29 million baht.)

The contenders might be a tad faster but in handling, i.e. on the slalom test, Subaru XV carrying its mass low, however, beats the Honda CR-V Ford Escape and Hyundai Tuscon. Perhaps the most important data is the fuel consumption: circa 13 kpl combined driving. And it runs on E20.

Inside the XV is like most Subaru's; clean, simple and straightforward.

Functional. For example: grab handles also for the driver! There is leather upholstery, LCD screen display navigation, a 7-speaker audio system; iPad and MP3 connections, as well as a useful rearview camera. The steering column with tilt-telescope mode is fully adjustable and connected to a 3-spoke, multi function leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seats offer excellent support for long distance drives.

In the back there is commendable knee room. The cargo space, with 60/40-split rear seats, swallows three full-size golf bags. Safety systems for driver and passenger enough to qualify for a 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating.

In North America, Subaru's biggest market, the new XV or Crosstrek is selling like hot cakes. Here in the Kingdom the XV is best selling Subaru ever.

How much? The 2013 Subaru XV’s biggest strength is its pricing. Since it is assembled in Malaysia it enjoys the AFTA-agreement tax reduction. Our Subaru XV test car tallied at 1,350,0 00 baht.

Do test the new Subaru XV. No need to go to Bangkok. Now, there is a new Subaru showroom in Laem Chabang, 62/1 Moo 8 on Sukhumvit road, Chonburi. Tel: 038 241 552.

Subaru XV 2.0i Premium

Engine: 2.0 liter petrol. (E20 compatible) Horse power: 150 hp Torque: 160 Nm Top speed: 180 kph Fuel consumption: 13kpl (combined) Price: 1.350,000 THB www.motorimage.net/TH

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

GMs Outlook: “Good leaders don’t manage people but they manage people’s hearts.”

- Tomo Kuriyama

General Manager SHERATON PATTAYA RESORT

page P8/32 >> Volume 2

Issue 09 16-31 may 2013

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya International quality Heart Center care standards

The heart is one of the hardest-working organs of the human body, beating on average 100,000 times a day. But it is still susceptible to a variety of illnesses and diseases. It’s a sobering thought that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world today. So it is vital to look after your heart.

Continued on page P2/26

What's Inside:

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

Classifieds

Jaguar Land Rover exhibits at Super Car and Import Car Show

Thai Limited Company Formation

PROPERTY

He Said What?

See us online at www.classifieds. pattayatoday.net

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page P4/28

page P5/29

page P6/30

page P10/34

Orion Condominium opens

P2 / 26

Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

Business Feature The Center uses a comprehensive holistic approach ranging from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation using state-of-the-art equipment and a cardiac team made up of top surgeons, cardiologists, operating nurses and Coronary Care Unit (CCU) nurses. Quality assurance is constantly monitored to ensure the highest international standards of patient care.

Everyday the Center’s leading consultants and specialist team carry out pioneering work using the highly advanced medical equipment in the Cardiac Diagnostic Investigation Center, including cardiac imaging, non-invasive cardiac testing and cardiac catheterization. The intensive care unit is monitored round the clock, whilst the private rooms offer patients maximum comfort and privacy.

Beyond medical treatment, staff will advise patients about lifestyle choices which can help to maintain a healthy heart post-treatment.

The services on offer are indeed comprehensive and varied. These include 24-hour emergency cardiac intervention – angioplasty to allow immediate intervention to reduce

There is no mystery about the risk factors in suffering heart disease. Around 200 million people worldwide have diabetes and this number is growing all the time.

Raised blood pressure or hypertension is another likely indicator for heart disease as well as for stroke and renal failure. Then there is obesity, and it is worth bearing in mind that the number of overweight people in the world now matches the number of underweight individuals. Inhaling cigarette smoke, of course, should be avoided whenever and wherever possible.

There are also psychological risk factors including depression, anger, anxiety, stress, isolation and hostility which can increase the chances suffering cardiovascular disease. Finally, there are nonmodifiable risk factors including age, gender, ethnicity and family history. Though these cannot be changed, awareness of these aspects is important for prevention.

The Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Heart Center is renowned in the field and is a well known regional referral center for other hospitals in the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand.

the effects of an acute heart attack.

Other treatments, as required after detailed diagnosis, include balloon valve treatment, coronary artery stenting, and pacemaker implantation, amongst others. Open heart surgery, bypass graft and valve replacement are also carried out by the specialist staff.

The Mobile Coronary Care Unit (Mobile CCU),is an integral part of the overall service. Basically it is an intensive care unit on wheels to transport cardiac and critical care patients. The specially-equipped ambulance is outfitted with the same state-of-the-art monitoring systems, equipment and life-saving pharmaceuticals used at the main center.

The most critical factor in the treatment of an impending heart attack is getting help fast! Once aboard the Mobile CCU, the patient receives the same level of care and attention as in the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. During transport, the Mobile CCU uses an advanced communications system to maintain direct, en-route contact with the main center. This technology provides cardiac and acute stroke patients access to vital

resources of a multi-disciplinary kind not available in a traditional ambulance.

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya also maintains a cardiac rehabilitation center with a program devised for individual patients to exercise safely and to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Education can include changing risk factors by quitting smoking or changing dietary habits. The staff work with men and women who have experienced heart attacks or undergone cardiac surgery or coronary angioplasty or stent placement. Where patients need emotional support, this is also offered. In these ways, the patient’s quality of life is improved whilst knowledge of the disease and how to manage it is strengthened on an ongoing basis.

The Bangkok Hospital Pattaya was founded in 1990, when Pattaya was much smaller and less diversified than it is today. It now is one of 30 locations run by Bangkok Dusit Medical Services whilst being the main referral hospital for the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand.

The hospital has 250 beds, more than 100 full-time specialists and ultra-modern high-tech medical equipment in all departments. The patient records are completely electronic.

Pattaya is a truly international destination and the hospital provides interpreters covering more than 20 languages to help communication with medical personnel, insurance translations, embassy liaison and referral services. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has also won numerous international awards, including accreditation with the American Joint Commission International, which has just been renewed for another three years.

P3 / 27

Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

Business News Jaguar Land Rover exhibits at Super Car and Import Car Show City Automobiles Co., Ltd, authorised distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover in Bangkok, is showcasing the multi awardwinning range of cars and SUVs at the fourth Super Car and Import Car Show now at Impact Exhibition & Convention Center.

Danai Chandrangam, general manager of City Automobiles, noted that the collection “includes the world’s most capable and luxurious SUV, the All-New Range Rover, and the sporty and dramatic Range Rover Evoque, a premium SUV with exceptional performance.

Jaguar will present the XF 2.2 Diesel executive saloon, and the high performance grand tourer XK model.”

City Automobiles is on Wireless Road, Lumphini.

Tel: 02 651 4545, or go to: www.landroverthailand.com

Conrad Koh Samui named best spa

Conrad Koh Samui was named Asia's Best Luxury Wellness Spa by the World Luxury Spa Awards.

Voted for by thousands of spa-goers worldwide, the World Luxury Spa Awards are deemed the highest accolade a spa can receive. Conrad Koh Samui Spa features eight treatment rooms, each with a private outdoor terrace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, spread over two levels with spa facilities such as steams and saunas, a beauty salon, a relaxation lounge and a welcome area.

Universal Design Award to A-One

Smith Obayawat, president of the Association of Siamese Architgects, presents the Universal Design Award 2013 to Sutee Anantepakdee, chief engineer, A-One Pattaya Beach Resort. The award acknowledges the hotel's hospitality of Universal Design for all people including elderly and handicap.

P4 / 28

Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

Legal & Expat Money FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thai Limited Company Formation

by Magna Carta Law Office

Q: What types of business organizations can be registered in Thailand?

Businesses can be incorporated as Sole Proprietorships, Limited and Unlimited Partnerships, Private and Public Limited Companies, Branch Offices, Representative Offices and Regional Office Headquarters. In most cases, Thai Limited Company is the most popular structure and ideally the first step in setting up a new business in Thailand.

Q: What is a Limited Company?

A limited company is one formed with capital divided into equal shares, and the liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount, if any, of unpaid shares respectively held by them.

Q: How much capital is required to set-up a limited company in Thailand?

A limited company in Thailand can be set up with only a few thousand baht, however, the average declared capital is 1 million baht.

Q: Will a foreigner funding a business be automatically entitled to a visa or work permit upon setting-up a company?

Even if a company is funded by a foreigner or is under a foreigner’s name, it is a prerequisite that the foreigner secure a work permit if he intends to personally engage in the business.

A company can obtain the relevant visa and work permit for its foreign director or foreign employee, provided it has been accordingly set-up, employing a minimum number of Thai nationals for each foreigner employed and that the company must have a minimum paid up capital of 2 million baht for every foreign employee.

Q: How many directors and shareholders are required under Thai law?

The structure of a Thai limited company must consist of one or more directors and a minimum of three shareholders who may be either Thai or foreign.

Q: Can foreigners hold 100 percent ownership of a business in Thailand?

In Thai limited company shareholding, the company must be majority owned by Thais. This means that foreign ownership of the company cannot be more than 49 percent.

Foreigners can hold 100 percent partnership of businesses in non-restricted categories, such as exporting and certain types of manufacturing

businesses. Other methods to obtain 100 percent non-Thai control are through application for an alien business license, Board of Investment (BOI) Promotion, or registration through the Treaty of Amity for Americans.

Q: What is Voting Rights?

Shareholders of limited companies, based on the type and number of shares they possess, have the privilege of voting in the annual general meeting of a company. They have a right to cast their votes when the company is taking major decisions.

An ordinary share gives the holder voting rights in the company and entitles the person to all dividend distributions as a part-owner of the company.

Preference shares allow holders to be paid dividends before ordinary shareholders and they also have priority over asset claims upon company dissolution. The downside is that preference shareholders have a fixed dividend and only limited voting rights with respect to company affairs.

These different types of rights can have a major impact upon the running of the business because these rights can have a security impact on various company issues.

Q: Why form a Thai majority company?

Aside from the capacity of the company to acquire land, the formation of a Thai majority company generally requires less registered capital and less paperwork than the formation of a foreign company.

Q: How long does it take to establish a limited company?

A Thai limited company can be incorporated in about one to two weeks.

Q: Why should I hire a lawyer to incorporate my company?

Starting a new business in Thailand can be very complicated due to language barriers, and it may take several weeks to complete the entire process. As all the legal documents are in Thai, completing these forms without the knowledge of its contents as well as Thai Law can lead to serious complications and other problems that will affect you and your business. That is why it is essential to look for trusted lawyers and advisors with legal qualifications and practical experience who can give you extensive guidance and advice on how best to structure your company.

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

www.magnacarta.co.th

Expat Money Corner

by Tim Whiteley

Deposit accounts continue to Disappoint!

With no imminent end in sight to the historically low interest rates of many developed economies, deposit account holders are, in many cases, receiving a rate less than half that of inflation! Watching the value of your money slowly depreciate is a wearing process.

Yet, the markets, as an alternative, have been on a rollercoaster ride since 2007; hence, many are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

There is a huge variety of options available, but sorting the financial wheat from the chaff is no mean feat. Most of us are looking for a low risk, reasonable return. Doesn’t sound too difficult, does it? Nonetheless, the fact is that consistent, worthwhile returns with a low risk profile are few and far between. The problem is that, in most cases, in order to achieve better rates, the traditional school of thought says one needs to move away from the alleged safety of bank deposits, all the way to equities (shares), with sovereign and corporate bonds being somewhere between the two, offering a less volatile alternative but with historically much lower potential returns.

Rather than direct investment in equities, there are managed funds that spread their exposure across a variety of shares, with the intention of smoothing out the bumps along the way. However, in recent times, the headlining financial news stories have had the effect of depressing nearly all sectors of the markets, negating much of the intended advantage of diversification. There are always some winners, but picking the right offerings, at the right time, is no easy task. Combine that with knowing when to sell and you have a near fulltime job on your hands. It has always been accepted wisdom that if you held onto blue chip stock for ten years, you could be assured of a good return on your capital, whether or not you bought at a peak and sold in a trough. There is still some truth in that maxim despite the mayhem that’s prevailed in the worlds’ financial system over the last six or seven years. For example, if you look at London’s FTSE 100 index, in early May 2003 the index was at 4048.10. As of May 1, 2013, it stands at 6521.50 (see: http:// uk.finance.yahoo.com/q/hp?s=%5EFTSE&a=04&b=7&c=2003&d =04&e=6&f=2013&g=m&z=66&y=0 ). It’s also worth noting that if we take the figures for nine years, there would still have been a gain of reasonable proportions but close to 1,000 points lower than the 2013 figure: (http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/q/hp?s=%5EF TSE&b=7&a=04&c=2003&e=6&d=04&f=2012&g=m ).

All this is fine as long as you don’t need income, above dividends, throughout the ten years. For long term capital growth, quality equities still have a place.

From the upheaval in the world’s financial system, fund managers have had to come up with real alternatives for the millions of people looking for decent growth and/or income from their capital. This has resulted in funds that are linked to sectors where demand far exceeds supply, into the middle distance. Such funds have mushroomed out of enterprise and necessity and have provided a stable, worthwhile investment for many throughout the general market turmoil that has existed for the last seven or eight years. Unconnected to the stock markets and benefitting from increasing demand from their particular sectors, many of these offerings have been real boon to those of us partially, or wholly dependent on growth and/or income from capital.

Important Note - This article contains general information only and is not intended to be taken as specific financial, investment, or tax advice. A personal analysis should always be obtained.

Tim Whiteley of IFA International has over 25 years as an IFA, advising international investors and expatriates, both onshore UK, and offshore in Asia. With offices in Bangkok, and regular client visits to Pattaya, IFA specialises in wealth protection services, offshore trusts, QROPS UK pension transfers and QNUPS, creating tailor- made investment solutions for individuals around the world.

IFA International does NOT provide discretionary portfolio management, securities advice, forex trading, or local brokerage/ insurance products. The services that IFA International Group provides are for international investors and expatriates only and are not applicable to local nationals. This is NOT a solicitation to sell or market securities. Questions to the author can be directed to: timwhiteley@ifainternationalgroup.com

P5 / 29

Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

Property Thai Money Channel visits Centara Grand

Money Channel Thailand interviewed senior managers of property developers Tulip Group at Centara Grand Residence Pattaya. Parichat Phromyothi sat down with Kobi Elbaz, CEO, and Jason Payne, vice president, to discuss their mixed-use development Centara Grand Residence Pattaya, real estate in Pattaya, potential over supply in the market, and Tulip Group plans. For more information go to http://www.tulipgroup.co.th .

Orion Condominium opens Ronakit Ekasing, Pattaya deputy mayor, helped kick off the grand opening and launch party for Orion Condominium in Cosy Beach, Pratumnak Hill.

Some 400 guests were welcomed by Yuri Riabov, managing director of Orion Development Co., Ltd., developer of the 275-unit project.

P6 / 30

Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

Property

He Said What?

A journalist colleague recently sent me an article titled, ‘Thailand safe from property bubble,’ in which an executive vice president of Kasikorn Bank claims that Thailand’s property market remains secure, with no sign of a bubble or oversupply.

My first reaction was, ‘Great! That’s some positive news.’ However, as I continued reading the views of Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, the EVP, I noted several bothersome points: A 12 percent surge in building costs in the last year…OK! Higher labour costs and land prices in and around Bangkok boosting housing prices…OK! A growing property market with overall housing loans at Bt2.45 trillion--8.5 percent higher than 2012…OK! BUT then the banker predicted that personal non-performing loans would amount to 280 billion baht this year, which is 11 percent higher than last year!

Ding. Ding. Ding! He said what? The housing market is growing because the bank is expected to loan 8.5 percent more money than last year and yet the expectations are that personal non-performing loans are going to rise 11 percent over last year!

So let me get this straight, mister banking executive, you are saying that things look great and there is no sign of a housing bubble because your bank is loaning more money this year than last year, even though your bank expects to have an increase of 11 percent in nonperforming loans. Is this crazy or what?

by Clayton Wade Managing Director

Even more revealing was the report made Feb. 25, 2013, by John Le Fevre about nonperforming loans comprising 40 per cent of all loans at the SME Bank, a Thai financial institution specializing in small and medium company financing, and 30 per cent of all loans at Islamic Bank, Thailand’s only Sharia-compliant bank!

Then I remembered that Reuters, on April 19, 2013, reported that Thailand's booming banks were warily watching for signs of a credit bubble, even as they rack up record profits on robust loan growth on the back of a strong economy.

It seems that, ONE--the ‘Banker Boys’ are on the inside encouraging home loans even though material costs have skyrocketed in the last year--and a lot more than the mere 12 percent the EVP is talking about, and Two--if personal non-performing loans are seen climbing to Bt280 billion this year, 11 percent higher than last year, there’s a big problem brewing, my friend!

Now let’s get back to Kasikorn Bank’s Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, who last week said Thailand’s property market remains secure without any sign of a bubble or oversupply, and to his banker colleague Patchara Samalapa, executive vice president in charge of Small Enterprise (SME) clients also at Kasikorn Bank, who said last month, ‘We should take a closer look at housing loans.

The number of housing units has increased sharply, while purchasing demand should not rise at the same rate.’

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

Please excuse me for having to repeat myself, but isn’t that the definition of a property bubble? Building more and selling less!

Oh! I get it…A ‘property bubble’ isn’t the same as a ‘credit bubble.’ I said what?

You know, we on the consumer end really do need to pay special attention to the banker boys because they make money on the way up and even more on the way down, and if that doesn’t make the banks enough money, they can do what President Obama did and just print a ton of it and shovel money back to the banksters!

An increase in nonperforming loans is not a positive attribute for a lending institution, especially when there are an incredible and increasing number of condominium units under construction between Bangkok and Pattaya—many of which are condominium units in the process of being paid for with bank loans. All while nonperforming loans are mounting.

It is during these good economic times that problems begin. Spurred by higher incomes, Thais (buyers and developers) have become keen to invest their excess income into assets such as stocks, bonds and real estate.

Just as we have seen the steady rise of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, real estate prices have similarly begun rising steadily, causing Thai investors (developers and end users) to borrow more and more to buy real estate, thus becoming highly leveraged.

For the past four years

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

Clayton Wade has been running Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., with his wife, Khun Supap, for more than 17 years. He himself has been in the real estate industry going on 27 years, having started his career in the United States where he was licensed and practiced both real estate sales and property management in Seattle, Washington.

Clayton personally was 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 of the startup 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.

The American-born entrepreneur is known throughout the Asia-Pacific

or so, Thai banks have shown their sector index performing very strongly, rising more than 100 percent, with recent (April 2013) reports of strong quarterly earnings created by these increasing investor-stimulated loan demands, from both corporate and individual borrowers.

But as the proverbial cycles of economics unfold, we also see reports such as, ‘The sector is facing pressure to limit their profit growth,’ said Thanachart Securities analyst Sarachada Sornsong, as the Thanachart Bank recently cut their 2013-2015 earnings forecasts to reflect higher credit costs and provisions for the sector.

Following this banking trend is one of Thailand’s largest lenders by assets Kasikorn Bank KBAN.BK, which is lending less to small property developers, while focusing more on the bigger developers with proven track records as it puts a much tighter grip on its lines of credit.

The good news is that Thailand’s banking community did learn a lot from the catastrophes of its 1997 Asian Economic crisis experience, and we will not see Thailand playing into the hands of a construction industry’s insatiable appetite for investment funds.

We are beginning to see banks reduce the level of free-flowing funds while they focus on tried and trusted ‘big fish’ borrowers; those are the developers buyers also should keep their eyes on as we will surely be watching the ‘smaller fish’ developers falling by the wayside, particularly in the Bangkok and Pattaya condominium industry.

Stick with the quality developers with proven track records and you won’t get stuck with a nonperforming developer with no assets! I said what?

region for his writing, public speaking and television presentations. His many accomplishments in promoting real estate on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard include having been a guest speaker with several of Thailand’s top political and business figures on CNBC’s Managing A sia.

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 at +(66) (81) 634-2915 or at: clayton@ premierinternational.com

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Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

GMs Outlook

Sweeping ocean views and five-star customer care

Sheraton GM Tomo Kuriyama knows the secret

by Barry Kenyon

Nestling amid lush green headlands and commanding stunning views across the Gulf of Siam, Sheraton Pattaya Resort is part of the international Starwood Group of 1,000plus hotels and has set the standard for upscale facilities and warm hospitality since its inception in 2005. Of modest size, with 156 five-star rooms and villas, the Sheraton has always sought to be a second home to high-end visitors from all over the world.

s

ince last December, the general manager has been the youthful and perceptive Tomo Kuriyama. Born in Tokyo, he emigrated to Hawaii with his parents when he was seven years old. “I think I’m a product of American efficiency and Asian hospitality,” he said, “and I try to combine both in executive positions in the hospitality industry.”

Tomo has been with Starwood Group for 12 years now, starting in the front office at the Sheraton, Maui, and steadily moving upwards at the Sheraton, Waikiki, and the Sheraton Grande in Bangkok where he was executive assistant manager and later hotel manager. “I have worked across the various departments in Splash Lagoon

Sheraton hotels in both the USA and in Thailand which has given me the experience to create a seamless whole to ensure the best service for our customers.”

He considers the secret of successful management in the hospitality industry is the connection between customer service and new technology. “Obviously staff liaison with our visitors is a key factor and we certainly don’t want to lose that personal interaction. But we can marry that concept to the sensible use of new technology. As an example, we encourage our guests to give us feedback information, including on-line sources, which we can add to our international data base and guest recognition program to be shared with all Starwood hotels in the world.”

Deluxe Pavilion Ocean View

Tomo adds that many of the customers come back again and again to Sheraton Pattaya Resort and that the brand loyalty to Starwood, in Asia and beyond, is very strong. “Good leaders,” he surmises, “don’t manage people but they manage people’s hearts.” The hotel brochure summarizes the management ethos

P9 / 33

Volume 2 Issue 09 16-31 May 2013

GMs Outlook

“ Good leaders don’t manage people but they manage people’s hearts.

”

in a snapshot: “a contemporary mystical journey where paradise can be so close.”

It’s a bold claim, but the Sheraton is certainly a resort experience like no other.

It has become a cliché to say that Pattaya is changing. The Sheraton is changing too. Its clientele which was heavily European and American six years ago is now increasingly Asian and cosmopolitan. “Actually, the majority of our customers these days are Thai nationals with a high-end budget. They like to relax or do business in Pattaya which is only a 90 minutes drive from Suvarnabhumi international airport and a heartbeat away from the world-famous Pattaya attractions.”

Under Tomo’s leadership the Sheraton is also making a substantial contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. Guests, if they choose, can elect to reduce housekeeping services in their rooms – changing towels and bedsheets less frequently when not necessary – in return for a cash voucher.

The hotel has a policy to reduce use of water by 20 percent and electricity by 30 percent by the end of the decade. Much of the water used on the premises is recycled and guests are invited to separate in their rooms trash which is recyclable from that which isn’t.

The facilities at Sheraton Pattaya Resort are memorable. The international restaurants, known as Elements and Infiniti, have attracted rave reviews across the internet, whilst the Latitude Lounge is a chill-out facility by the resort’s private beach to create an ideal ambience to enjoy the exceptional sunsets and the moonlit nights. There is a relaxing spa

with six treatment rooms and three unique outdoor pools, including the Jacuzzi, surrounded by tropical gardens and cool breezes. Many of the facilities, including the fitness centre, are available on a 24hour basis.

The resort has developed a major market in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) for board meetings, launches, team outings, brainstorming sessions, parties ad celebrations of all kinds. There are five meeting rooms including an elegant 400 square meter ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 guests, a business center, Wi-Fi internet, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and technical assistance.

The 156 guestrooms, including 40 Deluxe Pavilion Rooms and 2 Oceanfront Villas with their own private plunge pool, all have Sweet Sleeper beds and a large private balcony with panoramic views of the waterscape, lush gardens or the Gulf of Siam. A blend of traditional Thai and contemporary styles and tropically flavored décor highlights each of the rooms.

“I feel,” concludes Tomo, “that amongst all the positive factors for Sheraton Pattaya Resort the three most significant can be pinpointed. Firstly, it’s the serene location with our exceptional views, yet we are only 10 or 15 minutes from central Pattaya. Next, I’d say the quality of service and attention to customers’ needs is second-to-none and we have so many repeat customers it’s impossible to deny that. And finally don’t forget the food. It’s as near to gastronomic perfection as you can find.” Then Tomo takes his leave and is up and away to meet and greet the new guest arrivals at this admittedly unique Pattaya institution.

10 ZZ/34

Classified

16 - 31 May 2013

Articles for Sale

(ptmas-e0009)Mobility Scooters -- Free test ride at your home! Portable mobility scooters, latest models. Full ser vice from T hailand’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!

Boats/Yachts

Fiber Glass 6 Metre Speedboat with Mercury Force 120 HP Outboard Motor, seats 6 people, only 2 years old, complete with trailer and all papers for transfer.

Real bargain 390,000 baht.

Call 087 139 1539.

Business Opportunities

(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 Commercial Shop house – For eign Name: at Jomtien Plaza Condotel, 3 Stor y 175 SQM turn-key oppor tunity, Sale Price: 6,990,000 THB (Freehold) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com Guest House/Coffee Shop Soi Buakhao: 6 rooms Leasehold: 3+3 Rent: 30,000 Baht/Month. 19% cash return a n nu a l l y S A L E P R I C E : 2,200,000 THB please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com Guest House/Pub Dongtan Beach: 4 rooms Leasehold: 3+3 Rent: 23,000 Baht/ Month. Fully occupied SALE PRICE: 1,499,000 THB please call 0823440822 (eng) 085910-5124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com Beachfront Restaurant – Na Jomtien - This has to be the best beach front business opportunity available.

A 3 storey single unit bar and restaurant right by the beautiful Na Jomtien Beach with seating for 22-24 persons, commercial kitchen, two bedroom accommodation, a roof top terrace which offers scenic views over the beach and the ground floor patio looking directly over the beach.

The business is only for sale due to the owners ill health.

For sale leasehold at only 750,000 Bt with rent 15,000 Baht per month and NO key money!! Tel: 085 129 5657.

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

Apartment Building - Easy to run 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 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. 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 further.

The upper floors contain 10 renovated and fully furnished guest rooms, a store room and maids room. An established business. For Sale: Leasehold 3.3m Bt, monthly rent 30,000 Bt. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com

Services Provided

Loans available for foreigners and Thais that own property in their own name or a company name. Loans available from 700,000 upwards for a period of 6-months up to 1-year (can be extended).

All loans are secured against the title or the company that owns the property and once the property has been valued we can loan up to 50% of the valuation. The procedure takes approx 10 days from the start of the application until the funds are made available to you. Call either 038-373735 or 081-9833620 to make an appointment.

PAC Co., Ltd. Can renovate your condo at a very reasonable price with very good standard of work. Ring 087 139 1539 for estimates Eng, 087 150 4845 Thai If You are Having a Problem with Your Computer either software orhardware,please phone 0868202577 or 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

Education & Training

Learn Fruit and Vegetables Carving from a Professional teacher with more than 18 years experience. For inquiries contact Yui at tel no. 086 320 9569 and/ or 085 238 5453 or email at yuibua@hotmail.co.th (pta-tk0008)Do you want to Study Thai Language or Thai Culture in Fun & Easy Way? Come to Thankful Knowledge Learning Center.

Learn with the native professional teachers. Affordable price & friendly environment call 038 373 175 or 038 416 493. We speak Thai, English, German&Duetsch.

Apartment for Sale

L i f e ’s a B e a c h – a n d you could be Living this Privileged Life Style Tomorrow. Two spectacular beach side apartments have just come on the market. Situated on Na Jomtien’s sandy quiet beach they both offer a piece of paradise. The Penthouse is a 240 sq/m, 2-storey (4th & 5th floors), 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, 3 toilets with extra large balconies rear and front with full sea view. Semi furnished.

Price: 55,000 Baht/month on yearly contract (other terms can be arranged). Apartment 1 is 140 sq/m, 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms/ showers. Semi furnished.

Extra large balconies rear and front with full sea view.

Price: 34,000 Baht/month on 1 year basis (other terms can be arranged). Contact: Tony Trail – Drifters Café and Apar tments – Tel: (Thai) 087-743 2319 or (Eng) 081 619 8626. info@ driftersbeachcafe.com www. driftersbeachcafe.com

Apartment for Rent

(ptmaf-r0712)Aromdee Apartments, quiet, clean, well maintained, with European management. Fan/AC rooms for rent start from 3,800 baht monthly. Free Wi-Fi, CableTV, Gym, and Car park. Inside Minimart, breakfast dishes, coffee bar/bar, 24 hr 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

House for Sale

A pr oper ty in Pattaya with the special touch of Thousand and One Nights!

3 Bedrooms; all of them include a bath and a dressing room. Spacious parlor and kitchen, beautiful swimming pool, equipment room and carport for 2 passenger cars.

The staff/guesthouse includes 3 rooms and 2 showers, as well as an outdoor kitchen.

To top off this beautiful property, there is a generously proportioned pavilion with an awesome view overlooking a pond. This Garden of Eden is available for 760,000 USD. A dream estate for people who can afford it. Contact: rw-treuhand@bluewin.ch Pool Villa For Sale – North East Pattaya - Spacious individually designed 257 sqm family single storey pool villa offering the best value for money in the city and ideally located by the Route 36. The European style property offers 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, European kitchen with oven, hob and hood, office, open plan lounge and dining area, TV room, laundry room, private pool in 1,040 sqm landscaped gardens, detached en-suite maids room, covered car parking. Price:6.9m Bt. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien- property.com 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)

Solution Sudoku Issue 17

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

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. Beautiful Balinese Style Estate Home with large swimming pool! Selling Price 12 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms, 362 TLW/280 Sqm. Great Home in the very popular Siam Royal View!

Selling Price 29.9 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/360 Sqm. Great Private Estate Home! Selling Price 14.9 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 375 Sqm/500 TLW. 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.

Great Bungalow with wonderful interior décor on Pratamnak Hill! Selling Price 11.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 170 Sqm/100 TLW. Charming Tropical Bangsarey Home! Selling Price 12.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 160 Sqm/183 TLW.

HOUSES FOR RENT

Gorgeous Seaview from Bang Sarey Hills! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 470 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 and Gorgeous Home for Rent! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/Month, 3+1 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/120 TLW. Beachfront Villa with Impressive Interior Design! Rental Price 130,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/400 TLW. Exclusive Home in Family Friendly Village! Rental Price 110,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 500 Sqm/400 TLW. Resort Living just 50 meters from the Beach in Jomtien! Rental Price 75,000 Baht / Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/25 TLW. Fantastic Home in Great Developement! Rental Price 110,000 Baht/Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 440 Sqm/300 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.

CONDOS FOR SALE

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. 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 8 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 91 Sqm. Fabulous and Low Priced Apartment at Ocean Marina!

Selling Price 19 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 274 Sqm. Sea, Sunset and Island Views at Ocean Marina! Selling Price 17.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/3 Bathroom. 177 Sqm.

CONDOS FOR RENT

Beachfront Life Style for Rent! Rental Price is 85,000 Baht/ Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 266 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

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

Classified

House for Sale

Pool Villa For Sale – East Jomtien. The seller has reduced the price from 7.95m Bt for a quick ‘no hassle’ sale. Single storey 185 sqm villa in a quiet secluded small development on land plot 420 sqm, stylishly finished and furnished throughout, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, European kitchen, living room, dining area, covered terrace, sun deck, lagoon style private pool, covered parking, 24/7 security, less than a 5 minute drive to Sukhumvit Road.Sale Price: Reduced to 5.95m Bt. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com House For Sale – Bang Sarey - Nicely designed new single storey house, Living area 132sqm, Land area 400sqm, one of two side by side, in this popular area of Bang Saray.

The properties are built to European standards offering 2 - 3 bedrooms, 2 luxury bathrooms, European kitchens with ovens, spacious living room, dining area, patio terrace, car parking and landscaped gardens. Really great value for money and less than 5 minutes to the beautiful beach, shops, restaurants, bars and 20 minutes from Jomtien. . Price: 2.95m Bt. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com House For Sale – East Pattaya - Two storey semidetached houses, living area 120sqm, land area 160sqm in a very quiet secure development just a 5 minute drive from Sukhumvit Road. Very spacious, well furnished, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, dining area, European kitchen with oven, car parking, clubhouse, communal pool and 24/7 security. The seller has in total six of these rental properties, some with tenants in place, that are let for between 18,000 Bt and 20,000 Bt per month on medium to long term leases bringing in a return of almost 8%. They can be purchased individually or all six houses together, only for sale because of the owners continued ill health. Prices From: 1.99m Bt each. Tel: 085 129 5657.

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

House For Sale – Jomtien - Ideally located in Central Jomtien fully furnished single storey 130sm house, land 58 Tw, offering 3 bedroom, 2 luxury bathrooms, European kitchen, living room, dining area, covered parking, small patio, 24/7 security, short stroll to restaurants, shops, bars, taxis and 1km to the beach.Price: 5.4m Bt. 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) 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 13 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)

16 - 31 May 2013

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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) 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)

12 ZZ/36

16 - 31 May 2013

House for Rent

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)

Classified

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. premierinternational.com (PR4365) Tropical Jomtien Villa with Private Swimming Pool: Thai-Bali Style, 3 Bedrooms 4 B a t h r o o m s, A n d 5 2 4 Sqm Sale Price: 8,695,000 THB. (Co Name) Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com Jomtien Palace EstatesModern style 6 bedrooms home, 3 bath, 3 beds upstairs and downstairs. Living Area 280 SQM 10.9 million (Co name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobby brooks.com View Talay Villas with Private Swimming Pool, Jomtien 1 bed 1 bath from 4.29 mil 2 bed 2 bath from 7.49 mil (co name) Freehold.

Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email to admin@bobbybrooks.com Jomtien Palace Estates, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, private pool 300 Sqm total area. (Freehold) Sale Price: 6,900,000 THB. (Co Name) Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com

Nice House 2 Bed 2 Bath for Sale off Soi Khao Talo: 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms, 1 Living Room, Total Size 156 Sqm 1,899,000 THB. (Freehold) Thai Name Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085910-5124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com Pob Choke Garden Hill – Just Built - New House 2 Bed 2 Bath. Located in Bangsaray just off hwy. 331. Sale Price: 1,699, 000 THB (Freehold) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com

House for Rent

( p t m h f r- 1 6 1 2 ) H O U S E CARE TAKER. Looking for serious person, who keeps the house ready for showing, no smoking, no pets. I provide basic furniture, utilities. If house is sold, you move to the next, all 5 to 15 km around Pattaya. Rent only 5,000 baht.

085 795 5383 House For Rent – Jomtien - Ideally located just 800m from Jomtien Beach in a quiet and secure development, this two storey family home offers 4 bedrooms two with balconies, 3 bathrooms, fully fitted European kitchen with oven, dish washer and washing machine, open plan living room, dining area, covered patio, covered parking, garden, electronic remote garage gate, 24/7 security. Minimum rental period of 6 months applies.

A minimum rental period of 6 months at 45,000 Bt or a 1 year lease at 40,000 Bt per month Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property com House For Rent – East Pattaya - A two storey townhouse in a very quiet secure development just a 5 minute drive from Sukhumvit Road. Very spacious, well furnished and offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan lounge, dining area, European kitchen with oven, car parking, clubhouse, communal pool and 24/7 security. Outstanding value for this large family home. A minimum rental period of 6 months applies at 20,000 Bt per month or 18,000 Bt for a 1 years lease. Tel: 085 129 5657.

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

Pool Villa For Rent – Jomtien - Stylishly finished and furnished pool villa, living area 80sqm, land area 240sqm, ideally located just 250m from Jomtien Beach offering 1 bedroom, 1 luxurious bathroom, European kitchen, living room, private pool, sun terrace, communal pool, restaurant, 24/7 security, 150m to numerous restaurants, shops, bars in Jomtien Night Plaza on Jomtien 2nd Road and taxis. Minimum rental period of 1 month applies at 40,000 Bt. Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Pool Villa For Rent – Silk Road - Stylishly finished and furnished throughout, single storey family home in one of Jomtiens most popular and exclusive developments.

The property offers 3 ensuite bedrooms, 3 luxurious bathrooms, 350sqm ,land area 520 sqm, European kitchen, living room, dining area, detached self contained guesthouse or maids room, private pool, covered patio, landscaped gardens, double covered garage, communal pool, fitness, kiddies play area, tennis court, CCTV throughout the development, key card entry, 24/7 security, just 1 minute drive to Sukhumvit and less than 5 minutes to the beach and Tesco Lotus. 70,000 Bt for 6 month, 65,000 bt for year contract. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property.com 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)

LIFE’S A BEACH –

AND YOU COULD BE LIVING THIS PRIVILEGED LIFE STYLE TOMORROW Two spectacular beach side apartments have just come on the market. Situated on Na Jomtien’s sandy quiet beach they both offer a piece of paradise.

The Penthouse is a 240 sq/m, 2-storey (4th & 5th floors), 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, 3 toilets with extra large balconies rear and front with full sea view. Semi furnished.

Price: 55,000 Baht/month on yearly contract (other terms can be arranged).

Apartment 1 is 140 sq/m, 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms/showers.

Semi furnished. Extra large balconies rear and front with full sea view.

Price: 34,000 Baht/month on 1 year basis (other terms can be arranged).

Contact: Tony Trail – Drifters Café and Apartments – Tel: (Thai) 087-7432319 or (Eng) 0816198626. info@driftersbeachcafe.com www.driftersbeachcafe.com

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

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

House for Rent

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 and Gorgeous Home for Rent! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/Month, 3+1 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/120 TLW. For appointment and private

Lost Engagement Ring Lost at the central festival (car park 4 floor) last Thursday 2 May 2013 It has 1 larger diamond surrounded by 6 smaller diamonds.

Also has engraving on the inside of the ring.

Great reward if returned.

Call: 0816 381 815

Land for sale 3.2 Rai 49 TLW,

Close to Jomtien 2nd Road

Call: 084 754 4214

Classified

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 (PR3982) 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) Jomtien Palace Home- 3 Bdrm 3 Baths modern 140 SQM Fully furnished with private Jacuzzi, towels, and linens. 30,000 per month for (1 year lease) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com View Talay Villas with Private Swimming Pool, Jomtien 2 bed 3 bath 45,000 THB/Month (1 Year Lease) Fully Equipped (Freehold) Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email to admin@bobbybrooks.com

Condo for Sale

View Talay 5 D - Stylish finished 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 Koh Larn Island. The studio offers a truly luxurious bathroom, fitted wardrobes, a fully functional European kitchen , stylishly furnished living area, large balcony, huge communal pool, CCTV, 24/7 security, a couple of minutes stroll to the beautiful Dongtan Beach and numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis. For Sale 2.75m Bt in foreign name. Tel: 085 129 5657.

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

Porchland - The owner has carried out a really top class and stylish finish on this 37 sqm mid floor unit in these new modern low rise buildings off Soi Chaiyapruk. Stylishly furnished throughout with expensive wall papers, modern fitted units, European kitchen, fully furnished living room, 1 bedroom, luxury bathroom, balcony, communal pool, key card entry, 24/7 security, a short stroll to restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, taxis and 900m to the beach. For Sale: 1.7m Bt in foreign name.

Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Baan Suan Lalana - Very well renovated 2 bedroom unit in this highly popular tropical resort style development, stylishly furnished throughout offering 2 luxury bathrooms, living room, European kitchen, large balcony, communal pool, gym, sauna, tennis court, mini mart, tropical gardens, excellent 24/7 security... just 800m to Jomtien Beach. A bargain buy. For Sale: REDUCED to 2.4m BtTel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com The Gallery - Very popular new modern low rise buildings ideally located in Central Jomtien, just 150m from the new Night Plaza and the beach. This high floor sea view studio, 26 sqm has been stylishly and expensively furnished throughout with fitted wardrobe and LCD TV, luxurious bathroom, European kitchen, roof top infinity edge communal pool, sundeck, fitness, key card entry, reception, 24/7 security.

For Sale : 2.1m Bt in foreign name. Tel: 085 129 5657.

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

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) 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)

16 - 31 May 2013

ZZ/37 13

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) 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.premier international.com (PR5075) Nicely Decorated Apartment in Town at Northshore!

Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premier international.com (PR4990) Great Sea Views and Stunning DĂŠcor 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.premier international.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.premier international.com (PR3990)

14 ZZ/38

16 - 31 May 2013

Condo for Sale

Best priced Apartment in Na Jomtien’s Pine Shore Condo!

Selling Price is 8 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.premier international.com (PR4987) 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.premier international.com (PR3834) View Talay 5C-Stunning Beachfront Condo 2 Bed 2 Bath for Sale on Top Floor 98 sqm: (Foreign Name). SALE PRICE: 5,690,000 THB. , Please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com

Classified

Jomtien Condotel – Studio 36 sqm Pattaya Sea view mid floor with Beach access ( Fo r e i g n N a m e ) . S A L E PRICE: 1,990,000 THB. Please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com Par k Lane Resor t – Reduced 300,000 now 1.39 million++ THB. 1 bedroom 1 bath (Foreign name). Pool and lagoon view please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com Sunset Boulevard Residence I, Corner Unit 1 Bedroom-1 Bathroom, Total Size 52 Sqm (co. name) Sale Price: 2,595,000 THB++ Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com Sunset Boulevard Residence 1, (2) Studio Rooms, Total Size 36 Sqm each. Side by side 5th floor units with sea views Sale Price: 1,795,000 THB. Each++.Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com

View Talay 5D – (Foreign Name) Large Ocean Side Corner Unit 1 Bed 2 Bath for Sale on High Floor in Jomtien, Total Size 144 Sqm. 10,900,000 THB. Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com The Gallery Condo for Sale in Jomtien Beach: Studio, Total Size 36 Sqm. SALE PRICE: 2,350,000 THB. (Foreign name) Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com Jomtien Condotel – 81 sq meter 1 Bedroom 1 bathroom 3.8 million THB (Foreign Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com LK Legend Condo - 1 Bed 1 Bath Nicest unit available in Central Pattaya. Total Size 86 Sqm. 5.900.000 THB (Foreign Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com View Talay 2B - 10th floor Jomtien Seaview 1 Bedroom 1 Bath 76 (Sqm): 2.890.000 THB. (Thai Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com Sombat Condo Pratamnak (Soi 5): Studio-1 Bath, 32 Sqm. Communal Pool, Security, Covered Parking, Sale Price 849,999 THB. (Foreign Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com

Park Royal 1 Pratamnak – Brand New 7th floor studio fully furnished 31 sqm 1,650,000 THB (Foreign Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com NEO Condominium- 1 Bedroom fully furnished 40 sqm, pool view, walk to Jomtien or Dongtan Beach 2 mins. 1,650,000 THB (Foreign Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email at admin@bobbybrooks.com

Condo for Rent

Park Lane Resort Jomtien 1 bedroom 1 bath 36 sqm.

12,000 per month. (1 year Lease) Fully furnished linens, cooking utensils and are City Side View Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email at admin@ bobbybrooks.com The Gallery - Already these are very popular rental units ideally located in Central Jomtien, just 150m from the new Night Plaza and the beach. This mid floor unit has been stylishly and expensively furnished throughout offering 1 bedroom ,39sqm with fitted wardrobe and LCD TV, luxurious bathroom, living room with LCD TV and DVD player, European kitchen with breakfast bar, balcony, roof top infinity edge communal pool, sundeck, fitness, key card entry, reception, 24/7 security. Minimum rental period of 1 month applies, 22,000 Bt high season and 18,000 Bt per month low season. Tel: 085 129 5657.

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

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

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 Koh Larn 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 Dongtan Beach and numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis. For Rent 25,000 Bt per month or 20,000 Bt on long term lease.

Minimum rental period of 1 month Tel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien- property.com Thip Condotel - A newly renovated and stylishly furnished 30 sqm studio with European kitchen, luxury bathroom, washing machine, balcony, communal pool, 24/7 security and a minute walk to numerous restaurants, shops, bars, Jomtien Night Plaza, taxis and 150m to the beach. Price : 12,000 Bt per month. Minimum rental period of 1 month appliesTel: 085 129 5657.

Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com View Talay Residence -Spacious high floor pool facing 55sqm, studio with new stylish furnishings throughout offering European kitchen, large luxurious bathroom, large balcony, UPVC double glazed windows, tropical lagoon communal pool, fitness, 24/7 security, 75m to the Jomtien Night Plaza, numerous restaurants, shops, taxis and 150m to the beach.

Minimum rental period of

1 month applies at 20,000 Bt high season and 17,000 Bt per month low season.

Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com 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.premier international.com (PR0737) 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.premier international.com (PR4262)

Deadline Issue June 1 - 15 Please Forward Your Classifieds by 5:00 PM, May 22 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-mail: info@pattayatoday.net | Fax: (038) 374535

Classified EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR PATTAYA

Condo for Rent

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

Job Vacancies

Centara Hotel & Resorts.

Will be opening its fourth proper ty in Pattaya, the five-star Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya, located at Phratamnak Hill on the East side of the city. Now we are seeking candidated for many position; - Food & Beverage Department (Restaurant Manager, Server, Bartender, Supervisor, Chefs, Commis...) - Front Office Department (Reservation Manager, Night Manager, Front Desk Supervisor, Front Desk Clerk, Bell Man...) Housekeeping Department (Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Floor / Public Area Supervisor, Room / Public Area Attendant, Order Taker...) - Finance & Accounting Department (Financial Controller, Chief Accountant, Purchasing Manager, Cost Controller, AR/AP Supervisor, Night Auditor...) - Spa & Sports Recreation Depar tment (Spa Manager, Therapist, Spa Recptionist, Fitness Supervisor, Pool Attendant...)

- Engineering Department (Technicians). If you are an energetic, organised and resultdriven team player who is looking for challenge at the highest level of standards, send your resume or walk-in interview: Human Resources Department Pre-opening Office Phratamnak Soi 5, Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150 Mb: 081861 4505, T: 038-306 337 E: hrmcgpx@chr.co.th Want English Speaking Driver for D4D Van. Good Salary. Contact: B B mobile 081 147 676

Established manufacturer and supplier of cleaning solutions and chemicals are looking for an exclusive distributor/franchisee within Pattaya for their complete product range. A solid sales base has already been built up within area with a turnover in excess of THB 3 million. Interested parties must be motivated to grow sales.

Franchise For Sale THB 2 million

For further information contact Sven on 087 283 5349 or email sven.tbac@gmail.com 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, property 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 Urgent! Experienced Waitress Wanted for International restaurant. Must speak English. Good salary + tips.

Call 091 240 4331.

Vehicles for Sale

( p t m v s - j 1 7 1 2 ) To y o t a Corolla Altis 1.6G Auto Gold, new car warranty until Jan.2013. 24,000 klm, local driving only, as new condition, lots of extras.

620,000 baht. Will not last

16 - 31 May 2013

ZZ/39 15

FOR SALE - MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF CLEANING SOLUTIONS AND CHEMICALS The company manufactures and supplies cleaning materials to the commercial market – hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and numerous other businesses under a brand name. The hard work has been done in setting up the business and establishing a good customer base. Last year the business turnover was in excess of THB 5 million. The owner has to reluctantly sell due to personal reasons, however is willing to stay on for period of time to oversee the transfer of the business to a new owner.

Sale Price THB 7.9 million

For further information contact Sven on 087 283 5349 or email sven.tbac@gmail.com be quick! Phone: English: 0811 709562; Thai: 0870 512057. (ptmvs-a1612)Honda CRV 2.0 Automatic Future Classic Blue Metallic 2001, Perfect Condition, power windows, ABS, Airbags Aloy wheels. Radio/CD. Central Alarm System and Locking.

Farang owner from new, maintained by Honda dealer, 210,000km new engine by 180,000km. All bills available 365,000 baht only. Call 089 015 4072 or 089 030

8891 Email: schovol@ gmail.com Nissan March, 1.2 E CVT 2012. Automatic, silver, electric windows, central locking, CD player, 16,000 kms, with ser vice book and A1 insurance. As new 420,000 baht. Call 087 139 1539.

Honda Jazz Top Of The Line. Silver gray, 2009 year model. Only 21,000 kms.

Expat sell for 440,000 Baht, new 700,000. Ser ved by Honda. Call 087 108 0995

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Tips & Advice

What Our

Readers Say

Pros and cons of hi-speed trains I think a hi-speed train linking Pattaya with Bangkok will be a great thing for the resort, but it matters where the station actually will be. The current one is too far out of town. Presumably there will be an overhead railway linking the station with civilization? All the research on trains worldwide suggests the exact location of stops is the key feature. (Harold Bride) I notice your photograph of the station on page one of Pattaya Today (May 1) makes it look like the ghost train halt in Arthur Askey’s 1940 film The Ghost Train.

For my money, Pattaya doesn’t need a new railway station. It needs a proper clean-up, properly policed traffic systems and an environmental policy which will make it a green city. I have seen the plans, but where is the progress? (John Stone) I was disappointed to read that the link to U Tapao airport is in the second stage, not due for completion until the 2020s. U Tapao needs developing fast to take some of the strain off Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang, but the route from Bangkok to Pattaya needs a prompt extension to U Tapao. If that happens, then we really will be in the 21st century. (KH) No hi-speed train in the world runs at a profit. Ask the Chinese or the Japanese who are the experts in this sort of technology. People love travelling quickly and goods can go by rail domestically which now have to be moved by truck which is environmentally damaging. It’s OK for Thailand to invest nearly a trillion baht in four rail projects as long as it’s clear the investment is only the beginning. The maintenance costs and subsidies will be a financial burden for decades to come. (Andy F)

Your Visa

Queries Answered Mr. Chang @ VISA SERVICE IN PATTAYA E-MAIL: changvisa@gmail.com 183/27 M.10 Soi 13/2 Nongpure, Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Mobile: 66 81 7549342 Tel: 66 38 711 145

Fax: 66 38 710 163

Sponsored by

www.visacentergroup.com

www.visa2britain.com

Family extension Q: I am married to a Thai lady but I don’t need a one year visa as I’m out of the country too much working in the Middle East. On the other hand, a month on arrival is often not enough for me and I dislike leaving the country just to get another short period. Is there any other way for me to see my family on a regular basis? There is no Thai embassy in my area of work.

A: If you enter with a month on arrival, you can extend at the immigration office for two months by bringing along your wife with her ID and proof of local residence – the tibean bahn for the house. You will also fill in a TM7 (plus photo) and pay the normal extension fee 1,900 baht.

Another family extension Q: I am in the same position as the person in the question above except that I have two Thai children, aged 2 and 4, but no Thai wife as she left us a few months ago. The children are well looked-after in my absence, but I work for part of the year on the oil rigs in northern Europe.

A: Yes you can also get the 60 days extension if you need it. You bring along the children’s birth certificates, but you still need the tibean bahn or proof of residence. Some immigration offices may require you to show the children, others will accept a photo of you with them. No evidence of the wife’s disappearance is needed for this visa purpose.

Death of retiree Q: My father, who is American, recently died in Thailand. He had a retirement visa but I notice it was overstay for two months because his final illness precluded his appearance at the immigration office. Will I get into trouble if I appear at the immigration office to report his death?

Surely Pattaya is big enough as it is. The proposed rail system will presumably boost numbers but all the extra people have to live in the city once they leave the railway carriage. So, in effect, Pattaya will become ever more crowded, more polluted and more unpleasant to live in. I think my days are numbered here. (David Hetherington) The route to Pattaya can only be understood in a wider context. The future of Thailand lies with its ASEAN neighbors and with China, the real economic partner. I’m sure somebody somewhere is thinking out how to link Beijing with all the mainland ASEAN capitals within the next 20 years. Those Brits and Americans moaning about the lost world they think Pattaya has become are missing the essential points.

(GVN) The problem in my eyes is whether the railway will actually be built. Once the government gets its hands on the 2 trillion baht loan, can we be sure what will happen in a country bedeviled by corruption and mismanagement. (Derek Jordan) I often read in the press or see on TV that Thai trains have been dislocated in their schedule by floods and even by falling rocks. I don’t see how bullet trains will overcome delays as the new track is apparently going to be placed alongside the existing one. (MG) Surely an alternative to new trains would be to properly overhaul existing track, bring in new trains and introduce new-technology signaling and safety equipment. These solutions would not cost anywhere near the sums needed to build bullet trains. (Jean T)

A: No problems for you. There is no penalty once a person dies. If you have the death certificate and his passport, take them along. The documents will be photocopied and the originals returned to you. To do all this is a courtesy but, if the death is not reported by you to immigration, you still won’t be bothered.

There is not actually an obligation on you.

Overstay concerns Q: I read a lot of stuff about what happens if a falang overstays his visa – fines, jail, deportation of whatever. But why is it so difficult to get at the truth? Surely the law must be clear on the penalties?

A: The law, as you call it, is discretionary. It says that overstay must be paid at 500 baht a day up to a limit of 20,000 baht. Provided you have the cash, arrest is unlikely. Beyond that time-frame you may still be able to pay the maximum of 20,000 baht even though the limit has been exceeded. In any and all circumstances, arrest is entirely a matter for the immigration authorities. “Up to you” fits the situation entirely.

South Korean entry Q: I understand my South Korean friend will get 90 days free at Bangkok airport on arrival. But what happens if he comes by a land crossing? Does the same rule apply?

A: Yes it does. Several countries – South Korea and some in Latin America – do not need a prior visa to obtain three months on arrival by land, air or sea. They can obtain a further three months by exiting the country and returning by any lawful means.

Number of entries Q: I have heard that a British person can only come to Thailand three times in six months unless they have a prior visa. I live and work in the Philippines but I enjoy coming to Thailand for a holiday more frequently than that. I am 55 years old.

A: There is no restriction on the number of times you can enter Thailand and obtain your 30 days free at the airport.

Of course you could, if you wish, apply for a retirement visa (minimum age 50) as long as you have the required income or bank deposit. You do not need to be retired in spite of the visa’s name, but whether it’s worth it (considering visa and reentry fees as well as processing efforts) depends on your individual circumstances and the length of your frequent visits to Thailand.

Today's Editorial Almost unbelievable

Foreign residents of Thailand, for the most part, know that they have to be on their guard against farang fraudsters and crooks in their midst. Thanks largely to the internet’s social media, the often-clever antics of the men who want to take your life savings to feather their own nests are less secretive than they once were. Conmen are certainly still with us but their tricks and deceit are more likely these days to be in the public domain.

But foreign fraudsters can also trick Thais and on an almost unbelievable scale. It is said that British national James McCormick smiled through much of his trial at London’s Old Bailey for selling what he knew to be fake bomb detectors to various foreign countries and to the UN. The ones he sold to Thailand were called GT200 and Alpha 6. They were plastic dowsing rods with no ability whatsoever to detect bombs, explosives, drugs or anything else.

Thirteen government departments, including the army and the police, were completely duped by the supposed magical ability of the dowsing rods. Nobody bothered to order proper checks and many influential figures were duped by the sleight-of-hand demonstrations by McCormick’s agents. One politician is even alleged to have believed that the GT200 could predict an upcoming military coup. Another fell for the line that the dowsing roads could operate underwater or even smell illicit substances behind walls.

More than 400 million baht was spent on the actual devices and double that sum on commissions of one sort and another. A total of nearly 1.15 billion baht. How could it happen? Well, the government did not actually buy the fake equipment because authorized licensed middlemen negotiated the purchases for which they added on procurement, shipping and other unspecified charges.

The two companies which bought most of the dowsing rods have so far not been named.

The biggest tragedy of all is that human lives were lost when the useless technology was in “use” in the southern provinces. The GT200 worked on a random basis. It could give the all-clear on the bomb front yet there were loud explosions anyway. Some people were arrested and even physically assaulted, and worse, on the basis that the dowsing rods claimed they had recently handled explosives.

Yet the evidence was always there. A Chulalongkorn University scientist made his own exact copy of the GT200 costing just 159 baht to construct. Reporters in Iraq regularly reported that the useless plastic devices with their wobbly aerials were in widespread use at checkpoints.

Goodness knows how many bomb-laden vehicles were allowed through because of this almost-unbelievable naivety. But soldiers happily used the device and were grateful that the wonders of modern science saved them the bother of properly searching the van or truck. The bribery in Iraq was on an astonishing scale and McCormick is said to have netted US$75 million. One major general in Iraq has been arrested.

The whole saga reflects the reality that pure human greed can be responsible for the most ridiculous of scams.

McCormick, a former Merseyside policeman, succeeded because of the huge profits he allowed the middlemen to make whilst making himself into a multi-millionaire. At his trial he defended himself by saying nobody in authority had stepped forward to complain to him and that he knew more about bombs than anyone else in the world. Yes, of course.

It’s not likely anybody will step forward now. It’s all far, far too embarrassing.

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16 - 31 May 2013

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Local Sports Local and International Motorsports Report Resnt Race Results Updates INDYCAR: Sao Paulo A thrilling finish to the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 saw James Hinchcliffe triumph in a gripping wheel-to-wheel duel with Takuma Sato 2nd and Josef Newgarden 3rd. Going into the final lap it was time for James Hinchcliffe to spring his move: and he made the most of the final run through turn 11 to get critical track position on Sato in the run to the chequered flag to win by 0.3463 seconds - May 05, 2103 NASCAR: Talladega Superspeedway: David Ragan was the surprise last-lap winner of Sunday's race. Ragan claimed his second NASCAR Sprint Cup race win in 228 series starts, Ragan's team mate David Gilliland had boosted him into the lead on the final lap of the severely rain delayed race, and was himself rewarded with second place-May 05, 2103 MOTOGP: Jerez, Spain: Pedrosa wins, as Marc Marquez bumps past Jorge Lorenzo at final turn! It was an almost exact replica of Valentino Rossi's controversial clash with Sete Gibernau at the last corner of the 2005 grand prix. Lorenzo was left shaking his head in anger and disbelief as he crossed the line in third. When Marquez later attempted to apologize to Lorenzo in parc ferme - and on the podium - Lorenzo brushed him away with a wagged finger - May 05, 2103

2013 FI World Calendar (May-June)

06 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2013 (Monte Carlo) 23 - 26 May 07 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2013 (Montréal) 07 - 09 Jun 08 FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2013 Silverstone) 28 - 30 Jun www.formula1.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia

2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (May-June) Date

Day Race Site

Location

TV Race

5/18/13 Sat Charlotte Motor Speedway: All-Star SPEED 5/26/13 Sun Charlotte Motor Speedway FOX 6/2/13 Sun Dover International Speedway FOX 6/9/13 Sun Pocono Raceway TNT 6/16/13 Sun Michigan International Speedway TNT 6/23/13 Sun Sonoma TNT 6/29/13 Sat Kentucky Speedway TNT www.nascar.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia

Start ET 7:30 PM 6:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 7:30 PM

June 1 97th Indianapolis 500-Mile Race Speedway, Indiana June 2, 8 Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans[34] Detroit, Michigan

Firestone 550[35] Fort Worth, Texas

June 22 Milwaukee IndyFest[36] West Allis, Wisconsin Iowa Corn Indy 250[37] Newton, Iowa www.indycar.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia

2013 MotoGP Grand Prix (May-June)

19 May France 2 June Italy 16 June Catalunya

29 June Netherlands** www.motogp.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia

Le Mans Mugello Circuit de Catalunya TT Assen

Other International Motorsports Events of Note: Top 3 F1 Drivers' Championship 2013 after round 4 of 19

1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 2 Kimi Räikkönen Lotus-Renault 3 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes-Mercedes

77 67 50

Top 3 IndyCar Drivers' Championship after round 4 of 19

1 Takuma Sato 2 Marco Andretti 3 Helio Castroneves

136 123 116

Top 3 NASCAR Drivers' Championship after round 10 of 36

1 Jimmie Johnson Hendrick Motorsports 2 Carl Edwards Roush Fenway Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt JrHendrick Motorsports

383 342 324

Top 3 MotoGP Drivers’ Championship after round 3 of 19

1 Marc Marquez Repsol Honda Team 2 Dani Pedrosa R epsol Honda Team 3 Jorge Lorenzo F actory Yamaha Racing

61 58 57

**Local Thailand Motorsports Schedules 2013**

Beginning May/June 2013 it will be a busy month for Racers in Thailand, however TSS will kick off its first race at Sepang Malaysia, take a short ride to Bira Pattaya Racing Circuit to see the action up close.

Thailand Super Series Schedule (TSS) 2013 May 25-26 Sepang, Malaysia July 13-14Pattaya’s Bira Circuit October 5-6 Pattaya’s Bira Circuit

December 13-15 Bang Saen Street Circuit, Chonburi Nitto 3K Racing Series Schedule 2013 Kaeng Krachan Circuit 5-7 July Pattaya’s Bira Circuit 6-8 September Bonanza Speedway 1-3 November Pattaya’s Bira Circuit 6-8 December

Pro Series Schedule 2013

June 29-30 - Pattaya’s Bira Circuit July 27-28 - Pattaya’s Bira Circuit September 28-29 - Kaeng Krachan Circuit October 26-27, 2013 - Kaeng Krachan Circuit

OMP Challenge Series Schedule 2013 June 16 - Pattaya’s Bira Circuit November 17 - Pattaya’s Bira Circuit December 22 - Pattaya’s Bira Circuit

by Fred Dineley and Peter Blackburn

Crystal Bay, C and A – Stableford There were 18 starters for the day’s competition at the ever popular Crystal Bay Golf Course and they assembled at The Growling Swan eager to hit the road. There was a very good contingent of Growling Swan Delinquents and in fact they had one of the two minivans reserved specifically for themselves. (It’s always better to keep them separate from our non-delinquent golfers!) Departing the GS 5 minutes early on a warm sunny morning, there was only light traffic which made the journey just 45 minutes.

The first four ball got away 15 minutes ahead of schedule and, as usual, the course was in tip- top condition with the greens quite fast and tricky for some. There were some pretty good scores posted but just four golfers managed to play better than their handicap. It was a humid day with a drop of rain before the start and later on thunder could be heard but no more rain eventuated.

As a result of the small field we

had just the one grade with six podium places and four nearest the pins and longest first putts on the 9th and 18th greens.

Continuing his winning form was Paul Hack who won the day with a fine 42 points, 2 points ahead of Ebrahim in second place. There was a count back for third and fourth with 2 golfers on 37 points resulting in Sandy (Leiperfrog) Leiper just pipping Fred Dineley. Sal Brizzi finished in fifth spot with 35 points, 1 point ahead of 6th place getter Alain (Inspector Clouseau) Taddei.

Results for Crystal Bay: 1st – Paul Hack (13) – 42 points 2nd – Ebrahim (15) - 40 points 3rd – Sandy Leiper (34) – 37 points 4th – Fred Dineley (27) - 37 points 5th – Sal Brizzi (7) - 35 points 6th – Alain Taddei (17) - 34 NTP’s C4 – Paul Hack C7 – Alain Taddei

A5 – No-one good enough A8 – Fred Dineley LFP’s C9 – Shane Young A9 – Shane Young The Growling Swan NAGA Award, (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day and discreetly their score is not made public) was once again won

by Growling Swan mine host Peter Grey who naturally wore the NAGA Cap with distinction in the bar afterwards where the Aussie cold, low-priced beers went down a treat and a good “crack” was had by all.

Growling Swan Golf, the home of friendly golf in Pattaya, 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 please contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to petermalcolmblackburn@gmail.com

Bunker Boys at the Ranch

by Geoff Parker

2013 Indy Car Schedule (May-June)

June 15

Hacky Wins Again!

Bobby Brooks™ @racebobby

Crystal Bay G.C. (A and C courses) Medal Just three groups today for our first medal competition of the month, once again sponsored by KPK Foods. We arrived at Crystal Bay under bright blue skies with a gentle breeze blowing in from the sea, so conditions were perfect for another round of millionaire’s golf. After the first group were delayed when Reg Smart apparently lost his buggy, we sent “Speedy” Graham and partners off again with an empty course ahead of them - little wonder then that the group was back in the clubhouse for the second game running in under three and a half hours. Peter “I hate medal competitions” Habgood once again produced the best score of the day to win the honours by four clear strokes ahead of “Speedy” Graham, with Reg Smart coming in third. Peter has now won the last three medal competitions with two scores of nett 65, and one slightly off day when he could only manage a 67 – some going for someone who is also in the running for this month’s booby prize for the lowest Stableford score! Mark West deserves special mention for a kamikaze effort on the par 5 eighteenth hole, where he managed to score a 13 after refusing to take an unplayable lie in the bunker – full marks for effort and determination, but sometimes discretion is the better part of valour!

Results: 1st Peter Habgood (hcp. 21) nett 65 2nd John Graham (hcp. 12) nett 69

3rd Reg Smart (hcp. 30) nett 70 Only three near pins were hit : Geoff Parker, Jean Morel and Peter Habgood.

St. Andrews G.C. (Stableford) A great start to the day as Peter Habgood (who’s never been known to go near a kitchen – never mind to cook!) donated the KPK food voucher he’d won on Wednesday to provide sausage sandwiches to all the players prior to our departure from The Ranch. Our original booking at Green Valley had to be changed due to a member’s competition being held there, but the management offered us the alternative of playing the St. Andrews course at the same rate (plus buggy of course). It’s about a year since we last played here, so myself and several other regulars were looking forward to the opportunity of playing this testing track again. It was disappointing to find that all 18 greens had recently been scarified and sanded, and it has to be said that the course was generally not up to it’s previous high standard but it was still an enjoyable day. The tee shot on the par 6 fourth hole (from the yellow tees) presents a daunting challenge to the shorter hitters with a 220 yards carry over water, and was the subject of much discussion in the clubhouse.

After playing two quick rounds earlier in the week, we had the misfortune to be sent out behind a slow five-ball, so even with the compulsory buggies we were forced to endure our first five hour

round for quite some time. The slow pace of the round didn’t put off the normally speedy John Graham, who recorded the best score of the day, with Peter Habgood taking second place on a countback ahead of Ken Davidson. The shot of the day was produced by Neil Griffin, who elected to take a driver on the 175 yard, par 3 fifth hole. His playing partners watched in awe as the tee shot went screaming towards the water behind the green, before hitting a small tree and rebounding back to the green, rolling to about 6 feet from the pin – all part of the plan according to Neil!

Results: 1st John Graham (hcp. 12) 34 points 2nd Peter Habgood (hcp. 18) 32 points 3rd Ken Davidson (hcp. 23) 32 points Only 2 near pins were claimed : Reg Smart and Neil Griffin The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so 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, and 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.

Stuvik takes Formula 3 podium spot in Portugal After an intensely close fought qualifying session, where the four RP Motorsport team mates fought over hundredths of seconds, Stuvik found himself qualifying in P3, a mere 0.119 seconds behind pole sitter and team mate Alex Toril. The Spanish driver was again only a fraction ahead of the South-American superstar, Santiago Urritia. For Stuvik this was the first all dry race weekend in almost a year, as virtually all his resent racing events have been on wet circuits.

The subsequent race saw the four RP Motorsport cars cleanly trading positions on the first lap, with Uruguay’s Urritia taking the lead, Spain’s Toril in second and Thailand’s Stuvik in third. The trio soon started to open a gap towards the pursuing 28 Formula 3 cars and midway through the race, the Thai driver moved up to 2nd place, only to be overtaken again. Stuvik remained in 3rd until the last lap of the race, when he again slipstreamed Toril down the Portimao main straight and at speed of

250 kph, managed to overtake the Spaniard and move into second. In the end the three team mates finished in that order, and the elated RP Motorsport Team saw their drivers lock out the entire podium. Stuvik set the fastest lap of the race on the last lap and now extends his championship lead to 56 points, 17 points ahead of Spain’s Toril with 37 points.

Race results, video of race and pictures from the event can be found at www.f3open.net.

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Tips & Advice

QUICK TIP

Soak a kitchen sponge in a bowl of water. When it’s fully saturated, put the sponge in a plastic baggie and freeze it. When you have need for an ice pack—to relieve strains, sprains, muscle pain and soft tissue injuries, or to help keep food and beverages cool on trips--your frozen sponge will be waiting for you. And it won’t drip as it melts.

Your Flapper’s Leaking Water is constantly running in my toilet, Andy, which is annoying because of the constant drone and because I fear it’s going to push my water bill out of sight. Any idea what’s causing it?

Raymond It’s a common problem, Raymond. It usually occurs when water leaks from the tank into the bowl because the flapper is worn or doesn’t rest properly over the hole at the bottom of the tank. Before replacing the flapper, however, check the linkage between the flush handle and the flapper. If it’s a chain, ensure that it hasn’t become twisted or snagged and therefore too short to allow the flapper to fall into place. If the chain or other device is corroded or broken, it can easily be replaced (take it to the hardware or home improvement store to ensure the new gear is a match). If it isn’t the mechanism, check the rubber flapper; has it been eaten away? Have

the rubber loops disintegrated?

Has a hinge eroded? To test the flapper, push it down firmly.

If the water stops running, the flapper needs to be replaced.

If no problems with any of the above, water may be flowing over the top of the overflow tube in the tank, indicating that the float assembly’s adjustable float is not working properly. Adjust the float by increasing the length of the rod connecting the float to its arm. If water continues to flow over the top, install a new float assembly.

Mildew Won’t Do My wife’s grandmother in Chainat gave us a beautiful wooden trunk that had been in the family for years. It’s in great condition but it has a musty smell and I am allergic to mildew. I would like to use the trunk for storing things like towels and bedding and maybe use it as a coffee table in the parlor, but the odor puts me off.

How do I get rid of the mildew smell and spores?

Victor

Things that sit around closed for long periods tend to develop a musty smell, Victor, but that is not necessarily the same as mildew. Mildew needs moisture to grow. If it’s just a musty smell, then vacuum thoroughly and mask remaining odor with potpourri. As an option, set the trunk out in the sun with the lid open for a few days. If the odor lingers, spray the interior with a mixture of one part clear vinegar, three parts warm water, and juice from half a lime. As a last resort, you may need to coat the interior surface with lacquer or shellac to seal in the odor.

Looking Good on Paper We just moved into a house that has two bedrooms that have been wallpapered. I don’t mind wallpaper, but I am seriously offended by the colors and pattern of this particular wallpaper.

Anyway, Andy, I would just like to know if I need to remove the old paper (ugh!) or can I just slap on a couple coats of paint over it?

Gary I understand your reluctance to peel and scrape off the existing wall coverings, Gary; it’s a timeconsuming, messy and tedious job. The short answer to your question is yes, you can paint over wallpaper. but it’s not just a matter of slapping on a couple coats of paint. If you want it to look good, start by removing any loose ends or torn paper, as well as any nails and switch plates.

Now apply primer--either shellac or oil-based (not water-based).

Frank, Forthright & Frigid Dear Agony Ivy, Infidelity strikes again I married my husband three years ago and at first everything seemed fine. Then I began to see signs that he might not be as faithful as he claimed to be. On one occasion I found part of a woman’s underwear in his jacket pocket but he assured me that he had found it in the street and brought it home in case the undergarments were my size.

In fact they were far too small. Last week I returned home suddenly from shopping and heard grunting noises coming from the bedroom. I flung open the door and found my husband and a young woman completely naked and engaged flat-out in an intimate act which can hardly be described in a family newspaper. However, it can be abbreviated to two numbers. Obviously I confronted them and his explanation was that he is a Mormon whilst she claimed to be looking for some lost underwear. I am now completely confused

and am hoping you can sort me out.

Naïve Nora Agony Ivy writes: Well, I suppose anything is possible in Pattaya. It must have struck you as an amazing coincidence that the woman who lost her knickers came to your house for a search.

If you believe that, you presumably believe that the Zombies Are Real website is designed for fully rational people. Mormons are men who believe that they can have several wives at the same timer and they will quote the Scriptures to justify their shocking behavior. There is nothing you can do other than accepting a poor marriage or suing for divorce. Thank you for sending me the photo you took of your husband and the other woman. I still can’t work out which two numbers they represent.

Dear Agony Ivy, Floor polish query As a retired farang, I retired to Pattaya

The dried primer will show all defects in the wall which you need to fix using drywall compound.

Put a thin coat of compound over the seams as well. Let it dry, and then sand it down. Apply primer over the compound, then caulk around trim and the ceiling line. When dry, vacuum the dust. Now you can paint, using a washable flat paint. Begin by brushing around the edges and the trim, painting in long vertical strokes (horizontal where necessary). For the rest of the wall, you can use a brush with long, even strokes or a roller. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second for better coverage.

just find an electrician to do the job?

Angie

After painting, soak the brushes in the appropriate solvent--either water or thinner.

Work the bristles through all the way up to the handle, and shake them out. Then dry the bristles with a rag and wrap them tightly in butcher paper to help them retain their shape.

For longer storage, wrap the brushes in plastic wrap, put them in baggies and freeze them until you’re ready to paint again.

Some people get cold feet at the thought of working on electrical circuits, Angie, but installing a light switch is fairly easy and safe if done right. That always means that you begin by turning off the power supply. Then you can remove the switch plate and use a voltage tester to ensure the electrical wires aren't powered.

Test each wire; there should be no voltage registration. Now, remove the two screws that hold the switch to the box and gently pull out the switch and disconnect all wires. Strip away about 2 cm of the insulation at the end of the wires and connect them to the new switch--the black one (hot or live wires) to the terminal screws, the white or grey (neutral) wire in the outlet to the white or grey wire from the service panel. If there is a third wire (it may be green and it is unlikely in Thailand), it is a ground wire that should be secured to the earth or ground switch screw. Then fold the wires at the back of the switch back into the box and carefully press the switch in. If it doesn’t fit, rearrange the wires as flat as possible.

Line up the switch by readjusting the screws in the slots, making certain that the switch is flat to the wall. Attach and tighten the switch, then the switch plate.

Switching Switches Hi, Andy, can you tell me if it would it be very difficult or dangerous to replace a light switch in my home? Or should I

Closing Line Hospitality is making your guests feel like they're at home-even if you wish they were.

--Handy Andy

Sage Brush Do you have any sage advice on what I can do to preserve my paintbrushes after I finish using them?

Bart

several months ago and immediately fell in love with a young woman I met on a stone seat at a building site. She said that her cruel husband had thrown her out of the house and she survived only by hanging around construction sites and begging food from the workers there. After a whirlwind romance we decided to get married and, after a short honeymoon in a hotel near Naklua market, we moved into a condo which I paid for out of my retirement lump sum. My wife said she insisted on living on the top floor whereas I would have preferred a ground floor apartment as I get very breathless and the lift is often out of order. I returned the other day and noticed that my wife had removed the safety rail on the balcony even though she knows I have no head for heights. Another strange thing is that she has started polishing the floor every day in the area of the balcony, though she never cleans any other area. Is she trying to tell me something?

Breathless Bert

could tumble in a very dramatic fashion. You must accept you have only yourself to blame.

No guidebook or internet chat line has ever recommended building sites as the ideal venue to meet your bride-to-be. I suggest you take the next available plane to Manchester.

Agony Ivy writes: There are a number of solutions. She might be suggesting you employ a morning cleaner to do a more professional job or she could simply prefer living above the level where mosquitoes congregate. It is also possible that she is planning your downfall, literally and figuratively, by polishing an area where you

Agony Ivy writes: I am sending you under plain cover a copy of my pamphlet Sexual Satisfaction Without Touching which is full of surprises. I particularly bring to your attention the third paragraph on page 5, although you then would need to go to the expense of purchasing a new pair of oven gloves.

Dear Agony Ivy, Sexless marriage I am a 51 year old woman trapped in a loveless and sexless marriage with a man several years my junior. I have to be frank and confess that the very idea of sex these days disgusts me. Actually I was never particularly fond of it in the first place. I do not think that Dan (his name) loves me but he often demands sex when he comes home drunk from the pub. I usually get out of the problem by pouring him a double whiskey so that he will, hopefully, fall asleep. It usually works, as a matter of fact. But there must be a better solution.

Miserable Myra

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Youth Focus

New Technology for Preschoolers

by Ayesha Rahman, kindergarten teacher If you've seen a young child handle an iPhone or an iPad recently, chances are you watched them "slide to unlock" and get busy finding and playing with their favorite apps whether they are in the car, supermarket or restaurant.

Because computer knowledge is vital in our society today, many parents believe that the earlier their children begin to use the iPad and computer, the better. By preschool years, most children are spending time on iPad and computers at school and at home. But is it healthy for preschoolers to be interacting with computers and iPads? And if so, how do parents decide how much computer time is beneficial or when it’s too much?

Some experts suggest that allowing preschoolers to have

computer time can be beneficial because computer use introduces educational and logical skills, prepares children for future computer use, increases self-esteem and selfconfidence, boosts problemsolving skills and stimulates

language comprehension. The greatest benefits, though, occur when children use computers side-by-side or when they work with adults. In these situations, preschoolers develop cooperative problemsolving skills. They also have the opportunity to interact with others, which enhances their overall learning.

However, in spite of the many benefits, experts also point out drawbacks to preschool computer use. Some express concern for children’s physical health. Others cite

psychological and developmental concerns. Preschoolers’ muscles and bones are still developing, but computers and furniture, especially at home, are rarely set up properly for children. Most parents seem unaware of the possible dangers of children sitting for long periods unsupported, with necks twisted and wrists overextended.

Physical problems related to eyes can also result from sitting too close to the computer screen.

Another difficulty arises when the computer is used as a babysitter, as when parents put in educational games and believe their children are better off than sitting in front of a TV. Educational psychologists don’t believe there is much difference between the two. “Simply selecting and watching a screen is a pallid substitute for real mental activity,” they say.

It is suggested that reading together, having family discussions, or playing are much more valuable use of time.

These activities can provide as much educational stimulation with the added benefit of social interaction.

The Grunch

by Rob Grisdale

Primary students staged three performances of The Grunch at Garden International School (GIS) for an audience of hundreds, including children from REPS summer school and other nearby international schools. The evening performance was accompanied by a successful auction of memorabilia and a post-production party.

But because we are living in a world of hi tech gadgets and computers we have to draw a line somewhere. To make the computer beneficial for you and your preschooler, decide on rules and time limits. Using a timer to signal when your child’s time is up helps avoid arguments and tantrums. When purchasing software for your child, look for programs that offer opportunities to try many different solutions. These help stimulate creativity and problem solving. Setting up a separate profile for your preschooler is a good precaution. This can prevent her from clicking on things she shouldn’t or accidentally deleting important files. Rather than leaving your child alone at the computer, stay with her. Use computer time for interaction and togetherness.

Here are some additional tips to enhance computer

use for your preschooler: Look for programs that support open-ended, discoveryoriented learning, adjust the computer and furniture for your child’s use, adjust the sound and screen size for each use, supervise your child’s computer activities, turn off all programs but the one your child is using, limit the amount of time your child spends on the computer and balance computer time with social interaction and physical exercise.

Computers, used wisely, are tools for stimulating preschool learning. But it’s important to take precautions for your child’s safety and well-being. Teach your child proper computer use and monitor him to be sure his computer time is constructive and useful. But most importantly of all, focus on learning together, both on the computer and off.

In conclusion because of the increased amount of technology in the world around us and the fact that most preschoolers have access to technology at home, it seems logical that it should be incorporated into their education.

We do have phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling and writing apps on the iPads and androids too that that help young children build a better understanding of letters and sounds, the left-toright nature of reading, and recognizing that print differs from pictures, basic phonics skills, recognizing the letters of the alphabet, learning upper case and lower case letters, and word building.

There are plenty of fun and educational apps that also provide practice with the essential literacy skills. We bet your child won't complain with technological fun like that!

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Our Community GIS students welcome Camillian children

by Mark Beales Youngsters from the Camillian Centre in Rayong, which cares for children and adults with HIV and AIDS, made their annual visit to Garden International School (GIS) where the students made sure the visitors had a great day out.

After lunch, the children enjoyed a special talent show in the Main Hall, which was won by Year 8 superstars Seren and GG for a unique percussion performance involving cups and a plastic box.

After the show, the Camillian children joined individual groups for games, snacks and activities. International Baccalaureate students, who organised much of the day, took them to the Information and Communications Technology labs to play online games.

GIS students also generously donated toys, gifts and even school uniforms to the Camillian children; special boxes packed with presents were presented to the grateful visitors.

Before they left, the Camillian youngsters sang GIS students a song and said thanks for another great visit to GIS. For more on the centre, visit www.

camillian-rayong.org.

GIS is based in Ban Chang, which is close to Pattaya. For more on the school, visit www.gardenrayong.com.

ANZAC Day April 25 Thailand

by Derek Brook

Throughout the year, members of the Royal British Legion Thailand visit the River Kwai, but there is an occasion every year when members from all over Thailand make a point of being there: Anzac Day April 25. So two days before the event, an advance party, consisting of Bert Elson BEM, secretary, and Richard Holmes, standard bearer, went to the location to set up accommodations and rehearse the remembrance service.

The main party departed April 24. It included 9 Riders of The Royal British Legion Thailand Bikers who left at 9:30 a.m. and arrived relieved at 4 p.m. after a long, dicey road trip on bikes. We also had members arriving from all points of Thailand, including Korat.

The night before is usually a get together of all the Legion members, but not too much as early the next morning for many it is off to Hellfire Pass, about 3 a.m. leave as the ceremony starts at 5:30 a.m. and it is a long walk down. Well worth a visit

the bikers made the trip and returned with an additional 30 or so Australian bikers for the main ceremony.

The majority after a bite to eat got into transport for the short trip to Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery.

The first thing one notices on entry is how immaculate the cemetery is.

The second is members of the Royal British Legion Thailand, with Ron, Greg and the ladies ensuring people have a poppy. Then into position for the ceremony.

The poignant ceremony involves the march led by The British Club Bangkok Pipe Bang, followed by the standard bearer, Richard Holmes, of the Royal British Legion Thailand, and the honour guard. As the ceremony begins, we are reminded why we are there and made to listen with sadness as survivors tell of those hell years. The one-hour ceremony is suitably hot.

Following which guests are invited for a sausage sizzle and a few cold uns’.

The day for us was not over until we made our annual visit to Chungkai, the lesser-known War Cemetery at The River Kwai. This, in fact, was the first war cemetery, built by the prisoners of war for those who died in the camp hospital. It is also the resting place of many of the British who died on the Death Railway.

Chungkai is situated on the River about ten minutes outside the city. We found it many years ago and vowed to lay a wreath there every year. For the last few years we have been privileged to have the British ambassador join us for a small heartfelt ceremony. This essentially closed the Anzac day, apart from cementing our ties with our Aussie and Kiwi friends at the bar.

The next day we were up bright and breezy to get into the busses and do the special trip organised by Bert. I leave it for the photos to explain more about our fine day and our visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum.

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You & Your Pets Communicable diseases between animals and humans

by Thonglor Pet Hospital The diseases that are transmitted among animals and from animals to man or zoonoses have been a serious global public health problem adversely affecting the wellbeing of people and the economic health of countries.

Deteriorating ecosystems together with fast, modernday transportation and widespread encroachment of wild animal habitats has made it even more difficult to control the spread of zoontic diseases.

Thailand has been facing two groups of zoonotic diseases. The communicable diseases that are transmitted among animals and from animals to man within the country include rabies, leptospirosis, trichinosis and avian influenza, etc; and those that are likely to be spread across the border into Thailand include nipah encephalitis, west nile disease, etc. Zoonosescan also is classified into six types by their infectious agents including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, prions, parasites and fungi. Five frequently found zoonotic diseases in Thailand are: 1. Rabies -- a deadly viral infection that is mainly spread by infected domestic as well as wild animals.

The vast majority of reported rabies cases in Thailand, however, are through the bites of rabid dogs. Although there have been preventive vaccines, there is still no cure for the fatal disease.

The initial symptoms of rabies are fever and often pain, burning sensation at the wound site. As the virus spreads through the central nervous system, fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops. The symptoms may include insomnia, anxiety, contusion, partial paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, hyper salivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.

Vaccine immunization is needed immediately.

2. Leptospirosis -- a bacterial disease. Humans become

infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or in a urine-contaminated environment. In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.

Severe leptospirosis can be life-threatening. There is a risk of organ failure and internal hemorrhaging. This occurs when the bacterium infects the kidneys, liver and other major organs.

3. Brucellosis – an infectious disease caused by brucellaspps bacteria. Humans generally acquire the disease through direct contact with infected animals, by eating or drinking contaminated animal products, or by inhaling airborne agents. The majority of cases are caused by ingesting unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep. The disease causes flu-like symptoms.

The infection can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics.

4. Typhus -- caused by rickettsia bacteria, spreads by lice, fleas, mites or ticks. It appears with a sudden onset of headache, chills, fever, and general pains, proceed on the third to fifth day with a macular skin eruption (dark spots) develops on the torso, hands, feet and face. The infection terminates after two to three weeks. Typhus cases have been found mostly in the north and northeast of the country. The fatality rate is low.

5. Trichinosis -- caused by eating meat that has not been thoroughly cooked and contains cysts of parasites called trichinellaspiralis. The incubation period varies between 8 and 15 days. The symptoms usually start with fever, muscle soreness, pain and swelling around the eyes.

Thirst, profuse sweating, chills, weakness and tiredness may develop. Chest pain may be experienced since the parasite may become imbedded in the diaphragm.

Zoonotic diseases that are likely to be spread from other countries into Thailand include nipah virus, which causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or respiratory diseases (has been reported in Malaysia), and hantavirus which is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by rodents (has been reported in China and Korea). Other zoonoses are SARS, mad cow disease, west nile virus, monkey B virus, lassa fever and rift valley fever.

More Amazing Cats Our friend R.J. Peters, who has been providing Pattaya Today readers with cat tips for nearly a year, this month published yet another new book: Our Amazing Cats, Volume Two. Subtitled, More Tales of Feline Inspiration, Volume Two was sparked by healthy sales of the first book which, in turn, generated requests for more stories about our feline friends.

Dr. Peters says that “The first book started out as an experiment to see how many pets are out there doing remarkable things, as well as to see if there was any interest in them. As it turns out, there is. While there were no plans initially to do a series, requests for Volume Two began coming in shortly after the first book was published. After a few setbacks and criticisms, this book is finally a reality, thanks to the support and encouragement of those who wanted to see it printed. On behalf of all the

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 for all the affection and fun they will show in return. The animals are given to their new owners free-ofcharge. (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 longterm commitment with costs such as feeding and veterinary fees.

Many adopters find it’s a good idea to adopt two animals so that they can enjoy each others’ company as well as yours. Contact Paul and Sandra on 0852875004 or look at their useful website http://cats4youinpattaya.webs.com/

Bangkok Bart

Bart came to us in 2010 after the riots in Bangkok. He was kicked or injured in an accident and had a hernia. He is now fighting fit and very special to us.

We would love to see him going to a new loving home.

Felix

This big black and white boy was dumped outside our house a long time ago. He is an excellent catcher of rats and snakes. Bitten twice, he has lived to tell the tale. One of his other talents is weather prediction. If he stays on the settee all day, it’s sure going to rain.

Gina and Her Kittens

Meet Gina and her three beauties Rinky, Dinky and Alistair who were abandoned recently and are now safely with us. Mum is booked in to be neutered next week and will be ready for a new home very soon.

contributors to this volume, we hope you enjoy reading about this latest group of amazing cats.” The media, especially lately, are full of heartwarming and sometimes inspiring stories of dogs and cats that have performed outrageous, unusual, or remarkable acts. But there are many more pets that have done similar things yet are not acknowledged. “This book is for them, too,” says the Cat Lady.

She continues, “The thing is, all animals are amazing, just for who and what they are. The real miracle is that some humans notice them and talk or write about it. Not all animals are lucky enough to get any attention, let alone any appreciation for who and what they are, or what they can do. I hope this book inspires people to open their minds and their hearts for the sake of their own pets. All animals deserve the respect and admiration they may earn but seldom collect.”

You may order ‘Our Amazing Cats, Vol. 2: More Tales of Feline Inspiration’ at Amazon.com, or go to https://www.createspace.com/4252359. The price is $7.97 (about 230 baht, plus shipping).

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16 - 31 May 2013

www.pattayatoday.net

Games

CROSSWORD Across 1. LEGALLY ACCEPTABLE 4. ATTACH 9. SMALL RODENT 10. DRIVE BACK 11. FLANK 12. GOVERNMENT RESIDENCE 13. CONSUME 14. SOLID 16. AIMS 18. NOT HERS 20. ENTREAT 21. LEAVE OUT 24. ORDINAL NUMBER 25. HELD IN DEEP RESPECT 26. NON-COMMISSIONED SAILOR 27. FIVE TO ONE, FOR EXAMPLE

(5) (6) (7) (5) (4) (7) (3) (4) (4) (3) (7) (4) (5) (7) (6) (5)

Down 1. SMALL PORTMANTEAU 2. DISABLED 3. LOW PLATFORM 5. ALLEGORIES 6. LEFT UNCOVERED 7. POSTPONES 8. TYPE OF HERON 13. ENCOURAGE 15. STAMP 17. SIEVE 18. MUSCULAR ORGAN 19. PAINTER’S WORKROOM 22. EARN 23. AT ANY TIME

(6) (5) (4) (8) (7) (6) (5) (8) (7) (6) (5) (6) (5) (4)

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12 13 14

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Solution Issue 16 f a 2n c 3 y l i u 9 i m p a l e m p e 11 s o y a 13 y r u 14 i 15t c h 17 a e r 20 b l u s t e a s o 24 c a t e r u e i 26 s p e e c h

10. In which year, plus or minus one, were executions last held in British prisons?

11. Who was the last woman to be judicially hanged in Britain?

12. In which decade did Pol Pot die?

13. What was the family name of Papa and Baby Doc? 14. Which country today still executes more criminals than any other?

15. Which poison gas is believed to be in use in the current civil war in Syria?

16. Which Nazi leader had once been a chicken farmer?

17. Edward Teach the pirate was better known as whom?

18. Which Roman emperor was smothered to death in AD37?

19. Who took an axe and gave her parents 81 whacks?

20. Which English king was the last to die in battle?

1. James McCormick; 2. Five; 3. John Hurt; 4. James Hanratty; 5. Mengele; 6. 1880s; 7. Ian Brady; 8. Gacy; 9. Beria; 10. 1964 (63 or 65 OK); 11. Ruth Ellis; 12. 1990s; 13. Duvalier; 14. China; 15. Sarin; 16. Himmler; 17. Blackbeard; 18. Tiberius; 19. Lizzie Borden; 20. Richard the Third.

Answers:

10 rules to remember in life shared is a sure way to get into The Mail on Sunday 7. Don’t trust people who enjoy using the word “vile” 8. When you hear “the list is endless” you know they can’t think of another example 9. Even if you are not gay you can help out when they are busy 10. If ignorance is bliss, you’d expect to find many more happy people

a 5s c 10 a m m p e 16 r u s

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This week’s subject is MURDERERS and VILLAINS

1. When someone begins a sentence “I’m not being …” they always are 2. Actions speaker louder after four gins 3. Obviously I believe in God. It’s in the Bible 4. Even after you are dead you will continue to receive spam mail 5. You can’t judge a book from its Amazon reviews 6. A problem

4 8

Brain Tester 1. Which British man in 2013 was convicted in UK of selling fake bomb detectors round the world for millions of dollars?

2. How many conspirators to kill President Lincoln were hanged together on the same day?

3. Who played Timothy Evans in the 1971 film version of 10 Rillington Place?

4. What was the real name of the so-called A6 Murderer?

5. Which ex-Nazi doctor died in a drowning incident in Brazil in 1979?

6. In which decade of the 19th century did Jack the Ripper operate?

7. Still alive, who was Myra Hindley’s male partner in crime?

8. Which US murderer was known as the Killer Clown?

9. In five letters who was Stalin’s head of the secret police?

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o d i 12 u m 8

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b 21 r b 23 e a 25 a d v a k e 27 r o

Sudok u 4

3

2 32 8 61 4 5 6 9 8 8 6 6 2 3 8 51 97 7 3

p 6i n s s p t e c a t

4

r e n a l

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r 7e x e t e e n t e 19 s a n e c e r e s

Solution on Page 34

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7 16 39 8 7 2 6 4 7

1 45 6 69 9 8

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