Vol 13 issue 06 1 15 december 2013 by Pattaya Today

Volume 13, Issue 06

1 - 15 December 2013

30 BAHT

Visa Restrictions for Married Couples

The management, staff and readers of Pattaya Today would like to extend our warm wishes to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his 86th birthday.

Long live the King!

he Thai Immigration Bureau has announced that the foreign wives of expats with a one-year retirement visa will in future need their own separate pension income or cash in a Thai bank. In the past, these wives have been able to “join” their husband’s visa by simply showing a marriage certificate and a current nonimmigrant visa in their passport. It was not necessary for both partners to show their own income or cash. Under the revised guidelines, both foreign partners in a marriage will separately need to demonstrate yearly income in the first country of at least 800,000 baht equivalent or maintain separate bank accounts of the same minimum amount, or provide a combination of both. Letters from an embassy are still required as proof of the income whilst the 800,000 baht in a Thai bank must have been there for three months prior to the application and be supported by a letter from that financial institution.

What’s Inside:

Accredited

The toughening up of the rules on retirement visas is believed to have been caused by concerns that some farangfarang marriages are not genuine or may have broken up. The requirement for each partner to show evidence of 800,000 baht in cash or income, or a combination of both, is seen as the best guarantee from an Immigration Bureau viewpoint. Nor is it possible for a married couple to present a joint bank account. Each partner is now treated as a separate entity. Some visa specialists say that the move is aimed at strengthening immigration regulations ahead of the onset of the ASEAN Economic Community in two years’ time which is likely, in the medium term, to lead to more migration across the regional 10-member block. There has been concern in the Immigration Bureau for some time that mere possession of a marriage certificate is not proof of the ongoing relationship and could be

used simply to gain a long-term visa. The new ruling also applies to samesex marriages or civil partnerships now performed in some countries, though not yet in Thailand. Separately, the British Embassy has confirmed that none of its provincial staff is empowered any longer to provide notarial services. Those Brits requiring income letters for the Immigration Bureau must now deal with the main embassy in Bangkok or find another local consulate willing to provide the service. The German honorary consul in Phuket stated recently he believes that his office could provide some such services for Brits but that he was seeking formal permission from Berlin. It may take some time before European Union consulates in places such as Pattaya, Koh Samui and Phuket feel confident enough to fill the gap left by the retreat of the British Embassy from provincial Thailand.

1 - 15 December 2013

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News

After-hours clubs raided

Pattaya police and Banglamung licensing officials raided four nighteries on Third Road which were suspected of serving liquor after the official closing time of 2 a.m. The officers found music still playing loudly and many customers imbibingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both in contravention of the law. Police confiscated six bottles of whisky and three shisha pipes. Many of the customers were under 20 years old, three of whom were women. The clubs face a temporary closure order pending further investigation.

Drunken customers shoot security guard

An argument which began when a security guard near Walking Street asked a group of drunken teens for their identity cards turned into a shooting. The 23-year-old guard was shot twice in the chest before the teens made their escape on motorbikes. The victim, Amornthep Jasanthia, was rushed to Pattaya Memorial Hospital where he is recovering. Another guard at the scene, 27-year-old Rungsuriyant Harnthong, said the group fired at him as well. Police said there were several bullet holes in a nearby wall. Security cameras will be checked for any useful information.

Trouser bulge lands expat in jail

A 74-year-old expat with an inordinate bulge in his trousers was busted while shopping in North Pattaya. A staff member challenged Frank Joseph Janalik when the former U.S. oil industry engineer was spotted with a suspicious lump that turned out to be a piece of cheese. Janalik, a Russian citizen, said he has never stolen anything during the 15 years he has lived in Thailand. He accused store staff of slipping the cheese into his pants. Store manager Siriporn said that she had been suspicious of Janalik for some time, having noticed him lurking in the aisles and pocketing items. Sometimes, she alleged, he would pay for a basket of items, and then return, ostensibly to lift others. The man was taken to the police station for interrogation.

Motorbike taxi boy robbed A wannabe thief took a motorbike taxi to Soi Thai Udom in North Pattaya and, in a deserted soi, ordered the driver to vacate his machine so that he could steal it. Raewat Pengpin, 27, told police that his customer asked to be taken to a spot near the Government Housing Bank on North Pattaya Road but then requested a shortcut be taken. This is when the robbery occurred. Raewat said later that he appealed

to the thief to take his money but not the bike which was less than a month old and very expensive. However, the appeal was made in vain and Raewat was left alone to make a report at the police station. Investigators said that the culprit was about 170 cm tall and was middle-aged. He gave the impression of being a drug addict. This description would be used to try and pinpoint the villain leading to his arrest.

Pattaya newsman attacked

Young girl killed in accident

Two men attacked a Channel 7 newsman as he drove his motorbike on Second Road. Issara Nadee, 33, said the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces were covered by helmets. The attack was thwarted by a passing police officer, but the assailants escaped into Soi Honey Inn. Issara surmised that the assault was likely in revenge for a story he had recently written about a watch vendor who knifed a tourist after failing to make a sale.

Sixteen-year-old Yaowarat Banthao was fatally injured when her motorbike collided with a bus near the SukhumvitThepprasit Road intersection. Bus driver Surachai Boonwang, 26, said that two motorcycles suddenly came out of a side road and he was unable to brake in time to avoid hitting one of the motorbikes and dragging it under his vehicle. It was not totally clear who was at fault, so police are appealing for witnesses.

1 - 15 December 2013

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News

Music Festival at GIS!

Some 300 students from 15 schools around Asia took part in this year’s four-day Music Festival of the Federation of British International Schools in Southeast Asia and East Asia. Students from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as Bangkok and GIS in Ban Chang, participated in a wide range of musical activities. While staying at the Royal Phala Cliff Resort in Ban Chang, students and teachers participated in workshops, ensembles and rehearsals for two major concerts. On Saturday morning, students worked on minor ensembles, then staged a flash-mob on the hotel’s beach deck. This was arranged by West End star James Bennett, who has appeared in ‘Hairspray’ and ‘We Will Rock You’.

The following day consisted of workshops and Loy Krathong activities, as well as a rock concert in the newly-refurbished GIS main hall. It featured a special performance by former Hear’Say star Noel Sullivan, who sang Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘I Want It All’ and ‘We Will Rock You’. Noel, who now runs the London International Theatrical Arts group, came to Thailand especially to help at the festival. Sound and lighting for the concerts were provided by Oakie and his team at Spectrum Audio, who have also worked on Lady Gaga concerts in Bangkok and the Brit Awards in London. The Gala Concert began with the orchestra and choir performing the Royal anthem of Thailand. This was followed by a mix of classical

and modern pieces, including ‘The Typewriter’ featuring soloist Ryan Fernandez and ‘Birdland’ by the Jazz Band. Paul Shiells, festival director and GIS’s head of arts, said: “We set a real challenge by choosing some tricky music for the students to learn in a short time, but they responded magnificently. None of this would have been possible without such great support from the teachers, admin staff and maintenance team at GIS – they were amazing.” The festival was sponsored by Yamaha Music, BQ Group, RMS Industrial Services Co. Ltd, Grande Caribbean Condo Resort Pattaya (Blue Sky), Universal Plus (Seven Seas Resort), United Relocations and the Hussana family. For more go to http://fobissea music.gardenrayong.com.

Mantra named sixth best in fine dining

TripAdvisor has named Mantra Restaurant & Bar Thailand’s sixth best in the Favorite Fine Dining Restaurants category. The awards, voted on by the travel community, are given annually to establishments that consistently receive outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor.

Accidents and fraud worry TAT T h e To u r i s t Au t h o r i t y o f Thailand is concerned that poor safety standards and scams are creating a negative image for the country. On the heels of 26 Russians being injured in a recent bus accident in Chonburi, Russian tour operators are calling on the Thai government to improve safety standards or face a boycott. The Thai government and local authorities, including those in Pattaya, quickly promised more vigilance and extra controls on bus and boat operators.

Meanwhile the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is looking into jewelry shop scams here and in several other cities. There have been persistent reports of overcharging for so-called precious stones which turned out to be worthless. That same scam is facilitated by a large number of taxi drivers and others who refer tourists to unsavory jewelry dealers in return for a share of the ill-gotten gains. DSI officers are focusing on busting such swindlers and con artists in beach resorts.

1 - 15 December 2013

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News New home store opens in Jomtien

The latest self-help construction and electrics store has opened opposite Lake Land on Sukhumvit Road, Jomtien. Thong Chanachaichalermwong, chief executive of Eastern Colorhall, was joined by civic dignitaries at the opening ceremony. The new store will

specialize in paints, chemical products and all building and electric needs for houses and condos. Pattaya has been chosen as the venue for Eastern Colorhall because of the boom in the real estate market which has created many wholesale and retail opportunities.

Tan-Brick introduced here Tan-Brick was launched at a press briefing by Poramed Ngampichet, Chonburi MP, and Athiroj Thanasinpiyarom, president of Kanchana Baan Klang Concrete Co., Ltd. the only distributor of this product on the Eastern Seaboard. Tan-Brick, used as substitute for concrete block brick, can withstand fire for up to four hours, according to tests at Chulalongkorn University. It demonstrates compressive strength at 40 - 45 KSC, has 43 STC sound proof, and also is cheaper than normal brick. It is produced through a hydraulic system, so it doesn’t pollute the environment. The distributor is in Nongprue. Tel 038 249 515 or 089 153 9538.

New treatment centre for diabetes Dr. Pichit Kangwolkij (far right), CEO of Bangkok Hospital Group – Eastern Region, opened a treatment centre for diabetic and endocrine patients at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Ma n y s p e c i a l i s t s we re present. It was stressed that patients could live a normal life under the precept, “diabetes can’t be cured but it can be controlled”.

SOS Rice Appeal 2013

The Father Ray Foundation rice appeal this year will be Dec. 4 to 10. The area’s largest charitable foundation currently looks after 850 underprivileged children and students with disabilities. They need 75,000 kilograms of rice annually to ensure that the kids are well fed. Customers at supermarkets around

Pattaya can buy a bag of rice and donate it to volunteers outside the market during the SOS Rice Appeal dates. All major markets are participating in the drive. As an option, you may drop a bag of rice at the Father Ray Foundation Welcome Centre on Sukhumvit Road.

Decco opens in Pattaya

Decco Pattaya celebrated its grand opening on Sukhumvit Road between Thepprasit and Chaiyapruek. Covering five rai, the newest Decco store features bathroom facilities, tiles, kitchenware, furniture and lighting. Company

director Krerk Siwongcharoen pointed to the store’s high-quality products for the home at a time when the local real estate market was expanding with many high-end villas and condominium units.

Alcazar receives quality certificate

Tune Hotels help needy students Department of Tourism officials have given the Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya the first online award in Chonburi province. Officials said they were very impressed with

the high standard of the website and handed over the Miracle Fame of Chonburi diploma at a ceremony in Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok.

Guinness world record breaking

Red Planet Hotels, which owns the valuefor-money Tune Hotels operating throughout Southeast Asia, plans to boost educational opportunities for underprivileged children. The project was launched last month to cover the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. There are four Tune Hotels in the Kingdom, including one in Pattaya.

The group has joined the Foundation for Slum Child Care to provide scholarships as well as computers and other equipment to public sector schools. In Pattaya, Red Planet Hotels will work closely with the Father Ray Foundation to identify the most urgent needs. Some 25 Tune Hotels operate in Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not attracted many would-be record-holders when it hosted the Guinness achievement demonstration at Royal Garden Shopping Mall in central Pattaya. Contenders seeking to be included in the Guinness Book tried their skills at piling the most dominoes in 30 seconds, using chopsticks to pile up dice in the fastest time, and surviving the most lemons being squirted in their eyes. Winners, if any, will be announced in due course.

1 - 15 December 2013

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News Sea tragedy company wants to restart

Safety training for tourists

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports sponsored “Tourist Safety 2013” training at the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel Pattaya to encourage authorities in the province to make the Eastern Seaboard a prototype for creating tourist confidence. Police spokespersons explained their policies for dealing with emergencies, disaster evacuation, rescuing, use of radio and emergency first aid and medical facilities. Nearly 200 people joined the meeting, principally those involved in the tourist industry from both the private and public sectors.

Illegal clinic closed by police Koh Larn Travel Company, which owned the capsized ferry that left four dead and several seriously injured, has asked for permission to resume sailing. At this point, the company is restricted by a temporary suspension of operations imposed after the accident. Company representative Sithiphong Sangong said the loss of business already resulted in about one million baht in

losses, and staff members are not being paid. He added that this was the first accident involving the company in 10 years, and criticized the media for exaggerating the negative impact the accident had on tourism. Culture Minister Sontaya Kunplome said that a review of safety standards was still ongoing and that the company could not yet resume operations.

Pattaya tourism unaffected Political tensions in Bangkok notwithstanding, at press time there were no signs of cancelled air tickets or holiday reservations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says that even the announcement of travel advisories by nearly 20 countries has not yet affected the growth in visitor numbers, especially from China, India, Russia and short-haul destinations in the ASEAN region. The 27 overseas offices of TAT say they have been busy explaining to potential tourists that, outside the central areas of Bangkok, the country is largely unaffected. One key reason for tourist resilience is that Bangkok’s international airports have not been closed as they were in the demonstrations of 2008. Surveys at the time showed that disruption of air travel is the key reason for tourist disaffection. Pattaya meanwhile appears to be weathering the storm very well. When Pattaya Today checked just before press time, tourist attractions such as Nong Nooch were enjoying huge numbers of visitors whilst many middle and top class hotels reported almost full occupancy. Some entertainment spots on Walking Street claimed that business was actually up compared with the end of November 2012. A spokesman for the Pattaya Tourism and Business Association said, “Tourists have learned in recent years that political tensions and even riots are usually restricted to central Bangkok. Even during the 2006 coup, Pattaya was unaffected.” But he added that the current political situation was very fluid so it was not possible to be sure what might happen next. “A long-term political stalemate would likely harm Thai tourism as a whole.” An informal poll taken by Pattaya Today found that most foreign tourists were not worried about their personal safety. They believed that they would be able to leave the country without a problem at the expiry of their holiday. Less than 10 percent said they were “seriously concerned” about the current political situation and only one family claimed that they were attempting to rebook their return flights to an earlier date. During the last 12 months tourist revenue as a whole in Thailand grew by over 19 percent to about 1.177 trillion baht. Overseas visitors as a whole are expected to be in the range of 26-27 million by the end of this year.

Un d e r c o v e r p o l i c e bought medicine for 50 baht at an unlicensed clinic in Pong, Banglamung, before signaling to colleagues nearby that the full raid could take place. Police arrested 59-yearold Jutha Suriyawongs as he was injecting a customer. Medical equipment and a large number of tablets, some

said to be both dangerous and unauthorized, were confiscated. A former employee of Chonburi Province Public Health Office, Jutha explained that most of his customers were elderly and had grown to trust him over a long period. He was arrested for operating a clinic without a license.

New pier under way Construction is underway on the new Pattaya Pier at Bali Hai, adjacent to the existing structure. Due to open late next year, the 733million baht facility will be like a marina with floating docks to accommodate 360 boats and a car park for 400 vehicles. Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh said that City Hall will be able to manage all boat operators to ensure international standards of safety. For example, boats to Koh Larn will not be permitted to depart from the beach. He added that the local

authority was also working with the marine department to regulate Jet Skis and to implement a zoning system to improve safety. Pattaya’s reputation has been tarnished this year by a series of boating accidents, some involving the loss of life of both Thais and foreigners. Human negligence or carelessness lay behind several of these. The separate problem of Jet Ski operators ripping off customers with extortionate charges for insignificant or non-existent damage has long bedeviled the forces of law and order in the city.

Wife unexpectedly sees husband’s corpse

Security guard, 20, shoots girlfriend, self

Police were called to Soi Wong Amart when a young woman in a car shouted for help. But the male driver, in the midst of allegedly kidnapping the woman, sped away as police approached. A chase ensued, ending in Naklua after police shot out a tyre on the fleeing vehicle. However, before the woman could be rescued, the 20-year-old driver, security guard Siwannatpipat

Ratanapim, shot 22-year-old Chanyanan Laosamrong in the chest, then shot himself in the head. Both were rushed to the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. A relative of the young woman said that the two were a couple who often quarreled, usually because one accused the other of not being faithful. Police confiscated a recentlydischarged .38 revolver from the car.

Two people died in Central Pattaya after a group of daredevils raced against each other resulting in a fatal accident after two of the riders collided. The dead men were identified as Na Nasaidee, aged 30 from Surin, and Krinchai Phakdee, 23 from Ayutthaya province. A local shop keeper said five or six riders seemed to be trying to outdo each other in speed on the main road when tragedy inevitably struck.

The wife of Krinchai said the family was in Pattaya to enjoy the Loy Krathong festivities and that she never imagined that her husband would be terminated in this way. She explained that she was passing the accident scene with her son and noticed that a big crowd had assembled near to the motorbike wreckage. It was then that she realized the horrific situation that her own husband was lying dead on the road.

1 - 15 December 2013

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News Naklua gets tourist boost

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the local authorities have announced that many cultural events and locally produced goods will be centred in Naklua in coming months to boost that area as a visitor site. Amongst the plans are traditional Thai music, works by national artists, and various foods such as fresh squid, prawn and crab. The events will be held at the Naklua market every Saturday and Sunday from now until Jan. 12.

Young farmers meet in Jomtien

Amphot Saenarong, privy councilor, opened the 10th meeting of the International Four-H Youth Exchange at Ambassador City Jomtien. On hand for the event were the Chonburi governor and the Thai minister of agriculture. The conference set out to exchange information about modern farming strategies and technologies to students from 25 different countries. An allied youth exchange programme is under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Locals benefit from free spectacle

Forty volunteers from as many countries visited the Pattaya and Banglamung areas to provide some 6,000 residents with free eye examinations and even eyeglasses. The volunteers, mostly medical students, had been invited by the Gift of Sight

Foundation and Chonburi Provincial Administration. Glasses were provided free to those needing them. Eye specialists from the United States, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Turkey and Dubai were on hand to supervise the examinations.

Industry Fair at Sports Centre The Ministr y of Industry and the Board of Investment are hosting the Industry Fair 2013 at the Eastern National Sports Training Centre, Pattaya. The threeday event closes today, December 1. More than 250 booths, subdivided into industrial categories, are represented. Included in the mix are green technology, marketing for small- and mediumsized enterprises, and preparation for the ASEAN free market.

New condo in Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart AP plans to build an eight-storey condo, with two buildings and a total of 476 units, near Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya. The 800-million baht project will cover 5 rai near the principal arterial road. COO Condo targets Thais and citizens of member ASEAN nations. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2014 and will last 16 months.

SOS Rice Appeal 2013 For 17years the annual SOS Rice Appeal has been collecting donations in Pattaya to help feed some 850 underprivileged children and students with disabilities living and studying at the Father Ray Foundation. The Foundation uses 75,000 kgs of rice each year, and as food prices escalate, more help is needed to ensure the children continue to receive nutritious and well-balanced meals. SOS Rice Appeal will make it easy for you contribute on Dec. 5, 7, 8 or 10â&#x20AC;&#x201D;when you will be able to purchase and donate rice at Villa Market, Tops, Big C, Tesco Lotus, Central Festival, Foodland, Makro, Friendship, and selected 7-Eleven stores.

For information about the Father Ray Foundation go to www.fr-ray.org of email info@fr-ray.org

1 - 15 December 2013

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News Thais heading for SEA Games Cats 4 You It’s been a record year for Paul and Sandra’s increasingly successful charity, Cats for You. More than 60 adoptions already have been arranged and completed, and an additioanl 40 healthy and neutered cats and kittens are waiting to be placed in new homes. Each issue of Pattaya Today features some of the many cats that are currently available to caring homes. If you are looking for a furry friend or family member, call Paul now on 0852875004. Another Pattaya first The Pattaya Property Exhibition at the Hilton Pattaya from January 9 thru January 12 will be supported by just about every big developer and major realtor in town. There has never been an international property show on this scale ever held before in the city. It’s aimed at potential buyers of condos, houses and land—locals, tourists, expats, Thais and international visitors. Expect the exhibition to be repeated twice a year if, as expected, the first one is a Wow! Cocco restaurant has moved The popular French restaurant Cocco at the Momento Hotel has moved whilst the sign at the old premises down Soi Norway states that extensive renovation is under way. Anyway the new Cocco is on Soi 10 off of Thepprasit Road, just before The Blue Olive restaurant (also very good). The Cocco menu is extensive and the French and international food just as delicious as at the old habitat. The portions are big and the prices reasonable. Pattaya’s latest hospital The long-delayed, public sector Pattaya hospital on Soi Bukao will finally be 100 percent operational next month, according to Mayor Itthiphol. Probably anyway. Those with state insurance will be provided with free primary health services, while foreigners will be charged the lowest fees in the region. The 24-hour hospital will have five medical departments plus an outpatient clinic open during normal working hours only. It is already open for business, but on a limited basis. More English needed In a 60-nation ranking by the Education First Institute, Thailand appears 55th on the proficiency in English index. Malaysia ranked 11th and Singapore 12th. It appears that Thailand needs to improve its English teaching standards in order to boost competiveness ahead of the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community two years hence. One quick and easy solution would be to ease work permit regulations so that many of Pattaya’s English-speaking retired population could lend a helping hand without the threat of arrest. As things stand, foreigners may not even volunteer their services, unless they obtain a work permit.

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, who chairs the Windsurfing Association of Thailand, hosted a press conference to announce the names of Thai competitors at the 27th SEA Games currently being held in Myanmar

until December 22. He said that he was confident that the Thais would win gold medals as the training and preparation for the competition had been extremely thorough.

MTV raises youth awareness of human trafficking Twenty-four young people from Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam attended MTV EXIT’s second annual ASEAN Youth Forum in Bangkok. The purpose of the forum was to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to hold creative human trafficking awareness-raising events in their communities. “The MTV EXIT ASEAN Youth Forum brings together young people from around the region with a shared interest in reducing human trafficking in their communities. The forum empowers these young people to take actions that will bring visibility to the crime and help people make wiser migration choices,” said Matt Love, director, MTV EXIT. The participants, aged 18-25 years old, were selected following a call for applications on MTV EXIT’s social media platforms and website. The group included the MTV EXIT youth leader from each of the six countries as well as MTV EXIT youth ambassadors who have

previously participated in MTV EXIT activities in their home communities. MTV EXIT is providing 200 US dollars to fund each forum participant’s human trafficking awareness-raising event to mark International Day for Abolition of Slavery on December 2. The ASEAN Youth Forum provided a platform for participants to work with MTV EXIT staff and partner to fine-tune their event plans for this day.

Dancing youths at Royal Garden

More low fares Lion Air, Indonesia’s largest low-cost carrier, is about to enter the Thai market with what it describes as ‘even lower fares.’ The Jakarta-based carrier launches its inaugural flight from Don Muang to Chiang Mai on Dec. 4 with a twice-daily service. Excluding airport tax and other fees, it offers a starting price of 400 baht on this route for a one-way trip. On international routes, the Bangkok-Jakarta fare starts at 1,500 baht, subject to the granting of the necessary traffic rights. Plans include an expansion of the routes domestically and internationally, with southern China, India, and Singapore in the airline’s sights. Skimmers are watching At the moment there are a worrying number of ATM skimmers and scammers using fake cards or new technology to steal cash from farang customers’ bank accounts. There have been at least 14 arrests in the past month, which makes you wonder how many more criminals are actually out there undetected. The watchword as ever is to guard your card carefully, make sure nobody is watching when you use it, and take a good look at the machine before inserting your card. Any suspicions that the pad is slightly thicker than it should be need reporting to the bank authorities as soon as possible and preferably earlier. Too many uninsured drivers A new survey finds that around eight percent of all Thai motorists drive around on four wheels without a valid licence, meaning they are also uninsured. The most frequent cause of accidents is talking on a mobile phone without using a hands-free device, followed by drunk driving, chatting to passengers, and changing radio stations or CDs. The survey did not cover farang, but the message does: Are you guilty of any of the above examples of bad behaviour? Pro coup foreigners We all know that Thai politics are again in the melting pot. A recent expat meeting had an opportunistic straw poll--a show of hands--which suggested that 80 percent of those attending preferred the country not to be ruled by the Shinawatra clan. More than half had no objection to a military coup to achieve that end. Of course, farang are not stakeholders in Thai politics. Perhaps it is just as well!

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

Two hundred dancing boys and girls assembled at the Royal Garden Plaza for the annual RGP K-Pop Cover Dance Competition. Somporn

Naksuetrong, vice president of Royal Garden Entertainments, said that 21 teams had been selected to go on to the finals. They had impressed the

judges with their creativity in dancing and the design of their clothes. The eventual winners stand to win 100,000 baht in sponsorships.

Father Ray Brennan remembered An exhibition to reminisce about Father Ray Brennan is to be held ten years after his untimely death in 2003. He was Pattaya’s first honorary citizen by special decree. The exhibition will be held on December 8 at Central Festival Pattaya Beach, and will include many pictures of the late Roman Catholic priest as well as written and spoken tributes from his many admirers. There will also be a children’s talent show, a celebrity product auction and a lucky draw for those who contributed to the ongoing building fund.

Pattaya Today's lifestyle, travel and culture guide

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

L iv I N G

i n

stY L e

by Mick and Di Barker

Krabi is only about one hour flying time away from Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is a province on south Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andaman coast and is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine archipelagos where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colourfully adorned long tail boats. It has a wild beauty unlike anywhere else in Thailand.

Our stay was at the Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa set on the edge of Phang Nga Bay and close to the popular centre known as Ao Nang with its myriad of shopping and entertainment outlets. For comfort, leisure and an exploration base, this resort has everything to offer. Complete with 135 rooms and suites, each with a furnished balcony, shower and separate bath tub with king and queen bed options. A choice of pool or garden views is available with some rooms offering direct pool access. Room amenities include LED TV with satellite channels, a workspace desk, complimentary wi-fi, minibar, personal safe and coffee and tea maker. Family suites can comfortably house two adults and three children and include bunk beds for the youngsters in a separate room.

>> continued on L14

The New Honda Civic Hybrid

Mare Italian Restaurant

7 All-Natural Remedies To Help Clear Dark Spots On Face

automotive L15

dining out L8

fff L12

events Loy Krathong festivities

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

A-One The Royal Cruise Hotel Pattaya

Locals and tourists celebrated Loy Krathong around Pattaya, where a series of activities paid tribute to the River Goddess for sustaining sufficient water for the community. In addition to traditional Thai dance, music and food, on offer were artistic performances re-telling the story of Loy Krathong dating back seven centuries, and the Miss Noppamas beauty contest, where the most beautiful maiden of the night was crowned. Pattaya Bay was filled with floating krathongs containing candles, incense and flowers, and the Pattaya sky was brightened by krathongs in flight carrying hopes and dreams to the heavens.

Nong Nooch Garden and Resort

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Ladies Circle raises 280,000 baht for charity Some 210 members and guests of the Rayong-Pattaya Ladies Circle (RLC) and Women With A Mission (WMM) raised more than 280,000 baht to help Chonburi’s needy. The purpose of the Red Carpet event at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya Beach was to throw a party while raising funds for WWM, a private, voluntary organisation that works with local families with disabilities and provides shelter, education and meals for children at risk. In line with the evening’s theme, ‘sparkle like a starlet and party like a rock star,’ ladies at the event dressed in all their finery and glitzy ball gowns and gentleman donned dinner suits. Entertainment was presented by Stephanie Moorhouse’s Steps & Rhythm Dance Academy, Harpic Bryant and the Band of Smiles, Kerry-Anne Randall, and Wiki Hamilton, as well as an Art Performance Show--fashion-show collaboration between Ingrid and Erika (Zucker Braun). Sponsors included American Axle Manufacturing, Caterpillar Incorporated, Glow Companies, and The Regents International School. Supporters included Mermaids Dive Shop, Pullman Pattaya Hotel, Amari Orchard Pattaya, Fairtex Sports Club, Foodland, Coco’s Bar, Planet Football, and The Hard Rock Hotel.

Garden International School

events

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

Thirsty Thursday at Centara Pattaya Pattaya is the newest destination for Travel Daily's Thirsty Thursday, when people in the travel trade gathered at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya to network and enjoy free food and drinks. The Thirsty Thursday concept, already introduced in Bangkok, London, Dubai, Hanoi and Mumbai, is new to Pattaya. Held in Centaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zula Bar, the event attracted management from local hotels and resorts.

Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya opens

The soft opening of Centara Grand Phratmnak Pattaya, a Tulip Group project, was marked with a cocktail reception in the lobby, a buffet at Oceana restaurant, and a chill-out party at the rooftop Ruffino lounge. Local dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon-cutting, where hotel GM Dominique Ronge officiated. Kobi Elbazis is CEO of Tulip Group; Jason Payne is vice president.

5JT UIF TFBTPO UP CF KPMMZ 'B MB MB MB MB MB MB MB MB Book your Holiday Season ads now at Pattaya Today. Call 089-6079850

events

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

Pattaya Boat Show draws 4,000 A multi-million dollar display of boats, cars, bikes, and properties attracted more than 4,000 visitors to the second annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show. In addition to free yacht trips, international visitors to the event at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien saw Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest ever display of yachts, with much focus on the US$6.5 million Northrop & Johnson super yacht and other leading brands from around the world. Onshore features included some of the most recognised vehicles in the world, namely Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Land Rover and Ducati, together with select luxury villas and condominiums, elegant timepieces by Edox, and all manner of marine accessories, toys, gadgets, and more. An exclusive marine networking cocktail party was hosted by Thailand Elite where marine industry and relevant business operator members, luxury residential owners, sponsors, supporting authorities, domestic and international media partners enjoyed a night with refined cocktail menu, wine tasting, fashion show and lucky draw, where one winner brought home the grand prize from Edox watch.

HOT SUMMER PROMOTION 20% off everything except set menu

rendezvous

SATURDAY DINNER BBQ SEAFOOD BUFFET

THB 899 NETT

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

Get-well drawings on display

Boy Pakorn at Cape Dara Actor Pakorn Chatborirak (right) seen here during his stay at Cape Dara Resort Pattaya. At left is hotel general manager Sittidej Rochanavibhata.

Get-well drawings on display for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who is ailing at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. Seen in photo (left to right) are Kanokros Sakdanares, corporate communications director, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Chatchart Sittipunt, minister of transport, and Centara’s Supatra Chirathivat and Prachliur Pinkarn, analysis and strategy manager.

Marriott surveys associates

Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa is surveying its associates to determine satisfaction in the workplace. According to a resort press release, the Associates Engagement Survey, prepared by GM Somsak Tanruengsri (fourth from right) and his management team, is "aimed at identifying, recognizing, learning from, and spreading best practices of organizations, that achieve business objectives by being great workplaces."

Boonthavorn family rally

Boonthavorn celebrated its family rally at a Pirate Night Party at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Seen here (from left) are Wuthisak Pichayagan, hotel executive assistant F&B manager, Sornchai Lertchakorn, managing director, Boonthavorn Ceramic 2000 Co, Ltd., Bancha Piya-anatachai, Boonthavorn’s local branch manager, and Goerge Kenton, Centara’s executive assistant manager for rooms.

Loy Krathong at The River Live music and cultural entertainment were the Loy Krathong features at The River, Raimon Land’s luxury property on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya. Nearly 800 party-goers, including residents and company guests, were on hand for the annual celebration at The Cube.

Centara Grand Mirage’s blood donation campaign

Robert J. Lohrmann (centre), general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, and hotel staff seen at hotel’s Utopia Suite during Red Cross blood drive. Wachari Vanda (standing, second from right) heads Red Cross Volunteers for Chonburi province.

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

Celebrate the festive season at Holiday Inn Pattaya

Christmas Festive Moments at Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort

Discover the joy of festive seasons at Holiday Inn Pattaya with family and friends. This Christmas and New Year, enjoy the pleasures of an International buffet, BBQ seafood, fine wines and entertainments throughout the night at Holiday Inn Pattaya. You are guaranteed for a memorable event.

Create ever lasting memory of Christmas celebration with your family and friends. Elements X’mas Eve Buffet Dinner (6:30PM – 10:30PM) on Tuesday 24th December 2013 Enjoy your favorite dishes with the highlight being the charcoal grilled seafood BBQ station and special dishes such as Roasted Turkey, Baked Snapper Seafood Crust, X’mas Stolen, Chocolate fruit cake, Yule Log and more. THB 2,300 net* per person Elements X’mas Day Buffet Lunch (12:00PM - 3:00PM) on Wednesday 25th December 2013 Welcome Christmas day with arrays of delicious selections including Roasted Turkey, Blackened Strip Loin, Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce,grandma’s Pumpkin Pie and more. Special kid’s corner will surely bring a smile to the little ones as we turned our Phra Tamnak Room into a playroom. Outdoor live band will help set the joyous ambiance for Santa Claus who may bring surprise to your table on both 24th and 25th. Come and experience special Christmas moments with us. Ho Ho Ho! THB 2,500 net* per person *Free flow wine at THB 1,200 net. *50% discount for child (4-12) Advance reservation is required, please dial 038 259 888

Christmas Eve Dinner December 24, 2013 For a truly memorable Christmas Eve dinner with family and friends at Café G. Guests can savour a sumptuous Christmas Eve buffet featuring traditional Christmas fare with fresh local seafood BBQ, wide selection of traditional tempting festive desserts. A jolly Santa and Santarina drop in to give away gifts to children and guest will be excited with entertainment from 6 pm – 10 pm. Adult: THB 1,850 net including unlimited soft drinks, wines, beers, coffee and tea Adult: THB 1,450 net including water, coffee and tea Child 7-12 years old. THB 690 net Child below 6 years old eat free. Christmas Day Lunch December 25, 2013 Merry Christmas with superb International buffet featuring festive items including roast Turkey, beef tenderloin, seafood station and tempting desserts. Guest can relax with Christmas song and entertainment throughout the day from 12 noon – 2.30 pm. Adult: THB 1,350 net including unlimited soft drinks, wines, beers, coffee and tea Adult: THB 999 net including water, coffee and tea Child 7-12 years old. THB 690 net Child below 6 years old eat free.

Hilton Pattaya Unveils 2013 Seasons Festivities By The Sea Impressive Moments At Hilton Pattaya At Drift on level 16, guests can enjoy a range of Christmas delights and buy excellent gift hampers that showcase a selection of traditional offerings of sweets and pastries, and have a chance to savour a glass of Drift’s famed Mulled Wine. At Edge on level 14, guests will savour cuisine from around the world with a wide selection of menu options in grand buffet style, including carved traditional meat and poultry, fresh seafood, BBQ meats, Mediterranean and continental dishes along with an array of Christmas delights, while overlooking the bay. For an exclusive Christmas dinner on December 24 and 25, guests can celebrate in style at exquisite Flare on level 15, surrounded by the seduction of this quaint and warm venue. Flare will bring a little spiced, classic and specialty dishes prepared at the hands of our famous local chef. Finally, guests can indulge with friends and family members at Pattaya’s perfect rooftop restaurant & bar, Horizon, on level 34, which offers a set dinner with spectacular views over Pattaya Bay and the Gulf of Thailand. Hilton Pattaya 2013 Seasons Festivities by the Sea offers that highlight its perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisines and sparkling entertainment, by providing a selection of packages and a variety of fabulous venues where guests can relax in comfort and enjoy all the best the festive season has to offer. With a welcoming atmosphere, superb food and wine, and great entertainment, guests will be treated to a memorable event. Bookings will be essential. For more information and reservations +66 (0)38 253 000 or email pattaya.info@hilton.com

Amari Orchid Pattaya Festive Season 2013

Magnificent Step To 2014 With Hilton Pattaya Guests can enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet at Edge, exquisite Thai set menu at Flare or secure the premier location at one of the hotel’s stunning private islands at Drift with the opportunity to welcome in the new year at the prestigious venue. Guests can also celebrate the new year with friends and family at Horizon on level 34. This world-class venue delivers only the very best in culinary excellence, with a panoramic view of the majestic Pattaya Bay and surrounding landscape. Horizon has become the most sought after venue for New Year’s Eve celebrations. To welcome 2014 with joy, guests can kick-start the fantastic year with a tempting brunch for the family at Edge from noon until 3.30 p.m.

For reservations +66 (0) 3841 8418 email fbreservation.orchid@amari.com

** Advance booking is required for all events.To confirm reservations, payment must be made within 24 hours or will be cancelled. For reservation, please contact. 038 725555 or email info@ holidayinn-pattaya.com

New Year Eve Celebrations at Cape Dara Resort Pattaya December 31, 2013 Cape Dara Resort Pattaya presents ‘Magic World and Surprise’ New Year's Eve Gala Dinner on 31st December 2013. With a choice of gala dinners, dancing ,live music and verities shows, Cape Dara Resort Pattaya is a spectacular venue in which to welcome 2014. Guests will be able to give the old year a thunderous send-off as they welcome the New Year together with a majestic sunset and later on with a dazzling fireworks and floating Kom-Loy. The resort will welcome you with a glass of Champagne and as the night unfolds, guests can enjoy the wide selection of dishes from the barbecue buffet during our fabulous gala dinner under the stars. Dining is priced at THB 8,000 per adult and THB 4000 per child. Couples will also get a complimentary bottle of Champagne. For reservation please call 038 933 888 9 or email reservation@capedarapattaya.com

Mantra Restaurant & Bar

Christmas Eve on Tuesday 24th December 2013 At theOcean Tower Pool starts from 19:00 hrs. Enjoy all the excitement and enchantment of a Traditional Christmas under a starlit sky in the beautiful surroundings of Amari Orchid Pattaya. Let us take away the strain of preparing a festive feast as our chef ’s work tirelessly on a buffet extravaganza with a range of traditional delicacies. Treat yourself and your family to a wonderful night out with Carol Singers, live band and Christmas fun and celebration. Santa’s and his helpers will be on hand with gifts for all the children Adult: Baht 2,500 net Children: Aged 6 – 12 Baht 1,300 net (under the age of 6 free)

Moving into 2014 Welcome the year 2014 with our fabulous New Year’s Eve “STAY PARTY” at Havana Bar from 7 pm – 1 am. Guest can choose their favourite dishes from an interactive International buffet featuring New Zealand lamb, Australian beef, fresh local seafood BBQ, local stations and live cooking station offered with an imported cheese and a selection of homemade desserts. Unlimited drinks will make a completely night. During dinner be entertained by live band, magic show, Thai puppet show, Hawaiian dance and fire pole dance. Countdown celebrations with a glass of bubbles, enjoy a dazzling firework extravaganza above Pattaya beach bring in the New Year with style. Adult: THB 5,999 net including unlimited sparkling wine, wines, beers and soft drinks Child 7-12 years old. THB 2,999 net including soft drinks Child below 6 years old eat free.

Festive Brunch on Sunday 22nd December 2013 Starts from 11:30 hrs. With only 3 sleeps left before Santa arrives, join us for the Mantra Festive Brunch. Feast on your usual Sunday favourites with additional festive trimmings. The perfect reward after a weekend of Christmas shopping. A glass of mulled wine will also be available to get you into the festive spirit. Adults: Baht 1,690 ++ per person Children: Aged 6 – 12 Baht 850 ++ per person (under the age of 6 free)

Christmas Day Brunch & Christmas Day dinner on December 25 Starts from 11:30 to 15:00 hrs.and 15:00 to 19:00 hrs. Mantra has you jumping for joy... Leave your stockings, holly and mistletoe at home and discover the array of delights in this buffet of epic proportions Mantra is famous for with all the seasonal trimmings. Our traditional stations remain with additional Beef Wellington, Xmas Turkey and much more. A glass of mulled wine will also be available to get you in the Christmas spirit and Santa’s and his helpers will be on hand with gifts for all the children

Christmas Eve on Tuesday 24th December 2013 starts from 18:30 hrs. Enjoy the tranquility and enchantment of Christmas with our 6-course dinner including welcome mulled wine and canapés, traditional Carol Singing and a Price: Baht 1,999 net per person visit from Father Christmas at Mantra! Children: Aged 6 – 12 Baht 999 Ideal for any size of gathering of family net (under the age of 6 free) or friends, be it a large party Christmas celebration or that perfect, intimate table for two, MANTRA is the perfect place this holiday season. For more information or to make a reservation, please call Adults: Baht 2,999 net per person +66 (0) 3842 9591or email Children: Aged 6 – 12 Baht 1,500 net email@mantra-pattaya.com (under the age of 6 free)

STAY CELEBRATED.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER Enjoy a sumptuous Christmas Eve Buffet at Holiday Inn Pattaya. Featuring traditional Christmas fare with fresh local seafood and a wide selection of traditional tempting festive desserts. Kids below 6 years old eat FREE.

24th December 2013 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. t 5)# OFU (soft drinks, beers, wines, coffee and tea) t 5)# OFU (water, coffee and tea) t 5)# OFU for kids 7-12 years old For reservations, please call

038 725555 #3218

Happy Hour at our pool bars BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

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Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

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

Mick & Di The Food Lovers

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com smoked duck breast yielded a light smoky flavour and accompanied by the orange honey dressing on the tossed radicchio was a sheer delight. Other starters include grilled Tomino cheese with tomatoes, pesto, aromatic herbs and arugula rocket or artichoke pie, eggplant, Parmesan cheese and a Sicilian rice ball. We passed on pasta although glancing through the varieties it was evident that there is a pasta divo in this kitchen. Cannelloni (B.450) made from ricotta cheese, spinach and béchamel and tomato sauce, black

The Italian jewel on Karon Beach Mare is the signature restaurant of the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket known locally as “the pink palace”. It is a sumptuous 5-star family orientated beach resort located in the most secluded area of Karon Beach with direct beach access and backing onto lush green hills. Mick and I were staying at the delightful Centara Karon Beach hotel nearby and were whisked to our dinner destination by limousine to enjoy a night of wining and dining at this upmarket Italian Mare restaurant-home to Genoese Chef Matteo Verini and recognised by Thailand Tatler’s Best Restaurants 2013. The décor is colonial in style with its aquamarine and pink mosaic

floors, archways and colonnade of pillars-it just oozes classical Italian elegance. We seated ourselves on the fan cooled terrace to enjoy the sea breezes and holiday al-fresco ambiance that contributed to the “feel-good” vibes that emanate from this chic restaurant. There is a large open kitchen to enable chef-watchingactivities for the so inclined and a beautiful wine cellar, not only to accommodate the myriad of fine labels from around the world but also to seat a select dining party. The moment we walked into Mare we realised it ticked all the boxes. The staff are friendly, efficient and superbly trained and chef Matteo’s enthusiasm for his cuisine was

clearly evident. To launch the proceedings we were poured a glass of Pinot Grigio San Angelo Castello Banfi which, with its unusual body, flavour and balance was the perfect pour to start our evening. The menu hits all the right notes with modern and classical dishes expertly juxtaposed. Antipasti highlights chef Matteo’s contemporary approach to his cuisine with items such as black venus rice timbale, sea bass tartare and toasted almonds just one example of his careful sourcing and select ingredients. Mick opted for the seared pan fried scallops on rosemary flavoured polenta with bacon and asparagus (B.500) while I chose an opening plate of smoked duck salad (B.400). Plump lightly seared scallops rested on a puck of polenta benefiting from a light sprinkling of bacon while the cherry

ink linguine with walnuts, lemon and basil oil and ‘paccheri’ pasta (giant round tubes) sauteed with lobster, green asparagus and sun dried tomatoes were all tempting offers. Cod fish with pine nuts, ‘taggiasche’ black olives, potatoes and tomato sauce was my choice while Mick decided on the seared yellow tuna fish topped with panfried foie gras, balsamic glazed baby shallots, hot truffled potato foam with a red wine reduction (B.830). The cod fell in shards under my knife and the accompanying speciality olives were wonderful. These lovely little gems are the pride and joy of Liguria. The region produces only a small amount of these olives and so they are a rarity even in Liguria. Having speared a decent tranche of foie gras and tuna fish from Mick’s plate I can testify to the exactness of

cooking and the deliciousness of the elements that made up this star dish. Mare opens its doors at 11.30 a.m. for lunch and what could be nicer than a hot bubbly molten cheese pizza for a midday meal. Cooked in a traditional wood fired oven the varieties run the gamut from Margherita through carbonara to quattro formaggi bianca, sfiziosa (tomato sauce, mozzarella, asparagus, fontina cheese, egg and coppa cured pork) to name a few. With prices from B.320 they would present the perfect opportunity to indulge in the lavishness of this 5-star restaurant at a wallet friendly price. It was now time for dessert. It is a capital crime to leave an Italian restaurant without treating yourself to one of their dulcis. The dessert menu presents a dozen of the most luscious. From creamy panna cotta served with wild berries and strawberry mousse (B.280), to the famous cannoli alla Siciliana embellished with chocolate and the classic Tiramisu which is recommended with an extra pouring of Amaretto to the home made ice creams and sorbet selection. The recommended tipple to accompany the vanilla ice cream drowned in espresso coffee and whipped cream is an 18-year old Chivas Regal for that additional touch of decadence. Our choice of dark chocolate mousse with mango slices was heavenly, the rich cocoa laden flavours superbly complimented by our choice of a deep fruit red wine – Nero d’avola 2004. Mare certainly delivers la dolce vita. It has certainly carved out a special niche for itself in this part of the world and its top position in Phuket’s culinary circle is well known. The abundance of well-sourced quality ingredients combined with chef Matteo’s contemporary Italian cuisine is phenomenal. Come here for a memorable meal in the most elegant of surroundings.

Mare Italian Restaurant

is in Centara Grand Beach Resort, Karon Beach, Phuket. Open daily from 11.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Tel: 07 620 1276 www.centarahotelsresorts.com

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Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

Special Feature

by Mick and Di Barker

Pullman Pattaya Hotel G hosts menu gastronomique

Pullman Pattaya Hotel G continues to push the epicurean envelope with its gastronomic evenings. The latest unique culinary event featured the talents of chef Julien Lavigne. With over a decade of fine dining experience in France, including a nine year collaboration with the 2 Michelin star restaurateurs, the Pourcel brothers. Chef Julien then left his beloved France and made his way to Bangkok. From the dizzy heights of the famous D’Sens in the Dusit Thani Hotel where he spent seven years, he fulfilled his life long ambition of

owning his own restaurant. In fact he now owns and runs two celebrated establishments in Bangkok, Oskar Bistro in Soi 11 and Gossip Gastro Bar in Thonglor. Pullman Pattaya invited Julien to present his signature dishes at their Beach Club restaurant recently to the delight of their guests and visitors. For two nights only he wowed his diners with Mediterranean inspired dishes in a 4-course set dinner. The menu included appetizers such as Caesar salad with smoked salmon; warm sienna goat cheese; or delightful Phuket blue

Ambassador City

International Food & Beer Festival 2013 Recognised as the largest world-wide resort complex, Ambassador City is an extraordinary destination. Mick and I were invited to visit their annual International Food & Beer Festival which runs until April 15, 2014–so still lots of time to grab some globally inspired grub and soak a few beers–all at exceedingly reasonable prices. Drive through the gates and the festival area is set on the left. Brightly lit with shocking pink electric trees the area is hard to miss. Look out for the white tent-like booths and the al fresco seating. Payment is by coupons which can be bought in denominations of 5, 20, 50 or 100 baht. We were guided around the festival by Prayoon, food & beverage director, who told us that although the international culinary items were moderate in price, the quality had not been sacrificed. We toured around and spotted national favourites from Russia, Japan,

Germany, and Thailand, plus seafood, satay, schnitzel, BBQ chicken, steak and more. Truly something for everyone here. For example the sausage prices for Vienna frankfurters (both pork and beef ) and a mixed plate are B.220, while the big crunchy pork knuckles are B.390 with more than enough meat to share around. Beef steaks from B.240, big tiger prawns six on a plate for B.380, sushi, Greek salads, whole roasted chickens–there really is so much on offer. Then of course there’s the beer! Jugs of dark Erdinger for B.450; local beers come in at only B.260 a litre, also Danish beers, cocktails, shots, smoothies and so much more. All prices are inclusive of service charge and VAT.

crabmeat, with avocado, mango and coriander. First courses included a Thai motivated grilled beef "Look Lak" with flake salt, pepper and lime dip; tender chicken with a yellow curry dip; and his signature dish, Oskar Pizza with Parma ham, fig, balsamic syrup, rocket and white truffle oil. Main courses took fine dining even further with a choice of cocottes of duck parmentier, served with mashed potatoes, green pepper sauce and mixed

salad or cocottes of braised lamb legs, with cous cous and harissa sauce. The fish element offered grilled butterfish on a bed of ratatouille, with rocket and a saffron sauce. The evening ended

on a high note with a quartet of scrumptious desserts including tiramisu, crème brulee, white chocolate and passion fruit cheese cake and a decadently delicious Toblerone chocolate mousse. The Beach Club Restaurant is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call +66 (0) 3841 1940-8, email info@ pullmanpattayahotelG.com, or visit www.facebook.com/ thepullmanpattayahotelG

L10

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Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

Casa Pascal Offers peerless service and gourmet choices

Forever pushing the culinary envelope Casa Pascal serves locals, tourists and ex-pats with a host of options from 8 a.m. when their super economy (only B.195+ 7 percent VAT) BBQ brunch breakfast rolls into action until 11 p.m. when the dinner service finally winds down and the kitchen chills out after a full on gastro-day. 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. The set “wine and dine” menu changes regularly and offers a selection of seasonal dishes at astonishing prices. At only B.690, (B.1,140 for free flow wine) it really is value-for-money in the extreme. The amuse bouche sets the tone for

the 4-course gourmet repast and is followed by a choice of three starters which at present comprise: an appetiser platter of shrimp cocktail, roasted pork loin, beef carpaccio, home smoked salmon with salad and garnishes, or grilled shrimps in garlic butter or pumpkin cream soup. Main courses offer either tilapia fish fillets in dill and lemon sauce or pork medallions in green peppercorn and Cognac sauce flamed at your table. “Surprise 3 desserts” complete the set menu. I cannot visit Casa Pascal without indulging in Pascal’s signature appetiser of goose liver pate, which rewards with a plate of luxury overload. Other starters on the cold appetizer menu feature the house signature smoked Norwegian salmon (B.240), short seared tuna in sesame coating, gambas al ajillo (B.240) and a mini meze of Greek (or Spanish) appetisers (B.290) which includes nine all-time favourites from their respective cuisines. If soup is your fancy you would be hard put to find better. There is a soup wizard in this kitchen! From traditional over-baked French onion soup flavoured with red wine and thyme through lobster bisque with

MIXOLOG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

MIXOLOGIST Tippawan ‘Lilly’ Laobabpa SIGNATURE DRINK Batida de Drift BIO An experienced bartender from Disney Cruise (abroad) and her passion is Thai hospitality and service

Cognac or port wine to an ubercreamy pumpkin. On a previous occasion I tried the lobster bisque with cognac and it was superb, thick, dark, and decadently intense with generous chunks of sweet lobster. Fish lovers are well served with the options here including dory fillet baked in basil and white wine sauce, pan-fried red snapper, pan seared Alaskan scallops on lobster sauce and the house signature dish of sea bass baked in rock salt crust. But, back to our visit. A flute of sparkling rose delightfully set the scene while we perused the menu. We commenced with the curtain raiser amuse bouche which on this occasion was a mini serving of lovely lemony stuffed vine leaves. Then it was time to indulge in my favourite choice of Pascal’s goose liver pate. Velvety smooth with a surprise studding of raisins and nuts it was truly superb. Beef carpaccio “Calabrese” was Mick’s choice. This celebrated gourmet beef was outstanding, dressed with olive oil, Parmesan and parsley it sang in the mouth. Live Canadian lobsters are flown in to the restaurant on Tuesday and Fridays and as it was indeed

a Tuesday when we visited I felt compelled to taste this deluxe crustacean. Pascal recommended the flambé method and I was more than happy to accept his advice. Mick chose the oven roasted rack of lamb seasoned with the house seven herbs mix. The culinary theatre in preparation of lobster was delightful; fiery sights and delicious smells sparked the appetite and before long I was tucking into this Canadian sweet, succulent fish. Served with the biggest rosti I have ever seen – it was literally the size of my bread plate and sauteed fresh spinach it was a wonderful dish. At my side Mick was enjoying the unique flavours of the lamb, roasted to perfection and liberally coated with that special herb mix. 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. Although we do love Pascal’s seriously decadent chocolate mousse with Grand Marnier,

marinated oranges and vanilla sauce – we managed to eschew the desserts and instead plumped for a taste of cheese. At Pascal’s recommendation we ordered the Gorgonzola/Mascarpone torte. It is called a torte because it consists of alternating layers of Gorgonzola Dolce and Mascarpone. The texture is creamy soft and the flavour utterly addictive. Even if you don’t like blue cheese you will love this and served with Pascal’s home made apricot conserve 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. Value for money breakfast/brunch/ lunch menus offer the astute customer an opportunity to sample Pascal’s food at economical prices while the dinner menu still retains its gastronomy with special focus on Europe’s seasonal produce. Casa Pascal Located on the soi opposite The Marriot Resort & Spa on Second Road, next to the Ruen Thai restaurant. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Limousine service and valet parking are available. Tel: (038) 723 660 or 081 983 4182. www.restaurant-pattaya.com.

Batida de Drift INGREDIENTS 1 oz 1 oz ½ oz ½ oz 1 tsp

Leblon Cachaca rum Pitu Cachaca rum vanilla syrup fresh passionfruit peach jam diced orange peel diced lemon peel diced lime peel

GARNISH

diced fresh orange diced lemon diced lime

HOW TO MIX

Add both rums, vanilla syrup, passionfruit, peach jam, diced orange peel, lemon

peel and lime peel into a shaker. Shake all ingredients with ice. Softly pour into the rock glass. Garnish with diced fresh orange, lemon and lime for extra refreshment.

GLASS TYPE Rock glass

Available at

Drift on Level 16, Hilton Pattaya

L11

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SUNDAY BRUNCH

THB 1,500.- free THB 2,200 .free flow soft drinks flow drinks & wines Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

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

F&B Promotions Around the World with Beef

Father’s Day Special

at Acqua Italian restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

at Mirage Beach BBQ, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

at Benihana

Throughout the month of December, Chef Alberto Bruni at “Acqua” Italian restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya invites you to enjoy the best finest world beef. Air dried Bresaola carpaccio with fresh goat’s cheese and Belgium endive will be served with a selection of the world’s best cuts of beef including Australian striploin and Wagyu rib-set plus US tenderloin. All grilled to perfection and served with rosemary potato, rocket salad, and a selection of speciality salts and gourmet sauces. Prices start from 790++ baht (subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT). Acqua Italian restaurant is located in the Main Lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, and opens daily from 18.30-22.30 hrs. Call now for reservations, at (038) 301 234 ext. 4266

Strawberry Lovers at Zulu Jungle Bar, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Throughout the month of December 2013 it’s about “Vodka Lovers” at Zulu Jungle Bar of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Zulu’s mixologists are proffering their vodka lovers concoctions with cocktails such as Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop and a special Strawberry Martini. Prices start at only 230++ baht (subject to service charge and VAT). Zulu Jungle Bar is located adjacent to the lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, and opens daily from 5:00 pm – 1:00 am. Should you fancy some privacy, our two fully sound proofed karaoke rooms will certainly cater for such needs. Resident DJs serve you up with the coolest rhythms in town… chill out pure! For more information or reservations, please contact (038) 301 234 ext. 4283.

In the evening of Thursday, 5th December this year, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya invites you to indulge your dad with its Mirage Beach BBQ. Chefs will be preparing a very special buffet dinner to celebrate Father’s Day. Listen to the sound of sea in harmony with sizzling of seafood BBQ and international dishes at only 1,499++ baht for adults and 750++ baht for children (age between 4-12 years old). Trio musicians also perform at 19:00 – 22:00 hrs. Special offer!! Come 4 or more and your dad dines for free. For more information or table reservations, call (038) 301 234 ext 4397.

I Love Dad at Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Elements Restaurant in Sheraton Pattaya Resort invites families to celebrate Father's Day on Thursday, 5th December 2013 with special set sharing all day. Let the culinary experts help surprise your father with Thai innovative dishes such as Por Pia Salmon (Salmon Roll with Sweet Chili & Wasabi Mayo), Mang Pu Phad Sauce Krapraw (Bake NZ Mussels with Fresh Chili & Basil Sauce), Tom Yum Pla Hima (Spicy Snow Fish Soup with Lotus Root) and many more in the comforting environment. Fulfill this memorable day with exclusive Macaroon and gift the “I love DAD” message. Gather together to share this special moment. Price is 1,599++ baht per set for two people. Special menu available all day from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM. For more information or reservations, please dial 038 259 888 or visit www.sheratonpattayaresort.com, www.facebook.com/ sheratonpattayaresort

Treat your Dad to a sumptuous lunch on Father’s Day at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld

Father’s Day Buffet Lunch at Taste, The Westine Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok On Father’s day Thursday, December 5, treat your dad to a delightfully indulgent lunch buffet at our award-winning restaurant, Taste, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok. Highlights of the Father’s Day Lunch Buffet include: • Japanese station with freshly made sushi and sashimi • succulent prime meats from the carving station • freshly cooked pasta with your favourite sauce • wood-fired pizza • dim sum and soups • teppanyaki ice cream • heavenly crème brûlée and homemade chocolates The delectable Father’s Day Lunch Buffet at Taste is served from 12.00 – 14.30 and is just Baht 1,290 net per person including 50% discount plus a complimentary hamper when dining in a group of 6 adults or more. For reservation or more information, please call 02 207 8000 or email fb.bangkok@westin.com for further information or reservations.Visit us on westin.com/Bangkok or find us on facebook.com/westinbangkok.

Plan your perfect Father’s Day at Benihana, a delightful Teppanyaki set menu at 4,999 baht net for four people and dad receives a complimentary Benihana cap. For more information and reservations please contact Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa 038 412 120 ext.1395.

Distinctive tastes of Phuket cuisine at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, set on Karon Beach on the west coast and drawing its design inspiration from the classic SinoPortuguese shophouses that are a defining characteristic of Phuket Town, ensures that these culinary influences are well represented in its Cove Restaurant. One of the great favourite dishes in Phuket is Moo Hong, a pork stew made from pork shoulder, with a dark soy sauce, a clove of garlic, peppercorns, and a dash of medium soy sauce and plum sugar. The stew is served with warm Thai jasmine rice. With its rich flavour, this meal has always been one the favourites amongst Thai Chinese families. Mee Sa Pam, which is a dish of fried Phuket noodles with a choice of meats and served with Chinese cabbage and soy sauce, is another great favourite, enjoyed at any time of the day. These two popular dishes, which represent the typical tastes of Phuket, can both be found at the resort's Cove Restaurant, where they are priced at a reasonable 290 baht exclusive of tax and service charge. Opening time is 06:00 - 22:30 hrs every day. For reservation tel 076-201-231 ext. 1274 or visit our website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cpbr, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ centarahotelsresorts,Twitter: www.twitter.com/MyCentara

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld offers a luxurious luncheon on Father’s Day with your beloved dad and family on Thursday, 5 December. The World and Ginger restaurants, 24th Floor – Enjoy a brunch with more than 300 items available on the buffet including seafood buffet, carvery, grilled meat dishes, wood-fired pizzas, a rotisserie, wok station, dim sum, sushi & sashimi, teppanyaki, assorted noodle dishes, a chocolate fountain and an extensive selection of fine desserts. The perfect lunch is priced at 1,590++ baht per person for food only or pay at 1,890++ baht per person inclusive of a free flow of selected wines, beer and soft drinks. You can dine from two restaurants at only one price from 11.30 – 15.00 hrs. Fifty-Five Restaurant, 54th Floor – Pay for three persons and Dad dines for free on Father’s Day! The grand antipasto buffet features fine cold cut selections, paté, fresh terrines, smoked fish, selected seafood and Mediterranean salads with fine cheese and gourmet breads. The price is 1,955++ baht per person and the lunch is from 11.00 – 15.00 hrs. For more information or reservation please contact dining reservation at 02-100-6255 or email at diningcgcw@chr.co.th.

Coconut Craze monthly dessert at Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Sheraton Pattaya Resort’s award-winning chef proudly presents the stunning presentation and delicious coconut menu: Coconut Cheesecake, Coconut Creamy, Coconut in a shell, Coconut Panna Cotta. Don’t miss the chance to try! Enjoy the tasty promotion all day and every day during December 2013 at Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort with price 280++ baht per dish. For more information or reservations, please dial 038 259 888 or visit www. sheratonpattayaresort. com, www.facebook.com/ sheratonpattayaresort

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

L12

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

Spa Promotions Happy Holiday Festive Treats at Breeze Spa, Amari

9018 Flyer for Season Greeting Happy holiday A5 Pattaya Orchid

Happy Festive Season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to celebrate, indulge in one of our deeelightful 3-hour packages and get a FREE special gift set valued at 700 Baht! For couple bookings enjoy a complimentary bath or steam on us! Breeze Spa is open from 10:00 to 22:00 every day. For more information or to make a reservations, please call +66 (0) 3841 8418. Amari Orchid Pattaya, Pattaya Beach Road, North Pattaya

happy holiday

Festive treats Elf Relaxing Massage

at Devarana Spa, Dusit Thani

Happy Festive Season - to celebrate, indulge in one of our deeelightful 3-hour packages and get a FREE special giďż˝ set valued at 700 Baht! For couple bookings enjoy a complimentary bath or steam on us! Terms and Conditions pĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;#ANNOTĂ&#x2122;BEĂ&#x2122;USEDĂ&#x2122;INĂ&#x2122;CONJUNCTIONĂ&#x2122;WITHĂ&#x2122;ANYĂ&#x2122;OTHERĂ&#x2122;DISCOUNTSĂ&#x2122;ANDĂ&#x2122;PROMOTIONS

pĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;2ESERVATIONSĂ&#x2122;MUSTĂ&#x2122;BEĂ&#x2122;MADEĂ&#x2122;INĂ&#x2122;ADVANCEĂ&#x2122;ANDĂ&#x2122;CANNOTĂ&#x2122;BEĂ&#x2122;CHANGEDĂ&#x2122;WITHOUTĂ&#x2122;PRIORĂ&#x2122;NOTICE December may be the most pĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;3UBJECTĂ&#x2122;TOĂ&#x2122;AVAILABILITYĂ&#x2122;ANDĂ&#x2122;CANNOTĂ&#x2122;BEĂ&#x2122;CHANGEDĂ&#x2122;WITHOUTĂ&#x2122;PRIORĂ&#x2122;NOTICE tired month for the elves in the Santa village. A lot of Christmas present productions need to be finished on time, before Christmas Eve. Allow them to take a break and go for an hour Elf Relaxing Massage before the next round of Christmas gift productions begin. This elf relaxing massage focuses on the neck, shoulders and back, therapist places lightly steamed gingers on the back and followed by the aromatic vanilla warm compress. After the compress, the scent of fresh warm ginger is combined with the gentle vanilla aroma and turned into aromatic ginger bread cookie aroma to soothe all the tensions and tiredness. Therapist continues with the soothing hand movements and works into the muscle and soft tissue to further relieve stress and tension. If your working style makes you feel exhausted like the elves, reward yourself at the end of the year with 60 minutes Elf Relaxing Massage throughout December 2013 at Devarana Spas in Thailand, Philippines and Maldives.

THB 2,200++ for Thailand branch. Prices are subject to 10% service charge and applicable local government tax. Period: December 1- 31, 2013 Venue: all Devarana Spas in Thailand, Philippines and Maldives. For more information, please contact: Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Bangkok Tel: +66 (0) 2636 3596 | Email: bangkok@devaranaspa.com Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Pattaya Tel: +66 (0) 3837 1044 | Email: pattaya@devaranaspa.com Website: www.devaranaspa.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/devarana.spa.page

EARLY TO RISE at Aisawan Spa, Pullman Pattaya Hotel G Well worth getting up for is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Early To Riseâ&#x20AC;? promotion at Aisawan Spa in Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, with 25% off on all treatments from 9am to 1pm, from now through December 2013. A selection of effective and relaxing treatments start the day out right. Wake up to one of Aisawanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signatures, such as the Aisawan Four Hands Body Massage, Aisawan Collagen Facial Mask, Aisawan Sports Massage, Aisawan Hot Oil Massage, Aisawan Hot Stone, or a fanstastic Fit & Firming Massage, Traditional Thai Massage, and many more great treatments perfect for those who are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Early to Riseâ&#x20AC;?. As a special gift, every reservation for a facial therapy receives a complimentary attractive leather jewelry case! Aisawan Spa opens daily, 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10pm. Advance reservation is required. Please call +66 (0) 3841 1940-8 ext. 6 or email : panisa@pullmanpattayahotelg.com or info@pullmanpattayahotelG.com

7 All-Natural Remedies To Help Clear Dark Spots On Face by Laura Cox, UrbaneWomen.com

When you are under the sun, your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays it is emitting therefore increasing the making of melanin in your skin. Melanin is the chemical that would make your skin darker in color. When that happens, dark spots or age spots show up on your face and they increase after years of exposure to the sun. We will be discussing the 7 all-natural remedies in this article so that you will know on how to get rid of dark spots with just some items that you can just find around the house. 1. The Pineapple Why the pineapple? Well, the pineapple has a lot of fiber and it is good for the body but there is another purpose for it. There is citric acid in pineapple and that would help in reducing the dark spots on the face that would make it have an even color and tone of the skin. To apply the treatment to your skin, first you have to dip a cotton swap in a cup of pineapple juice. After that, apply the cotton swab to your skin and leave the juice there for about 15 minute, before washing it off. You can also use the soft pulp of the fruit to do the same thing.

5. Aloe Vera Gel Besides being able to make your hair silky smooth, aloe vera is also good for clearing dark spots, age spots, melisma, freckles, scars and other spots that are annoying to look at on your face. Not only that, aloe vera also helps in rejuvenating the skin, exfoliating the dead cells, exposing the new layer of skin and then repairing it. All you have to do is rub the aloe vera juice or gel that you get from it and the put it directly onto the dark spots on your face. Do it once or twice in a daily basis. Apply it for a few weeks so that the skin discolorations will fade fast.

2. The Peach Peaches are good to eat and they are also full of great nutrients. They can also be used to lighten up the dark spots in your face, and help tone your skin back to its usual color. Here is the application for it: Simply mash some peaches up first. Add that mashed up peach and mix it with your favorite cream. Put the mixture on your face for about 20 minutes and do it every day. Rinse the mixture afterwards. Now bask on how light and bright your skin is after a few weeks.

6. Papaya Papaya has enzymes that could help in making your skin tone get evened out and making those dark skin patches and brown spots on your face fade. All you need to do is to simply apply a pulp of papaya on your skin and leave it on as some sort of mask for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse it off afterwards.

3. Honey The taste of honey is sweet and it has different type of applications, mostly for food. But do you know that honey can be used to treat dark spots on your skin? Honey is a very simple and good way of treating your dark spots on the skin since it moisturizes the skin, and at the same time clears away the dirt from the pores and then tones the skin. First you should wash your face to cleanse off excess dust particles and other stuff that may be on your face. Next, apply a layer of honey on your face and then leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

7. Turmeric Turmeric is a spice that has been used for some time as a lightening ingredient in beauty products. It has been long known for that property itself and has been used mostly as an active ingredient in beauty products and cosmetics. People also use it as a home remedy to clear their dark spots (on their face) too.

4. Lemon Juice Other than helping to quench your thirst, lemon has a natural ingredient that can help to clear dark spots on your face. You can either use a bottle of lemon juice or freshly squeeze a lemon for its juice. Soak a cotton ball into the lemon juice then wipe the cotton ball on the dark spots on your face. Just let the liquid evaporate and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it.

The tooth is the only part of the human body that cannot heal itself?

To make the remedy, get some turmeric and water then try to make a paste out of it. Apply the paste on the freckles or the affected area and allow it to dry. Wash it off afterwards with tepid water and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done. For additional information on skin care, beauty, health, fitness, romance, hair care and more, go to www.urbanewomen.com

A womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain shrinks during pregnancy and takes up to six months to regain its full size.

L13

STRONGER, BRIGHTER, FITTER.

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

Go ahead, scratch that itch—or treat it You’ve undoubtedly found yourself yawning almost immediately after seeing another person yawn. It’s a common reflex reaction that also has been observed in chimpanzees and even dogs. But did you know that itching is similarly contagious? Just talking about itching—or reading about it--can give one the desire to scratch. A recent study showed that itching and scratching were induced purely by visual stimuli. On the other hand, many people itch because they suffer from dry skin, and if you are extremely itchy, with red, scaly skin, you may have eczema--an allergy-related condition. To help minimize the symptoms, instead of scratching yourself raw or using doctorprescribed topical steroids, try safer, easier and more effective measures. For example, it may help to eliminate milk and milk products from your diet. And avoid any food that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and trans fats, which

negatively affect much more than the condition of your skin. It also may help to apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. You can use fresh aloe vera or commercial creams that contain the aloe vera. Research backs up the ancient use of topical aloe vera as a skin treatment, according to WebMD. Studies have shown that aloe gel also might be effective in treating psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, and minor burns and skin abrasions. Finally, get out of the habit of taking long, hot showers or baths, which can dry essential oils from your skin. Instead, take quick, warm showers, use a moisturizing soap, and then—after gently patting yourself dry--apply a moisturizing cream or coconut oil. And stop looking at other people who are scratching—or yawning.

eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya

please dial 038 253 000 for inquiries and reservations

L14

escapades

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

>> continued from L1 The resort has plenty of space and privacy for everyone and an extensive range of facilities that makes it suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups. Leisure attractions include a 43-metre swimming pool with waterslide, Jacuzzi and swim-up bar, a children’s pool, kids club, fitness centre and a Spa Cenvaree with a menu of soothing therapies, treatments and spa journey programmes. The resort’s convenient location makes it an ideal base from which to discover Krabi with its tour counter that will arrange island hopping excursions, trekking, diving and snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, cave exploration or any other of the nature-based activities available in the region. Southern Thai cuisine and fresh seafood are amongst the culinary pleasures of Krabi. The resort’s Palm Court restaurant offers a tempting menu that includes local specialities along with traditional and modern Thai, Asian and Western dishes. Open all day and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner the restaurant also offers special promotional buffets. Coco’s Pool Bar is the place to enjoy refreshments and light snacks with a variety of cocktails available throughout the daylight hours. The Lobby Bar is the venue to relax

on large comfortable sofas living-room style for morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening cocktails with a popular two hour Happy Hour from 7 to 9 pm. The resort has two fully equipped conference rooms on the second floor above the lobby. Anda Devi I can hold up to 200 guests while Anda Devi II easily

accommodates up to 150 guests. Both venues are ideal for business seminars, presentations, receptions and private parties. The resort is a popular place for weddings and ceremonies for renewing vows which can be held on the nearby beach. Western secular weddings and traditional Thai

weddings can be arranged with all the details handled by the resort’s dedicated wedding planners. Wedding receptions include a flower arch, garlands and corsages, guestbook, multi-tiered cake and a choice of menus. Tip: Don’t over indulge at the scrumptious buffet-style breakfast with the offer of

music / new release

Britney Spears – Britney Jean Britney Jean is the upcoming eighth studio album by American recording artist Britney Spears. It was released last week by RCA Records. Her first record since the dissolution of her original label Jive Records in 2011, Spears began recording in May and continued work into October. On numerous occasions, Spears has described Britney Jean as the most personal record from her catalog. Having assumed an integral position in its production, she collaborated with songwriters and producers including Sia Furler and will.i.am to achieve her desired sound. Furthermore, the record sees guest vocals from Spears' sister Jamie Lynn Spears, T.I., and will.i.am. "Work Bitch" was released as the lead single from Britney Jean in September. The track debuted and peaked as number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and charted moderately in international territories. "Perfume" was released as the second single from the album in November, and debuted at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike her previous records, Spears did not heavily promote Britney Jean, aside from an appearance on Good Morning America in September. However, she is scheduled to begin a two-year residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, titled Britney: Piece of Me, this month.

1. Alien 2. Work Bitch 3. Perfume 4. It Should Be Easy 5. Tik Tik Boom 6. Body Ache 7. Til It’s Gone 8. Passenger 9. Chillin’ With You 10. Don’t Cry

complimentary vodka nestled beside the chilled jug of tomato juice and all the spicy trimmings. Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi is situated on 182 Moo 3, Ao-Nang, Krabi 81000. Tel: (075) 626 222. Fax: (075) 626 200. www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

L15

automotive

Vol. 01 No. 23 | Dec 1-15 2013

The New Honda Civic Hybrid (1.5L) Fuel-saving new-age tech with 10 year battery-pack warranty.

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

Here we go! The ninth generation Honda Civic or the second generation petrol/electric all new Honda Civic Hybrid in a cool white orchid pearl paint job. Sticker price: 1.095 million baht for the range-topper,

Hybrid Navi. Honda's new compact hybrid's styling cues are subtle. You'll notice the clear blue accents for the grill and the headlights. And there's a tad more chrome. The posterior sports the Hybrid badge (in blue) on the trunk lid. The new LED-taillights are larger and more protruding. Apart from that the looks are very Honda Civic. But it's a hybrid. Part fossil fuel part electric vehicle. So is it complicated to drive? Not at all! Just hop in and press the brake pedal and the push the start button. Slide the shifter in “D”. Then press the green “ECON” button. You're now in the “economy” fuel-saving mode. The Civic’s inner sanctum is

solid and comfortable. No flim-flam. Everything is user friendly. There's even a grab handle on the driver’s side. The Japanese competition only provide the grab handle for the passengers–not the driver. Cost cutting–not Honda Civic. The two-tiered cockpit dashboard layout is unique. The most useful information is repeated at the top of the dash, allowing the driver to scan without taking his or her eyes off the tarmac. I like the thermometer, digital style speedometer. The greener the colour the more economic is your driving style. The cabin boasts stylish light grey leather upholstery and improved soundproofing with thicker windshield and front-side window glass which eliminate most of the wind and tire noise. The back seat passenger space is adequate with armrest and rear seat ventilation for extra convenience. Standard features in our demo unit included leather upholstery, navigation system, rear view camera, Bluetooth and USB port plus excellent steering wheel controls. Honda's new compact Civic Hybrid is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) parallel hybrid

system which combines a 1.5-litre SOHC inline 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine pumping out 91 horse power. The IMA hybrid system works like this: during braking, the engine stops as braking energy is dynamically converted into electric power and stored in the hybrid lithium-ion battery for future use. When the vehicle is stationary, the engine and electric motor automatically switch to standby in idling stop to reduce fuel consumption and decrease CO2

emissions. And when the driving speed is slow and steady, the engine stops and the vehicle moves into EV mode, powered solely by the electric motor. Our test drive on Thai Highway # 1 to Kampengphet province at a fuel saving 100-110 kph speed was smooth sailing all the way. With the cruise control locked at 95 kph, I took my foot off the accelerator on the long straights between Uthai Thani and Nakhon Sawan. When the traffic turns busy I deactivate the cruise control and turn off the ECON mode. Now there's enough ooomp to safely overtake the long Scania and Hino trailer trucks on their way to Chiang Mai. You can't go wrong with the new Honda Civic Hybrid. Styling, suspension, power train, interior, safety and fuel consumption. It's got it all. So you want higher mileage and a

more eco-friendly everyday driving. Go Hybrid! But there is a 126,000 baht premium compared to the non-hybrid Honda Civic 1.8 Navi. Finally, what about the lithium-ion battery pack? No worries Honda provides a 10 Year Hybrid warranty. My wife, Supaporn Bunnag, says, “This Civic Hybrid is so easy to drive and it matches and connects with my iPhone”. Smart phones, Bluetooth and hybrid cars...I'll stick to my small black Nokia and my petrol (gasoline) city car-for the time being. Honda Civic Hybrid 1.5L Navi

Engine: 1.5 liter petrol/IMA hybrid system Max power: 91/22 horsepower Torque: 132 Nm Top speed: 160 kph Fuel consumption: combined 22 kpl Price: 1,095,000 baht www.honda.co.th/civichybrid

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. www.pattayatoday.net

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

GM Outlook: “We are at the forefront of firstclass condominium builders with our success based on our ongoing honesty to customers, providing quality products and pioneering new ideas.”

— Sompop Vanichsenee

Managing Director The Urban Property

page P8/32 >>

Volume 2

Issue 22 1-15 december 2013

The Bibimbab & Seoul Grill Features Korea’s signature tasty, healthy cuisine South Korean entrepreneur Chang Kwan Chun is on a mission to introduce the very best of Korean cuisine to Thailand. His evergrowing culinary empire set sail in Bangkok in September 2012 and since then he has added four establishments to his gastronomic dynasty. Chun was unimpressed how Korean electrical appliances and mobile phones held a 60 percent share in the market, with only 300 Korean restaurants in the country, there were more than 10 times as many Japanese restaurants. He commented, “that

What's Inside: Business News

Thai Watsadu opens branch in Pattaya

page P3/27

is why I decided to establish a branded chain to promote our tasty, healthy Korean cuisine whether it is in the guise of a fast food outlet or in the more relaxed ambiance of a Korean BBQ venue. Thai people love K-Pop and Korean soaps, and Chun was determined to introduce the authentic delicacies of his homeland to Bangkok and now Pattaya. He stresses that his food can be fast but is also extremely healthy which is a major concern to this Korean businessman. Continued on page P2/26

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

Notarization of Documents

page P4/28

Property

Classifieds

Property

showroom party

What Goes Around Comes Around

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

page P5/29

page P6/30

page P10/34

City Garden Tropicana

P2 / 26

Volume 2

Issue 22

1-15 december 2013

Business Feature His restaurants are called “The Bibimbab”. “Bab” means rice and the eponymous dish comprises of a bowl of rice topped with numerous varieties of vegetables perfumed with herbs, mushrooms, and a spicy chilli paste meats. There are more than a dozen varying choices of Bibimbab available at all branches. The first Global Store was opened in Bangkok on Sukhumvit 24, swiftly followed by Global 2nd Store on Mega Banga with the third outlet (Global 3rd Express Store) appearing on Sukhumvit 3, the Pattaya Global 4th Store opening on Second Road (adjacent to Burger King) and the grandest in the chain commencing business in Bangkok’s prestigious Siam Paragon. Chun also commented that he was very aware that dining BBQ style can be a very smoky affair, especially for the ladies who like to keep their coiffure pristine. For this reason "Seoul Grill," the BBQ section of his restaurant is gas fired and odour free

private dining rooms are located. Each is modern and airy with a dedicated BBQ

offering a clean environment in which to enjoy his barbequed treats. Chun’s charming wife, Myoungkee Kim is an experienced master chef certified by the Korean government to present her food with strict responsibility in keeping with the standards of health, taste and presentation from her home country. The Bibimbab itself is served in hot bowls imported from Korea to retain the temperature and

ensure that the traditional crust of the rice sticks to the bottom of the bowl. There are numerous versions of Bibimbab with numerous meat toppings such as marinated beef, grilled minced short ribs, spicy stirfry pork or chicken and tofu with prices starting at B.210. Mick and I visited recently to experience The Bibimbab & Seoul Grill. We were directed to the first floor where their seven

Nordic Group targets Thai home buyers

sunk into the table between four diners. We ordered a bottle of Bekseju refined rice wine (B.400) which we sipped while we awaited our barbequed items. A minimum order is for two portions which comes with a pageant of small dips, pickles, vegetables, sausages, rice cakes, the famous kimchi, egg custard, wonderful spicy condiments including sesame oil, bean powder, BBQ sauce and much more. Prices start at B.300 for the sliced pork, B.300 for the shrimp or B.550 for the sirloin steak. Our server for the evening was Dang who delicately placed our chosen meat steaks onto the hot stones accompanied by all the veggies and an inventive Yangpa-Gyeran-egg fried in an onion ring. Once everything is cooked to perfection, the ritual is to pile your chosen items into a crisp lettuce leaf, add some shredded and soy-marinated

With 23 mixed-use property projects already completed and 11 more under construction, plus two for pre-sale, New Nordic Group is now targeting Thais as potential buyers of its Pratamnak residences. Kurt Svendheim, CEO of the group, allows that his company has been “successful in selling to Europeans, especially, of course, to Scandinavians, and have done very little promotion of our properties in Thailand during the past 12 years. But, now, with the economy slow down, we would like to offer Thais one of the best alternative investments available,

spring onions, a bit of spicy bean paste to taste and roll it up, then dredge through a couple more sauces and enjoy. It’s kind of like fresh Vietnamese spring rolls meet Peking Duck lettuce pancakes and they became quite addictive during the course of the evening. Do give The Bibimbab & Seoul Grill a try. The staff are friendly, well versed in the Korean techniques and can explain all procedures. Do you want to discover what the K-Pops or Korean soap stars eat? Or are you just a food junkie that loves to explore the adventurous–then come to The Bibimbab & Seoul Grill and we’re sure it will not be your last visit. Mick and I were enchanted by it all and will definitely be revisiting with friends for another Korean BBQ experience. The Bibimbab & Seoul Grill is located on Second Road, Pattaya, adjacent to Burger King. Parking is available in the nearby soi. Call 088 326 8282 or visit www.thebibimbab.com, www.facebook. com/thebibimbab. Credit cards accepted.

and that is why we have appointed New Nordic Living Thailand as our sole sales agent for this local market”. The developer’s site, about 29 rai between Pattaya and Jomtien, is described as a self-contained resort environment for quality family living ranging from villas, hotel, and studio to 3-bedroom serviced apartments and condominiums. Features include restaurants, bakery, shops, and proximity to beaches and golfing. Upon full payment, buyers are offered a 10 percent guaranteed rental program per year for up to 10 years after completion, plus a 3 percent per annum cash back on all payments before and during construction. Units range from 30-sq m studios to threebedroom duplexes of up to 191 sq m. Prices range from 2.2 million to more than 16 million baht.

P3 / 27

Volume 2

Issue 22

1-15 december 2013

Business News Thai Watsadu opens branch in Pattaya

There was an excellent turnout for the ceremonial opening of Thai Watsadu, Pattaya branch, near the Chaiyapreuk intersection on Sukhumvit Road. Chonburi MP Poramed Ngampichet presided over the event which was also attended by senior executives of the company and distinguished guests. Â Located on 25,000 square meters on two storeys, Thai Watsadu has everything for the home builder, the electrician and all DIY enthusiasts.Â There are over 100,000 products along with promotional discounts.

Operated by CRC Thai Watsadu Company, the one-stop-shop mall also caters for construction subcontractors in the region. There is currently a huge promotion going on, until the end of the year, with special deals on toilet installations, showers, electrical goods and many kitchen products. The store is strategically located in Jomtien which is home to many of the latest building developments in the continuing construction boom, particularly along Jomtien Second Road nearby.

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Volume 2

Issue 22

1-15 december 2013

Legal & Expat Money

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Notarization of Documents

by: Magna Carta Law Office

What is notarization? What documents normally require notarization? Examples of documents commonly notarized are Notarization or notarial act is the official frauddeterrent process of examining, certifying and record- passports, bank statements, land title deeds, contracts, keeping performed by a notary public or notarial power of attorney, applications for international services attorney that solidifies the important document visa, etc. as trustworthy. It is a requirement of many countries that personal or commercial documents originating Is notarization required by law? Yes, it is required for many documents. Certain from or signed in another country to be notarized Condominium real estate deeds and other documents may before they can be officially used or before they can ACQUA be affidavits, legally recognized. Once notarized, a document will not be legally binding unless they are duly notarized. have more legal credibility. How do I get my document notarized? Be sure to take an unsigned document to the notary Why are we being asked to notarize as you will be required to sign them in front of the certain documents? notarial services attorney. You will be asked to present It is an assurance by a duly appointed and unbiased your original proof of identification notary public that a document is authentic, that its with photo and signature such as signature is genuine, and that its signer acted without passport or other government coercion or intimidation. A notary certifies that the issued ID. Your document person signing the document is who they claim to shall be signed and marked be and that they signed the document in front of a with a stamp or seal to indicate notarial services attorney. that the signature is legitimate and it wasn’t somebody else What is a notary public or notarial services pretending to be you. attorney? A notary public is a person of integrity who Aside from the notary signature, what particular is appointed to act as an impartial witness to the details must be supplied by the notarial services signing of an important transaction and to perform a attorney? notarial act which validates the transaction. A notary’s Be sure to check that the document has been primary purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery by marked with a seal or stamp. The notation must requiring the personal presence of the signer and correctly identify the date and place of notarization, satisfactorily identifying the signer. In Thailand, unlike the full name, title, certificate validity date, and license other countries, only lawyers/attorneys are given the number of the notarial services attorney. authority to function as notarial services attorneys through the regulations of the Lawyers Council. For Does notarization mean that a document and its an attorney in Thailand to become a notarial services contents are accurate or legal? Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or attorney, he must pass a special legal training course from the Lawyers Council in order to get a notary’s legality of the contents of the documents they notarize as notaries merely certify the identity of signers and license or attestation. have no obligation to verify a document’s content. The signers are responsible for the content of their What are the functions of a notarial services documents. attorney? A notarial services attorney may execute the May a notary refuse to serve people? following functions: Notaries should not refuse to serve anyone because • Attestation of signature of religion, nationality or lifestyle. A notarial services • Certifying true copy of documents attorney is only required by law to refuse service to • Attestation of ID such as passport / driver’s license anyone if they have a good reason to suspect fraud and • Authentication of title deeds the signer cannot reasonably prove his or her identity • Administrating an oath and affirmation and general competence. • Testimony and oath and affirmation (affidavit) • Attestation of address Can a document with blank spaces be notarized? • Confirmation of birth certificate A blank line is an invitation for fraud. Prior to • Certification of translations notarization, documents should be entirely completed • Verification of documents except for the space intended for the signature of the bearer as the document must be signed in front of the • Power of attorney notarial services attorney. • Witnessing contracts and other related documents

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

As the pendulum starts to swing back… With the huge tide of money that has been sloshing around the world, especially within emerging markets, now repatriating to the west ahead of the tapering of quantitative easing, perceived wisdom is now favouring developed economies’ markets for investors. In fact, were it not for the political paralysis in the US concerning the still unresolved debt ceiling issue looming early next year, there would likely be an even greater trend back to the west’s long-established markets. Assuming you are in accord with the pundits’ views and are willing to dip your toes back into the markets, this leaves investors with clear choices: 1) Invest directly into the shares/stock and/or funds you think are likely to most benefit from the improving situation in the west Or 2) Use a ‘multi manager’ style or ‘managed’ fund to make the selections for you, often with many different fund or equity holdings. If you enjoy keeping up with the money markets, buying and selling investments and are reasonably well informed, the direct approach has some attraction; some people see it as a hobby. On the possible downside, as you are making the decisions, the results are down to you, good or bad. That’s not to say that professional managers always get it right. Alternatively, if you believe that there are managers out there who have the wherewithal to produce worthwhile returns, then leaving the actual investment decisions to them might well be appealing. Asset allocation has always been one of the most difficult aspects of investment management; therefore, a good multi manager fund should be in a strong position to make more of the right decisions. A downside to this approach is that you are paying a second tier of fees, the funds and the managers. The reason the better of such funds have succeeded is that they have been able to produce decent enough returns sufficient to more than offset any additional costs. Another type of fund that has curried favour with investors is the type that invests in high dividend, blue chip stock purchased at what is referred to as below fair value. The better offerings here have ‘managed’ to be able to maximise upturns in the markets and minimise downturns with careful and prudent trading. With improvement approaching in the world’s biggest markets, whatever your feelings about the stock markets, many would say that some involvement should be considered, especially whilst the banking sector continues to offer paltry rates for your money. Although we keep hearing about record highs from the US and major European markets, let’s remind ourselves that on the 22nd of November 2007, the FTSE 100 Index in London closed at 6432.50 and on the 22nd November 2013 (as this article is written), it closed at 6674.30 – not much of a record six years later! Hence there is not much sentiment for saying there is no room for growth.

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

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Volume 2

Property

Venetian sales gallery opens Blue Sky Group opened its sales office for Venetian Signature Condo Resort Patttaya with a party for family, friends, colleagues, buyers, investors and agents. In addition to a buffet catered by Amari Orchid Pattaya, the opening party featured performances by Thailand’s pop opera voice band – Viva, and games with such prizes as an iPhone 5, or a trip to The Venetian. Blue Sky Group, which donated 100,000 baht to Melissa Cosgrove Children’s Foundation, expects The Venetian to open in 2016.

City Garden Tropicana showroom party Local estate agents and media were plied with food and drink at the soft opening party at City Garden Tropicana’s showroom in Naklua. Developed by Global Top Group, which also is responsible for City Garden Pattaya, Paradise Ocean View, and City Garden Pratumnak, City Garden Tropicana is an eightstorey residence scheduled to be completed end of 2015. It will feature 188 studio to two-bedroom units.

Issue 22

1-15 december 2013

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Volume 2

Issue 22

1-15 december 2013

Property

What Goes Around Comes Around! We are all witnessing what appears to be the complete unraveling of our Thai government once again as the Shinawatra Dynasty is facing its greatest challenge from ‘the powers that be’. The only difference this time is that the powers that be are spreading more and more throughout the Thai general public and not so concentrated within the middle classes, royalists and Thai military. Actually, it is very interesting to me and I must admit exciting…not because of the hostility and feared violence but because I can see the opportunity for the Thai people to have experienced this entire Thaksin ordeal to run its course full circle and that’s why I say ‘what goes around comes around’! I mean let’s face it, whether you are a red shirt supporter or a yellow shirt supporter this entire mess that Thailand is in surrounds one man and that is Thaksin Shinawatra. This amnesty bill that the Yingluck government attempted to pass through the King and the Thai parliament was obviously about getting Thaksin back into the Kingdom of Thailand. Bigger than the national budget for the fiscal year 2013 set at 2.4 trillion baht and more important to the current Yingluck government than the obvious economic woes that lay before the entire nation. Prime Minister (and don’t forget Defense Minister!) Yingluck and the entire Shinawatra klan are putting all their eggs in the ‘bring him home’ basket and things are not looking so good for the repatriation of the world-travelling fugitive ambassador of finance. In fact the turmoil surrounding this Amnesty-to-Thaksin debacle impelled Central Bank chief governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul to declare on Nov. 11 that ‘Thailand’s political conflicts and continued instability have begun to diminish the confidence of tourists, consumers and the business sector, according to central bank’. That same day, Thailand’s first digital

by Clayton Wade Managing Director

HD broadcaster, Thai PBS, broke the story that Yingluck was losing popularity to Abhisit. It’s like when it rains (in Thailand!) it pours as the Thai Public Broadcasting Service went on to display statistics from the latest poll conducted by Bangkok University that Yingluck is losing her popularity to opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva over her government’s proposing of the much-criticized amnesty bill to the parliament. It was random phone calls to 1,122 people throughout Thailand that provided the statistics for the poll on Nov. 7 and 8. It was the amnesty bill passed by the House of Representatives and forwarded to the Senate for final approval that Thai’s were polled on. The very surprising results of that poll were that the Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s popularity climbed to 34.8 percent from the previous 31.7 in June, while the general popularity of Prime Minister Yingluck dropped sharply from 40.4 to 26.7 percent, which was a very revealing statistic to say the least. Continuing on with the popularity poll the results also showed that the ruling Pheu Thai party’s popularity also plunged from 41 percent to 28.2 percent, while the Democrat opposition party rose from 31.7 percent to 37.2 percent. When those same 1,122 people were asked whether the government should ease the current tension by dissolving the lower House, 41.1 percent agreed that it should be dissolved, with 38.7 percent disagreeing and 20.2 percent uncommitted. Another revealing question within the poll was when those 1,122 Thai’s were asked whether they still have trust in their government concerning its pledge not to try and revive the amnesty bill again throughout its remaining term in service. An overwhelming 46.2 percent said they did not trust the government, 27 percent trusted, and 26.8 percent were uncommitted. Yes, 46 percent did not trust the Yingluck government, believing that they would try and bring the amnesty bill back once again!

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

Just two days later the International Monetary Fund (IMF) took a well targeted shot at Prime Minister Yingluck with the headline ‘IMF takes aim at Yingluck’s rice-pledging scheme’ in which they highly urged Thailand to get rid of its rice-pledging scheme as it has been a dangerous financial burden to the entire country. Thailand’s other fiscal stimulus measures would definitely need to be scaled back also to achieve a budget that was balanced thus allowing capital to be spent on projects that would add to Thailand’s economic growth and not stifle it. This very serious recommendation from the IMF was the result of Thailand’s extending its rice pledging scheme for the third year in October 2013. By the way, for those that are paying attention, while Thailand had around 17 million tons of milled rice in stockpiles, Thailand in 2012 lost its previously unchallenged position of top rice exporting country having been surpassed by both India and Vietnam. What’s even more disappointing is that the world famous Thai jasmine rice lost its top spot branding to Cambodian jasmine rice after Cambodia won the award for world's best jasmine rice at the 2013 Rice Traders World Rice Conference in Hong Kong. What in the world was this current Thai government thinking? Sticky rice perhaps?

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

Speaking of rice, you just have to love the Deputy Prime Minister/Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan who last month signed an agreement to sell 1.2 million tons of rice to China while the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives is busy issuing bonds to raise more funds to buy more rice from farmers entering the rice-pledging scheme. All of this activity in order to reclaim Thailand’s previous (as in lost!) role as world’s top rice exporter next year while at the same time there appeared headlines ‘Farmers in the central and northern provinces of Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Uttaradit said they have not yet received money from the sale of rice to the government’. Come on, Prime Minister Yingluck, these are the hard working Thai citizens many of whom support you and your government, leaving many to realize there is no wonder why the polls are shifting so dramatically. Is the ‘Golden Opportunity’ given the Shinawatra klan for a second shot at the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand going to be dissolved as a result of the Democratic opposition’s ‘Golden Rule Politics’ with the rule of law actually prevailing and bringing opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva full circle and back to his original position as Thailand’s prime minister? That is exactly why I say, “What goes around comes around’ on the merry-goround called Thai politics!

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 start-up executives for the Eastern Seaboard’s BMW manufacturing facility. Clayton Wade is a Council Member with the Gerson Lehrman Group, the New York based international research and consulting firm, and has been a national panel judge with the Thailand Property Awards for many years. The American-born entrepreneur is

known throughout the Asia-Pacific 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 Asia. 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 22

1-15 december 2013

GM Outlook

The Urban Property

is meeting your expectations by Barry Kenyon

Already with a number of successful real estate projects under his belt in Pattaya and Bangkok, Sompop Vanichsenee, managing director of The Urban Property, is now turning to ancient Greece for his latest condominium venture.

“

eras (the airy wind) is designed as a residential complex inviting guests to revel in the natural elements. It’s being marketed as a perfect balance between beachfront serenity and the vibrant life of urban living offering panoramic views of the sea. When completed, the two luxury buildings will comprise an impressive 38-storey high rise and a 4-storey low rise using prime materials and offering direct beach access at Jomtien Soi 17-18. The various sized units continue up to the top-floor penthouses making the fortunate residents feel like the Greek gods on the fabled Mount Olympus. The Urban Property has a long tradition of providing five-star facilities in all its projects which will include at Aeras lounges at

Sompop Vanichsenee

Managing Director The Urban Property

lobby and sky level, an elegant library, gymnasium, stylish crystal clear pool, squash courts and everything imaginable for the kids. Aeras’ daring cliff-inspired facade serves as a symbol of stability of Mother Earth, especially as represented by airiness throughout the complex and by a water theme associated with the nearby beach. Born and bred in Bangkok, and with a university education in the United States, Sompop Vanichsenee is a professional engineer with a background in information technology-related projects. “I decided to go solo about 10 years ago after working for a company planning housing projects in Laem Chabang and Bangkok. Then I realized what a great future Pattaya would have as a grade ‘A’ property destination.” He explains, “At the time developers here only thought in terms of Thai or Bali style architecture and my first condo The Urban Pattaya City Condo, followed by The Urban Suite, provided a new concept by having wider rooms, an airy throughput

PHOTO MIKE PEREZ

Balancing beachfront serenity and city life

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Volume 2

Issue 22

1-15 december 2013

GM Outlook The Gallery Condominium Bearing

We are at the forefront of firstclass condominium builders with our success based on our ongoing honesty to customers, providing quality products and pioneering new ideas. in both public areas and residential accommodation, and new standards for facilities. For example, we provided two swimming pools in The Urban Suite whereas one had been the norm in constructions until then.” Asked about his confidence in Pattaya, Sompop says, “The attraction at first was the ease with which foreigners can obtain one-year visas here, especially retirement permits for those over 50, and the law which allows foreign ownership of condominiums up to half of the total occupancy. But Pattaya was changing into the multi-faceted, international holiday AERAS Condominium

and business destination which it has become today. It’s now much more of a family resort with accommodation, shopping, sport and entertainment opportunities to rival anything Bangkok has to offer.” As Pattaya ran out of affordable land in the Wong Amart area of North Pattaya, attention turned to Jomtien, which is certain to see the next phase of the city’s expansion as it is both cheaper and now has the attraction of Jomtien Second Road. We talked with Sompop at his Acqua site – another name reminiscent of ancient Latin and Greek to mean water.

This luxury low-rise condominium, just 150 metres from Jomtien Beach on Soi 9, is currently under construction with an expected completion date in early 2015. Set on three rai, there will be 309 units on eight floors with a design echoing the currents of the sea and its breezes. On the heels of completing five projects in Pattaya, The Urban Property has targeted Bangkok with the launch of The Gallery Condominium – Bearing, a multi-million dollar project on Sukhumvit 107 to provide a contemporary and stylish urban high-rise condominium where style meets perfectly with location. ACQUA Condominium

Located about 400 metres from Bearing BTS station, The Gallery Condominium – Bearing provides very attractive accommodation with plentiful public services and opportunities for residents to bring their own colours and freshness within a distinctly airy environment. Asked about the secret of The Urban Property’s success, Sompop says, “It’s a range of factors which include quality of building materials, five-star facilities in well-chosen locations and the recurrent theme of nature and space. But it’s worth pointing out that we are underwritten by banks specializing in real estate, so we are

not dependent on customers providing cash deposits at the pre-construction phase.” Recently, The Sixty Six Condominium Pattaya was named Best Boutique Condo Development on the Eastern Seaboard at Thailand Property Awards 2013. The seven-storey project in North Pattaya has 32 residential units with modern furniture and state-of-theart amenities. Sompop has a keen awareness of the ongoing changes in Thailand’s most popular holiday resort. “The last few years have certainly seen the rise of the domestic property market, particularly

the middle class Thais investing in primary or secondary homes in Pattaya. They have been supplemented by new Asian buyers, particularly from Singapore and Hong Kong. These markets will begin to expand once the ASEAN Economic Community begins in just over two years, although the real effects will take years to come fully on stream.” As Sompop concludes, “Pattaya is already an international hot spot, so there’s no need to look for a drastic new beginning. This city can accommodate evolutionary change on a continuous basis.” No doubt about that.

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1 - 15 December 2013

Articles for Sale

(ptmas-e0009)Mobility Scooters -- Free test ride at your home! Portable mobility scooters, latest models. Full service from Thailand’s mobility scooter specialist. Call 081 875 0860 or 02 964 8405-07, www.ecobrand.net, info@ ecobrand.net for prices and brochures. Contact us now for your free test ride at your home!

Business Opportunities

Restaurant for Sale in Prime Location Jomtien(Thappraya Road) rent 25K THB p/m. 3+3 year lease. Sale Price: 1,690,000 THB includes everything furniture, fixtures stockgood cash flow please call 0823440822 Email to dew@ bbpasia.net Sk y View Penthouse Restaurant for Sale/Lease: Stunning views of Pattaya and Jomtien Bay Decorated in Vietnamese and French Style. 500 sqm Rent 45k THB p/m. SALE PRICE: 4,950,000 THB includes everything please call 0823440822 Email to dew@bbpasia.net Guest House/Coffee Shop Soi Buakhao: 6 rooms Leasehold: 3+3 Rent: 30,000 Baht/Month. 19% cash return annually SALE PRICE: 2,100,000 THB please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email to dew@ bbpasia.net 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) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net French Restaurant for Sale/ Lease: Established 11 years in the same location in Jomtien rent 25K THB p/m. 6 year lease. Sale Price: 3,950,000 THB includes everything please call 0823440822 Email to dew@bbpasia.net A Leading English Language Magazine for sale, 2 Million baht.Call 089 607 9850 for more details (ptmpt-bo00)For Sale or Lease. 23 Nice Two Room

Classified

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 French Restaurant for Sale/ Lease: Established 11 years in the same location in Jomtien rent 25K THB p/m. 6 year lease. Sale Price: 3,950,000 THB includes everything please call 0823440822 Email to dew@bbpasia.net BUSINESS – Na JomtienIn a great beachfront location this popular restaurant with living accommodation above is offered for sale with 3 years remaining on the lease. Seating for more than 20 with bar, refrigerators, cooler, commercial kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and great sea views. Monthly rent is just 16,000 Bt. For Sale: 860,000 baht. Website Ref: BUSS031. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com BUSY INTERNET & TRAVEL AGENTS IN A ‘5-STAR’ LOCATION Single four storey building in the busiest foot traffic location in Jomtien and near to several hotels and guesthouses. Ground floor internet and travel office with 3 rooms and small office above. Can convert to massage or retail premises. For sale: Only 500,000 Bt including computers and furniture, monthly rent of 25,000 Bt and 100,000 Bt key money. Website Ref: BUSS031. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com B A R - T H A I RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS IN BUSY ‘5-STAR’ LOCATION Single three storey building in the busiest foot traffic location in Jomtien, presently a Thai restaurant with 4 rooms above, easy to convert to office, massage or retail premises. For sale leasehold: 700,000 Bt, monthly rent of

20,000 Bt and no key money. Website Ref: BUSS026. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com OFFICE – RETAIL WITH ROOMS – Ideally located on a highly visible corner location in Soi Korpai. A single unit 4 storey building with ground floor office and furniture plus 3 rooms on the upper floors, in a really great traffic location in this busy Soi. For Sale Leasehold: Only 175,000 Bt (this includes security deposit) and a monthly rent of just 12,000 Bt and no key money. Website Ref: COMS027. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.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. Website Ref: BUSS019. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com GUESTHOUSE - A single unit guesthouse in a central location in Jomtien, 4 storey , 6 bedroom recently been renovated and partly furnished. The ground floor is suitable for restaurant, office, massage, beauty salon etc. the upper floors have either one very spacious bedroom with AC, en-suite bathrooms with showers, large LCD TV, fridge, kitchenette and microwave, Wifi, and balcony or 2 smaller bedrooms with AC, en-suite bathrooms with shower, large LCD TV, fridge, kitchenette

and microwave, Wifi and balcony. A 60 sqm penthouse for the owner, Jacuzzi, 50” LCD TV, washing machine. A great value property in a location surrounded by shops, guesthouses and bars. For Sale 6.9m Bt (Owner finance available). Website Ref: BUSS026. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com

Services Provided

Magna Carta Law Office can assist you in securing loans from a minimum 700,000 up to a maximum of 50 Million Baht through various financial institutions with no credit checks or black marks and no penalty for a bad credit history. All loans are secured against either land or property and we are able to lend you up to 50% of the appraised valuation of your asset. The funds will be available around 10 days from the start of the application. Loans can be for a period of 6 months to 1 year and can be extended for longer if needed. Call either 038-373735 or 081-9833620 to make an appointment. Home Maid Ser vice &Design. Cleaning Services, Built-in Furniture and Kitchen, Curtains Wall Paper, Renovations and General Maintenance. “One Call for All Service”.Tel: 081 657 5972, 089 9957078; E-mail: homemaidpattaya@gmail. com 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 0812951310 (Thai &Eng). I will go to service at your place. If you are Looking for a Computer Graphic Designer,Web designer o r wo u l d l i ke t o m a ke someprintedmatters at reasonable price, please phone 0868202577 (Thai) or 0812951310 (Thai &Eng)

Education & Training

Learn Fruit and Vegetables Carving from a Professional teacher with more than 18 years experience. For inquiries contact Yui at telno. 0863209569 and/ or 0852385453 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& Deutsch.

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

Charming Tropical Bangsarey Home! Selling Price 12.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 160 Sqm/183 TLW. (PR2799) Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 29 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. (PR5846) Great Phoenix Lakeside Family Home! Selling Price 10.5 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 180 Sqm/200 TLW. (PR5035) Spectacular 7 Bedrooms Luxury Resort Style Residence on 3 Rai ! Selling Price 39 Million Baht and 7 Bedrooms/4+2 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/3 Rai. (PR6004) 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.premierinternational.com (PR5946) Great Family Home Near Town! Selling Price 24 Million Baht, 5+1 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/660 Sqm. (PR6363) Stunning Townhome on Jomtien’s Dongtan Beachfront! Selling Price 22 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/4 Bathrooms, 25 TLW/400 Sqm. (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. (PR6075) Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 Sqm. (PR5758) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 34 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 238 TLW/500 Sqm. (PR4176) Gorgeous Lake View Thabali Home! Selling Price 7.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 90 TLW/206 Sqm. (PR4465) Great Home in the very popular Siam Royal View! Selling Price 29.9 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/360 Sqm. (PR4211) A Really Unique Estate on One Rai of Land! Selling Price 50 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 TLW. (PR5052) Great Home in View Talay Villas! Selling Price 12.9 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 160 Sqm/72 TLW. (PR4854) Great Private Estate Home! Selling Price 14.9 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 375 Sqm/500 TLW. (PR5365) Fantastic Estate Home For Sale! Selling Price 39 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/6+1 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/291 TLW. PR4516) Great Home in Town! Selling Price 6.9 Million Baht, 3+1 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms, 280 Sqm/70 TLW. (PR6394)

HOUSES FOR RENT

Fantastic Home in Great Developement! Rental Price 110,000 Baht Month, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 440 Sqm/300 TLW. (PR2184) Gorgeous and Brand New Marina Home! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/ Month, 3+1 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/120 TLW. (PR3982) Impressive Lakeside Estate Home! Rental Price 125,000 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. (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. (PR2977) Wonderful Beachside Homes! Rental Price 80,000-110,000 Baht/Month, 3-5 Bedrooms/4-5 Bathrooms, 188-280 Sqm./75-100 TLW (PRH133) Nice Rental Home in Phoenix Golf Course Area! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/600 TLW. (PR5230) Fantastic Home in the Mabprachan Lake Area! Rental Price 80,000 Baht/Month, 5 Bedrooms/3+1 Bathrooms, 360 Sqm/400 TLW. (PR0193) Stunning and Gorgeous Home for Rent! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/Month, 3+1 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/120 TLW. (PR3982) Beachfront Villa with Impressive Interior Design! Rental Price 130,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/400 TLW. (PR6017)

CONDOS FOR SALE

Spectacular Penthouse For Sale! Selling Price 23.9 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 363 Sqm. (PR5414) Wonderfully Designed Luxury Apartment! Selling Price 10.5 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 134 Sqm. (PR5559) Beautiful Apartment with Sea Views! Selling Price 12.6 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 135 Sqm. (PR4136) Foreigner Ownership in Jomtien’s La Royale! Selling Price 11.95 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, 148 Sqm. (PR4015) Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm. (PR5786) Great Jomtien Beach Area Apartment! Selling Price 3.5 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/2 Bathrooms, 80 Sqm. (PR5084) High Floor View Talay III Condo Apartment!! Selling Price 14.4 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 198 Sqm. (PR5075) Nicely Decorated Apartment in Town at Northshore! Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. (PR4990) Great Sea Views and Stunning Décor in North Pattaya! Selling Price 7.474 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 74 Sqm. (PR4862) Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 13.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. (PR3990) Best priced Apartment in Na Jomtien’s Pine Shore Condo! Selling Price is 8 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 91 Sqm. (PR4987) Sea, Sunset and Island Views at Jomtien Beach! Selling Price 10 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom. 165 Sqm. (PR6410)

CONDOS FOR RENT

Very Impressive Sea View Apartment!! Rental Price is 40,000 Baht/ Month, 1 Bedrooms/1 Bathrooms, 64 Sqm. (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. (PRC084) Beachfront Life Style for Rent! Rental Price is 85,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 266 Sqm. (PR0737) North Pattaya Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 100,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 311 Sqm. (PR4262) Modern Designed Beachfront Apartment! Rental Price is 48,000 Baht/ Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 101 Sqm. (PR5423) Stunning Apartment for Rent in Northshore! Rental Price 40,000 Baht/ Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 64 Sqm. (PR4570) Fantastically Designed Apartment at Grand Condotel! Rental Price 42,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 95 Sqm. (PR4187)

LAND FOR SALE

Pratamnak Beachfront! Selling Price is 45 Million 203 Tarang Wah. (PLD0903) Na Jomtien Beachfront! 21 Rai 348 Tarang Wah from Sukhumvit 400 meters deep to a 45 meter beachfront! Two low rise buildings with 4 units each set upon a large swimming pool. Purchaser can build up to 70+ floor high rise. 24,188,384 Baht per rai and 60,471 Baht per tarang wah and the entire 21+ rai can be purchased for a selling price of 529,000,000 Baht . (PLD0866) Phoenix Golfcouse Area! Selling Price is 15.8 Million 7 Rai 200 Tarang Wah. (PLD0928)

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

Apartment for Rent

(ptmafr-R1413)AROMDEE APARTMENTS, quiet, clean, well maintained, with European management. Fan/ Ac rooms for rent start from 4000, baht monthly. Free Wi-Fi, Cable-TV, Gym, and Car park. Inside Minimart, breakfast dishes, coffee bar/ bar, 24 h laundry, and CCTV security coverage. Within walking distance of Big C, Tesco Lotus, and BKK Bus Station North Pattaya.Phone Thai/Eng.: 082-304-3907, Phone Norwegian/Eng.: 087-329-0300, Office/Fax: 038-370-861 Web: www. aromdeeapartments. c o m E m a i l : aromdeeapartment@ hotmail.com

House for Sale

(ptmhfs-O0613)Beautiful ‘New’ 3 Bed 2 Bath House Near Mabprachan Lake on 1 rai 45 TW of land with fruit trees/private water well. House 165 sqm. Internet/ cable connected. 7-11 and Lotus Express only 1 km from the house and 6-8 mins to Central Pattaya on highway. Reduced price for quick sale 5.7 million.0831029293 (ptmhfs-P0513)BANG S A R A Y, N E W 2 BEDROOM, TWO BA T H H O M E W I T H MOUNTAIN VIEW.Great location, The house size is 158 square meters and the property size is 458 square meters backing on navy land for complete privacy. The property offers a lovely mountain view and only minutes to the beach. The price includes a fully western kitchen and air conditioning. Construction time is three months giving you lots of time to pick your own colours. Price: 3.1 million 0852872957 email: paul@ gulfchartersthailand.com Pool Villa For Sale – Jomtien - A very nice renovation, the detached single storey villa, land area 248 sqm , living area 130 sqm. Stylishly furnished throughout with top quality fittings, 3 bedrooms, 2 luxurious bathrooms, full European white kitchen with oven and microwave, dining area, living room, flat screen LCD TV in every room, private pool, pool side terrace, water features, remote closing gates, communal pool, 24/7 security and just 600m to Jomtien Night Plaza, food market, restaurants, shops and bars. Great value. Price: 4.99m Bt.Website Ref: PLVS142. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Pool Villa For Sale – East Pattaya - A spacious a nd stylishly fur nished throughout, executive style pool villa in one of the most popular developments in East Pattaya offering 3 en-

suite bedrooms, 230sqm land 480 sqm with built-in units, 4 luxurious bathrooms, fully fitted European kitchen with oven, Thai kitchen, open plan living room and dining area, private 10m pool, terrace, lovely tropical landscaped private gardens, covered parking, 24/7 security and 10 minutes drive to central Pattaya. Must be viewed to fully appreciate what’s on offer. Sale Price: 6.95m Bt. Website Ref: PLVS190. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com Pool Villa For Sale – East Pattaya - A spacious and stylishly furnished throughout, executive style pool villa in one of the most popular developments in East Pattaya offering 3 en-suite bedrooms with built-in units, 4 luxurious bathrooms, land 480sqm, living area 230 sqm, fully fitted European kitchen with oven, Thai kitchen, open plan living room and dining area, private 10m pool, terrace, lovely tropical landscaped private gardens, covered parking, 24/7 security and 10 minutes drive to central Pattaya. Must be viewed to fully appreciate what’s on offer. Sale Price: 6.95m Bt. Website Ref: PLVS190. 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. Website Ref: PLVS092. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com House For Sale – East Pattaya - An ideal budget single storey home in a small village just 5 minutes from Sukhumvit Road, offering 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, land 22 Tw , living area 65 sqm, Thai style kitchen, covered patio terrace, unfurnished except for one bedroom. Price: 1.5M. Ref Code: HSES121. Tel. 085 129 5657 Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com House For Sale – East Pattaya - Located on a spacious corner plot in this popular, quiet and secure village less than 5 minutes

1 - 15 December 2013

from Sukhumvit Road and Central Pattaya, the single storey property is offered living area 150 sqm , land area 390 sqm ,unfurnished with 3 bedrooms, 2 luxury bathrooms, European kitchen, living room, dining area, landscaped tropical gardens, communal pool and clubhouse, 24/7 security. An ideal property for those looking for a quiet and secure village yet near to all amenities. .Price: 4.99m Bt. Website Ref: HSES096. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-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. premierinternational.com (PR2799) Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 29 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. For

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appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5846) Great Phoenix Lakeside Fa m i l y H o m e ! S e l l i n g Price 10.5 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 180 Sqm/200 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5035) Spectacular 7 Bedrooms Luxur y Resor t Style Residence on 3 Rai ! Selling Price 39 Million Baht and 7 Bedrooms/4+2 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/3 Rai. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6004)

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 (PR5365) Fantastic Estate Home For Sale! Selling Price 39 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/6+1 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/291 T LW. Fo r a p p o i n tm e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4516) Great Home in Town! Selling Price 6.9 Million Baht, 3+1 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms, 2 8 0 S q m / 7 0 T LW. Fo r appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6394) Tropical Jomtien Villa with Private Swimming Pool: Thai-Bali Style, 3 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms, And 524 Sqm Sale Price: 7,950,000 THB. (Co Name) Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net J O M T I E N PA L A C E ESTATES- Modern style 6 bedrooms home, 3 bath, and 3 beds upstairs and downstairs. Living Area 280 SQM 10.9 million (Co name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email to dew@ bbpasia.net View Talay Villas with Private Swimming Pool, Jomtien 1 bed 1 bath 4.49 mil (thai name) Freehold. Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net 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 to dew@bbpasia.net 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 to dew@bbpasia.net

P.A.C. Co., Ltd.

Tel: 087 139 1539, 087 139 1570 (English) 081 004 6497 (Thai) E-mail: info@pacpattaya.com For details and pictures www.pacpattaya.com

*** GOOD LOCATION *** Beach Mountain 2 Condominium Jomtien Off Soi Chaiyapruek 1. 800 meters to beach (Built 2010). 7th floor 37 sqm studio, big balcony for distant sea views, fully furnished, big screen TV, kitchen, big bathroom, pictures, plants, etc., Facilities such as swimming pool, fitness center, shop. Good quiet location. Very cheap price 1.4 Mil Baht. In foreign name.

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Amazing Pratamnak Luxur y 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. premierinternational.com (PR5946) Great Family Home Near Town! Selling Price 24 Million Baht, 5+1 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1 Rai/660 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6363) 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 S q m . Fo r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real

Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com. (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. premierinternational.com. (PR6075) Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 S q m . Fo r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com. (PR5758)

Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 34 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 238 TLW/500 S q m . Fo r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com. (PR4176) Gorgeous Lake View Thabali Home! Selling Price 7.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 90 TLW/206 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com. (PR4465) Great Home in the very popular Siam Royal View! Selling Price 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. premierinternational.com. (PR4211) A Really Unique Estate on One Rai of Land! Selling Price 50 Million Baht, 6 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms, 1000 Sqm/440 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.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. premierinternational.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

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House for Sale

Classified

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

Majestic Jomtien Condominium. 700 Meters Jomtien Beach. 60 sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 living room apartment, 3rd floor. Beautifully renovated with fully equipped Euro kitchen, all matching furniture, 2 big screen TVs, 2 ACs, big bathroom, 2 big balconies overlooking garden and swimming pool. Very cheap price 1.6 Mil Baht. In foreign name. Jomtien Beach Paradise, Right on the Beach. 42 sqm studio, 9th floor with lovely sea views. Completely renovated to high standard with Euro kitchen. Lovely quality matching furniture, big screen TV, oil paintings, etc. Fantastic location. Only 1.7 Mil Baht. In foreign name. Beautiful 30 Sqm Studio, 4th Floor Overlooking Big Swimming Pool in the Majestic Jomtien. Just been completely refurbished with lovely matching furniture, A/C, small kitchen on balcony, fridge, big screen TV, sofa bed, oil paintings and plants, everything you need. A real must see, reduced to 850,000 baht. In foreign name. Porchland II Jomtien Resort Condo. 700 meters to beach. New 51 sqm corner, 8th floor, top floor. 1 bedroom, 1 living room, Euro kitchen. Fully furnished, 2 big screen TV’s, 2 A/C’s, huge “L” shape balcony overlooking swimming pool and lake. 1.9 Million Baht. In company name.

D L SO

*** Five Star Condo ***

View Talay Residence 4, Soi 5 Jomtien next to immigration and150 meters to beach. This lovely 4th floor, 56 sqm studio, over-looks the swimming pool with some sea views. Beautifully furnished with big Euro kitchen, marble showeroom, big screen TV and a huge balcony, 24 floor secutity. Only 2.9 Mil Baht (in foreign name).

D L SO

Porchland II Jomtien Resort 700 meters from the beach, 38 sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 living room. Unit on 7th floor with beautiful view of lake and sea view. Two LCD TVs, built-in wardrobes, Euro kitchen, 2 ACs, all matching furniture, everything new. This is an ex show unit must be viewed at 1.9 Mil baht (in foreign name).

D L SO

***For Rent***

D E T N RE

Pratamnak Soi 6 Jomtien 200 meters to beach 42 sqm studio, 6th Floor with big balcony for sea views. Fully furnished, Euro kitchen, everything you need. Nice swimming pool. Excellent location. Only 12,000 baht per month. Pratamnak Soi 6 Jomtien 200 meters to beach 84 sqm, 2 bedroom,, 1 living room apartment with two balconies, 3 ACs, 3 TVs, Euro kitchen. Fully furnished top floor for sea views. Only 24,000 baht per month. CONDOS BOUGHT FOR CASH WE HAVE SEVERAL STUDIOS STARTING AT 500,000 BAHT IN FOREIGN NAME.

All the rooms from P.A.C. have been renovated by ourselves to the highest standard, you will find

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

House for Sale

Nirvana Pool Villas 1 - 3 Bed 3 Bath House with Private Po o l / F u l l y F u r n i s h e d / Enclosed Garage 364 SQM. Sale Price: 5.9 Million THB co. name (Freehold) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net Baan Suay Mai NgamNewer 3 Bed 4 Bath House/ fully furnished/private pool/ owner must sell 3.25 Million Thai name. (Freehold) please call 0823440822 (eng) 085910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net View Talay Villa with Private Swimming Pool, Jomtien 2 bed 2 bath 8.9 million (co name) Freehold. Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net

House for Rent

J O M T I E N PA L A C E HOME- 3 Bdrm 3 Baths moder n 140 SQM Fully furnished with private Jacuzzi, towels, and linens. 30,000 per month for (1 year lease) please call 085-910-5124 Email to dew@bbpasia.net View Talay Villas with Private Swimming Pool, Jomtien 2 bed 2 bath 55,000 THB/Month (1 Year Lease) Fully Equipped Please call 085-910-5124 Email to dew@ bbpasia.net

House For Rent - Stunning d e t a ch e d s i n g l e s t o r e y property in this exclusive development, just a 5 minutes drive to Jomtien Beach. The property offers 2 bedrooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms, European kitchen, open plan lounge, living area 120 sqm ,land area 240 sqm, covered sun terrace, covered parking, communal pool, gym, restaurant, tennis court, park and childrens play area, key card entry, 24/7 security and just 5 minutes from Tesco and downtown Pattaya. Minimum rental period of 6 months applies. Rental Price : 30,000baht per month. Website Ref: HSER026. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com House For Rent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

RW-Treuhand AG, founded in 1975, a reliable partner Looking for actively involved and co-operating partner The owner of a vacation resort in Thailand is planning to take a step back from work. Wonderful weather and sunshine comes with this position. Financial investment is THB 12,000,000. Interested in something new and exciting? Properties for rent in Pattaya at Naklua Road /RFDWHG RQ WKH QG DQG UG Ă&#x20AC;RRU QR HOHYDWRU [ VT P %XLOGLQJ VWLOO XQGHU FRQVWUXFWLRQ Ă&#x20AC;DW URRI \HDU OHDVH DYDLODEOH Luxury suite in Pattaya at Soi 18, Naklua /RFDWHG RQ WKH WK Ă&#x20AC;RRU ZKLFK RIIHUV D ZRQGHUIXO RFHDQ YLHZ One bedroom, one bathroom, one parlor including open area kitchen. 0RQWKO\ UHQW 7+% DOO LQFOXVLYH A property with the special touch of one thousand and one nights!

7KLV GUHDP SURSHUW\ LV VSUHDG RYHU VT P $ WUXH MHZHO WKDW IXOÂżOOV HYHU\ ZLVK ,W LV WKH SHUIHFW SODFH WR UHOD[ DQG ÂżQG SHDFH The selling price for this Garden of Eden is THB 23,000,000. Contact information: rw-treuhand@bluewin.ch (only seriously interested parties welcome, no curious onlookers!)

Classified

per month or 18,000 Bt for a 1 years lease. Website Ref: HSER011. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Pool Villa For Rent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jomtien - Located in this exclusive new development near to the new Jomtien 2nd Road this modern design single storey pool villa is stylishly finished and furnished throughout offering 2 en-suite bedrooms, 2 luxurious bathrooms, 125 sqm , land area 210 sqm ,high gloss European kitchen, open plan living room and dining area, UPVC windows, private pool, poolside sun terrace, car parking, small park outside the property, 24/7 security and just 700m to the food market and shops and 1km to Jomtien Beach. Minimum rental period of 6 months applies. Rental Price :55,000Bt or 45,000 baht for 1 year contract. Website Ref: PLVR289. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Pool Villa For Rent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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, j u s t 1 m i nu t e d r ive t o Sukhumvit and less than 5 minutes to the beach and Tesco Lotus. 70,000 Bt for 6 month, 65,000 bt for year contract. Website Ref: PLVR298. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-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. premierinternational.com (PR2184) Gorgeous and Brand New Marina Home! Rental Price 90,000 Baht/Month, 3+1 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/120 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 (PR3982) Impressive Lakeside Estate Home! Rental Price 125,000 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. premierinternational.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. premierinternational.com (PR2977) Wo n d e r f u l B e a c h s i d e Homes! Rental Price 80,000110,000 Baht/Month, 3-5 Bedrooms/4-5 Bathrooms, 188-280 Sqm./75-100 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 (PRH133)

1 - 15 December 2013

Nice Rental Home in Phoenix Golf Course Area! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/600 T LW. Fo r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (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. premierinternational.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 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 (PR3982) Beachfr ont Villa with Impressive Interior Design! Rental Price 130,000 Baht/ Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/400 T LW. Fo r a p p o i n t m e n t and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6017)

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Condo for Sale

View Talay Residence - This is one of the most stylish furnished studios 57 Sqm available in these very popular modern low rise buildings, ideally located at the top of Soi 5, just 150m to the beach and 75m from the new Jomtien Night Plaza. This pool facing unit offers 1 luxurious bathroom, European kitchen, spacious and stylishly decorated living area with fitted wardrobes, large balcony overlooking the pool, UPVC double glazed windows and doors, key card entry, 24/7 security, covered parking and surrounded by restaurants, shops and easy access to taxi route. A really great value studio offered at well below normal price. Price 2.9M. Ref Code:Â CDOS745. Tel. 085 129 5657 Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com www.pattayajomtien-property.com Avatara - With great sea views from Koh Larn down to Bang Saray and just 40m back from the beach, this high floor unit is superbly finished and stylishly furnished throughout with a stunning interior renovation by one Pattayas leading interior designers offering 68sqm 1 bedroom with fitted wardrobes and large balcony, 1 luxurious bathroom with open shower, fully fitted European kitchen with breakfast bar, open plan living room with large balcony, roof top infinity pool, Jacuzzi, fitness, key card entry, 24/7 security, Wifi and just 40m walk to the beach, numerous fish restaurants, shops, and taxis. A contemporary building, which does set it aside, in a quiet secluded location. This is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must viewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; , to fully appreciate this beautiful beachfront location and the extensive interior design..For Sale: 6.9m Bt in foreign name. Website Ref: CDOS582. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com

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Classified

1 - 15 December 2013

Condo for Sale

Spectacular Penthouse For Sale! Selling Price 23.9 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/4 Bathroom, 363 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 (PR5414) Wonderfully 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.premierinternational. 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. premierinternational.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) 231931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR4015)

Jomtien Beach Condo - A really great buy studio 27sqm ,with new furniture throughout, bathroom, new AC, water heater, bed, fridge, microwave, LED TV, internet, cable TV, balcony, communal pool, fitness, 24/7 security, cafes, bars, mini-mart, laundry all on-site and just 250m to the beach! Price: 890,000 Bt. Ref Code: CDOS715. Tel. 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. Website Ref: CDOS128. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Neo Condo - With soft dimmer lighting and a new stylish interior this mid floor studio 37 sqm offers great value for money with European style kitchen, luxurious bathroom, well designed living area, balcony with furniture, communal pool, key card entry and a very short walk to numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis. For Sale : 2.7m Bt. Website Ref: CDOS635. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com

Solution Sudoku Issue 06

44 1 2 9 6 7 8 5 3

5 8 9 3 28 4 11 7 6

3 6 71 86 5 1 47 2 9

2 42 8 1 76 6 9 3 53

63 5 3 4 9 2 7 8 14

98 7 1 5 82 3 6 49 2

1 3 56 7 4 97 25 6 8

8 2 49 6 14 5 3 9 7

7 9 6 2 3 8 5 1 48

Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR5786) 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 081-6342915 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.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) 231931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5075) Nicely Decorated Apartment in Town at Northshore! Selling Price 9 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 67 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4990) Great Sea Views and Stunning Décor in North Pattaya! Selling Price 7.474 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 74 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4862) Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 13.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR3990) Best priced Apartment in Na Jomtien’s Pine Shore Condo! Selling Price is 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 081-6342915 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR4987) Sea, Sunset and Island Views at Jomtien Beach! Selling Price 10 Million Baht, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom. 165 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 (PR6410) The Residence Jomtien Beach - Large Studio 52 sqm fully fitted and furnished 1.79 Million THB (foreign name) High Floor please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email to dew bbpasia.net View Talay 5C – 2 bed / 2 bath 146 sqm direct ocean front corner unit cool side, fully fitted and furnished 5.95 Million THB (foreign name) 3rd Floor please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email to dew@ bbpasia.net Sunset Boulevard Residence I, Corner Unit 1 Bedroom-1 Bathroom, Total Size 52 Sqm (co. name) Sale Price: 2,995,000 THB++ Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085910-5124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net Sunset Boulevard Residence I, (2) Studio Rooms, Total Size 36 Sqm each. Side by side 5th floor units with sea views Sale Price: 1,995,000 THB. Each++.Please call 0823440822 (eng) 085-9105124 (Thai) Email to dew@ bbpasia.net Jomtien Condotel – 81 sq meter 1 Bedroom 1 bathroom 3.59 million THB (Foreign Name) please call 0823440822 (eng) 0859105124 (Thai) Email to dew@bbpasia.net 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 to dew@bbpasia.net

Condo for Rent

For Rent in Soi 6.2 bedroom, 1 living room, 84sqm apartment with two balconies. Fully furnished, 3 TVs, kitchen, 2 AC’s. Excellent location. 24,000 baht permonth.Call: 087 139 1539 For Rent in Soi 6 P r a t a m n a k Jo m t i e n . 4 2 sqmstudio with big balconyfor sea views. Fully furnished, kitchen. Everything you need. Excellent location. 12,000 baht per month.Call: 087 139 1539 Park Lane Resort Jomtien 1 bedroom 1 bath 36 sqm. 15,000 per month. (1 year Lease) Fully furnished linens, cooking utensils and are Pool View please call 085910-5124 Email to dew@ bbpasia.net

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

Condo for Rent

Paradise ResidenceStylishly finished and furnished throughout in these new modern buildings just 100m from the beach and Jomtien 2nd Road, offering 1 bedroom 53 sqm,with fitted wardrobes, 1 luxurious bathroom, European kitchen, living room with large LCD TV, dining area, large balcony over looking the communal pool, key card entry, 24/7 security and a minute walk to numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis. Minimum rental period of 6 month applies. Price: 20,000 Baht per month, long term lease only . Ref Code: CDOR390. Tel. 085 129 5657 Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com Jomtien Beach - A low floor studio 32 sqm, in these popular buildings, nicely furnished throughout with fitted wardrobes, luxur y bathroom, European kitchen, balcony, huge communal pool, key card entry, 24/7 security, mini-mart, laundry, cafes, bars, internet, travel agents all on-site and just a short stroll to numerous restaurants, shops, bars and taxis. Minimum rental 1 year.. Price : 10,000 Bt per month. Website Ref: CDOR392. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property.

com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.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. premierinternational.com (PR0737)

Classified

North Pattaya Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 100,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 311 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4262) Modern Designed Beachfront Apar tment! 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)

Land for Sale

( ptmlfs-c0913)Land plots around Bang Saray, 081 576 0035 craigrhodes48@ gmail.com Pratamnak Beachfront! Selling Price is 45 Million 203 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PLD0903) Na Jomtien Beachfront! 21 Rai 348 Tarang Wah from Sukhumvit 400 meters deep to a 45 meter beachfront! Two low rise buildings with 4 units each set upon a large swimming pool. Purchaser can build up to 70+ floor high rise. 24,188,384 Baht per rai and 60,471 Baht per tarang wah and the entire 21+ rai can be purchased for a selling price of 529,000,000 Baht. 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.

1 - 15 December 2013

premierinternational.com (PLD0866) Phoenix Golfcouse Area! Selling Price is 15.8 Million 7 Rai 200 Tarang Wah For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PLD0928)

Job Vacancies

(ptmjv-n0713)German couple is looking for full time HOUSEMAID (6 days/week) at the Mabprachan area. Start date is January 02,2014. We are looking for a honest, trustworthy, English speaking person. Job experience would be an advantage. Nice working environment, good and increasing salary and additional incentives. Please call 0817622682 or email to nh.seiter@gmail.com No.1 Professional Thai Massage Centre in Kuching, Sarawak looking for Experienced Thai Massage Therapist (male and female) to join in our company. If you are mature (age between 30-42 years old), independent and experienced, please contact us via email: angel@ thailegend.net or contact +65 83210687, we will arrange an interview with you soon. Accountant wanted for condominium project: 1 position available. Minimum 1 year experience. Computer skill – MS Excel, MS Word. English is a plus. Female. Must be able to work overtime. Maid wanted for sales office and showroom: 2 positions available. Female not older than 45.Hardworking with service mind. Messenger/driver wanted: Male. Must have driver license for car and motorcycle. Must

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be able to work overtime and travel. Please call K. Passanee 081 293 3390 or send resume to passanee@ therivierapattaya.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

2005 NISSAN TEANA 230JM- Diamond Black/ Cream Leather interior, all options, new paint, serviced by Nissan, low miles, 559,000 call 084 158 0785 Audi A4 1.8 Automatic 1996. Colour Red, 17” BBS Genuine alloy wheels, C.D., alarm. Excellent all round condition. Thai owner. Only 196,000 baht. Call 086-8202577, 086-383-6853 Toyota Vigo Model G, Automatic – Toyota Vigo model G, automatic, 4 door, 2005. Metallic burgundy color. Loads of extras, including 4 TVs, electric top up back cover, electric windows etc. 1 falang owned from new. 103,000 km, full service history, tax 1 year. Absolutely immaculate inside and out, no accidents. Must see for only 460,000 baht (in foreign name). Call Alan (owner): 087-139-1570 (Eng)

Deadline Issue December 16-31 Please forward your classifieds by 5:00 PM on December 6

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or drop off at our office 221/3 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Road, Nongprue Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

1 - 15 December 2013

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Tips & Advice

What Our

Readers Say

Alienating foreign tourists As I understand the situation, the government is seriously proposing to introduce a 500 baht charge on foreign tourists entering the Kingdom unless their stay is less than three days. In that case, the charge is 30 baht a day. Presumably in order to qualify for the reduced fee, you would need to prove you have an onward travel ticket in less than 72 hours. One can imagine the long lines of frustrated passengers at airports and border posts as new arrivals argue the point with surly officials. The government says that the problem of foreign tourists not paying their hospital bills costs the country around 250 million baht and that the new charges will offset that. When you come to think of it, 250 million baht is quite a small sum when you consider all those road accidents and sudden heart attacks. My suspicion is that many hospitals refuse serious treatment until they see mega-cash upfront or a comprehensive medical insurance plan. Of course, there is no “quid pro quo” or guarantee that your 500 baht fee will go towards helping some unlucky farang who finds himself or herself in hospital in the Land of Smiles. The fees, or what is left of them after various officials have dipped their fingers, presumably go into a central pot. It is anyone’s guess what happens after that. My assessment is that the pot may occasionally be

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

Re-entry query Q: I have a one-year retirement visa which expires in about six weeks’ time, but I expect to be out of the country at that time. My plan is to obtain a re-entry permit so that I can come back into the country without voiding my visa. I can then reapply for my retirement visa when I get back. Is this OK? A: No, it won’t work. Your re-entry permit will expire on the same date as your retirement visa. You should re-apply for your retirement visa before you leave the country. If that is not possible for some reason, then come back into Thailand with a new tourist or non-immigrant visa, or just 30 days at the airport, and go through the procedure again. No hope of paying Q: I am a Brit who has a two-years overstay and absolutely no chance of paying the fine nor finding the resources to pay for the airfare to London. I have tried contacting my sister and an old friend but, frankly, both of them have told me to get lost. I survive here by begging from other foreigners and I live on the beach. I don’t even have a passport as a dog ran off with it. What’s the answer for me? A: Realistically, you need to contact the British embassy to tell them your problems, if possible in person. They can then start a file with the relevant details. You will need to give yourself up to the police and will be given a brief prison sentence in lieu of paying the fine. You will then transfer to the immigration detention centre in Bangkok, if you are not already there, and wait until the embassy arranges to send you home. This can take many months. Running out of money is your real problem and there are no funding agencies. Non-immigrant woes Q: In the past I have never had difficulty obtaining a multiple-entry non-immigrant visa to support my common

used to subsidize the medical bills of foreigners injured in high-profile cases, such as bus crashes which are bad for public relations purposes. There is no evidence that the huge profits Thailand has made over the years from mass tourism has been put to good use by developing tourist infrastructure. Another difficulty with the proposed tourist tax is that many people are insured before they take the trip. So it looks like they are being fined on top of having been sensible. I know for a fact that some Thai embassies insist on seeing insurance before granting a 60- or 90-day visa. In the other direction, most Indian and Chinese visitors to Thailand are not even insured in their own countries, still less for accidents and diseases whilst abroad. I understand that international tourism is now big business in Thailand. This year 23 million foreigners are expected to enter the Kingdom through airports and borders, although I think these include repeat customers (often on reentry permits) and visitors who are on a very tight budget. If all these people were to pay 500 baht, the revenue would be counted in billions of baht rather than millions. As ASEAN countries gear up for their own tourism, I suspect that many international visitors will be giving Thailand a miss in future. The goose that lays the golden eggs will have been shot. law wife and child in Thailand. However, I have now been told by several of Thailand’s UK consulates that the “O” visa is no longer available. This seems very unfair. What is a man in my position to do about this serious issue? A: There are many answers depending on your exact situation and finances. You could visit Thailand on a 60day tourist visa, perhaps double entry, or you could apply in Thailand for a one-year retirement visa if you fulfill the widelypublicized criteria. It would even be possible for you to apply for a one-year education visa if you want to study Thai. There is little point in bemoaning the difficulty of obtaining an “O” in UK these days. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has its own rules and regulations which, at the moment, include close scrutiny of each and every “O” application. Mother and child Q: I have heard that there are disadvantages if a child is included on the same passport as his or her mother (or father). However, I have not been able to find out what they are. Somebody told me that I should make sure each member of my family has an individual passport. I am from the Ukraine. A: Not many countries these days issue passports which include more than one person. The main disadvantage is that the mother and child must do everything together–enter and leave together, make a new visa or extension together, etc. This can increase costs in some circumstances as you may need two applications. Also, mum cannot leave Thailand without taking the baby with her. Whether you have a problem depends on your personal situation. If you can see difficulties ahead, take steps to obtain a passport for the child. Visa application Q: My girlfriend is in the process of applying for a visit visa to UK. She works in a poodle parlour but is paid only in cash every week. So what sort of financial evidence does she need? A: Certainly she needs a letter from the owner confirming job and salary and stating the job is still open at the end of the proposed holiday. If the dog parlour is registered by the local authority, then a copy of the certificate might help. Copies of the Thai lady’s bank statements are required in most cases. If you send cash from UK to help her out, then the evidence (from Western Union or whatever) must be submitted with the application.

Snap Judgment

Politics of the Temple

Bloggers are saying that another court judgment is needed to interpret what the International Court of Justice actually meant in its ruling on the disputed Preah Vihear temple vicinity. But paragraph 99 of the ruling did say that both Thailand and Cambodia are obliged to interpret the ICJ in good faith and to avoid imposing a unilateral solution. Initially both governments hinted it was a win-win situation amid much cordial shaking of hands in both Bangkok and Phnom Pehn. Yet, as usual in vague judgments, the devil is in the detail. There is no question that Preah Vihear temple lies within Cambodia’s borders, but the long-standing dispute about the amount of territory in the celebrated promontory that should accompany it remains as unclear as ever. We do know that Thailand should not lose the whole 4.6 square kilometers, for the judgment clearly refers to a smaller area. Lawyers and scholars say that Thailand could expect to lose around one third of a square kilometer. That may not sound like much, but the issue is extremely sensitive given the history of border clashes over the past sixty years. The two countries have agreed to meet, but there is no agreed time-span for a settlement to be reached. An early answer can certainly be ruled out. The Thai government is not going to risk inflaming nationalist sentiments at home at a time when its domestic problems are escalating. The prime minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, is not likely to move fast either in view of his losses in the recent general election which still is being contested. It is not unduly cynical to suggest that deliberations could stretch out indefinitely. Cambodia likely will point to the clause in the ICJ which refers to the withdrawal of Thai troops from the promontory, whilst Thailand could respond that it cannot do that until the new boundary lines are crystal clear. One is reminded of the many border disputes in Eastern Europe arising out of the First World War which were not settled by the peace treaties of 1919. The arguments rumbled on until Hitler came marching in twenty years later. So it looks like a very time-consuming task lies ahead for the two countries. Perhaps even an impossible one. The whole issue is more sensitive in Thailand than in Cambodia and, to be frank, the ICJ judgment is mostly in Phnom Penh’s favour. For instance, the court rejected the unilateral vicinity line drawn up by the Thai government in 1962. The whole issue remains a flashpoint with the armies on both sides appearing to be dug in. However, some factors suggest that Thailand may be willing to compromise in the medium term. There are far bigger issues for the two countries to resolve, including the untapped gas and oil reserves in neighbouring waters which will require some kind of amicable settlement before large scale drilling can proceed further. Not to mention the economic and social implications of the oncoming ASEAN Economic Community for two participants at very different stages of economic development. Another issue for Bangkok is Thailand’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2016. Any delay or avoidance of the ICJ judgment could well undermine the chances of success, especially as Cambodia’s similar application in 2011 was rejected precisely because of that country’s record in observing international rules of law. Anything that can reflect badly on Thailand’s international reputation is likely to doom the country’s aspirations at the UN. But in the short term, agreement on the ICJ verdict will be well-nigh impossible. Simply, the time is not right. All we can hope is that the two sides initiate a serious diplomatic discussion.

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Local Sports Local and International Motorsports Report Recent Race Updates: FORMULA 1: Sebastian Vettel has clinched his 4th world championship after

winning the GP in India, he followed that up with wins in Abu Dubai and Austin Texas to claim 8 consecutive victories in a row, fully story www.f1.com 18 November 2013 INDYCAR: Dario Franchitti, the Three-time Indy 500 winner and four-time IndyCar Series champion is to retire from motor racing as a result of the injuries he sustained in a crash in October at the Houston GP., full story www.indycar.com 14 November 2013 NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson celebrates sixth Sprint Cup championship 'Five-time'

is no more: Jimmie Johnson has finally clinched his six pack of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships after finishing the 2013 season 19 points clear of Matt Kenseth full story www.nascar.com 18 November 2013 MOTOGP: Lorenzo wins, but Marquez crowned world champion. Marc Marquez has been crowned the youngest MotoGP World Champion in history after a mature ride to third place in the final race of 2013 in Valencia, full story www.motosp.com 10 November 2013

2014 FIA Formula One World Calendar SEASON FINISHED UNTIL 2014 (SCHEDULE FORTHCOMING) www.formula1.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia

2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SEASON FINISHED UNTIL 2014 (SCHEDULE FORTHCOMING) www.nascar.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia

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

Top 3 F1 Drivers' Championship 2013 (*Championship Winner)

Red Bull-Renault Ferrari-Ferrari Mercedes-Mercedes

372* 227 187

577* 550 508

Top 3 NASCAR Drivers' Championship 2013 (*Championship Winner) 1 Jimmie Johnson 2 Matt Kenseth 3 Kevin Harvick

Hendrick Motorsports Joe Gibbs Racing Richard Childress Racing

2,419* 2,400 2,385

Top 3 MotoGP Drivers’ Championship 2013 (*Championship Winner) 1 Marc Marquez 2 Jorge Lorenzo 3 Dani Pedrosa

Repsol Honda Team Factory Yamaha Racing Repsol Honda Team

Crystal Bay G.C. (B & C courses) Stableford – Individual and Team events Forty two golfers took part in the 8th John Preddy Memorial Charity Golf Tournament, We were allocated the B and C courses for the event, with the first team teeing off a few minutes earlier than scheduled. The weather was ideal and the course in good condition, so the expectation was that at least 40 points would be needed to be in with a serious chance of winning on what is one of the more forgiving courses on our schedule. This proved to be an accurate assessment, with eight golfers playing to their handicap or better, and 28 players recording scores higher than 30 points. Colin Greig, playing in only his second game since returning from the U.K., was the only player to reach the magic 40-point mark, one point clear of a three-way tie for second place with Ken Davidson taking the runner-up spot on the count-back. Ken is rapidly earning a reputation as the back nine specialist having scored 20 points or more on the inward nine in his last three games; if he could do the same on the front nine he’d be unbeatable! In the team event, Scouse Power captained by the aforementioned

veteran scouser Ken Davidson, took the overall prize four points clear of the Rabbi’s Elephant 2 team. Everyone assembled back at The Ranch for the presentation, where Buff and his staff laid on an excellent free buffet, which was quickly devoured by the hungry hoardes. The presentation of prizes was followed by a lucky draw which made a significant contribution to the funds raised for charity, with great prizes donated by the generous sponsors. Results: 1st - Colin Greig (hcp. 9) 40 points 2nd - Ken Davidson (hcp. 24) 39 points 3rd - Richard Bannister (hcp. 13) 39 points 4th - Gerry Cooney (hcp. 12) 39 points 5th - John Graham (hcp. 10) 38 points Team Event 1st - Ken Davidson, Keith Norman, Geoff Williams, and Mark West: 122 points 2nd - Richard Bannister, Jim Ferris, Dave Lehane, and Peter Ditz: 118 points 3rd - Colin Greig, Geoff Parker, Tony Robbins, and Buff: 115 points Near Pins: Colin Greig, Peter Ditz, Richard Dobson, and Reg Smart. Longest Drive: Paul Smith Longest Putt: Dave Ashman

The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society who play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya Third Road (in front of the fire station, almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us? We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation. New players are always welcome. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. For news, schedules and results, go to www.bunkersociety.com.

by Derek Brook

2013 MotoGP Grand Prix SEASON FINISHED UNTIL 2014 (SCHEDULE FORTHCOMING)

Top 3 IndyCar Drivers' Championship 2013 (*Championship Winner) 1 Scott Dixon 2 Helio Castroneves 3 Simon Pagenaud

by Geoff Parker

Golf from Tropical Bert

2014 Indy Car Schedule SEASON FINISHED UNTIL 2014 (SCHEDULE FORTHCOMING) www.indycar.com (free live timing and scoring online)

1 Sebastian Vettel 2 Fernando Alonso 3 Lewis Hamilton

John Preddy Memorial Charity Tournament

334* 330 300

**Local Thailand Motorsports Schedules 2013** Thailand Super Series Schedule (TSS) 2013 December 13-15 Bang Saen Street Circuit, Chonburi

Nitto 3K Racing Series Schedule 2013 Pattaya’s Bira Circuit 6-8 December

OMP Challenge Series Schedule 2013 December 22 - Pattaya’s Bira Circuit Bobby Brooks™ Follow me on Twitter: @racebobby

Green Valley (Stableford) So we are into the high season and at this time of the year things tend to change. Usually the top courses tend to go out of the general price range and we start to play some of the more realistic ones. In fact over the years some top courses have gone into a mode that is beyond the understanding of mere mortals. Some gone for good. Recently one which really does not belong in the top strata. But on this day we were due to play Green Valley, which offered a decent green fee. This is a good course that all look forward to playing, and the policy is a good one as I am sure the golfers will support the course. Well, until we stood on the first tee. Even the second tee. And certainly the par 3’s. The book-in here is quick and we were soon onto the

first tee, along with many others. In their wisdom, Green Valley reduced the time of tee off to a tight 6 minutes. So we were, of course, off late and the starter was pushing players off as fast as he could. This was okay until we got to the second tee, where at one time we had three groups; we knew we were in for a long afternoon, and so it turned out. One of the things here is that you do not lose your temper, it is a total waste of time; so we soldiered on. The course was in good condition and we had plenty of time to admire it on the way around, so I expected some good scores, only tempered by a strong wind. Good day despite the course marshals trying to chase players along with nowhere to go. Still there are worse ways to pass a day. I usually sit in the German

restaurant as I like German food, and did so this day. Unfortunately I find the food there not as good as it used to be, so had a salad that was quite good. I will have to find a new place to have my currywurst and pommes frites; maybe I can talk Bert into trying it. Back late at Bert’s the golfers soon tucked into the golfers special, curry and rice, voted really good by all the players. Then on to the results. The winner with 37 points was Brian Gabe on count-back over Bob Watson in second. In third was Brian Parish with 36 points and then we had Tom Herrington fourth on 35 points. To finish the night Brian Gabe rang the bell. Now winners often buy a drink but, as Brian said, ‘You are not 60 every day’. So we wished him all the best on reaching this milestone and had a beer. Happy birthday, Brian. T.T.F.N. Near Pin: Dick Warberg, Bob Watson, and Brian Parish (2) Greenwood (Stableford) A good group went away to this course. Whilst not the closest it is usually a straight

forward drive there, and so it was on this day, but be careful as the road conditions are not the best. Once there it was a quick book in and off to the first tee. The course was in fine condition, what more can one say, if you know the course you know how it was. We played the B and C nines. It is worth a drive out here to play a course that is a relaxing walk around and a good test of golf. Fine weather as well. Round over it was into the restaurant, which is good value and the food is good. Then the drive back to Bert’s. The winner with 37 points was Barry Oars on count-back over Tom Herrington in second. In third was Steve Hamstad with 34 points ahead of Don Carmody in fourth with 33 points and Dick Warberg in fifth with 32 points. It seems Tom Herrington is having a really hard time losing so many count-backs, we all feel really sad about it! T.T.F.N. Near Pin: Landis Brooks, Max Scott, and Mick Coghlan

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Tips & Advice QUICK TIP

To ease the cleaning of splatters and spills in your oven, sprinkle the splotches immediately with salt. When the oven cools, wipe away the burnt-on food with a damp sponge.

Door Bore Dear Andy, We have a wooden screen door that no longer closes properly, mainly because our kids are constantly running in and out of the house throwing the door open or slamming it shut (when they remember to shut it). What can we do (short of getting rid of the kids)? Karl A frequently-used door of any kind can easily develop an opening/closing problem due to a loose hinge, sagging jambs, or too much paint. Assuming you haven’t painted the door recently, check the gaps between the door and doorjamb. A wide spot could indicate the hinge screws are coming loose; tighten them. If they are stripped, you will need new holes and, while you’re at it, you would be well advised to replace the hinges. With the door and hinges removed, bore the holes and fill with glue and wood dowels (golf tees work). Tap the dowel in and cut off any excess so that it is flush with the jamb. Let the glue set a few hours before fastening the hinges. Hang the door back on its hinges and test it. If it still sticks, plane down the door where it's hitting the jamb.

Rice and Beans We enjoy a good cup of coffee (or six) every morning and appreciate freshlyground beans. But our coffee grinder blades have become mucky and don’t grind as well. Is there an easy way to fix the problem? Jane Try this, Jane: Pour a cup or so of rice (uncooked) into your coffee grinder and grind for a minute or more. The hard rice should act to clean the grinder as well as sharpen its blades. Thai Cabinet Could you please tell me what I could use to clean my Thai wooden cabinets which are coated in old grease? Terry If you’ve been reading this column for any length of time, Terry, you know that I much prefer natural cleaning solutions to potentially harmful commercial products. With that in mind, I would suggest that you make your own solution. Combine 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 4 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 liter warm water in a 2-liter container. Shake well until the contents are

blended. Then dampen a soft cloth with some of the mixture and wipe down the cabinets. Follow up by wiping the cabinets dry with a soft cloth. This should remove the grease and dirt without harming the wood. Bloody Nightmare? How do I remove blood from a brand new mattress? I always read your tips, in fact it’s the main reason I buy Pattaya Today. Please can you help in this case? Patty I hope your question is only theoretical, Patty, because if the mattress is already stained, removing the blood can be an insurmountable nightmare. For a new blood stain, before it has set, dip a sponge in cold club soda (cold water works, but not as effectively) and dab the spots immediately. Dry with a towel and repeat as necessary. For older, set stains, wet a white towel with hydrogen peroxide and blot and then, pressing hard, wipe up the stain from the outside edges toward the center of the stain. Repeat. If the stain remains, scrub with OxiClean. Do not expect total success.

Screw It We just bought a house and it is all cinder block walls, inside and out. We are about to install new cabinets, and I have no idea how to attach them to the cinder block. A friend suggested that I try mounting a 1x4 to the wall first, then carry on like normal. But same question: how do I attach the 1x4 to the wall? Raj The best method for attaching anything to cinder block walls is to use concrete screws. First make holes using a concrete drill (a hammer drill works best, but a regular drill will do the trick), and then insert the screws into the holes. Concrete screws are available with a hex head or Phillips head. Hex head may be better because the Phillips is fluted and that may split the cabinets under heavy weight. You might also use washers to further spread the bearing surface of the screws. The purpose of the screws is twofold: First they can pull the cabinets tight to the wall better than other methods. Second, there is the shear strength of the fastener itself. Stumped Reader I cut down a tree on my

property but the stump still sits there, firmly rooted in the ground. I have no idea how to remove it. Eldon

Lamp Post We have an antique lamp that suddenly doesn’t work. How do we find and fix the problem? Dan

unplug the lamp, then use a screwdriver tip to scrape off any corrosion and to pry the tab up a little. If the problem remains, take apart the socket (squeezing on the upper cover and work it off). Remove the insulating cardboard sleeve and check the wire connections. If they look good, the next thing to troubleshoot is the cord. Remove the wires from the screw terminals, noting how they're connected. If there's a silver wire and a copper wire, the copper goes on the brass screw. If both leads are copper, the lead with the ridge on the side of the insulation goes to the brass screw. Use a continuity tester to check the cord. If there's continuity in the cord, replace the inner socket. Then connect the wires to the new socket. Twist the bare ends of the wire, hook them clockwise around the terminals and screw them down. Put the socket inside the sleeve, and the sleeve inside the cover. Push the cover back down on the base and orient the switch in the desired direction. If the lamp still doesn't work, buy a new lamp.

A common reason lamps do not work is a bad connection between the bulb and the contact tab in the bottom of the socket. First,

Signs of the times… Seen in a shopping center: Toilet Out of Order. Please Use Floor Below --Handy Andy

The fastest way is with a stump grinder; the easiest is using a product called Stump Remover. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, neither is available in Thailand. That still leaves three options: ask a gardener, a landscaper or at a local nursery if they can remove the stump. As an alternative, you can undertake the long-process yourself. Start by drilling or chopping large, deep holes in the stump. Fill the holes with sugar, fertilizer or any sweet substance. Wet it all down, cover with mulch, and wait until the stump rots away. The third option is to hire a few unemployed people and negotiate a day’s wages for them to chop, dig and remove the stump.

your tiresome husband just what an oaf he has become. His most likely reaction is to refuse to speak at all but, then again, it’s said that silence is golden.

Frank, Forthright & Frigid Dear Agony Ivy, Animal noises I married my husband Cecil thirty years ago and I have to say it has not been the most successful of marriages. We never had much in common to start with apart from sex and we agreed to stop that ten years ago. It was a mutual decision because Cecil developed a medical problem that I can’t discuss publicly and I contracted asthma which means I cannot bear anyone to touch me. However, the new problem is that Cecil was brought up on a farm when he was a boy. This was long before I met him of course. He now talks incessantly about his boyhood and how happy he was then. I have tried reminding him that this is a very boring subject for me but it doesn’t seem to make any difference. He just goes on and on. Last week he started a new irritating habit by making animal noises (cows, sheep, pigs,

hens, etc), particularly at meal times. This is extremely embarrassing and I don’t feel we can invite anybody round for something to eat lest they be greeted by snorts, moos, cock-a-doodles, etc. I am absolutely at my wits’ end and am turning to you for some sensible advice. Mrs Dolly Turpin Dear Mrs Turpin, I fear you may have to face the fact your marriage is on the rocks. Your husband is retreating into the past as he doesn’t fancy the present. It’s a difficult situation but I feel the animal noises are just too much and that you must seek a solution. I am sending under plain cover a copy of the well-known song Old McDonald Had a Farm which contains many oinks, snorts, quacks etc. The next time your husband starts up, I advise you to play the song at loud volume. Hopefully this will indicate to

Dear Agony Ivy, Wasted present I have been dating this girl, who I will call Greta, for six months now and I thought we were in love. We met at a bingo name when she wanted to borrow my marker. We have exchanged many emails and both of us have joined Facebook where friends have congratulated us on being a remarkable couple. Last week on the local river bank I said to Greta that I thought we should get engaged and I produced a very expensive diamond ring which cost me the better part of two months’ salary. She looked at the ring quite closely and then suddenly flung it into the river where it popped and sank without trace. When I asked her what the hell she thought she was doing, she replied that she had thrown it into the river so that she could never lose it but would know where it was. Am I missing something here or am I losing the plot? The only thing she has said since is that she fears it might have been stolen

Disillusioned Derek Dear Disillusioned Derek, Best thing is to double check. Buy a second ring, a fake one, and offer it again. If the same thing happens for the second time, then you know for sure Greta is a crackpot. If she is, then withdraw quickly from Facebook before more damage is done. Dear Agony Ivy, Gay Style I am a somewhat overweight gay man in my sixties with a full head of white hair. I am extremely lonely but I have heard that younger gays are attracted to older men who are bald. There seems to be some truth in this suggestion as I notice that many of the films on You Tube do show bald-headed men. Do you think I should shave my head to see what happens? Sensitive Simon Dear Sensitive Simon, Thank you for sending me the photo showing you in a posing pouch and a floral hat. Let me be perfectly honest and say that, shaved or not, your chances of a pickup are zero. I am sending you my colour pamphlet entitled 20 Modern Alternatives to Sex, but please note on page 8 that The Canasta Club of Thailand ceased to exist some years ago.

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Our Community Santa Opens PILC Bazaar More than 500 visitors plus an early arrival turned up for the 21st annual Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Christmas Bazaar. This year’s event, at Holiday Inn Pattaya, got underway as PILC’s special guest—Santa Claus—opened the Bazaar to welcome excited children and equally excited adults shopping at some 60 stalls set up by participating vendors and local charities. Shoppers found items unavailable elsewhere, including items made by those supported by local charities.

Beyond shopping, the Bazaar offered a children’s activity area featuring face painting and Santa’s Grotto, where children could post wish lists and sit on Santa’s lap. The Fountain of Life Women’s Center offered foot and shoulder massages. Sponsors included Asian Tigers Transpo, Bumrungrad Hospital, Dow Chemical, Foster Wheeler and Holiday Inn Hotel. Profits from the event are donated to local charities. For a list of raffle winners go to www.pilc-pattaya.com.

Green Pattaya team and Mahidol University

Green Pattaya teamed up with Mahidol University to help clean up the Island of Koh Sak just next to Koh Larn. The island has two main beaches but only one is used for tourism and that one has a pristine golden beach. The Green Pattaya Volunteers sailed to the island with Mahidol University students and faculty, Rotarians, and local media.

The enthusiastic group of volunteers immediately got into the spirit of collecting rubbish from beaches and rocks and snorkeling to gather underwater waste. Their enthusiasm was so contagious that even a group of Chinese tourists pitched in. By midday, clean-up done, the boat’s skipper had prepared lunch. Back in Pattaya that evening, the group

unloaded 30 plastic bags filled with rubbish. Green Pattaya and Mahidol University plan future trips and invite all Pattaya Today readers to participate. The volunteers foresee creating a paradigm island that can be emulated by other nearby islands. Individuals and businesses may email green@ donate2thailand.com

Double your money by Derek Franklin

Commemorating the tenth anniversary of Father Ray Brennan’s death, the Father Ray Foundation launched a fund drive to build a Center for Children with Special Needs. About half the construction costs have been donated over the last three months, and there is a long way to go before the foundation stone can be laid. Now there is another opportunity to make a donation to the children of Pattaya living with special needs, and every donation you make will now be

doubled. Each year the UKbased Thai Children’s Trust takes part in The Big Give, a charity drive where every donation made on a particular day and starting at a set time is doubled. This year donations will go to the Special Needs Center in Pattaya. If you donate £1, the Center will receive £2. If you give 50 baht, your donation becomes 100 baht, and so forth. Donations are tax deductable for Brits, but everyone can donate. Do so on Dec. 5 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Thai time.

Visit the Thai Children’s Trust website (www. thaichildrensturst.org.uk/

the-big-give), donate, and be happy knowing that your money has been doubled.

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Youth Focus Are we raising herd animals? Charles Mackay made the following statement in 1841: ‘Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.’ Many of us will have noticed that, as children start growing up, they often become more self conscious and less willing to say or do things that might be considered embarrassing or wrong. They learn what it is to blend in, to accept what they’re told, and to follow instructions. If we do not encourage children to think for themselves then they will be susceptible to destructive ideologies and behaviours. Traditional education methods don’t always guarantee creative and independent thinking. ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ – Einstein C. J. Simister from Future Smart says, ‘The pace of social, economic and technological change is such that knowledge will not be all that counts. The problem is that the hidden secrets of

success may not always be given sufficient emphasis in schools, where passing exams and getting the grades are too frequently such a pressing agenda. Those personal qualities and thinking habits that our children form when they’re young will be the ones that last.’ What are these hidden secrets of success (summarised), according to Simister? 1. Perseverance 2. Curiosity and creativity - the ingredients needed to find new solutions, come up with inventive ideas and solve unforeseen problems. 3. Resilience

4. The confidence to take a considered risk when the moment is right. 5. An ability to sort sense from nonsense – the ‘critical thinking’ shield to hold up to this Wikipedia world. 6. Initiative and an independent approach. As John F. Kennedy pointed out, ‘Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.’ What can we do to develop independent thinking in children? In order to develop independent thinking and the reasoning that goes along with it, we should make it

fun for children. Simister suggests having a weekly Tea Time Talk with the following elements: 1. I wonder…. Sometimes you could challenge everyone to begin their questions with the words ‘I wonder…’ This is a fantastic way of enticing your children to ask some really great questions – and the fact that you’re joining in too, means your kids quickly learn a really important lesson: that asking questions is not something they’re meant to grow out of. Bernard Baruch put it beautifully, ‘Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was

Remembrance Day at GIS by Mark Beales Students from Garden International School (GIS) visited a war cemetery, met the British ambassador and raised funds for war veterans to mark Remembrance Day A volunteer from the Royal British Legion visited GIS to talk to Year 9 students about why we wear poppies each November. He explained that the Royal British Legion collects donations to help families who have lost relatives in wars and to help soldiers who have been injured while fighting. Also, about 20 per cent of donations in Thailand go to help local groups and families. A group of Year 9 students went to Kanchanaburi with a history teacher. They visited the Death Railway and the Bridge Over the River Kwai and took part in a ceremony at the main War Cemetery. The students helped war veterans from Southeast Asia and chatted with the British ambassador to Thailand, Mark Kent. Students took part in the ceremony and laid a wreath by the cemetery's cenotaph. Back at GIS in Ban Chang, a school assembly heard poems read by students. Poems included Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen. Students also sang songs such as John Lennon's Imagine, to mark the occasion. Parents to teach students how to make peace cranes, as it was World Origami Day, and helped students think about Remembrance Day. Students bought poppies and wristbands to remember war victims in the week leading up to Remembrance Day. Last year, GIS students raised more than any other group in the region; they are hoping this year’s contributions again rank number one! To see the Remembrance Day activities, go to www. gardenrayong.com.

the one who asked why.’ 2. Magic Powder Get everyone to come up with one person they might each like to invite to tea. Next, pretend you have some magic truth powder that your children are going to sprinkle over the family’s chosen visitors. It will grant them the power to ask each person any three questions they wish – and the response will be the whole truth and nothing but the truth! What will they ask? What might their visitors say? Remember the following top tips: 1. Don’t feel you have to have all the answers.

2. Listen carefully and build on what your child says. 3. Teach them to be flexible Young children are not stupid, they are just uninformed. If we raise them like herd animals, we can make them stupid. ‘We are all creative, but by the time we are three or four years old, someone has knocked the creativity out of us. Some people shut up the kids who start to tell stories. Kids dance in their cribs, but someone will insist they sit still. By the time the creative people are ten or twelve, they want to be like everyone else.’ -- Maya Angelou

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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 well-being of people and the economic health of countries. Deteriorating ecosystems together with fast, modern-day 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, 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 may be 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 urinecontaminated environment. In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of

Did you know that macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs?

Cats for You in Pattaya

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

Ginnie

the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Severe leptospirosis can be lifethreatening. 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 contacts 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.

Did you know that African Grey Parrots have vocabularies of more than 200 words?

A most appealing cat who just loves attention and cuddles, has just been neutered. The pink shirt is to stop her from pulling her stitches! She had four beautiful kittens a few months and mum and two remaining sons are looking for a good home.

Lucky One

A brave girl who was found in Jomtien after surviving an attack by two dogs. She was helped by a kindly Russian tourist who realized she had a broken leg and called us. She is now recovered and is ready for a new home.

Alice

A loving female cat but likes best to be away from other felines. She likes to stay indoors most of the time but may explore outside after it gets dark. She would be ideal as a family’s only pet.

Wilbur

About seven months old and was poorly as a young kitten. This caused him to miss out on adoption but he’s in excellent health now and on the lookout for a new home to enjoy. He’s a most loving puss by the way.

Cat Corner Tip by Dr. RJ Peters to Pattaya’s cat lovers

As far as behavior goes, cats are actually pretty consistent. It's also fairly well known that cats don't reveal when they are in pain. Therefore, if your cat shows a change in its personality, rule out physical problems first before assuming it's a behavioral issue. You'd probably be upset to discover that your cat had a broken leg from a fall that didn't look serious and yet had not considered why he couldn't help hissing at you every time you tried to pick him up. Dr. Peters’ informative and entertaining book, Our Amazing Cats, and her newest feline publication, Our Amazing Cats Vol. 2, are now available from Amazon Books and at www. ouramazingcats.com. Even more recently The Cat Lady has penned a compelling book on our canine friends, “Our Amazing Dogs.” To download ebook versions of any or all of the three books (only about 200 baht), go to http://youniquesolutions.com/3Books.html. For additional tips, or to subscribe to Dr. Peter’s free newsletter, The Kitty Times, go to: http://www.theproblemcat.com.

1 - 15 December 2013

www.pattayatoday.net

Games

CROSSWORD Across 1. 4. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 16. 18. 20. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27.

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Down 1. stoat 2. central 3. sour-tasting 5. deceptive impression 6. sarcastic 7. brings forth 8. dishonest man 13. one-sided 15. candidate 17. mess about 18. combustible piles 19. respect deeply 22. of the moon 23. rotate

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

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1. Which Charles Portis novel has been filmed twice, once with John Wayne and once with Jeff Bridges? 2. Which instrument are Keith Moon and Stewart Copeland famous for playing in successful bands? 3. Which board game was adapted into a bigbudget movie starring Liam Neeson in 2012? 4. The Trevi fountain is found in which Italian city? 5. What’s the title of Stephen Hawkins’ 1988 bestselling book? 6. Who wrote the book War and Peace? 7. In which century was War and Peace written? 8. The 1921 novel Nosferatu is an unauthorized version of which novel?

23 24

Solution Issue 05 z e 2 b r 3a c i r 9 t r a i t o s h s 11 e a s y 13 d i r 14 t 15o m e 17 t b p 20 ov e r e a r n n 24 s p e a r e a r 26 i n s i d e 1

This week’s special subject Is Anything Goes 9. Which fish shares its name with a sports boot? 10. A mollusc’s body is covered in what? 11. A sardine is a young what? 12. Which hole helps a dolphin to breathe? 13. How many tentacles does a squid have? 14. What was President Richard Nixon’s middle name? 15. Which pop group had the last word of the Lord’s Prayer as the first word of its name? 16. Navan Fort is in which Irish county? 17. What does Honolulu mean in Hawaiian? 18. The Beeching report led to cuts in what? 19. The Longmuir brothers were in which teenage idol band? 20. Who famously said, “Honey I forgot to duck”?

1. True Grit; 2. Drums; 3. Battleship; 4. Rome; 5. A Brief History of Time; 6. Leo Tolstoy; 7. Nineteenth; 8. Dracula; 9. Skate; 10. Shell; 11. Herring; 12. Blowhole; 13. Ten; 14. Milhous; 15. Amen Corner; 16. Armagh; 17. Sheltered bay; 18. Railways; 19. Bay City Rollers; 20. Ronald Reagan.

Answers:

• A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart. • Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie. • Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. • A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

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Brain Tester

PUNS

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Sudoku 4

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Solution on Page 38

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