Vol 13 issue 12 1 15 march 2014 by Pattaya Today

Volume 13, Issue 12

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside:

1 - 15 March 2014

30 BAHT

Care Home Opens for Pattaya Retirees

new business initiative promises to deal with a well-known problem for elderly expats: lack of good retirement homes with care facilities. Now Absolute Living (Thailand), a new long stay operator, has just opened its doors at the 150rai Long Lake Hillside Resort which is a ten-minute drive from central Pattaya on the bypass road leading to Suvarnabhumi airport. There are 36 villas of varying sizes and amenities with a 50-people capacity.

Managing director Pensiri Panyarachun, who has rented the property for 12 years, decided to transform it into residential unit for the elderly, including call buttons, safety grab bars, 24-hour CCTV and security. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direct assistance, where necessary, with everyday tasks such as bathing and dressing by trained staff. There are facilities for individuals suffering from dementia and for persons recovering from surgery who are otherwise healthy.

Another service is independent living facilities for both Thai and foreign women and men who are in good health but want the opportunity to experience communal living. Most guests at the moment are Europeans, Australians, Americans and Japanese. Costs are in the region of 50,000 baht a month rising to around 120,000 baht plus a month for those needing 24-hour care and attention. Facilities Continued on page 4

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

News Cambodians arrested for murder

Three construction workers from Cambodia have been arrested for knifing to death a co-worker and fellow national. The

body of Ka Ian was found in a wooded area of Huay Yai near Mabprachan Lake. The three men admitted the murder, accusing

the dead man of having been rude and abusive and claiming to be of a higher social ranking than his drinking companions.

Two teachers shot Rejected katoey robs tourist

Two men on a motorbike fired several gunshots at a parked car, hitting the two occupants. Patcharee Boonchuay, 28, and Dusit Thunprasert, 32, were taken to Banglamung Hospital for emergency treatment following the incident on Soi Nongkate One. They victims teach at Wat Nongyai School.

In need of directions, Dusit pulled to the curb in front of the Peppermill Transport Company when the pointblank shots were fired and his head began to bleed. Police said the couple had no known enemies. They are checking CCTV cameras that might have recorded the incident.

A Chinese tourist rejected the transvestite who approached him on Soi Yamoto offering sex for money so the humiliated katoey, Anusorn Chaiyong, 23, impulsively faked an embrace with the man

while snatching his Cannon camera as well as 8,300 baht. The victim, 62-year-old Hu Jin Hao, was on holiday here with a tour group. Anusorn was arrested after confessing to volunteer police.

Two gambling dens raided

In a determined attempt to curb the illicit gambling in Pattaya, police raided two gaming nests and arrested more than 50 players and organizers. Pattaya police went in force to a deserted area on Pratumnak Road where 19 men and women were arrested for playing

Snap. The man admitting to being the ringleader expressed his surprise when police arrived because, he said, his gambling den often attracted some influential people. Meanwhile officers of the Banglamung Protection Department raided a blackjack game and apprehended

Man kills brother with sword

A man was killed by his younger brother during a drinking session in Nongprue. Construction worker Apichai Simarong, 25, was stabbed in the neck and chest with

a sword during an argument with his sibling. The two had been drinking with friends. Police pronounced the man dead on arrival; they are looking into the incident.

34 male and female players. Officers had become suspicious after noticing that the house was protected by security cameras and that many cars were parked outside in the road. A variety of gambling equipment as well as a revolver were seized.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

News Tax deadline looms in Thailand Care Home Opens for Pattaya Retirees by MBMG Group

March 31 sees the deadline for Thai personal income tax (PIT) submissions; April 8 if you submit your return online. This marks the first use of the new tax regime. New rates The main changes to the system are the imposition of new rates of 15 and 20 percent, which will be implemented on 2013 tax returns. Below is a breakdown of the new rates.

Continued from page 1 include a library, a games room, arts and crafts, meditation, gardening and cooking classes. There has always been a distinct lack of care facilities for the elderly in Pattaya, and indeed in Thailand as a whole, although one or two small private homes and charitable institutions have been available for several years. At the moment customers can stay up to one year. The Resort is attracting potential customers by allowing them to have a trial stay. Guests’ family members can also stay at Hillside but in separate accommodation.

As under the previous system, the new regime does not charge tax up to 150,000 baht; thus annual incomes of, for example, 1.5 million, 3 million or 5 million baht would result in PIT bills of the below amounts:

In spite of Thailand’s much-publicized political troubles, there is no sign that the country is losing its popularity amongst seniors. The Pattaya area is believed to have at least 40,000 foreigners living here most or all of the year, mostly on retirement visas.

The Resort is also targeting elderly Thais on higher incomes or with sons and daughters who need some outside help caring for their parents. “Not all our guests need our facilities full time,” said Pensiri. “It all depends on the family circumstances.”

Thailand ranked fifth in world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations Thailand is fifth in the world for people using the Internet to seek out a romantic setting for their honeymoons. The Kingdom’s ranking was confirmed by Fodor’s Travel, one of the USA’s leading travel websites. Fodors.com hosted an article, The World’s Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2014, which stated that “Thailand is perfect for couples who want to enjoy a mix of activities, from city excursions and nightlife, to mountain trekking, beach-combing and shopping in modern malls as well as outdoor food and flower markets.” The Google survey and the Fodor travel article show that the Kingdom is one of those foremost in people’s minds when seeking out romantic destinations, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) New York Office. In the Google rankings, Thailand came fifth for searches, after New Zealand, Cancun, The Maldives and Bali. The Kingdom ranked ahead of Belize, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Caribbean and Croatia.

You are liable to pay PIT if you were either resident in Thailand for at least 180 days in 2013 and you received income exceeding 150,000 baht, or you were here less than 180 days and received income from a Thai source. Allowances and exemptions There are several possibilities to receive tax allowances based on your investments and your family situation. Below are just a few of the possible ways to reduce your tax bill; this summary is not exhaustive. • Personal allowance: If you come under the Thai taxation system, you are entitled to a 30,000-baht taxfree personal allowance, as well as a 60,000baht personal expenses allowance.

People over 65 are not assessed on the first 190,000 baht. • Life insurance Policyholders could receive a tax allowance for the policy premium (up to 100,000 baht for each of the taxpayer and spouse). The policy must be contributed to for a minimum of 5 years with 10-year coverage. • LTFs, RTFs and provident funds Investment in long-term equity funds (LTFs), retirement mutual funds (RMFs) and/or provident funds (i.e. employer and employee funds) may entitle you to an allowance of up to 15 percent of a person’s annual income, not exceeding 500,000 baht. The table below illustrates the possible savings. For example, a person with an annual salary of 5 million baht, who put 1 million of this into an LTF or RTF, could save 350,000 baht on their tax bill.

• Child allowance You may be entitled to a child allowance if you have a dependent son or daughter under 20, or under 25 if still in education, and their assessable income is under 15,000 baht for up to three children. If you and your spouse decide to file your tax returns separately – and you were married in 2013 – each person would typically receive a 17,000 baht per child in education in Thailand and 15,000 baht in education abroad. Ask advice With the new system now in place and the various possibilities to claim tax allowances, it’s best to contact an advisor.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya names F&B manager

Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT governor, said, “This is great news for the Thai tourism industry. It clearly shows that TAT’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of what the Kingdom can offer, via marketing, promotions and an interactive online presence has built awareness of Thailand as a romantic destination and an ideal place to wed or come for honeymoons. And this is on a website that processed nearly six billion searches a day in 2013.” Thailand’s reputation as a destination that offers luxurytravel experiences has been built up over decades and there are many world-class resorts and

hotels around the nation that have great expertise in catering to couples seeking memorable wedding and honeymoons. The growth in the number of private luxury pool villas available in many parts of the Kingdom, most notably Pattaya, is one of the factors that make Thailand so alluring for couples. Such accommodation allows for absolute privacy, comfort and style – the perfect honeymoon atmosphere. Such villas tend to boast both private swimming pools and beachfront views, making them ideal for anyone who wants the best of both worlds – gorgeous beaches and perfect privacy.

Sirichai Worajuk has been named food and beverage manager at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, according to Robert J. Lohrmann, general manager. Earning his master’s degree in Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management from Silpakorn University, Sirichai has more than seven years experience in 5-star hotels, including Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island Krabi, Outrigger Koh Samui Resort & Spa, and Amari Phuket.

Dusit Thani Pattaya appoints sales director Dusit Thani Pattaya general manager Chatchawal Supachayanont appointed Tanaphol Rodpinyo as director of sales in charge of the corporate segment in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. Rodpinyo began his career with Dusit after graduating from Dusit International’s Management Training Program. He had been associate director of sales. Rodpinyo has worked with Dusit Thani Pattaya since 2008.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

News

Burapa Bike Week 2014

City Hall and the Thai Tourism Authority launched the 17th annual motorcycle celebratory week at Burapa.

About 10,000 Thais and farang joined the event which is designed to be a showcase of motorbike driving skills with participants

from all over the world. The event also helped to promote the image of Pattaya as an international sporting venue.

History’s longest hug-in

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not organized the world’s longest, marathon hugging competition in remembrance of St Valentine. Sixty-two people (31 couples)

joined the contest which awarded the winners 300,000 baht and a gold ring. Winners were Thammasak Karnjanadul and Marlin Kemnil. Their hug lasted 26

hours and 26 minutes and was confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. The previous world record--25 hours and 22 minutes--was in UK.

Pensioners treated to merit tour

Pattaya public health authorities sponsored a making-merit tour to enable a group of seniors to pray and relax to help decrease stress. Seven busloads of

local pensioners, with a full complement of medical staff, traveled to temples in Loei. Highlights of the trip included a long lecture on Dharma and trinkets and

souvenirs handed out at various stops. Additionally, donations were made to several temples in Loei that assisted with the program.

Win Condo off to good start

The executive council of Win Condo, Amata City, held an opening ceremony in which Chinese lions and dragons played a leading role in the entertainment. The 168-unit project on

10 rai consists of six low-rise buildings. Construction is scheduled to finish by the end of the year. The room size is 30-square meters, although units can be merged to create a larger living space.

The opening ceremony included a special donation to the poor and to construction workers as a gesture of good will and to encourage positive thoughts about the enterprise.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

News

Cobra Gold emphasizes safety

Noncombatant evacuation operations at the Rayong Naval base were aimed at demonstrating that military exercises are also relevant to civilian welfare. This year Cobra Gold is using the forces of

Thailand, the United States, Singapore Japan, China and Indonesia with Malaysia as a spectator. The exercise was held on both sea and land and involved the simulated evacuation of people living near

Hard Yao beach, Sattahip. Separately, Singaporean military forces during the exercises renovated a building at Baan Khao Cheejan School, Sattahip, as a community project.

Elite card staggers on Thailand’s extended political troubles are having a negative effect on bold plans for the relaunch of the much-troubled Elite Card. Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), which operates the Elite luxury facility, is trying to sell the card to wealthy foreigners in Thailand and abroad but is finding some reluctance as the card is issued by the government. Apisit Chuenchompoo, TPC president, said the state of emergency had had a negative effect and that only 10 Elite Cards had been sold recently.

However, he was confident that sales would pick up soon because 15 agents in Thailand had shown interest in promoting the card’s benefits. One idea is to sell the card by including the fee in the price of a condominium. The card costs 2 million baht and is available for 20 years, although there is an annual fee of 20,000 baht. The Elite Card is now being promoted in Beijing, where there is a rising number of affluent business people looking for a country in which to establish a second

home. More than 100 Chinese have shown interest in the card but say the Thai political unrest concerns them. The Elite Card was the brainchild of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. but there has always been an ongoing debate about the actual privileges on offer. The card provides discounts at many hotels, hospitals and leisure centers, and offers the incentive of a five year visa. However, initial promises that Elite Card holders would be given special privileges in purchasing property never materialized.

Planning a road trip? Think twice The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute identifies Thailand as the second most dangerous country in the world to drive in. In a study entitled in part, “Mortality from road crashes in 193 countries,” the Institute pointed to Africa’s Namibia as the most dangerous--with car crashes killing 45 people per 100,000 population--and Thailand very close behind with 44 deaths per 100,000. The global average death rate on the roads is 18 fatalities per 100,000 people, according to the study. Car crash fatalities per 100,000 population 1. Namibia - 45 6. Venezuela - 35 2. Thailand - 44 7. Congo - 34 3. Iran - 38 8. Malawi - 32 4. Sudan - 36 9. Dominican Republic - 32 5. Swaziland - 36 10. Iraq - 32

Short circuit causes wat fire A conflagration broke out at Wat Nongprue Temple due to an electrical fault. No fewer than 10 water trucks responded to the blaze. Damage to the temple was estimated at 50 million baht. Several pictures and antique furniture were lost. Witness Sunisa Thama, 16, who was sleeping nearby, was awakened by a loud bang. She said that her carpet was on fire and immediately called emergency services. Police are investigating where exactly the fire started and why the malfunction occurred.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

News Mimosa Pattaya celebrates first anniversary The first anniversar y party for Mimosa Pattaya the city of love honored special guests Ronakit Ekasingh, Pattaya deputy mayor; Attapol Wannakij, TAT Pattaya director, and Kirit Jiramongkol, advisor to the Pattaya mayor. Mimosa owner and president, Jirachote Kae wsathean, welcomed guests. The 300-meter-long arch of flowers was named longest flower archway in Thailand by Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Raimon Land appoints new VP for property management Raimon Land has appointed Neerja Sachdev vice president in charge of property management. The new VP had been Raimon Land’s customer relations management director from 2007 to 2010. Most recently, she served as director and head of property management for Savills, from 2011 to 2013, where she led one of the largest nationwide management portfolios specializing in luxury residential developments. Prior to that, Neerja held several positions with CB Richard Ellis. Neerja said, “What prompted me to return to Raimon Land is its firm commitment to excellence. I look forward to working with the new management team and to sharing my know-how, so we can maintain the highest quality for all our customers.”

Taking the lid off Pattaya Barry Kenyon, a former deputy editor of Pattaya Today, has published his memoirs under the title Honorary Consul Pattaya as the Bangkok British embassy’s representative in the tourist hotspot of Pattaya for 14 years. It’s partly fun, partly serious and partly tragic as he comments on every conceivable sort of difficulty raised by British visitors and expats. There are serious criminal cases, the bureaucracy of falling ill or dying in Thailand and what to expect from the British embassy, if anything, when disaster or tragedy strikes you. He describes too the very odd requests he received from British travelers over the years including the guy who wanted the Thai tattoo on his arm translated into Queen’s English, the woman whose holiday was ruined when she couldn’t find Heinz Piccalilli in the supermarkets and a weird plea for help to find Elvis Presley who was believed to be living rough on the beach long after his death. Barry also recounts the rather odd circumstances of his appointment in the first place as well as the decline and final closure of the doomed British consulate office in the resort after his retirement. For the future, the author notes that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, which runs embassies worldwide, is restricting its front line and human-face services and relying more on the internet and self-help to get customers through their difficulties abroad. The appearance of Honorary Consul

Pattaya is timely as the British Parliament is currently producing a report on whether Brits travelling abroad are satisfied with the services they receive. To read free sample chapters or see reviews go to Amazon.com or purchase the book, then Books Kindle Store and type in Barry Kenyon. If your permanent address or credit card is based in UK, you will likely be redirected to Amazonuk.com

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

News

Climate change discussed Nong Nooch off to Chelsea again

Issues arising from global warming, climate changes and natural disasters were the topics at a Burapha University conference. Local officials and others seeking insight on the vital subjects were at the Trio Hotel Pattaya for the forum, which looked at how provincial managers investigate solutions to these problems in Thailand and Japan. Participants also planned a field trip to Japan.

Food donated to poor families For the fourth year running, Nong Nooch Gardens will be represented at the Chelsea Flower Show from May 19-24 in London. A gold medal winner on each occasion, Nong Noochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director Kampol Tansatcha said he was confident that the fabulous displays would lead to another success this year under the overall theme Thailand: Our Pride, Our Monarch, Our Heritage!

City Hall officers distributed 400 bags of rice and dry food to several poor communities in Pattaya and

Banglamung as part of the ongoing welfare program funded through public and private businesses. Family members

also were provided with free haircuts, family planning advice, and medical checkups at Banglamung Hospital.

Calendars for the blind

400 boys and girls compete in Swimming Open

Praiwal Aromchuen, deputy city council president, opened the 2014 Swimming Open--the eleventh in a series of similar

events. More than 400 girls and boys, aged 6 to 15, competed in the Swimming Open, which attracted participants from around Thailand.

Aornwara Korapin, director of Tourism Promotion, awarded cash prizes and medallions to the winners.

Pattaya futsal a reality

Pattaya has formed its own futsal club that will compete in the Thailand Futsal League, according to Mayor Ittiphol Kunplome.

These are steps toward helping young people become professional athletes. The effort is supported by Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor

Bangkok Hospital Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing team, led by Juthaporn Huyakorn, director of Business Development and International Affairs, donated expired calendars to the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind. The school recycles the paper to make documents in Braille.

No rip-offs at Jet Ski event

t o t h e E d u c a t i o n M i n i s t r y, Sontaya Kunplome, politician and senior consultant to the team, and others.

Young musicians play on Nattaya Suthidamrongsawat, a member of the Pattaya Council, announced the formation of the 2014 Pattaya Youth Music Band, which is attracting 46 bands this year. Cash prizes between 5,000 and 10,000 baht would be awarded to the most successful participants.

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome awarded cups and prizes to winners of the Pattaya Water Festival 2014. He said the event, attended by many foreign experts and visitors, illustrated the importance of Pattaya in the calendar of international sporting events.

Pattaya Today's lifestyle, travel and culture guide

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

L iv I N G

i n

stY L e

Cafe des Amis

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

The new Ducati Hypermotard

gourmet corner L8

escapades L10

automotive L15

Fabulous Sunday brunch at Mantra restaurant & bar A riot of gourmet excess at this bodacious Sunday brunch by Mick and Di Barker

Make sure you treat yourself soon to the Mantra’s Sunday brunch experience. There are so many great reasons to head down to Mantra to enjoy this culinary phenomenon. For a start brunch is about the only time when it’s socially acceptable to drink before noon. There are very few exceptions to this rule, so enjoy–it might even be illegal to brunch without a glass of something bubbly in hand. Another reason is that gorging is definitely allowed. Encouraged actually, it’s not just one meal but it’s two in one, so doubling your intake of fuel is totally reasonable! Mantra’s famous brunch focuses on its formula of world cuisine reflecting their around-the-world food philosophy. It’s an epicurean voyage (and an oenophile one if you add the wine buffet), a food safari, an odyssey of cuisine cruising all housed under Mantra’s spectacular roof. The Brunch culture has certainly swept the globe and Pattaya has taken to this culinary phenomenon like a Perigord duck to water. The brunch (B.1,690) opens at 11 a.m. and operates until 3 p.m. every Sunday, so take your time, wander through the stations, enjoy a glass of wine (the free flow wine buffet is B.1,490+), prepare yourself, sit back, enjoy the occasion and then hit the cuisine of your choice to commence the proceedings.

As we were shown to our table at 12:30 p.m., the restaurant was already packed and the atmosphere festive and celebratory. The open display areas were busy with chefs taking centre stage preparing their specialties and signature dishes from around the world. We started with a quintet of imported oysters, shucked before our eyes and glistening in their sexy, molluscy way. Three French varieties are available, fine de Claire, Cadoret Bretagne and Saint Kerber. They all made for wonderful slurping and, accompanied by a flute of Fleur de France Blanc de Blanc, it was the perfect way to introduce our taste buds to the Mantra brunch experience. More from this shellfish station offered huge Alaskan crab legs, rock lobster, plump prawns, and

>> continued on L6

events

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Networking night in Pattaya

eve n ts c a le n d a r MTV EXIT LIVE IN UDON THANI Date: 15 March 2014, Saturday Venue: Udon Thani Football Stadium MTV EXIT Live in Udon Thani is the 39th free human trafficking awarenessraising concert MTV EXIT has held globally. Activities: MTV EXIT, in collaboration with MTV Thailand, will host a massive live concert in Udon Thani to educate young people about the dangers of human trafficking. The full line-up includes Thai bands Bodyslam, Slot Machine, MILD, Yellow Fang and Kala, Lao rockers Cells and Kai Overdance, and Project E.A.R. (East Asian Revolution). Project E.A.R. brings together talent from established bands across ASEAN, including members of Pop Shuvit (Malaysia), Slapshock (Philippines) and Thaitanium (Thailand). Gates open at 17:00. To pre-register for free tickets, go to www.mtvexit.org. Free tickets will also be available to pick up from 16:00-20:00 on 7, 8 and 9 March at Central Plaza Udon Thani. Supplies are limited! For more information: MTV EXIT Live in Udon Thani Ticketing Tel: 02 259 6929 Mobile: 083 273 7309 Email: ruici.tio@mtvexit.org www.mtvexit.org/liveinudonthani

10TH WORLD WAI KRU CEREMONY Date: 17 March 2014, Monday Venue: Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya Historical Park The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand are preparing to stage the 10th Wai Kru Ceremony to showcase some of the sacred rituals of Thai boxing – a martial art that has kicked itself into the world’s spotlight over the years and gained fans over the world. Travel Daily’s networking party, Thirsty Thursday, returned to Pattaya at Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya. Members of the travel trade, hoteliers and business owners gathered for an evening of food, drink, and networking opportunities.

Rotary outing for handicapped children

For more information: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) International Public Relations Division Tel: 02 250 5500 ext 4545-4548 www.tourismthailand.org

by René Clausen

The annual Rotary Club of Bangkapi fellowship weekend and disabled children outing was a three-day event that began with Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin president Paul Grab welcoming more than 130 members. Rotarians and spouses were joined by the Rotaract Club of Webster University for a buffet dinner and entertainment at Baan Laksasubha Resort in Hua Hin. On Saturday, members from the Rotary Club of Bangkok South enjoyed an afternoon at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Centre, while members of the RC Bangkapi traveled to Ban Huay Yai School in Prachuap Khiri Khan where they donated carry-onbags of goodies to first graders. At the same time, they discussed a water filter project with the school principal, and then went to the Myanmar border at Daan Singkorn. Sunday marked Children’s Day Out at the Beach at the Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort. More than 100 disabled children from the Sri Sangwal School in Pak Kret and 15

Activities: A ceremony early in the morning will be held to pay respect to the statue of Nai Kanomtom, the most famous Muay Thai warrior of the Ayutthaya period, at the provincial sports stadium. The Amazing Thai Boxing Tournament will take place in the afternoon at Wat Langkhakhao (opposite Wat Mahathat). The Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony will take place at 18:00 hrs and everyone is invited to see this artistic and often heart-warming display, as fighters show their dedication to their trainers and the ancient masters of the Muay Thai art.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL MONOPOLY CHAMPIONSHIP PATTAYA Date: 20 March – 7 April 2014 Venue: Mirabel Resort & Mini Golf

blind children from the School for the Blind in Lopburi enjoyed a day of magical fun and games. Altogether well over 230 persons including kids, Rotarians, visiting Rotarians, family, friends, volunteers, teachers, scouts and tourists participated at the Disabled Children Outing.

Activities: Mirabel Resort & Mini Golf will hold its first international Monopoly championship in Pattaya. Open to all amateurs, adults and children. No registration fee, no money involved, but nice prizes will be given away. This competition is done with no money involved in respect of Thai laws, strictly for fun and entertainment only. For more information: Mirabel Resort & Mini Golf Mobile: 084 149 2186 Email: contact@mirabelthai.com www.mirabelthai.com

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL Date: 13-16 April 2014, Sunday-Wednesday Venue: Nationwide Activities: Songkran Day has been celebrated as New Year's Day in the Thai solar calendar since ancient times. Across the country, it is a time for laughter and entertainment…for religious ceremonies and merit making…for families and friends. And of course for splashing water — lots of it! For more information: Tourism Authority of Thailand www.tourismthailand.org

events BHP Annual Media Party Bangkok Hospital Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual media party at Maenu Restaurant in Banglamung was headed by Dr. Seeharach Lohachitranont, deputy hospital director, and Juthaporn Huyakorn, director of Business Development and International Affairs. The hospital provided complimentary check-up packages, kitchen wares, LCD TV and many more for lucky draws.

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

rendezvous

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Amari Pattaya’s Love Destination at Central Festival Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Amari Pattaya’s resident manager Richard Margo welcomed lovers and others to Valentine’s Day: Love Destination at Central Festival Pattaya Beach. The event was organized to attract couples to the city. Activities included wedding fairs with Thai, Chinese and Indian themes; a fashion show of wedding dress made out of Japanese paper by Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi students; ice carvings by Food & Hotel Thailand 2013 champions, and shirt painting with proceeds going to Camillian Social Center Rayong, which offers assistance to people and children with the HIV/AIDS virus.

(Kindle Edition)

ormer British Embassy’s Pattaya officer shares the trials, tribulations and even humour experienced as honorary consul in the tourist hotspot of Pattaya, Thailand for 14 action-packed years. Barry Kenyon, a Liverpudlian by birth, has lived in Thailand for 20 years. For much of the time he was the British Embassy's Pattaya officer and acquired a rich store of fun stories and tragedies which make up his book Honorary Consul Pattaya.

Honorary Consul Pattaya (Kindle Edition) by Barry Kenyon now available in Amazon Kindle Store at www.amazon.com for USD8.50 Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets.

59 couples married on elephants Lovers at Nong Nooch Garden on Valentine’s Day were treated to a unique way of sanctifying their marriage vows: they signed their certificates while sitting on an elephant. Some 59 couples joined in the ceremony conducted by Pawat Lertmukda, Sattahip district chief. Pawat said, many couples want to sign their marriage certificates every year during Valentine’s Day that’s why Sattahip district and Nong Nooch Garden organized the event. Signing marriage certificates on elephants is a Thai tradition, although it requires considerable bureaucracy as local government officials and registrars must attend.

HOT SUMMER PROMOTION 20% off everything except set menu

Centara Grand Mirage’s blood donation campaign

Robert J. Lohrmann (left), general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, led staff in the blood donation campaign for the Thai Red Cross as part of the hotel's corporate social responsibility activities.

AIS Party at Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya

Seen at the annual AIS Channel Thank You Party at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya, are Wichian Mektrakarn (right), chief executive, Advanced Info Service, and the resort’s Parapa Teerasoontornkul (left), PR manager, and Sirichai Worajuk (center), newly appointed F&B manager.

rendezvous

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Avasada at Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya Dominique Rongé (second from left), general manager and Wassana Pokthang (far left), executive assistant manager of Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya welcome Avasada Pocmontri (centre), television and radio host and Apichart Sudswang, (second from right), honorary consul of the Kingdom of Lesotho on their arrival to vacation at the resort. Also seen in the photo is Carl Duggan (far right), executive assistant F&B manager.

Pattaya International Ladies Coffee Morning held at Pan Pan Restaurant PILC’s February Coffee Morning was held at Pan Pan Restaurant on Thepprasit Road in Jomtien. A favorite venue for members of the Club, 72 ladies showed up to meet old friends, make some new ones, and to sample the delicious buffet of snacks laid out by the restaurant. President Helle Rantzen welcomed everybody and introduced the newly elected executive board to members, thanking them for volunteering their time to ensure that Club business is administered effectively. She then went on to make Club announcements, reminding members of upcoming trips and events, including a tour of Bumrungrad Hospital, an exploration of Naklua and the Mangrove Regeneration Project, and a boat trip to Bird Island. Helle also spoke about her plans to make the Club Luncheons themed affairs this year, with the next one - which will be held at the Holiday Inn’s Havana Bar - having a Latin-American flair to it. As usual, Club VP, Joyce Aldridge, was on hand with raffle tickets, the proceeds of which go to help PILC’s various charitable endeavors. The guest speaker for the day was a physical therapist and exercise guru who spoke to the ladies about the

Slimming Massage An exclusive 150 minutes massage treatment designed to aid the slimming process, increasing your self confidence by reducing cellulite, firming muscles and improving the body’s natural detoxification. THB 4,990 net per person Tea Tree Spa, 5th Floor For reservations, please call 038 725555 ext.3902 or visit www.facebook.com/teatreespa.pattaya importance of keeping in good health through regular exercise and good nutrition. March is Nutrition Month, he reminded everyone, and urged them to be aware of the value of what they eat. The next Coffee Morning will be held at La Ferme Restaurant in Naklua, another Club favorite. For more information about PILC, please go to their website at www.pilc-pattaya.com, or email infopilc@gmail.com

Amazing Thailand – Amazing Romance

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Airports of Thailand (AOT), and the Immigration Bureau gave loving couples an extra special welcome to Thailand last month. Couples who came here to wed or honeymoon found romance in the air at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. TAT set up two special photo booths and registration counters in the arrival hall to allow newlyweds to get a memento of their trip. The AOT and Immigration

Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Khon Kaen sponsors Marathon Patrick Tan (back row 2nd right), general manager of Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Khon Kaen and Chokchai Khunwasi (back row 2nd left), sub-committee president of VIP Runner, join participants in the 11th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2014 at Khon Kaen University. The hotel was a sponsor of the event.

Bureau arranged a premium lane to provide a fast-track immigration process for couples. The concept was called “a great success” with 20 couples from Los Angeles alone flying for their nuptials. This includes a celebrity couple from Brazil – Giselle Itie Ramos (star of the movie The Expendables) and Emilio Dantas (stage performer whose Cazuza musical won great acclaim).

top tables

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Level 34, Hilton Pattaya

Mick & Di The Food Lovers

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

>> from L1

Fabulous Sunday brunch at Mantra restaurant & bar glistening New Zealand green-lipped mussels. After all this gleeful eating, the sushi/sashimi bar beckoned. Polar fresh sea bass, sea bream, tuna, octopus and salmon were expertly cut by the dedicated chef and, accompanied by the prepared sushi, it all made for some serious decision making. More cold items from the Mediterranean antipasti table summoned before the huge decision of which main course could be deliberated. Here, tuna carpaccio nestles next to Parma ham and melon, Italian salamis and prosciutto, marinated grilled artichokes, capsicums and mushrooms languish in extra virgin olive oil next to verdant salads and pickles; a cornucopia of heavenly hors d’oeuvre. After a decent resting period (and another glass of bubbly) we moved on to the hot items. A meat fancier? Then turn to the larva stone grill where Angus beef sirloin and tenderloin steaks await your directions, pork chops and lamb chops sit patiently anticipating culinary commands, while lingering temptingly at the back of the display was our choice: foie gras. It was lightly pan fried, served on a brioche base and anointed with a red cherry emulsion and the appreciative “mmms” around the table vouched for its delectableness. Apart from the

prepared chafing dishes which invite self-selection, a gamut of dishes are cooked to order and served at your table. (Present the chef with one of the numbered cards on your table and it will appear a short time later). Quite honestly, you name a gastronomic favorite and it’s here! Have I mentioned the Indian tandoori kitchen yet, or the pizzas, pasta or Chinese stations? And I mustn’t forget to tell you about the risotto station–it’s an epicurean profusion of the planet’s gastronomy. Mick and I then moved on to Peking duck rolls served with a selection of Chinese pickled vegetables. We hadn’t eaten this delicacy for years and it didn’t disappoint; the duck was so tender it melted in the mouth while the crispy, sweet skin was sensational. You absolutely must leave room for dessert. The dessert zone has been moved to the bar area now to allow for extra seating. Just the sight of it will lead to waistband widening! Evocative chocolate aromas attract as you approach and there center stage is the chocolate fountain. Spear a fruit from the luxury assortment including strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and raspberries, and hold it under your chosen molten chocolate creating your own dream dessert. The whole room is a sugarista’s reverie loaded with Mövenpick ice cream, mousses,

crumbles, custards, pies and tartlettes--all tantalizingly displayed and awaiting your selection. So indulge; pick a pre-dessert, a post dessert and spoil yourself with the sweetest finale to Mantra’s magnificent brunch. To sum up, Mantra is a world-class gourmet destination offering so many gastronomic multiple choices it will have you visiting time and again. It’s hands-across-the-world approach hits the spot in so many ways; not

only is it a trendy and stylish place to go, it offers a wealth of global gastronomy served in an ambiance of cheery conviviality.

Mantra restaurant & bar Open daily from 6 p.m. till l a.m. (The bar opens at 5 p.m.) Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations recommended. Dress code applies. All credit cards accepted. Tel: 038 429 591 www.mantra-pattaya.com

top tables

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

F&B Promotions Foie Gras at Acqua restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Throughout the month of March, Chef Alberto Bruni at Acqua Italian restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya invites you to enjoy a feast of foie gras complemented by terrine with fig compote and moscato wine jelly. Chef has prepared a selection of rabbit saddle and foie gras ravioli with sage butter and crutin truffle cheese; vialone risotto with Canadian lobster and escalope of foie gras; and monk fish and escalope of foie gras on mashed potato accompanied by glazed leeks. Prices start from 590++ baht (subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT). Acqua Italian restaurant, located in the Main Lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, is open daily from 18:30-22:30 hrs. Call now for reservations at 038 301 234 ext 4266.

In Love with Gin cocktails at Infiniti and Latitude lounge, Sheraton Pattaya Resort Fall in love with gin cocktails at Infiniti restaurant and Latitude lounge of Sheraton Pattaya Resort. Enjoy the cocktail promotion with four selections to choose from: Crazy in Love, Fall in Love, Love Conceal, and Love Potion No. 5. Gin cocktails are available from now until March for 320++ baht per glass. For more information or reservations, please dial 038 259 888 or visit www.sheratonpattayaresort.com or www. facebook.com/sheratonpattayaresort

Friday Night Fever Teppanyaki Dinner Buffet at Benihana Pattaya Start your weekend early – enjoy the designer buffet and Teppanyaki set menu every Friday night from 6 pm to 8 pm at Benihana for 1,150 baht net. The talented chefs will cook live in front of you at Teppanyaki stations as you enjoy a selection of fabulous food. Benihana, the renowned Japanese Steakhouse, offers My Kitchen is Your Table. Interact with the chefs famous for their entertaining and culinary skills as they prepare Teppanyaki at your table. Private rooms are available. Benihana is located on the 2nd floor of the Royal Garden Plaza. For more information and reservations, please contact Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa at 038 412 120 ext 1395

Gourmet Chocolate Buffet for the true blue chocoholics

at Dusit Gourmet Corner, Dusit Thani Pattaya Throughout March, Chef Alistair Carter invites you to indulge in your chocolate cravings with his lavish buffet of uniquely created confections such as: • Chocolate fountain with condiments – marshmallow, sliced fruits, chocolate brownie • Chocolate macaroon • Chocolate dipped strawberry • Chocolate chip cookies • Opera gateaux • Banana chocolate cake • Duo chocolate cake

• White chocolate cheesecake • Raspberry chocolate tart • Chocolate truffle lollipops • Chocolate ice cream bar • Black forest gateaux • Chocolate tiramisu • Lime and white chocolate • Chocolate and passion fruit delight

Available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm for 300 baht net per person. Tea or coffee included.

Sakura season celebrated in style

Dusit Gourmet Corner is located at the Main Lobby, on the 4th floor, of Dusit Thani Pattaya. For more information, call 038 425 611-7 ext 2149, 2476.

at The Okura Prestige Bangkok

“In a Good Mousse” monthly dessert

The Okura Prestige Bangkok celebrates the unforgettable landscape of cherry blossom colors across Japan every spring with a Sakura Festival that includes special lunch and dinner menus at Yamazato (6 to 30 April). The menus, created by Master Chef Shigeru Hagiwara, feature sea bream, shrimps and healthy mountain vegetables. Individual dishes are priced from 250++ baht. The famous Okura High Tea (weekdays) and the weekend Okura High Tea Buffet feature delicious new items finished in traditional Sakura colors, priced at 780++ baht for two persons and 840++ baht per person respectively. The hotel’s bakery outlet La Pâtisserie, located on the first floor of the Park Ventures Ecoplex, is also offering a new range of Sakura themed cakes with prices starting at 120 baht. Yamazato is located on the 24th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Up & Above Bar is also located on the 24th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Okura High Tea is served daily from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s Sakura Festival runs from 1 April until 30 April 2014. Reservations are recommended in all cases. Please call 02 687 9000 or email fb@ okurabangkok.com

Tapas & Wine Fusion at The Lobby Lounge, Dusit Thani Pattaya For only 199++ baht, enjoy a relaxing night with a glass of red or white wine from our wine menu that comes with a plate of appetizing tapas featuring Assorted cold cuts (coppa, parma ham, Paris ham, mortadella, salami); Marinated olives and pickles; Norwegian salmon rillettes; Tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil; Grilled marinated vegetables; International cheese board; Artisan bread with herb butter; Seafood salad; Tomato with red onion salad and Artichoke salad. Second plate of tapas goes for only 69++ baht. Live band music is available from 7 pm until midnight. The Lobby Lounge is located on the 4th floor of Dusit Thani Pattaya. For more information, call 038 425 611-7 ext 2149, 2476.

at Elements restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort At Sheraton Pattaya Resort, we embrace the classics while giving it a twist, our mousse range from light and fluffy to creamy and rich, made with organic fruits, premium chocolate and Oregon hazelnuts. Our pastry chef Somsak is proud to invite you to try his variations of this beloved classic: Hazelnut Mousse, Mango & Strawberry Mousse, Passion Mousse, and Rich Chocolate Mousse. Enjoy the tasty promotion all day and every day throughout March at Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort with price of 320++ baht per dish. For more information or reservations, please dial 038 259 888 or visit website: www.sheratonpattayaresort.com or facebook: www.facebook.com/sheratonpattayaresort

Mussels & Fries at Oasis restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Throughout the month of March, Oasis restaurant at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya proudly presents several mussels menu with Mussels & Fries promotion. Oasis is featuring mussels served in various sauces such as tomato, garlic, parsley and white wine; mustard, white wine and cream; and the classic garlic, white wine and parsley. All mussels served with French fries. Prices start at only 350++ baht (subject to service charge and VAT). Oasis restaurant is located on the lower Main Lobby near the water park of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Open daily from 6:00 to 23:30 hours. For reservations, please call 038 301 234 ext 4260-61.

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

top tables

SATURDAY DINNER BBQ SEAFOOD BUFFET

THB 899 NETT

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

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

thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com

Café des Amis

A peach of a restaurant

Unswerving determination and dedication by proprietor Blu and his charming wife Pia have succeeded in putting Café des Amis firmly in its enviable position in Pattaya and Jomtien’s culinary circles. Although French by name, and indeed there are a clutch of Gallic inspired dishes, the menu strives to provide exciting global cuisine contemporizing on the traditional with Chef Adam Hall’s inimitable twists. Whenever we visit, the garden terrace always seems to be awash with romance with its subtle lighting, water features and candle-lit tables while the lounge bar exudes a pleasant buzz with its welcoming and cozy ambiance. From this sofa zoned bar pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed, menus mulled over and bar snacks nibbled to the subtle strains of mood jazz floating on the air. It seemed churlish not to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail at the convivial bar before moving on to the dining area. Café des Amis boasts one of the best stocked bars in the city, with more than 150 different spirits and liqueurs, including 20 hand-crafted gins, 50 whiskies and

10 vodkas, plus a wine cellar with more than 60 vintages from across the world. A quintet of Champagne labels keeps this bar popping throughout the evening. The menu is modern but classically driven with lots of lavish, luxury ingredients to tempt the diner. A duo of amuse bouche preceded our dinner, a small tranche of aromatic duck was deeply flavored, sticky, soft and delicious and a prawn risotto which was superb (I was still licking the spoon as my plate was politely removed!) I chose to start with a new item (the menu changes regularly but always retains its signature dishes for its regulars), foie de balsamique (B.290) while Mick opted to kick off with another newby on the menu, US scallops served with black pudding and cauliflower puree (B.390). Both dishes were sublime; the marinated chicken livers were pan fried to perfection and the deeply rich tangy balsamic reduction a joy to eat. I always think scallops need a strong companion to set off their subtle flavors and here the addition of black pudding was inspirational. Cauliflower puree

never stirs any excitement in our culinary souls but here it truly tasted extraordinary--creamy, buttery and smooth, the underlying taste of the cauliflower kept itself to the fore and we enjoyed every mouthful. More starters include Atlantic crab wraps, US scallops with braised pork belly, liver pate (which I have tried on a previous occasion and can whole heartedly recommend), seared goose liver with rhubarb and apple compote, served with a glass of Moscato dessert wine at a small supplement for foie gras lovers, Australian beef carpaccio, 3-cheese ravioli, the options are exciting and extensive. On to main courses. Wagyu beef cheeks with celeriac mash heads the top liners as does the lamb stroganoff, the Harris ranch beef brisket with mashed potatoes and pumpkin and then there’s the Prime U.S. beef. The word “Prime” is a quality grade given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to describe the highest quality of beef in terms of tenderness, juiciness and flavor plus the grade is given based on a combination of maturity and marbling. Less than two percent of all beef produced in the United States will earn the “Prime” designation. Enough said–this is outstanding beef and these bevy of beauties are flown

Special Feature An evening of wine and roses at Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Romance was in the air at “Eternal Love,” Centara Grand Phratamnak’s Valentine dinner in the Oceana restaurant. It was another stunning event hosted by this dazzling new hotel.The buffet was select featuring some of the choicest gourmet items available. Maine lobster, a foie gras station, chef ’s prime roast beef with oven roasted vegetables, various salads and appetizers and delectable desserts were all presented with flair and panache. As the evening drew to a close the ladies were presented with red roses and gifts to lower the curtain on an evening of romance and fine dining. If you haven’t already visited the stunning Oceana with its dramatic shark tank and wowing décor now is the time. Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort is on Soi 5, Phratamnak Road. Tel: 038 306 337 or visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

in chilled and lovingly cooked on a lava stone. Varieties available are fillet, tenderloin (280 day grain fed), that famous Harris Ranch Black Angus Sirloin and finally the piece de resistance, Tajima wagyu fillet with a marble score of 10 is now available. We were now enjoying our main courses, salmon Wellington and New Zealand herb marinated lamb. The salmon, beautifully cooked in its pastry overcoat and accompanied by sautéed potatoes and vegetables, was a star dish. I only wish I could have finished it, but the size of the portion failed me. On Blu’s insistence, it was packed up and came home with us only to be appreciatively demolished the next day. The lamb dish was also outstanding, cooked to perfection and escorted by peas, asparagus, and baby carrots sautéed with bacon it really was a lamb lover’s dream. So many great choices on this menu, we could have chosen braised pork belly with apple puree and a rich star anise jus, or duck l’orange (B.390), or 5-hour braised Australian lamb shank, or boeuf Bourguignon, or even a lamb Rogan Josh with roti bread. The gourmet options go on and on–all with Chef Adam’s personal culinary stamp of approval. Service is equally enchanting.

What does Blu put in the staff meals? They are all so bushy tailed and delightfully efficient and agreeable. From the moment you step through the doors they present themselves to please and do so charmingly. En fin, don’t leave without the house special “dessert discovery”. Here a quinary of China shot glasses are filled with the most yummy tiramisu, orange cheesecake, crème brulee, lemon tart and chocolate mousse (B.260). We shared one portion, dipping our spoons into each of their lusciousness. Say goodbye to the old straitjacketed rules of not only French gastronomy but also global cuisine of the day and say “allo, allo” to interesting fusion dishes and fashion-forward cuisine. Café des Amis works admirably, it is food friendly and crammed with class. The dynamic duo of Blu, the indefatigable proprietor, and Adam, the chef, has created a top-notch restaurant from the attentive service to the extensive gastronomic menu. Café des Amis Located end of Soi 11, Thappraya Road, Pattaya Open daily, except Sundays, from 4:45 till 11 p.m. Call 084 026 4989 or 090 772 9993 Email: info@cafedesamispattaya.com www.cafedesamispattaya.com

top tables

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Atlantic salmon fillet with blue crab cake and hollandaise sauce INGREDIENTS ( f o r 1 ser v ing ) Salmon Fillet

Hollandaise Sauce

190 grams salmon fillet, skin on

30 grams egg yolk

10 ml olive oil

100 grams clarified butter

Maldon salt and pepper

10 ml white wine vinegar reduction (with bay leaves, thyme, black

Crab Cake

peppercorn)

50 grams crab meat, cooked and

5 ml lemon juice

chilled

5 ml Tabasco

50 grams potato, mashed

salt and pepper

10 grams bread crumbs 5 grams spring onion, finely sliced

Garnish

5 grams fresh coriander, chopped

1 gram fresh mixed micro herbs

ith Jongsujar a d u h ic V e: Full nam ie ef de Part h C r io n e :S a Position nn Pattay I y a d li o ing @: H let Perform salmon fil e ic t n la t A : dish crab cak Featured with blue daise sauce n and holla

1 gram beetroot and carrot, julienne 10 ml balsamic vinegar reduction

C OO K I N G M E T H O D Salmon Fillet Marinate the salmon with Maldon salt and pepper. Grill or panfry at right temperature with olive oil.

Crab Cake Combine the mashed potato with crab meat, spring onion and fresh coriander. Then mix well and shape into cakes then roll in bread crumbs. Deep fry the crab cake till golden brown.

Hollandaise Sauce Combine egg yolk with white wine vinegar reduction in a bowl over a bain-marie (double boiler) and whisk gently. Then add melted clarified butter into the mixture. Season with lemon juice, Tabasco, salt and pepper.

MIXOLOG

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

MIXOLOGIST

Saneh “Sunny” Prakobsub

SIGNATURE DRINK

Thai jito

BIO

With over 10 years of experience in hospitality, he became a full-time restaurant manager and professional bartender at Flare restaurant of Hilton Pattaya.

Plating Drizzle balsamic vinegar on the serving plate. Place the salmon fillet then top with Hollandaise sauce. Place the crab cake then garnish with julienned beetroot and carrot and fresh micro herbs.

Holiday Inn Pattaya is located at 463/68 Pattaya Sai 1 Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Tel: 038 725 555

Thai jito INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz Sang Som (Thai rum) ½ oz ginger ale 1 oz lime juice lime mint leaves young ginger brown sugar fresh pineapple

GARNISH

red chilli kaffir lime leaves lemongrass

HOW TO MIX

Gently muddle lime, mint leaves, ginger with brown sugar in the bottom of the glass. Instantly add lime juice, fresh pineapple and Sang Som (Thai rum).

Shake all ingredients in a shaker with crushed ice. Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with red chilli, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass.

GLASS TYPE Hi-Ball V420

CATEGORY Cocktail

Available at

Flare on level 15, Hilton Pattaya

L10

escapades Chill-out at

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

48-hour chill-out and relaxation in Wong Amat. Like a Mirage...

by John K. Lindgren

photos courtesy of CGMBRP and Mike Perez

Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya city, Chonburi province, keeps growing and growing, and there are more new hotels, resorts and high-rise condominiums being built or planned. All these taking place only a two-hour drive from Bangkok or 60 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. With the ongoing political divide and unrest in Bangkok (Krungthep) and the maddening crowds on the MRT and BTS, the closed Central Business District, intersections and with a lingering uncertainty in the air, I say to myself, “time to get away from it all”. My destination Pattaya city: Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya only 196 clicks on the motorway from the Thai capital. Arrival. At the end of a lane called Naklua Soi 18 in the Wong Amat area, the gentrified North Pattaya there is a mirage, not the optical phenomenon nor the purple, dinky

Mitsubishi Mirage eco-car but the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort. Entering the monumental sandstone gate you’re transported into a lost fantasy civilization, part Indiana Jones country part Jurassic Park and a bit of Disneyland. Sculptures of elephants and mythical creatures adore gardens of the property. This is a sample of stunning new resort architecture. Unlike what I have witnessed before. In front of me a towering 18-storey sandstone colored twin edifice boasting 555 rooms, all units facing the sea. The rooms utilize the striking Lost World theme offering spectacular views of the gardens and the sea. All the rooms feature a furnished balcony or an expansive terrace, and total living space ranging from 42 to 326 square meters. Most room categories offer the choice of a king size bed or two double beds, while the Deluxe Ocean Facing

Family Residences boast bunk beds suitable for up to three children in a separate area and with ample living space. This must be the ideal family vacation retreat. Centara Grand Mirage, this stunning 5-star beach resort is the first truly themed resort hotel in the Kingdom. The property was built on the original beachfront land of the former Central Wong Amat Beach Resort. Years later Central hotels were rebranded Centara (maybe to avoid confusion with Central department stores). New corporate identity. I do like the name Centara - Cen-taara! As I walk into the high ceiling, cavernous alfresco lobby area, a pleasant tropical sea breeze greets me. Smiling groups and families are checking in and out. There's a truly relaxed ambience and the vacation mood immediately kicks in. My club category guest room on the 17th floor is modern, tastefully furnished and well-appointed. LCD TV, coffee/tea facilities, DVD player (great for the kids!), fridge, daily complimentary drinking water, daily fresh fruits, huge umbrella, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, and much more. The bathroom is luxurious: rain shower head and a private toilet. I especially like the

Club Mirage

extra-deep bathtub. Perfect for a long foaming bath soak. The shower towels are big and fluffy. No need to bring shampoo and conditioner. It's all there and replaced on a daily basis. The vista from the balcony over the water park and the Bay of Siam is splendid. The club floor guest rooms also provide access to the coveted Club Mirage on the 12th floor. A private club lounge with five meal presentations daily, evening cocktails and complimentary high-

speed internet access. A luxurious oasis, with a long balcony and a well stocked multilingual library, glossy magazines and coffee table books included. And freshly brewed premium espresso, too. Water Park Now, the hotel inspection. Verdant vistas with bridges criss-crossing the park with leisure facilities galore. This is the Lost World-themed water park with freeform swimming pools, a meandering lazy river, and several

L11

STRONGER, BRIGHTER, FITTER.

escapades

eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya

Vol. Vol.02 02No. No.05 05 || Mar Mar 1-15 2014

please dial 038 253 000 for inquiries and reservations

Oceans

waterfalls throughout the park including the thrilling water slides. There’s also the vertical climbing wall for ascending and abseiling with help of holds, ropes, harnesses and qualified instructors. As I pass one of the pools the late morning aqua aerobic dancing class is in full swing with the music pumping, heads bopping and arms swinging. Over by the sandy beach I see bright kayaks and multi hull catamarans. The beachfront provides a plethora of different water beach activities. The Oceans As high noon approaches, it’s time for lunch next to the golden sand Mirage beach. The Oceans. A seafood restaurant on a shaded wooden terrace with an open display kitchen, a well-stocked bar. Sea vistas included. A degustation menu of seafood, and delectable cocktails and mocktails follows. Executive Scottish Chef Colin Grant says, “seafood is

Acqua Italian Restaurant

food photos Mike Perez

Culinary Extravaganza by Chef Alberto Bruni Schools of fish swimming in the high ceiling and seaweed floating near the plate glass windows. Where am I? Acqua is the name of the modern Italian restaurant in the main lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Here the clever use of aquatic decorative elements and innovative lighting creates an underwater impression. A splendid dining room with a

black and redaccented chef's attire is the star. His motto is, “if you want to make it really good, do it with passion”. The affable chef is also a raconteur par excellence and an experienced rider of big, fat Harley Davidson motorbikes. Chef Alberto hails from Italy. His style is modern Italian

by John K. Lindgren

seating for 120 people in an elegant yet comfortable ambiance including high-quality cutlery, starched napkins, and attentive, knowledgeable staff. For true wine aficionados there is a well-stocked wine cellar with emphasis on Italian labels and varietals. The cellar doubles as private dining room with seating for 12 guests. In this restaurant, Italian master chef Alberto Bruni in his trademark

cooking. Rather olive oil than butter. Our first dish is a delectable Italian beef carpaccio. Paper thin and so delicious. Marinated in virgin olive oil and washed down with a chilled, dry white wine from Piedmont, Beni di Batasiolo. The legendary antipasto was named for Vittore Carpaccio, the Venetian painter known for the characteristic red and white tones of his work. The next dish is another of chef Alberto's signature dishes, risotto foie gras with porcini mushroom. Absolutely

the focus with international snacks, salads and naturally Asian favorites are high on the list”. My favorites. The perfectly chilled oysters served with lemon and Tabasco sauce, the big juicy New Zealand mussels, and the seared tuna loin with sesame seeds. And the freshly baked bread from Centara Grand Mirage bakery. Oceans restaurant offers a spectacular setting with an innovative menu to please the most discerning palates. Prices are reasonable, the staff friendly and efficient. The perfect spot for a long lazy alfresco luncheon. More Sports For your holiday workout regime there’s also a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned fitness center, and outdoor tennis courts. Other recreational sport activities include yoga, Pilates, volleyball, table tennis (ping-pong) and snooker. Or why not a brisk beach walk at sunrise or sunset? At Centara Grand

pure velvet on the palate. This main course hits the culinary bull's eye. Served with a unique red wine: Schioppettino (meaning "gunshot" or "little crack") from the Eugenio Collavini winery. On the label the house's short-haired dachshund. This wine is a perfect match with the rich risotto, a full-bodied red with flavors of rich black cherry, blackberry and blueberry, with earthy chocolate and vanilla undertones. The evening progresses pleasantly and for the next dish we are invited to the inner sanctum of master chef Alberto Bruni, Acqua's kitchen. Everything is ultra clean. Brushed aluminum, shining table tops, large gas stoves and ovens. Here chef Bruni cooks our next dish, lobster spaghetti a la minute. Right in front of us. Circa 5-10 minutes later. Voila! On the plate with the head and the tail of red lobster visible. The meat, so delectable and the spaghetti perfectly al dente. The wine, another fine Collavin (with the canine label) Collavini Blanc

Mirage also the little guys, the junior guests, are well taken care of with the professionally supervised Kids’ Club, featuring Camp Safari for those aged 4-9 and E-Zone for teenagers with a separate a game room. Actives galore for everyone, from the very to the young at heart. Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. A little over four years and still goin’ strong. Need to escape Bangkok? Need decompression? There is a Mirage in Pattaya at Wong Amat beach. No virtual mirage – the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Chillax and decompression guaranteed!

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya 277 Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Pattaya Tel: 038 301 234 Email: cmbr@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts. com/centaragrand/cmbr/

Fumat, (Sauvignon Blanc) on the palate fresh-tasting and full-bodied. Confidently, perfectly paired with the lobster spaghetti. La grande finale. Panna cotta with wild berries. This Piedmont custard wobbly vanilla scented, strawberry, wild berries enhanced creation is my favorite Italian desert and master chef Alberto Bruni's version is exquisite. Bravo, maestro! Acqua Italian Restaurant Main Lobby of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Open daily: 6:30 till 10:30 p.m. Tel: 038 301 234 ext 4266

L12

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Spa Promotions Tropical Package at Royal Garden Spa, Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa Royal Garden Spa at Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa has created Tropical Package for just 3,800 baht net. Renew every inch of skin with an exfoliating and detoxifying 60-minute Coconut Mint or Green Tea Scrub. Melt into a 60-minute Relaxing Massage of fragrant rejuvenation. Emerge nourished and refreshingly energised, and take home an exclusive Coconut Mint or Green Tea Scrub for 800 baht.

Whittle Your Middle: Eat These 5 Foods To Flatten Your Stomach… by Gwen Vasquez, www.UrbaneWomen.com

We’ve all seen them, the ads for miracle diets that promise to banish your belly fat forever with no effort. Are they any good, though? Do those ‘simple tricks’ the ads promise really work? Is there any science behind them? Most importantly, what makes these belly-banishing diets more effective than other weight loss tactics?

For more information and reservation, please contact Royal Garden Spa at 038 412 120 ext 1711 or e-mail ms_pmrs@minornet.com

Slimming Massage Treatment at Tea Tree Spa, Holiday Inn Pattaya It turns out that it’s not all about the foods you cut out of your diet. It’s just as much to do with the foods you replace them with. The things you start eating to cram your body full of nutrients it needs, keep hunger pangs at bay and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. And in this battle of the bulge, there are a few ‘secret’ superfoods that successful dieters turn to again and again for their belly blasting properties. Here are our top 5 picks…

Tea Tree Spa at Holiday Inn Pattaya unveiled a new promotion of an exclusive treatment to aid the contouring process at 4,990 baht net per person. A fabulous 150-minute package, featuring Carole Franck product, was created to increase self-confidence by reducing cellulite, firming muscles and improving the body’s natural detoxification. Pamper yourself with this slimming treatment or other signature treatments and techniques at Tea Tree Spa, located at 5th floor of Holiday Inn Pattaya. Open daily from 10 am until 10 pm, advance reservation is required. For more information and reservation, call 038 725 555 ext 3902 or email spa. reception@Holidayinn-pattaya.com

Blind therapists provide their skills at Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok Two blind therapists are providing their services at Spa Cenvaree in Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok from now until 30 June with three special packages available: • Royal Thai Massage, priced at 1,300 baht per person for 60 min and 1,600 baht for 90 min • 60-minute Traditional Foot Massage at 1,100 baht • Aromatherapy Massage, priced at 1,600 baht for 60 min and 2,000 baht for 90 min All prices are subject to 10 percent service charge and 7 percent government tax. The hotel is the first in the Centara family of hotels to employ blind massage therapists, who because of their lack of sight are considered to “see” through their hands, channeling their energy through other senses and feeling the flow of energy through their sense of touch. The spa’s usual team of expert therapists is also available during this period to provide service on these and all other packages and treatments. For more information or reservation, please contact Spa Cenvaree at 02 541 1234 ext 4292 and 4567 or email spacenvareecglb@chr.co.th

1. Almonds Most nuts, if you eat them unsalted and raw, are powerhouses of nutrition. Despite being high in fat, they are great for dieters because the fats and oils are all the healthy varieties, and they come with protein and all kinds of chemical compounds that help keep the brain active and energy levels high. The favored nut changes from time to time, but recently Copenhagen University Hospital discovered that almonds can help reduce abdominal fat in people over 40, making them the current forerunner in the dietfriendly nut club. To take advantage, simply munch on a handful of raw almonds between meals instead of reaching for a chocolate bar. 2. Salmon Replace red meat with oily fish such as salmon once or twice a week, and reap the benefits of all those Omega-3 oils reinforcing your immune system. Salmon is high in protein, which takes more energy to digest than fat or carbohydrates, and the fat in it is all the good stuff, not saturated fat destined to settle around your waist. In fact, the Omega-3s in salmon are known to interact with leptin, a hormone that is connected to burning calories off quicker.

3. Grapefruit You may be familiar with the idea of grapefruit for breakfast, but if you want to get the most out of this one, you’ll need to eat it (or drink the juice) three times a day. As much as studies have shown that diners who eat soup before a meal ultimately consume less overall calories during the meal, a recent study showed that consuming half a grapefruit or four fluid ounces of the juice before main meals led to weight loss and a shrinking waistline. Whether or not the effectiveness of grapefruit juice as a diet aid is due to taking it before a meal to take the edge off your hunger, it’s diuretic properties preventing bloating or it’s palate cleansing effect making fatty foods taste bad is debatable, but if you want to say bye-bye to belly fat, try a grapefruit starter before every meal. 4. Green Tea Catechins in green tea encourage the release of fat from fat cells, and it boosts the liver’s ability to process fat after a meal. 5. Blueberries You know blueberries are a powerful antioxidant, but researchers at the University of Michigan recently discovered a diet high in blueberries led to a significant reduction in abdominal fat – in rats at least. While there’s no guarantee they’ll have the same

effect in humans and the quantity you might have to put away to see the benefits could be substantial, even in smaller quantities they can lower triglyceride levels and increase insulin sensitivity, meaning they can help protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes while potentially whittling your waistline. Which, let’s face it, has to be worth a try. For additional information on fitness, health, beauty, romance, skin care, hair care and more, go to www. urbanewomen.com

A study published in the journal Neurology finds that people who have suffered concussions may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as they get older. The study found that people with traumatic brain injuries formed plaques on the brain similar to those found in people with the debilitating disease. Previous research has supported the link, including studies that show athletes in high-contact sports--like boxing and American football, where they receive blows to the head, are more at risk for dementia.

L13

fairness-fitness-finery

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

To Botox Or Not To Botox?

by Di Barker

How Is Intradermal Botox Different? Everyone knows about Botox, the line-erasing, complexion-enhancing treatment. However, there is a new Botox buzz around and it is known as Intradermal-Botox. The injections are not into the muscles responsible for facial expressions but into the erector pili–the fine muscles in the skin that control pore size. These muscles are literally within the skin, hence the name. They are the ones that make your hair stand on end or cause goose bumps. This specific procedure is gaining favour for its oil-inhibiting, pore-reducing suppressant that is often the result

of living in a tropical climate. Apparently, botulism toxin is just as good as a quick fix for those who suffer from oily skin, enlarged pores, and acne scars as those seeking to tighten their face just a touch in order to ensure a fresher and younger appearance. At Thonglor Clinic in Jomtien, the resident doctor is a professional injector qualified to administer this treatment. He remarked that many of his patients come from overseas for this treatment and that although the procedure has been around for a while it is only recently that

it has started to pick up momentum. The same vials used to freeze drooping facial muscles are injected into the top of the skin as a means of controlling the oil-producing sebaceous glands and tightening the tiny surface muscles that can lead to visible pores. He commented that his patients typically see results in about two weeks, but that he has had some people tell him that they saw improvements within a couple of days, adding that effects last for about four to six months. Smaller pores result in a smaller skin surface area, thus stretching the skin more over the face, which results in a face lift effect. If you have oily skin, acne or fine lines and wrinkles on your face and neck, Intradermal-Botox is an effective, fast-acting treatment that may be a great solution for you. If you wish to learn more about this cuttingedge technique–or if you want to schedule a consultation, contact Thonglor Clinic, Jomtien on (038) 252 055, and you’ll be taking the first step toward younger, healthier looking skin. Thonglor Clinic Pattaya Located on Thappraya Road, about 100 meters before Bruno’s, coming from Pattaya Tel: 038 252 055 Fax: 038 252 056

Lack luscious lashes?

There are a number of reasons why your eyelashes may be less thick today than they use to be. In addition to simply falling out naturally, you may be losing them because you wipe your eyes too vigorously when removing eye makeup. It might help to switch brands, using a remover that doesn’t require rubbing. Heavy mascara may also be the culprit in that it weighs down the lashes causing them to fall out. And if you use an eyelash curler, be careful not to pull out lashes when you apply pressure. On the other hand, it may be none of the above and, in fact, you may not be causing the thinning lashes. Sometimes lashes fall out at a greater rate due to an eyelid infection, a thyroid problem, or a nutrient deficiency. If so, consult your physician, particularly if you are losing a lot of your eyelashes. Avoid drugs claiming to regrow lashes.

L14

diversions

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

upcoming movies 300: Rise of an Empire

Vampire Academy

The Lego Movie

Lead Actors Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva Green

Lead Actors

Director Noam Murro Genre Action | Drama | War Release Date March 6, 2014

Director Mark Waters Genre Action | Comedy | Fantasy Release Date March 13, 2014

Lead Actors

Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Berry, Alison Brie

After its victory over Leonidas' 300, the Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city states. The Democratic city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an unwilling alliance with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land.

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half-vampire and half-human, who is training to be a guardian at St Vladimir's Academy along with many others like her. There are good and bad vampires in their world: Moroi, who co-exist peacefully among the humans and only take blood from donors, and also possess the ability to control one of the four elements water, earth, fire or air; and Strigoi, blood-sucking, evil vampires who drink to kill. Rose and other Dhampir guardians are trained to protect Moroi and kill Strigoi throughout their education. Along with her best friend, Princess Vasilisa Dragomir, a Moroi and the last of her line, with whom she has a nigh unbreakable bond, Rose must run away from St.Vladimir's, in order to protect Lissa from those who wish to harm the princess and use her for their own means.

Director Genre Release Date

Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Animation | Action | Adventure | Comedy March 13, 2014

Nikon Coolpix AW120 Camo Camera Not every moment you witness that really calls for a photograph is necessarily the best moment to actually take a picture — so you need a camera that not only takes great pictures, but takes them in nearly every scenario imaginable. The Nikon Coolpix AW120 Camo Camera is ready for some abuse, thanks to its waterproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof construction. So, go ahead and take it with you underwater, drop it off a ledge, or take it out in the cold, because beautiful pictures don’t always happen at the most opportune moments (or in the most accommodating conditions). And with a 16-megapixel sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and full 1080p HD video capability, as well as a camocolorway that will help you blend in with your surroundings, it’s ready for pretty much anything.

Dash Smart Earphones We’ve got smartphones and smart watches — so why not smart earphones? Dash Smart Earphones are indeed smarter than your standard pack-ins, and almost all aftermarket cans, as well. Thanks to a host of sensors, they can track your pace, steps, cadence, distance, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and energy spent, relaying the information back to your devices via Bluetooth. They use the same connection to act as wireless headphones, and thanks to a built-in ear bone microphone, can serve as a headset, as well. Forget your phone at home? Not to worry, as they also feature 4GB of storage and a built-in music player, so you’re never without your tunes.

Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky

The LEGO Movie is a 3D animated film which follows lead character, Emmet a completely ordinary LEGO mini-figure who is mistakenly identified as the most “extraordinary person” and the key to saving the Lego universe. An ordinary guy, Emmet is mistaken as being a “Master Builder” or one who can save the universe. Emmet and his friends go on an epic journey to stop the evil tyrant, Lord Business, who is bent on destroying their LEGO universe by gluing it all together.

music / new release

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Driver You don’t bring back a name like Big Bertha unless you’ve got something really new and exciting. Adjustable weights, adjustable lofts, adjustable face angle — it’s all been done before. But an adjustable center of gravity? Now that fits the bill. And that’s exactly what you’ll find on the Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Driver. Like most adjustable drivers, the Alpha offers an adjustable hosel for changing the loft and face angle, and movable weights for further launch adjustment, but adds a Gravity Core that allows you to change the vertical center of gravity independently of everything else — giving you yet another way to custom-fit the driver to match your swing.

SCALING UP EXCELLENCE By SUTTON & RAO 9781847940995 Shows you how to create a great organisation. Drawing on case studies that range from Silicon Valley enterprises to non-proﬁt organisations, this book provides crucial insights into corporate cultures, both good and bad, and offers a road map for establishing and stimulating excellence.

KYLIE MINOGUE – KISS ME ONCE Kiss Me Once is the upcoming twelfth studio album by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, due for release on 14 March 2014. It is her first album under the management of Jay Z's Roc Nation, with which Minogue signed with in 2013. It is Minogue's first studio album release since Aphrodite (2010).

1. Into the Blue 2. Million Miles 3. I Was Gonna Cancel 4. Sexy Love 5. Sexercize 6. Feels So Good 7. If Only 8. Les Sex 9. Kiss Me Once 10. Beautiful 11. Fine

THE DOODLE REVOLUTION: UNLOCK THE POWER TO THINK DIFFERENTLY By SUNNI BROWN 9781591845881 What do Einstein, Edison, Richard Feynman, Henry Ford, and JFK have in common? Like virtually all heavy-hitting thinkers, they looked beyond just words and numbers to get intellectual and creative insights. They actively applied a deceptively simple tool to think both smarter and faster: the doodle.

L15

automotive The new Ducati Hypermotard – twist the throttle

Vol. 02 No. 05 | Mar 1-15 2014

Italian two-wheeler hyper performance cum extreme versatility. Some call it the “hooligan bike”.

Big Bike Rider: Yaser Farook Photos courtesy of Ducati Thailand

Mention Ducati to your wife and she will say, “Oh, that’s the new dark gourmet chocolate isn’t it? Or is a new premium Italian spaghetti?” But for bikers, by John K. Lindgren Ducati is the highEditor-in-chief: performance cum carsanook.com racing motorbike marques, par excellence. In 1926 Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons, Adriano, Marcello, and Bruno Cavalieri Ducati; founded Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati. The company produced radio components. In the 1940s the Ducati brothers started manufacturing a bicyclelike moped, the Cucciolo (Italian for "puppy"), powered by a dinky 48 cc engine. Through the decades Ducati ownership changed hands many times. Today the brand is part of the premium automotive Volkswagen Group that builds and sells coveted passenger and sports car brands such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen. In Thailand, Ducatisti Co., Ltd., is the authorized distributor of Ducati motorcycles, founded in 2002 by Apichat Leenutaphong. Ducatisti offers

911 GT3

a full range of services for Ducati aficionados across the Kingdom, including sales, service, accessories and apparel, spare parts, plus Ducaticertified pre-owned motorcycles, as well as comprehensive rider training; Ducati Riding Experience. Currently, Ducati boasts of three showrooms in Bangkok: Thong Lor, Rama III, and the flagship showroom, Ducati Vibhavadi, the biggest Ducati outlet in Asia. To cope with recent demand in high-performance motorbikes Ducati showroom and service centers are now in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Phuket and Pattaya. The Ducati Pattaya showroom is on Third Road in North Pattaya, Tel. 038 422 071. The current model Ducati lineup consists of Diavel, Superbike, Streetfighter, Monster, Multistrada, and Hypermotard. We took the Ducati Hypermotard for a weekend test ride. First the look. The Ducati Hypermotard styling is aggressive, the attitude, the stance. Just look at the tough tubular steel trellis frame, the eye-piercing Ducati metallic red tank, and the oversized exhaust pipes. The original dirt bike-inspired styling has become even more daring thanks to the visibly higher ground clearance, the high and tapered tail, and the narrow sides. Although maintaining the typical hand protectors of offroad models, the new Hypermotard offers redesigned rear-view mirrors in order to blend in perfectly with the model’s new clean design and the need to use it in the city. The Ducati Hypermotard is

powered by a 821-cc, liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike comes with high-performance Brembo brakes. There are three riding modes (Race, Sport, and Wet), ride-by-wire throttle control. Safety comes with ABS brakes and Ducati Traction Control. The bike is mounted on 10-spoke wheels and Italian cool 17-inch Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres. Our test rider, Yaser Farook, is an experienced biker and owner of several big motorcycles including Kawasaki Z 1000. He was impressed as we entered the showroom at the Thailand Ducati HQ on Vibhavadi Rangsit, between Suthisan intersection and the Thai Airways skyscraper. “This is trendy, concept driven. Totally superbike ambience. Lots of branding. I have never seen a bike showroom like this in Thailand,” says Farook. Here all the cool Ducatis are displayed, from the evil-looking Diavel Dark to the superbike 1199 Panigale R (Racing). But, first we need a coffee, a cappuccino and a double espresso, served in the bespoke Ducati cafeteria. Outside the Ducati Hypermotard, the bike is tanked up and ready. First an indepth briefing by one of the showroom technicians and ignition on. “Listen. Isn’t that awesome?” says Farook. The unmistakable sound of Ducati is a

symphony of internal combustion. Our test rider puts on his gloves and helmet. Visor down. He throttles, up shifts to 1st and 2nd gear, and disappears into the dense Bangkok traffic. Circa 45 minutes later at the Ducati showroom in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit 55, the new Hypermotard arrives. “All the way from Vibhavadi Rangsit. A lot of zig-zagging in the chock-a-bloc Friday traffic. This is not for novice riders. But for the experienced biker the Ducati is easy to handle in spite of the massive torque, and the stopping power is awesome, brembo power”, says Farook with a big smile. Me the ghost writer, I am off in my Japanese city car as the ghost rider Farook exits the service center direction Phetchaburi road. Next day Farook at the handlebars and his wife riding pillion went for a road trip down Samut Sakhon and Phetchaburi. Weekend touring, perfect Ducati riding environment. Conclusion: “My expectations were sky high for the Hypermotard. The 821-cc engine is amazing. It’s a bike close to my heart in concept, and Ducati did such a great job on the design and the engineering. So even though it’s demanding at slow speed city handling. It is still manageable,

provided you have some big bike experience. But the real thrill is out on the high-speed stretches outside Bangkok. More throttle less brake plus that spine-tingling exhaust,” explains Farook. “Furthermore, Ducati Hypermotard has got tons of street credibility. It oozes of Italian superbike DNA. I love it and yes, I would buy one tomorrow! - Trust me.” “Yes, Ducati’s new Hypermotard passed the test on the provincial highways and even the crowded Bangkok streets with flying colors,” says Yaser Farook big bike test rider, who is now back riding his green, mean Kawasaki Z 1000 killer machine–but he seriously considers buying a Ducati Hypermotard and his wife, she knows, Ducati is Italian. Chocolate No! Superbike Yes!

Ducati Hypermotard

Engine: Liquid-cooled 821cc L-twin Testastretta Output: 110 horsepower Transmission: 6-speed manual Brakes: ABS equipped, 4-piston Brembo monobloc calipers Kerb weight: 175 kg Price: 499,900 baht www.ducatithailand.com

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

GM Outlook: “Pattaya’s long-term success is already obvious and our aim is to build on our previous reputation to bring the bright future a little nearer.”

— Manmohan Singh Chawla Director

Blue Sky Group

page P8/32 >>

Volume 3

What's Inside: Property Real estate forum focuses on current issues

Issue 04 1-15 march 2014

North Pattaya –

More Than You Think

page P3/27 Expat Money Corner Market Overview Bulls & Bears

page P4/28

page P5/29 Property Thailand Property Awards 2014 The Eastern Seaboard Judges

page P6/30

Classifieds

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

page P10/34

PHOTOS MIKE PEREZ

Property Venetian hosts launch party

Amari Pattaya’s David Barrett maps the future

by Barry Kenyon

Almost everyone in the know agrees that Pattaya in recent years has changed for the better. The high rise luxury condos, the five-star hotels, the upscale shopping malls, the many excellent restaurants and the diversification of leisure opportunities all signify that the popular Eastern Seaboard resort has moved a long way from its traditional dependence on night life to attract visitors. Yet much work remains to be done. Pattaya is still stereotyped in many on-line media outlets and social

networks as if it had not advanced at all from the night-owl specials and raucous entertainment of 20 years ago. Of course, exciting night life is still available in Pattaya – Walking Street in particular – although bars and clubs have not expanded in quantity even as the city as a whole has grown by leaps and bounds in sophistication. There is now a thriving expat community living or working here and enjoying the facilities provided by choice condos and villas, top class schools and international hospitals.

A campaign is now under way to make the whole world rethink Pattaya. David Barrett, Executive Director Events at Amari Pattaya and Amari Watergate Bangkok, is team-leading a remarkable venture which initially is concentrating on marketing

one area of the resort. The North Pattaya – More Than You Think – campaign is welcoming partnerships amongst hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, attractions and quality tourism stakeholders operating in the North Pattaya neighbourhood. The campaign aims to create a new identity for the area and to increase awareness of the superb infrastructure and first-class accommodation within North Pattaya. It is being driven by seven founding partners (all hotels) to provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to increase the volume of quality visitors. They are known as The North Pattaya Alliance (NPA) and include Amari Pattaya, Cape Dara, Centara Grand Mirage, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Holiday Inn, Pullman Pattaya and The Zign. Continued on page P2/26

P2/ 26

Volume 3

Issue 04

1-15 March 2014

Special Feature Continued from page P1/25

North Pattaya – More Than You Think

(TAT), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Pattaya City Hall and other agencies has already been secured to generate more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in the area. The commercial proposition, to be enhanced by a high-end brochure, website and social media, is to present North Pattaya as “More than a beach, more than a city, more than you think!” David Barrett explains, “At the moment Pattaya MICE tends to be dominated by local companies organizing conferences or factory visits and special events. Pattaya is often considered as a cheaper option to Phuket and Hua Hin, but our aim is to increase dramatically more domestic and in particular international MICE and to position North Pattaya as an upscale destination to be the first choice for meeting planners and corporate business strategists. Our first mission is to sell the destination by changing traditional, negative perceptions and publicizing on a grand scale just what North Pattaya has to offer.” Amari Pattaya in fact has made a

David Barrett said, “We face a tremendous international challenge in spreading the word that Pattaya is these days an excellent upmarket destination. The concentration for now is on North Pattaya because it is so different from the more commercialized central and south parts of the city, with its own pristine beaches, top class hotels, a greener environment and great infrastructure including easy road communications with Bangkok.” He added that North Pattaya in its own right has impressive leverage with a combined 3,000-plus guestrooms and numerous events spaces and local attractions. The North Pattaya – More Than You Think destination branding is intended to encourage customers, both local and international, to think again about Pattaya and visit the neighbourhood, both personally and professionally. The active cooperation of The Tourism Authority of Thailand

sound start by beginning to exploit the lucrative Indian wedding market. The five star hotel located at the north end of the resort’s beach road has hosted six Indian weddings in the last five weeks with many more requests pending. There are around 300 Indian weddings a year in Thailand with each one averaging 300 guests. They are quite unlike other marriage ceremonies because of their large size and the greater attention which must be paid to the guests on a 24 hour basis. David Barrett said, “Indian weddings at Amari Pattaya have really shown the success that can be achieved by a top hotel. You have to be flexible in the arrangements. For example, the hundreds of guests expect high quality Indian food both day and night, so we brought over 16 Indian chefs for a recent three day and two night ceremony. The philosophy of a great Indian wedding is masterfully to orchestrate the decor, the food, the service, the music and the dynamic environment so that the whole experience, not just the ceremony itself, will be embedded in the memories of the wedding couple and their families and friends for years.” The campaign for North Pattaya – More Than You Think will be launched soon but at a time when it isn’t overshadowed by national political news. David Barrett concludes, “We want the campaign to be open to all, not just an exclusive club of seven founding hotels. Amari Pattaya is the campaign champion but our overall aim is to revolutionise world perspectives on our neighbourhood and expand MICE business and Indian weddings on a huge scale.” Although the campaign is concentrating on North Pattaya, a discrete area in its own right, the potential benefits to the whole resort are obvious. Pattaya has indeed changed and is still evolving and expanding every year. A concept such as North Pattaya – More Than You Think to spread the good word is a timely and rewarding one. For too long now, Pattaya has been surrounded by a wall of erroneous preconceptions. That’s about to change.

P3/ 27

Volume 3

Property Real estate forum focuses on current issues

A panel of real estate veterans was featured at a conference focusing on the market impact of events in Thailand and the potential for attracting foreign buyers. The Real Estate Exclusive (TREE) Executive Meet-up Pattaya, organized by property site DDproperty.com at the Dusit D2 Baraquda Pattaya, attracted an audience of local developers and real estate agents. The speaker panel was headed by Frank Khan, executive director and head of Residential of Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with Clayton Wade, managing director of Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., and Apichart Gulati, project manager of The Blue Sky Group Co., Ltd. The speakers emphasized why property developers should not ignore the potential from overseas, and shared their thoughts on the ongoing political situation. The fact that 90 percent of tourists are directly going to other cities in Thailand rather than Bangkok, it was noted, was viewed as a positive sign for Pattaya. Looking at potential leads and future investors in Thai markets, the speakers highlighted reasons to venture into the Kingdom, such as strategic locations across the country; commercial business districts along Pattaya’s Sukhumvit Road; increasing property values; tourist arrivals; improved image of Pattaya with familytheme projects, and a vast number of developers—foreign and Thai—buttressing the local market.

Issue 04

1-15 March 2014

P4/ 28

Volume 3

Issue 04

1-15 March 2014

Legal & Expat Money FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS by Magna Carta Law Office

Divorce in Thailand What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in Thailand? Uncontested divorce is the termination of marriage by mutual consent. Contested divorce is when one or both spouses do not agree with the terms of the separation or have broken the marriage agreement. While a couple may agree to divorce, things could become complicated and can be contested when it comes to some important conjugal matters such as child custody and sharing of properties. What are grounds for divorce? - One spouse has committed adultery - One spouse is guilty of misconduct - One spouse has seriously harmed or tortured the body or mind of the other - One spouse has deserted the other for more than 1 year - One spouse has been imprisoned for more than 1 year - The spouses have voluntarily lived separately for more than 3 years - One spouse has disappeared for more than 3 years - One spouse has failed to give proper maintenance and support to the other - One spouse has been an insane person for more than 3 years continuously and such insanity is hardly curable so that the continuance of marriage cannot be expected - One spouse has broken a bond of good behaviour executed by him or her - One spouse is suffering from a communicable and dangerous incurable disease and may cause injury to the other - One spouse has a physical disadvantage so as to be permanently unable to cohabit as husband and wife What are the advantages of uncontested divorce in Thailand? The procedure is typically faster and cheaper as there is no need for a representation in court while preserving both parties' privacy. There is less emotional stress involved to both parties, as well as to their children and respective families as it enables the couple to end their marriage in a civilized manner. You lose control of the divorce process once the matter is turned over to a judge to decide. The judge may come up with an arrangement that neither of you will be comfortable with. He may also come up with a property settlement where you lose things that were more valuable to you. How do we file an uncontested divorce in Thailand? Uncontested divorce is possible only if the couple has no disagreements over children or property. Filing for uncontested divorce is as simple as registering your marriage and the process can be completed in one day at the local district office. There is no need to have a ground for divorce. The couple’s mutual decision to end the marriage is enough. This must be made in writing with at least two witnesses. Relevant documents shall be presented, proper forms must be completed, and

important questions must be answered, then a divorce certificate will be issued by the registrar office. This type of divorce only applies if the couple are married in Thailand. Marriages outside the Thai jurisdiction who wish to file for a divorce in Thailand shall have to go through the court system. What must our divorce agreement contain? A settlement or divorce agreement contains provisions regarding the terms of sharing of assets, child custody and support, alimony, and other important matters. It is recommended that you decide these matters beforehand and formalize them in a divorce contract. This will guarantee that there are no disagreements before you go to the registration office. The details of the divorce conditions shall be specified in the divorce registration. In case of uncontested divorce, can my lawyer appear on my behalf? No. Each party must be physically present before the officer to make a personal declaration of their intention to divorce. Who shall determine the concerns regarding maintenance of children upon divorce? In the case of divorce by mutual consent, an arrangement shall be made and contained in the agreement of divorce as to who--both or either spouse-will contribute to the maintenance of the children and the amount of such contribution. In the case of divorce by judgment of the court or in case the agreement of divorce contains no provisions concerning the maintenance of the children, the determination shall be made by the court. How will marital property and debts be shared between the parties? Marital property is anything acquired during the course of marriage by way of gift, purchase, or inheritance. Personal property is anything acquired before the marriage. When a couple divorces in Thailand, all marital property is divided equally, and personal property remains that of each individual. If both parties agree to the terms then the proceedings are not complicated. However, if the couple cannot agreeably settle the property distribution issues, the court will have to resolve the issues based on Thai laws. Common debts incurred shall be of equal liability between the couple upon termination of the marriage. When does a contested and uncontested divorce case take effect? In a case where a marriage has been registered according to law, divorce by mutual consent takes effect from the time of registration. If all documentation is in order, the divorce can be completed and registered in one day. Divorce by judgment of the court takes effect on and from the time when the judgment becomes final, however, such judgment may not be set up to the prejudice to the rights of third persons acting in good faith unless the divorce has been registered. Is it possible to change from a contested to uncontested divorce? Yes. The filing party or both parties may withdraw the contested divorce case anytime and file an uncontested divorce instead.

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

Market Overview – Bulls & Bears

We are more interested in looking at the markets again for clients and have been doing some associated research. We’ve noted details of a number of funds below for you to browse. They are all well spread, highly thought of funds in what generally are considered to be the bull markets going forward. Although relatively conservative, they do have some volatility due to their market exposure. The pundits’ current perceived wisdom has identified a number of ‘macro’ (national) economies and sectors that should be set for upward movement, barring meteors landing on the oilfields of the Middle East, or some other unforeseen disaster. From the general predictions, we have selected three, possibly four markets that I feel fairly comfortable with and one sector that should do well but we would suggest is higher up the risk profile: • The UK’s GDP is predicted to grow by up to 2.4 percent this year and we believe has some good potential for upward movement in the main indices. • Japan – almost all commentators are expecting the more competitive yen and return to inflation from years of deflation to be a positive for this economy • Europe – although problems remain, indicators clearly point to a recovery for most of the Eurozone • Sector – Healthcare/Biotech – various new drugs of significance will become available over the coming year, including treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and hepatitis C. In addition, the general increase in demand for private healthcare is particularly evident in many of the emerging markets Although we keep hearing about record highs from the US and major European markets, an example worth remembering is that on Nov. 22, 2007, the FTSE 100 index in London closed at 6432.50, and on Nov. 22, 2013, it closed at 6674.30–not much of a record six years later! Hence I don’t see any persuasive argument from those saying there is no room for growth from the current levels. PFS Chelverton UK Equity Income Fund: The PFS Chelverton UK Equity Income Fund invests in UK small and mid-cap Equities and Alternative Investment Market (Aim) shares which have a yield of at least 4 percent on a 12-month view. The investment process begins with a screen of the UK equity market for stocks with a market cap above £50m that, on a 12-month view, will yield at least 4 percent. The fund has delivered strong positive returns. Jupiter European Opportunities (JEO): Some argue that investment trusts are a good way to play an improving market because you can benefit from a rerating of both the underlying investments, and the investment trust’s share price. In a rising market trusts can also do better because of their ability to take on debt. However, discounts on Europe sector investment trusts have mostly tightened against their 12 month averages, while the Jupiter European Opportunities(JEO) trades at a slight premium, albeit a smaller one than at times during 2013. It has an outstanding three- and five-year record, though has not done so well over one year. European Investment Trust (EUT): European Investment Trust (EUT), however, is still on a discount of nearly 12 percent (at time of writing) but has markedly improved its performance over the last three years since the appointment of new managers, F&C Global Smaller Companies (FCS) &JOHCM Japan Fund: Japan remains the preferred developed market for many pundits in 2014. Gross domestic product has shown a steady pace of expansion, business sentiment has improved, and there is growing evidence that inflation readings are reversing previously stubborn deflation. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has implemented economic reforms in an attempt to rejuvenate the stagnant economy. Abe increased the amount of money in Japan's economy through quantitative easing by around $116bn. This has contributed to the devaluation of the yen, making exports cheaper and more competitive, which in turn will boost the corporate earnings of Japan's multinational companies. A change in the equity asset allocation mix from the Government Pension Investment Fund (the world's largest pension fund) may stimulate the market further. Meanwhile the Nippon Individual Savings Accounts was launched in January 2014. This is similar to the UK individual savings account (Isa) and should encourage Japanese private investors to invest in shares–a possible further boost. Ruth Nash, manager of the JOHCM Japan Fund, says that if this really is the start of a long-term bull market, large caps will perform well but the performance of small and mid-cap stocks could be extraordinary. The market enjoyed a 56 percent rise in yen terms (26 percent in sterling terms) between Dec. 17, 2012 and Dec. 5, 2013, so admittedly equities are looking less attractive on valuations. However, the market is still cheap versus its own long-term history. We think the story still has a way to go and as most UK investors are very underweight Japan, those who can afford to take the risk could consider topping up their allocation. Risks remain; for example Japan has growing sovereign debt and has an aging population. Attempts to reduce the debt could tip the economy back into recession, according to asset manager BlackRock, and even if the economy takes off and rates rise, spiralling debt servicing costs could break expansion and trigger a debt crisis. Currency fluctuations can damage returns from Japan so a good option could be a hedged fund. IC Top 100 Fund GLG Japan Core Alpha, which offers a hedged share class. OrbiMed’s Worldwide Healthcare Trust: OrbiMed trumped its benchmark this year with a 42.7 percent total net asset value return, compared to 32.7 percent from the MSCI World Health Care Index. This is a fund that strives for maximum growth potential. To achieve this, it invests in a diversified portfolio of shares in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related companies in the healthcare sector. It also uses gearing and derivative transactions to mitigate risk and to enhance capital returns. And Samuel Isaly, manager of the Worldwide Healthcare Trust, is very optimistic about 2014. He says he expects multiple new blockbuster drugs to come to market this year, each with the potential for annual sales of more than $5bn and all with their origins in biotech. “2014 is the year of the biotech blockbuster drug. These are not hopes and prayers for profits in 10 years; we are talking regulatory approval and sales this year,” he says. The trust is 68.9 percent invested in North America, with an 11.5 percent allocation to Europe, and 11 percent in emerging markets.

Important Note - This article contains general information only and is not intended to be taken as specific financial, investment, or tax advice. A personal analysis should always be obtained. Tim Whiteley of IFA International has over 25 years as an IFA, advising international investors and expatriates, both onshore UK, and offshore in Asia. With offices in Bangkok, and regular client visits to Pattaya, IFA specialises in wealth protection services, offshore trusts, QROPS UK Pension Transfers and QNUPS, creating tailor made investment solutions for individuals around the world. IFA International does NOT provide discretionary portfolio management, securities advice, forex trading, or local brokerage/insurance products. The services that IFA International Group provides are for 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

P5/ 29

Volume 3

Issue 04

Property Venetian hosts launch party Blue Sky Group celebrated the beginning of construction on Venetian Signature Condo Resort Pattaya with a party at the project showroom. For those who missed the festivities, the developer said a series of weekly theme parties will continue throughout March in the Venetian sales gallery. On hand for the initial event were project managers Varun Chawla and Sunny Chawla, who reported that high-quality materials and a environment-friendly, state-of-the-art hydraulic piling equipment will be used in construction. Upon completion at the end of next year, the Venetian will have 990 unitsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;studio to two-bedrooms--in four buildings on more than 17,000 square meters. The Blue Sky Group also is responsible for such five-star condominium developments as Atlantis and Grande Caribbean, both of which are under construction.

1-15 March 2014

P6/ 30

Volume 3

Issue 04

1-15 March 2014

Property

Thailand Property Awards 2014 The Eastern Seaboard Judges

Thailand Property Awards nominations for the Eastern Seaboard’s Best Condominium Development and Best Villa Development were submitted between February 1 and 28; judges will visit the short-listed condo and villa sites from June 23 to 28. By July 28, all score sheets for Non-Development Award categories will have been tallied for Bangkok, Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Khaow Yai, Chang Mai, Phang Na, Krabi and Phuket. Yes, once again we are quickly approaching the eagerly-awaited annual event that recognizes the residential sector’s leading real estate professionals, property developers, interior designers, and architects. Non-Development Awards in 2014 will include Best Developer, Best Boutique Developer, Best Residential Architectural Design, Best Villa Architectural Design, Best Villa Interior Design, Best Commercial Architectural Design, Best Landscape Architectural Design, Best Hotel Architectural Design, Best Residential Interior Design, and… finally, the Real Estate Personality of the Year! A major change this year is elimination of the real estate agency, management, and consultancy awards. Development Awards include Best Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok),

by Clayton Wade Managing Director

Teresa Biesty

Pongstorn Sangruchi

Best Affordable Condo Development (Bangkok), Best Condo Development (Phuket), Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard), Best Housing Development (Bangkok), Best Villa Development (Phuket), Best Villa Development (Eastern Seaboard), Best Residential Development (Phang Na and Krabi), Best Residential Development (Koh Samui), Best Residential Development (Hua Hin), Best Residential Development (Chiang Mai), Best Residential Development (Khao Yai) and Best Commercial Development Thailand. All winners will be announced at the gala dinner and awards ceremony-recognized as the Oscars of Thailand's property and real estate industry--on Thursday, September 11, at the Conrad Bangkok Hotel.

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

Somnuek Tanthathoedtham

Sunantapat Chalermpanth

Of course, these awards are highly regarded, and the last eight yearly events have established them as the highest symbol of achievement that a company or an individual can receive in Thailand’s residential real estate industry. Having said that, you might ask how these awards are decided and what is the process that produces them. In the Development Awards category, a central and regional panel of 15 judges—each a respected industry professional--examines and scores each nominee and then makes the initial short-lists of five properties for each luxury condominium, condominium, affordable condominium, housing, villa and residential development category. The nine-member central judging panel, chaired by Sunchai Nuengsit, includes Teresa Biesty, Sokoun Chanpreda, Ian Hamilton, Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Suphin Mechuchep, Bill Barnett, Rohit Sachdev, and Dr. Theerathon Tharachai. The five regional-panel judges include the Eastern Seaboard’s Clayton Wade, managing director, Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd.; Hua Hin’s Russ Downing, managing director, Hua Hin Property Central; Koh Samui’s Christian Glanville, chief operating officer, Limcharoen; Chiang Mai’s Keith Humphreys, managing director, Keith Humphreys and Associates, and Phuket’s Robert Krupica, senior partner, Hughes Krupica. The next step in the process is for the regional judging teams to conduct site

Our very special thanks to Clayton Wade, managing director of Pattaya’s Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. for preparing this Pattaya Today column. Clayton Wade has been running Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd., with his wife, Khun Supap, for more than 17 years. He himself has been in the real estate industry going on 27 years, having started his career in the United States where he was licensed and practiced both real estate sales and property management in Seattle, Washington. Clayton personally was responsible for

Mark Bowling

inspections at each of the short-listed condo and villa sites in their regions. Eastern Seaboard organizer Clayton Wade’s judging team will be comprised of Teresa Biesty, Pongstorn Sangruchi, Somnuek Tanthathoedtham, Sunantapat Chalermpanth, and the newest member, Mark Bowling of Colliers International (Pattaya). We are very pleased to have Mark onboard this year as he has one of the best reputations and highest credentials in the region. I could not find a better team of professionals. Once scores are tallied for the condominium and villa developments, the final list of winners will be delivered to BDO Richfield Advisory Ltd, one of Thailand’s largest accounting and advisory firms, for safe-keeping until the gala dinner on September 11. As you can see, the Thailand Property Awards, organized by Terry Blackburn, Ensign Media managing director, is truly a spectacular event. Terry deserves a tremendous amount of credit for having produced, in just a few years, Thailand’s cutting-edge residential property awards venue. The country’s most glamorous and expensive villa and condominium developments will, once again, be represented at this spectacular event, along with the most innovative and successful interior designers, architects, real estate agents and real estate agencies. Just as last year, this year’s Thailand Property Awards is shaping up like an outstanding showcase for the residential real estate industry.

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

P8/ 32

Volume 3

Issue 04

1-15 March 2014

GM Outlook

Venetian Signature Condo Resort – Creating a symphony of living in Pattaya Blue Sky Group has made a dramatic impact on the Thai property scene over several decades. A coalition of Thaiowned private companies, their key development field has been the residential building and hotel sector in the country.

Sky Treasure

lue Sky director Manmohan Singh Chawla (Mohan), the youngest of eleven brothers and sisters, is understandably proud of the huge commercial strides made already over the long years. Mohan is the man behind the success of sales and marketing for all Blue Sky’s projects in Pattaya. Although it is sometimes believed that the company’s involvement in Pattaya dates back only a few years, Mohan sets the record straight. “Actually I have been coming to Pattaya for 30 years to see relatives who invested and settled here and I even bought, and then sold for a good profit, a condominium here before it became fashionable to do so,” he says. Mohan adds that he has always had enormous confidence in the real estate

by Barry Kenyon

Manmohan Singh Chawla, Blue Sky director, and Pornthep Chawla, Atlantis project manager, father and son

“Pattaya’s long-term success is already obvious and our aim is to build on our previous reputation to bring the bright future a little nearer.”

Google hits than the lost continent described by the ancient Greeks which tells you a great deal in itself. With five luxurious buildings named after Greek gods and goddesses, a highlight of the development is the 2,600 square meter water park. Atlantis is now 99 percent sold out with construction very nearly completed and the first owners moving in shortly — Manmohan Singh Chawla after Songkran. Pornthep Chawla (Mohan) (Dev), the project manager in charge, coined the recipe for success in real market in the Pattaya area, a trust that is now self-evident in the continuing building estate: “Listen, learn, manage and show respect.” boom, especially along Jomtien Second Equally famous is Grande Road. All Pattaya residents have been noting Caribbean, the 1000-plus-unit condominium on Thappraya Road on their daily travels the progress of the first two condominium projects by Blue Sky close to the Jomtien court house in the Eastern Seaboard resort. The first, with construction well under way. Atlantis on Jomtien Second Road, has more The latest update is that the themed

PHOTOS MIKE PEREZ / JASON WONG

Another Blue

P9/ 33

Volume 3

Issue 04

1-15 March 2014

GM Outlook of Venice (Italy’s City of Love) with an endless river-style stream weaving its way through the property, gondolas to take a local sightseeing tour, the clock tower in San Marco and the famous Rialto Bridge. Director Mohan Chawla says the complex, based just off Jomtien Second Road with easy beach proximity, will focus on a luxurious romantic style with the grounds modelled on a map of Venice. Spread over 10 rai, the condo resort will feature four eight-storey buildings – Antonio, Bellini, Casanova and Marco Polo – offering a total of 933 units, some of which have been bought as doubles. Seventy-eight percent of the total accommodation has already been sold. Both the interior and the exterior decorations will carry an Italian theme and amenities include a landscaped garden, children’s room, fountains, a floating walkway and a gondola pier. Construction is scheduled to be completed next year. To

quality environment and maintaining a strong relationship with customers and suppliers.” The positioning of The Venetian is first-class. A recent report from property services firm Knight Frank Thailand states that the emerging locations from Jomtien to Na Jomtien are set to become major condominium plots. The driving factors include the convenience of Jomtien Second Road, running parallel to Jomtien Beach Road, and attractions such as Ramayana (the biggest water park in Southeast Asia) and Cartoon Network Amazone which are ready to open. Jomtien and Na Jomtien continue to attract a lot of attention, from both Thai and foreign buyers, in view of the scarcity of beachfront land now available in the North Pattaya and Wong Amat districts. Of all the construction companies and teams operating in Pattaya, Blue Sky has far and away the longest association

Venetian Signature Condo Resort Pattaya Showroom

4-building project is 80 percent sold which is unsurprising given its highly original features including a striking 30-storey tower set amid tropical gardens, multilevel saltwater swimming pools, interactive pirate ships and lots of exploration opportunities for the children including grottos and caves. “Like all our projects,” says Mohan, “the units are fully furnished at very fair prices and suitable for both investment or for living.” The latest company condominium project is The Venetian with its original theme of capturing the classic highlights

celebrate the project’s launch, Blue Sky donated 100,000 baht to the Sanuk Day Care Center. Moreover, sixty of the early buyers won a trip to Macao on an allexpenses-paid holiday. The best proof of the company’s value for money and quality policy is that several investors have bought units in all three Pattaya projects. “We have been delighted by the loyalty of our investors as well as our individual customers,” says director Mohan Chawla. “Both their’s and our future plans depend on our long-term reputation for building a

with the resort going back three decades or more. And there is certainly no sign of a halt in the innovation that Blue Sky has brought here. “We already have a reputation for five-star condos in Pattaya and these will be joined soon by five-star hotels,” says Mohan. “Pattaya’s long-term success is already obvious and our aim is to build on our previous reputation to bring the bright future a little nearer. Our priority as always is to negotiate with each customer on an individual basis and always deliver what we promise. That is Blue Sky’s secret.”

ZZ 10 /34 1 - 15 March 2014 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

(p tmb o-b1913)B ar f or Sale at Soi 8 Beach Road. 5-storey building, fully furnished. Rent 55,000 P/M. Call 081 146 1811. (ptmbo-s2213)Laurelle Parfums Thailand Co., Ltd. Our fragrances are designed and developed in the UK. We are looking for sales teams to promote our products throughout Thailand. All FDA tests available from Thai government. Buy 1 perfume 500 Bht. Buy 3 perfume for 1,000 Bht. Wholesale inquiries welcome. Thai 086 835 9497 English 080 101 4885 www.laurelle.co.uk Fantastic Investment with Great Rental Return! 12 Million Baht only for Five (5) spacious 160 square meter 3 bedroom 3 bathroom multiplex houses on 37 Tarang Wah (148 square meters) of land each. That is only 2.4 Million Baht per house! All five (5) houses are currently rented and bringing in 80,000 baht per month total. 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 (PR6164) Grand Estate Home or Resort with Restaurant for Sale with Great Business Opportunity! 8 Guest Suites all with en suite Bathrooms! Americana Antiques in Every Guest Suite! Over 2 Rai of Beautiful Gardens (847 TLW) Absolutely Gorgeous Swimming Pool! 1950’s Rock n Roll era Siam Country Club Roadside Restaurant. 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 (PR5796)

Classified

Restaurant for Sale in Prime Location Jomtien(T happraya Road) rent 25K THB p/m. 3+3 year lease. Sale Price: 1,690,000 THB includes everything furniture, fixtures stock-good cash flow please 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com S k y V i e w Pe n t h o u s e Re s t a u r a n t f o r S a l e / 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com Guest House/Pub Dongtan Beach: 4 rooms Leasehold: 3+3 Rent: 23,000 Baht/Month. Fully occupied SALE PRICE: 1,499,000 THB please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com (ptmpt-bo00)For Sale or Lease. 23 Nice Two Room Apartments located in 3 buildings on a one rai land parcel in a very central location south Pattaya. W i t h i n 5 m i n wa l k i n g distance to walking street, however still a quiet and secure area. For more info contact 081 9099098, No agents please GUESTHOUSE Jomtien. An opportunity to take over this easy to run guest house with 5 fully furnished rooms located in a busy location in central Jomtien just 100m from the beach. For Sale Leasehold: 300,000 Bt and rent 15,000 Bt per month on 3 year lease. Website Ref: BUSS033. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com

B E A C H F RO N T R E S TA U R A N T – Na JomtienIn a g reat beachfront location this popular restaurant with l iv i n g a c c o m m o d a t i o n 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 Leasehold: 860,000 baht. Website Ref: BUSS031. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com SHOPHOUSE IN BUSY ‘5-STAR’ LOCATION Single four storey building in the busiest foot traffic location in Jomtien and near to several hotels and guesthouses. Ground floor presently used as internet and travel office with 3 rooms and small office above. Can convert to bar, massage or retail premises. For Sale Leasehold: Only 350,000 Bt including computers and furniture, monthly rent of 25,000 Bt plus key money. Website Ref: BUSS031. 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 plus key money. Website Ref: BUSS019. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property.com

Services Provided

(ptmsp-s1113) Need loan assistance? Loans are secured against either land or property. We are able to lend you up to 50% of the appraised valuation of your asset. Loans can be for a period of 6 months to one year and can be extended for longer if needed. Call for an appointment 082 493 8526. (ptmsp-k1213)New Storages & Warehouses & Lockers for Rent. Short/ Long Term okay, Located in South Pattaya. Start from 600BHT/Month!! Call 081.107.1717 http://www. WonderStorage.com

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. PAC Co., Ltd. Can renovate yo u r c o n d o a t a ve r y reasonable price with very good standard of work. Ring 087 139 1539 for estimates Eng, 087 150 4845 Thai If You ar e Having a P r o b l e m w i t h Yo u r Computer either software or hardware, please phone 0868202577 or 0812951310 (Thai &Eng). I will go to service at your place.

Education & Training

Learn Fruit and Vegetables Carving from a Professional teacher with more than 18 years experience. For inquiries contact Yui at tel no. 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.

Apartments 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

Houses for Sale

(ptmhfs-n1213)3 Bedroom House, Village Chalita-2. Detached, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, carport, garden, 60 wah (240 sqm), security. New houses 2.79Mb. This resale 2.4Mb (financing possible).085 7955 383 (ptmhfs-cr1113)Thai/ Bali villas in Bang Saray from 9 million baht. 081 576 0035 or www. countrypropertyservices. net/Hot_Property.php

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

Charming Tropical Bangsarey Home! Selling Price 12.9 Million Baht, 3+1 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 550 Sqm/300 TLW. (PR5986) 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) Stunning New 8 Bedroom Beachfront! Selling Price 65 Million Baht, 8 Bedrooms/8 Bathrooms, 650 Sqm/850 TLW. (PR6536) Great Family Home Near Town! Selling Price 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) Grand Estate Home or Resort with Restaurant for Sale with Great Business Opportunity! 8 Guest Suites all with en suite Bathrooms! Americana Antiques in Every Guest Suite! Over 2 Rai of Beautiful Gardens (847 TLW) Absolutely Gorgeous Swimming Pool! 1950’s Rock n Roll era Siam Country Club Roadside Restaurant. (PR5796)

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) Lovely Thai Bali Style Homes! Rental Price 75,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 250 Sqm/120 TLW. (PR0112) 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. 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) Beachfront Villa with Impressive Interior Design! Rental Price 130,000 Baht/ Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 350 Sqm/400 TLW. (PR6017)

CONDOS FOR SALE

Incredible Sea Views and Right on the Beachfront! You will be impressed by this spacious 127 square meter fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo apartment with gorgeous sea views. The price has been reduced for immediate sale and is a very good value for someone looking for a breat beachfront home or a great rental property. (PR6471) Spectacular Penthouse For Sale! Selling Price 21 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 282 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com (PR6517) 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

Great Marina Beachfront View! Rental Price is 70,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 157 Sqm. (PR5853) Beachfront Living at its Best for Rent! Rental Price is 42,000-227,500 Baht/Month, 2-5 Bedrooms/2-5 Bathrooms, 77-450 Sqm. (PRC084) 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 . (PLD0928)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Fantastic Investment with Great Rental Return! 12 Million Baht only for Five (5) spacious 160 square meter 3 bedroom 3 bathroom multiplex houses on 37 Tarang Wah (148 square meters) of land each. That is only 2.4 Million Baht per house! All five (5) houses are currently rented and bringing in 80,000 baht per month total. (PR6164) Grand Estate Home or Resort with Restaurant for Sale with Great Business Opportunity! 8 Guest Suites all with en suite Bathrooms! Americana Antiques in Every Guest Suite! Over 2 Rai of Beautiful Gardens (847 TLW) Absolutely Gorgeous Swimming Pool! 1950’s Rock n Roll era Siam Country Club Roadside Restaurant. (PR5796)

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

Houses for Sale

Bang Saray - A new modern interior design and refurbishment makes this the real stand out property within this highly popular quiet and secure village. The property offers 3 bedrooms with white high gloss fitted wall units and an en-suite master bedroom, 2 luxurious redesigned bathrooms, brand new white high gloss fitted European kitchen with central island, oven, microwave, large double fridge-freezer, dining area, living room with white high gloss fitted wall-TV unit. All the standard dark aluminum windows and doors have been totally replaced throughout with high standard white UPVC and mosquito net sliding doors. The standard sand-wash path and terrace has been replaced and extended with non-slip ceramic tiles to give a covered and uncovered terrace. Large landscaped gardens with more than enough room for a private pool if required although not needed as the property is ideally located next to the huge communal pool and club house with fitness, double g arag e, maids room and laundry room. Price: 7.9m Bt. Ref Code: HSES128. Tel. 085 129 5657 Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com East Pattaya - An ideal budget single storey semidetached 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. The owner has the adjoining house for sale which can be purchased together to make a wonderful and spacious 3 b e d r o o m p r o p e r t y. Price: 1.5m Bt each. Ref Code: HSES121. Tel. 085 129 5657 Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com East Pattaya - Located on a spacious corner plot in this popular, quiet and secure village less than 5 minutes 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 b a t h r o o m s, E u r o p e a n 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@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com B a n A m p h u r - Ve r y well renovated and nicely fur nished single storey house near Phoenix Road offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms including a huge one as master bathroom , European kitchen, open plan lounge/dining area and car parking. A 5 minute drive to Sukhumvit Road and Ban Amphur Beach, 12 minutes to Tesco Lotus and Jomtien. Bargain buy family home. Price: 1.6m Bt. Website Ref: HSES027. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com Bang Saray - A brand new unfurnished 154 sqm single storey pool villa ideally located in a quiet residential area of Bang Saray village and just 500m to the un-spoilt beach. The villa has been built to European standards offering 3 bedrooms with the two main rooms having direct access to the pool, 3 luxurious bathrooms, a white fully fitted European kitchen with oven and gas hobs, open plan living room and dining area with step-ceiling and dimmer lights, private pool, poolside terrace, covered parking with remote electronic gate. A great value pool villa close to the beach. Price: 7.9m Bt. Website Ref: PLVS198. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com C h a r m i n g Tr o p i c a l Bangsarey Home! Selling Price 12.9 Million Baht, 3+1 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 550 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 (PR5986) Beautiful Home in Jomtien Yacht Club!! Selling Price 29 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/4+1 Bathrooms, 390 Sqm/212 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5846) Great Phoenix Lakeside Family Home! Selling Price 10.5 Million Baht 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 180 Sqm/200 TLW. For

1 - 15 March 2014

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) Stunning New 8 Bedroom Beachfront! Selling Price 65 Million Baht, 8 Bedrooms/8 Bathrooms, 650 Sqm/850 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR6536) Great Family Home Near Town! Selling Price 24 Million Baht, 5+1 Bedrooms/7

ZZ 11/35

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 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. (PR6083) Char ming 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)

ZZ 12 /36 1 - 15 March 2014

Houses for Sale

Beautiful Home in Tadarawadi Village For Sale! Selling Price 42,075,000 Million Baht, 4 Bedroom /4 Bathrooms, 526 TLW/769 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com. (PR5758) Great Jomtien Park Villa with Very Nice Modern Furniture! Selling Price 34 Million Baht, 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 238 TLW/500 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com. (PR4176) Gorgeou s L ake Vi ew 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:

Classified

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) G r e a t P r iva t e E s t a t e Home! Selling Price 14.9 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, 375 Sqm/500 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5365) Fantastic Estate Home For Sale! Selling Price 39 Million Baht, 4+1 Bedrooms/6+1 Bathrooms, 600 Sqm/291 TLW. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4516) Grand Estate Home or Resort with Restaurant for Sale with Great Business Opportunity! 8 Guest Suites all with en suite Bathrooms! Americana Antiques in Every Guest Suite! Over 2 Rai of Beautiful Gardens (847 TLW) Absolutely Gorgeous Swimming Pool! 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rock n Roll era Siam Country Club Roadside Restaurant. 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 (PR5796) View Talay Villas (Jomtien) 3 Bed 2 Bath with Private Pool /Private Garage 332 SQM, 11.8 Million THB (Co Name) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com View Talay Villas with Private Swimming Pool, Jo m t i e n 1 b e d 1 b a t h 4.49 mil 160 SQM (Thai name) Freehold. Please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Nice House 2 Bed 2 Bath for Sale off Soi Khao Talo: 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms, 1 Living Room, Total Size 156 Sqm 1,899,000 THB. (Freehold) Thai Name Please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Pob Choke Garden Hill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Just Built - New House 2 Bed 2 Bath. Located in Bangsaray just off hwy. 331. Sale Price: 1,699, 000 THB (Freehold) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Nirvana Pool Villas 1 - 3 Bed 3 Bath House with Private Pool/Fully Fur nished/ Enclosed Garage 364 SQM. Sale Price: 5.9 Million THB co. name (Freehold) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Baan Suay Mai NgamNewer 3 Bed 4 Bath House/ fully furnished/private pool/ owner must sell 3.25 Million Thai name. (Freehold) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com

View Talay Villa with Private Swimming Pool, Jomtien 2 bed 2 bath 8.9 million (co name) Freehold. Please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com

Houses for Rent

(ptmhfr-1213)Singledetached house in Wat Nong Ket Noi. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 aircon/fan. Fully furnished. 15,000 baht per month for one-year contract and up. 2-storey with garden. Call 038 425 532, 086 511 1532. J O M T I E N PA L A C E HOME- 3 Bdrm 3 Baths modern 140 SQM Fully fur nished with private Jacuzzi, towels, and linens. 30,000 per month for (1 year lease) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com 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 bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Bang Saray - Superb value rental in a secure, quiet village on the edge of Bang Saray. The executive style 190 sqm property is stylishly finished and furnished throughout and offers, 3 bedrooms, 2 luxury bathrooms, open plan lounge and dining area, LCD TV, European kitchen, covered car parking, large 400 sqm corner plot with tropical landscaped gardens, (internet, UBC TV available), communal pool, fitness, 24/7 security and just a couple of minutes drive from fish restaurants, shops and the beautiful Bang Saray Beach. Rent: 6 months at 27,000 Bt per month or 24,000 Bt per month on a 1 year lease. The best rental bargain we have anywhere!!! Website Ref: HSER012. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property. com 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. Rent: A minimum rental period of 6 months applies at 20,000 Bt per month or 18,000 Bt for a 1 years lease. Website Ref: HSER011. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com. www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.com

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

Fantastic Home in Great Developement! Rental 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)

Houses for Rent

I m p r e s s ive L a ke s i d e 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) Resor t 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) Lovely Thai Bali Style Homes! Rental Price 75,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 250 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 (PR0112) Nice Rental Home in Phoenix Golf Cour se Area! Rental Price 95,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 400 Sqm/600

Classified

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

Pool Villas for Sale

(ptmpvfs-c1113)Bargain of the Year!!! Pool Villa Jomtien Palace 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, new pool and Jacuzzi on walking distance to the beach and many top restaurants. European and Thai kitchen and built-in furniture, recently renovated. Owner reduced the price from 12.9 to 7.9 million baht including company. Trade-in small condo possible, very

good investment property ±10.5% per year. www. villaspattaya.info or call 081 290 7310 Jomtien - A ver y 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@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property. com East Pattaya - A spacious and stylishly fur nished throughout, executive style pool villa in one of the most popular developments in East Pattaya offering 3 ensuite 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. Price: 6.95m Bt. Website Ref: PLVS190. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com East Pattaya - A spacious and stylishly fur nished throughout, executive style pool villa in one of the most popular developments in East Pattaya offering 3 ensuite bedrooms with built-in units, 4 luxurious bathrooms, land 480sqm, living area 230 sqm, fully fitted European

1 - 15 March 2014

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. Price: 6.95m Bt. Website Ref: PLVS190. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattaya-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com

Pool Villas for Rent

Pool Villa For Rent – Jomtien - Located in this exclusive new development near to the new Jomtien 2nd Road this moder n 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. Rent: 55,000Bt for 6 month lease or 45,000 Bt for 1 year contract. Website Ref: PLVR289. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property. com

Condos for Sale

GREAT LOCATION. V I E W TA L A Y 8 JOMTIEN BEACH. New condominium, 6th floor, 55 sqm empty studio with big balcony for beach and sea views. Lovely big swimming pool, fitness centre, shops,

ZZ 13/37

bars. Great location on Jomtien Beach Road. Well under developer’s price 2.4 Mil Baht. In foreign name. Call 087 139 1539, 087 139 1570 (English). GOOD LOCATION. BEACH MOUNTAIN 2 CONDOMINIUM JOMTIEN OFF SOI CHAIYAPRUEK 1. 800 meters to beach (Built 2010). 7th floor corner, 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 1.39 Mil Baht. In foreign name. Call 087 139 1539, 087 139 1570 (English). 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 1.69 Mil Baht. In foreign name. Call 087 139 1539, 087 139 1570 (English). JOMTIEN BEACH PA R A D I S E , R I G H T 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. Call 087 139 1539, 087 139 1570 (English).

Classified

ZZ 14 /38 1 - 15 March 2014

Condos for Sale

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 ‘must view’ , 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@pattayajomtien-property.com www. pattaya-jomtien-property.com The Gallery - Very popular new moder n low rise buildings ideally located in Central Jomtien, just 150m from the new Night Plaza and the beach. This high floor sea view studio, 29.5 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 : 1.89m Bt in foreign name. Website Ref: CDOS710. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property.com Par k Lane Resor t REDUCED: High floor 36 sqm unit offers some

Nam Talay - The owner has three 26 sqm studio units side-by-side so the purchaser has three choices, to purchase a single studio or two studios to make a 1 bedroom unit or to buy all three studios to make a 78 sqm two bedroom condo. Each studio has luxury bathroom, European kitchen, fitted wardrobes and the developers full furniture package. The buildings are due for completion end of 2014 complete with communal pool, fitness, 24/7 security and are located just 200m from the beach, next to the forthcoming Centara Grand Hotel & Resort. Price: 1.4m Bt each in foreign names. Ref Code: CDOS787. Tel. 085 129 5657 Email: lam@ pattaya-jomtien-property. com www.pattaya-jomtienproperty.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

Solution Sudoku Issue 12

9 7 4 6 5 1 8 3 2

6 5 3 4 2 8 1 9 7

2 8 1 3 9 7 5 6 4

3 4 8 9 7 5 2 1 6

5 6 2 1 3 4 7 8 9

7 1 9 8 6 2 4 5 3

1 9 7 5 4 6 3 2 8

8 2 6 7 1 3 9 4 5

4 3 5 2 8 9 6 7 1

sea views in this new low rise resort style building just 800m from Jomtien Beach, offering 1 bedroom, luxurious bathroom, European kitchen, stylishly fur nished, huge 1600m lagoon style pool, 24/7 security. For Sale : 1.57m Bt in foreign name. Website Ref: CDOS225. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property.com Centara Avenue Residence - A stylish top floor 30 sqm studio in these new exclusive hotel and residence buildings located in the heart of the city due for completion end of 2014, early 2015. Superbly finished with European kitchen, luxurious bathroom, fitted wardrobes, balcony, communal pool, fitness, CCTV, 24/7 security, key card entry and just minutes away from the night life, shopping malls. For Sale: 2.35m Bt in foreign name. Website Ref: CDOS783. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property. com Incredible Sea Views and Right on the Beachfront! You will be impressed by this spacious 127 square meter fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo apartment with gorgeous sea views. The price has been reduced for immediate sale and is a very good value for someone looking for a breat beachfront home or a great rental property. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6471) Spectacular Penthouse For Sale! Selling Price 21 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 282 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR6517) 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) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4015) Great Sea Views and In Town Location! Selling Price 29.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, 268 Sqm For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.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 081-634-2915 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) 231-931 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)

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

Gr eat Sea Views and Stunning Décor in North Pattaya! Selling Price 7.474 Million Baht, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 74 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR4862) Wongamat Bay Sea View Apartment....This Month Huge Reduction! Selling Price is 13.5 Million Baht, 3 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms, 210 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR3990) Best priced Apartment in Na Jomtien’s Pine Shore Condo! Selling Price is 8 Million Baht, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 91 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Pa r k L a n e C o n d o 1 Bed / 1 bath 36 SQM with private gate access to Swimming Pool from unit, fully fitted/furnished 1.29 Million THB Please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Jomtien Beach Condominium (A3) Studio for Sale on Prime Location 30 Sqm fully furnished with washing machine 995,000 million (foreign name) .Please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com

The Cliff PratamnakCorner Unit Condo 1 Bed 1 Bath 72 SQM High Floor with Beautiful Sea View 7.2 Million THB (Foreign Name) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com View Talay 2B - 10th floor Jomtien Seaview 1 Bedroom 1 Bath 76 (Sqm): 2.890.000 THB. (Thai Name) please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com

Condos for Rent

MAJESTIC JOMTIEN CONDOMINIUM 800 METERS FROM BEACH. Lovely 30 sqm studio, fully fur nished, everything you need, 5th floor. Only 7,000 Baht per month. Call 087 139 1539, 087 139 1570 (English). (ptmcfr-u1213)The Cove – Ultra luxury residence i n Wo n g a m a t ’ s b e s t location. Ocean front living with stunning, unobstructed views over Pattaya Bay.3 beds, 2 baths, 235 sqm. Fully furnished. Rent 180,000 THB/month. Call: +66 89 213 0248 (Eng/German). Email: axisamproperty@ yahoo.com Fo r R e n t i n S o i 6 . 2 bedroom, 1 living room, 84sqm apartment with two balconies. Fully furnished, 3 TVs, kitchen, 2 AC’s. Excellent location. 24,000 baht per month. Call: 087 139 1539 For Rent in Soi 6 PratamnakJomtien.42 sqm studio with big balcony for 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproperty@ gmail.com Paradise Residence - Stylishly 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 overlooking 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

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

Condos for Rent Jomtien Beach - A low floor studio32 sqm, in these popular buildings, nicely furnished throughout with fitted wardrobes, luxury 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-jomtienproperty.com. www.pattayajomtien-property.com Great Marina Beachfront View! Rental Price is 70,000 Baht/Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 157 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5853) Beachfront Living at its Best for Rent! Rental Price is 42,000-227,500 Baht/ Month, 2-5 Bedrooms/2-5 Bathrooms, 77-450 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PRC084) 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) North Pattaya Beachfront Apartment....Definitely a 5 Star Lifestyle! Rental Price is 100,000 Baht/Month, 3 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms, 311 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4262) Modern Designed Beachfront Apartment! Rental Price is 48,000 Baht/

Month, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, 101 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com (PR5423) Stunning Apartment for Rent in Northshore! Rental Price 40,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 64 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4570) Fantastically Designed Apartment at Grand Condotel! Rental Price 42,000 Baht/Month, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom, 95 Sqm. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational. com (PR4187)

Land for Sale

(ptmlfs-c1113)Mabprachan great corner plot 275 TWA 1100 m2 with Spanish style walls. Owner reduced from 3.2 to 2.3 million including wall 450,000 baht Tel. 081 290 7310 (ptmlfs-cr1113)Land plots around Bang Saray, 0 8 1 5 7 6 0 0 3 5 w w w. countrypropertyservices. net/Land.php 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)

Classified

231-931 and 081-634-2915 or by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.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)

Property Investment

East Pattaya - Two storey semi-detached houses in a ver y quiet secure development just a 5 minute d r ive f r o m S u k h u m v i t Road. Very spacious, well furnished and offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan lounge, dining area, European kitchen with oven, clubhouse, communal pool and 24/7 security. Outstanding value for such large family homes. The seller has in total six of these rental properties, all with tenants in place, that are rented for between 17,000 Bt and 20,000 Bt per month on medium to long term leases bringing in a return of 8%. They can be purchased individually from 1.99m Bt to 2.2m Bt each or all six houses together for 11.9m Bt. Only for sale because of the owners continued ill health problems. Website Ref: HSES071. Tel: 085 129 5657. Email: lam@pattayajomtien-property.com. www. pattaya-jomtien-property.com 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 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com Guest House/Pub Dongtan Beach: 4 rooms Leasehold: 3+3 Rent: 23,000 Baht/Month. Fully occupied SALE PRICE: 1,499,000 THB please call 085-910-5124 Email to bobbybrooksproper ty@ gmail.com

Job Vacancies

(ptmbo-s2213)Laurelle Parfums Thailand Co., Ltd. Our fragrances are designed and developed in the UK. We are looking for sales teams to promote our products throughout

Thailand. All FDA tests available from Thai government. Buy 1 perfume 500 Bht. Buy 3 perfume for 1,000 Bht. Wholesale inquiries welcome. Thai 086 835 9497 English 080 101 4885 www.laurelle.co.uk Experienced Sales Person / Customer Ser vice Wanted. We are looking for a female who is interested to work in a property industry. Requirements: Good written and spoken English / Chinese / Russian. Must be customer service-oriented. Must be sales driven, enthusiastic and hardworking. Send CV/Resume to john@ citygardenpattaya.com or call 0903855595. Assistant to Condominium Manager wanted for a condominium located on Jomtien Beach. We are looking for a male/female who is interested in working with property management. Responsibilities include: The Assistant Building Manager works directly under the Building Manager, and oversees building and swimming pool maintenance, utilities and communications infrastructure, repairs and upgrades, and supervises t h e s t a f f. C o o r d i n a t e s building, pool and grounds maintenance and repairs with maintenance staff. Provides co-owners with updates of electrical, water and other service outages, fire drills and scheduled shutdowns. Oversees building security. Issue invoices and collects payments from co-owners for maintenance fee, water charges etc. Oversee daily accounting to be presented to the Building Manager each month. Coordinates fire drills and emergency equipment maintenance. Requirements: Good written and spoken English, independent, well organize, good computer and accounting skills.CV with photo and salar y requirement to allott25@ hotmail.com 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/

1 - 15 March 2014

driver wanted: Male. Must have driver license for car and motorcycle. Must be able to work over time 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, proper ty inspections of the common areas, building’s accounting and more. Requirements: Good written and spoken English, independent, well organize, good computer and accountant skills. Experience is a plus. Salary according to skills. CV with photo to allott25@hotmail.com Urgent! Experienced Wa i t r e s s Wa n t e d f o r International restaurant. Must speak English. Good salary + tips. Call 091 240 4331.

Vehicles for Sale

(ptmvfs-c0013)NISSAN CEFIRO 2.0 Twin cam 24 valve, automatic, year 2000, champagne gold, grey

15/39 ZZ

leather, top model with loads of extras. Full Nissan service history and all bills. Great looking car for only 240,000 baht. Call 081 004 6497. 2005 NISSAN TEANA 230JM- Diamond Black/ Cream Leather interior, all options, new paint, serviced by Nissan, low miles, 499,000 call 0841580785 (ptmvfs-o0013)Honda Jazz 1.5, Auto 2010.Leather interior, remote central locking, 2 airbags, 55,000 km, grey colour. As new, 420,000 baht. Call 083 102 9293 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 086-820-2577, 086-383-6853 ( p t m v f s - c 0 0 1 3 ) To yo t a FORTUNER, 3.0 TURBO DIESEL, Automatic – Toyota Fortuner, 3.0 turbo diesel, automatic 4x4 2005, champagne gold, tan leather (top model). 1 falang owner from new, loads of extras, 150,000 km, full service histor y, all original and immaculate, inside and out. Only 590,000 baht for quick sale (in foreign name).Call Alan (owner): 087-139-1570 (English)

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

E-mail: info@pattayatoday.net

Fax: 038 374 535

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

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

Tips & Advice

Snap Judgment Jet Skis scams ongoing

(Ken Halliwell writes) Yet again the Pattaya public has been duped by the Jet Ski rip-off people. The civic authorities assured us that the problem has been solved by compulsory insurance schemes, action by the police, and the establishment of a tourist court. I am afraid to say that all of this is eye-wash in my opinion. Friends of mine only this week rented a Jet Ski, were cheated after the owner said they had caused some dents which were there in the first place. Another worry is that the operators have foreign agents who come down and threaten the renters in their own language. The only answer is never, ever rent anything moving in Pattaya.

Anti-smoking ruination

(Dave L writes) I remember all the hoo-ha several years ago when the strict anti-smoking laws were introduced, especially in restaurants. The rules stated that anywhere undercover serving food had to ban smoking–it was not a question of establishing smoking and non-smoking zones in air-conditioned premises. But all this has now been forgotten in many pubs and restaurants. There is even a big restaurant near Thepprasit Road which allows smoking everywhere and justifies it by saying their cooling system is by fans

only. I also see people on a regular basis lighting up on baht buses. The only places which seem to have effectively enforced the ban are some government and police offices. There is a wellknown adage that if you can’t or won’t enforce laws, then resist the temptation to legislate.

Memories of Pattaya

(MT writes) I recently returned to Pattaya after an absence of 20 years. Luckily I had a look at YouTube so I knew the city had changed a lot in innumerable ways. The traffic now is just awful and the cost of living must have jumped 400 percent. On the other hand, I feel the resort as a whole is moving upmarket and I am impressed by the five-star shopping malls and hotels. Oddly, though, my main impression is that some things have remained pretty well the same. Neither Pattaya Klang nor Naklua have changed a lot and you can still be in the country and the fresh air after a 20 minutes drive. I find the Thai people still very polite and friendly by and large. As regards prostitution, there are probably about the same number as before. The difference is that Pattaya has grown in so many other ways that the red light districts are smaller–as a percentage of the total area, that is. I will look forward to seeing how Pattaya develops before my next visit in 2034.

of course). What the police need, if they stop you for any reason, is proof of who you are. A valid Thai driving license is an alternative to the laminated passport copy. But you will need your actual passport to carry out some functions such as obtaining money at a bank, dealing with Thai bureaucracies and the like. It’s just a matter of common sense in the main.

Q: I have a work permit and non immigrant “B” visa. But I am finishing my job in a couple of weeks and want to switch to a retirement visa without leaving the country. Is that going to be possible? A: Assuming you are at least 50 years old, it is possible. You need to visit the labour office which issued the work permit, with a letter from your employer, to terminate the work permit. The office will give you a tor tor 10 form. You should then visit the immigration office of your choice, preferably the same day, to obtain a one-year retirement visa. Of course, you will require the documentation for the one-year visa. When a work permit is cancelled, remember that the visa collapses too the same day. Q: I have a 60-day tourist visa, single entry, but I hope to visit Vietnam after about one month has been used up in Thailand. Can I obtain a re-entry permit to ensure I can get back into Thailand? I am a British citizen aged 42. A: You could, but there is not any point really. When you return to Thailand from Vietnam, you will automatically receive 30 days at Bangkok airport. If needed, you could request a further seven days later. The re-entry permit doesn’t extend the life of the visa but simply protects it. Q: I have heard that I must carry around my passport at all times while I am in Thailand. But I am concerned that I might lose it. So is this requirement really enforced by the police? A: No it isn’t. The best idea is to obtain a small laminated copy of your passport and visa and carry this around in your wallet (being careful not to lose your wallet

Q: Accidentally, I recently attended a sex show in a nightclub although I did not realize it was going to turn out like that. I spent the whole time worrying what would happen if there was a police raid. Would I have been arrested? A: Unlikely. If a club is raided because of indecent display, or whatever, the manager, the staff and the performers would likely be arrested and be asked to pay a fine at the police station. But it is most unlikely any customers would be arrested unless they tested positive for illegal substances. However, the police do sometimes take photographs or shoot a video of the proceedings, so if you feel vulnerable, then simply pay your bill and leave as soon as any dubious performance begins. Q: What are the main reasons why a tourist visa to Britain is turned down? I want my Thai girlfriend to visit me in Manchester and I want to be fore-armed as it were. I have heard you have to prove a genuine relationship. A: There are several common reasons. One, as you hint, is that there isn’t sufficient evidence of a genuine, long-term relationship. You need lots of photos, evidence of phone calls and emails etc to illustrate how you keep in touch when you are separated geographically. Another common reason is that the guy in UK has not shown enough evidence of his income or resources. The third reason is that the Thai applicant has not shown sufficient cause why she (or he) would return to Thailand at the end of the holiday. Q: I have a friend who says he knows somebody at the embassy who can get me a visa for my girlfriend if I pay 100,000 baht. Do you believe that’s possible? A: No, I don’t believe you can bypass embassy procedures by bribery.

Whither next Thailand? The decidedly odd political situation here was nowhere better illustrated last month when Luang Pu Buddha Issara, the monk and key PDRC protest leader, had his group reservation at the Shinawatra-owned SC Park Hotel in Bangkok cancelled for obvious reasons. The monk received 120,000 baht in compensation, emphatically the first time in recorded history that any hotel guest has been paid to stay away. Yes, incredible! Nobody predicted three months ago, even two, that the reform movement led by Suthep Thaugsuban would have the huge impact it has had. Many commentators speculated then that the move to establish an unelected people’s council, the demand for a year or two delay before a general election can be held, and the exhausting series of rallies in the capital would soon fizzle out. Well, they haven’t. Not that Suthep has avoided mistakes. On numerous occasions he has predicted the demise of the caretaker government, but that has not happened--at the time of this writing anyway! He has exaggerated the power of the PDRC which, in spite of fiery speeches, has not brought Bangkok to a grinding halt. Some of the rally speeches, summarized nightly in English by the TMN cable TV company, have contained vitriolic and sexist attacks on the caretaker prime minister which would never be tolerated in UK or US. The violence on both sides of the political divide has been lamentable. When the history books are written, it will likely be written that the government has been outmaneuvered not by a clever opposition but by its own mistakes. The cardinal error by the prime minister was calling a general election in the first place. It now finds itself in a deteriorating situation as a caretaker administration has very limited powers. The furor over the rice subsidy scheme and the anger of unpaid farmers are a direct result of the government’s decision to call for a new mandate which is still stuck in a bureaucratic and legalistic muddle. Yingluck should take the initiative to regain public credibility, but this is easier said than done. Apart from failing to disburse rice funds to pay farmers their due for giving the government their crops, it has not produced any policy directions and even failed to reclaim parts of Bangkok occupied by the protest movement. Other disasters are happening. The Government Savings Bank saw a run of withdrawals after customers became worried that their cash might be swallowed by a government loan. The prime minister is under scrutiny by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the courts have issued several anti-government rulings in the last month. The status of the February 2 partial election is still unclear. The low turnout may well suggest that the Thai people’s desire for an election is somewhat less than that of the UK and US foreign media and the partisan journalists of the BBC. Although the constitutional court has ruled once that the February election was not illegal, there is a lot of water to pass under that particular bridge. Future legal challenges are more than likely. Meanwhile, every time the prime minister appears on TV to defend herself, she risks breaking the law as her remarks could be said to be an attempt to influence the masses when the election process is still pending. Most heated arguments result in a compromise. Short of a judicial or Army coup, neither of which can be ruled out, needless to say, one possible scenario is that Suthep agrees to drop his opposition to a new poll in April or May, and the caretaker government accepts that a new poll to supersede the February one is now necessary. The result is likely to be a much closer finish than we have experienced in general elections over the past 15 years. Actually, that would be a good thing for Thailand and its people.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

Local Sports Local and International Motorsports Report Recent Race Updates: 2014 F1 News: New Engines are introduced at the first open testing Bahrain Feb. 19, 2014 consisting of a 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine and two Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) from the naturally aspirated 2.4 –litre V8 used in 2013. Next Race: Mar 14-16 2014 - Australian GP, Albert Park www.formula1.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia 2014 NASCAR News: Daytona 500 Qualifying was run and the black #3 is firmly linked in people's minds with its most famous driver, Dale Earnhardt, who perished at the wheel of the car 13 years ago while competing in this very event. Car Owner Richard Childress has now made the somewhat controversial decision to finally bring the car number out of retirement for this year's Sprint Cup Series championship, placing it in the hands of his grandson Austin Dillon for the 23-year-old's maiden year of full-time who took the pole for the 500. www.nascar.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia 2014 Indy Car News: Indianapolis 500 winners Al Unser and Kenny Brack will attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed now confirmed to be held from June 26-29. Next Race: Mar 30 2014 - Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg, Florida) www.indycar.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia 2014 MotoGP News: MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez set a new record lap on the final day of the Sepang Feb. 6, 2014 with a sizzling lap of 1m 59.533s the Repsol Honda star smashed Casey Stoner's 2012 time. Next Race: Mar 23 2014 - Qatar MotoGP www.motogp.com (free live timing and scoring online) **All events will be shown on Star Sports Asia **Local Thailand Motorsports Schedules 2014** Race 1 & 2 10-11 May 2014 Sepang, Malaysia* Race 3 & 4 16-17 August 2014 Bira, Pattaya* Race 5 & 6 1-2 November 2014 BRIC, Buriram* Race 7 & 8 10-14 December 2014 Bangsaen, Chonburi* * date and venue subject to change The Thailand Super Series opens in Sepang Circuit in Malaysia May 10-11 2014, but already new exciting new race cars are being announced – Ford and Audi will now join the Super Car ranks. These are a new breed of sophisticated state-of-the-art racecars desired by the organizers to ensure that the Thai tuning engineers and drivers can have a place at the top, which means the Super Car rules are being revised for 2014 and a new class added. www.thailandsuperseries.net

7.0-litre V8 Ford Mustang

Sandy named vice champion of F3 Open Sandy Kraokaew Stuvik accepts the final judgment from the European F3 Open committee declaring him vice champion, despite feeling that this is an unfair decision. The European F3 Open 2013 finished last November with Thai driver Sandy Kraokaew Stuvik sponsored by Singha Corporation, The Pizza Company, Dacon Inspection Services, RAAT and SAT. After the season finished, RP Motorsport and Sandy protested the unfair result. Sandy’s rival, Ed Jones, competed at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup two weeks before the F3 season finale at the same circuit. The protestors call this a breach

of the rules. However, the European Formula 3 Open committee decided to take no further action. Sandy says, “It is an unjust decision. However, I have to accept the final decision from F3 committee stating that I am vice champion instead of the champion. Anyway, from this situation, I have to say thank you to all Thai media and the Thai motorsports fan club who give me their encouragement at all times. Now we are discussing about the series to compete this year. I will keep you updated once we have summarized. I insist to keep fighting for Thailand and I wish I still get support from Thai people as usual. Thank you very much.”

PSC Golf from The Growling Swan - 2014 by Peter Blackburn

Colm, Inspector Clouseau and the Colonel win in the wet! Green Valley – Stableford After a super field of 40 signed up for the day’s event we had a couple of late cancellations due to illness and a no-show which left us with 37 starters for the very popular Green Valley Golf Club. We had a plethora of welcomes to hand out as we assembled at The Growling Swan which included Chris Allen and Cameron Denham from Melbourne, Richard and Carole Kubicki back having a game with us along with Pattaya residents Mashi Kaneta and Jack Robertson, Silvano Pizato from Italy and Gary Williams from Brisbane. It was sadly time to say bon voyage to Jayson Schembri, returning to Melbourse, and Nolan Wise who is off to Brisbane. After waiting for the no-show we left the GS right on time at 8:30 and the weather was not looking too flash as we headed off in drizzling rain which turned into quite heavy rain as we arrived at the course 39 minutes later. It was a hive of activity as there were many golfers just hanging around waiting to see what the weather was going to do and after a wait of about 40 minutes the rain eased a bit so we paid our money and made our way to the first tee. Our booked tee time was 10:19 a.m. and even after the fairly big delay we managed to get our first group away a minute early in drizzling rain. Results for Green Valley: Division A – 0 to 18 1st – Colm Mullen (18) - 41 points 2nd – Mike Gosden (11) - 35 points 3rd – Bill Steinman (10) – 35 points 4th – Tom McMahon (17) - 33 points Division B – 19 to 25 1st – Alain Taddei (19) - 43 points 2nd – Silvano Pizzato (23) – 39 points

Audi R8 LMS Cup Bobby Brooks™ Follow me on Twitter: @racebobby

The Growling Swan NAGA Award, (to the golfer with the worst score on the day, unrevealed) was won by Gary Monley, who accepted the award like the good sport that he is and wore the cap for just a short while back at the bar. Max paraded Deefa the Dog and collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya from our generous Growling Swan Golfers. Back at the Growling Swan afterwards there was a good crowd and it was good to

Arriving at the first green we found it very wet and difficult to putt on of course but we managed to somehow get through the puddles without too much drama. Things did improve dramatically from then on as the rain stopped and the course started to dry out very quickly with the greens just about normal from the third on although naturally slower than they usually are. The course was very good despite the wet and we finished the round in four hours and 20 minutes. When I saw the scores starting to come in it was apparent that a few golfers had reveled in the conditions as there were some outstanding scores. We had 3 divisions– division A for handicaps 0 to 18, B for golfers on handicaps of 19 to 25, and C for handicaps of 26 and over with four places in each division. Rewards went to those nearest the pin on the four par 3’s and longest first putts on the 9th and 18th greens. Division A was won by Colm Mullen with a fine 41 points, and with two golfers on 35 points, a count-back was needed. That saw Mike “Hunter” Gosden (18 point back nine) finish second, with Big Bill Steinman (17 point back nine) in third place, and Tom 3rd – Rita Zoebelli (25) - 38 points 4th – Chris Allen (22) - 34 points Division C – 26 and over 1st – Alan Sanders (26) – 37 points 2nd – Nolan Wise (36) - 34 points 3rd – Sandy Leiper (33) - 34 points 4th – Russell Calcutt (36) – 29 points

see our old mate Muncha back from Liberia for a while; it was obvious he had been in the bar waiting for us for quite some time. It had been another great day with a terrific bunch of guys and gals. Growling Swan Golf, the home of friendly golf in Pattaya, welcomes golfers of any persuasion–low and high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan in Soi

McMahon in fourth with 33 points. The best score on the day was recorded by Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei whose 43 points made him the winner in

B division. Second place went to Silvano Pizzato who had 39 points, 1 point ahead of Rita Zoebelli in third place. Chris Allen was fourth with 34 points. Division C was won by Alan “Colonel” Sanders with a fine 37 points and, in another count-back with two golfers on 34 points, it was Nolan “No-one” Wise (15 point back nine) who finished second with Sandy “Cyndi Lauper” Leiper (13 point back nine) in third place, and Russell Calcutt fourth with 29 points. NTP’s 4th – Mike Gosden 9th – Ebrahim 12th – Mashi Kaneta 16th – Ebrahim LFP’s 9th - John Swanson 18th – Alan Sanders Chaiyapoon at 8 a.m. with transport departing at 8:30. For bookings or more information contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to petermalcolmblackburn@ gmail.com. We also play bowls out of the Growling Swan every Wednesday (indoor bowls) and Sunday (lawn bowls). All are welcome. Transport leaves The Growling Swan at 10 a.m. For more information please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454 005.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

Tips & Advice QUICK TIP

Bee Lines My husband tell to me nam pheung [honey] not spoil ever. Is true, Khun Andy? Is special way to keep better? Ning Yes to your second question, Ning, and a qualified yes to your first. Bee honey has been found edible after thousands of years. (Odds are you haven’t nursed your honey that long.) Small residues of edible honey have even been found in a pharaoh's tomb. However, it is advisable to not keep honey for longer than two or three years. Store it in clean, hermetically sealed vessels in a dark place or in darkened glass jars or bottles (not metal or wood). Avoid direct sunlight and protect it from oxygen inflow. Optimal preservation temperature is +4 to – 10 °C. Store in a dry place to prevent the honey from absorbing any moisture; excessive moisture might cause fermentation. What a Drip I’ve followed your plumbing suggestions, specifically related to drips and leaks, through the years, Andy, even going so far as to install new hardware. But after a few months the dripping starts again. Is there any faucet or type of repair that completely eliminates leaks and related problems? Jack Your best bet, Jack, is the ceramic disc valve. The faucet mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber called a pressure balance cartridge. Two ceramic discs at the bottom of the chamber raise and lower to control the volume of water flow. Temperature is controlled by a side-to-side rotation of the handle. These faucets are high quality, very reliable, and rarely need repair. While more expensive than conventional faucets, they require no maintenance and generally will last drip-free for many years. A ceramic disc faucet actually has two fire-hardened ceramic discs--an upper one that moves and a lower one that is fixed. The two discs move against each other in a shearing action, either blocking water or allowing it to pass through. The seal between the two discs is watertight because they are polished to nearperfect flatness. If a small stone ever gets into the valve, it could score the surfaces, but these occurrences are rare. Should you ever experience a drip, don't try to force the handle closed; just flutter it back and forth a few times to dislodge any particles.

With celery as expensive as it is here, you certainly don’t want it to spoil before you’ve eaten the entire head. To ensure that stalks remain fresh for weeks, wrap it in aluminum foil and store it in your refrigerator. BTW, besides being a dieter’s best friend, it has recently been found that celery contains more than a dozen types of antioxidant nutrients and anti-inflammatory health benefits.

In general, all washerless faucets offer very precise, ergonomic control. However, if repair is ever needed, the entire ceramic-disc cartridge must be replaced, which runs from about 1,000 to 2,000 baht. Some models are guaranteed for one year while others carry lifetime warranties. Norwegians Get Away My husband and I recently relocated from Norway to Pattaya. Given the extreme weather differences between our former home and here, we are in the dark as to what is the best time of year to plant gardens—both flower and vegetable. Thank you for your great column. Rangenhild As I’ve admitted several times over the years, Rangenhild, I know next to nothing about gardening. (Okay—nothing). The only useful tip I can pass on is from my late father (he’s not dead; he’s just late all the time). His gardening rule, “When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it’s a valuable plant.” Well Hung Try as I might, Andy, I just cannot seem to “get the hang” of picture hanging (sorry for the pun). I want to decorate my walls with some artwork that I particularly like and several treasured photographs, but I don’t know how to ensure they are positioned correctly. Can you offer any tips? Judd Knowing where and how to install the picture hook is the real trick. Start by determining the height you want the picture to be. The picture’s center should be eye level for someone standing in front of it. Put the end of a tape measure on the floor, look straight ahead and note the distance. Now lay the picture face-down and measure from bottom of the frame up to the high point of the hanger wire. Subtract one-half of the picture frame's height from that measurement. Add the difference to the eye-height number you calculated above. The new number is the point above the floor where you want to place the bottom of the picture hanger. On the wall, measure up from the floor the distance you calculated for the bottom of the holder, and make a small horizontal mark with a pencil. If you need to measure away from

a corner, a door jamb or any other vertical reference to determine where the picture should be left-toright. Make a small vertical pencil mark at that location. Extend either the horizontal or vertical mark, or both, until you can mark where they cross. Hold the hanger on the wall so that the bottom of it is on the horizontal cross mark and it is centered on the vertical cross mark. Drive the nail or screw into the wall at the juncture. Home Brew Could you please tell me what I could use to clean my wooden kitchen cabinets which are coated in old grease? In England we had sugar soap and soda crystals but I cannot find them here. Also, could you tell me what methylated spirits is in Thai, if indeed they have it in Thailand? Terry If you’ve been reading this column for any length of time, Terry, you know that I much prefer natural cleaning solutions to potentiallyharmful commercial products. With that in mind, I would suggest that you brew your own wood-cabinet cleaning mixture using the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 liter warm water. Combine all ingredients in a 2-liter container with lid, and shake it until the contents are blended. Then dampen a soft cloth with some of the mixture and wipe down the cabinets. Use a second soft cloth to wipe cabinets dry. This should remove grease and dirt without harming the wood. As to your second question, methylated spirits is a mixture of ethyl alcohol (95 percent) and methyl alcohol (5 percent). The latter ingredient is added to prevent you from using methylated spirits for a cheap high. Instead, I’d suggest you consume adequate amounts of distilled spirits (available here in abundance) and forget household chores. Signs of Our Times Sign seen in an auto repair shop: Price List Ping-Ping-Ping 1,000 baht Plunk-Ping-Plunk 2,000 baht Klunk-Ping-Klunk 4,000 baht Thud-Thunk-Thud 5,000 baht Clank-Thud-Plunk 10,000 baht --Handy Andy

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

Our Community Father Ray teens advance

by Derek Franklin

Many children, especially those from poor families, can only dream of receiving a scholarship to one of the better schools in the area, and then go on to study at college or university. Several years ago 17 residents of the Father Ray Children’s Home were presented with scholarships to Darasamuth School in Sri Racha; earlier this month four

of them were graduated from Grade 12 with Children’s Home manager Pom on hand. The four teenagers, who now will enroll at four different universities, have spent most of their lives at the Children’s Home--the only home they remember. The Father Ray staff there tries to provide the best opportunities for all residents, giving each the chance to reach his or her full potential in higher

education. In 2010, the first resident of the home was graduated from university. Today, eight study at university, nine attend vocational school,

and a further 21 will attend Darasamuth School on scholarships next term. For more information go to www.fr-ray.org or email info@fr-ray.org

there were prizes lined up on the table. After the games, food was served. There was sticky rice, fried chicken and pork. Yummy food! Everyone’s tummy was filled. Children would not forget their meal as besides the main dish there was also ice cream and fruits. The children received personal gifts that were neatly wrapped up. Wrist watches, coloring books and accessories were given to girls; cars and puzzles were given to boys. There were stuffed toys too. Blankets

and loot bags were also given out; this included candies and small snacks. Families were given take-home bags with rice, oil, fish sauce, sardines and noodles. 70 guests came from the same school that the Mercy Children attend, so the bonding between the two groups was a joy. Praem helped with drinks while Golf served the ice cream while the girls served the food. It was not only the Mercy team who prepared the party but also the Mercy Kids themselves.

Slum Kids annual party Morning of 4th of January started excitingly as the ‘Baan Kho Po’, the Mercy children’s house, got ready for the day when their friends from the slum community came to visit their home. The number of Mercy volunteers got busy with cooking the food, and others prepared the games.

Gifts were wrapped neatly and were displayed on the long table. Guests started arriving until there were about 100 children that were in the party. The Slum Children’s annual party started with games, children were loaded with enthusiasm and bursting with energy. Who wouldn’t be? As

Cobra Gold visits Pattaya by Derek Franklin

Like many teenagers, those at the Father Ray Center for Children with Special Needs are obsessed with playing soccer. They train every morning and afternoon, and yet they have never played a competitive match against another team, until recently. When asked if they would like to play against a visiting team, they could not contain their excitement. But then they discovered who they would be playing: the United States Marines. The Americans would be visiting Pattaya as part of the annual Cobra Gold joint military exercises and offered to play against the teenagers. While the visiting Marines may be the leaders in many sports, soccer is not one of them. Playing against a team that had never played before, the final score was two goals each. No one is sure whether the Marines were bad players or the prize of a trip to KFC urged the teenagers to play well. The Marines also visited the Father Ray Children’s Home where they spent an afternoon taking part in various activities with the children, including playing soccer, basketball, an arm-wrestling competition,

and learning the skills and art of Muay Thai. At the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with Disabilities, the leathernecks helped students with their English skills. The final stop for the Marines was at the Father Ray Day Care Center. Many of the American servicemen and women have

been on duty and away from their families, children and loved ones for many months, so spending time with the toddlers was a moving and happy experience for many. While photos have appeared in the media showing the Marines dressed in battle gear, taking part in jungle exercises, and drinking snake’s blood, there is also a softer side to these tough soldiers. For more information go to www.fr-ray. org or email info@fr-ray.org

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

Youth Focus The benefits of peer mentor reading schemes by Mooltripakdee International School (MIS) A peer mentor reading scheme involves one pupil (the tutor) supporting another pupil (the tutee) with reading. Traditionally, the most effective schemes are where the tutor is older than the tutee; this is often referred to as crossage tutoring. Many studies have proven that peer mentor reading schemes are successful in primary and secondary schools, and also between the two types of schools. Schools have been running such schemes for many years and the benefits are widely acknowledged (National Literacy Trust). In September 2011, the University of Durham published the results of the largest ever trial of peer tutoring in reading with primary school aged children. The impact of the scheme was convincing, “The boost to school pupils’ attainment provided by peer tutoring was equivalent to about three months progress in both maths and reading.” The benefits of peer mentor reading schemes are vast, with

ample advantages for both the tutee and tutor. There are also positive effects that the scheme can have on a whole school basis. The National Literacy Trust suggests that some of the benefits for tutees are increased confidence and enjoyment of reading, improved attitudes towards reading for pleasure, an increased amount of reading outside of school, interaction with a positive peer role model, personal 1-to-1 attention, allowing them to work at their own pace, and an increased sense of belonging in the school community. The tutor can be

observed to have developed interpersonal skills through experiencing a deeper sense of responsibility, increased dedication, and pride in being able to help a peer, improved speaking and listening skills through asking and answering meaningful questions, and improved attitudes towards reading for pleasure. The school as a whole can benefit from an improvement in under-performing pupils in English/reading, and an increase in school community cohesion. In previous years at MIS we ran several peer mentor

schemes which have involved the older children supporting the younger children at playtime, snack time and during school events; this school year is the first time we have run a peer mentor reading scheme. Key Stage Two students were assigned to visit preschool once a week to read stories with children. The benefits of this scheme to date have proved greater than what we had anticipated. The tutors approached their role with a positive and dedicated attitude. They quickly learned what was expected of them

and the challenges that they faced. Within the classroom the biggest difference in these students was a noticeable increase in their confidence in reading aloud to peers of their own age and their ability to work more independently and positively in a variety of reading tasks. The teacher from the preschool classroom noted an increase in her students (tutees) abilities to sit quietly at story time, increased enjoyment of books, and the ability to engage with the activity at a faster pace. These students

also showed an increase in confidence when interacting with older children in the lunch area and at playtimes. At our recent school election on Children’s Day and a celebration day for Chinese New Year, it was a pleasure to see the tutees with far less fear than had been previously observed and the encouragement and support the tutors freely gave to them. We look forward to advancing the scheme further over the rest of the school year and observing its affect on the tutees and tutors.

Their presentations, with only one day of preparation, ranged from a creepy story about dolls that come alive at night to a political piece about oppression and the fight for freedom. "I learned a lot about how to use silence in drama to create suspense," said Mara Dopp, a student on the trip. Ken commented, "Even though we

were all exhausted by the end of the trip, it was all worth it. I'm already looking forward to next year's drama FOBISIA." It was an amazing time of learning about drama, socializing, eating great food, and discovering Vietnam! GIS is based in Ban Chang. For more, visit www. gardenrayong.com.

Garden School students visit Vietnam by Marcella Cooper, English teacher at Garden International School (GIS)

Eleven students from Garden International School (GIS), accompanied by Ken Lund and I, went to the

British International School in Vietnam for the three-day drama festival of the Federation of British International Schools

in Asia. The students learned drama techniques and concepts which they have already applied.

See how our Garden grows! by Mark Beales, Head of English at Garden International School (GIS)

Garden International School (GIS) has a new-look garden–thanks to the students! GIS, based in Ban Chang, has created a new seating area using wooden decking and plants. The former concrete area now looks green and fits in well with the school’s ecofriendly aims. Funds for the new area came from the recycling money raised by students and staff who recycled their waste, so it really is a green area! Among the first students to test out the seating were Shilpi and Antra from Year 9B. Shilpi said, “It’s great to have somewhere like this to sit and read,” while classmate Antra added, “I really like the new look to this place, and it’s good to see that the money from recycling has been used to help the school look even better.” For more, visit www.gardenrayong.com.

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

You & Your Pets

Pattaya Animal Coalition active in the community

The Pattaya Animal Coalition (PAC) and City Hall have joined forces to deal with stray dog issues around Pattaya. Initial plans call for sterilization and spaying of strays focusing on one area at a time beginning this month in Jomtien. Ten dogs have already been spayed and vaccinated in a trial run.

Henceforth calls to the Call Center (1337) about dogs will be forwarded to PAC for investigation. A number of cases have already been handled.

step is to vaccinate confined dogs and upgrade the facilities. The organization again visited and donated food and funds to the Sunuk shelter that looks after about 600 dogs in Chonburi.

Looking at another area of concern, PAC representatives went to Khon Kaen for a conference on the dog meat trade. The Soi Dog and Watch Dog Thailand meeting included more than 200 Region 4 police officers. Later this month, PAC founder Neo Lothongkum returns to Pattaya, ending his 999 km run across Thailand. His goal is to raise awareness of the dog meat trade and to raise funds to build a dog shelter in Pattaya. The effort has generated a 100,000 baht donation from A+ Property Sales & Rentals.

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/

Blue

A handsome boy that came to Cats4You with his brother Boss after their owner died. They have already settled in and enjoy playing in the garden. We named him because of the stunning colour of his eyes.

Boss

Blue’s brother or rather stepbrother who got his name because he is a bit crosseyed. Both Blue and Boss are vaccinated and neutered and ready for adoption – preferably together in a good home.

Tic and Tac

Two little beauties waiting to find a loving home. They are young kitties on the go, so don’t be led astray by the innocent photo making them look as if butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths.

PAC also has been working with the Pattaya Ve t e r i n a r y Department to resolve problems in the municipal dog pound. Some 12,000 kilograms of dog food was donated by Soi Dog through the work of PAC. The next

To make a contribution or find out more, visit www.facebook.com/PattayaAnimalCoalition, www.thailanddog.org, email support@doglifethai. com, or call 083 017 0632 (Thai / English).

Since a fish’s jaw is not attached to its skull, many fishes can shoot their mouths forward like a spring to catch startled prey.

Chloe

Found wandering across a busy road next to a Banglamung temple where she had been dumped. Luckily a motorist slowed down and enabled Cats4You to rescue the kitty who is now doing fine.

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

Cats rarely “talk” to each other. They may growl or hiss, but they seem to understand that their humans need to hear from them, so they meow at us, and rarely at other cats. Because they give us this respect, it’s only fair that we respect them, too, and acknowledge them. At the least, make eye contact while they are “speaking,” as you would with a friend. It's perfectly OK to talk back, too. Tell them how handsome they are, or take a moment to pet them behind the ears or along their back, if they like it. These small gestures help cement the bonds of your relationship.

Dr. Roberta Peters is the author of three informative and entertaining books about household pets. They include Our Amazing Cats, and Our Amazing Cats Vol. 2, now available from Amazon Books and at www.ouramazingcats.com. Her newest book is on our canine friends, Our Amazing Dogs. To download ebook versions of any or all three books (about 200 baht each), go to http://youniquesolutions.com/3Books.html. Dr. Peters also publishes a free newsletter, The Kitty Times. To subscribe, go to: http://www.theproblemcat.com. (Proceeds from book sales help support abandoned cats, and the books help support your emotional health through their heartwarming stories.)

1 - 15 March 2014

www.pattayatoday.net

Games

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

Down

film award (5) large containers (6) deal in drugs (7) melodies (5) so be it (4) of highest intensity (7) frighten with threats (3) german name (4) variety of chalcedony (4) division of time (3) aroused (7) drifted sand (4) addictive drug (5) increased threefold (7) earns (6) freshwater mammal (5)

1. ban 2. run after 3. abundant 5. spinning motion 6. where hides are treated 7. nun 8. fastening device 13. scorn 15. shoddier 17. improve by alteration 18. prepares for publication 19. make an offer 22. not illuminated 23. storage tower

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

Solution Issue 11

Brain Tester

Level this week: HARD. Score ten or more and you’re ready to join a quiz team. Answers below. 1. How many animals denote the years in Chinese astrology? 2. Which Egyptian leader was assassinated in 1981? 3. Which English word from the Greek for black means sadness? 4. Which city burned in Gone with the Wind? 5. Who became prime minister of Israel in 1969? 6. Which disease caused Prince Albert’s death in 1861? 7. In which country is Lusaka? 8. How many psalms are there in the Book of Psalms? 9. Who won the men’s singles at Wimbledon 1993, 1994 & 1998? 10. Who was the original presenter of Question Time on TV?

11. Which book follows the four gospels in the New Testament? 12. In which Mozart opera does a statue come to life? 13. How many Lancastrian kings were called Henry? 14. Who was the president of the Confederacy in the 1860s? 15. In Hamlet whose grave was being dug when the skull was unearthed? 16. Which drug is named after an ancient god of dreams? 17. Who was the literary author of Strangers on a Train? 18. In which year was the Aberfan disaster? 19. Who was Andy Pandy’s girlfriend? 20. Which emperor followed Claudius?

s c r u b e a r v a n t a g e g e r e e l e r u a c r e c l u a n t l e r s l v t i a r a l s n e r s a t z

1. Twelve; 2. Sadat; 3. Melancholy; 4. Atlanta; 5. Meir; 6. Typhoid; 7. Zambia; 8. 150; 9. Sampras; 10. Day; 11. Acts of Apostles; 12. Don Giavanni; 13. Three; 14. Jefferson Davis; 15. Orphelia’s; 16. Morphine; 17. Highsmith; 18. 1966; 19. Looby Loo; 20. Nero.

Subject: Animals

• The best way to communicate with a fish is to drop them a line. • A horse is a very stable animal. • Insects that make honey are always on their best bee-hive-iour. • Peacocks are meticulous because they show attention to de-tail. • Energizer Bunny arrested -charged with battery. • It's OK to watch an elephant bathe as they usually have their trunks on.

t a n e s w d e r a s

a s i c h a h e s q u i n u l a d d

Sudoku

t e x o p o r s e h e o n d r e a e r

Solution on Page 38

7 2

Answers:

PUNS

r e a l m

e s l a p a d a s s h

9 2

4 6

Pattaya Today is published & edited by Lucksika Natham for Siamese Vision Media Co., Ltd. Office: 221/3 M.11 Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Tel: (038) 374-534 Fax: (038) 374-535 E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net Printed at Print 87 Co., Ltd. Naklua, Pattaya City 20150