Pattaya living October 2103 by Pattaya Property Consultants

pattaya living No 34 • october 2013

a supplement of real estaTe magazine

Raising the BAR in hotel luxury Centara Phratamnak opening soon – P28

events & promotions • quiz • health matters • attractions & golf • bars & restaurants

What You really want!

Fine Furniture Products Custom Kitchens Built in Furniture Home Office Bedrooms Living Rooms Carpets Interior Design Lighting Complete Renovation Developer Supplies

Visit our New Showroom on Sukhumvit

www.euro-design-furniture.com

Good news and bad news Give me the bad news first is the usual reply to the statement in the heading above. So here goes ... as part of an overhaul of the way we do things, with effect from next month, Pattaya

Living will cease to be a separate supplement. And the good news? We are putting all the best bits of Living back into REM.

I could try to sugar coat the pill but the facts are that Pattaya

Living didn’t hit advertising targets and I’ve never been a great one for displays of cash-sapping altruism. So I’ve given it the tug, bereft of life it rests in peace, it has ceased to be (as the Monty Python script writers might have put it). All that said, I frequently get complimentary remarks about

Living’s content so I reckon it would be daft to bin it completely. A few clients I have mentioned this news to have welcomed the move. “One good read is what’s required,” said one. “All those supplements were detracting from the overall offering.” Well it pays to listen to your customers ... but I’m not ready to totally discard the idea of producing supplements so, when you see the next one, please don’t point the “you said you wouldn’t do any more” finger. Because that’s not what I’m saying. But for now Living is, well, dead ... or in suspended animation at the very least. From next month Living’s popular items such as the quiz, events round-up, coffee break, restaurant reviews and the like will move to REM which we aim to maintain at 100 pages for the foreseeable future. That’s not a promise – making promises seems all a little futile here in the Land of Smiles. But it is our preferred goal! So, if you enjoy the best of Living, pick up next month’s REM.

Dave Buckley

Managing Director, Pattaya Property Consultants, publishers of REm

All photos courtesy of mydestination.com/pattaya

pattaya LIVING is a supplement of

REALESTATE ine magaz

e v e n t s / p r o m o t i o n s

Dan Cheeseman is co-founder and director of Choice Group Asia and Inspire-eMagazine.com. Previously he has worked in other forms of media in the city. Before coming to Thailand he spent 10 years with Coca-Cola Enterprises in various sales and marketing positions before going on to work in a consultancy capacity, developing business propositions essentially with the Post Office Ltd in the UK during its transition from being Government-owned to becoming a more commercial proposition.

Do all good things have to end? (or is it just a case of one fluid transition?)

‘‘

By dan cheeseman

am reading an interesting book at the moment called ‘Living Brands’. Its premise is that all brands are living and continually changing, often irrespective of what the clever marketer is trying to do in order to control this. This very loosely ties in with the subject matter for this article, which is the last of my series for this Pattaya Living supplement, and begs the question ‘Do all good things have to end?’ So, how do I link ‘living brands’ with my last article for this publication and what is the relevance of the phrase ‘do all good things have to end?’ Rule of life Well, in my creative wisdom it’s not really a case of something coming to an end, but it’s transitional and fluid, such is life in general. This rule applies to other situations, too, from relationships to business. The one thing we cannot prevent is change – such are the variable factors that no one person can control. After this issue I may no longer be writing here, but I will fill this void, no doubt, with some other activity and that keeps life buoyant

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and exciting (plus, believe me, it can be a struggle month-in-month-out to come up with compelling themes for my column!). I guess with some things a stopping point is more obvious, like this article, whereas others are more subtle and often the start and end positions are more difficult to quantify or identify. For example, when a football team suddenly stops being dominant and becomes just a ‘good team’ can a line be drawn in the sand to say when it happened? Tricky. Perhaps to explain myself better we should look at Pattaya itself. Many expats living here say the Pattaya they remember, with packed bars, has come to an end with the city now more family orientated. But that, in itself, is just a transition with market pressures defining a new era for this city.

I have always believed this to be a publication that gets business in front of important customer groups in the city thanks to its links with the quality REM magazine.

’’

My parting words are to thank you all for taking the time to read my articles and I hope you have found them thought-provoking and stimulating. It’s been a great supplement and I know that the publisher intends to keep many Living items when he merges the content into REM next month. Customer groups I have always believed this to be a publication that gets business in front of important customer groups in the city thanks to its link with the quality REM magazine. The publisher thinks one, united publication is the best way forward. I might take issue (bad pun intended) with that! All the best and I am sure some time in the future, if it’s not already happening through ‘Inspire eMagazine’, that our paths will cross again. After all, all good things do not come to an end ... they merely move on. Message to the editor – I am being a bit presumptuous to call my article ‘good’ but it wouldn’t have sounded right to ask: ‘Do all bad things have to end?’ (I get the point … and I wish you all the best too, Dan – Editor).

Tel: 021 070 143 Tel: 021 070 143

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repeat from last issue VIP Fast Track

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repeat from last issue

a corn DISTRIBUTION

Importers and Distributors of fine quality Beverages, Meat Products and Dry Goods for Thailand

Acorn Distribution Co.Ltd., Jua Lee Building, 159/113 3rd Floor, Moo 5, North Pattaya Road Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand. Tel: +66 (0) 38 489 290 Fax: +66 (0) 38 489 295 E-mail: sales@acorn.co.th www.acorn.co.th

repeat from last issue

L O C A L

a t t r ac t i o n s

Bira International Circuit: is the only internationally certified racetrack in Thailand. Its extensive facilities include a full-service karting track, an off-road test track, and the FIA certified 2.41km racetrack. It can be found about 15 km away on the Pattaya-Rayong Road (Highway 36). Tel: 022 803 547/025 221 731/8 Flight of the Gibbon: this attraction is ranked highly on the Trip Advisor website list of things to do. Cheap it isn’t but most of the reviews rate the experience and commend the safety measures employed. It can be found close to Khao Kheow Zoo. Tel: 0899 70 55 11 or visit website www.treetopasia.com

drive from central Pattaya. It features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 8.0018:30. Tel: 03824 9347-9 or www. thaistonepark.org for information. Mini Siam: is on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33. This model village celebrates the heritage of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites. Replicas of Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed. There is a small go-kart track. Open daily from 7.00-22.00. Tel: 038 421 628 for information.

Here we list just a few of the things tourists and expats can do to make their time here more enjoyable ...

Pattaya Park and Tower: at Pratumnak features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. Open daily from 10.00-19.00 (20.00 on Saturday). Tel: 03836 4110-20 or 02579 9612-4 or www.pattayapark.com for more information. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum: on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza. Access from both Second Road and Beach Road. Open daily 11.00-23.00. Tel: 03871 0294/8.

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Khao Chi Chan: etched and filled with gold leaf, this Buddha is more than 100 metres high and is thought to be the largest such image in the world. Next to Silver Lakes Vineyard which is also worth a visit.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo: 35 km north of Pattaya. A huge zoo with many animals that are on the endangered species list including six rare white tigers exchanged by the Memphis Zoo in the USA. Open daily 08:00-18:00. Tel: 038 298 188. Koh Larn: is reached by ferry from Bali Hai pier or by speedboat. It has several beaches boasting white sand and clear blue water. The many activities include para sailing, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range there. Koh Larn is also suited for bicycling and hiking. www.kohlarn.com Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm: lies a 15 minute

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: 163 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes east of city towards Bang Saray). Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, “Cultural Extravaganza” performances four times a day. Tourists experience religious ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, massages and elephant shows. Tel: 03842 9321.

Pattaya Dolphin World and Resort: a comparative newcomer to the scene and parts of it were yet to be completed at the beginning of 2013. Recommended for families with young children but don’t expect USA-style shows. Tel: 038 051 790/6. Pattaya Elephant Village: 7km from Central Pattaya on Phonpraphanimit Road. Shows daily at 14.30 and last an hour. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 8.00-17.30 and rafting, trekking (three hours including a meal) is available at 9.00, 10.30, 12.30 and 16.30. Tel: 038 249 818.

Sanctuary of Truth: this wooden giant can be found in North Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Naklua Road. Every inch of the building is covered with wooden carvings to reflect Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. It is open daily from 9.00-18.00 Admission is 500 baht. 038 225 407/038 367 229 www. sanctuaryoftruth.com Sriracha Tiger Zoo: a zoo with various shows at 341 Moo 3, Nongkham, Sri Racha (30 minutes away). It claims a population of 200 tigers and around 10,000 crocodiles, the largest of such in the world. Tel: 03829 6556. Underwater World: on Sukhumvit Road 200 metres south of Tesco Lotus at Pattaya South has a collection of marine species from the Gulf of Thailand. Walk through the 100-metre long pedestrian tunnel and witness more than 200 species of fish swimming by. Open daily from 9.00-18.00 (last tickets 17.30). Tel: 038 756 879.

THE COOL BAR ON SOI KHAOTALO

OPEN DAILY FROM 1pm • For more information call +66 (0)87 747 8555, + 66 (0)89 250 5691 or email info@boozeloungepattaya.com

repeat from last issue

Family Pub & Restaurant

op now

repeat from last issue Sunday Carvery Extensive range of Premium Imported Beers and Ciders on draught and in bottles & cans Guest Beers Kids secure soft play area Full European and Thai menu Computer games zone Full sports TV coverage Pool Table

Imports On Draught: STOWFORD PRESS CIDER BRAINS SA SMOOTH BITTER BRAINS BLACK STOUT PHUKET EXPORT PREMIUM LAGER Situated on the second floor of The Avenue Shopping Mall on

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ฮิวแมน ไอที ทำให้เทคโนโลยีง่าย

Tel: +66 (0) 38 068 949 Tel: +66 (0) 81 576 4688 sales@humanit.asia www.humanit.asia

e v e n t s / p r o m o t i o n s

Going for glamour

attaya is going for glamour in October with Tiffany’s staging the world’s premier transgender beauty contest and the Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe completing its search for Miss Hard Rock Southeast Asia. More than 20 of the world’s leading transgender beauty queens will be in Thailand for a series of events leading up to the selection of the ninth Miss International Queen at the Tiffany Theatre, Second Road, on November 1. The current winner, Kevin Balot from the Philippines, will crown her successor on the final night. Among the countries represented will be Brazil, France, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Vietnam and, of course, Thailand through 20-yearold Netnapada Kanrayanon, who won the Miss Tiffany Universe title in May. Cash prizes Awaiting the new Miss International Queen is a cash prize of Bt300,000, a trophy, various gifts and an apartment at Woodlands Hotel and Resort for a year. The runner-up will receive Bt80,000 in cash and the second runner-up Bt50,000. Various other competitions, with prizes up to Bt40,000, include best evening gown, best national costume, best talent, Miss Congeniality (chosen by the contestants), Miss Photogenic (chosen by the press), Miss Ripley’s Popular Vote and Miss Perfect Skin. The final of Miss International Queen will be broadcast live on TV. The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya will stage an international beauty pageant of its own on October 4 and 5 when the regional winners of Ms Hard Rock contests in Pattaya, Bali and Penang gather in Pattaya to decide who will be Ms Hard Rock Southeast Asia 2013.

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Dion, aka Pornsawan Pornwapee, who won the Ms Hard Rock Pattaya contest in July, will lead the Thai challenge which will also include Pattaya’s

first runner-up Birdie (Budsabong Prommeang) and second runnerup Katze (Pakatida Srongprapa). The three shared prizes worth more than Bt300,000 in the July contest which was based on music knowledge and appreciation, talent, Hard Rock T-shirt style, swimwear presentation and general questions. The Hard Rock Hotel is going pink as it celebrates Pinktober. The hotel’s pink sheets programme is designed to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and Thanyarak Foundation

 Kevin Balot of the Philippines learns of his victory in the 2012 Miss International Queen contest at Tiffany’s.  Thailand’s three contestants in October’s Ms Hard Rock Southeast Asia contest at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

e v e n t s / p r o m o t i o n s

 Radarong and Udomchavee who will spearhead Thailand’s challenge in the women’s volleyball Thailand Open at Karon Beach, Phuket.  Bira Kart Track is set to stage October’s Thailand Kart Prix 2013.

with 25 per cent of the Pinktober room revenues being donated to the charities. Room Rates start from Bt3,824 per room per night on Sunday to Thursday and from Bt4,079 per room per night on Friday and Saturday. Included are various ‘pink’ specials such as welcome pink drinks, a complimentary pink cocktail and limited edition ‘Pinktober 2013’ pins. Special Hard Rock events associated with Pinktober include a Pink Parade on October 4, a Pink Foam Party on October 5 and a themed Pink Night at the Hard Rock Café on October 18. Women’s beach volleyball returns to Thailand for five days of competition starting on October 29, but unlike last year, when the event took place at Bangsaen, the Thailand Open powered by PTT has now moved back to Karon Beach, Phuket, where the event was previously held between 2006 and 2011. International teams This year’s competition has attracted more than 40 teams from 19 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Columbia, Czech

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Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vanuatu and Venezuela. Local interest will be focused on Thailand’s No 1 team of Radarong and Udomchavee. Currently ranked No 42 in the world, the team last month achieved their highest ever finish on the World Tour finishing fifth in the Anapa Open in Russia. Thailand as host country is allowed two automatic slots in the main draw with the Thailand No 2 team of Numwong and Hongpak also making their entry into the tournament. Thailand has hosted more than 10 women’s tournaments and one men’s tournament, all officially sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).

Winners of last year’s Bangsaen tournament were the American pair of April Ross and Jennifer Kessy. With a guaranteed purse of US$75,000, the bonus pool will push the total purse for the Thailand Open to nearly US$120,000. Buffalo races will be the centerpiece of the week-long Chonburi Festival which starts on October 14. Three days of racing in the fields in front of Chonburi District Office and City Hall begin on October 18 and will be accompanied by booths selling locally made items, stage performances, games and beauty contests, not only for intricatelydressed women but also for buffalos! The festival also usually includes slingshot shooting, kite competitions, post-climbing, cock fighting and Muay Thai boxing.

 Buffalo racing is the centrepiece of the weeklong Chon Buri Festival.

Stand-up comedy A night of stand-up Scottish comedy featuring Phil Kay and Raymond Mearns is in store for those who care to pop along to the Havana Bar and Restaurant at the Holiday Inn, Pattaya, on October 5. Phil Kay is Scotland’s madcap king of stand-up comedy and has

 Hard Rock Hotel goes pink as it celebrates Pinktober with 25 per cent of room revenues going to breast cancer research.

 Supercars are back in action again at Bira Circuit in the Thailand Super Series.  A night of Scottish comedy featuring Phil Kay and Raymond Mearns is scheduled at the Holiday Inn.

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Pattaya Beach Hall of Fame on November 2. The evening will begin with a champagne reception, a debut designer fashion show, bestdressed awards, dance music, photo shoots and an A-List international dinner with free flow beer and wine.

been performing since 1989. He has garnered a pile of awards including Best British Comedy Award in 1994, various nominations and TV appearances including hosting his own live show on Channel 4 in 1997. Raymond Mearns is an actor and stand-up comedian. He has acted in various roles and was part of the cast of Home, which won Best Short Film at the 1999 BAFTA Awards. The show gets under way at 8pm and tickets cost Bt999. Although a limited number will be available at the door on the night, those wishing to go are advised to phone 085 361 9246 to book in advance. Another event at which booking in advance is essential is the Red Carpet Pattaya Charity Dinner Dance scheduled for the Hard Rock

Women With A Mission It is being organised by the Rayong-Pattaya Ladies Circle and Women With A Mission, a private voluntary group that provides food and shelter for displaced tsunami victims and teaches locals how to grow their own food and farm fish. Tickets for the dinner dance cost Bt2,200 each and are available from Michelle on 082 179 1037, Kylie on 087 482 3520, or the Hard Rock Box Office on 038 428 755. While on the subject of food, those of you who like to avoid eating meat have a treat in store when the week-long Pattaya Vegetarian Festival kicks off on October 11. Almost all food shops and restaurants fly yellow flags during the festival, signifying that vegetarian food is available.

e v e n t s / p r o m o t i o n s

 Catamarans of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club have a busy month ahead. Last year more than 5,000 people attended the festival at Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Naklua where a traditional meal of Khao Phat Thip 85 Pans was cooked in 85 frying pans by 85 cooks to celebrate HM the King’s 85th birthday. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Aston Martins and Porsches will be rolled out for rounds 5 and 6 of the Thailand Super Series which takes place on the weekend of October 5-6 at the Bira Main Circuit. Separate events will be staged for Super Car, Super 2000, Super Pickup, Super 1500 and Super Production vehicles. The neighbouring Bira Kart Track will host the Thailand Kart Prix 2013 on October 27. Two home matches In other sporting action, the Dolphins of Pattaya United, who have shown improved form lately, are scheduled to play three Thai Premier League matches during the month – home to Songkhla United on October 6 (kick-off 6pm); away to Buriram United on October 20 (6pm) and home to Chiang Rai United on October 27 (7pm). Offshore, catamarans, dinghies and junior sailors will be in action

the events & promotions section of pattaya living is produced in association with

on the weekend of October 5-6 as the Royal Varuna Yacht Club stages its Oktoberfest Regatta and again on October 19-20 for the Commodore’s Cup. The cats and dinghies will also compete in the Autumn Series – part one on the weekend of October 5-6 and part two on October 2627. Keel boats will compete in the Ocean Marina Weekend Regatta 10 and Platu Cup on October 12-13. Finally, early-rising stargazers should make a note of October 19 when a lunar eclipse (which occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon) will be visible (weather permitting) from Pattaya. The show starts at 4.53am with the maximum eclipse at 6.06am when the Moon will be close to the horizon. Robert Collins

Details of published events are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change without notice. Readers are advised to check with event organisers.

Coffee break

This month in history October 14, 1066: William the Conqueror defeats King Harold’s English forces at the Battle of Hastings. October 29, 1618: Sir Walter Raleigh is beheaded. October 16, 1793: Marie Antoinette is executed. October 21, 1805: Nelson dies at the Battle of Trafalgar. October 25, 1854: Charge of the Light Brigade occurs. October 26, 1881: Three die in the Gunfight at the OK Corral at Tombstone, Arizona. October 5, 1962: The Beatles release their first record.

R __ __ _ _____ ________N ___ ____ _______ ___ R R N R N R ___ ___ ____. __ ___ ___ ___ _______ ___ ___ 1

18 22

21 7

21 24

CRYPTOGRAM Answers to all the puzzles appear on Page 25

25 26

12 20 25

before

addition and subtraction.

× -

+ ×

6 ×

4 -22

1. Which South American country has both a Pacific and a Caribbean coastline? 2. In which time zone is the North Pole?

3. How many US Presidents have been assassinated? 4. Where is the world’s largest McDonalds? 5. Who was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover? 6. Which comet could be seen with the naked eye for 18 months in 1996-97? 7. Which two UK politicians both became Prime Minister for the first time in 1868?

The greatest US Presidents of all time according to an online poll by Ranker.com: 1. Abe Lincoln (1809-65) 2. George Washington (1732-99) 3. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) 4. Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) 5. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) 6. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)

20 22 21

21 15 25 21 16 21

14 6

SUDOKU

3 2 6 9 7 2 4 5 1 4 8 2 7 3 8 1 5 2 9 4 6 5 8 6 1 4 3 7 7 9 2

-21 B S D Y H M G O S J O A J M E N

Two-minute trivia

Six of the best

Lincoln – best President?

Decode this Muhamad Ali quote by deciphering the missing letters. We’ve given you two to start.

NUMBER CRUNCHER Fill in the missing numbers using 1-9 to complete the equation. Each number is used once. Multiplication and division are performed

H E U E H C Z A Z R M S M F H A Y F E O S N I L Z O L B E Q E Q F C C T F T B V Z Z T W N P Y C H I X A H Q I A O Y F N D X I D G M U S S O R G S K Y I E V I F Z P K V C T V S V S A Q L E K P Q I L L H M R E R V Z T S I L C K I V P U W C A N O H G S F G H C C C S B Y F D V K X T O O W E W U H O E A I E H I K F H K H H O R K A R A C H M A N I N O V S V Y P N T L X H N H W S K R O L O C I W N Y V J D C V G K P A R Y V Q I D R E V E T N O M Y Z X R N I Y Q P M R U H H W S G C J Find the names of these 12 composers:

Bach

Beethoven Mendelssohn Monteverdi

Mozart Mussorgsky Prokofiev Rachmaninov Schubert Shostakovich Stravinsky Tchaikovsky

Tulip send in the tanks

But there’s no need to alert the UN because they’re the fishy kind

Any day now the Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya will open its doors to paying guests. The project is the first to be completed in the city by Tulip Group and it represents a bold statement of what the company is about. Situated in the exclusive Phratamnak Hill district, the Centara Grand lies only a few steps away from both beautiful Cosy Beach and the princess’s Royal Residence. The hotel is designed with an underwater world theme, and has the feel of a luxury private club. The elegant hotel will contain 165 guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, featuring high quality furnishings and fittings including the finest cotton sheets, Jim Thompson pillowcases, and Harnn bathroom amenities. Family Residences include a large lounge, separate bedroom and a children’s room that can easily sleep two kids, and includes a complete wrap-around balcony with sun beds and dining room table. There is a rooftop swimming

Above: The separate bedroom in the Family Residence suites is designed to give parents some privacy while still allowing them to monitor the kids. Below: Guests will enjoy quick and easy access to Cosy Beach via the hotel’s own beach house.

pool alongside a branded Italian restaurant “Ruffino”. Both provide stunning views across Pattaya Bay. Also there will be an all-day dining restaurant Oceana, as well a French bakery “espresso” serving amazing treats and the world famous “Illy” coffee. The interior and exterior of the building is clad in imported Italian marble and all furniture is imported including stunning Fendi Casa pieces for the lobby, guest rooms and main dining room. Large aquariums Two large aquariums feature to accentuate the underwater theme. One, a predator tank containing black tip sharks, stingrays and groupers, is in the main dining room and will provide a stunning backdrop for those eating a gourmet meal in the evening. The other in the lobby, is themed as a coral reef with exotic species such as angel and butterfly fish (see front cover). It is illuminated with special lighting to impart an underwater world ambience to the ground floor areas.

t h a i l a n d

NI G HTLI F E

away from

three nites in bangkok Quick cure for the Bangkok Blues Since moving back to Bangkok two months ago, I find myself doing “Bangkok stuff”. “Bangkok stuff” includes riding the Skytrain, eating off the street carts, staying out way too late at night; and the people-watching is spectacular. But I’ve lived in Bangkok before. I know the novelty wears off and some days Bangkok becomes a sweltering vat of people soup. So this past weekend I found myself doing something else modern Bangkokians are frequently doing; getting away to Pattaya. About to rain I’ve had just about enough of the annual rains this past month. The weather in Bangkok has only two modes this time of year; “raining” and “about to rain”. Going anywhere in the city will surely be a sloppy and sweaty affair. So, I hopped on the internet, found a resort within my budget and packed my bags for a threeday escape from the concrete beehive that is BKK. There are so many good

resorts in Pattaya now, it is difficult to choose. And, in the middle of low season, some good deals can be had. I settled on Thai Garden Resort because I’d been to a business networking event there and always wanted to swim in that pool. Nearly all my years in Pattaya have been spent in the southern end of the beaches and North Pattaya is a bit of a mystery to me. Booking on-line through Agoda, I was able to secure a room no problem for less than Bt2,000 per night net. The drive down Friday morning was smooth. Instantly upon arrival I remembered the low-key, but elegant, style at Thai Garden Resort. The wide open expanse of the reception foyer is Zen-like. I felt more relaxed already. By her very demeanor, the young lady who checked me in reminded me that this is a GermanSwiss run hotel. My in-processing consisted of several briefings on subjects like pool towels, breakfast and free drink coupons.

‘‘ This resort

was originally built in 1985 but recently renovated in 2010. The big 35 square metre room seems cavernous

’’ by some

standards.

I was duly briefed, issued several laminated cards and escorted to my room by a polite young Thai guy. Upon entering the room, he deftly demonstrated all the features of the room including how the TV worked and where the free drinking water was. This would not be the first time the efficiency of the staff at this resort would impress me. The room was not all what I expected, but in a very good way. Thai Garden Resort has 227 rooms, but it feels like a little village. I stayed in what seemed like a private bungalow with only one neighbour. This resort was originally built in 1985 but recently renovated in 2010. The big 35 square metre room seems cavernous by some standards. Extended stay With plenty of natural light, a big comfy bed and a walk-in shower, it would be easy to live out of this room quite comfortably for an extended stay. Most all rooms have a terrace or seating area outside in the garden as well.

The whole low-rise resort is surrounded in 25,000 square metres of tropical gardens. There is some elevation change on the site, so it seems much larger than it really is. The small army of landscapers keep this place looking immaculate. It appears that a lot of thought and effort has gone into making the whole garden interesting and personal. Garden vignette Thai inspired statues and reliefs are centerpieces in a dozen or so garden vignettes. Tropical trees and shrubs are discreetly labelled with their names so visitors can pick up a little botanical knowledge while wandering around. For me, the main attraction of the Thai Garden Resort is the gigantic swimming pool. The pool measures 63 square metres from end to end and actually has a bridge over the middle. But, it’s not just the size that makes it interesting. The swimming area includes an integrated children’s pool, aqua beds, swim-up jets, and multiple Jacuzzis. And, the eco-friendly salt to chlorine filtration and hygiene system makes the water so soft and easy on your eyes I found myself floating around in hydroheaven every day for a few hours. Something else I did everyday was to eat breakfast at the buffet. For many people, this not an amazing statement, but it is for me. I’m not a fan of the buffet

format, especially for breakfast. But, the buffet they put on at the Lanna Café poolside at Thai Garden Resort is just right in scope and scale. It is well presented, clean and compulsively attended by their staff. What amazed me is how many different countries were represented as guests of the TGR and how well the staff adapted to their needs. This was most evident at breakfast. There was a group of Arabs from Dubai, a Korean couple on a honeymoon, four Indian ladies with their elderly mother on holiday, a handful of European couples and a whole bunch of Thais on weekend getaways. Yet, the breakfast buffet accommodated all nationalities and cultures with something for everyone. I got hooked on their selection of jams made from tropical fruits. Taking breakfast and coffee (and you get your own coffee pot) on the veranda outside the Lanna Café by the pool was a habit I formed immediately. The atmosphere was just so relaxed and the service so good. Good book and a cocktail During one day, I ventured out in my car only to find everyone from Bangkok in Pattaya and on the road with every tour bus ever assembled. Rather than fight traffic, I just chilled at the resort with a good book and a cocktail by the pool. I came to relax, not get road-rage.

‘‘ What amazed me is how

many different countries were

represented as guests of the TGR and how well the staff

adapted to their needs. This was most evident at

’’ breakfast.

In the evenings I skipped the dinner buffet which looked really good as I walked by. I could not imagine being offered that much food and making it out of the hotel without a nap. Instead, I wandered around North Pattaya and found some interesting restaurants and bars. I even stumbled into an old favourite of mine in North Pattaya, Leo Blues Bar on Naklua Soi 18. I found it ironic listening to Pattaya blues as a solution to the Bangkok Blues. It was a great night of music and mayhem just around the corner from Thai Garden Resort. Really needed Driving back to Bangkok on Monday morning, I felt duly rejuvenated. A three day getaway to Pattaya is the holiday equivalent of a power-nap. It’s not a full-length vacation, but it’s something I really needed. This was my first Pattaya weekend getaway since moving back to Bangkok, but it won’t be my last. What I’m really happy about is finding a place where I didn’t have to get in my car after arriving. Without a doubt I’ll shop around and try other places, but for the low-season price of less than Bt2,000 per night, Thai Garden Resort was a lot of room and service for the money. It will be hard to match and I highly recommend it as a cure for the Bangkok Blues.

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the chow hound Hunting down meals and deals ... Linda’s restaurant ... Norwegian sunrise

Top food and great opening hours make this a go-to venue for early risers

Not a lot of you readers know this, but The Chowhound is an early riser. When the sun is up, The Hound is up; and he’s always hungry. This can be problematic in a city like Pattaya where sunrise usually signals the end of nocturnal activities rather than the start of a new day. On a sunny Saturday morning at 7am, The Hound found himself travelling down a deserted Jomtien Beach Road. The only creatures stirring were those infernal jet-ski operators setting up for the day. The list of suitable breakfast joints open at this hour is short. Lucky for The Hound, he found Linda’s on Thappraya Road, just north of the Hanuman statue across from the Jomtien Complex. Not only was Linda’s open, but the staff were awake, smiling and ready to do business. Longtime residents of Pattaya know this is also a rare finding. The Hound didn’t need to see the big Norwegian flag out front to know this is a Scandinavian restaurant. The white table cloths and spotlessness were a dead giveaway. Cold towel and coffee The cold towel the waitress brought and that first cup of coffee told The Hound that he found the right place. The breakfast menu isn’t very big, but it is stocked with an international selection that anyone could appreciate. The Hound saw an absolutely massive American brekkie arrive at another table that looked like it was designed for two people. Two lads The Hound met from Liverpool told me that Linda’s was their eatery of

choice for the full-English hangover cure. After some deliberation, The Hound chose the “Norwegian Luxury Breakfast”. The meal arrived within five minutes and was almost too pretty to eat. The Hound felt like a Japanese tourist taking pictures of his food. The Norwegian Luxury Breakfast is served on a long boat-like platter (very Viking) and contains five separate breakfast bites. Naturally, a very tasty slice of Norwegian salmon wrapped up with a dill sprig sitting atop a piece of rye bread is featured. Waffle with Norwegian Brown Butter Sliced boiled egg with just a dash of caviar sits next to it. A nice dollop of slaw with some sliced ham occupies another slice of bread, and a mouthful of potato salad wrapped in red cabbage is its neighbour. But, what really got The Hound’s tail thumping was the waffle with Norwegian Brown Butter. The Hound has no idea what this “brown butter” substance is made of, but he wanted to order a tub of it to take home and roll around in. If The Hound had to describe his experience in one word it would be “satisfied”. As The Hound exited past the outdoor veranda, he saw the place was filling up with patrons … and why not? The portions are huge, the price is very cheap and they are open at 7am. In The Hound’s opinion, it’s definitely worth getting out of bed for. Check Linda’s out on-line: www.lindasrestaurant.com/‎

Memorable mammals

1. Which famous animal was the popular choice for Best Actor in the first ever Academy Awards in 1929, only to be denied when the Academy decided a human should win? 2. Bamboo Harvester, a Palomino horse foaled in 1949 in El Monte, California, had a spectacular, five-year TV career before kidney problems and arthritis led to his being put down in 1970. What was his TV name? 3. Of the hundreds of thousands of animals which have inhabited London Zoo since it opened in 1828, Guy (1947-1978) was the public’s favourite. What kind of animal was he? 4. Clarence the cross-eyed lion (above centre) shot to fame in a 1965 film of the same name. What was the title of the TV series in which he subsequently appeared? 5. Susie, Kathy, Patty, Scotty and Squirt took it in turns to play the leading role in what American hit TV series that ran from 1964 to 1967? 6. A Soviet space dog (right) became the first animal to orbit the Earth in 1957, although she

If there’s one thing better than a good human interest story it’s a good animal interest story – and there have been plenty of those over the years. See what you can remember about some of the more famous mammals. The answers to these and our other quiz questions appear overleaf.

died from overheating within hours of the launch. What was her name? 7. Manis the orangutan (above left) stole some of Clint Eastwood’s thunder in the film Every Which Way But Loose (but not, as popularly believed, in the sequel Any Which Way You Can). What was his name in the film? 8. Unsinkable Sam was a cat that survived the sinking of three warships in WWII. Can you name any of them? 9. Two giant pandas which zoos in London and Moscow hoped would produce offspring captured the public’s attention in 1966. What were their names? 10. Keiko became literally the biggest movie star of all time, but what was the title of the 1993 film that catapulted him to stardom?

Now test your news knowledge: 11. ‘Balayage’, ‘Squee’, ‘Twerk’ and ‘Derp’ were all added to the Oxford English Dictionary in August. Which one is an exclamation of delight? 12. The Japanese TV programme Castle in the Sky set a world record in August for the most what per second? 13. Film students angered Daimler after making a mock Mercedes Benz ad in which a car did what? 14. Before pulling out because of injury, Maria Sharapova (above right) was reportedly planning to change her name for commercial reasons to what during the US Tennis Open? 15. What happened to a Liverpool woman in August while she was eating a triple-decker burger? 16. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called on the police to act against gangs that are stealing what? 17. A kind-hearted 911 operator in Washington state lent what to a woman who phoned to report a theft?

q u i z

a n s w e r s

1. Rin Tin Tin. The male German Shepherd dog was rescued from a World War I battlefield by an American soldier, Lee Duncan, and went on to appear in 27 Hollywood films. 2. Mr Ed the talking horse. Mr Ed was voiced by former Western star Allan Lane, who went uncredited for the entire length of the series. 3. A gorilla. Guy arrived at London Zoo clutching a tin hot-water bottle in 1947 and became one of the zoo’s best loved characters. When sparrows entered his enclosure, he would scoop them up gently and peer at them before letting them go. He died of a heart attack after having a tooth extracted in 1978. 4. Daktari. The programme aired between 1966 and 1969 and starred Marshall Thompson as Dr Marsh Tracy, a veterinarian at the fictional Wameru Study Centre for Animal Behaviour in East Africa. 5. Flipper. Female dolphins were chosen because they are less aggressive than males and their skins are usually free from scars. 6. Laika, a stray dog from the streets of Moscow. 7. Clyde. Manis died two years after allegedly being beaten with an axe handle by his trainer two years after filming.

 Chi Chi, London Zoo’s giant panda who hit the headlines in 1966 when unsuccessful attempts were made to mate her with Moscow Zoo’s An An.  The statue of Guy the gorilla at London Zoo. Guy was the public’s favourite for 20 years.  Rin Tin Tin as a puppy with Lee Duncan, the soldier who rescued him from the WWI trenches in northern France. The dog went to Hollywood where he made 27 films.  Keiko the orca who did much to highlight the plight of whales in general after appearing in four Free Willy movies.

8. Unsinkable Sam was a German ship’s cat rescued from the Bismarck along with 118 of the ship’s crew of 2,200. Sam subsequently served in the Royal Navy and survived the sinking of HMS Cossack and HMS Ark Royal. 9. Chi Chi and An An. London Zoo’s Chi Chi, who died in 1972, was the inspiration for the logo of the World Wildlife Fund and her remains now sit in a glass case in London’s Natural History Museum. 10. Free Willy. Keiko was an orca, or killer whale. After his death in 2003, 700 people attended a memorial service for him at Oregon Coast Aquarium. 11. Squee. Balayage is a technique for highlighting hair, twerk refers to a particular dance and derp is related to stupidity. 12. Tweets. Fans of the anime programme tweeted the word ‘balus’ in unison, with traffic of 143,199 tweets per second.

13. The car ran over a young Adolph Hitler. The viral spoof ad showed a modern Mercedes in a turnof-the-20th-Century Austrian village featuring a young Hitler. Unamused, Daimler insisted on multiple disclaimers making clear the ‘ad’ was nothing to do with them. 14. Maria Sugarpova. The tennis star has a confectionery range of that name. 15. She dislocated her jaw. The woman suffers from EhlersDanlos syndrome, and has joints that are both hyperflexible and unstable. 16. Women’s hair. The thieves sell the hair – sometimes stolen at gunpoint – to salons where it is used for extensions and wigs. Attacks appear to be on the rise. 17. A wedding dress. The operator took pity on the woman, called Candice, when she reported the theft of her wedding dress from a car on her wedding day.

Coffee break answers two-minute trivia

1 Colombia; 2 All...and none!; 3 Four; 4 London’s Olympic Park; 5 Queen Victoria; 6 Hale-Bopp; 7 Disraeli and Gladstone. NUMBER CRUNCHER AND SUDOKU

Multiply and divide before adding or subtracting. The top row across therefore is 5 x 6 = 30; 9 -30 = -21.

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A meeting of ‘The Marked’

attoos and Pattaya … somehow they just go together. Even if you’ve never had a tattoo, you owe it to yourself to attend at least one tattoo show in your lifetime. One doesn’t need to be a member of a sub-culture to enjoy it. Come to people watch … come to learn … prepare to be amazed. Late in August, Pattaya hosted its 3rd International Tattoo Convention since 2009. The event was held at The Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya Beach and sponsored by AIM Global Service Company, The Pattaya Technician Association and the Pattaya Tattoo club. Corporate sponsors also included Bloodline Tattoo Inks and Cam tattoo equipment. Perfect backdrop The event was actually held in the “Hall of Fame Room”, the museum-like ballroom adjacent to the hotel itself. The room was a little cramped, and the exhibitions spilled over into the foyer, but I had to admit, it was the perfect backdrop for such an event. You see a lot of surreal stuff at a tattoo convention and none more so that the opening ceremony hosted by the Guest of Honour Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor Ronnakit

‘‘

Aegasing. He talked about the goal of this event being to change the perception of tattoos as low class art and raise awareness about cleanliness and safety. It seemed odd to see such a mainstream establishment person (from any country) embracing the culture and enjoying the show. What goes on at a tattoo convention you ask? Well, as you might expect, tattoo artists from all over the region come to make customer contacts and actually demonstrate their skills as convention attendees look on. That’s right you can stand there and watch someone getting tattooed. The Pattaya version of this kind of show includes live music from several bands as well as short lectures on subjects like health, tattoo history, tattoo trends, cleanliness and equipment. And, as you might expect, there are a series of tattoo contests with winners chosen in categories like; small tattoo, traditional or “Old School” tattoo, Tribal, Realistic, Japanese, black & grey, colour, Neo Thao, Large Tattoos, Tattoo Girl, and of course Best of the Day. As I mentioned, the peoplewatching at these events is spectacular. What’s more, most

The Pattaya version of this kind of show includes live music from several bands as well as short lectures on subjects like health.

’’

participants don’t mind if you take their picture. In fact, they rather enjoy it. Most of the artists on display were from either Pattaya or Bangkok. What struck me as different about this convention was the number of female artists and all-girl shops. I spoke with some of the young ladies at shops with names like Tattoo Girl M, Law Birdy and Bubble Brain. They said their primary customers were women who wanted a feminine touch to their body art. Well, if it is possible to make a flaming skull lady-like, these girls could pull it off. Foreign artists Not all the artists at this event were Thai. I saw several foreign artists, one in particular with most of his bald head tattooed. I couldn’t stop looking at the writhing creature inked indelibly on his cranium; and I think that’s the whole point. Walking away I wondered, “h-m-m-m, maybe he could tattoo me some hair!” The most compelling artists I found at this show has a shop in Koh Phangan called Tiki Tattoo. The artists introduced himself as Jay and explained that he is of Maori and Dutch ancestry and lived in New Zealand before moving to

Holland. His designs are 100 per cent Maori tribal and extremely intricate. He also does other styles to please his clientele, but the Maori tribal work is his claim to fame. Besides the style and story behind the Maori artwork, there is another difference you’ll experience with this artist. He doesn’t use an electric tattoo gun … he accomplishes his complex and detailed design in the traditional way, with a bamboo stick. Natural feeling According to Jay, “The bamboo tattoo is a completely different experience compared to the machine. It is slower to complete but it hurts less and the feeling is more natural as it is handwork.” I found that “it hurts less” part hard to believe as I watched him poke away on the back of a young

Aussie sporting an elaborate Japanese mural across his entire back. What amazed me the most was that this artist uses no stencil. All tattoos are accomplished pretty much freehand. When I mentioned that to Jay, he looked up from his customer for a moment and said: “Only in this way can you ensure your body art is one of a kind”. This is a fact I find hard to argue. The brilliant colours and balance etched onto the back of the young Aussie was breathtaking. According to Jay, they had 150 hours of work into the piece already. All I could think was, “And it’s on your back where you can’t see it?” I still can’t decide whether I consider that stupidity or total commitment. It’s a “fine” line I suppose. I spent most of the afternoon taking pictures of heavily tattooed Thai ladies. Some were menacing,

‘‘ Some were menacing, some were spooky, but mostly they were sweet and revelling in the opportunity to get their picture taken.

’’

some were spooky, but mostly they were sweet and revelling in the opportunity to get their picture taken. Apparently tattooed Thai girls are still Thai girls. Always want more When I ask one vivacious tattooette why she’d gotten inked she told me the first time was on a dare. “And then,” she confided, “the ink just kind of gets in your blood you know? You’ll always want another one.” Rolling up my sleeves as I responded, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do know.” Show-and-tell ensued for the next 30 minutes … and so goes the mating ritual for those of us who are marked. Bart Walters For more information visit, www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9CC2Yj8AKxk

b a r s t o o l

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Calling ‘foul’ on serious pool

ntil a couple of months ago I played for a team in a Monday night pool league. I believe I joined for mostly the right reasons ... something fun to do on a night of the week that can be fairly dull, bit of camaraderie, a challenge to my playing skills (or lack thereof) and just for the craic as the Irish would put it, writes Dave Buckley. I stopped when the current season started. There was a valid reason in that I had joined a business networking group that crazily meets at 6.30 every Tuesday morning. I felt I couldn’t mix the late night followed by an early morning. But that was only half the story. The reality was that the league had simply ceased to be fun – for me! Players were taking things all too seriously and, instead of looking forward to matches I started to approach them with a “wonder what the problem will be tonight” feeling. The games were going on far too long. It was not unknown for 15 games to take more than four hours, often ending past midnight. Players – especially on my own team, I might add – were taking daft amounts of time to weigh up their next shot, often when they only had the option of hitting one ball. Lots of players had no reason to be up early the next morning, but several (like me) did! Second opinion Other players, when a foul was called on them, would turn to their own team mates seeking a second opinion about the fairness, or otherwise, of the call. Debates – often prolonged – would ensue and suddenly just about everyone in the team was a referee with an opinion. It was all getting way too serious and, at times, close to unpleasant. I might have understood if people were playing for money. But they weren’t. Of course, no one likes to lose. I am one of the worst offenders when it comes to that. But, when beaten (a regular occurrence I’m sorry to record), I would always shake the

Spirit of the game How do I think the game should be played? Let me give you an example... one night an opponent approached me (thinking I was the captain) and said that his wife had recently come out of hospital and would like to play but was unsure of herself. If she couldn’t finish the game would we mind if they got another team member to finish it for her. After a brief chat we said “fine” we had no objection. It probably wasn’t in the rules, but we felt it was the friendly thing to do.

hand of my conqueror, congratulate them and smile. Several weeks ago my team asked me to return as they were short of players. The desire not to let them down won the mental battle over the “lack of fun” described earlier. It was an error on my part. The 15 games came to a halt after the third one. Our opponents objected when we tried to feed in a new player in the first round of five matches. I believe they were within their rights to do so but I’m no rules expert. Our team contended that the player we had put down to play at No 4 felt upwell so a substitute should be allowed. I don’t wish to be drawn on whether our No 4 (who I had never seen before) was well or not. I’m no doctor. He did look a little sweaty as if he might have a fever but it could have just been nerves as he had not played for two years. I was left wondering why we had put his name down in the first place if we knew another player was coming. Our opponents said the substitute would be welcome to play in the second round of matches but that we should concede the first round game where a different name had originally been put down. My suggestion is that in such instances the league should rule that the team with the complaint should register their disquiet with the opposing captain but then play

the game. If the game is played, the team disputing the use of a ‘ringer’ might simply win and all would wonder what the problem had been. If they lose then the league might well uphold their complaint. Either way, everyone gets to play. I have since discovered that such a substitution is okay provided both captains agree. Seems we should have asked nicely and not taken things for granted. Took umbrage In the example quoted my team took umbrage when the sub was not allowed and refused to play on. Childish or what? So what’s the barstool debate here? Does everyone play strictly to the rules or is there room for a little sportsmanship and friendliness? As you often hear in soccer, consistency is what is required. I hope pool league players/officials will debate this. Me? I’m not above reproach. Once when refereeing I called a foul on an opponent who used the tip of his cue to move the white ball around before taking his first shot after a foul. It was a “within the rules” call from me but, on reflection, I decided that I had lost track of the “spirit” of the game as he was obviously not playing a shot. Not my finest hour. I hope that for the sake of all who continue to play that everyone lightens up, enjoys each other’s company and has a good game! Because that’s all it is – a game.

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Family Pub & Restaurant

Barry Upton LIVE!!

repeat from last issue Every Saturday 6.30-9.30pm

Barry Upton’s unique Family Style Entertainment with music from the 60’s & 70’s Situated on the second floor of The Avenue Shopping Mall on Pattaya’s Second Road, The Acorn offers something for everyone. A complete range of ice cold imported and local beers, lagers and ciders. A secure and fully supervised kids soft play area with sweets and soft drinks at the Little Acorns Bar. Computer games for the teenagers too.

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b a r s / r e s t a u r a n t s

Bars

Bamboo Bar: live music nightly in this busy bar and streetside lounge. Close to Walking Street entrance. Tel: 038 232 315, Fax: 038 232 315, email: bamboopattaya@ hotmail.com Caddy Shack: as the name suggests, it’s a haven for golfers. Airconditioned with outdoor terrace and swimming pool and rooms to rent upstairs. 388/385 M10, Soi 17. Tel: 038 300 683, Fax: 038 300 682, email: enquiries@caddyshackpattaya.com Green Bottle: cosy, well-run pub with a good reputation and central location. 216/3 M10, 2nd Road. Tel: 038 429 870, email: dianagrp@ loxinfo.co.th

Need to be fed and watered? You’ll find a warm welcome at any of the following ...

Restaurants

Ali Baba: Good quality Indian restaurant with a fine selection of authentic dishes. 1/13-14, Pattaya Central Road close to the beach. Tel: 038 361 620 Alt Heidelberg: German sausages and imported sauerkraut dominate the menu, good location. 273 M10, Pattaya Beach Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 258 Bruno’s: Renowned for serving classy reasonably expensive French cuisine, more than 150 wines available. A place to impress. 306/63 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 364 600-1, Mobile: 081 861 5612, Fax: 038 364 602, email: reservations@brunos-pattaya.com

Pig and Whistle: British pub grub in ample portions served by welltrained staff. 217/34 Moo 10, Pattaya City. Tel: 038 361 315, Fax: 038 361 272, email: info@ pigandwhistlepattaya.com Queen Victoria Inn: traditional English pub with excellent menu and a good selection of imported beers on tap. 437/137-8 Soi Yodsak (Soi 6), Pattaya.038 425 418, 362 523, Mobile: 086 060 6210, Fax: 038 424 941, email: mail@ queenvicpattaya.com Rice Mill: Cantonese restaurant offers dim sun and all-you-caneat buffet on weekends. Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Beach Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 120

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Jameson’s: Irish pub with strong food offering. Popular with locals and tourists alike. Good place to unwind. 80/164 Moo 9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) right next to Nova Park. Tel: 038 361 873-4 Fax: 038 361 873, email: info@jamesonspattaya.com Metro: an air-conditioned sports bar boasting free pool tables and numerous screens on which to watch top sports events. Soi LK Metro, 33/85-36, Moo 10 close to Soi Buakhow. Tel: 038 425 874, email: info@metro-apartmentspattaya.com Punch & Judy: this is a Londonstyle pub with good food and competitive prices. Frequent promotions. Almost opposite the Caddy Shack in Soi 17. Tel: 038 413255

Shamrock: fun and lively British-run ‘family’ bar, an oasis of sanity among the bars of Pattayaland, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 425 417 email: pattayashamrock@yahoo.com Witherspoons: A typical Britishstyle pub with inexpensive meals available while you watch the football on one of its numerous screens. Rooms also available. Soi Buakhow near Soi Diana Inn. Tel: 038 721 121

Cherrys: You get a lot for your money here. European and Thai food. Be careful not to fill up on the salad bar which is free when ordering a main course. Their buffet nights get crowded. In Third Road opposite the former X-Zyte Disco. Tel: 086 3145819 Ciao: Decent pizza and pasta in this established Italian restaurant in town centre. 4 Pattaya Klang Road. 038 710 614

Hard Rock Café: International restaurant cum bar with large cocktail menu and mainly American influenced cuisine. DJs spin discs and house band performs cover versions. 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road. Tel: 038 428 755, Fax: 038 421 673. Open: Mon-Sun 11.00 to 02.00 JJ Pizza Bar: authentic pizza cooked in wood fire ovens, reasonably priced. 325/85 M.10, Soi Pattaya-land 2, Pattaya Beach Road. 038 424 128 Lobster Pot: huge restaurant serving all seafood, specialising in lobster and tiger prawns. Walking Street opposite Pattaya Soi 14, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 426 083 PIC Kitchen: classy Thai food in a traditional atmosphere. Soi 5, Pattaya 2 Road. Tel: 038 428 374, 428 387, Fax: 038 422 773, email: picpih@loxinfo.co.th

Royal Cliff Beach Hotel: huge complex containing 10 restaurants, including the delicious Maharani Indian restaurant. 353 Pratumnak Road. Tel: 038 250 421, Fax: 038 250 511, 250 513, email: info@ royalcliff.com Shenanigans: bars and restaurants serving traditional Irish pub-style fayre and drinks with daily food specials. Two venues. First is up one level at The Avenue Pattaya. Tel: 038 723 939-40, Fax: 038 723 941, email: info@shenanigans-pattaya.com. Second is in Jomtien Complex which also has daily promotions such as “Toss the Boss”. Tel: 038 303 490. The Sportsman: traditional pub fayre with Thai food. Top Sunday carvery, extensive wine list and many imported beers. Soi 13, Beach Road. Tel: 038 710 609 Sugar Hut Restaurant: in hotel of the same name, expensive, but worth it. Thai cuisine. 391/18 Moo 10, Thappraya Road. Tel: 038 364 186,251 686, Fax: 038 251 689, email: sugar-hut@cnet.net.th, opening: 07.00-24.00 Tips Restaurant: more than 12 set breakfasts served in this popular, yet inexpensive, restaurant. 22 Pattaya Beach Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 423 418. Open Hours: 07.00-24.00

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g o l f

d e s t i n a t i o n s

Many local bars organise golf days, often at better prices than casual golfers can negotiate with the course direct. If you plan to play regularly, consider membership of the Pattaya Sports Club as production of its membership card can help secure worthwhile discounts. The one-off registration fee is Bt400 plus Bt500 a year membership thereafter. Most golfers find they can save these sums within just a few rounds. Bangpra International: is one of several five-star courses in the area. This is an 18-hole, par 72 course with plenty of water on the front nine. Clubhouse has been renovated in style – even the toilets are automated! Tel: 038 341 149-50

Whatever standard you play to you will find a course to suit within an hour’s drive. Here are just some of them.

designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course with a five-star clubhouse is set in an old coconut plantation and is popular with families due to its pools and sports club adjacent. Tel: 038 630 410-6 The Emerald: Close to Bang Chang, Emerald is another course where Nick Faldo has left his mark. He designed this in conjunction with the late Desmond Muirhead. Many holes test accuracy, not length, of drive. Tel: 038 941 111 Great Lake: is a 36-hole, par 72, Nick Faldo design to the east of Pattaya. The 120 bunkers, water hazards and lovely setting make this a challenging course at moderate prices. Tel: 038 622 630

is popular with expat golfers. This 18-hole course gives value for money. Tel: 038 423 718-9 Phoenix: offers a five-star clubhouse and a four-star, 27hole, par 72 course which is found between Pattaya and Sattahip off the Sukhumvit. The three nines are called Ocean, Lake and Mountain. Tel: 038 239 391-5, 239 400 Rayong Green Valley: this is a Wolveridge and Thompson course of 18 holes, classed as five-star for both the course and clubhouse (which it shares with St Andrews). Suits all handicaps, but beware the water. Tel: 038 603 000-5

repeat from last issue

Burapha Golf Club: is a fourstar, 36-hole, par 72 course. The Eastern course suits up-andcoming golfers, while the Western challenges the more experienced. Reserving a tee-off time is advised. Tel: 038 372 700-1

Greenwood (formerly Noble Place): is well designed 27-hole, par 72 course. A well-kept course with few water hazards allows good scoring for high handicappers. Tel: 081 484 9066, 081 484 9069

Century Chonburi: Designed by Nick Faldo, this is an inexpensive 18-hole, par 72 course, often not too busy during the week. Clubhouse has little to commend it, but this is reflected in low green fees. Tel: 081 304 1545

Laem Chebang International: in terms of course, facilities and expense this Jack Nicklaus-designed, 27-hole, par 72 course is one of the top ones. Set in spectacular surroundings on mountain, valley and lake nines. Carts are compulsory. Tel: 038 372 273

Crystal Bay: Many palms has led to Hawaiian comparisons. Testing par 3s are a feature. Water adds to the look of the course, not just as a hazard. Virtually no rough. Good chance to play to your handicap or better. Tel: 038 349 370-80

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort: Three nines – one of which features a par 6; another starts with an intimidating drive between two stretches of water. The course is a par 72 set in more than 1,200 rai. Tel: 038 318 999

Eastern Star: near Bang Chang is an 18-hole, par 72 four-star course

Pattaya Country Club: located 25 kms outside Pattaya on Route 36

Royal Thai Navy (Plutaluang): reasonable green fees ensure this 36-hole, par 72 venue is well used but is rarely too busy. Feature holes include The Lighthouse par 3 surrounded by water. Tel & Fax: 038 246 056-7 Siam Country Club, Old Course: is a three-star, 18-hole course, a four-star clubhouse and a five star price. Gentle hills with large trees give it the feeling of Western golf courses. Tel: 038 909 700 Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: 27-hole course opened in 2008 and is already regarded as one of the most difficult. Three holes share the same green – a first in Asia. Carts are compulsory. Clubhouse is a delight. Tel: 038 909 600 St Andrews 2000: is considered one of the best in the area. This course is a serious challenge. Carts are compulsory. Boasts two par 6 holes. Tel: 038 030 660-2

h e a l t h y

l i v i n g

Dr Iain Corness (right) is a medical doctor who has worked in the UK, Europe and Australia, before coming to Thailand in 1997 to become a consultant at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (email: inquiry@bph.co.th). He has been writing for newspapers and magazines since 1967 and is currently a special correspondent for the Pattaya Mail, technical editor for Asean Autobiz, and contributor to many coffee table magazines in Thailand.

Stone the crows!

‘‘

Have you got kidney stones? Or what about one of your friends? Why? Quite simply, dehydration. The lack of water concentrates all the chemicals in the urine and some of them form kidney stones. Did you ever ‘grow’ sugar crystals at school? You increase the concentration and eventually a sugar crystal will form. Your kidney stones are very similar. Kidney stones may contain various combinations of chemicals. The most common type of stone contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate. These chemicals are part of a person’s normal diet and make up important parts of the body, such as bones and muscles. Foods to avoid Looking at the common calcium oxalate stones, there are some foods rather rich in oxalates, so, if you are prone to stones, I suggest you stay away from rhubarb, spinach, beets, wheat germ, soybean crackers, peanuts, okra, chocolate, black Indian tea and sweet potatoes. The stones in the kidney begin as small concretions, not much bigger than a grain of sand. If there is enough water flowing through

Small in size but big on pain – little customers like the kidney stone shown right have been known to bring grown men to their knees.

Did you ever ‘grow’ sugar crystals at

school? You

increase the

concentration and eventually a sugar crystal will form. Your kidney stones are

’’ very similar.

the kidney, the early stone is washed away down the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) and is passed within the urine. The problem occurs when the stone gets a little larger and jams in the ureter. How do you know if you have a stone stuck in the ureter? Quite easily. You begin to experience one of the most painful situations known to mankind (and yes, women can get stones too, though not as prevalent as men). Ureteric colic will bring grown men to their knees. Believe me. The pain can be referred to the penis, and some people report the feeling as if they cannot fully empty the bladder. You may also begin to pass blood-stained urine. The initial treatment for small stones which are not causing symptoms, is for the patient to start drinking many litres of water, with the increasing volume of resultant urine, washing the stone out. In my own clinic I used to suggest the owner of the stone pass urine onto a tin wall. He would hear the ‘p-tang’ as the stone ricocheted off the tin! But what do we do if you present at ER all grey and sweating in pain? Well, first we have to

make the definitive diagnosis, though the presenting symptoms will generally point us on the right path and give us a push. You will be asked for a urine sample and then have an X-Ray and/or Ultrasound. In the meantime we should have dribbled some magic giggle juice into your veins and you will be feeling much better. Shock waves However, we still have to get that stone(s) out of the ureter. The easiest way is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). In this procedure, the stones are bombarded with shock waves from the ‘lithotripter’ which breaks the stone into pieces small enough to pass out with urination. The lithotripter is focused on the ureteral stone inside the abdomen and while the shock waves pass easily through the body, they are stopped by the stone which then begins to fragment, eventually being small enough to pass. Remember a good first step to prevent the formation of any type of stone is to drink plenty of liquids – water is best. Not water brewed with hops and stored in coloured glass bottles!

m o t o r i n g

n e w s

Rain makes play more even!

otor racing can be a frustrating game, and I should know, having started my track career in 1965. That year 1965 is important as most of the guys I run against today were not even born then! However, just because I am ‘experienced’ (I refuse to say “old”) does not mean that I get an untroubled run every time. Take this last meeting at the Bira circuit, for example. Somehow we lost around 50 horses! Running perfectly When we finished the previous meeting, the BBX/Acorn Escort was running perfectly. Being a great believer in the adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” the car sat in the garage until the day before the meeting when nuts and bolts were checked for tightness. As an aside, it is amazing just how nuts and bolts can unscrew themselves during a race, which then in turn screws us!

We then went out for the first Qualifying session quite sure that everything was fine. But it wasn’t. Cars that I normally rush past down the straight were doing it to me. In the four weeks since the last meeting, it appeared that several horses had bolted! Then we started the “find the neddies” game. The engine is turbocharged so one reason could be an air leak, but how do you test for that in the racing pits at Bira? Hoses were tugged and twisted, air cleaners were taken out and battered, ears were placed against the intercooler and nothing seemed to be amiss. Another reason could be the fuel pump not getting enough voltage. With borrowed voltmeter we traced fuel pump cables, took readings at the battery and at the alternator and at the pump. Again everything checked out OK. By now it was time for the second Qualifying session. 10 minutes for me to pinpoint the

‘‘ The engine is

turbocharged so one

reason could be an air

leak, but how do you test for that in the racing pits at Bira?

areas in driving where the car felt slow. I returned with a one word answer – “everywhere”. The gods were not smiling on our team. However, the gods partially relented – it started to rain, and rain is the best leveller in motor sport. For the race, we ploitered round, missing spinning cars, though one did manage to break my front left flare, but we kept the Escort pointing in the right direction, to get a third in class. No wipers The second race was even more interesting. Our wipers are nonfunctional (that means, I took the motor out because it weighed too much) so I was peering through the windscreen and cursing my weight loss diet I had put the car on, but despite this I was catching the cars in front to end up with a second in class. We now have two weeks to find the power loss problem, as we cannot depend on rain for every meeting! Wish us luck!

cheer on your favourite sports in comfort – october 2013

World Series Baseball • October 23-31 • Check with bar for times

Rugby League World Cup • England V Australia • Oct 26 • 8.30pm

The Lion Pub is an established Sports Bar in Pattaya where sports fans get together to watch live games on 8 big-screen TVs. Our state-of-the-art satellite system ensures you can watch any sport from around the world. We have ice cold beer and a complete range of spirits.

Formula 1 • Japanese Grand Prix • October 11-13 • Check for times

Our kitchen serves a large selection of your favourite bar snacks and Thai food, all served in a relaxed, fun and air-conditioned bar environment by our friendly hostesses. 380/81-84 Moo 10, Soi 17, Suksabai Villa, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260

Foootball • Chelsea V Manchester City • October 27 • 11pm

T: 038 301 030-3 E: info@lionpubpattaya.com W: www.lionpubpattaya.com Bar and kitchen open 10am until late

Motorcycling • Malaysian Grand Prix • October 13 • Check for times

check out our 18-room guesthouse above the bar

now it all fits! Photographs in the top two rows taken in actual showroom. Illustrations in the row below are architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renderings.

Showroom now open 081 5700 110 www.cube-pattaya.com CONDO PROJECT IN PRATUMNAK FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU TUDOR COURT