Rem January 2014

First Pattay a Property S how this month

REm

the city magazine for pattaya

Arcadia

Setting new standards for luxury Issue 152 | January 2014 | www.remthai.com

เรียล เอสเตท แม๊กกาซีน ไทยแลนด์

who is who • commentary

Managing Director Dave Buckley Tel: 087 988 0799 dave@remthai.com Publisher/Editor Mesiya Watson may@realestatemagazinethailand.com Sales and Marketing Wongduan Roberts Tel: 087 535 8096 duan@thailandpropertymagazine.com or realestatemag@hotmail.com or dave@remthai.com Office/Accounts Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474 dear@thailandpropertymagazine.com Web address www.remthai.com Artwork, Design & Layout Tel: 086 833 2543 (Khun Third) Publisher Pattaya Property Consultants Co Ltd 21/27 M5 Soi Nern Plub Waan Nongprue • Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474

Our team

Since 2001 – Thailand’s first English language property magazine

Wishes for new year As a general rule of thumb I’ve always thought it best to steer clear of Thai politics when writing this column. I’m not Thai, I don’t have a vote and (in print) I’m not able to hide behind some nom de plume on one of the many internet sites where people get very brave about “what’s wrong” with Thailand, conveniently forgetting, of course,

Dave Buckley is saddened by recent incidents in Thailand and hopes for better times ahead

that they still choose to live here.

Of late it’s become increasing difficult to bite my tongue and keep quiet about what I see going on around me. However, I still like living here and don’t want to give someone in power a reason to end that state of affairs.

That said, there are a few things I’ve noted in the news recently that really do cheese me off and, if I may, I would like to list them without adding further comment and leave it up to you, the readers, to debate these points further should you see fit to do so. The list also doubles up as form of wish list for some of the things I hope will get sorted out in 2014.

l Some 400,000 people are reputed to have cancelled their travel arrangements to Thailand following the recent disturbances in Bangkok. This represents a drop of more than 20 per cent against the anticipated number; l Road deaths in Thailand are the third highest per capita of anywhere in the world. Only African countries Eritrea and Libya have worse figures; l In a global corruption survey based on perceptions Thailand slipped from 88th to 102nd out of 177 countries. This puts Thailand on the same

Publication Licence Number 2/2549

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Disclaimer: All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the editor.

The publishers are not responsible for any error contained within the magazine.

The publishers also accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers or writers. The views of correspondents are not necessarily those of the magazine. Articles are produced containing up-to-date information to the best of our knowledge. However, we accept no liability for information contained within any article.

Copyright © Real Estate MAGAZINE Thailand 2014

level as places such as Ecuador, Moldova and Panama. It is Thailand’s lowest ranking in the past dozen years; l Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been indicted for murder in connection with a military crackdown on mass opposition protests in Bangkok three years ago; l Latest Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolves parliament and calls snap election following mass opposition protests.

Passport holders from countries that claim to have embraced democracy a little earlier than Thailand may choose to scoff at the kingdom’s current woes claiming that “at least in my home country we know how to conduct ourselves”. But do we?

For decades in the UK we had trade unions trying to provide problems for democratically elected governments when things weren’t going their way. In America more recently the government was shut down when the President tried to do things his opponents didn’t like. Can we really throw stones?

Here’s wishing everyone (politicians included) a happy new year.

news • property

No mystique – it’s Mustique Name of Caribbean island tops Kingdom contest The contest is over and the winner has been decided. Kingdom Property’s newest beachfront residences will be named Mustique Wongamat after the Caribbean island renowned for its exclusivity, privacy and discretion.

Kingdom Property CEO Nigel Cornick said Mustique would be positioned at a level of quality, spaciousness and attention to detail above anything the Pattaya market has seen to date.

“From our long experience in this market, we recognise there is demand for beachfront residences that supersede the existing benchmarks for location, design and exclusivity,” Mr Cornick said.

“Despite the recent trend towards high density developments, a spectacular site like this will attract buyers who are not being catered to by current offerings. Our site, which is freehold and offers absolute beach frontage at the secluded northern end of Wongamat, merits something special.

We’re looking at small numbers of units, plot ratios, lots of landscaped space, sculpture by the sea.”

Mustique will grace a five

rai plot at Wongamat’s secluded northern end, its 50 storeys affording spectacular sea views from every one of its generously-proportioned units.

It will feature the design of SODA, the architecture firm led by New Yorker Stephen O’Dell, whose portfolio includes Kingdom Property’s Southpoint Pattaya condominium, as well as W Bangkok, Holiday Inn Sukhumvit, Fraser Suites, Hilton Pattaya and the new Anantara Vacation Club in Phuket.

Mustique is the crown jewel in the St Vincent and Grenadines chain of islands in the West Indies. The private island is renowned for its laid back attitude to celebrity and its reverence of privacy.

It has become the preferred haven of royals, power-brokers and superstars, attracting celebrities including David Bowie and his supermodel wife Imam, Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger, all villa owners, as well as Jeremy Clarkson, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon and Sir Paul McCartney.

Kingdom Property’s recently concluded competition to ‘Name It and

Tag It’ for the project had generated interest in Pattaya, Bangkok and beyond. The winner of the holiday for two to Surfers’ Paradise, Dan Cheesman (above, left), was presented with his prize by Nigel at a glamorous event staged by Kingdom Property at new Bangkok hot spot Ku De Ta. Dan won the ‘Name it’ part of the contest. Winner of the ‘Tag It’ part was Ananya Puangkulab (left).

Early in December developers Blue Sky Group celebrated their successful year by staging a “Grande Caribbean presents Sea of Dreams” party and invited all Bangkok and Pattaya media to share in the experience as gratitude for being a part of the company’s accomplishments in 2013.

Apichart Gulati, project manager of Blue Sky Group, said the purpose of the party was not only to thank and reward the commitment of all partners, but also to celebrate the success of the Bt2bn Grande Caribbean Condo Resort Pattaya. Grande Caribbean takes the concept of holiday homes to the next level, by offering a completely turnkey approach with prices starting at Bt1.89m per unit.

Another of the group’s 2013 celebratory milestones was the launch of “The Cruz Grande Caribbean”, a 30-storey condo development next to the Grande Caribbean site.

3 REM 01/2014

Sea of Dreams party is a ‘thank you’ to all

4 REM 01/2014

advertisers • page numbers

AAAA Properties 85 Acorn Distribution 94-95 Acorn Gastropub 84 Acura Windows & Doors 38 Aeras (The Urban) 33 Arcadia Beach Resort (HH) Cover, 61, 63, 65 ASAP Yacht Chandlery 91 BBX Barter Company 88 Beach Properties 28-29 Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya (Tulip) 56 Centara Grand Residence (Tulip) 54-55 City Center Residence (Matrix) 27 Coastal Real Estate 77 Colliers International 34-35 Cosy Beach View Between pages 72-73 Cube, The (Tudor Group) 22-23 C-View (Heights Holdings) 67 Del Mare (Porch Land) 24 East Coast Real Estate 41 Elegance Condominium @ Cosy Beach 73 Euro Design 89 FARANG Services 4-5, 7 Global Property (Global Solidor) Facing 24 Golden Homes Real Estate 10-11 Golden Tulip Hotel & Residence (Tulip) 50-51 Green Field Villas 5 86-87 Sallmanns 75 Laguna Beach Resort – The Maldives (HH) 69 Masters, The Inside back cover Mosaic, The 37 Nam Talay (Nova) 31 Ocean Pacific (Nova) Back cover One Stop Real Estate 47 Paradise City Property 16-17 Pattaya Automobile Co Ltd (Nissan) 72 Pattaya Channel 81 Pattaya Property Show Facing 25 Pattaya Realty 14 Pattaya Realty Commercial 15 Porch Land Between 40-41 Real Estate Broker Association 104-105 Rightmove Brokers 30 Riviera, The – Wongamat Beach 45 Sands Condominium Facing 101 Serenity Wongamat (Nova) 83 Sky, The – Jomtien (Matrix) 1 Southpoint (Kingdom Property) Inside cover Town & Country Property 8-9 Tudor Group 48 Tulip Group 49 Ville, The 21 Vision, The (Matrix) 26 Waterfront Suites & Residences (Tulip) 52-53

contents • news

cover story

leisure

Arcadia launches in style

In pursuit of ‘wellness’

78•weekend traveller: This month our man with the roving brief ventures to a health spa and discovers the thinner man lurking within him.

1 8 • b e n e at h

12

the

sheen:

Heights Holdings have launched an ambitious city centre

The star of TV

project under the name Arcadia. It will comprise four buildings

sitcom

of approximately 840 units in total. The showroom is now open.

Management

Anger

says

his

own

anger

is

never

managed.

He

talks about roles and how he would like his last film to be something

6 REM 01/2014

42 39

He calls himself Johny Aluminium and windows and doors are his passion.

60

special.

Every picture tells a story ... a look at The Riviera’s showrooms.

Why living in Pattaya

46•Quiz time: It’s a question of scale this month as

beats Bangkok in Bart

we ask how much you know about the biggest ... from

Walter’s estimation.

football stadia to department stores.

Matrix back among the awards again

Matrix MD Miki Haim (centre) picks up one of the prestigious awards in London.

One of the city’s most prolific developers – Matrix – are making a habit of gaining awards in the OPP (Overseas Property Professionals) contest staged in London on an annual basis.

Now the company has been voted best developer in Asia and gained silver recognition globally.

Late last November executives from Matrix Developments attended the presentation of the OPP Awards for Excellence 2013.

The gala dinner, a formal and lavish affair at London’s famous Natural History Museum, was a huge success and celebrated not only the achievements of the best in property but also the surge of confidence in the sector’s future.

Scintillating Some 450 of the leading lights in international property from more than 20 countries, sat down to a night of great food and scintillating entertainment.

“In short, it was probably the industry’s best and most enjoyable networking event this year,” said a spokesman for Matrix.

OPP Awards for excellence are considered by a panel of experienced judges, “to all of whom we wish to extend our

thanks,” he added. “They give their time to the awards because they know that they are based on merit, not just given to best friends or biggest advertisers.”

The awards for estate agents and developers are presented by region, with the winners of each being entered, automatically, for the ‘best global’ award.

The judges awarded Matrix the gold award for the “Best Developer – Asia” and silver award for “Best Global Developer”.

“These awards are the results of our strategic development and marketing plans combined with our proven track record which are the mantra of our business practice,” he added.

“Customers and investors are assured peace of mind when investing with us. Our systematic research and feasibility studies in the aspects of location, residential environment and marketing allow the high accuracy of estimation of the return on investment for our customers. Our strong engineering and purchasing strategy allows us to efficiently develop our projects to higher standards while maintaining the affordable factor of investments and high returns for our customers and investors.”

cover story • dave buckley

Arcadia launches in style City centre project will be the first of many say Heights Holdings

I

12 REM 01/2014

n a year’s time construction is due to start on the latest exciting addition to the Pattaya property scene. That’s when the latest offering from the prolific developer Heights Holdings – Arcadia – will begin in earnest.

As we have come to expected of local developers this is not an understated project that has quietly been introduced.

In fact it is one of four projects planned under the Arcadia brand. The first will be in the area off Thappraya Road Soi 9 although the showroom itself in on Thrappraya.

Set the standard A spokesman for HH said: “The Arcadia brand comprises a selection of condominiums and residences boasting a vast array of leisure, entertainment and commercial amenities associated with beachside holiday resorts. Pattaya’s Arcadia Beach Resort is the first development of many across Asia and will set the standard for luxurious, holiday living in a prime inner-city location.”

The first project was accompanied by a large-scale party at the new sales office (see page 68). And there was plenty to celebrate. According to HH

it will be the largest inner-city development in Pattaya. The new project will have close to 840 units available for sale and it will be within easy walking distance of some of the best restaurants the city has to offer.

Recreational areas It will comprise four eight-storey resort condominium buildings on a total 17,600sqm with more than 65 per cent of recreational areas.

Perhaps just as importantly the project lies with a very short distance of Walking Street making a big lure for those who enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Also it lies within one kilometre of some of the largest shopping centres and popular markets. This is city living with a capital C. But, that said, on-site the resort will have a 300 sqm supermarket plus shops, boutiques and commercial services in its own shopping arcade.

For other amenities planned for Arcadia see panel on facing page.

As stated earlier the development is due to start next January with a projected completion date earmarked for two years later. l For more information please call +66 (0)85 282 6454 or email info@heights-holdings.com.

l A gated community provides a safe and secure environment l Underground parking garage for residents’ convenience and safety l Two swimming pools on two levels divided in partitioned areas offering seclusion and privacy l Jacuzzis, submerged sunbeds and other unique pool features l Overhanging sun decks to give a spectacular view over the resort l Three large pool bars offer refreshments around and in the pool l Large, fully-equipped gym and fitness centre featuring topquality equipment l First class spa and massage facilities l Managed steam room and dry sauna with hot and cold Jacuzzis l Terraced, air conditioned restaurant serving Thai and International cuisine – for breakfast, lunch or dinner l Sunset rooftop bar & club – the perfect place to start the evening before heading out on the town.

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other amenities

Est. 2001

PATTAYA REALTY th

13

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. Anniversary 2001-2014

Condo: Wong Amat

2 beds 2 baths CS4358 8,400,000 THB 115 sqm

House : Bang Saray 2 beds 2 baths HS8673 6.500.000 THB

1 Bed 1 bath 55 sqm

4 beds 4 baths

Condo: Pratumnak CR7985 38,000/Month

House : Mabprachun - Pong 3 bed 3 baths HS3250 10.750.000 THB

2 Bed 2 bath 93sqm

Condo: Central Pattaya CR8667 55,000/Month

2 beds 2 baths

House : East Pattaya HS8640 14,000,000 THB

House : South Pattaya

House : North Pattaya

HS8662 14,500,000 THB

3 beds 3 baths HR0384 55,000/month

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. Eng: 089 833 6175 Thai/Eng: 090 465 4563 www.pattayarealty.com

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. Tel: 038 412301/038 412302 Fax: 038 429462 Email: info@pattayarealty.com

House : Huay Yai 3 bed 3 baths HR8651 55,000/Month

Condo: Jomtien 1 bed 1 bath 67.3 sqm CS8638 5,800,000 THB

1 Bed 1 bath 98 sqm

Condo: Wong Amat CR8419 45,000/Month

Horseshoe Point House : East Pattaya

4 beds 6 baths HS6100 14.900.000 THB

1 Bed 2 bath 68 sqm

Condo: Wong Amat CR8313 35,000/Month

Our office address 219/1 Tipp Plaza Pattaya 2nd Road.Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi 20150

Pattaya Realty Village: Koh Chang

Resort 22 Houses, size 9600 m sq, fully furnished 68M.

Commercial

MS6960

Apartment:Central Pattaya Massasge Shop 4 storey,Staff 4 pepples, FurnisedSale 650M.

MS8102 Shop house,2 rooms,WIFI Internet, direct telephone, 2 AC, restaurant, Nearly swimming pool, Nearly close to Jomtien 2 Rd.at Corner.Sale 7.3M Existing 25.000 sqm ocean front green Development, freehold land title deeds, Koh Chang island in the Gulf of Thailand

Four storey apartment building, external size 192 m sq, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, TV, Internet

Massage in South Pattaya

Restaurant:Pratumnak

MS8671 Sale 180,000,000 THB

MS8595 Sale 16,000,000 THB

MS7941 Walking St Bar,good location 2.5 m/Rent 195,000 per month

MS7624 Very Profitable Go Go Bar Soi LK, 18 Million, further details available with proof of funds.

Area: around 100 sq.m. Massage salon on the ground floor,shop at lease,fully furnished and fully equipped

Room Size 152 sq m.Furnished,Air Con,WIFI Internet, Pool table,Music system.

MS8615 Sale 1,150,000THB

MS8492 Sale 1,950,000 THB

Three storey commercial for lease only 2 million baht plus 264K rent diposit , external size 256 m sq, 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, Sale 2M

MS7881

Bar:Jomtien

Guesthouse:South Pattaya

Land:Pratumnak

Bar & Restaurant 4 Storey ,7 Rooms, Full Kitchen,Full Furnished

14 Studio apartment, Internet, on Taxi routes, Cable, AC, restaurant, car park, 24hr Security.

Land size 720 m sq, close to local amenities, close to the beach,Electric and water supply.

MS8467 Sale 40,000,000 THB Bar Beer: North Pattaya

Leasehold 400,000 THB,Rent 15,000THB per Month, Furnished,Cable TV,Pool Table,Music System.

MS8607 Sale 400,000 THB

MR8644 Rent 120,000/Month

LS8679

Sale 24,000,000 THB

Restaurant for sale :South Pattaya

Land at Bang Saray

This well attended restaurant is a great business with an average monthly revenue of approx 1.0-1.5M baht/month, depending on season.

The nearest Marina is about 500m away. With about 325 sq Wah (about 1.300 m2) of land and infrastructure.

MS8596 Sale 12,000,000 THB

Pattaya Realty CommercialCo.,Ltd. Tel: 038 251245 Eng: 085 431 6960 www.pattayarealtycommercial.com Email: info@pattayarealtycommercial.com

LS8657 Sale 36,000,000 THB

Office Address 413/150 M00.12 Jomtian Rd, Nongprue,Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Thailand

star interview  by the interview feed The always-hilarious Charlie Sheen, 48, who currently stars in the TV sitcom, Anger Management, talks about fame, success, money, and his upcoming role in Machete Kills. Controversy is a constant presence for Sheen. Currently, he’s in a legal battle with exemployee, Selma Blair, whom he fired from Anger Management after allegedly hearing her complaints he was conducting himself in an unprofessional manner on set.

And Sheen knows a thing or two about being fired. In 2011, he was the highest paid actor on television for Two and a Half Men, earning US$1.8 million per episode until he had a falling out with producer, Chuck Lorre (Ashton Kutcher took over his role). Immediately following, the outspoken actor made headlines when his drug and alcohol abuse became out of control.

Before he was known for his

outrageous antics and sexual adventures, he was regarded as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors. Some of his films include Platoon, Wall Street, Young Guns, Navy SEALs, Hot Shots, and Money Talks. Sheen has an equally prolific romantic life. He’s been married three times and has five children. His eldest daughter, Cassandra Jade Estevez, was born December 1984 to his former high school girlfriend,

My anger is never managed, s

18 REM 01/2014

TIF: How much has Anger Management changed from last year and what characters are new this year?

Charlie Sheen: It’s changed a lot and for the better. We had to go in a different direction with the character that Selma (Blair) played now that she’s not on the show and what was happening was that the other show, Two and a Half, is on so often that it’s in syndication in the middle of our show time-wise.

So, people were seeing a character that they really grew fond of on Anger Management and then they were taking a break and seeing that other show. When I say the other show, that’s Two and a Half; like to use the title as seldom as possible, (laughs) but that’s what I am referring to. (laughs) TIF: What do you think of the concept of Anger Management?

Too clean CS: I think the original concept of Anger Management was a little too clean. It is about anger and how to manage it and my anger is never managed. There’s a door that we have behind the set as a souvenir that people sign, famous people that worked there, and there’s a big hole that’s been punched through it. That was me. (laughs) That was one day I couldn’t get my lines. I’m the angriest guy on the set.

TIF: It’s too bad about your hand (a bandage covers his right hand)…

CS: Yeah, having to shave left handed is not fun. And a couple of other things. (laughs) Sorry.

TIF: How did you hurt your hand?

CS: From fishing, I caught a Marlin in Mexico. It’s a fishing injury.

TIF: I heard about you getting your high school diploma.

CS: I did.

TIF: Fantastic.

CS: Thank you. Took 30 years.

TIF: What was the motivation?

CS: Mark Walberg did that too. He said he did it for his kids. Well, my kids, they don’t really care about that stuff. No, it was just for me. It was a loose end that I never sealed up, I never closed.

So close It was just one of those things and had I not been close, had it been like 100 credits short, I wouldn’t have cared, but I had 198.5. I was a point and a half short. So for 30 years I’m thinking, ‘Maybe they could just throw that in.’ (laughs) And I went to them about 10 years ago, and I said, ‘I want to get this, but I don’t want to get a GED (Grade equivalent of diploma), I want to get something real.’

They presented this one year inner city outreach programme, and I am like, ‘For a point and a half off, F*ck you!’ (laughs) Saving a cat So a dear buddy of mine from high school, he started working the principal and working it every time there was a story about me contributing to the community or pulling some cat out of a burning building, and yes that happened.

Then he would go to the guy and say, ‘Come on, he’s helping us out, he’s helping the community.’ He

Paula Profit. He also has one granddaughter, Luna.

In January 1990, Sheen accidentally shot his fiancée, Kelly Preston, in the arm.

Unsurprisingly, she broke off the engagement. In the 1990s he dated a number of porn actresses including Ginger Lynn and Heather Hunter. In 1995 he married Donna Peele.

Never out of the news for long, that same year he was named as

one of the clients of the famed escort agency operated by Heidi Fleiss. Sheen and Peele divorced in 1996. In 2002, Sheen married actress Denise Richards and they have two daughters: Sam and Lola Sheen.

In March 2005 Richards filed for divorce accusing Sheen of alcohol and drug abuse as well as threats of violence. The divorce was finalised in November 2006.

In 2008, he married Brooke

CHARLIE’S ‘ANGELS’ Some of the women in Sheen’s life are seen below.

They are: Kelly Preston, Ginger Lynn, Denise Richards, Natalie Kenly, and Georgia Jones.

Mueller, who gave birth to twin sons, Bob and Max. In November 2010, Sheen filed for divorce which became final in 2011.

That same year Sheen was concurrently living with two ‘goddesses’ composed of porn actress Rachel Oberlin and model Natalie Kenly.

In January last year he told Piers Morgan he was in a relationship with porn actress Georgia Jones.

ays the controversial Mr Sheen

Having a ball We are having a ball and I can’t really advise somebody because my situation was so unique, so different and it was positioned in a place that it was hard to say who was right, what was right, what was wrong, and I did beat them and take all their money which was something I told them I would do.

So, I was right, but it was too bad the way it went down. I would say to her that she should be grateful that hers wasn’t publicly dissected.

TIF: What kind of roles are you

looking for? I saw this Roman Coppola movie you did.

CS: Sorry about that. That was a mess. That film was a mess, sorry. It was awful. Sorry Roman, it was awful, (laughter) the f*cking movie sucked.

Sorry not to be diplomatic, I told Roman for two years that that was not the first film we should do together. ‘ Let’s go down to Belize,’ I said to him.

He owns a resort down there.

TIF: You were his main inspiration to write it, right?

CS: Yeah, to make it, and then I was his main inspiration to get him not to make it (laughs). I said, ‘Dude, this is our third movie together, we can’t be the sons of the guys that made the greatest movie ever and come out with this thing.’

Dream sequences The first half of the script was great and then it just went in the toilet.

I kept telling him, ‘Dude we have got to change some of those dream sequences, we have got to change the ending.’ He just wouldn’t listen to me and the people don’t lie and they didn’t like it. So, it just sucked that I waited so long to do a movie and then to come out with that.

What is good though is Machete Kills, and I saw that at my house the other night, and I am kind of proud of it. I play a pretty interesting president. (laughs) And I will have your vote after the movie.

If you are going to make a movie, at least make something that people are going to go see. And not be stuck in that friggin’ vortex of art. You want art, go to the museum. I am a little mad

about this one, but yeah, I hated the script so much, I co-financed it.

TIF: Do you have any desire to do another dramatic piece?

CS: I would love to. I would love to end on a super dramatic note. I would love to end on a note where people go, ‘Holy sh*t!’ and they come running and I am on an island with Johnny Depp. (laughs) No, I’d like to have one last great statement film wise. Yeah, kind of remind them how I came up.

TIF: How about Shakespeare?

CS: Do I sound like I could do Shakespeare? Come on man. (laughs) Maybe his brother Leonard. It won’t be Shakespeare, so what is your second choice? Think about it though.

It’s interesting because this is the stuff I am forced to look at, and what do we find, that we represent anything in a way that would be anything and I am not saying that I am retiring tomorrow. If they let me I would but definitely after the show I want to take a couple of years off or after the show, do one film and then just let that sort of marinate for a while.

Your comeback TIF: How sure were you to have this show be the one for your comeback?

CS: Not sure at all.

TIF: The last time we spoke, you said this might be your last show that you wanted to do, but now you are halfway into your 100 episodes I wondered, did you still mean it?

CS: Oh yeah, even more so. It would be hard to do another TV show

19 REM 01/2014

gave them enough pressure and they caved.

I thought it was a good thing and I was going to fly in and be part of the whole ceremony and then some douchebag shot up the college and the whole day went to sh*t. I guess I was not supposed to be at the actual ceremony. (laughs) TIF: Is your anger managed?

CS: Not even close. The best thing I’ve learned is that you can always leave the room. And words can only do so much. They really do nothing (laughs).

TIF: Selma Blair was fired not long ago. What would your advice to her be on how to recover from it?

CS: Don’t do a weird tour of 22 cities in 31 days. (laughs) And scream “winning” every night; it doesn’t work.

My advice to her is to quit acting. (laughs) No, my advice to her is, ‘Good luck.

You are going to need it!’ No, it didn’t end well, but I don’t want to make a big thing about it. My advice to her would just be, ‘Have more fun next time.’

star interview  by the interview feed

My anger ... after this, unless it was something I produced for Showtime and was something really crazy or fun, but as far as sitcoms, it can’t go past this.

TIF: How do you look back at your success in the business?

Has it always been easy or has it been hard for you sometimes to accept and appreciate success?

CS: Impossible for me and a lot of other people, because there’s no ease into it, no indoctrination period, you only hear about it from your friends, and suddenly you are in the middle of it.

Sheen with his co-stars from Two and a Half Men, Jon Cryer who plays Alan, brother of Charlie’s character Charlie Harper, and Angus T Jones who plays Alan’s son Jake.

20 REM 01/2014

Right: Sheen is billed as Carlos Estevez (his real name) when he plays the President in Machete Kills (below).

Coolest life And it’s really hard to prepare but f*ck anybody that complains about it, it’s as bitching as it gets. It’s the coolest life you can have and if you just accept it, you volunteered for this in the first place.

To feel like, ‘Oh, I can’t be seen, I can’t leave my house.’ Well then stay home. Nobody put a gun to your head and said to go make a movie and get famous!

And now you want to run from that? No, you want to go be in touch with the people, go shake hands, go make kids smile, go make people feel like they matter in those moments because they do.

I was shunned as a child by ball players and this and that and that’s why I will never say no to a child.

Late for a plane, late for a boat, late for something, I will never say no to a child because I know how that feels you know?

You can talk to Hank Aaron or Barry Bonds about hitting a home run, and they can tell you everything about it, but until you do it yourself, you don’t know how that feels.

Ton of fun I used to as an actor watch the whole Brat Pack thing, get all the free meals and the money and the girls and all that and I just sat back and went, ‘I am going to eclipse all you bitches.’ (laughs) No, I sat back and I said, ‘That looks like a ton of fun, let me in.’

They wouldn’t let me in and I found my own way in.

I have always said that money can’t buy you happiness but it can sure as hell buy you the time of your life. But yeah, fame is a funny thing if you let it be. I don’t know, just try to find yourself in front of too many microphones in a room talking about weird sh*t. (laughs) I think I have had this amazing career because there’s this weird concept, this weird energy and idea that the business needs me for some reason, whether they are hacking me or celebrating me, they want to keep me around because I keep things a little interesting. A little bit interesting.

And I think they need a guy like me to kind of offset the rest of the nonsense to be a little bit honest, when others aren’t and just say yeah, ‘I am having a bitchin’ time and what’s wrong with that?’

I don’t put it in people’s faces or make people feel less than, I just march to a slightly different beat that most people can’t hear.

Black hole But I am having a ball, but I don’t want black hole life to be a part of my work. I want to be a father and be a friend and a son and a brother and all that stuff and just leaving something behind that isn’t just about fiction.

TIF: You’re going to play the president in the upcoming film, Machete Kills. Do you think you’re a better President than your father was in West Wing?

CS: A more interesting president, yeah. No, I wouldn’t have all the data, all the facts that he does about world history and all of that crap, but I understand the human condition.

In one day in the Oval Office, I slept with three women, pull out a machine gun, drink, smoke and swear and I am thinking, in seven years, dad never did any of that. (laughs) But it’s a trip because when you see the movie the whole thing kind of settles down for a few moments of reality. I order a mission and you never see me again. But the film is amazing, director (Robert) Rodriguez is a frigging genius. |

now it all fits!

Showroom now open

THE CUBE HAS THE ANSWERS CONDO PROJECT IN PRATUMNAK FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU TUDOR COURT

Illustrations on facing page are architect’s renderings.

Photographs on this page taken in actual showroom.

www. cubepattaya. com

081 5700 110

property • show

Pattaya’s biggest property show opens on the 9th The Mayor of Pattaya City, Itthiphol Kunplome, who will formally open the show, is delighted that Pattaya will be hosting the event.

Pattaya is one of the property hotspots in South East Asia and where some markets are overstocked or are cooling down, more and more new developments are being launched here.

The organisers have had enquiries from investors across Asia and expect buyers from Singapore, India, Malaysia and from other Thai regions.

Competitive prices Competitive property prices, together with an year-round good climate, five star hotels, great restaurants, championship golf courses and, of course, a fantastic nightlife, all go to attract millions of tourists every year to take their vacations here in the city.

It is with this background that there is a strong rental market for short stays along with a huge expat population keen to rent for a year at a time.

Prices are considerably lower than all other Thai beach resorts, and are up to four times lower than major cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Many developers offer their own finance packages with deposits as low as 15% on offer. Many exhibitors will be including special packages at their stands during the Pattaya Property Show.

How to get to the show The Hilton Pattaya is above the Central Festival Shopping Centre between Beach Road and Second Road. The hotel’s lobby is on the ground level off the Beach Road. Just take the elevator direct to the show in the hotel’s Seaboard Ballroom on the 17th floor. You can also take any of the shopping centre elevators to the 7th floor and then follow the show signs. There is ample parking in the centre’s car park.

Two of the leading exhibitors at the show will be the Blue Sky and Kingdom property developers.

Below left is Grande Caribbean from Blue Sky and the drop-off point for Southpoint from Kingdom is pictured alongside it.

Entry to the show is completely free and general information is available in English, Thai and Russian at www.pattayapropertyshow.com For opening hours please see details in facing advertisement.

Apart from meeting a large number of leading developers and real estate agents with thousands of property on display, visitors will also be able to pick up a number of property magazines and newspapers (including REm) in the show’s Property Library.

Can you really afford not to miss Pattaya’s No 1 Property event? |

25 REM 01/2014

A

fter months of planning Pattaya’s property industry is almost ready to welcome you to the region’s biggest real estate event. If you are looking to buy, sell or rent a property, then make a note in your diary to visit the 1st Pattaya Property Show, and check out the thousands of properties on offer all under one roof.

This new four-day free exhibition, which will take place in the prestigious Hilton Pattaya at Beach Road between January 9th-12th, has attracted more than 45 leading developers and realtors with property all over Pattaya and beyond.

Universal Group are the show’s platinum sponsor along with gold sponsors A+ Properties and Blue Sky. Pattaya-based exhibitors include Kingdom Property, The Urban, Siam Royal View, Orion, Raimon Land, Sansiri, Onyx, Grand Caribbean, Elegance, A.T Jomtien, Ocean Residential Property, Sands, The Ville, Riviera, Siam Realty Group, Seven Seas, Natureza Art, Pattaya Posh, Savana Sands, Global Insurance, S Fifty, Beach Properties, REBA, New Nordic, REBAES, and Compass Real Estate.

There will also be property from other regions including Mosaic with beachside property in Rayong, The Hoben Villas on the island of Koh Lanta and Siam Royal View’s resort on the island of Koh Chang.

OCEAN LANE VILLAS

For sale Bt14,900,00

This amazing house sits on the largest plot – 120 tw

enjoys a 54sqm L-shaped, wrap-around pool with

– in Ocean Lane Villas which lies close to the sea at

Jacuzzi. The property comprises three bedrooms

Na-Jomtien. The living area is a generous 280sqm.

plus a maid’s room and boasts four bathrooms.

The house is found near the village clubhouse and

Great value at a little under Bt15m.

BEACH PROPERTIES Co Ltd email: kevin@beachpropertiesthailand.com (Eng)

punoi@beachpropertiesthailand.com (Thai)

south beach

Studios from Bt2,170,00

We have a few studios plus a two bed/two bath unit

communal pool and underground parking among its

(pictured below) available in this award-winning

many sparkling features. The two-bed apartment has

modern, chic condo development on Pratumnak Hill.

approx 72sqm living space and all fitted furniture and

South Beach is fully complete and boasts a rooftop

airconds are included in the asking price.

We have many properties available to buy – finance can be arranged

sale: 089 098 3733 Kevin (Eng) • sale/rent: 081 375 3275 Punoi (Thai)

Contact us for a free consultation with our Certified International Property Specialist

369/1 Moo 9 l Units 8 & 9 PS Bowl (TOPS Supermarket) l Pattaya 2nd Road l Central Pattaya W: www.rightmovepattaya.com l E: info@ rightmovepattaya.com T: 089 253 5607 / 038 361 212

health • dr iain corness

Dr Iain Corness (left) 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.

I’ll just stop breathing for a minute

32 REM 01/2014

H

ave you heard your bed partner snoring? Have you heard of Sleep Apnea? Put very simply, Sleep Apnea is when people stop breathing for some seconds while asleep. They are usually not aware of this fact, but bed partners are! People with Sleep Apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night, sometimes hundreds of times and often for a minute or longer.

It is a worrisome situation when the person lying next to you just seems to have stopped breathing. Was that last breath really their last breath?

Should you start CPR?

While

Common disorder Sleep Apnea is much more common than you would have thought, being as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Risk factors include being overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Males suffer

bed partner

snoring can accompany Sleep Apnea, snoring is not in itself harmful (other than keeping your

awake).

from this more than females, yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.

Possible effects Untreated, Sleep Apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. And I think I don’t want any of them. It is also stated that untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.

The symptoms of Sleep Apnea include frequent silences during sleep due to breaks in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep to get air into the lungs, loud snoring, sudden awakenings to restart breathing or waking up in a sweat and feeling unrefreshed by a night’s sleep, including falling asleep at inappropriate times during the day. While snoring can accompany Sleep Apnea, snoring is

not in itself harmful (other than keeping your bed partner awake).

Fortunately, these days, Sleep Apnea can be diagnosed and treated in Sleep Labs, where the respirations, oxygen saturation and other parameters can be measured.

Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues. For mild cases, lose weight. Stop using alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives, or anything that relaxes the muscles of the throat and encourages snoring.

Treatment options Sleep on your side. Elevate the head of your bed 150mm. Use a nasal dilator, breathe right strips or saline nasal spray to help open nasal passages. Surgery may be needed to open the throat.

However, the main route for treatment is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine which forces air into the lungs through tubes feeding a face mask.

It is cumbersome, but may be necessary, when all else fails. |

wining • dining

the chow hound ... Bon Café Bistro in Naklua

Futile hunt for a healthy breakfast

H

The calories came from good whole grains, light dairy products

36 REM 01/2014

and fruit

ere’s a challenge for Pattayans; find a healthy breakfast in this town.

This month The Chow Hound tried to stay true to his perennial New Year’s resolution and eat healthy meals, with less fat, salt and sugar. Oh, The Hound sees some restaurant’s feeble attempts. Some put a little heart next to the dishes they consider to be “heart healthy”. The Hound has news for you guys, any breakfast that includes ham and eggs of any description is not “heart healthy”.

What’s more, The Hound decided to start his diet at breakfast time in Naklua, also known as “Germantown”; not a place you’d expect to embrace the low calorie thing. Following the crowd to Bon Café Bistro at Naklua Soi 29, he found blissful success and miserable failure.

Bon Café is a major coffee distributor here in Thailand and this bistro in North Pattaya looks to be one of its flagship outlets. The outdoor seating is huge, but inside is even bigger. About half of the shop is dedicated to their coffee machines and coffee service business. (If you want to know more about that, go to www.boncafe.co.th).

The atmosphere was surprisingly American.

The busy inside dining room reminded me of an old school diner back in the US. It smelled like a Denny’s or IHOP. At 10am on a high season Wednesday, the place was packed.

The menu is full breakfast, lunch and dinner, but The Hound had to concentrate on finding a healthy breakfast. Breakfast must be their focus time as the menu is permanently printed on the wall of the café. There’s Continental, Asian, three levels of American and naturally, a German selection.

To the Hound’s delight, Bon Café also had several low calorie options with names like “healthy” and “fitness”, so he chose one and set himself to start dropping pounds

immediately. The complex entrée arrived in alarmingly short order; served up by one of the extremely busy, but well-trained, staff.

This meal had a lot of moving parts. The set included three pieces of whole grain bread, butter, jam, a bowl of cornflakes with milk, tropical fruits like pineapple and watermelon, dried fruits like raisins, figs and dates, strawberry yoghurt, orange juice and the thing Bon Café does best … coffee.

Not a diet plate The Hound wouldn’t call this a “diet” plate. But the calories come from good whole grains, light dairy products and fruit. And, it is certainly healthier than several of the pork-oriented brekkies he saw going to other tables. After consuming the whole ensemble, The Hound could feel the pounds just dropping off.

Unfortunately, he put them back on just looking at the dessert case. The Hound was happy to find a healthy breakfast alternative, but knows ultimately he sees himself having a big old slice of that strawberry cheesecake accompanied by piping hot Bon Café coffee.

Trust the Chow Hound to go in search of tofu and come home with pie. |

advertorial • acura windows & doors

Quality shines through standards”. Many of the accessories that complete his products are imported from Europe (mainly Italy).

They cost a little more but he feels they are worth the extra for the peace of mind they give.

“Those who choose poorer quality items are engaged in false economies,” he said. “All that means is that further down the line they will waste time and money putting the problems right.”

Fuchs, 67, started the company in tandem with a powder coating supplier and an extrusion aluminium supplier. Two years further down the road he took over full control. There was no “falling out” as such and his two former partners continue to supply Acura.

Asian regular Born in Romania and a resident of Israel for a long time, Johny has been an Asian regular since 1978 when he had an import/export business dealing mainly with household and general goods from Taiwan, Singapore and China.

His link to his current business came when “I was manufacturing huge garden umbrellas and was looking for big, strong aluminium profiles”. He found them here in Thailand and the transition to windows and doors followed.

With his partners he decided to set up a factory in Thailand exporting to Europe which meant the quality of

projects Among the developments Acura have been involved in are: Hyde Park 1 & 2; Pattaya Heights; Club Royal A & B; Park Royal 2 and 3 (A & B); Nova Platinum 1, 2 & 3; Nova Gold; Nova Star; Nova Plaza; Laguna Heights; Sunset Boulevard 1 & 2; The View; the Vision; and Elegance.

Hotels include On 8 Bangkok and Sofitel in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Phen.

their exports had to be to accepted European standards.

Away from Europe entry into the local market was not easy initially.

“The first company to use us was Rony Fineman’s Nova Group,” said Johny. “We have completed several projects with his company now.” We list some of the projects Acura have been involved with alongside.

Any projects he is particularly proud of? “I’m proud of everything I do,” said Johny.

“But I’d like to give special mention to the Elegance condo on Pratumnak. There we have installed insulated double-glazing that not only looks good but is energysaving as well. | l Acura can be contacted on 038 240198 or 081 918 5603.

39 REM 01/2014

B

e honest with yourself now ... when buying a new property have you ever stopped to ask about the quality of the windows, patio doors and balustrades that will be used in it?

No? Well, you don’t ask that sort of thing, do you? You sort of take them for granted.

Johny Fuchs (or Johny Aluminium as he calls himself) would seek to change that mindset. If home buyers start asking about windows and doors he feels that will put developers on their toes about ensuring quality – and that, in turn, would suit Johny’s Sukhumvit-based Acura Windows & Doors company nicely.

“Many developers are skimping when it comes to specifying these items,” says Johny. “It’s an area where developers can shave a little off the price by buying cheaper materials and adding to their bottom line.”

He adds: “I have a problem. I cannot cheat on quality.”

Those who know Johny well are aware that he is prone to cracking selfdeprecating jokes. But his comment about not cheating on quality isn’t one of them. He means it!

“I might sometimes find myself compromising on price, but never on quality,” he says.

Johny prides himself that the company he co-founded in 2004 with two partners now produces goods to “approved, advanced international

advertorial • porchland

Construction starts at The Prim

W

40 REM 01/2014

hen you need to relax, the sea often seems to be the first choice of the city people. One of the seaside places most people think of is Pattaya given its closeness to Bangkok.

Within just a few hours’ drive, you can sense the nature and how completely different it is compared to the city. It is not surprising that resorts in Pattaya are full; always full.

Naklua Wongamat, is not only peaceful but also close to Sanctuary of Truth. It is the culture source as same as a landmark of the city. It is also close to the beach with privacy and peacefulness.

The Prim Grand Condominium Naklua Soi 12 is managed

by Porchland Group. It is

created under the concept “peace and happiness in a private space” which defines just about everything about the project.

A spokesman for Porchland Group said: “The Prim is another project that can meets all your lifestyle needs. We have designed only 64 units to make the residence very private. There are eight floors with all facilities on the top floor such as swimming pool, fitness, restaurant, sauna and Jacuzzi.”

l For information please call: 082-4031999 / 082-4032999 (Thai/Eng) E: cs.porchland@ theprimpattaya. com.

W:theprimpattaya. com

The design is stylish with a touch of the East, Modern Oriental.

Furniture is built-in for all for bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.

The project area is 300 sqw and contains from one-up to threebedroom units ranging in size from 40-190 sqm.

For energy saving, they will use LED lighting for the whole project. |

the time

the blue residence

la santir

eastcoast@thaiproperty.com • www.thaiproperty.com Grand garden home Bang Saray/Huay Yai Land size: 120 sq.w House size: 150 sq.m Spacious living area In secure village

3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Private swimming pool Landscaped gardens

SALE: 5,300,000 BAHT The Vineyard East Pattaya Land size: 220 sq.w House size: 200 sq.m Private swimming pool Designer furniture

3 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms Modern, contemporary design Secure village

sale: 13,950,000 Baht/Rent: 90,000 pm The Gallery Jomtien Condo size: 34 sq.m Studio 1 Bathroom Euro kitchen

Modern, designer unit 150 metres to the beach Wifi and cable TV Excellent communal facilities

SALE: 2,300,000 BahT/Rent: 17,000 PM

Coconut beach Jomtien Condo size: 252 sq.m Fully furnished 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Bright, spacious unit Panoramic views Easy beach access Long term only

Rent: 50,000 Baht Pm

Jomtien

038 267 030-1 • Pattaya 038 723 615-6

showroom • showcase

the RIVIERA ... Wongamat

Glamorous lifestyle in upmarket Wongamat – that’s The Riviera ...

I

42 REM 01/2014

f you want ordinary, this is not for you. If you want extremely good, this will still not be your thing.

If you’re looking for top-level accommodation, then The Riviera will most certainly be your taste.

We are not talking over-design, super high-quality this and that, or features that are super modern and high-tech. We are talking, quite simply, well balanced stunning show units with just the right amount of real homeliness, but still bubbling with glitz and glam, that magical ‘mojo’ that’s so hard to capture in any development, let alone a high-rise on this scale.

The statistics say it all. At the time of going to print, “54 per cent sold,” reports Winston Gale, the developer and creator of The Riviera. According to Winston, many different investors came in and took the first 23 per cent, the rest being snapped up by savvy individual buyers, some buying just one, some several.

It’s a very busy showroom on a day-to-day basis. Take a swift glance as some of the pictures on these pages and you can see why.

The showrooms we featured last month are a ‘must’ see for anyone remotely interested in cool, spectacular design.

Very desirable This month, we focus on their four show units. They appear very desirable. Asked which one I would prefer if given for free, my answer would be “I don’t care, they’re all very special, just give me one”. Hey Winston, were you being serious?

Bangkok-based firm makeAscene were originally commissioned to do the interior design concepts, but eventually Winston and his wife Sukanya took complete control and

transformed them upon completion into what they describe as ‘Glamorous Beach Chic’.

Each unit comes fully-fitted, providing stylish kitchens and bathrooms with what looks like expensive tiles throughout (as standard).

The layouts of the one- and twobedroom units have clever walk-in double-sided wardrobes making smart use of the space while each unit commands large balconies to enjoy that rather special Wongamat view from.

Cool mirror Bathrooms each feel spacious with the two-bedroom 84 sqm unit showing off a particular ‘resort’ feel with its double sink area and that very cool Riviera mirror. In this same unit, the bed itself sits like an island with a clever walk around design to the wardrobe providing a hotel resort feel to the whole master bedroom.

The units themselves feel warm, kind and individual, as if they were part of a much smaller development, “Sukanya and I tried very hard to make these show units very special,” said Winston. “We love design, anyway, so putting real passion into the showroom came naturally to us.

“It was exhausting though, we really did seek out so many different items you simply couldn’t find easily, only then do you start to create something different and unique.”

Unique indeed, they do make you feel special when walking around and you would hardly know there’s going to be 979 of them!

Glamorous Lifestyle, Ocean Dreams, The Riviera’s advertising strap line does seems to sum it up very accurately… it’s hard for me to explain it any better.

Dave Buckley

43 REM 01/2014

showroom • showcase

details Development: The Riviera (two towers of 40 and 43 storeys) Location: Wongamat Beach, Pattaya-Naklua Road Soi 16 Developer: The Riviera Group Architects: Steven Leach & Associates Structural engineers: Warnes Associates Mechanical & electrical engineers: Pro-En Prices: l Studios (235) from Bt2,346,052 l One beds (231) from Bt2,664,375 l Two beds (41) from Bt5,866, 056 l Three-bed options available

44 REM 01/2014

Residences facilities: l 37m wide swimming pool l Various children’s pool l Multi-level sun deck areas l Various water features l Kids’ club and children’s playground l Extensive fitness room with sky views l Lush, tropical landscaping l Floating pavilions and salas l Large, open green areas l Extensive recreational area l Water sliders l Private, elevated garden areas l 31st floor private sky gardens with salas l Hotel-style drop-off areas l Open air resort-style lobby Residence Services: l 24-hour security l WiFi internet Sky Terrace: l 23rd floor entire public area l 25m infinity edge sky pools l Sky jacuzzis l Glass frontage fitness rooms l Sala and lounge relaxation areas Contact: T: 038-225830 M: 092-2691840 (English) E: info@therivierapattaya.com W: www.therivierapattaya.com

quiz • questions

Size isn’t everything, but...

1. Macy’s has advertised its Herald Square, New York premises (above left) as the world’s largest department store since 1924. But in 2009 it was surpassed by an even larger one. Where is it?

2. With a capacity of 99,786, Barcelona’s Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe, but there’s an even larger one (below) which holds half as many again. Where is it?

3. At 400 metres in length, four ships sharing the title of the world’s longest vessel went into service in 2013. Eventually there will be 20, but who operates them?

4. Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is the largest in Britain, but not the largest in the world (above right).

Where is that located?

5. With space for 20,000 vehicles and overflow facilities for a further 10,000, it’s the world’s largest car park. Where is it?

46 REM 01/2014

6. Car fanatic Sheik Hamad of Abu Dhabi constructed the world’s largest truck. At eight times the size of the original, it is a replica of what vehicle?

7. With almost 14 million books among 150 million items, what is the world’s largest public library?

If you want to stand out from the crowd then size really does matter. How much do you know about the 10 towering achievements we have listed here? The answers to these and our other general knowledge questions are on Page 74.

8. It’s not the world’s tallest building, but with 18 million square feet of floor space capable of holding 16 Wembley Stadiums, it’s certainly the world’s biggest.

What is it?

9. According to Guinness World Records, this road network is the world’s longest ‘motorable’ road at 48,000 kilometres (30,000 miles) in length. How is it commonly known?

10. Started in 1959 with just five pupils, it’s now the world’s largest school with 47,000 students, 1,000 classrooms and 3,800 staff. Where is it?

12. The doggie subject of the book Everyone Loves Elwood, has died aged eight in New Jersey. What distinction did Elwood achieve in 2007?

13. What has been named as the Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year for 2013?

14. Construction has been completed on Scotland’s newest landmark, the 30m (100ft) Kelpies sculpture at Falkirk. What are kelpies?

15. London’s largest casino has hired a team of dwarves to work as what?

Now for a change of subject:

16. Polish performance artist Anastasia IV has set a new world record by pulling a 2.5-tonne hearse with what?

11. What delivery method is online retailer Amazon testing for customers living near its depots?

17. Sprinter Usain Bolt ate 1,000 of what during his 10 days in China during the 2008 Olympics?

events • promotions

Pattaya’s $250k Open events & promotions ARE produced in association with

The compact Dusit Thani stadium was expanded in 2011 to seat up to 2,650 spectators on finals weekend.

This was needed to cope with the number of spectators which has increased year on year.

Ticket prices Admission to qualifying matches on the stadium’s three courts on January 26 costs 300 baht while tickets for main draw matches from the first round through to the finals cost Bt300, Bt500, Bt800 and Bt1,200 per day Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Pentangle Promotions on 02-3113414/5, fax 02-3113498 or by e-mailing judy@ pentanglepromotions.com or from ThaiTicketMajor outlets, including its call centre on 02-2623456 or online from www.thaiticketmajor.com Advance and same-day ticket sales can be made at the venue daily from

10am on Friday, January 24 until the end of play each day. The ticket booth is located next to the main grandstand at the Dusit Thani tennis courts.

The inaugural Pattaya Property Show will be staged at the Pattaya Hilton between January 9-12.

The Pattaya Property Show has been organised by Exact Trading Co Ltd and will target tourists, expatriates and local residents. It has been timed to coincide with one of the busiest periods for tourism in the city.

A number of leading companies have confirmed their participation on the list of exhibitors with over 65 percent of the available space being

 Russia’s world No17, Maria Kirilenko, holds aloft the PTT Pattaya Open trophy after winning the 2013 final against Germany’s Sabine Lisicki.

Pattaya Open schedule First Round Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28 Second Round Wednesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 30 Quarter-finals Friday, January 31 Semi-finals Saturday, February 1 Finals Sunday, February 2

Start time 3.00pm 3.00pm

3.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm

57 REM 01/2014

P

rizemoney of $250,000 will be on offer to some of the world’s leading female tennis players when the week-long PTT Pataya Open gets under way at the Dusit Thani Hotel on January 26.

The hike in prizemoney is one of a number of changes to the annual tournament which has been held every year since 1991. Match courts have been rebuilt and changes will be made to the grandstands to improve safety and convenience for spectators.

Although the final entry list had still to be confirmed as REM went to press, a number of the world’s top players will line up in the 32-strong first round which starts at 3pm on January 27 following a day of qualifying matches.

Last year’s event was won by Russia’s world No17 Maria Kirilenko who beat Germany’s world No15 Sabine Lisicki 5-7 6-1 7-6 (7-1) in a tense battle lasting two hours and 37 minutes.

In 2010, the PTT Pattaya Open was voted the international series Tournament of the Year by the players of the WTA Tour, beating 32 other tournaments from Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Americas.

 The recently extended show court at the Dusit Thani Hotel can now accommodate 2,650 spectators on finals day of the PTT Pattaya Open.

events • promotions

58 REM 01/2014

 Thailand’s Children’s Day on January 11 will see plenty of free and cut-price attractions among the host of activities available for youngsters in the city.

snapped up in the first three weeks of the show being announced.

Saturday, January 11 is Thailand’s Children’s Day when youngsters receive gifts from family members and are generally treated with even more attention than normal. Children’s Day means that many tourist attractions see an influx of families who are able to take advantage of free or reduced entry prices for youngsters.

Children’s Day was established in 1954 to protect children working long hours in dangerous circumstances and allow all children access to an education. The UN General Assembly recommended that all countries should establish a Universal Children’s Day on an ‘appropriate’ day.

Many Thai local authorities organise special events and places of interests usually let children in for half price or even for free on Children’s Day. The National Children’s Day was held for the first time in Thailand on the first Monday of October 1955 and continued until 1963 when it was changed to the second Saturday of January.

In Pattaya, activities will include exhibitions at City Hall and sporting events and games at all 11 schools in the city.

Thailand’s first Trail Running Championship – The Columbia Trail Masters 2014 (Episode VI) – will take place at Kao Mai Keo just outside Pattaya on January 12. It will consist of trail runs over 50km, 25km and 10km and a 3km fun run/walk for kids and families.

Trail running takes place on hiking trails in natural settings, combining the beauty of outdoor scenery and the physical challenges of running.

The Columbia Trail Running Championship is organised by Active Management Asia, a sport events company specialising in events such as runs, triathlons, cycling and adventure races.

Sean Kelly tour Serious cyclists will take the road from Bangkok to Phuket with Ireland’s former professional cycling star, Sean Kelly, now a TV commentator with Eurosport.

Kelly has organised the 860km bike tour between January 31 and February 7 for cyclists who want to push themselves hard each day. The group is limited to 20 participants who have road riding experience. They will ride along both the east and the west

coast of Thailand and overnight at resorts along the way. Afternoons will be free for a well earned rest!

From turning professional in 1977 until his retirement in 1994, Kelly won nine monument classics, and 193 professional races in total. During his career he started in the Tour de France 15 times and wore the green jersey on four occasions, won Paris-Nice seven years in a row and the first UCI World Cup in 1989.

Pattaya Cricket Club start the new season with a trip to Southerners CC, Bangkok, on January 12 for a 1pm start to a Bangkok League game. Pattaya will be back at Southerners on January 25 and 26 for the Southerners Sixes.

Pattaya CC’s near neighbours at Horseshow Point, the Thai Polo Club, will host the BMX-B. Grimm Thai Polo Open between January 15-25 and the B. Grimm Thai Polo Masters between January 29 and February 2.

Continuing the equine theme, did you know that 2014 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar? It all starts with Chinese New Year on January 31 and February 2.

events & promotions ARE produced in association with

Although not an official national holiday, you can expect plenty of merrymaking in Pattaya in the form of lion and dragon dances at Bali Hai, Jomtien Beach, Walking Street and Friendship supermarket, spectacular fireworks and a greater proliferation than usual of stalls selling Chinese food and products.

Motorcyle championship Track action at Bira Main Circuit sees the finale to the 2013 Motorcycle Mag Road Racing Championship over the weekend on January 11-12.

The legendary Frankie Valli is set to perform a live show in Bangkok for the first time at the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons concert on January 22 at the Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Ladprao. With seven

Thailand’s first Trail Running Championship will be staged at Kao Mai Keo.  Frankie Valli fronts The Four Seasons in concert in Bangkok.  Watch out for dragon dances in the street on Chinese New Year.  Southerners provide the first opposition for Pattaya in the new cricket season.  Motorcycle racing returns to Bira Circuit.

US No 1 hits behind him, Valli has been recording and performing for more than 50 years.

Tickets to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are available at all ThaiTicketMajor counters. Ticket prices are Bt4,500, Bt3,500 and Bt2,500. For more information phone 02-262-3838 or log on to www.thaiticketmajor.com or www.bectero.com.

Finally, there is a treat in store for Jazz fans in the form of the threeday Thailand International Jazz Conference 2014 at the College of Music, Mahidol University (Salaya) starting on January 31.

Jazz clinics and competitions will be held each day from 9.30am or 10am to 6.20pm, followed by evening concerts from 6.30pm to 11pm.

These will feature a host of Thai and international performers and will be headlined by the Seamus Blake Trio, Aaron Parks Trio, and the Stranahan Zaleski Rosato Trio.

Three-day, all-in tickets cost Bt2,000 with tickets to individual sessions costing Bt500 each.

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.

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events • promotions

regular columnist • bart walters

American journalist and property investor Bart Walters has been living in Thailand for more than 13 years, first in Bangkok, then in Phuket and Pattaya then back to Bangkok before rediscovering Pattaya again.

Bart publishes his inside views on Thailand property market in various print and online publications including International Living and Escape America. He can be contacted at bkkbart@gmail.com

Town and Country conundrum A nice problem to have co·nun·drum noun \kə-’nən-drəm\ : a confusing or difficult problem

F

60 REM 01/2014

or the second time in the past 13 years, I’m wringing my hands and gnashing my teeth on whether to live in Bangkok or at the beach. I know, I know … it’s like hearing a guy bitch because his Bentley wouldn’t start this morning … “cry me a river you knob!”

Completely out of character, I’m going to concede a point against the argument I will ultimately make in this article right from the beginning.

Yes, I do understand that obsessing over whether I should live in the most vibrant city in Asia or in a dynamic seaside resort town is a nice problem to have, and I’ve been fortunate to have it more than once.

As it turns out, this Town and

Country Conundrum is not exclusive to our little patch of paradise … I’ve experienced it on other continents … surely it isn’t only me who suffers this condition.

Growing up, I lived in a really nice city only one hour from the beach. As young adults, my friends and I all fantasised about landing great jobs, making piles of money and owning a cool little place at the beach. Some of us even coveted exotic, topless sports cars to take us to and from locations … but I digress.

Same dreams Several months ago I met a group of senior business students from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok that had the same dreams. For me it was up-and-coming Orlando with the east coast beaches of Florida like Daytona, New Smyrna and Cocoa

A city pad and a beach crib … it all sounds so perfect. But it isn’t so easy to co-exist in two places.

beach. For these college kids it is a condo in Bangkok and a beach hideaway in Wongamat or Jomtien.

A city pad and a beach crib … it all sounds so perfect. But it isn’t so easy to co-exist in two places; two homes is one too many for lots of people. Getting the mix and priority right has been a struggle for me … and yes, I believe I’ve already said I know it is a nice problem to have.

Several years ago in the US, I thought I’d created the perfect solution with a city place and a beach place and an office right in the middle only 45 minutes from each location. Oh, I had all kinds of grand schemes. I’d come from city house to the office Tuesday thru Thursday.

On Thursday evening I’d head to the beach condo working from home until Monday morning when I’d drive back to the office and stay in the city again.

It looked ridiculously good on paper. In the end it drove me crazy as I didn’t belong in either place. I’ll state for the record; I cannot form meaningful relationships with a community only four days per week.

Instead of being a part-time resident, I was merely a recurring visitor.

I left my home in Florida still not knowing if I preferred to “live” in the city or at the beach.

I wanted both, but still couldn’t reconcile owning and occupying two homes in different places. Being pathologically practical, it seemed like such a waste of time and money.

Predictably, I recreated the scenario in Thailand a few years

regular columnist • bart walters

62 REM 01/2014

later. Like many expatriates, when I first came to Thailand I fell in love with Bangkok. It’s a big old sweaty, juicy, stinky tropical fruit of a city that’s hard to resist. It remains my favourite metropolis to this day.

But, sometime during my first year in Thailand, I discovered Nai Harn Beach, on the extreme southern tip of Phuket and was equally smitten. And what had me under its spell there were some pretty lucrative real estate opportunities.

This part of the island was only mildly developed and land prices were still reasonable. In Thailand, development normally follows new infrastructure rather than precedes it, so building some sweet houses right before the big by-pass road got finished was a stroke of good timing.

Young and strong I split my time between Phuket and Bangkok for three years. I felt like James Bond. Leaving my house in southern Phuket and arriving at my place in Bangkok took approximately three-and-a-half hours door-to-door.

I obsessed over my little project during the week in Phuket and partied my guts out every weekend in Bangkok. I was young and strong with disposable income.

But you know what … I still didn’t get the question answered.

I had the magical house-at-the beach-house-in-the-city formula.

Like many expatriates, when I first came to Thailand I fell in love with Bangkok.

It’s a big old sweaty, juicy, stinky tropical fruit of a city that’s hard to resist.

I had an effective ingress/egress transportation supply. Still, I felt more like a Phuket person than Bangkok, but in the end I sold out and wound up full-time in Bangkok again.

This is the point where I started defining this issue as a “conundrum”, (according to Webster … “a confusing or difficult problem”).

Over the past few months I found myself banging my head against this wall again. In July, an unexpected buyer for my condo in Pattaya materialised and I became flush with cash and freedom; not knowing what to do with either.

I had officially lived in Pattaya longer than any single residence in my life. Complacency and routine had set in and I had taken to using words describing Pattaya like “boring” and “plastic tourist town”.

This is the first symptom of suffering the Town & Country Conundrum; boredom. A place that once seemed like paradise was suddenly old hat and unbearably dull. In truth, I had simply gotten lazy and blamed my boredom on the town. In a knee-jerk decision, I made a grand move to Bangkok to take up a more exciting cosmopolitan lifestyle back in my old stomping grounds.

For six months I rode the Skytrain, ate great street food and allowed myself all the distractions The Big Mango has to offer. And now I’m back in Pattaya. This round of T&C Conundrum has been very short-lived.

So, I’ve taken another stab at

solving this dilemma. The subject of this month’s essay is an attempted delineation of the decision-making process. Have I solved it or does the conundrum remain stubbornly defying resolution?

Here are the top reasons I have chosen to live in Pattaya rather than Bangkok.

It’s cheaper Nobody has ever accused me of being pathologically frugal, but this round in Bangkok had me counting every satang. Either I’ve become a horrible cheapskate or Bangkok has gotten much more expensive.

First of all, Bangkok just has so much more of everything. More cool bars, more five-star restaurants, more ultra-luxury shopping malls, more ways to spend oneself into oblivion. I’d need more selfdiscipline or more income to stay out of the poorhouse.

My first move was to look for a place to rent in Bangkok; an activity I deplore. My budget was in the Bt25,000-30,000 range, an amount that gets you quite a nice place in Pattaya with plenty of options to choose from.

For Bt25,000 per month on a long term contract, I could easily get a sea view condo in a well fitted out building in Pattaya or Jomtien. I could get a nice house in a secured community in many Pattaya area neighborhoods. A person with Bt25,000 as a budget and willingness to sign a 12 month

64 REM 01/2014

regular columnist • bart walters

or longer contract could look at 10 properties a day for weeks.

In Bangkok the choices are different. Condos in the Central Business District and foreign populated areas in this price range come in two categories. I could live in trendy areas like Thonglor or Ekamai in a brand new 40sqm people box or find an older building with renovated larger condos. In the end I got worn down by looking and chose a place for its convenient location near Phrom Pong BTS. It was Bt30,000 per month, pretty good size, but furnished in a shabby and Spartan manner. Good thing I had some furniture that needed a place to stay.

By my estimate, comparing Bangkok’s apples to Pattaya’s oranges means you’ll pay about 30 per cent more in the capital city to satisfy rental needs. I had not been a renter for quite some time and the disparity shocked me. You get a lot more for your money in Pattaya.

Also, a property search in Bangkok can be exhausting. I refuse to drive in Bangkok unless I’m coming from or going to the Toll-way. Getting to an appointment on time and managing to get the agent, the owner, the manager, the security guards (and whomever else might want to gum up the works) on the same page and showing you an apartment can be absolutely maddening. And that leads me to the second reason I choose Pattaya over Bangkok …

Between the Skytrain, the Subway and speaking enough Thai to direct a taxi driver, I should be able to get around quite well.

It’s easier to get around Me driving in Bangkok is never going to be the best solution to get where I want to go. I do have a pretty good mastery of the prevailing public transportation Bangkok offers.

Between the Skytrain, the Subway and speaking enough Thai to direct a taxi driver, I should be able to get around quite well. And when I lived in Bangkok six years ago I even bragged about my ability; things were different this time around.

Gone are the days of actually finding a seat on any train oriented conveyance. The BTS Skytrain triples the number of cars on the track at peak hours and it’s still like squeezing into a sardine can. If you are at a major station like Asoke or Siam, you might even have to wait a few trains to get on. Even with my handy BTS/MRT pass, getting around this way had turned into a hassle.

Vehicular ground traffic seems to be as unpredictable and congested as ever. And it doesn’t matter if you are driving a car or in a taxi; the taxi drivers in Bangkok don’t know where they are going any more than you do. Bangkok traffic jams are still legendary in scale. And if you take a good look at those people on the back of a motorbike taxis weaving through traffic you’ll notice none of them are me. There are times in Bangkok where you simply cannot get where you want to go.

It never occurred to me that I’d miss my little car and the freedom it represents. Pattaya certainly

has its share of traffic issues, but I know where they are and how to avoid them. And, as much as people complain about it, asphalt never sleeps in Pattaya. New roads pop open every month. Recently I drove down the new road connecting Sukhumvit to Jomtien Second Road.

It’s an impressive thoroughfare and basically creates access to a whole new part of town.

I don’t ever remember driving down a new road in Bangkok.

And I never thought I’d consider transportation in Bangkok to be constraining … but now I do. In a city that sprawls with the best of them, I feel like my range is limited and my lifestyle constricted by the transportation choices. I prefer having the option of hopping in my trusty Mazda 3 and going wherever I want.

It’s healthier So, I spent a lot of time walking in Bangkok, which should be good for you right? On certain days, the very atmosphere in Bangkok is toxic; and poisonous on many levels. I had a choice of being a recluse in my condo or getting out into “public”.

There is no in-between in Bangkok; you’re either alone or in a crowd.

I would describe the rainy season atmosphere in Bangkok as “people soup”. Everybody’s coughing and hacking and you can’t get away from it. You get wet, you go into over-air conditioned buildings and emerge into 35 degree heat … how can you not get sick?

regular columnist • bart walters

66 REM 01/2014

After my first month in Bangkok this summer, I drove to Pattaya with one thing on my mind … fresh air! I forgot how uplifting and healing just sitting by the sea can be. And fresh seafood … that’s what I’d really been craving. It’s not that they don’t have seafood in Bangkok, but I prefer fish that came out of the sea today; not swimming in a tank or, God forbid, … yesterday’s catch. We don’t have to put up with that in Pattaya.

We also don’t have to pay those usurious Bangkok prices.

I’ll take watching the sun go down over Pattaya Bay, sipping on a cold beer and downing some oysters … no “people soup” on the menu. Pattaya life has to be better for a person than breathing all those diesel fumes and being smashed shoulder to shoulder with strangers in a subway train.

And, even though I consider Bangkok a restaurant town of superior standing, I’m quite sure I eat healthier in Pattaya. Perhaps it is because I chose to live down a soi in Bangkok with incredible street vendors. And, unfortunately for my waistline, I’m not the guy getting a bag of pineapple or watermelon.

I simply cannot get by the Hat Yai chicken guy without grabbing a fistful of his artery-clogging delights.

In Pattaya, I visit local markets, buy fresh fruits and vegetables to prepare at home. I eat mostly fish, chicken and low fat meats. I am responsible for my own dietary health. In Bangkok I end up forfeiting this responsibility to the Hat Yai chicken guy, or that lady with the grilled bananas and sugary sauce. I won’t be so bold as to say Pattaya has better food for that would be absurd.

But, because of the onslaught of culinary sensations on the streets, and a sad lack of willpower, Bangkok is bad for my health.

It’s home The final reason I chose to return to Pattaya may be the key to solving the T&C Conundrum. Previous attempts to answer the question of where I want to live always ended with the same feeling. I wasn’t connected to either place, feeling a kind of a permanent tourist sensation. Each place had

When this holiday season rolled around, I came back to Pattaya for a visit and what do you know … apparently I have friends that missed me.

Even more surprising was the sensation that I missed them.

advantages and disadvantages, but neither felt like “home”.

But when this holiday season rolled around, I came back to Pattaya for a visit and what do you know … apparently I have friends that missed me. Even more surprising was the sensation that I missed them. And I went into pubs and saw old friends and it seemed as though they were keeping my stool open the whole time.

Normally I agree with Groucho Marx when he said that he never wanted to be a member of a club that would have him. This trip it felt nice to be part of the club. When you are choosing a place to live in Thailand, the expatriate community has to be considered. I feel accepted and part of the Pattaya Club. I can count the number of friends I have in Bangkok on three fingers.

Conundrum solved ?

Years ago I lived in Bangkok as a lone-wolf off-and-on visitor. Trust me, being a permanent tourist in that town is a young man’s game. When I returned to Bangkok this summer, the city was fundamentally the same, but I am different. That lifestyle has passed me by, or it might be more accurate to say “Been there … done that”. If you don’t have something constructive to do with your time, Bangkok will kill you. It remains my favourite city on the planet, but I do

not belong full-time unless I have business interests there.

So, have I solved the conundrum?

Do I now know where I want to call home? Did Pattaya win? Well … almost. Currently my preference is to stay in Pattaya, continuing my so-called career as a freelance writer and getting away for occasional food/fun/shopping in Bangkok.

But, it is their proximity that makes this possible. A 90 minute drive allows for spontaneity. Day trips are even possible. And I’m never going to live near Bangkok and not go there sometimes.

I had to wait more than five years for the distance between Bangkok and Pattaya to shorten.

The ability to have one’s cake and eat it too is always irresistible. This round of T&C Conundrum produced a revelation. Apparently I don’t need a home in two locations to enjoy both cities. Why didn’t I think of that before? What a nice set up!

And, in the end, Pattaya has won my heart as “home” for some pretty out of character reasons.

“It’s cheaper”, “It’s healthier”, “I have friends there” … good God I’m getting old! Pattaya is a much more forgiving place to get old in. And my old friend Bangkok is only 90 minutes away.

Even though it is solved for now, the Town & Country Conundrum is a nice problem to have indeed. |

party • pieces

HH pull out all the stops for Arcadia

H

68 REM 01/2014

eights Holdings’ lavish mid-December party to announce the launch of its Arcadia resorts group was full of prizes and surprises. Their Thappraya Road sales office was brim full of people for the event and several of the 300-plus guests came away with fabulous prize draw gifts.

HH gave away numerous electrical appliances on the night including a flat-screen TV, a sound

system, microwave, small refrigerator ... the sort of things that help make a unit into a home.

As one has come to expect at these types of event the food was top drawer and there was no shortage of drink to consume.

As you can see from these pictures everyone had a good time and are looking forward to future Arcadia launches.

For more details about Arcadia please turn to pages 12 and 13.

car test • dr iain corness

Nissan Teana – all the bells and whistles

70 REM 01/2014

T

he more luxurious end of the auto market is well served in Thailand, with the three locally produced large sedans (Honda Accord, Nissan Teana, Toyota Camry) all competing at the top end of the Thai production market. And competing very fiercely, with all three offering models from an entry level Bt1.2m (all with two-litre engines) through to range toppers Bt1.8m (Toyota and Honda), and Nissan at Bt1.6m, all with 2.4 to 2.5 litre engines.

The subject of this month’s road test is the new Nissan Teana, and a sparkling white demonstrator was lent to REm by the Pattaya Automobile Company (on Sukhumvit Road, about 50 metres past the Ambassador City, on the same side after you have made a U-turn). The model chosen was the fully loaded 250 XV which has a ticket of Bt1.57m, a 2.5 litre engine and an imposing list of options.

When NASA put a man on the moon 50 years ago, the computing power for the lunar landing was less than the computing power of today’s motor cars. I can tell you that the Nissan Teana has enough computing power to put a man on Mars. It is like a smart phone on wheels, with ‘e-everythings’ designed to enhance the driving experience.

After driving the Teana for two

days there were still items I had not fully explored, but then again, there are items in my smart phone which remain a mystery too!

First impressions of the Teana from the outside are very positive.

There is continuity of styling from the previous Teana, but actually it is a total skin change. A change for the better, as the styling is much improved, with the accent line remaining high, and not sinking in the tail as the previous model. It has an imposing appearance, so much so that the valet parking boy at the Sheraton placed it in pride of place at the portal. And valet parking boys have seen everything, remember.

There are motor noters all over the world who will waffle on about the handling and performance of

It is a refined, luxury limo, designed to take you and your family from A to B in supreme comfort, and it does that wonderfully well.

any car they are testing. I only go down that route when it is a sports or performance car I am testing. The Nissan Teana is not a sports saloon like a BMW M3, for example. It is a refined, luxury limousine, designed to take you and your family from A to B in supreme comfort, and it does that wonderfully well.

Ensuring your comfort, the seat is infinitely variable in position, as well as the steering wheel. Once you have found your ideal seating position (and lumbar support) you set it in the memory and you never have to set it again. Just push the button and the car does it all for you. There are two settings, just in case you let someone else drive your Teana!

A really nice feature is when you turn off the engine and open the door, the seat slides back to make your exit much easier. It is simple things like that which make driving a much more pleasant experience.

The Teana is very quiet at highway speeds and to fill the void there is a nine-speaker Bose sound system giving perfect clarity. The GPS screen is large enough to be viewed, without taking eyes off the road, and the information screen very legible and easy to read. Around view monitors show you exactly where the car is positioned, making shopping centre parking less hazardous.

without the chauffeur’s hat ...

All photos: Dr Iain Corness

The safety side has not been ignored, with a whole alphabet of acronyms from VDC, TCS, ABS, BA and EBD. These are electronic controls to make the chances of you falling off the road or not braking hard enough or sliding in wet and greasy conditions very much less. Lane departure and blind spot warnings are displayed on the central information screen complete with audible notification.

Primary safety. Secondary safety is covered by six air bags.

Driving the Teana was a breeze.

Separate air-conditioners for driver and passenger ensures there is no argument over temperature control, the CVT auto transmission smooth and seamless and the steering light, but still positive.

The interior features a herd of

Around view monitors show you exactly where the car is positioned, making shopping centre parking less hazardous.

cows and some plastic wood, as is the norm these days. The rear seat splits to provide a ‘ski hatch’ or for other long items. This car has been well designed. Fuel consumption was a very reasonable 8 kms per litre around town.

From the driver’s point of view, it is extremely quiet, comfortable and a pleasure to be behind the wheel.

While the previous model Teana was driven by chaps with chauffers’ hats on, this one you want to drive by yourself.

Should you put a Teana in your garage? You certainly won’t do much better, and at the price, it makes the Europeans far too expensive an option. I would certainly be happy to have a Teana in my garage.

Nissan is also moving its Southeast Asian headquarters from Singapore to Thailand as part of a sixyear business plan so you can expect good service from the brand.

When I returned the Teana to Khun Orakorn at Pattaya Automobile Co Ltd the message screen said: “Goodbye”. I hope it felt sad at the farewell, because I certainly did. | l Test car supplied by Pattaya Automobile Company, a new Nissan dealership with all the infrastructure required for sales and service. Contact +66 (0)38 255 800 for more details or to arrange a test drive.

l Bt1,570,000 starting price l 2.5 litre petrol engine l Two-wheel drive l 173 brake horse power l 5 seats l Bose music system with subwoofer and amplifier l One touch sunroof l QR25DE engine, 4 cylinder, in-line, 16 valve, twin C-VTC, 173 bhp, torque 234 l AVM (around view moniter) gives you a 360º view around the car for aid in parking l Aerodynamic design l Xenon projector lens headlamps l LED rear lamps l HSA (hill start assist) brakes when rolling backwards l Dual SRS airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags l VDC (vehicle dynamic control) l TCS (traction control system) l ABS (anti-lock brake system) + BA (brake assist) l EBD (electronic brake- force distribution) l Headlight cleaner l Front and back proximity sensors l Intelligent key to open the boot, locking doors and to be used as a panic alarm or immobiliser l Start button for engine l ITS (intelligent transport system) comprising: Lane departure warning system (3D display) Blind spot warning system Moving object detection l 3D display on dashboard with Bluetooth, warning system for open doors l 3D display include navigation system

71 REM 01/2014

teana 250 xv key features

Next to the Ambassador City Jomtien

Tel: 66 (0) 3825 5800

Pattaya Automobile Co., Ltd. 222 Moo 2 Sukhumvit Road Na-Jomtien, Chonburi 20250

Cosy Beach View Condominium “We fulfill your desirable residence” A perfect residence and valuable investment comprises 24 storeys 297 units high-rise condominium with underground car parking area. Contains various types of studios, 1-2-3 bedrooms, apartments with private garden and a penthouse which is offering the impressive, panoramic views of Cosy Beach, Pattaya Bay, Jomtien Beach and Pratumnak Hill.

Enjoy your free time in our facilities “Health & Leisure Club” on 14th floor Swimming Pool, International Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Bar, Fitness Centre Spa - Sauna - Hot & Cold Jacuzzi, Games Room, Outdoor Activities field.

Our estimated completion date is scheduled in 2014. Foreign and Thai ownership are available. Join us today to own the pride of condominium on the best location in Pattaya “Pratumnak Hill”.

SHOW ROOM NOW OPEN

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quiz • answers

1. The world’s largest department store is the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan, South Korea. It’s 3.16m square feet dwarfs Macy’s 2.2m.

2. North Korea’s Rungnado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, home of the national football team, can accommodate 150,000 spectators.

3. The massive Triple-E class container ships are owned and operated by Danish conglomerate Maersk.

4. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See in Seville, Spain, is the world’s largest cathedral and third largest church building after St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City and the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil.

5. The giant car park is situated at the world’s largest shopping and entertainment centre, West Edmonton Mall, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

6. Sheikh Hamad built a replica of a 1950s Dodge Power Wagon. It has four bedrooms inside the cabin and weighs in excess of 50 tonnes.

74 REM 01/2014

7. The British Library in London is the world’s largest public library, closely followed by the Library of Congress in Washington DC. 8. The New Century Global Centre in of Chengdu, China, is the biggest building in the world measured by floor space (18,000,000 sq ft).

Falkirk’s 100foot tall statue of two kelpies – supernatural waterhorses from Celtic folklore.

9. It’s the The Pan-American Highway. Except for a rainforest break of approximately 100 km (60 miles), the road links almost all mainland nations of the Americas in a connected highway system.

14. A kelpie is a supernatural waterhorse from Celtic folklore.

The Kelpies are the world’s largest pair of equine sculptures and one of the UK’s tallest pieces of public art.

 Amazon has unveiled a futuristic project, Amazon Air Prime, designed to deliver packages by pilotless drones, or Octocopters, to customers who live within 10 miles of a depot.

10. The City Montessori School in Lucknow, India, is the world’s largest, having been started in 1959 by Dr Jagdish Gandhi.

15. The dwarves have been hired as bouncers – or, as London’s Hippodrome Casino calls them, ‘door dwarfs’.

11. Amazon is experimenting with drones. Packages would supposedly be dropped on to people’s lawns by small, pilotless aircraft.

12. Elwood was voted the world’s ugliest dog in 2007.

16. Anastasia IV pulled the hearse with her hair. She hauled the vehicle 65 feet (20 metres) down London’s Shaftesbury Avenue for just over a minute using her locks, which she says are insured for £1million.

 Elwood, the cross Chihuahua and Chinese crested, was voted the world’s ugliest dog in 2007. He recently died at the age of eight in New Jersey.

13. The word is ‘selfie’ - a type of self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone.

17. In his new autobiography Faster Than Lightning, Bolt revealed that he downed around 100 Chicken McNuggets a day.

 The huge replica 1950s Dodge Power Wagon built for Sheikh Hamad of Abu Dhabi.

The 50 tonne monster contains four bedrooms and is just one of 300 vehicles in the oil sheikh’s possession.

A Great Opportunity

l 7 bedrooms l 5 bathrooms l Teak-built guest quarters l Sitting on a large 4 rai plot l Huge landscaped gardens l Swimming pool with Jacuzzi l Covered poolside bar l Big, very attractive sala l In nice, quiet area of Huay Yai l Large indoor staff/Thai kitchen l Walled surround mainly 10’ high

At a reduced price

Bt39.5m onro 087 137 0392

pattaya@sallmannsthailand.com

75 REM 01/2014

To own a dream home comprising ...

coffee break • robert collins

Coffee break

Did you know...

... that a total of 26 US astronauts have reported seeing UFOs. A New Mexico State policeman claimed he saw a UFO land about a mile away in 1964. When he reached the spot he reported seeing a bright metallic oval about the size of an upturned car. Standing beside it were two humanoid figures, about the size of 10 year old children.

While he called HQ the figures retreated inside and the object took off.

N ___ _____ N I N_____ N __ ______ ____ __ __ ____, N I ___ ___ I ___N ___ ___N ____, _____ ___ ___ ____ 22 11 9 4 2

1 19 9

3 4 22 26 2

11 22 9

4 19 5 8 11

9 22 22 25 22 22 6

CRYPTOGRAM

Answers to all the puzzles appear on Page 104

1 2 18 11 25 13 3 8 11 9

8 11 6 11 22 9 10 19 18 9 2

9 18 5 2

The best British singles of all time according to The Guinness World Records British Hit Singles: 1. Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen, 1975) 2. Imagine (John Lennon, 1971) 3. Hey Jude (The Beatles 1968) 4. Dancing Queen (ABBA, 1976) 5. Like A Prayer (Madonna, 1989) 6. Angels (Robbie Williams, 1997)

Queen – greatest single?

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sudoku

5 1 3 7 4 8 9

2

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6 4 8 9 4

1 6 4 3 5

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2 -1

Two-minute trivia 1. Which city in Britain is known as Auld Reekie?

2. The period between 1811 and 1820 in the UK is known as what?

3. Who coined the phrase ‘Big Brother is watching you’?

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8 26 26 9 4 2

Six of the best

+

7

25 22 22 6

Decode this George Orwell 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 before addition and subtraction.

9 22 1 2

4. Which planet rotates in the opposite direction to all the others in the Solar System?

5. What four letter word do the chemical symbols for tin and silver make?

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

Alexandr Pushkin

Canberra

Deutschland

Empire Windrush

Franconia

Great Eastern

Lusitania

Oceanic

Oriana

Queen Elizabeth

Titanic

Windsor Castle

weekend traveller • bart walters

Health tourism

W

hen I think of “health tourism”, visions of nose jobs, Lasik surgery and breast implants come to mind. Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok boasts more than half a million foreign “healthcare tourists” a year. All are in desperate pursuit of top notch and affordable medical treatment.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ancient second city, the definition of “health” leans more towards “wellness”, and tourists come in droves to detoxify, learn about their bodies and heal their souls.

The other month I travelled to The Spa Resort in Mae Rim, just outside Chiang Mai. The Spa Resort is touted by many reviewers as one of the top 10 resorts of this type worldwide … and the most affordable.

78 REM 01/2014

Top toxic city Life in Pattaya and Bangkok had me filled to the brim with every toxin imaginable. In fact, if the top 10 most toxic cities were ranked, I’d bet Bangkok would appear somewhere near the top. Too much food … too much alcohol … too much everything had me feeling … in a word … “crappy”.

Chiang Mai style I booked on the internet and chose their signature detox getaway package aptly named the “you changed my life” package. This programme is aimed at ridding the body of years of toxic build up in the digestive, cardiovascular and renal systems. Included in the package is lodging, consultation, a seven-day fast, herbal supplements, therapeutic massage, daily juices, daily colonics, meditation, yoga classes and roundtrip transport from Chiang Mai airport.

The spa is located about 45 minutes from Chiang Mai airport in the sleepy rolling hills of Mae Rim. After twisting and turning off the main road and through a village we arrived at a place that can be described in three words: green, green and green. The sound of birds and bugs and the overwhelming aroma of every imaginable form of tropical plant-life signals departure from the concrete jungle and entry into the real one.

The Spa is spread out over 80,000 sqm of lush tropical vegetation that looks more like a mildly controlled jungle than manicured landscaping.

Some 65 rooms and villas built in the old Lanna style blend seamlessly into the countryside.

The configuration is somewhat

The sound of birds and bugs and the overwhelming aroma of every imaginable form of tropical plant-life signals departure from the concrete jungle and entry into the real one.

like a village with the world famous Radiance Organic Restaurant at its centre. Only a short stroll from the middle of the village is the Detox Centre, the Raw Foods Classroom, the spa/steam/massage centre, the beauty salon, the health director’s consultation centre and reception.

Upon arrival I was given a fistful of papers and instructions by the ever-so-helpful staff at reception. My room was poolside in a cozy little bungalow. The accommodations were simple but very comfortable and spacious with everything you’d expect in an upscale resort (except for a mini-bar filled with junk food).

Without a doubt it was the most comfortable bed I’ve slept on in years.

Meeting point The freshwater negative edge pool sits right in the middle of the resort rooms and is the meeting point for all the guests. Water spews out of the mouths of several ornate mythical creatures into the pool creating a constant sound of flowing water.

My first appointment of the afternoon was with the health director, a young doctor and on-site health counsellor who would explain the programme to me. He handed me

Raw food diet After absorbing all the info and inventorying all the supplements and supplies I’d need, I was directed to the Radiance Organic Restaurant where I’d enjoy my last meal for a while. For this type of detox I needed a day on raw food only. This was my introduction to discipline because all the other stuff on the menu looked fabulous. For those that think vegetarian cuisine is boring, think again. But, like a good detox

disciple, I gorged myself on easily the best salad I’ve ever consumed and prepared to fast.

On the next day I started the fast by getting up at 6:30 and reporting to the detox centre. There I weighed in and was issued two packs of supplements which I was to consume every three hours until bedtime. And, I was given a pineapple-based “detox” drink full of fibre and nutrients. I would repeat this ritual every day for the next week.

The detox centre is where you’ll see all the other guests every day. Much of the staff, including the doctor and the yoga/meditation instructors also hung out there to answer any questions and discuss your personal health issues.

There is also an extensive library of reading material on everything from Buddhism to herbal healing.

You might think being isolated on this rural hillside with a bunch of people you don’t know, without the

There is also an extensive library of reading material on everything from Buddhism to herbal healing.

luxury of social lubricants like alcohol or fancy clubs would get boring. But, the programme is designed to keep you busy and it does.

Every morning I’d report to the detox centre, slurp my morning drink and schlep up the hill to the yoga sala for meditation. The view from this gorgeous structure is ridiculously picturesque. The mountains with mist hovering over them, the resort down the hill and the dragon fruit farm right next door combine to create a view you only see in postcards.

Different sounds I’ve tried meditation before and always needed the assistance of a CD with sounds of the ocean or a tropical rainforest to get me in the mood. At the yoga sala in Chiang Mai you are surrounded by a thousand different sounds. One of my fellow guests described it as a “bird disco”. For

79 REM 01/2014

a printed step-by-step guide to assist me over the following eight days.

There are several programmes available, ranging from a simple quiet stay to a 10-day boot-camp for those heartier souls who want a serious physical challenge. Detox regimes come in a variety of approaches including the one I chose which included seven-and-a-half days of fasting, cleansing and meditation.

weekend traveller • bart walters

80 REM 01/2014

sure they could record one of those meditation CDs from here. We had a different kind of meditation every day and learned several varied disciplines.

Mid-morning I’d report to the steam/spa/massage facility to sit in an immense herbal steam room before getting a massage specifically designed for detoxification. I always ended up snoring like a bear. Others I saw were having all kinds of treatments in the indoor/outdoor spa including ayurvedic sessions a few hours long.

In the afternoon I’d swim in the pool or take a hike up the hill to the big organic farm where all the fruits and vegetable for the restaurant are grown.

I was constantly consulting my schedule about when my next detox drink would be, when my next supplements would be consumed and when the next raw foods class was.

I never got bored. I never felt alone.

And, most importantly, I never felt hungry.

Easily the biggest surprise for me was the wild combination of people I met. There was Reece and Connie, a couple of architects from Hong Kong who come every year. I met Patrick, a Frenchman working for Doctors Without Borders in the Congo. Alicia, a 60-something retiree from Scotland … Rose, a teacher from Shanghai … Franz, a retired CEO from Amsterdam … Amira and Amen the charming sisters from Dubai … all here to reclaim our bodies from the onslaught of modern culture.

One week It was one week of my life without drinking or eating anything poisonous.

It was one week of my life without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. No cigarette smoke.

So, the next time you hear the term “medical tourism”, make sure you understand the differences.

No diesel fumes. No trucks with loudspeakers blasting out some politician’s appeal. Not a negative word was spoken. I slept 10 hours a night.

But, I know what you’re thinking. All this peace, love and carrot juice is fine and dandy, but what were the results?

Well, I no longer feel “crappy”. Pain in my back and shoulder is gone. The ringing in my ears that has plagued me for the past year has disappeared. My skin is clear, my eyes are bright and my synapses are firing like they did when I was a much younger man. And when I look in the mirror I see cheekbones and dimples I had forgotten about. In seven days I lost seven kilos.

So, the next time you hear the term “medical tourism”, make sure you understand the difference between that and what they have in Chiang Mai. Go to Bumrungrad when you’re sick.

Come to Chiang Mai to stay well. |

golfers • guide 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 Burapha Golf Club: is a four-star, 36-hole, par 72 course. The Eastern course suits up-and-coming golfers, while the Western challenges the more experienced. Reserving a tee-off time is advised. Tel: 038 372 700-1 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 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 Eastern Star: near Bang Chang is an 18-hole, par 72 four-star course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course with a five-star clubhouse

Whatever standard you play to you will find a course to suit within an hour’s drive.

Here are just some of them.

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

hole course gives value for money.

Tel: 038 423 718-9 Phoenix: not far outside of the city this offers a five-star clubhouse and a four-star, 27-hole, par 72 course which is found between Pattaya and Sattahip in a well marked turning off the Sukhumvit. The three nines are called Ocean, Lake and Mountain. Tel: 038 239 391-5, 239 400

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

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

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

Royal Thai Navy (Plutaluang): reasonable green fees ensure this 36hole, 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

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

Siam Country Club, Old Course: is a three-star, 18-hole course, a fourstar clubhouse and a five star price.

Gentle hills with large trees give it the feeling of Western golf courses. Host to the LPGA tournament early each year. Tel: 038 909 700

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort: Three nine-hole course – one of which features a par 6; another starts with an intimidating drive between two stretches of water that catches out many a high handicapper. The course is a par 72 set in more than 1,200 rai.

Tel: 038 318 999 Pattaya Country Club: located 25 kms outside Pattaya on Route 36 is popular with expat golfers. This 18-

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

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sightseeing • attractions 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 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 drive from central Pattaya. It features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fireswallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 8.00-18:30. 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.

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.

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 11.0023.00. Tel: 03871 0294/8.

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

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bars • restaurants

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 Booze Lounge: situated on the Dark Side in Soi Khao Talo this airconditioned bar combines low prices with good music. Tel: 087 747 8555, email: info@loungebarpattaya.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@caddyshack-pattaya.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 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@ jamesons-pattaya.com Metro: an air-conditioned sports bar boasting free pool tables and numerous screens on which to watch top sports events. Soi LK Metro, 33/8536, Moo 10 close to Soi Buakhow.

Tel: 038 425 874, email: info@metroapartments-pattaya.com Punch & Judy: this is a London-style pub with good food and competitive prices. Frequent promotions. Almost opposite the Caddy Shack in Soi 17.

Tel: 038 413255 Shamrock: fun and lively Britishrun ‘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

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

Mata Hari: close to the Thappraya Road turn-off towards Pratumnak.

Specialises in fine European and Thai cuisine at prices less than you might expect. Tel: 038 259 799, email: info@ mataharirestaurant.com

Alt Heidelberg: German sausages and imported sauerkraut dominate the menu, good location. 273 M10, Pattaya Beach Road, South Pattaya.

Tel: 038 421 258

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

Blue Olive: Slightly tucked away off Thepprasit Soi 8 this restaurant it worth digging a little to find. Mediterranean food is the speciality. Chef also produces Mexican food. Tel: 038 416 285, email: blueolivepattay@hotmail.com

Pig and Whistle: British pub grub in ample portions served by well-trained staff. 217/34 Moo 10, Pattaya City. Tel: 038 361 315, Fax: 038 361 272, email: info@pigandwhistlepattaya.com

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@brunospattaya.com 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 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

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-can-eat buffet on weekends. Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Beach Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 120 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: bar and restaurant serving traditional Irish pub-style fayre and drinks with daily food specials. In Jomtien Complex which also has daily promotions such as “Toss the Boss”. If he loses the drinks are on him. 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, open: 07.00-24.00

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Good company in stylish surroundings

Movers & Shakers Best for monthly corporate networking in Bangkok at all the top venues

Tune-in at facebook.com/Moversshakerscharity for the next event announcement Further information and bookings: Emanuel Mekel emanuel@moversshakerscharity.com | 081 848 1258 www.facebook.com/Moversshakerscharity

movers & shakers

What a special year it’s been for M&S to be put towards the various charitable organisations that M&S supports.

In the last year Movers & Shakers have helped build a playground for the children at a school in Soidao, they bought a minibus for the Hand to Hand foundation here in Pattaya and assisted Sister Joan Evans with her work in Bangkok.

Russian channel The co-sponsor for the night was CTC International (Russian Broadcasting Company). They are the first Russianlanguage entertainment TV channel broadcast in Russia , the US, Canada, Europe, Israel and the CIS countries, now in Thailand!

The highlights of CTC are toprated dramas, sitcoms, comedies, game shows, documentaries, lifestyle and music shows.

This event also marked a year of sponsorship from Kingdom Property

who have been promoting Southpoint, their flagship project in Pattaya. It will be situated in the sought-after area of Pratumnak overlooking the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and will feature two towers with infinity pools, sky gardens and first class facilities.

On the night the CEO of Kingdom Property Nigel Cornick gave a brief speech and confirmed that Kingdom Property would be the sponsor again in 2014.

After which the co-sponsor made a lucky draw for a month of free advertising on their channel to one lucky networker.

This event marked the end of networking in Pattaya for 2013 and M&S founder Cees Cuijpers promises even more from the M&S team in the New Year.

Movers & Shakers will return at the Dream Hotel on Sukhumvit 15 on Thursday 30 January.

97 REM 01/2014

T

his has been an incredible year for Movers & Shakers with their monthly events at various venues around Bangkok and the quarterly events held exclusively at the Havana Bar of the Holiday Inn in Pattaya.

The Havana Bar has always been a firm favourite for socialites and business people in Pattaya and early in December around 150 people attended the event and were welcomed by the M&S team before being treated to some great delicacies including roast pork and chicken wraps.

The live acoustic music laid the backdrop for the evening and guests were able to mingle, exchange business cards and enjoy the free flow red and white wine, ice cold Heineken and soft drinks.

Heinenken have played a big part in the success of Movers & Shakers.

Their contribution allows more revenue

mystery columnist • our man at large

Our man at large delves into matters such as the falling baht, the rising tensions and the effect these and other recent developments might have – especially on the property market.

What’s in store for 2014

W

98 REM 01/2014

ell the New Year is now upon us and we can all look forward to the events of the year in front and whatever that may bring. We have certainly seen some ups and downs towards the end of the previous year to suggest that 2014 could be very interesting.

First, with the recent political upheaval and the reports that the Thai economy is perhaps slowing down we have seen a drop in the value of the baht that, for many, will be seen as a welcome restpite after the past few years of what has often been described as an over-valued currency.

The fall of the baht means many goods and services will appear ‘cheaper’ as many people resident here receive their incomes in their home of origin currency – or not in baht at least.

This reduced value will be seen as very beneficial for people looking to buy property here in Thailand, especially those looking to buy condos in foreign name as the funds will need to be brought into the country from overseas.

With the number of new developments going up around the city, this is certain to bring a smile to the face of the developers and potentially those looking to sell existing properties although they may be adversely affected by this fall.

Dropping tourism The political instability that for many of us is now unfortunately seen as the norm may put a damper on this as we have all seen the recent reports of significant drops in the number of tourists coming to Thailand. With elections scheduled to take place in early February perhaps this negative effect may be short-lived although

Fall of the baht means many goods and services will appear ‘cheaper’ as many people resident here receive their incomes in home of origin currency.

very damaging when it occurs in the middle of the high season.

The high season is obviously when Thailand gets new visitors and it is always hoped that these people return on a regular basis and perhaps even end up buying properties here.

With the ASEAN agreement projected to come into force in 2015 we are again likely to see changes in the property market and in general.

The increase in business that this will potentially bring and also the increase in the number of people coming to work from countries within the ASEAN agreement and this is likely to see demand for properties increase.

Many people have suggested that these visitors are likely to be looking for properties at the lower end of the market with every likelihood that the demand will generally be for rental properties. This creates opportunities for investors looking to buy these

Rentals needed Although you may regard this as having little impact on the property market, in actual fact this is not the case. As with the impact of ASEAN, many of these types of visitor will be staying in rented accommodation so the need for rental properties remains so, again, investors will be looking to buy properties that are likely to be in the highest demand.

Also, the potential extended stay means there are fewer complications for people staying here – something that has often been seen as a problem and, indeed, unnecessary red tape.

With all these changes and potential changes we are all left wondering what the likely outcome will be? This really is the million dollar question! Firstly, the fall in the

baht is likely to result in more money entering Thailand from overseas.

The big question will be how long it will remain low as this will determine if people just bring the money in or whether they spend it.

The concerns over the economy would tend to suggest that the current fall may be reasonably long term. If – and it is always a big if –this money is spent on things such as property we are likely to see an increase in prices as demand will be higher which if this carries on for the longer term, will result in any gains made by the falling baht being cancelled out by prices rises and, therefore, no net effect.

The political instability may have a more damaging effect long term.

We have seen this happen so many times since 2006 that we should no longer be surprised. However, not surprisingly, when this happens, we see a marked drop in the number of visitors coming to Thailand.

This has a long term negative effect in largely tourist areas as there simply won’t be the visitors renting properties or spending their money in the many shops, bars and restaurants. This is probably the biggest concern long term and could quite easily cancel out any benefits from a lower baht.

Hopefully after the election has been held will return to some sense

The potential extended stay means there are fewer complications for people staying here – something that has often been seen as a problem and, indeed, unnecessary red tape.

of stability and the long term effects will be minimal.

The ASEAN and visa situation are likely, by their very nature, to see an increase in the number of visitors from neighbouring countries. As mentioned earlier it is likely that the impact will initially be felt more in the rental market as opposed to the buying market although as this continues it will have more of an impact on sales to satisfy demand.

Extended visas The slightly extended short-term visa will have a very similar impact I would expect but again could potentially be affected more by the political situation within Thailand more than anything else.

As always space is running short. To cover every aspect of these topics in greater detail would have taken up far too much space but it was intended to give a very general overview of the potential impact that current events could have on the property market.

Obviously, without a crystal ball it is impossible to determine if this will actually happen but we will keep our fingers crossed that things will be sorted out in the forthcoming weeks and the results will be positive for all living here.|

99 REM 01/2014

properties with a view to gaining a rental returns.

Excellent news again for developers and for those looking to sell existing properties that fit into this category.

The ASEAN effect will obviously have a large impact on the visa and work permit situation although it is not just people from these countries that are feeling the benefit. The recent increase to 30 days rather than 15 days stay that can be gained at a land border has made it easier for temporary residents to stay longer.

coffee break • answers

Coffee break answers

cryptogram

two-minute trivia

1 Edinburgh; 2 The Regency era; 3 George Orwell; 4 Venus (anti-clockwise); 5 SnAg (tin is Sn, silver is Ag).

NUMBER CRUNCHER AND SUDOKU 8

+

7

7

÷

×

+ 6

9

5

2 6

11

-

+ ÷

3

4

31

× -

1 -1

2

4 2 6 5 1 9 8 7 3

9 1 3 7 8 6 2 5 4

5 7 8 3 2 4 9 6 1

1 6 9 4 7 5 3 2 8

3 4 2 6 9 8 7 1 5

7 8 5 2 3 1 6 4 9

2 9 1 8 5 7 4 3 6

8 3 4 1 6 2 5 9 7

6 5 7 9 4 3 1 8 2

Multiply and divide before adding or subtracting. The top row across therefore is 9 �3 = 3; 8 + 3 = 11.

‘On the whole human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.’

– George Orwell

wordsearch

H I K P E A N S X D D O D C K H

K E D D Y L Y Z C E U K A C O N

Q U E E N E L I Z A B E T H G Y

O D E U T X N L A C Q N D S Q H

W B F T G A A G L I T R O U Y X

H B K S E N E C A N B E R R A W

A Q V C O D C T S A P T I D O Q

Y H O H T R X F O T Z S A N R S

F F A L R P L U S I T A N I A O

F B Y A T U Z W O T S E A W H H

S W I N D S O R C A S T L E J G

Y N S D O H U C O Y S A X R M D

I F V Z R K X D L I C E B I L T

J B L W A I N O C N A R F P M Z

Q A L V V N S Q E V G G E M P W

X K W D B R E Y F D S G G E S M

Real Divers are a British family run PADI 5 Star diving center in Jomtien, Pattaya. We offer a full range of scuba diver training courses from the beginner course the PADI Open water diver right up to the professional levels of PADI Dive Master, PADI Instructor and Diving internships. We also offer daily Wreck / Coral diving and snorkelling trips to the Pattaya and Samae San islands on the majority of these dive you can’t fail to see turtles, angel fish, rays, moray eels and puffer fish P.S no big sharks.

If you’ve never tried scuba before we do have a 1 day introduction course where you get to experience the magic of a coral reef on a shallow scuba dive under the close supervision of a PADI dive Instructor.

For more information telephone our friendly staff and you could be scuba diving, snorkelling or just having a great day out at the Islands tomorrow.

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100 REM 01/2014

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broker & developer directory

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agents • directory

ACI Enterprise Co Ltd (incorporating ACI Ocean Properties) 672/20 M5 Soi 18, Naklua Road next to Northpoint, Wong-Amat T: +66 (0)38 41 6060 F: +66 (0)38 41 6061 M: +66 (0)81 762 2627 E: info@aci-enterprise.com W: aci-enterprise.com and pattayaoceanproperties.com Principal: Markus Probst Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS Alan Bolton Property Consultants Unit C102, 399/9 M10 The Avenue Shopping Mall Second Road near Villa Market T: +66 (0)38 416 728-9 F: +66 (0)38 416 730 M: +66 (0)81 996 2489 E: info@pattaya-property.net W: pattaya-property.net Principal: Alan Bolton Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), TREBS All Siam Properties M: +66 (0)87 068 5159 E: info@allsiamproperties.com W: allsiamproperties.com Membership: TREA Anaakot Group Property Consultants 138/1 Moo 12, Soi Chayapruk, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 231544 M: +66 (0)8780 33329 E: info@anaakot-group.com W: Anaakot-Group.com Principal: Jason Young Arise Asia 415 Pratumnak Hill Soi 6 T: +66 (0)38 075 610 M: +66 (0)85 228 8911 (Thanya) E: info@ariseasia.com W: ariseasia.com Principal: Thanyamai Totharong (Thanya) Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS

glossaRY The following are among the trade organisation memberships or qualifications held by some of the agents. Note that, in some instances, the qualification is with the individual employee – not the company overall.

AIPP: Acronym stands for The Association of International Property Professionals which is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve the standards of professionalism in the international property market, helping both the industry and the public.

Members have voluntarily signed up to follow the AIPP Code of Conduct.

CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist – this is a members-only group which is for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®.

CRS: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the top professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in residential sales. Held by fewer than five per cent of all REALTORS®.

NAR: National Association of Realtors is North America’s largest trade association representing more than 1.2 million members. Members can call themselves REALTORS®. NAR also functions as a self-regulatory organisation for real estate brokerage.

Benchmark Asia Property Co Ltd Soi Post Office T: +66 (0)38 304 133 M: +66 (0)81 792 9486 E: info@benchmarkthailand.com W: benchmarkthailand.com Principal: Gareth De Silva Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS Bizhouse Co Ltd 324/22 Moo 9 Central Pattaya Road near junction with Third Road T: +66 (0)38 416 322 M: +66 (0)89 0924593 E: info@bizhouseproperty.com W: bizhouseproperty.com Principal: Richard Arthur Century 21 – B2 Real Estate 315/2 (Soi Lengkee 1) Moo 9, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 T: +66 (0)38 421 652 M: +66 (0)83 603 7989 E: century21@b2realestate.com W: century21-b2.com Principal: Roman Durksen

Coastal Real Estate 216/62 M10, Soi 13 (Soi Diana next to Mega-Break) T: +66 (0)38 421 580, +66 (0)38 412 169 M: +66 (0)81 269 0742 E: info@coastalrealestatepattaya.com W: coastalrealestatepattaya.com Principal: Kevin Mattson

TREBA (Thailand): This is the nationwide Thailand Real Estate Broker Association with affiliation to the international Council of Residential Specialists.

REBA-ES: The Real Estate Broker Association for the Eastern Seaboard.

RETS (Thailand): Real Estate Training School (Thailand) – brokers seeking membership of REBA must have staff attend and pass their test.

Colliers International Thailand 519/4-5 Second Road, opposite Central Festival, Pattaya Beach T: +66 (0)38 427 771 F: +66 (0)38 427 772 M: +66 (0)85 2828 120 E: info.pattaya@colliers.com or mark.bowling@colliers.com W: colliers.co.th Principal: Mark Bowling Memberships: RICS

REM 01-02/2014 • Issues 152 and 153

AAAA Properties Jomtien Plaza Condotel 406/37 M12 Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 756 370 F: +66 (0)38 757 015 M: +66 (0)86 144 1312 E: info@aaaaproperties.com W: aaaaproperties.com Principal: Louis J Van den Bergh

agents • directory Compass Real Estate Co Ltd 131/56 Moo 9, Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya, Chonburi 20150 T: +66 (0)800 958 854 M: +66 (0)901 360 747/+66 (0)80 767 1868 E: office@compasspattaya.com W: compasspattaya.com Principal: Rob Rowcett East Coast Real Estate Co Ltd Office 1: 414/19 M12 Jomtien Complex T: +66 (0)38 267 030-1 F: +66 (0)38 267 029 M: +66 (0)81 862 8034 Office 2: 485/4 M10 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 723 615-6 E: eastcoast@thaiproperty.com W: thaiproperty.com or thaiproperty.net Principal: David Gray

Farang Property Services 223/32 M9, Third Road T: +66 (0)38 052 495 F: +66 (0)38 052 496 M: +66 (0)89 938 7433 E: info@farang-services.com W: farang-services.com Principal: Manfred Ehrenheim Advertisements: Pages 4 and 5

REM 01-02/2014 • Issues 152 and 153

Five Star Villas & Condos Pratumnak – Tara Court 388/109 M12, Pratumnak Road M: +66 (0)81 938 8391 Robert or (0)809 16667 Mesiya E: sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com W: fivestarvillasandcondos.com Principals: Robert and Mesiya (May) Watson Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), CIPS, REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, TREBS

Global Property Global Solidor Enterprise Co Ltd North Pattaya – 157/142 Moo 5, Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 427 364 M: +66 (0)82 469 5551 or +66 (0)81 838 1390 E: info@global-solidor.com W: global-solidor.com Principal: Rainer Heinzmann Memberships: REBA-ES, CIPS

glossaRY RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – an independent body which regulates the conduct of property professionals and surveyors in the UK and other sovereign nations. RICS provides education and training standards, protects consumers with strict codes of practice and advises governments and business.

TREA: The Thai Real Estate Association aims to be the hub of the real estate profession here by encouraging entrepreneurs to operate to standards of quality and ethics; to create the maximum benefits for developers, government and consumers altogether.

TREBS: The Thailand Real Estate Broker School provides training for real estate professionals. The course includes real estaterelated laws, broker law, broker ethics, listing and sales techniques, reconciliation techniques, property evaluation, property transfer procedure and tax calculation.

Golden Homes Real Estate Co Ltd 33/39 M9 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 892-3 M: +66 (0)86 826 8821 E: info@goldenhomespattaya.com or Ploy1@csloxinfo.com W: goldenhomespattaya.com Principal: Yupaporn Sangpagdee (Ploy) Homes Direct Asia 99/34 Soi Khao Noi T: +66 (0)38 068 956 F: +66 (0)38 068 957 M: +66 (0)811 429 0111 or 0890 160 077 E: info@homesdirect.asia W: homesdirect.asia Principal: Matt O’Sullivan Jomtien Property 315/185-6 Thappraya Road near entrance to View Talay 2 T: +66 (0)38 303 243 M: +66 (0)86 108 6575 E: info@properties-in-thailand.com W: properties-in-thailand.com Principal: Stu Sutton

Jones Lang LaSalle The Village Shopping Centre, Sukhumvit-Pattaya Road Services: Property sales and leasing; property management; consultancy; project management; and valuation T: +66 (0)38 074 663-5 E: info.thailand@ap.jll.com W: joneslanglasalle.co.th W: jllresidential.in.th Principal: Adam Bell Jump Real Estate 315/154 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 251 859 M: +66 (0)879 015 229 E: garry@jump-realestate-pattaya.com W: jump-realestate-pattaya.com Principal: Garry Angerstein Knight Frank The Village Shopping Centre where the Sukhumvit meets Soi Chaiyapruk M: +66 (0)81 550 4099 E: anchalee.kasemsukthawat@ th.knightfrank.com W: knightfrank.co.th North Shore Property Co Ltd 315/414 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 303 825-6 M: +66 (0)87 833 5066 or (0)86 323 4607 E: info@ns-property.com W: ns-property.com Principal: Mesa Wongsida NT Realty Asia 215/15-18 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 426 242 or (0)38 425 836 E: info@nt-realty.com W: realestatethailand.com Principals: Tim Bunker and Peter Randall Memberships: REBA (Thailand), RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS One Stop Real Estate 219/14 M9, Soi Yamato T: +66 (0)38 710 699 or (0)38 710 725 M: +66 (0)819 454 845 E: onestop@realesthai.com W: real-estate-thailand.com Principal: Mark Welch Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS

agents • directory

Pattaya Bay Real Estate 405/23 Soi Bongkot T: + 66 (0) 38 374 623 M: + 66 (0) 811 580 065 (English) + 66 (0) 807 247 476 (Thai) E: info@pattayabayrealestate.com W: pattayabayrealestate.com Principal: Mal Patterson

Est. 2001

PATTAYA REALTY Follow us:

http://on.fb.me/pattayarealty

Pattaya Realty 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Second Road T: +66 (0)38 412 301-2 6,968,000 M: +66 (0)89 833 6175(CS5049) orSale(0)89 832 7226 Sale 11,900,000 (HS5005) Central Pattaya - Foreign Name: E: info@pattayarealty.com W: pattayarealty.com (HR1449) (CR3816) Principal: Stuart Daly Memberships: CIPS, REBA (Thailand), VJ Vil age REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR Advertisements: Pages 14 and 15 int size 190 m sq, ext size 540 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully fitted kitchen, high quality furnishings, Internet, close to local amenities, security alarm, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Pattaya Exclusive Properties 680/8 Nova Mirage, Naklua Soi 16 T: + 66 (0) 38 368 368 M: +66 (0)89 266 8665 or (0)89 831 4602 E: sales@pattayaexclusiveproperties.com W: pattayaexclusiveproperties.com Pattaya Jomtien Property 75/49 Soi 5 Immigration, Beach Road, Jomtien (75m from Immigration Office) T: +66 (0)38 756 755 M: +66 (0)85 129 5657 (Thai); or +66 (0)85 667 3687 (English) E: sales@pattaya-jomtien-property.com W: pattaya-jomtien-property.com Principals: Kevin and Chanram Hurst Pattaya Prestige Properties 2/28 Ground Floor, View Talay 7 F: +66 (0)38 059 632 M: +66 (0)870 217 014 E: info@pattayaprestigeproperties.com W: pattayaprestigeproperties.com Principal: Jan Nuyten

Brand new condominium in Pattaya int size 104 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, communal gardens, communal swimming pool, car park, 24hr Security.

(HS4959)

Rent 25,000 / month

Sale 6,990,000

Rent 20,000 / month

South Pattaya: int size 55 m sq, 1 bed, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, TV, DVD, Hi-Fi, close to local amenities

: int size 225 m sq, ext size 328 m sq, 3 beds, 2 baths, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen,private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

East Pattaya :Ext size 420 m sq, 4 beds+ maid's room, 3 baths, fully furnished and kitchen, security alarm, private gardens communal swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Beat The Rush!

(HR1041)

(CR4944)

Situated on top of Pratumnak hill, Spectacular sea and city view For special pre-launch prices in the highest building in Pattaya!

Premier Homes Real Estate Co Ltd 240/21 Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 231 931 M: +66 (0)81 634 2915 E: premier@loxinfo.co.th (HS0247) W: premierinternational.com : Principals: Clayton and Supap Wade Memberships: www.pattayarealty.comCIPS, RETS (Thailand), NAR Baan Balina I

Rent 35,000 / month

Pattaya Estate Agents (PEA) Car Park, Tesco-Lotus, South Pattaya M: +66 (0)819 458 650 (Thai) or (0)86 080 3098 (Eng) E: info@pattaya-estate-agents.com W: pattaya-estate-agents.com Principal: Sununtha Bun-um (Boom)

@pattayarealty

Rent 16,000 / month

Contact Us Now

Na jomtien:Bali Style,Int size 300 m sq, ext size 560 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, high quality furnishings and fully fitted Euro style kitchen, maid's room, Private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Pratumnak:int size 48 m sq, Studio apartment, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, beautiful sea views, communal gardens, communal swimming pool, car park, 24hr Security.

E

(HS4948)

GRE

Rent 44,000 / month

Sale 29,000,000 Jomtien: Fully renovated to a very high standard with 4 beds, 4 baths, fully furnished,

fully fitted kitchen, Jacuzzi, large private gardens, private swimming pool, security alarm, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Opposite Bangkok Pattaya Hospital East Pattaya:4 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished and kitchen, washing machine, Private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

COM L IN

ENTA

AT R

(HR1306)

Siam Properties 313/27 M10 Pattaya Tai T: +66 (0)38 415 490 F: +66 (0)38 414 693 M: +66 (0)81 861 1907 (Heiner) or (0)81 821 7045 (Porn) Russian: +66 (0)89 245 2890 (Vera) E: info@siamproperties.net or rus@siamproperties.net W: siamproperties.net Principals: Heiner and Porn Moessing Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS

Sale 12,950,000

The Regents Superior detached, two storey house, int size 650 m sq, ext 1400 m sq,

4 bedrooms + en suite, 5 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen + food storage room, Jacuzzi, private landscaped gardens, large private swimming pool, separate self-contained 1 bedroom + en suite guest house with AC, security alarm, covered car park ,electric gate.

Our office address: 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Pattaya 2nd Road.

Next to Mike Shopping Center, Nongprue Chonburi 20150

Email: info@pattayarealty.com

Talay Real Estate Co Ltd 240/18 M5, Naklua not far from Dolphin Roundabout on Second Road T: +66 (0)38 362 352 F: +66 (0)38 362 351 M: +66 (0)87 608 1116 or (0)8 0091 5353 E: info@talayrealestate.com W: talayrealestate.com Principals: Namthip Khanjanavisittaphol (Sandy) and Ted T Okuno

Tel:66(0)38 412 301/2 or 089 833 6175 089 8327226

Rightmove Pattaya 369/1 M9, Units 8&9 PS Bowl, 2nd Road T: +66 (0)38 361 212 M: +66 (0)89 253 5607 E: info@rightmovepattaya.com W: rightmovepattaya.com Principal: Craig Turner Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), CIPS Sallmanns (Eastern Seaboard) Ltd Near Hanaman Statue, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 252 588 M: +66 (0)87137 0392 E: pattaya@sallmannsthailand.com W: sallmannsthailand.com Principal: Tim Gladwin Seaboard Properties Co Ltd 316/23 Thappraya Road near Food Mart, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 252 456 F: +66 (0)38 252 457 M: +66 (0)86 129 8281 E: info@seaboard-properties.com W: seaboard-properties.com Principal: Eddie Buehler

Thailand-Property-Gate Head office: 82/9 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Eastern Seaboard office: 449/84, M12, Thepprasit Road W: Thailand-Property-Gate.com E: Stefan@thailand-property-gate.com M: +66 (0)81 835 99 23 Thailiving 306/90-91 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 364 514 M: +66 (0)81 862 7405 E: info@thailiving.net W: thailiving.net Principal: Supaporn Persson (Sara)

Town & Country Property 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai T: +66 (0)38 374 136 F: +66 (0)38 374 137 Russian: +66 (0)84 873 7425 E: info@towncountryproperty.com W: towncountryproperty.com Principal: Cees Cuijpers Memberships: CRS, REBA-ES, NAR, CIPS Advertisements: Pages 8 and 9

Want all your property news on-line? Visit www.remthai.com

REM 01-02/2014 • Issues 152 and 153

Paradise City Property 116/27 M9, Pattaya Klang opposite Big C Extra (formerly Carrefour) T: +66 (0)38 373 966 M: +66 (0)81 761 3238 E: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com W: paradisecityproperty.com Principal: Gavin Perfect

REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD

ticks all Members of REBA-ES are respected

Member companies in REBA-ES are part of an established and respected real estate organisation which has the support of the Thai Government

professional

Clients of REBA-ES members can be confident that they are dealing with honest, reputable and properly trained real estate professionals

ETHICAL

The high standards we set conform to internationallyapproved rules, regulations, strict codes of ethics and dispute resolution policies

INFORMed

Our members network closely, giving all of them access to the Eastern Seaboard’s largest real estate association

For comprehensive property listings and professional real estate consulting contact our members at www.rebaes.com

REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD

the boxes ...

Sponsoring REBA-ES members Mark Welch +66 (0)81 945 4845 info@1stop-pattaya.com www.real-estate-thailand.com

Stuart Daly +66 (0)38 412 301-2 info@pattayarealty.com www.pattayarealty.com

Heiner Moessing +66 (0)89 499 1000 info@siamproperties.net www.siamproperties.net

Rob Watson +66 (0)81 938 8391 sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com www.fivestarvillasandcondos.com

Gareth De Silva +66 (0)81 792 9486 info@benchmarkthailand.com www.benchmarkthailand.com

Rainer Heinzmann +66 (0)81 838 1390 info@global-solidor.com www.global-solidor.com

Craig Turner +66 (0)89 253 5607 info@rightmovepattaya.com www.rightmovepattaya.com

June Bernard +66(0)38 059 635 info@powerhousepropertiesltd.com www.powerhousepropertiesltd.com

Markus Probst +66 (0)81 762 2627 info@aci-enterprise.com www.pattayaoceanproperties.com

... if your answer is ‘yes’ to all, check out the REBA-

You can trust

Advert: Zen Grafix

www.rebaes.com

developers • directory Anaakot Group Development 138/1 Moo 12, Soi Chayapruk, Jomtien Project: Sixtythree@12 T: +66 (0)38 231544 M: +66 (0)8780 33329 E: info@anaakot-group.com W: Anaakot-Group.com Contact: Jason Young Blue Sky Developments Co Ltd 933 Ruamtanuthai Building, 11th floor, Mahachai Road, Wangburapapirom, Phranakorn, Bangkok T: +66(0)81 8180874 E: pornthepchawla@gmail.com W: blueskydevelopments.co.th Principal: Pornthep Chawla (Dev) Boutique Corporation 170/67 21st floor, Ocean Tower 1, Soi Sukhumvit 16, Ratchadaphisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 T: +66 (0)86 378 7777 E: pattama@boutiquecorporation.com W: boutiquecorporation.com Principal: Pattama Piyamaneeporn Bravo Thai Lifestyle Co Ltd Projects: The Vineyard I, II & III and Amaya Hill near Lake Mabprachan M: +66 (0)89 8677 969 E: terry@siamdevelopments.com W: siamdevelopments.com Principal contact: Terrence Allen Collins

REM 01-02/2014 • Issues 152 and 153

CSP Projects Chaiyapruk 2 over rail track on left opposite The Ville Projects: Coconut Grove, Coco Palms and Palm Grove T: +66 (0)38 076 285-6 E: md@csp-construction.com W: csp-construction.com Principal contact: Tom Coglan CW Asset Co Ltd 212/13 North Pattaya Road Project: Bang Saray Beach Condominium T: +66 (0)38 414 405 M: +66 (0)85 272 8338 (English) or +66 (0)85 272 8228 (Thai) E: info@cwasset.com W: cwasset.com or bangsaraybeachcondo.com Principal: Ms Imorn Luekhamharn Membership: TREA

Domum Holding Co Ltd 391/109 Thappraya Road. Corner of Soi 13, next to Mata Hari Restaurant Project: Meridiem Condominium and Meridiem Park Condominium T: +66 (0) 38 251 464 M: +66 (0) 8888 10311 F: +66 (0) 38 251 733 E: info@domum-holding.com W: domum-holding.com Dusitpattaya Co Ltd Soi Wat Yan off the Sukhumvit near Ban Amphur Projects: Baan Dusitpattaya and Dusit Grand Condo View (Jomtien) T: +66 (0)38 343 586 F: +66 (0)38 343 585 M: +66 (0)81 0584 930 (English and Thai) M: +66 (0)868 486 704 (Russian) E: baandusit@gmail.com W: baandusitpattaya.com or domvtae.su Principal contact: Darwan Bunting (Meam) Global Tower Group Co Ltd Banglamung Soi 16 Project: Paradise Ocean View M: +66 (0)8 222 66 077 E: info@paradiseoceanview.com W: paradiseoceanview.com Habitat 5 Co Ltd Sales Office: 172 Soi Chaiyapruk 2 Project: The Ville Jomtien M: +66 (0)81 450 0001/2 E: chane@habitat-5.com W: TheVillePattaya.com Heights Holdings Co Ltd Thappraya Road next to Bruno’s Italian Restaurant Projects: Park Royal I, II & III, Pattaya Heights, Club Royal, Laguna Bay I , II and III (The Maldives), Laguna Beach Resort Jomtien I & II, Laguna Heights, The Peak Towers, Wong Amat Tower, Water Park Condominium and C-View M: +66 (0)85 282 6454 E: oliver@heights-holdings.com W: heights-holdings.com Principal contact: Oliver Nabarro

Major Development PCL 141 Soi Thonglor 10, Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Local project: Reflection Jomtien Beach Sales office: Jomtien Beach Road, adjacent to Suttangrak Restaurant T: +66 (0)38 233 111 M: +66 (0)89 247 7158 E: sales@reflectionpattaya.com W: majordevelopment.co.th Matrix Developments 352/202-3 M12 Pratumnak Road Current projects: Art-on-the-Hill, Paradise Park, Sunset Boulevard, The View, The Vision, Amazon Residence and City Center Residence T: +66 (0)38 250 120-1 F: +66 (0)38 250 008 M: +66 (0)87 607 8880 E: info@matrix-developments.com W: matrix-developments.com Membership: AIPP Modus Group 292/1-2 Moo 5 Soi 12, Pattaya-Naklua, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: Modus Beachfront Condo T: +66 (0)38 225 999 or (0)38 252 635 M: +66 (0)89-092 1333 E: info@moduspattaya.com or 888modus@gmail.com W: moduspattaya.com Principal: Pimpinan Namthep New Nordic Occupies a large area of Pratumnak.

Soi 4 and look for the orange signs Current projects: New Nordic Suites, New Nordic VIP Condominium I, II and III and IV are planned T: +66 (0)38 250 025 M: +66 (0)89 605 4114 E: sales@new-nordic.com W: new-nordic.com Norwegian Properties Group 315/175-180 Moo 12, Nongprue Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: VN Residences 3 T: +66 (0)38 303 310 F: +66 (0)38 252 548 M: +66 (0)89 936 6741 (Eng) or +66 (0)89 834 7664 (Eng and Rus) E: jeanette@vnresidences.com or liene@vnresidences.com W: vnresidences.com Principal contact: Jeanette Eiksund Heltne

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Robin’s Nest 33/42-44 Moo 10 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 194 or +66 (0)89 928 7080 W: robinsnestpattaya.com

Mantra Restaurant & Bar Pattaya Beach, Pattaya T: +66 (0) 3842 9591 E: email@mantra-pattaya.com W: mantra-pattaya.com

Starbucks Coffee Company Lido Pattaya Royal Garden Pattaya Stylo Pattaya Beach Road Tuk Com South Pattaya Central Festival T: 038 710 087 E: customercomment@ starbucks-thailand.com W: starbucks.co.th

Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa Beach Road, Pattaya T: 038 412 120 E: pattayamarriott@minornet.com W: marriott.com/PYXMC

Sportsman Pub & Restaurant Soi 13, Pattaya Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 710 609 or +66 (0)86 834 3729 W: sportsmanpub.com

Coco’s Bistro & Coffee Lounge Soi Chaiyapruk, Jomtien T: 038 074 675 E: madeup@cocospattaya.com W: cocospattaya.com

Holiday Inn Pattaya 463/68 Pattaya Sai 1 Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi T: +66 (0)3872 5555 W: holidayinn.com/pattaya

The Village Shopping Centre Junction Soi Chaiyapruk and Sukhumvit Road T: 038 074 647-8 W: thevillagepattaya.com

Shenanigans Irish Pub Jomtien Complex Condo Thappraya Road, Jomtien T: 038 303 490 E: info@ shenanigansthailand.com W: shenanigansthailand.com

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Highway 3, Naklua T: 038 259 999 Emergency: 1719 E: inquiry@bph.co.th W: bangkokpattayahospital.com

Tequila Reef Cantina Soi 7, Pattaya Tel: (038) 414-035 E: info@tequilareefpattaya.com W: tequilareefpattaya.com

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developers • directory Nova Group Nova Park, 80/164 M9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) near Jameson’s Pub Projects: Amari Residences Pattaya, The Cliff, Nova Ocean View, Novana Residence, The Palm, Nam Talay, Serenity Wongamat and Ocean Pacific T: +66 (0)38 415 304-8 F: +66 (0)38 415 309 M: +66 (0)85 282 6454 E: info@nova-thailand.com W: nova-thailand.com Principal contacts: Rony Fineman and Keith Storey Petch Property Development Co Ltd Projects: The Cove and Prima Residence Main office: 44 Soi Sukhumvit 59, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: +66 (0)27 143 872 F: +66 (0)27 143 871 M: +66 (0)89 991 1999 Sales office: 193/1 M5 Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 428 284 or (0)38 428 595 E: info@ppd.co.th W: ppd.co.th Principal: Itthi Chavalittamrong Poompatta Co Ltd 450 M9 Nongprue, Chonburi 20150 Projects: Patta Village and Patta Town T&F: +66 (0)38 371 555 E: info@poompattapattaya.com W: poompattapattaya.com

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Raimon Land PLC 22nd Floor The Millenia Tower, Bangkok Projects: Northpoint, Zire Wong Amat and Unixx South Pattaya T: +66 (0)26 519 601 M: +66 (0)81 3717 888 E: info@raimonland.com W: raimonland.com Ratanakorn Asset Co Ltd 300/6 M10 Pattaya Tai Current Projects: Life Star City Tower, Pattaya Klang Center Point, Ratanakorn Park View, Ratanakorn Villages 12 and 13, R-Con Residence, TW Garden Hill, TW Jomtien Beach Resort, TW Park View, TW Wong-Amat Beach Resort Condominium, Vela Casa.

T: +66 (0)38 421 534 or +66 (0)38 421 274 M: +66 (0)81 762 6080 E: marketing-ratanakorn@live.com W: ratanakorn.com

Riviera Group The Riviera Wongamat Beach, Pattaya-Naklua Road soi 16, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: The Riviera (Wongamat) T: +66 (0)38 225 830 M: +66 (0)92 269 1840 (English) +66 (0)92 269 1860 (Russian) E: : info@therivierapattaya.com W: therivierapattaya.com Principal contact: Winston Gale Shining Light Co Ltd Project: City Garden Pattaya Soi 15, Second Road close to The Avenue T: +66 (0)38 416 690 F: +66 (0)38 724 249 E: info@citygardenpattaya.com W: citygardenpattaya.com (The) Siam Oriental Trading Co Ltd 267/4 M12, Pratumnak Projects: Siam Oriental Condominium, Siam Oriental Garden, Siam Oriental Twins T: +66 (0)38 250 873 M: +66 (0)84 872 1272 E: sami.sarajarvi@gmail.com W: siamoriental.com Principal contact: Sami Sarajärvi SK Pattaya Development Co Ltd 130/74 M12 Chaiyapruk Road Projects: Mabprachan Garden Resort, Permsub Garden Resort, SK Residence T: +66 (0)38 074 701/10 M: +66 (0)84 872 1272 E: sk_pattaya@yahoo.com W: skpattaya.com Principal contact: Sa-nga Kijsamrej Town & Country Property 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai Projects: The Meadows, The Residence and Whispering Palms F: +66 (0)38 374 137 Russian: +66 (0)84 873 7425 E: info@towncountryproperty.com W: towncountryproperty.com Principal: Cees Cuijpers Tudor Villas Co Ltd Showroom Pratumnak Hill, Soi 2 Projects: Tudor Court Condominium and The Cube M: +66 (0)81 863 0201 E: tudorvillas@yahoo.com W: tudorcourtthailand.com

Tulip Group Co Ltd 88/58 Moo 4, Bowin Sub District, Siracha, Chonburi Projects: Centara Avenue Residence & Suites Pattaya and Golden Tulip Hotel & Residence (both behind The Avenue), Centara Grand Residence Pattaya (Na-Jomtien) and Waterfront Suites & Residences (Bali Hai) T: +66 (0)38 959 180 F: +66 (0)38 959 508 M: +66 (0)83 718 0005 E: jason@tulipgroup.co.th W: tulipgroup.co.th Principal contacts: Kobi Elbaz and Jason Payne Universal Group Thailand 324/90 Moo 12, Thappraya Road Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Projects: Seven Seas and Savanna Sands T: +66 (0)38 074 625 E: universalplus@ymail.com W: universal-thailand.com Principal: Sonia Punjabi (The) Urban Co Ltd Projects: Acqua Condominium, The Gallery, SP Townhomes, The Urban, The Urban Suites, and Aeras T & F: +66 (0)38 231125-6 M: +66 (0)86 323 1908 E: theurbanproperty@gmail.com W: thegallerycondo.com, theurban pattaya.com, theurban-property.com VKK Real Estate Co Ltd Sukhumvit 87 just before the rail track and the new road Projects: Porchland I, II, III (The Blue Residence), IV (The Time), V (La Santir), VI (The Feelture), VII (Del Mare) T: +66 (0)38 757 375-7 M: +66 (0)82 444 1147-8 E: theblue@porchland.com W: porchland.com

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