Rem July 2014 by Pattaya Property Consultants

REm thailand • pattaya edition

Great progress at The Vision

PAGE 10

Issue 158 | July 2014 | www.remthai.com

เรียล เอสเตท แม๊กกาซีน ไทยแลนด์

l Located at beach entrance of Pratumnak Soi 5 l Featuring a 15th floor pool deck with stunning panoramic views l All units have sea views l 24-hr video surveillance l Four high-speed elevators l Wi-Fi and cable TV l Fitness and conditioning room l Five star lobby reception

Office 038 250 109 Mobile 092-484-6262 W: www.sandspattaya.com E: info@sandspattaya.com

Showroom open daily 10am-7pm

Prices start at only Bt2.5m

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@remthai.com or realestatemag@hotmail.com or dave@remthai.com Office/Accounts Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474 dear@remthai.com Web address www.remthai.com Artwork, Design & Layout Tel: 086 833 2543 (Khun Third)

Our team

Since 2001 – Thailand’s first English language property magazine

Nowt we can do We expats can huff and puff and engage in barstool debates as much as we like about what is going on in the country but the simple fact is ... there’s nothing we can do. Foreigners have no vote, have no say, and have little or no influence. And I’m not contending that we should have. I’m reminded of a line uttered by the Lt Weinberg

Dave Buckley tries to take a practical approach to upheavals affecting the country

character in the film A Few Good Men when he says: “I have no responsibilities here whatsoever.” Of course, many of us do have responsibilities here, especially if we have Thai citizens among family or staff members. But, in reality, how the Thais choose to govern themselves is 100 per cent up to them and I see little point in attempting to agonise over something that’s out of my control and always likely to stay that way. So with a “good luck” wish to the people trying to unravel the mess I will move on to matters far more trivial. In a land where roadblocks are becoming more

prevalent it was a strangely reassuring (regarding the normalcy of the Publisher Pattaya Property Consultants Co Ltd 21/27 M5 Soi Nern Plub Waan Nongprue • Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474

country) to see a different type of roadblock – caused by stampeding ducks!

Publication Licence Number 2/2549

appeared owners had to carry around a battery the size of a small backpack;

Yes, look it up on YouTube ... an estimated 100,000 ducks held up traffic as wave upon wave of them headed down a road outside Bangkok. It’s a sight to see and just plain quackers (apologies) and it’s also another sign of the current times given that the incident was captured on a Thai man’s phone. The clip has probably gone viral with several TV stations featuring it. How mobile phones have progressed in the past 30 years. When they first

now if they get any smaller we will be confusing them with our credit cards. But back to the ducks. For me it was nice to see Thailand in the news on foreign TV stations for non-confrontational reasons. It would be crass to suggest that thousands of ducks out of control is a sign of things returning to normal here but, even so, how refreshing it was to see Thailand featured in a more amusing light. Still with trivia ... a World Health Organisation (WHO – yes, that’s right) report on alcohol consumption suggests that much of Thailand’s problems could be down to the demon booze. It seems Thais drink too much of the “hard stuff”. Spirits account for a whopping 73 per cent of all alcohol consumed against 27 per cent of beer (despite my personal best efforts) with a little under one per cent for wine. I’m no maths genius but somehow that comes to more than 100 per cent. Ho hum. My opinion has always been that the more you try to suppress something; the more desirable it becomes. Restrictions of alcohol advertising are not working and the ban on sales between 2-5pm is risible. I’m off for a beer!

3 REM 07/2014

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.

contents • leisure

cover story

leisure

Matrix policy is paying off

All set for the marathon

49•marathon mania: Runners of all abilities will line up in Beach Road in the early hours of the morning of July 27 for the International Marathon.

This is an interior of The Vision showroom from Matrix. The company feels its “complete more, before we launch more” policy is paying off ... but new launches may not be far away.

34•douglas bounces back: New roles are in plentiful

supply

for actor Michael Douglas putting

after a

cancer

scare behind him.

42 4 REM 07/2014

In the second of our articles on Koh Chang we look at life on The Edge.

Porch Land launch their first Phuket project with a grand party.

Porch Land busy again

32•where else will tourists go? Columnist

this time on a joint launch

Bart Walters looks at some of Thailand’s neighbours

with Universal Group.

keen to cash in on the troubles here.

advertisers • page numbers

AAAA Properties

Acorn Distribution

55, 71

Arcadia Beach Resort (HH)

ASAP Yacht Chandlery

BBX Barter Company

Beach Properties

78-79

Centara Grand Residence (Tulip)

30-31

City Center Residence (Matrix)

Coastal Real Estate

Cube, The (Tudor Group)

22-23

C-View (Heights Holdings)

D-Sign Furniture

East Coast Real Estate

Elegance Condominium @ Cosy Beach

Euro Design

FARANG Services

4-5

Foodland Supermarket

Friendship Supermarket

Gecko Properties

German-Thai Group

Green Cascade

Inside cover

Global Property

Global Solidor

Golden Tulip Hotel & Residence (Tulip)

26-27

Green Field Villas 5

18-20

Imperial Twins

Inside Back Cover

Laguna Beach Resort – The Maldives (HH) Masters, The Movers & Shakers North Beach (Nova) NT Realty Asia

80 33 46-47

Ocean Pacific (Nova)

Pattaya Channel

Pattaya Property Show

Pattaya Realty

Pattaya Realty Commercial

Pattaya Rent-a-Car/Bike Porch Land Real Estate Broker Association Riviera, The – Wongamat Royal Tulip Suites Sands Condominium

75, 86 Between 40-41 92-93 3 28-29 Back Cover

Shenanigan’s

69, 77

Southpoint (Kingdom Property)

38-39

Star Residence @ Cosy Beach

Town & Country Property 6 REM 07/2014

Inside Back Cover

Tudor Court Tulip Group Vision, The (Matrix)

8-9 21 25 Front cover

news • property

Riviera gain their EIA approval

The Riviera Group, developers of The Riviera, Wongamat Beach, have successfully completed their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process application and plan to start piling early this month (July). Like many things about this project the EIA process was complete in comparatively quick time. Developer Winston Gale told REm: “After a relatively short seven-month

application period, I am pleased to say The Riviera now has gained full EIA consent which enables us to comfortably continue as planned.” Asking if a piling contractor had been decided yet, Winston added: “We are looking to award this contract within the coming week”. Regarding sales we asked what had been the impact of the political impasse? Winston replied: “Of course

l For further details contact Min at The Riviera on: 085 662 4888.

like everyone, we see less traffic now, a combination of low-season for foreigners and the domestic market holding back. That said, sales continue on almost a daily basis and showroom traffic under these circumstances is still strong.” The Riviera, with almost 80 per cent of units sold and with a completion date of late 2017, now looks towards its construction phase.

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Thai Property Expo in Bangkok is rescheduled The Thai Property Expo planned for Bangkok in August has been put back until 7-9 November. The Expo will sell property from all around the country to a mainly Thai audience. A spokesman for the organisers, Exact, said: “Reaction has been very positive, especially as many developers are keen to sell more quota to Bangkok-based Thai investors. “However the property industry, like many other sectors, is waiting for the dust to settle after the recent military coup, and for the Army to have time to steady the political situation.” Exact spoke to a number of interested parties and, as a result of those talks, they felt that investors would perhaps not be in the right

frame of mind to visit a major property expo so soon in August. The spokesman added: “Therefore we have renegotiated with the Conrad Hotel and are pleased to announce that the exhibition will now be held on 7-9 November. “This will give exhibitors more time to prepare and, more importantly, we expect everything to be back to

l For further details about the show or to book a stand consult www. ThaiPropertyExpo. com.

normal, and buyer confidence will have returned as well.” All exhibitors will be offered the opportunity to keep the original stand positions they selected. The spokesman concluded: “We are looking forward to running this three-day exhibition and feel we are making the right move for everyone concerned by changing the dates.”

EIA

APPROV ED

JUST 70 LUXURIOUS UNITS Cosy Beach, Kasetin Soi 4

construction starting soon ď&#x20AC;Š038 250 868 08 999 33689 085 736 3435 www.starpattayaresidence.com

cover story • dave buckley

‘Complete all’ policy is paying off

12 REM 07/2014

few issues ago I wrote about Matrix Developments deciding to concentrate on completing sales and construction on more of their projects rather than launching new ones. It’s a policy that seems to be paying off in the current climate. With investor confidence diluted because of the uncertain political situation and a shortage of labourers due to fears of clampdowns by the authorities on illegal workers Matrix managing director Miki Haim is content his ‘complete all’ decision was the right one. “It was a great idea for us,” he said. “Having many projects with numerous units still available in them will hit confidence. We have a ‘we keep our promises’ ethos in Matrix and that’s what we’re doing.” Certainly the sales picture is looking bright. Miki added: “Sales

have been good in the past two months. We have nearly sold out in The Vision, Amazon is fully sold and sales in City Center Residence have reached 60 per cent.” Miki was keen to point out that Matrix do have other projects in the pipeline and he conceded that it is a fairly open secret that his company is about to market a new project in partnership with another of the city’s leading developers. But he declined to be drawn further on that, preferring to wait until the time is right before making any announcements. Remain confident “We will make other new projects at the end of 2014,” he added. “One, two or three ... that depends on the situation here but we remain confident in Pattaya’s future. “Generally we think it is important that we complete projects

Above: The view of Pattaya Bay taken from The Vision which will have the highest elevation in the city. Facing page: Interiors taken from the show unit for The Vision.

then begin again. If we go a year without launching something new that’s not the end of the world.” This gap between launches has given Miki and his team to opportunity to factor in increases in construction and labour costs. “That said, customers will not see prices for our middle range units increase,” he said. Miki told me that recently it has been easier to sell high-priced apartments that those lower down the price scale. “Investors with real money do not have the same fear factor when buying,” he said. “For someone investing his or her life savings the decision to buy can be a big one, but those with cash to spare know that this is a good time to buy the more expensive units because good deals can be had. In June it was easier to sell Bt10m+ units.

“The real investor knows that current prices are likely to be the lowest they can expect for quite some time. The market may be reduced, but it is far from dead.” Indeed, the ‘good time to buy’ thinking applies to Matrix too. “It is a good time to add to our land stock,” said Miki. International agents He attributes continued good sales to Matrix enjoying the confidence of international agents. He said. “They believe my word that I will deliver on promises. If I am not good with them they will not encourage their clients to buy from Matrix.” What of the markets closer to home in Pattaya? “We do not sell a lot to the Thai market and the Russian market is disappearing for a number of reasons. The international agents are our great strength.” |

Current Matrix policy is to have as many as three different construction companies on their sites to reduce being exposed to labour shortages experienced by any single contractor. “Not many of our competitors are doing this,” said Miki adding that, on a scale of 1-10 he felt construction in Matrix projects “is an eight”. The Vision has reached the 23rd (top) floor and the picture on facing page taken from the 20th floor swimming pool area give an idea of the view to be had from the building which will have the highest elevation in the city. Underground work At the time of talking to Miki City Center Residence had reached the second floor after extensive underground work had been performed. Thanks to the use of prefabricated materials from Korea it is expected that a floor will be added every week. “Two months from now we expect to have a show unit open at City Center and the first building (of three) should be ready around the turn of the year,” said Miki.

13 REM 07/2014

for Matrix

construction update

special report • dave buckley

Living life on The Edge In this the second of our two articles about Koh Chang we examine the chance to secure a rare stretch of

16 REM 07/2014

coastline.

oh Chang may be the second biggest island in Thailand but when it comes to securing land there isn’t a whole heck of a lot to choose from. Some 80 per cent of the island has been designated as a national park so there is just one fifth available for development. Virtually all this land hugs the coastline. So when the owners and developers of The Edge Village at Bang Bao (close to the southern tip of the island) told me that there simply wasn’t another stretch of coastline such as theirs available I was inclined to believe them. For owners Martin Kampen and wife Siripun Chengseng the showhome for The Edge project had been a two-and-a-half year labour of love which they finished a few years back. But now they are ready to sell – either outright or to involve an active business partner. Their land covers some 15 rai and has a 200-metre stretch of coastline at the top end of it. It’s on a 30-metre high cliff which means there is no beach. That said, you can descend via one of two stairways to the water’s edge

and enjoy, fishing, diving or swimming. I politely declined the offer to go down the stairway with full handrails as I was fairly convinced that a man of my more than ample girth might be left a little breathless by the experience. Beaches – and very nice ones at that – are just a short way away. Klong Koi Beach is just five minutes distant. The clifftop location gives views to two stretches of water; the sun rises over one and sets over the other. What’s involved? So what’s involved at The Edge? Well, it’s an area of land that Martin and Siripun have divided into 20 plots each of around 1,000 sqm. The show house where they live occupies plot 15 and is divided into three buildings around a large pool. The main building consists of living room and bedrooms. The second has multiple uses including a kitchen, computer work station, exercise machines and a sauna. The third building is the garage. Glass abounds everywhere leaving all the rooms looking light and airy.

can be very rewarding price The couple have had the project independently appraised. As a result they are asking for US$6m or Bt190m (approx £3.5m) for an outright sale. This is US$0.15m less than the appraisal. For more details email kracheltd@ yahoo.co.uk

Martin and Siripun put their heart and soul into its building and making the site habitable. Martin said: “We did it all pretty much on our own. I hired a project manager, but we bought the materials, guided the design, everything. It took a lot out of us.” Too much for two I asked Martin why he wants to sell. “We have realised that the project we have planned is too much for two people,” he said. “We need more time for ourselves and I have responsibilities for aging parents in Germany. Also we would like to see a little more of the world. Our preference is to sell it completely but attracting an active investor remains very much a possibility. We want to be passive partners.” He added: “We think it is important that any prospective buyer or partner visits the site. Come and see and then we can discuss the price.” | l The Edge showhouse has been featured in the Wall Street Journal’s “House of the Day” feature.

17 REM 07/2014

The whole project can be bought and, using current plans, 19 more high quality dwellings could be built on it. But it doesn’t have to be a housing development. As the owners say: “There is a solid business plan in hand but a completely new project could be started by the investor.” Among the possibilities they list are: Boutique hotel/eco spa resort; retirement/elderly homes with health centre; a wellness retreat; or private stunning family estate. All the requirements for an environmentally sustainable and truly Green-Eco project exist at The Edge. To date it has been developed in an eco-friendly way which many original trees retained. The site attracts beautiful birds (eagles included), butterflies and other typical island animals. The site has security fence walls along its entire border. Underground electricity is already there as is a fully functional water system. A proper tarmac road is also in place. Martin tells me that their wonderful designer villa has been well integrated into all the possible alternative concepts mentioned earlier which is great given that

news • property

Continued interest from foreign investors Foreign investors have continued to expand in the property market even though the country has been under the management of the junta since May 22, according to Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co. “Last week, we roadshowed in Singapore. We [were able to] sell 12 condominiums on Sathorn Road to foreign buyers from both Asia, such as Singapore and Hong Kong, and Europe, such as the UK,” executive director Frank Khan said in a report in The Nation newspaper. Foreign investors understand what’s happening here and have continued to have confidence to invest, especially in residential projects, because prices are still lower than in other countries in Asean, he said.

18 REM 07/2014

Finance and promotional prices on Reflection Major Development PCL have appointed the Rightmove Pattaya brokerage to sell remaining units in their Reflection project at the southern end of Jomtien Beach. Among the projects features are CCTV with 24-hour security, multi-level jogging trail, tennis courts, business centre, steam room, sauna, party area, playground, adult and kid swimming pools, spa pavilion and floating cigar lounge and terrace. The MBK Group will offer foreigners finance up to Bt75,000 per sqm with a maximum term of 10 years subject to terms and conditions. Promotional prices are available on a handful of units, say Rightmove, who are in Second Road close to the junction with Central. l For further details contact 089 253 5607 or visit www.rightmovepattaya.com.

European buyers European buyers – especially from Britain and Russia – are looking for units in the resort destinations of Pattaya and Phuket at prices ranging from Bt5m to more than Bt10m. The company plans to promote the Thai property market in Singapore, Hong Kong and Britain in the second half of this year with the focus on condominiums and resort residences. Meanwhile, Thai-based investors are interested in properties in Asia and Europe, as returns on real estate investment are higher than on deposits and other assets. London is a potential target as real estate there

still generates a return of 7-8 per cent a year, said Nicholas Holt, head of Asia-Pacific research. Since last year, Chinese have been buying residences in London to accommodate their children who study in the city or to generate rental income. Residential demand in London is running 50 per cent higher than supply, so investment in houses and apartments has yielded high returns since the economic crisis several years ago. “Residential prices in London this year are rising more than 50 per cent from four years ago,” Holt said. Khan said prime central London would perform well in the future. There are opportunities especially for non-UK buyers, but they need to study the market. This is because of the currency advantage of the baht, while there is also no capital-gains tax at this moment. However, Knight Frank is aware that there will be a capital-gains tax in Britain starting next April, but does not know how much it will be. “For any transaction happening before April 2015, the capital-gains tax is zero per cent. This means this is the best time to buy property in London,” he said. “Next month we will pick up Thai investors to visit London to see properties there, while in September property owners in London will roadshow their property in Thailand.”

Thailand still tops tour poll Thailand has been voted the top wishlist destination in Southeast Asia by members of the London-based travel deals provider Travelzoo. More than 27 million subscribers of the website worldwide were polled. Travelzoo’s followers voted Thailand as the most desirable place to visit in Southeast Asia, which won over

a third of the vote at 36 per cent, ahead of Vietnam at 25 per cent, and Cambodia with eight per cent. The poll also found that longhaul destinations remain popular with European travelers, with China coming first in the Asia category and Australia topping the list in the AsiaPacific region.

advertorial • green field villas

Secrets behind success of Green Field Villas 1-5

20 REM 07/2014

reen Field Development Co Ltd, run by Paul and Jan Barrett and their long-established team, is one of the oldest and most successful developers on the Eastern Seaboard, constructing high quality houses to exacting European standards in East Pattaya. Paul and Jan were involved in several different construction projects in around the city before deciding in 2004 to go it alone with the aptly named Green Field Villas 1 village, their first venture in Nongprue. Initially, Paul had fears about the location of the 57-house development, but his optimism won the day as he followed other, more positive, instincts and the Green Field success story began. Non-claustrophobic The company has stuck to its principles when designing projects. All its houses are built on large land plots providing open, non-claustrophobic, village environments. In fact, many

residents choose to live in their Green Field homes for many years with some even saying they couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. All Green Field houses are built to the highest European standards and offer superb value for money in the medium-price housing market range. The fact that most of those re-sold have actually appreciated in value – a notoriously difficult achievement in Thailand – is testament to their excellent quality and high demand among potential purchasers with many agents clamouring to get the first listings for real estate sales. Paul takes great pride in his work and attributes superb security in all Green Field villages and excellent maintenance by the respective village committees to after-sales service which, he says, is second to none. Paul believes his thorough knowledge of the industry gives him an advantage over many of his competitors. He is a constant presence at the newest village under construction and his hands-on approach ensures that

l All pictures on these three pages are from the actual show houses on GFV5 project. If you would like to know more about this or any of the other four company developments please contact the sales office on 038 732 280-1, or email greenfield@ greenfieldvillas. com

the high standards he has set are maintained. In fact, so confident is he in the quality of his work that he is happy to take would-be purchasers to the company’s earlier projects, enabling them to speak to long-term residents and get an insight into what they can expect when they buy a Green Field home. Hugely respected On the social scene, Paul, Jan and the team may be less well known than some of their counterparts, but they are held in high regard by those in the business. This hugely respected group of people prefers to let the quality of its houses do the talking for them. All Green Field projects are sold quickly after launch with empty plots virtually unheard of. The total absence of long periods waiting for houses to be completed has been a key factor in the success of previous projects. Green Field Villas 2, located between Soi Khao Noi and Soi

The largest GFV By far the largest Green Field village, it comprises 92 properties from townhouses to three-bedroom bungalows and proved to be one of the fastest selling projects of its size in the region. Nothing was compromised in terms of quality, although the properties occupy

slightly smaller plots and were pitched at a lower price to reflect the demand in the area at the time. It was another shrewd move by this vastly experienced team. The most recently completed project is Green Field Villas 4, also in Nongprue, close to the temple at the end of Soi Nernplabwan. The project is the last word in luxury and, because it was pitched at affordable prices offering great value for money, all properties in the village sold quickly. All with pools Everything about Green Field Villas 4 screams quality, from the underground fibre optic internet cables to the fantastic, modern finishes to all properties. Houses range from three-bedroom bungalows to luxurious two-storey, four-bedroom, family homes, all of which are built on large plots with private swimming pools. And as you would expect from Green Field, the village is maintained to the highest standards with

21 REM 07/2014

Nernplabwan, is just one resounding success story. Typically of Green Field, the project has plenty of greenery, open spaces and a fantastic, well maintained communal area reflecting the true family feel that you get on all Green Field villages. The project was long regarded as probably the best village in the area, both in terms of location and build quality, although this accolade has now perhaps fallen to the newer Green Field Villas 4. Green Field Villas 3 on the Soi Siam Country Club Road offers a slight shift in design in line with the changing customer demands during the construction period.

advertorial • green field villas

22 REM 07/2014

residents’ security paramount. All four completed projects are excellently located for local amenities and access to central Pattaya. Project 5, currently under construction, is another example of the team selecting prime land that had been overlooked by competitors who feared it was too far out of town. However, the development is just 15 minutes by road from Central Pattaya with easy access to motorways to Bangkok and Rayong. Country feel International Schools are just minutes away, yet the quiet development has a country feel about it, despite its convenient location. The final design of the village is flexible and yet to be finalised, but construction is well under way with some homes already completed. Initially, the village was going to be exclusively houses of luxury two-storeys and fourbedrooms, but the team is currently reassessing this for a section of the village following overwhelming

demand for some of the previous designs. Whatever the final design and configuration, the village will be of the same high standard that you would expect from a Green Field project. The villages have continuously evolved to take advantage of modern building methods, leading edge materials and, of course, the latest technologies. You would be hard pressed to find another village in Pattaya – or anywhere else in Thailand for that matter – that offers the same state-ofthe-art facilities and finishing touches that are standard on Green Field Villas 5. As someone once said: “You should remember the little things, because one day they may become big things.” It really is some of the finer touches that make this project stand out from the pack. As to the future, many thought Project 5 would be Green Field’s last, but Paul is as ambitious as ever. The entire team is constantly looking for new opportunities to drive the business forward. With few changes

You should remember the little things, because one day they may become big things.

of personnel since day one, the team is extremely experienced bringing individual knowledge and skills to each project. Paul and Jan have taken care to pass on their expertise so that the business can continue to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come, with or without them. The long-term objective is for family members to take over the day-to-day running of the business along with long established employees. Selling fast Project 5 is already selling fast and with a strong, well-grounded business, the future for Green Field Development Co Ltd looks as bright as ever. This should reassure prospective buyers that Green Field quality will be around for a long time and give other developers something to aspire to on their own developments. After an extremely successful first 10 years, this is just the beginning for Green Field with many more years surely still to come. |

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star interview  by jose de santiago / The Interview People

Michael Douglas on being a

The Interview People: The guy you play in your new movie And So It Goes is a pretty grumpy guy. Why do you think we get grumpy when we get older? Michael Douglas: I don’t know if we all do, but if you have too many losses at once, you’d be pretty p*ssed off too. I think people that are getting older basically have had more experience with life, and let’s be honest, life is not fair. It can throw you a curve ball at times. I can sing a song about that. TIP: You must be referring to your health crisis. Cancer is a scary thing… MD: Heck, yes. It’s very scary. And they almost took my jaw away. I feel lucky to be around still. I feel very good. As long as I get my exercises. I talked to other cancer patients. When you come out the other side, you feel better, you feel really alive. You have all this new energy. You make up for lost time.

36 REM 07/2014

TIP: Did you think about mortality when you had cancer? MD: Not really. I am very pragmatic when it comes to this kind of stuff. I knew what the procedure was. I wanted to deal with that other stuff later on. I just wanted to just deal with the problem at hand. TIP: Once you beat cancer though, you really had a comeback, right?

MD: All of the sudden I had all these wonderful parts. I got The Candelabra I feel like a Renaissance man. And then I did Last Vegas and then this picture. I never anticipated being this active after the cancer. TIP: Sharon Stone said that she learned a lot from you. Are you still in touch with her? MD: Not really. We see each other once in a while. But I tell you, she’s the smartest one out there. If you were so lucky to ever have been at one of her auctions, you’d know what I mean. She knows how to get money out of people for a good cause. She’s amazing. TIP: You and Sharon Stone did one of the greatest movies of all time together. What comes to mind when you think about “Basic Instinct” today? MD: Yeah, we did a great a movie together. It was the *uck of the century. It took us a week to shoot that one scene. We got to know each other pretty well. TIP: Diane Keaton is your love interest in your latest film And So It Goes. She recently said that your kiss felt as if a pitbull kissed her. What do you have to say in your defence to that remark? MD: I just heard that. I feel like an idiot. I’ve been going around telling everybody what a great kisser she is. And then she compares my kiss to

‘I never really thought about mortality when I had cancer,’ says Michael Douglas in this interview about his movie And

So It Goes.

Pictured along the top of this spread: With Diane Keaton in And So It Goes; with his father, Kirk and with Catherine ZetaJones. They separated last year but seem to be back together.

that of a pitbull. A lapdog maybe, but a pitbull? TIP: What do you like about getting older? MD: There is nothing I like about getting older, absolutely nothing. When you have cancer and when they don’t succeed with the chemo and the radiation you are pretty much done. And that part of getting older is really something I could forfeit. TIP: There’s got to be something you like about getting older? MD: The one thing that is good for relationships is that when you are younger you care what other people think. And you take the person closest to you for granted. You waste a lot of energy on strangers to make a good impression. When you are older you focus all that energy on people that are closest to you, on your family. TIP: How about your golf handicap, that’s getting better when you are getting older, isn’t it? MD: I wish, but even Catherine is beating me now in golf. She’s getting a lot better. I am not. TIP: When were you at the prime of your life? MD: I don’t know, you mean sexually? (laughs). I am more comfortable in my own skin now.

grumpy old man

MD: Well, I am very involved in nuclear disarmament. That’s been my big issue. I work with the UN a lot. I was born in 1944. Hiroshima and Nagasaki happened in 1945. I hope that during my lifetime we will be able to eliminate nuclear weapons.

TIP: The role of the father in this movie is changing throughout. How have you changed as a father over time? MD: Well, I have more time today than I had when I was a dad the first time around. Back then everything was about my career. That always came first. Today that’s different. It’s reserved. And I think I have a lot more patience today.

TIP: Which politician do you admire? MD: I hope there are no limits on Angela Merkel’s career. I hope she’ll be around for a lot longer. I think we all rely on her guidance and her diplomacy a lot.

TIP: Did you hesitate at all when you read in this script that your character’s son is in jail given that you have a son in jail? MD: No, it didn’t bother me. You know, we have a unique situation in our country. The US represents five percent of the world’s population, but 25 per cent of the world’s prisoners. That is costing our society a fortune. And that’s why the laws for nonviolent drug offenders need to be reviewed. I can’t really do anything until my son’s situation is resolved. But once it is, I will be more involved. TIP: Once you pass 60 you start thinking what’s left for me to accomplish. Well, what is left for you to accomplish?

on. It’s a phenomenon. Her father was OJ Simpson’s best friend, and he was the one who took the evidence out of the house after the murder. Enough said. TIP: What did your dad say when he first saw you act? MD: He said I was terrible. But he was just being honest. He later came back and told me that I had gotten much better. TIP: How is your dad these days? MD: He’s doing great. He’s 97, and I am throwing him and my stepmother a 60th wedding anniversary party.

TIP: Your character makes mistakes in this film, how important is it to make mistakes? MD: I don’t know, I never made mistakes in my life (laughs). First you have to admit that you made a mistake, then dealing with it is easy. Of course it’s important to make mistakes, as long as you grow from them. TIP: You come from a very famous family that earned its fame through a lot of good movies. What do you make of the instant fame people like the Kardashian family reach today by not really having accomplished anything in life? MD: That’s that whole social internet media. Bless their soul. But didn’t it all start with a home-made porn movie? Now we see her with clothes

Pictured in this column: With Karl Malden in Streets of San Francisco; with Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction; with Sharon Stone in Basic Instincts; and with Kathleen Turner in Romancing the Stone.

TIP: You became famous with a TV show, can you see yourself doing TV again? Do you still watch your old Streets of San Francisco? MD: No. I never watch any of the stuff I did. My kids don’t even care. I don’t enjoy watching myself on TV. And in regards to doing TV again – I can’t see doing an hourly TV show anymore. TIP: On a lighter note – who will win the World Cup? MD: Well, Brazil needs to, but I think it will be Spain. Germany, I don’t know? I think Spain has the strongest team. Footnote: This interview was conducted before Spain were eliminated after just two World Cup matches.

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TIP: And So It Goes shows people finding love in their 60s. Do people still fall in love in their 60s? MD: Sure, why not? Maybe in situations where people lost a partner and they found a new partner.

advertorial • d-sign furniture

Where quality is always the priority

38 REM 07/2014

he word “quality” crops up often when in conversation with Ralf Skoropa, the Danish head of the D-Sign Furniture company which has its base in South Pattaya Road. He doesn’t understand how some projects can command high prices per sqm yet still skimp on quality furniture; on the other hand he loves working with developers who share and encourage his concept of quality. Working with a team he admires or on his own initiative ... Ralf is happy to do both and speaks of each with equal pride. “Working with the Tulip Group on their first hotel on Pratumnak was a big satisfaction for me,” said Ralf. “It was very challenging and great to see my furniture alongside a big brand name (Fendi).” Ralf’s company also was responsible for part of the furniture in all the rooms at the Centara Grand Pratumnak Resort plus much of the furniture for the dining areas. Inspiring work “I like working with Kobi (Elbaz) from Tulip,” he said. “He believes in using good quality for everything and I find it inspiring to work with a customer like him. I work in tandem with his interior design team and team-work is the key to Tulip’s success, I feel.” He also speaks with considerable passion and pride about a complete re-fit his company carried out in The Cove apartment owned by the late Rony Fest when he was one of the

partners in the Matrix Group. “With Rony, we asked him about his colour preferences then he gave us his budget and we did the rest,” said Ralf. “It was wonderful to be given such a free hand and I believe we did an excellent job.” Of course Ralf’s pride is tinged with sadness given Rony died just two weeks after his team completed the unit. But D-Sign’s work there remains one of the projects Ralf highlights when discussing the capabilities of his company. He came to Pattaya “five or six years ago” and fell in love with the city and the vibrancy of seeing so many projects going on. He had a furniture store in his home country’s capital, Copenhagen, at the time but saw great potential here in Pattaya.“I decided to set up here but I’m delighted to say that we managed to retain several of our best European clients,” he said. Although firmly based here Ralf is constantly seeking new places to sell and display his furniture. “In future I’m looking to export to other countries especially in the field of hotel interiors,” he said. Hotel furniture is just one of D-Sign’s attributes. As their advertising says they specialise in providing full furniture solutions for projects, hotels and individuals. When you visit condo showrooms you will often see D-Sign’s work. Many of the Eastern Seaboard’s

Above, left: Seeing D-Sign’s furniture alongside a top brand at Centara Grand ... marblestainless coffee table, Fendi sofa and relax chair, high gloss side tables with marble top. Above, right: The lounge area created in the late Rony Fest’s unit at The Cove. Below: Ralf ... “Many people today just look at the price. That’s why I like to work with developers who understand quality.”

leading developers put their faith in Ralf and his team to deliver. “If you speak with our clients I’m confident that they will tell you that having my furniture in their showroom helps sales,” said Ralf. Before getting involved in the furniture business Ralf travelled the world in the field of fashion. Seeing displays of poor taste seems to genuinely upset him. Not good taste “I don’t want to be rude to anyone but some people simply do not have good taste,” he said. “At times I see multimillion baht properties that look great from the outside. But when I go inside I can be left wondering what went wrong.” I suspect this might be a reason why Ralf is looking to produce a small development of his own. It would act as giant showroom displaying his company’s capabilities. More on this when his plans have firmed up a little. When Ralf and I spoke it was against a backdrop of curfews and political confusion, but he remains positive. “I view Pattaya’s development as similar in some ways to the reincarnation of London’s Docklands which went from desolation to becoming a fashionable place. Pattaya was Sin City but proximity to the airport and the introduction of more and more five-star properties is leading its transformation.”| Dave Buckley

The Riviera showroom Wongamat

Centara Grand Phratamnak

The lobby at The Cliff condominium

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.

Will you develop diabetes? Or maybe you have already and just haven’t realised yet

e are about half-way through the World Cup. If you are a soccer fan there is more than a good chance that you have been keeping some strange hours and perhaps eating at unusual times. Maybe you have been hitting the alcohol a little hard either in celebration or commiseration. Whatever the “excuse” for overindulgence soon it will be time to start thinking about returning to the straight and narrow. The waistline has probably swelled, anti-flatulents have been purchased, following which you will probably be considering making promises to yourself regarding weight loss. But are there good reasons for these promises? Unfortunately the answer is a very resounding ‘yes’!

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Nasty condition Take the risk of developing diabetes, a nasty condition that affects just so many organs and makes you more likely to develop everything from cataracts to cardiac arrest. Cheerful, huh? How about this statistical gem ... having a large waist has been

‘At risk’ waist measurements are 80cm or more for women, 94cm or more for men and 90cm or more for South Asian males. As well as having a large waist, people are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight and over 40 years old.

shown to mean you are up to 11 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes; and being overweight or obese is one of the strongest risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. And it’s too late to start sucking in your stomach as you read this article! ‘At risk’ waist measurements are 80cm or more for women, 94cm or more for men and 90cm or more for South Asian males. As well as having a large waist, people are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight, over the age of 40, of South Asian origin, or have a family history of Type 2 diabetes. If you have two or more of these risk factors you really should have a fasting blood sugar test. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation. There are 2.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK but shockingly more than half a million people have this Type 2 diabetes but do not know it. To reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes Diabetes UK, which keeps some very comprehensive statistics, recommends you should eat a healthy balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight and be physically active. Even a moderate degree of

physical activity can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 64 per cent. Similarly, if you reduce your weight by between 5-10 per cent you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 per cent. Overweight at diagnosis Diabetes UK Chief Executive Douglas Smallwood said: “The Type 2 diabetes epidemic is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today. Watching our waistlines is vital as we all need to do our best to reduce our chances of developing this often preventable condition. It is important to remember that around 80 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight at diagnosis. “There are around half a million people in the UK unaware they have Type 2 diabetes. The condition can be undiagnosed for up to 12 years and 50 per cent of people who have it show signs of complications at diagnosis. The sooner Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed and becomes well managed, the better your longterm health is protected and the lower your risk of developing devastating complications.” However, after the World Cup blowout, and the weight that you still have, my message post-Brazil tournament is to step on the scales, put the tape measure around the waist, and do something about it – before it is too late! Instead of driving to the pub to watch the final, think about walking there. Give yourself a more than sporting chance!

eastcoast@thaiproperty.com • www.thaiproperty.com DIAMOND SUITES Pratumnak Hill Condo size: 62 sq.m 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Fully Furnished

Bright and airy Corner unit Held in foreign name 50/50 tax and transfer fees

RENT: 20,000 Bpm/sale 2,950,000 baht The axis Pratumnak Hill Condo size: 60 sq.m 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Euro kitchen

Modern designer unit On taxi route Fully Furnished Long Term Only

RENT: 25,000 baht PER MONTH AVENUE RESIDENCE Pattaya City Condo size: 35 sq.m Euro kitchen Studio 1 Bathroom

Convenient location Fully Furnished Wifi and cable TV Held in Thai name

RENT: 15,000 BPM/SALE: 2,200,000 baht

grand garden home Bang Saray/ Huay Yai Land size: 100 sq.w House size: 180 sq.m Euro kitchen Spacious living area

3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Private pool Held in company name

SALE: 5,500,000 BAHT

Jomtien

038 267 030-1 • Pattaya 038 723 615-6

special report • dave buckley

Massaluna is launched

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t the end of May property developers Porchland Group officially launched their first Phuket project, Massaluna Phuket Condominium, with at party in their sales gallery. The luxury, low-level condo is located at the island’s Nai Yang Beach in Tambol Sakoo, Amphur Thalang. Khun Raewat Areerob, former Phuket MP, presided over the The Majestic Pearl Party event to celebrate the launch. The evening featured a meet and greet activity with popular Channel 3 actor Bomb Tanin surrounded by attractive models, along with other activities. Special promotions Attendees were given an overview of the Massaluna Condominium by the Porchland executive team and the first view of a set-up unit. Special promotions were also available for the launch day. Porchland Group director Khun Chitsanucha Phakdeesaneha said:

“Massa Luna Phuket, a new born Pearl of Phuket island, is a premium condominium located at Nai Yang beach by The Porchland Group property developers from Pattaya. We have projects totalling more than Bt1,000m in value. “The condominium offers a true sense of nature being surrounded by mountains and close to the pine tree-lined sea, with the addition of a serene and peaceful atmosphere. “The project also offers a new low-rise concept with buildings being only five storeys high.” He added: “Massa Luna Phuket is a top level beachfront project which is being developed to meet all requirements of customers who seek the best value for their investments. “The concept of Massa Luna focuses on relaxing, natural surroundings and unforgettable memories, and its design aims to reflect the sun, sand, pine trees and open view of the nearby sea. “Its architecture will be in a modern and tropical style that brings

‘Massaluna Phuket is a top level beachfront project which is being developed to meet all the requirements of customers who seek the best value for their investments.’

out the unique beauty of Nai Yang Beach, while the interiors will blend with the exterior and use a luxurious natural heritage concept with each unit having reflections of both the sun and moon at each and every moment. Relaxation areas “Residents will be able to enjoy relaxation areas, along with numerous activities that will give individuals, couples and families hours of pleasure. Massaluna Phuket from Porchland Group is located on more than three rai in Thalang, close to Sirinart National Park. It will feature two five-storey buildings consisting of 184 units in two unit types with prices starting from Bt3.4m; a onebedroom unit will be 40sqm while two-bedroom units will range from 66 to 83.5sqm.” | l For more information visit www. massalunacondo.com;www.porchland. com; facebook/massalunaphuket; call +66 (0) 096 139 0005-7 or e-mail: massalunaphuket@gmail.com.

en City has been officially launched with a party late in June. The Bt1,600bn project marks the first co-operation between Porchland Group and Universal Group. Zen City will have 596 units and a spokesman for the project said: “We are expanding to include more condos because the Sri Racha area has a lot of Japanese tourists and workers among those who are looking for a place to stay and invest.” On 19 June Khun Chidsanucha Phakdeesaneha, the chairman of the Porchland group and Khun Vorachai Phakdeesaneha, managing director, signed the joint venture agreement with Universal’s chairman Khun Ragez Punjabi, Khun Sonia Punjabi and Mr Michael Polac. The launch party was held the following Sunday. Great opportunity Khun Chidsanucha said: “It’s really a great opportunity to be working with Universal on Zen City. This project will comprise two 15-storey buildings

and 17 commercial units, plus double underground parking lots on seven rai of land.” Construction is due to start in the first quarter of next year and should be completed by the end of 2015. Zen City has an oriental modern tropical style it has Japanese (Zen) decoration. “The Zen is the ninth project of Porchland. We are aiming to close sales within six month. We have received a great response from clients. This is the great start.” Universal’s CEO, Khun Ragaze, said: “We and Porchland are working together to continue to develop great project. We already have some great ones. That is why we have so much trust from our clients because both Porchland and Universal have a great profile and clients can be assured that they will receive only great quality from us.” | l For more information visit www. zencitycondo.com or facebook/ zencitycondo; call +66 (0)80 470 99957; Email : zencitycondo@gmail.com.

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...so, too, is the Zen City

advertorial • nt realty

The changing face of NT

48 REM 07/2014

he secret to the success of a modern business is its ability to adapt to an ever changing marketplace. All businesses that have been trading for any length of time will undergo a continual metamorphosis just to keep pace with their customers’ demands and their competitors. We at NT Realty are no different and, like all companies in the real estate market in Pattaya, we have had to face a number of challenges over the past few years. Challenges that some companies have not managed to meet and so are no longer with us. I think that it is fair to say that the real estate market in Pattaya is in a state of oversupply in certain areas. It is also facing a reducing customer base due to factors outside of our (the real estate brokers) control. So how do we compete and survive in a marketplace that has seen the number of real estate companies’ increase from a few dozen to several hundred over the past 10 years? Making moves One decision that we took was to open an office in another country to spread

the risk and seek new markets. So in August 2009, we launched our offices in Angeles City in the Philippines. “Don’t keep all of your eggs in one basket,” was the approach then. Going back It was not an easy move and for me it was like going back in time 15 years to a young and rapidly growing Pattaya. The country was different and the culture slightly different but the problems were the same. Too much paperwork where local and central government systems did not work and doing a simple property transfer could take six months. We had the experience and knowledge to bring a comparatively new approach to real estate to a country where real estate brokers were rated well below double glazing salesmen. It was tough but we kept adapting and now we have a wellestablished business and a good reputation. But we didn’t stop evolving and at the beginning of 2014, branched out into areas were we had little or no experience but where we could see huge potential. We set up a holding company, NT

Above: Examples of the five-seat version of the E-vehicles designed to help reduce pollution and offer safe, clean and affordable transportation. Above, right: Rear view and side-on of the two-seater version.

John Seymour, head of NT Asia, outlines plans for the future.

Asia Group Inc, and under that we formed eight new companies (some are still in the process of setting up). Each of the eight would supply a service to the other group members but also trade in the open marketplace. These companies covered Legal and Financial services, Manpower, Construction, Property Development, Media, Green Energy and, of course, Real Estate. Trusting partners Dealing with trading partners that you can trust is a fundamental in South East Asia so bringing everything under one roof but still keeping the different business areas in separate companies seemed the smart way forward. It was – and still is – a mammoth undertaking giving me many sleepless nights trying to fit the jigsaw puzzle together. We made real estate, construction, media and energy products the lead companies within the group. Construction of residential and commercial buildings using a very strong, very fast building

Realty

NT Asia Advertising Agency NT Asia Accounting and Financial Services

NT Asia Legal Services

NT Asia Energy Products

NT Asia Group Inc

NT Asia Manpower Services

NT Asia Construction Services

NT Asia Property Development NT Asia Real Estate

Biodiesel plant The world’s smallest, but totally self-contained, biodiesel plant suitable for developing areas where transportation is difficult, has been well received and orders are coming in from Africa, Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia. We have developed a range of

The NT Asia Group Inc flow chart: Eight companies under one holding company, all offering services to the other group companies and all benefitting from the revenue streams of each member company.

Richard Arthur will head the NT Realty team in Pattaya.

E-vehicles to help countries reduce the problem of pollution and offer safe, clean and affordable transportation. Modern in design and meeting the European automotive standards, our vehicles are years ahead of the competition. Green energy products also qualify for tax holidays and are import/export duty free in the Philippines. Taking shape Our business model is taking shape and making money in a difficult world economy. We are now considering bringing this model to Thailand to see if we can integrate it into a much stronger and well organised marketplace. It will be a risk to go up against some of the well established businesses that have enjoyed success in Thailand, but we are up for the challenge. It is rare that all business sectors suffer at the same time through financial crisis, political unrest or the myriad of other things that can hurt or destroy a business. We hope that by diversifying into other areas, we can support some of the group companies through bad times and

obtain stability for the group in the long term. We will continue to look for new market sectors and new product concepts to grow the NT Asia business for many years to come. Unfortunately, the changes in NT Asia Group Inc, and the necessary commitment of time from the partners has meant that two of the partners have left NT Asia to return to the UK to take care of their businesses and families and are no longer associated with the company or the group. Tim Bunker and Peter Randall will be missed and we wish them every success in the UK in the future. New man at helm But, looking forward, I am pleased to announce the appointment of a new man to head our Pattaya operation based in Second Road opposite Royal Garden Plaza – Richard Arthur. Richard has vast experience in the Pattaya property market and will be familiar to many of you reading this. I’m confident he will prove a very welcome addition to our team. John Seymour President NT Asia Group Inc

49 REM 07/2014

system called Plaswall, from Sterling Construction and Development Corp. Using this system, building times are cut by up to a half and construction costs by up to 30 per cent. We have a number of projects under way and we are expecting increased revenue streams in the future. The real estate company benefits from having in-house property to sell. NT Asia Media offers a full media service providing website design and build, SEO, printed marketing materials and marketing strategies for our customers. The most successful of the first four companies in the group is the green energy products. We hold world patents on a number of products that are now being marketed to countries around the world.

events • promotions

p to 10,000 runners are expected to line up on Beach Road on July 27 for the pre-dawn start to Pattaya’s premier running events – the Pattaya International Marathon, half marathon, mini marathon and walk and fun run. The 26 mile 385 yard marathon gets under way from outside Central Festival Plaza at 3.45am and is expected to be dominated by African runners. Last year Kenyans occupied the first seven places. The event was won by Joseph Kariuki in 2 hours 20 mins 29 secs with another Kenyan, Rose Chekurui Kosgei, leading home the women in 2:42:41. In all, 603 runners finished the course. Record bonus This year there is a bonus of Bt100,000 to the winners if they break the Asian Games records or Bt50,000 if they break the Pattaya marathon records. The 21.1 kilometre half marathon, which last year attracted more than 1,300 runners, starts at 5.30am and the 10.5 kilometre mini marathon at 6.00am. Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Ferraris and even a McLaren F1 are expected on the grid for rounds two

events & promotions ARE produced in association with

and three of Thailand’s premier motor racing event, the Thailand Super Series, which take place at Bira Circuit on the weekend of July 5-6. The first two rounds took place at Sepang, home of the Malaysian Grand Prix, in May, and the competition will

culminate at the Bang Saen Festival of Speed in December. Drivers will compete in the Thailand Super Car, Super 2000, Super Pickup, Super 1500 and Super Production categories. Bira will also host the second round of the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand’s Endurance Championship on July 18-19. This Le Mans-style event sees production cars compete for six hours rather than over a specific distance. There are separate categories for 1500, 1600 and 2000cc vehicles. Superbikes will also have an

 Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Ferraris, Audi Quattros and even a McLaren F1 are likely to line up on the grid when Bira Circuit hosts Thailand’s top racing event, the Thailand Super Series, over the weekend of July 5-6.

51 REM 07/2014

Pre-dawn marathon attracts thousands

 The routes for the 23rd Pattaya International Marathon (red), half marathon (blue) and mini marathon (green) which get under way on July 27.

events • promotions

52 REM 07/2014

The catamarans of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club face a busy month of racing.

outing at Bira when the Motorcycle Mag Road Racing Championship visits the circuit on July 11-13. The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya will launch its fourth annual search for Ms Hard Rock Pattaya in July with the winners travelling to Bali in September to compete against Ms Hard Rock Bali and Ms Hard Rock Penang for the title of Ms Hard Rock Southeast Asia. Open to any Thai females 18 or over, Ms Hard Rock Pattaya 2014 will be decided on the weekend of July 25-26. Last year, the winner received Bt144,000, the first runnerup Bt122,000 and the second runnerup Bt115,000. Pattaya’s Royal Cliff Hotel has teamed up with the Splashdown Waterpark next to Bira Circuit to offer a Summer Splash Package. The all-in price includes two nights’ luxurious accommodation at the Royal Cliff along with all-day passes to Splashdown and transport to and from the waterpark. Splashdown is a new adult (big kids) waterpark based on the hit TV show Wipeout. It has eight attractions starting with the tallest inflatable waterslide in the world and the famous ‘big red balls’. For more details about the Summer

Splash Package visit www.royalcliff. com/summer-splash. It’s party time for the Pattaya Sports Club with its annual summer party scheduled for the Town-in-Town Hotel on July 16. Tickets cost Bt200 for members, Bt800 for guests and Bt400 for children under 16 accompanied by an adult. Souled Out The Pattaya Soul Club will be back with Souled Out featuring the best of Motown and Northern Soul on Saturday, July 5 at the Access Inn, Third Road. With a free BBQ courtesy of the main sponsor, Smithfields Gourmet Meats, the evening will feature free-flow wine and San Miguel and free apple honey cider punch until stocks last. Souled Out lasts from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. Tickets cost Bt400 with proceeds going to Take Care Kids. Despite beating league leaders Nakhon Ratchasima 1-0 at Nongprue Stadium last month, Pattaya United still hover dangerously close to the drop zone in the Thailand Football League Division One. They will be hoping to put some distance between themselves and the bottom six when they visit fellow strugglers Ayutthaya on Saturday,

events • promotions

events & promotions ARE produced in association with

trips scheduled to Bangkok FC (July 5), Port Authority of Thailand (July 13) and Phuket (July 23). Thailand’s pop princess, Tata Young, will be on stage at Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Plaza Ladprao, on July 19 when she appears in the party concert Dirty Dancing with Tattoo Colour and Jetset’er.

 The Ms Hard Rock Pattaya contest 2013 was won by Pornsawan Pornwapee (third from right). This year’s contest starts on July 25.  Splashdown Waterpark has teamed up with the Royal Cliff Hotel to offer a Summer Splash package.  Tata Young will appear on stage in Bangkok in Dirty Dancing.  Lots of models on show at the Bangkok Imported Car and Used Car Show.

Tickets cost Bt1,200 and are available from Thaiticketmajor outlets. Offshore, the catamaran and dinghy sailors of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club will be in action in the Summer Series part 2 (July 5-6) and Summer Series Final (July 26-27) and in the Summer Cup (July 19-20). Petrolheads will make for the Impact Arena at Muang Thong Thani between July 18-27 for the sixth Bangkok Imported Car and Used Car Show and Grand Prix Bike Show. This is the most prestigious used car show in Thailand and doors are open 12.00pm to 9.00pm Monday to Friday, 11.00am to 9.00pm Saturday and Sunday. Finally, an event that is NOT happening. The K-1 World Max 2014 Muay Thai Final featuring Thailand’s Banchamek Buakaw and Germany’s Enriko Kehl scheduled for July 26 in Pattaya has been postponed because of the political situation. More news when we get it. 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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July 5, kick-off 4pm. A week later they are home to Ang Thong (6.00pm), followed by another home fixture against BBCU on July 20 (6.00pm). Pattaya will end the month with a third consecutive home game when they play Krabi on July 27 (6.00pm). Pattaya Arena Futsal Club continue their debut season in the Thailand Premier Futsal League with three home fixtures at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Soi Chaiyaphruek 2. They meet Bangkok on July 9, CAT on July 19 and Chon Buri on July 27. All matches kick off at 6.00pm. Pattaya Arena also have away

motoring • dr iain corness

My ‘auto’ biography

54 REM 07/2014

s I write this, I have entered my seventh decade on Planet Earth. This should not really be significant, since we are all supposed to get three score years and ten, however in my family I am the first male to ever attain this exalted age. For example, I am already 16 years older than my father and 34 years older than his father. Longevity has not been a feature for Corness males. However, my three score years and ten have been enough for me to amass a rather long motoring history. Some of these may bring back memories for you, too. Le Mans sports car My first recollection was a wonderful BRG Singer 9 Le Mans sports car which my father drove post WWII. He said it was one of the three Singers entered at Le Mans, and even though it had huge headlights with stoneguards, it probably wasn’t one of the team cars. Dad was known to

The next family car was a 1933 Morris Minor sedan. What a comedown from the racy Singer, but at least I was allowed to drive it on the deserted country roads of Scotland.

tell a few fibs, but I loved that car. I cried when it was sold. The next family car was a 1933 Morris Minor sedan. What a comedown from the racy Singer, but at least I was allowed to drive it on the deserted country roads of Scotland. The fact that the accelerator was in the middle, for some peculiar reason known only to William Morris (later Sir William), made driving the next car a problem till I got used to the normal position for the go pedal being on the right. The Morris was sold to the wreckers with a slipping clutch in 1953. I cried when that one went as well. The first car I actually “owned” was a 1949 Austin A40 Devon. This model is distinguishable from the 1950 A40 Devon, in that it does not have quarterlights. I’m sure you will be on the lookout from now on! It does not really deserve to be remembered, other than the fact that

I had to learn auto repairs to keep it running. My father bought me a Haynes manual, my automotive bible. By this stage in my ‘auto’ biography I had joined the MG Car Club (after beating an MG TF with the A40 in an unauthorised road race!) and I bought a BRG 1949 MG TC. Starving medical student For the life of me, I have no idea how I managed to buy it, as I really was the starving medical student, working as a night watchman at the Red Cross Blood Bank and pumping petrol at the weekends. Having been seconded to a hospital in the Australian outback, my next vehicle was a 1953 Ford V8 Customline. A lazy flat-head, side valve, huge lumbering beast that wallowed along the red dirt roads of western Queensland. It eventually disgraced itself by breaking a front stub axle and gently turned turtle on a suburban back street. More next month!

quiz • questions

The war to end all wars... 2. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914, but what caused Britain to declare war on Germany a week later? 3. Which highly decorated US serviceman, played by Gary Cooper (above right) in a 1941 biopic, led an attack on a German machine gun nest, taking 32 machine guns, killing 28 German soldiers, and capturing 132 others?

... at least, that’s how the Great War of 1914-18, which began 100 years ago this month, came to be known. In reality, it simply laid the foundations

4. Germany’s strategic plan, the Schlieffen plan, first formulated in 1907, called for swift action against which two countries in the event of war?

for another

5. The Welsh illegitimate son of Sir Thomas Chapman and Sarah Junner played a key role in helping tie up Ottoman troops in the Middle East. Who was he?

years later.

6. The Zimmermann telegram (above centre), intercepted and decoded by British Intelligence in 1917, caused uproar in the United States and proved a major factor in its decision to enter the war. What did the telegram propose?

global conflict a little over 20 Take our quiz to test your knowledge of the events of World War I. All the answers are overleaf.

7. An iconic recruitment poster (pictured below), featured Lord Kitchener in the uniform of a Field Marshall. But what post did he occupy at the outbreak of war? 8. How did German Admiral Wilhelm Souchon help manipulate Turkey into joining the war on Germany’s side? 9. Why did Allied troops fight Ottoman Empire forces at Gallipoli in modern day Turkey in 1915-16? 10. What significant contribution to the German war effort was made by Nobel Prize winner Fritz Haber? 11. On 22 April 1915 the Imperial German Embassy in Washington DC placed an advertisement in 50 US newspapers warning travellers not to do what?

16. What is the name of the Belgian municipality that was the scene of five battles, including those of Passchendaele and Lys? 17. Who resigned as First Lord of the Admiralty following the disastrous Gallipoli campaign and rejoined the British Army? 18. The largest military surrender in British history occurred on 29 April 1916 when General Sir Charles Townshend surrendered all 10,000 of his men in which city? 19. Which country declared war on Germany on 23 August 1914 aiming to retake some islands in the Pacific that Germany had seized? 20. The armistice between the Allies and Germany, which came into effect at 11.00am on 11 November 1918 was signed where?

12. July 1, 1916 was the worst day in the history of the British Army which incurred around 60,000 casualties in which battle? 13. What was the fate of Kaiser Wilhelm II after his forced abdication on 9 November 1918? 14. Who did Winston Churchill describe as “the only man on either side who could have lost the war in an afternoon?” 15. Who had 60 silver cups made to celebrate his war successes?

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1. The assassinations of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie (above left) on 28 June 1914 triggered World War I. But where did the assassinations take place?

quiz • answers

1. Sarajevo in Bosnia Herzegovina. The royal couple were shot by 19-year-old Bosnian Serb student Gavrilo Princip while they were en route to visit those injured in a grenade attack on their motor cavalcade earlier in the day. 2. Germany’s violation of Belgium neutrality. Germany wanted free passage for its army through neutral Belgium to invade France, but when the Belgians rejected the request Germany decided to invade Belgium as well. 3. It was Sergeant Alvin Cullum York. The film Sergeant York earned Gary Cooper the Academy Award for Best Actor. 4. France and Russia. To avoid a war on two fronts, Count Alfred von Schlieffen called for a rapid defeat of the French after which troops could be rushed by rail to the east to face the Russians. 5. He was Thomas Edward Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia whose exploits were immortalised in the film of the same name.

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6. The coded telegram dispatched by German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann, on 16 January 1917 proposed that Mexico invade the USA if the Americans entered the war. Mexico ignored the proposal. 7. Kitchener was Secretary of State for War, a Cabinet Minister, until his death in 1916 when the warship taking him to negotiations in Russia was sunk by a mine.

Bosnian Serb student Gavrilo Princip is arrested in Sarajevo after shooting Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the AustroHungarian throne, and his wife Duchess Sophie. Princip died in prison in 1918.  The Cunard Liner Lusitania, sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland with the loss of 1,198 passengers and crew. The Germans believed the Lusitania was carrying munitions.  Ypres in Belgium, scene of five battles during the course of the war. The Allied delegation, led by Marshall Foch, pose for a photograph outside the railway carriage in Compiègne where the Armistice was signed at 11.00am on November 11, 1918.

8. Sailing under Ottoman flags, two German battlecruisers under his command fired on several Russian seaports, sank a Russian gunboat and six merchant ships, and set fire to a Russian oil depot, prompting Russia to invade Turkey. 9. They were attempting to secure the sea route through the Dardanelles to the Black Sea ports of the Russian Empire, one of the Allied powers during the war. The naval attack was repelled and, after eight months’ fighting, with many casualties on both sides, the land campaign also failed and the invasion force withdrew to Egypt. 10. Haber played a major role in the development of chemical warfare. He led the teams developing deadly gases for use in trench warfare and supervised their release. 11. It warned people not to sail on the RMS Lusitania, a Cunard passenger liner which the Germans believed was carrying munitions. The Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland on 7 May 1915 with the loss of 1,198 lives. 12. It was the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest in history which took place along a 25-mile front between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. More than a million men were wounded or killed. 13. He went into exile in the Netherlands, which had remained neutral throughout the war. He died there on 3 June 1941 aged 82.

14. It was Admiral Sir John Jellicoe who commanded the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet in the last major sea battle, the Battle of Jutland, on May 31 and June 1, 1916. Of the 250 combat vessels in the engagement, the British lost 14 ships and 6,094 men and the Germans 11 ships and 2,551 men. 15. Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron. The German air ace commissioned a silver cup from a Berlin jeweller each time he recorded a confirmed ‘kill’. He was credited with 80 confirmed kills, but stopped commissioning cups when silver became hard to obtain. 16. Ypres – or Ieper to give it its official Dutch name – in West Flanders. Ypres occupied a strategic position because it stood in the path of Germany’s planned sweep across Belgium and into France. 17. Winston Churchill. 18. It was in Kut, Mesopotamia – modern day Iraq – during a campaign to capture Baghdad. More than half Townshend’s troops died in Turkish captivity. 19. Japan. 20. In a railway carriage in the forest of Compiègne, France. The carriage was part of the private train of Marshall Ferdinand Foch, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies in the spring of 1918. Some 22 years later Hitler gained some payback by making the French sign an armistice on the very same train after his army’s decisive victory.

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

Where else will tourists go? Sizing up Thailand’s potential competition

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t puzzles me when I see a TV news report about the political mess in Thailand and their first concern is the impact on the “crucial tourism market”. The 29 people who lost their lives this time around must certainly take precedence over whether or not the 19th coup in modern Thai history will scare the Russians away. And, as I have pointed out in previous essays, tourism only contributes seven per cent to the total GDP of Thailand. Surely there are more important repercussions of the current political “reset” than a few tour buses not completely packed with picture-snapping visitors. But we live in Pattayaland. Tourism is a crucial engine of industry. Concern about the future of tourism in Thailand really is a serious thing here. And I don’t mean filling barstools on Walking Street; that isn’t the big money in Pattaya. Selling property, on the other hand, is. As I have also said before, everybody who buys a property in Pattaya was a tourist at one point. It is undeniable that cycles and undulations in the tourism industry determine who’s coming, buying and staying here in Fun City. Some 50 countries put out travel warnings during the build-up to the coup, and most continue to caution travelers to go somewhere other than the land of smiles. Fewer tourists mean less prospective property buyers. It doesn’t take a master mathematician to figure out how the coup directly affects Pattaya, even if we have only been slightly

discomforted by the coup in the form of curfews. Past experiences tell us that the natural reaction to tourism industry threat for Thailand has been to attract different markets. When the TAT (Tourism Authority Thailand) decided over a decade ago to attract Russians, we got’em by the plane-ful. When they wanted to woo the Middle Eastern crowd, shisha lounges and halal eateries started popping up to accommodate them. Whether or not their resolution to attract “independently travelling Chinese” has worked is yet to be demonstrated. Let’s take the tourism temperature again around mid-November. My prediction is it will be “tepid”, with some folks doing business as usual, and others struggling. Going somewhere People are going to go on holiday somewhere. Tourists from cold countries want to go somewhere

It is undeniable that cycles and undulations in the tourism industry determine who’s coming, buying and staying in Fun City.

warm. Adventurous Asian travellers want to experience the exotic mysteries all around them. If you had to scratch Thailand off your list of vacation candidates, where would you go? One hotel’s cancellation is another one’s guest. Back in 2002, a terrorist set off a bomb in a packed disco in Bali killing more than 200 people, mostly Australians. As a resident of Phuket at the time, I remember seeing immediate results as Aussies favouring Indonesia’s most famous holiday spot rerouted to what they considered the next best thing; namely Phuket. A couple of years ago we all began to feel the tourism ripple effect of “Arab Spring” as countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and even Turkey became too much of a political hot spot for many traditional wintertime visitors. We got our second wave of Russians

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regular columnist • bart walters that love to be in a warm, cheap and friendly country; but couldn’t go where they had in seasons past. This year, Thailand may fall victim to bad press from political turmoil. Who will reap the windfall profits of Thailand’s beleaguered tourism industry? Well, assuming these skittish tourists would still prefer to come to Southeast Asia, there are a few pretty good alternatives. For the purpose of simplification, we’ll talk about three regional tourism competitors, although there are others. The Philippines has changed its nickname from the “sick man of Asia” to “rising tiger”. Cambodia competes for different markets, and sectors of markets traditionally dominated by Thailand, but modernisation in Phnom Penh and Siam Reap as well as some popular beach resorts make it a real contender. Indonesia’s Bali is a longtime favourite of SEA lovers, especially those from the southern hemisphere. And, for the sake of argument, let’s narrow our discussion down to a sample of incoming tourist markets. If you search the internet, you’ll get several different accountings of where our tourists come from, so I decided to go by feel. My research (see top of page) included travellers originating from Moscow, Frankfurt, London, Tokyo, Beijing, and Melbourne. I know there are several other major market segments and points of origin … especially from Europe. I’ve excluded the Americas because it takes us so damn long to get here there aren’t very many of us. Sad to say, but Americans are not significant to the Thai tourism market. But so we can compare apples to a fruit that is remotely related to them, indulge me. The chart below shows a couple of important issues facing travelers as they set out in search of somewhere else to be. The cost of roundtrip airfare and the duration of flights being paramount deciding factors to most; this should illustrate how some of Thailand’s competition stacks up.

City of origin

Round trip Bangkok In THB

Hours one way

Round trip Manila In THB

Hours one way

Round trip Phnom Penh THB

Hours one way

Round trip Bali in THB

Hours one way

Moscow 29,000 8.50 35,000 11.50 35,000 9.10

40,000 12.14

Frankfurt 38,000

11 32,000 11.32

39,000 14.32

23,000 5.30 37,000 4.50 15,000 5.22

64,000 6.47

Tokyo

Melbourne 33,000

11 36,000

9 30,000 7.43 25,000 8.24

25,000 5.21

London

42,000 11.50 40,000 13.50 32,000 12.38

34,000 15.14

Beijing

18,042 5.07 11,000 4.26 15,000 5.12

16,000 6.35

Source for air fare prices: www.skyscanner.com Source for flight durations: www.flight-durations.com Source for flights with Bangkok as a destination from Thai Airways, direct flights only.

My research included travellers from Moscow, Frankfurt, London, Tokyo, Beijing, and Melbourne. I know there are several other major market segments and points of origin … especially from Europe.

Some destinations were serviced by a lot of carriers but prices were within a close range so I chose a median fare. Other points of origin like Tokyo were also serviced by minions of carriers, but prices varied wildly so I chose a median price on the lower side of average. The dates I chose were the beginning of high-season. Departure on Saturday, 1 November 2014 and Return on Saturday 15 November 2014. Russians To avoid Thailand, Russians will have to pay slightly more and stay on the plane longer … significantly longer if heading to Bali. Airlines flying the Moscow to Manila route are (among others) Etihad, Qatar, Austrian Airlines and Air China. Only Qatar flies direct. China Southern offers the most flights from Moscow to Phnom Penh, though none of them are direct. Aeroflot and Dragon Air fly faster but slightly higher fares at around 38,000 THB. Russians adventurous enough to try Bali have a multitude of airlines to choose from including KLM, Etihad, Air France, Garuda and Aeroflot; still, no direct flights from Moscow to Bali. Germans It’s pretty much a dead heat for German travelers. Airfares and

durations are all similar except for a slightly longer ride to Bali. Every airline in the world seems to have a route to get from Frankfurt to Manila; Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Philippines Airlines, Dragon Air offer flights priced all over the place, but I chose the most common of the lower fares. South China, China Air, Malaysian Air and KLM offer service to Cambodia at identical prices. I only found flights from China Air and Etihad from Frankfurt to Denpasar (Bali’s airport). Japanese While all the flight durations were within an hour of each other, the airfares varied significantly. Tokyo to Manila was way more expensive than Tokyo to Bangkok and it is a shorter flight. And, I found a cheap flight from Tokyo to Phnom Penh at 15,000 THB! The fare to Bali is more than double even though the flight is only about an hour longer. Again, every carrier in the world has a Tokyo to Manila route, including direct flights. Only Vietnam and China Southern service Phnom Penh and Garuda has a direct flight from Tokyo to Bali. Aussies Our Australian friends in Melbourne will find it cheaper and faster to get to any of these competitive SEA locales. There were no direct flights

regular columnist • bart walters to Manila, but fare-wars abound as Malaysian Airlines, Jetstar, South China and Singapore Airlines offer fares ranging from 21,000 to well in excess of 50,000 THB. South China, Malaysian and Singapore Airlines are the main carriers to Phnom Penh with similar fares. Several carriers including Jetstar, Garuda and Austrian Air offer direct flights from Melbourne to Denpasar; again with rates varying from a low of 13,500 with an average of about 25,000 THB.

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English A trip from London Heathrow to Manila is a direct shot that costs 40,000 THB … a great deal in my opinion. A handful of operators including Etihad, Malaysian Air and South China offer competitive routes to Phnom Penh with none of them direct. Getting to Bali is equally indirect, sometimes including two stops. Chinese Chinese tourists originating in Beijing will find travel to “other than Thailand” SEA destinations cheaper and sometimes quicker. Flights to Manila are abundant and cheap. Even though there are no direct flights to Cambodia, they are cheaper than Bangkok as well. Getting from Beijing to Bali could be a wild ride with some flights having up to three stops. Of course these aren’t the only markets Pattaya tourism moguls have their eyes on, nor do the real estate slingers limit themselves to only these regions. India and Malaysia are making their presence felt. Northern Europeans are bedrocks of tourism throughout all of Thailand. But, I think these six regions will do nicely to demonstrate what kind of impact Thailand’s current state of political turmoil has on tourism. And, The Philippines, Cambodia and Bali are by no means the only SEA locations that could put up serious competition. Vietnam is becoming a favourite of just about everyone who likes Thailand. Malaysia is as first world as Thailand with an aggressive

Vietnam is becoming a favourite of just about everyone who likes Thailand. Malaysia is as first world as Thailand with an aggressive outbound tourism advertising campaign.

outbound tourism advertising campaign. I can’t remember the last time I made it through a TV viewing day without hearing the “Malaysia Truly Asia” song. Even smaller, less developed locations like Laos and Myanmar are finding their way onto SEA traveller’s radar screens. I think if we look at the chosen points of origin vs the SEA locales they might chose other than Thailand, we find the real answer to “Where will the tourists go?” While making comparisons, please keep in mind; all the points of origin have direct flights to Bangkok. Currently arrivals can get to the beaches here on the Chonburi Coast within 90 minutes. The Philippines The Philippines seems like the mostly likely candidate to steal tourists away from troubled Thailand. Travel times are similar as well as airfares. It should be particularly alluring for the Chinese and I would expect Koreans and Japanese to continue their trend of choosing The Philippines over Thailand. There are however some pretty severe differences between Thailand and The Philippines that might change the game. First of all, the airport in Manila is a notoriously exhausting experience. Getting anywhere away from Manila on the ground is a guaranteed two hour bumper-to-bumper ride just to get out of town, let alone somewhere else in Metro-Manila. Please remember … The Philippines is not an “island nation” … it is a “nation of islands” with more

than 7,000 to choose from. Getting to Manila isn’t even half the battle. Getting to a nice beach location like Boracay or Palawan will take at least another flight and a boat ride. The system of domestic airports in The Philippines is expanding, but it still takes a long time to get from Manila to somewhere nice. Most things in The Philippines are more expensive than they are in Thailand; especially from a tourist’s point of view. A decent three star hotel in The Philippines will cost you 20 per cent more than in Thailand. Edible food is also more expensive. The Philippines is not known for its cuisine so you might find yourself eating mostly imported dishes and hotel food. Between the accommodations, food and transportation, I’d say visitors might find The Philippines to be deceptive in terms of real cost. It is also important to understand that The Philippines is less safe than Thailand. Health care can be sporadic in its quality, especially in remote areas (meaning anywhere outside Manila or Cebu). The amount of guns in circulation in the general population is alarming. And, for the more tender-footed traveler, The Philippines may be a little too rough. Brownouts, not-sogood roads and unreliable internet connections abound even in the nicest spots. Overall, I’d say, “Sure The Philippines is a viable option to Thailand”. But I’ve lived over here a long time. At least once a year I go to The Philippines and enjoy the “rustic”

regular columnist • bart walters

64 REM 07/2014

atmosphere. (The smell of burning plastic and garbage always makes me think of the PI) But, I cannot imagine them posing a real threat to Thai tourism for quite a few years. If The Philippines is able to realise its plan of 11 new regional airports and continued development of the international airport two hours south of Manila at the Clark Freeport Zone, then they will be the most imposing threat to Thai tourism. That’s “if” with a capital “I”. A lot of money soaks into the ground when it comes to Philippine infrastructure projects. Cambodia In my opinion, Cambodia is a dark horse in the SEA tourism race. If we consider the proposal at hand … a two week holiday … Cambodia could be the most idyllic of any SEA vacation. Phnom Penh has blossomed into an exciting and vibrant city, embracing history and development at the same time. It is easy to imagine a traveler from any region enjoying up to a week exploring the surrounding sites, museums and especially the restaurants and bars. For us wine drinkers, Phnom Penh is heaven with its blinding selection and ohso-pocket-friendly prices. And as an unrepentant people-watcher I can tell you that an evening on the balcony of the Foreign Correspondent’s Club overlooking the river is a treat you owe yourself. But, the real attraction in Cambodia is the City of Angkor and Temple at Angkor Wat. Take it from a guy who has seen the Pyramids, The Acropolis and various a sundry other ancient wonders of the world … Angkor Wat takes the cake! The city of Siem Reap has grown at an alarming rate based on the popularity of the national treasure. Whether you take the spinecrushing drive from Phnom Penh, the suffocating river boat or fly first class to SiemReap’s international airport, Angkor is a must see for any SEAsiaphile. The beaches of Cambodia could use a little work. Sihounookville has turned into a model for all the things gone wrong in Thai beach resorts. However, on some of the islands between Cambodia and

The truth is, every time I leave Thailand and roam around the region I enjoy myself. But, after a week or two somewhere else in Southeast Asia; I get off the plane in Bangkok and kiss the ground. All those places are nice, but they aren’t Thailand.

Thailand there is hope for white sand and clean water. One of them has a Six Senses ultra-high end resort. Two weeks in Cambodia would be easy to fill up with something new every day.With recently amended foreign property ownership laws, friendly visa rules and an improving infrastructure, Thailand needs to look in the rear-view mirror to make sure Cambodia is still there. Bali The reason I included Bali in this mix was as an answer to beach lovers, divers and water sport enthusiasts of all kinds. Places like Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, KohSamui, KohPhangan, Trang and Koh Chang all depend on being on, in or around beautiful seascapes. Indonesia’s coastlines, especially around the island of Bali, are the stuff of postcards and should most certainly compete with Thailand for pure natural beauty. But Bali has a few lessons to learn and wrongs to right before it can compete with Thailand. First off, it is a much longer trip for most tourists, unless they reside in the Southern Hemisphere. From Europe it is prohibitively further with higher airfares. I think logistics alone would dictate that Bali might steal some Aussies, Kiwis and possibly Asians within six hours or so, but Europeans and Russians will find somewhere else closer to home. Secondly, Bali has fallen into disfavour with those who used to love its beaches for sun and surf. My

youngest son is a surf-traveller and he informs me that all the surf bloggers are complaining about skyrocketing hotel prices, filthy beaches and polluted waters. One American I met on the way home from Bali compared it to Mexico’s hotspots like Cancun and Acapulco. “One year the beach is beautiful, the next year it’s an ashtray” he said. “It’s a shame what has happened to Bali”. The truth is, every time I leave Thailand and roam around the region I enjoy myself. But, after a week or two somewhere else in Southeast Asia; I get off the plane in Bangkok and kiss the ground. All those places are nice, but they aren’t Thailand. Ask anyone who has spent even a little time here and they’ll say the same thing. And exactly where are you supposed to go that replaces Pattaya? Forget the rest of Thailand … Pattaya is as unique as Las Vegas. When you want Las Vegas, Macao just won’t do! In my not-so-humble opinion, the tourism business will suffer in some market segments. People who have never been here before may shy away and visit somewhere they perceive to be safer. Competitor countries will most certainly smell blood and ramp up the advertising and lower the air fares to attract Thailand-wary vacationers. As for people who have been here before, well … there’s just no place like Thailand. This place can exist on returning visitors alone. Bart Walters

special report • dave buckley

Arcadia comes to Naklua some facts and figures

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l 147 Luxury apartments over eight storeys l Prices start from Bt1.365m l Studio apartments (21-27 sqm) from Bt1.365m l One-bed apartments (25-48.5 sqm) from Bt1.825m l Two-bed apartments (58-70 sqm) from Bt5.017m l Easy and affordable early-bird payment schedule l Expected completion end Q3 2016 l Complimentary furniture pack with every apartment sold in the pre-launch promotion. l Pre-launch promotional discount limited to just the first 50 units sold – call +66 (0)85 282 6454 or email info@heights-holdings.com for further details.

he latest offering from Heights Holdings, their 18th – Arcadia Beach Residence Naklua – is an intimate, eightstorey luxury condominium set close to the shores of Naklua Bay. Arcadia Beach Residence Naklua offers a unique living experience with a variety of apartment types ranging from 21-70 sqm, to suit all prospective residents. Specialist features include standalone hot tubs in the deluxe corner apartments, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass exterior walls allowing for panoramic 270-degree ocean views from the ground floor upwards. A spokesman for HH said: “You will be able to relax and unwind on the rooftop among submerged sunbeds and tropical ‘chill zones’. Enjoy a welcoming reception at the hotelstyle lobby with concierge services. Or relish the secluded ambiance with ocean vistas on the 2nd floor relaxation sun-deck, served by the inhouse restaurant.” Arcadia Beach Residence Naklua

boasts a plethora of rooftop amenities including a fully-equipped fitness and gymnasium suite, dry and steam sauna rooms, Jacuzzi zone, large swimming pool, barbeque area and a serene botanical garden. Take in the views of Naklua Bay from the large rooftop sun-deck, positioned just 50 metres from the ocean, and enjoy secure accesscontrolled parking provided for residents’ convenience. Exclusive community The spokesman added: “It will be built just metres from the Naklua fishing pier and only a stone’s throw from the Sanctuary of Truth temple. Arcadia Beach Residence Naklua is surrounded by a range of five-star hotels and beach resorts – testament to the upmarket, exclusive community that will lie on the doorstep of owners. “Enjoy the bright lights of Central Pattaya, accessible in less than 10 minutes by car, and superb transport links to Bangkok’s Suvanabhumi Airport – just 120 kilometres away.” |

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 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

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

designed this in conjunction with the late Desmond Muirhead. Many holes test accuracy, not length, of drive. Tel: 038 941 111 Great Lake: is a 36-hole, par 72, Nick Faldo design to the east of Pattaya. The 120 bunkers, water hazards and lovely setting make this a challenging course at moderate prices. Tel: 038 622 630 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 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 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

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 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

Pattavia Century (formerly Century Chonburi): Designed by Nick Faldo, this 18-hole, par 72 course, has recently undergone remodelling on some of the holes. And there is a new clubhouse to enjoy. Tel: 081 304 1545

The Emerald: Close to Bang Chang, Emerald is another course where Nick Faldo has left his mark. He

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

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 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 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 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 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

Don’t miss out on the Chinese market

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l China remains Thailand’s number one tourist market, with a total of 4.7 million arrivals in 2013 – a 68.83 per cent jump over 2012. - Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor TAT

Ring: 087 988 0799

IT IS ABOUT THE SAFEST INVESTMENT IN THE WORLD!”

ady

+66(0)8 999 33-689

089-092-11-33

in!

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

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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

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

78 REM 07/2014

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

impulse all stars

Will acting on Impulse pay off?

Back to normal “There’s no plan to stop Movers & Shakers,” Cees was quick to point out. “The aim is to get those meetings going again once Bangkok has returned to normal.” Indeed, as this magazine was going to press the intention was to hold another Movers & Shakers at a different venue in Pattaya.

“If things stay the same there is a tendency for them to go stale,” said Cees. “So we are looking to switch to Siam@Siam Hotel at the northern end of Second Road. I want to make it clear that we part company with the Havana Bar at Holiday Inn on the best of terms. They have been absolutely brilliant for us and I would be happy to return there at some future date.” So what about the Impulse All Stars? “First take note that the word ‘networking’ is not in the title,” said Cees pointing out that the word hadn’t suddenly become dirty. He just wants Impulse to have a different dynamic. “I have been in contact with some of the best and biggest groups who organise get-togethers in Bangkok and elsewhere asking them if they would like to do something collectively,” said Cees. “Hence the ‘All Stars’ part of the name. The response from all has been very positive.” On their Facebook page (www. facebook.com/ImpulseThailand) they describe the group as an independent co-operation between (PR-Network) event organisers in Thailand! Jointly promoted events for business entrepreneurs, is the tagline. Among the groups Cees has

Above: The brilliantly lit scene at Ku De Ta which is the venue in mind for the first Impulse gathering.

‘My approach has been to say let’s organise a Try Out & Find Out bash in August.’ Cees Cuijpers

contacted are Bangkok Entrepreneurs, Bangkok Charity Orchestra, Positive Nightlife, Blue Seas, TFI, Bangkok Models, HUBBA Thailand, CCA (Calling Cast Asia), Ministry of Golf, YSIS PR and Business Services Agency, Expat Ladies Bangkok, Thailand Professionals and, of course, Movers & Shakers. Other input “My approach has been to say let’s organise a Try Out & Find Out bash in August,” said Cees. “I haven’t tried to fully think through the format it will take as I want the input of these other organisations. But each of them is capable of getting between 100 and 500 folk to an event so the combined force should be considerable.” Cees does, however, have a venue in mind ... Ku De Ta in Bangkok which recently became part of the Vuiton organisation. This may give some indication of the levels Cees plans to attain. “At the outset I’m imagining that we might get-together as a big group perhaps twice a year,” said Cees. “But it is early days yet so who knows where Impulse All Stars might go.” Dave Buckley

83 REM 07/2014

hose of you who know Cees Cuijpers well will not be surprised in the slightest to discover the name of his latest venture – it’s the Impulse All Stars. Cees, the head of Town & Country Property, developed acting on impulse into something of an art form long before the perfume of the same name was around. To my mind Cees is probably the uncrowned king of organising networking parties from Bangkok down along the Eastern Seaboard. He has demonstrated this over the past five or so years first with Lighthouse, then with Movers & Shakers and now he is trying to see if the “message” can reach an even wider audience.

coffee break • robert collins

Did you know?

Coffee break

Kit Musgrave survived being torpedoed on three different ships on the same day. He was aboard HMS Aboukir on September 22, 1914 when it was torpedoed and sank. He was boarding HMS Hogue when she too was torpedoed and sank. He was rescued by HMS Cressy which was also torpedoed and sank. Musgrave found some driftwood and was eventually picked up by a Dutch trawler. He died in 1989 aged 90.

N __ ___ N ____ ____ ______ R ____ ____ ______ __ N R ____ N _______ R ________ R ___ __ ____ ____ ______. 9

10 18 25

18 23 16

12 13 16 26

25 13 15 20

6 16 1 0 13 15 19

7 18 25 25 16 23 26

CRYPTOGRAM

17 7

25 17

12 13 16 26

9 10 18 25

Jaguar E-type – most beautiful car

6 16 24 17 23 16

12 13 16 26

3 26

9 13 25 10 13 15

sudoku

5 6 8 7 9 5 4 3 6

3 1

5 1. Jaguar E-type (UK, 1961-75) 2. Citroën DS (France 1955-75) 3. Jaguar XK120/140/150 (UK, 1948-61) 4. Ferrari Dino 206/246 GT (Italy, 1968-76) 5. Lamborghini Miura (Italy, 1966-73) 6. Aston Martin DB4/5/6 (UK, 1958-71)

The six most beautiful cars ever made according to readers of the Daily Telegraph:

+ +

15 ×

× +

-29 ÷

28 36

Two-minute trivia 1. What is the largest stretch of inland water in the UK by surface area? 2. Who is the oldest singer to have a UK No 1 single? 3. Who was the only Englishman to be Pope? 84 REM 07/2014

5 18 23 16 9

9 10 18 25

Decode this Ralph Waldo Emerson quote by deciphering the missing letters. We’ve given you two to start.

number cruncher

18 15 19

Six of the best

Answers to all the puzzles appear on Page 94 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.

4. Who was Roman Emperor at the time of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion?

1 7

8 4 6 9

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

5. Which footballer has the most FA Cup winner’s medals?

Crystal Bay Eastern Star Emerald Green Valley

6. Coronation Street is set in which fictitious suburb?

Pleasant Valley Plutaluang Royal Lakeside Treasure Hill

Laem Chabang Mountain Shadow Pattana Pattavia Century

wining • dining

the chow hound ... My Little Indian Secret

A simple solution to curry cravings

There are two very distinct characteristics of Indian Kitchen that mark it as an authentic place. First, there are always a lot of Indian people eating there. Second, you’ll have to be patient as everything seems to be made to order.

Authentic place There is indoor and outdoor seating, and The Hound always chooses outside. There are two very distinct characteristics of Indian Kitchen that mark it as an authentic place. First, there are always a lot of Indian people eating there. Second, you’ll have to be patient as everything seems to be made to order. The selection and quantity of Dal available at Indian Kitchen is superb. Dal is a staple dish of the Punjab region of India. Dal means “lentil rich sauce” hence Dal is usually made of puréed lentils. The Chow Hound’s favourite at Indian Kitchen is Dal Makhani made with whole black lentils and red kidney beans. The Hound loves dishes that are made for dipping. And what does The Hound dip in his Dal Makhani? The wonderful Indian version

of bread known as “Nan”, of course! Nan is a leavened and oven-baked flatbread. There are several varieties offered at Indian Kitchen stuffed with garlic, onion, even cheese. Dipping garlic Nan into some steaming hot Dal is a particular pleasure for The Hound he gets to use his paws and there is great danger of getting some on his shirt. Lure of aroma The aroma that drew The Hound into Indian Kitchen in the first place turned out to be the tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. This contraption is used to cook all kinds of dishes, even the luscious flatbread Nan. The Tandoori Chicken at Indian Kitchen is positively addictive. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and seasoned with tandoori masala, a classic Indian spice mixture including cayenne pepper, red chili, turmeric and paprika. The tandoor operates at a very high temperature and seals in all the juice and flavour. The Hound finds smell and the flavour wafting up from the sizzling plate intoxicating. “Well now I’ve let the secret out,” howls The Hound. But he knows that a good restaurant is like a good story … he’s just got to tell somebody! |

85 REM 07/2014

veryone has those secret little places they eat. Once discovered you’re never really sure if you want to tell everyone or keep it all for yourself. The Chow Hound has a little Indian secret located in Jomtien Beach called simply, Indian Kitchen. It’s low-key, low-profile and probably the best place you’ve never been to. There are plenty of Indian restaurants in Pattaya; it seems like more all the time. Ask a Pattayan where they recommend for Indian food and chances are you’ll be directed to a couple of well-known establishments that are good solid purveyors of Indian cuisine. But, when The Hound gets a curry craving he trots on down to a place that is easy to miss. Tiny little Indian Kitchen is located in Jomtien Beach just near the arch and the changeover from Thappraya to Beach Road. The Hound was stranded there during a rainy season flood, stopped in for a beer and Indian Kitchen became his “go to” Indian eatery.

mystery columnist • our man at large

Our mystery writer reflects on the recent upheavals in the country and says that, curfews apart, there has been little discernable change. But Thailand needs to get travel warnings from other countries lifted soon to boost many areas of the local economy.

Maybe it’s all for the best ...

86 REM 07/2014

o much can happen in a short space of time in Thailand and in the last couple of months we have see a military coup and a curfew imposed but still life has carried on pretty much as normal and there are not many other places in the world where you can say that! Coups are, of course, nothing new in Thailand and, dependent on your source of information, there have been anything between 15 and 30 coups or attempted coups since Thailand changed from being an absolute monarchy to a democracy in 1932. The current one seems unlikely to end anytime soon, there are many arguments from both sides regarding whether it is a good thing or a bad thing but regardless of your views, I think everyone wants what is in Thailand’s long-term best interests to happen. How this is achieved is hard to

predict and after the troubles with the red and yellow shirts, perhaps now was the right time for the army to step in to try to give some stability. At the very least it may cool some of the current tensions between the political parties. Thailand has been in a period of fairly serious upheaval since the end of last year when the government of Yingluck Shinawatra was deposed, leading to demonstrations in many areas of the country by both sides.

Thailand

Negative impact This had a negative impact on the country in terms of how Thailand is seen by the rest of the world and, indeed, many overseas governments have been advising their citizens not to travel to Thailand unless it is absolutely necessary. People listened to this advice and tended to stay away with a return looking to be as far off as the coup ending.

when the

has been in a period of fairly serious upheaval since the end of last year

government of Yingluck Shinawatra was deposed.

The lack of visitors, which started a couple of months into the last high season, has had a big impact on a city like Pattaya which relies heavily on overseas visitors for much of the business in the city. The impact is not just felt in the hotels, bars and restaurants but throughout the city as the effect snowballs due to there being less money in circulation. Everybody feels the effects and there is very little that the city of Pattaya can do on its own to try to attract these people back without the help of the government and the tourist authorities. To be honest, I doubt if in the current environment, that sort of help will not be forthcoming in the near future. I think that it is for this reason that most people will hope that the current situation brings things to a close sooner rather than later and then efforts can be made

Smile please: The appearance of troops on Bangkok streets has been seized upon as an excuse for some “selfie” photography.

on in order to either flip them or gain greater returns on their investment longer term in the form of rental returns. If these investors get nervous or decide to wait, it may delay the start of projects as most projects only start building work once a certain percentage of units have been sold, this is usually around 30 per cent. Obviously if the off plan and new market is being hit it is highly likely that this will have a knock-on effect on the resale market with again there being reduced demand. It is unlikely that people who are not familiar with Thailand will looking to purchase a property at the present time – so that only leaves long-term residents and those frequent returning visitors. Off the market The effect of this could be that many properties are taken off the market and the present owner decides to hold on to the property or the price will need to be significantly reduced because of the lack of demand. This could mean that buyers will be in a very strong bargaining position. Over recent months we have again seen a reduction in the value of the baht. For those receiving an income from overseas this is obviously good with the baht having fallen by nearly 25 pwer cent in a year against some currencies. This naturally means that in real terms, incomes for this group of people have risen by 25 per cent making Thailand more attractive again.

If things pan out as we all hope they will Thailand will enjoy a long propsperous future and we can all benefit. It is long term stability that we need and this will breed confidence and then we can start to move forward again.

Whether this group of people are the ones looking to b uy property is open to debate, but it may provide a welcome boost for the local economy in these hard times. The long term prospect for Thailand will depend very much on the outside world’s view of Thailand after the effects of the coup have begun to set in and the whole situation has stabilised. Regardless of any initiatives the Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT) tries, ultimately the advice of foreign governments will have a large impact of tourists visiting and staying in Thailand. If things pan out as we all hope they will, Thailand will enjoy a long prosperous future and we can all benefit. It is long term stability that we need and this will breed confidence and then we can start to move forward again. As always space is running short. I think those of us who live here have been largely unaffected by the coup except for the curfew. From my experience it was people in the outside world who weren’t aware of the situation who were naturally concerned for friends and family living here. Perhaps the media ‘played up’ the story in order to make the news more interesting but I think we all went about our normal daily lives. So until next time, stay safe, and keep enjoying the Land of Smiles!

87 REM 07/2014

to try and rebuild a much wounded tourist industry. A lot has been invested into the city in recent years to try to improve its image, so it seems sad if all of this hard work were to be wasted because of the latest upheaval. It is important that we don’t lose these tourists to other neighbouring countries who are viewed as being more political stable. Of course, Pattaya is not just full of tourists although they do make up a large percentage of the number of foreigners that are here. Lots of international companies have set up here to make the most of the resources that are available and the advantageous conditions that are offered to overseas companies to encourage them to invest in Thailand. This naturally brings a number of expats into Pattaya who remain largely unaffected by high seasons and low seasons, coups and normality. At present it is this group, the international companies and their employees, who the military need to ensure continue to invest in Thailand for the sake of the long term prosperity. The potential impact of the current situation on the property market could be marked. If foreign visitors stay away long term prices are likely to drop substantially due to the lack of demand. This is simple market forces. It is important to remember that in many of the larger condos that are being built, investors tend to buy large portions in the building early

coffee break • answers

Don’t miss out on the Chinese market l China remains Thailand’s number one tourist market, with a total of 4.7 million arrivals in 2013 – a 68.83 per cent jump over 2012. - Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Ring: 087 988 0799

Coffee break answers

cryptogram

two-minute trivia

1 Loch Lomond; 2 Tom Jones (68, Islands in the Stream); 3 Nicholas Breakspear (1100-59); 4 Tiberius; 5 Ashley Cole (7); 6 Weatherfield. NUMBER CRUNCHER AND SUDOKU

88 REM 07/2014

Multiply and divide before adding or subtracting. The second row across therefore is 4 x 8 = 32; 3 – 32 = –29.

‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson

wordsearch

broker & developer directory

This is one of the views from the swimming pool level in Matrixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Vision development which is the subject of this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cover story.

Your at-a-glance guide to some of the major players in the Pattaya property market. We do not claim this is a comprehensive list of all the brokers and developers who can provide a service but we hope readers will find it helpful.

Sponsorship of this directory is now available. If interested to know more please contact Dave on

087 988 0799

agents agents •• directory 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 Chaiyapruk, 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 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 REM 07-07/2014 Issues 158 158 and and 159 159 07-08/2014 •• Issues

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

xxxxxxxx • xxwriterxxxxx 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 07-08/2014 • Issues 158 and 159

Five Star Villas & Condos 315/5 Moo 9, Soi Leng Kee, Pattaya Third 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 Gecko Properties 420/146 Soi Buakhow Moo 9 (street with Asia Backpackers on corner) T: +66 (0)38 412 150 M: +66 (0)846 564 846 E: info@gecko-properties.com W: gecko-properties.com Principal: Steve Scholey

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.

Global Property Pattaya Co Ltd 565/56 Moo 10, near Big C South Pattaya T: +66 (0)38 426 231 F: +66 (0)38 426 232 M: +66 (0)81 838 1390 E: info@globalpropertythailand.com W: globalpropertythailand.com or global-property-pattaya.com Principal: Rainer Heinzmann Memberships: REBA-ES, CIPS 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

JLL (formerly 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

agents â&#x20AC;˘ directory

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 Pattaya Bay Real Estate 338/24 Moo 12 Pratumnak Road T: + 66 (0)38 250 944 M: + 66 (0)811 580 065 (English) + 66 (0)861 566 346 (Thai) E: info@pattayabayrealestate.com W: pattayabayrealestate.com Principal: Mal Patterson 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 Realty 420/185 Moo 9 Soi Buakhow 15 T: +66 (0)38 412 301-2 M: +66 (0)89 833 6175 or (0)90 465 4563 E: info@pattayarealty.com W: pattayarealty.com Principal: Stuart Daly Memberships: CIPS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR Advertisements: Pages 12 and 13 Powerhouse Properties Co Ltd View Talay Residence 4 489/2 Jomtien Soi 5, Pattaya, 20150 T: +66 (0)38 059 635 M: +66 (0)81 945 8002, +66(0)90 398 6643 E: info@powerhousepropertiesltd.com W: powerhousepropertiesltd.com Principal: J. Bernard Memberships: REBA-ES, REBA (Thailand), RETS (Thailand), CIPS, NAR, CRS, RESMA 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 W: premierinternational.com Principals: Clayton and Supap Wade Memberships: CIPS, RETS (Thailand), NAR

Pattaya Paradise City Property 99/684-685, Moo 5, Chok Chai Village 8, Soi Watboonsampan T: +66 (0)38 376 145 Fax: +66 (0) 38 376 147 M: +66 (0)81 761 3238 E: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com W: pattaya-property.biz Principal: Gavin Perfect

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

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

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

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 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 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

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REM 07-08/2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Issues 158 and 159

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 Principal: Richard Arthur Memberships: RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS

REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

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

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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@globalpropertythailand.com www.globalpropertythailand.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-

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xxxxxxxx • xxwriterxxxxx 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 07-08/2014 • Issues 158 and 159

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 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 Golden View Development Co Ltd Showroom in Third Road close to the start of the Bali Hai fly-over Projects: Masters Residence and Imperial Twins Residence T: 038 410 786 M: +66 (0)90 125 8969 E: info@goldenview.asia W: goldenview.asia Principals: Mark Membership: AIPP 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, C-View and Arcadia Beach Resorts (Pattaya and Naklua) 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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agents • directory

Where you can get a copy of REm

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

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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REM 07-07/2014 • Issues 158 and 159 REM 07-08/2014 • Issues 158 and 159

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

xxxxxxxx • xxwriterxxxxx 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

REM 07-08/2014 • Issues 158 and 159

Powerhouse Properties Co Ltd View Talay Residence 4 489/2 Jomtien Soi 5, Pattaya, 20150 T: +66 (0)38 059 635 M: +66 (0)81 945 8002, +66(0)90 398 6643 E: info@powerhousedev.com W: powerhousedev.com watersedge-pattaya.com skylightjomthien.com habitusjomthien.com Principal: J. Bernard Memberships: REBA-ES, REBA (Thailand), RETS (Thailand), CIPS, NAR, CRS, RESMA 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

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), Waterfront Suites & Residences (Bali Hai), Royal Tulip Suites 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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YMC