Rem March 2014 by Pattaya Property Consultants

REm

the city magazine for pattaya

Issue 154 | March 2014 | www.remthai.com

Amaya Hill: Quality project in the right place at the right time

เรียล เอสเตท แม๊กกาซีน ไทยแลนด์

who is who • commentary

Managing Director Dave Buckley Tel: 087 988 0799 dave@remthai.com Publisher/Editor Mesiya Watson may@realestatemagazinethailand.com Sales and Marketing Wongduan Roberts Tel: 087 535 8096 duan@thailandpropertymagazine.com or realestatemag@hotmail.com or dave@remthai.com Office/Accounts Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474 dear@thailandpropertymagazine.com Web address www.remthai.com Artwork, Design & Layout Tel: 086 833 2543 (Khun Third)

Our team

Since 2001 – Thailand’s first English language property magazine

Signs of the times The visa-on-arrival policy introduced at the start of the year to allow Chinese citizens easier access to Thailand is paying off – especially with independent travellers. Now all they need is a valid passport and a return ticket home, it seems. And why wouldn’t the Thai authorities want to make

Dave Buckley looks at how tourism trends are slowly but surely changing

things easier? The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reporting that 4.7 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2013 – an increase of 68 per cent compared to the year before. This makes the Chinese the biggest group of visitors here by quite some margin. Indeed, these numbers are expected to jump even further when a bilateral visa exemptions agreement is signed later this year. What impact will this easing of red tape have on Pattaya? Well we only have to look back about half a decade or so and consider the Russian example.

Thailand made it easier for Russians to travel here and the folk from that 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 and former Soviet republics quickly discovered a new hot spot – quite literally. Countries favoured previously, like Egypt, started experiencing internal conflicts and Thailand stepped in, unfurled the welcome mat and benefitted greatly. Of course, Thailand is now in danger of handing that initiative back thanks to its own recent internal strife. As you travel around Pattaya you will see many signs around the city in the Russian language; not that many years ago you could count them on

Publication Licence Number 2/2549

one hand. Over time I expect a similar story to unfold about the Chinese in

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.

the potential of the Chinese market. Some people are of the opinion that Chinese visitors never go out of their hotels except to jump on a tour bus to visit a local attraction. I can remember a time when you hardly saw a Russian outside of Jomtien ... but how things have changed in recent years. Slowly I sense that Chinese visitors are getting out more on their own. Magazines in the Chinese language (produced in conjunction with REm, it should be admitted) are quickly snapped up from racks outside places such as Subway sandwich bars, Mike’s Shopping Mall and Mimosa. This indicates that the “stay around the pool or jump on a bus” archetype no longer applies. Is the above wishful thinking on my part or a certain prophesy? Only time will tell. But here’s a parting thought ... at Bangkok’s main Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports Chinese is joining English alongside the Thai language on the main terminal signs! Wonder why? 3 REM 03/2014

Pattaya as more and more restaurateurs and other businesses wake up to

contents • leisure

cover story

leisure

Amaya Hill – right place, right time The city goes pop

57•local events: The city goes pop this month when the Pattaya International Music Festival takes place. Look forward to three fun-filled nights. 18•home

comes

life first:

Phase I is sold out and that was before the developers had

That

a show house. Now two show houses are ready and another

are the feelings

one will follow soon at Amaya Hill near Lake Mabprachan.

sums actor

up Matt

Damon who hit local screens in

The Men,

Monuments the

story

of a special unit attempting

save art stolen by

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32 06

Tulip Group announce a new mixed use project on Phratamnak.

Nazis in WWII. Another property show is planned for October at a new hotel venue.

Bart Walter reflects on

34•Quiz time: It leans more than the famous tower

life in the suburbs with

in Pisa, but where is it? Test your knowledge of

his view on Jomtien.

landmarks in this month’s quiz.

advertisers • page numbers

AAAA Properties

Acura Windows & Doors

Amaya Hill Cover Arcadia Beach Resort (HH)

61, 63, 65

ASAP Yacht Chandlery

BBX Barter Company

Beach Properties

86-87

Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya (Tulip) Centara Grand Residence (Tulip) City Center Residence (Matrix)

Inside front cover

Coastal Real Estate

Colliers International

16-17

Cosy Beach View

Cube, The (Tudor Group)

22-23

C-View (Heights Holdings)

Del Mare (Porch Land)

D-Sign Furniture

East Coast Real Estate

Elegance Condominium @ Cosy Beach

Euro Design

FARANG Services

4-5

Gecko Properties

Global Property (Global Solidor)

Golden Tulip Hotel & Residence (Tulip)

50-51

Green Field Villas 5

78-79

Laguna Beach Resort – The Maldives (HH) Masters, The

Inside Back Cover

Movers & Shakers

Nam Talay (Nova)

Ocean Pacific (Nova)

Oceanic Boat Builder

One Stop Real Estate

Pattaya Automobile Co Ltd (Nissan)

Pattaya Channel

Pattaya Realty

Pattaya Realty Commercial Porch Land Real Estate Broker Association Rightmove Brokers Riviera, The – Wongamat Royal Tulip Suites

15 Between 40-41 100-101 34 7 10-11

Sands Condominium

Serenity Wongamat (Nova)

Sky, The – Jomtien (Matrix)

Southpoint (Kingdom Property) Town & Country Property

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56 54-55

3 8-9

Tudor Group

Tulip Group

Veranda Residence Pattaya Vision, The (Matrix) Waterfront Suites & Residences (Tulip)

Back cover 26 52-53

news • property

Mixed use Royal Tulip launched The Tulip Group have confirmed that their latest hotel and condominium is now available in a special pre-launch phase. Royal Tulip Suites Pattaya will be a combined luxury high-rise hotel and condominium located just 70m from the beach on the prestigious Phratamnak Hill in Soi 5 near the Royal Residence. Tulip Group vice-president Jason Payne said: “The project will offer amazing facilities, stunning views of the beach, surrounding islands, the entire area of Phratamnak, distant views to Pattaya Park and even as far as Jomtien and Bang Saray beaches.” The five-star Royal Tulip Hotel will occupy the first 12 floors of the property and the residential component – Royal Tulip suites – will be on the remaining 10 floors. Key selling points for this new development are that it will be fully managed by Golden Tulip Hotels & Resorts, and residents will have use

of all hotel facilities. This sought-after location is home to some of the best beaches in the area, and is away from the hustle and bustle of Central Pattaya. The area is clean and quiet and the property will boast stunning 360° views of the city as well as amazing ocean views. Apartments range from one-two bedrooms, up to rooftop penthouses and will be available to buy freehold. Jason added: “We are extremely excited about this property, and will begin construction immediately as the project is fully EIA approved and building permits are in place. This is an established area for luxury hotels, condominiums and private luxury housing, and this property will be one of the first branded residences in this area.” Royal Tulip Suites is available to buy at a special pre-launch discounted price for further information visit http://www.rtsuitespattaya.com/en/ index.php

Thai cities rank poorly in quality of living stakes

8 REM 03/2014

Venetian starts to build Above: The strong Italian theme is clearly seen in the projected architecture, clock tower and gondola rides planned for the resort.

As this magazine was preparing to go to press the developers of the Venetian Signature Condo Resort Pattaya were due to hold an onsite party to celebrate the start of construction at the resort. As one might expect from a resort with a strong Italian influence the entertainment for the party had a strong musical and operatic theme.

Venetian will comprise four buildings – Antonio, Bellini, Casanova and Marco Polo – set around an endless lazy river style stream complete with Rialto-style bridge, gondolas, jacuzzi and a clock tower. The project will offer a total of 990 units set in 4,272 sqw and residents will also have a clubhouse with restaurant on site.

There is no place in the world’s top 50 in the Mercer 2014 Quality of Living rankings for any Thai city. Mercer conducts its Quality of Living survey annually to help multinational companies and other employers compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments. Top city for the fifth year running is Vienna and Asia’s highest ranked – Singapore – only gets a look in at No 25. The next four highest ranked in Asia are all to be found in Japan. Mercer’s Quality of Living analyses 39 living conditions to reach its findings for more than 460 cities throughout the world; the ranking covers 223 of these cities. The survey uses New York as its benchmark. Bottom of the list is Baghdad.

cover story • dave buckley

Top quality in the right place at the right time ...

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hen it comes to buying a property the needs of prospective purchasers can often be highly individual. But there are certain factors that frequently crop up on just about everyone’s wish list. Generally, people want to live in the right place and have bought the property at the right time in terms of price and future prospects. To refer to the right place at the right time implies an element of luck. But, when considering Amaya Hill I believe that judgement, rather than luck, is a key factor. Consider the following attributes of Amaya’s location: l It is close to the open air delights offered by Lake Mabprachan; l It is on a hill giving cooling breezes and views of the city and bay; l Access to Highway 7 – and, thereby, Bangkok, its airport and the more local industrial estates – is easy; l A top international school lies just a few minutes’ drive away; l Access to the planned station for the high-speed rail link will be

five minutes in the other direction when Mabprachan Reservoir Station is built. I’m reminded of the much used mantra of the real estate industry: location, location, location. Maybe that should be revised to infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. Okay, it doesn’t trip off the tongue quite so easily but good infrastructure is a vital element in property ownership and investment. And Amaya – especially in years to come when the rail link arrives – will have good infrastructure by the bucket-load. So, if you wish to be in the right place at the right time is Amaya Hill the right choice for you? Other elements Well, only you can decide. But, perhaps to help you make up your mind, in addition to the location, there are several other elements buyers would do well to consider. Amaya offers a multitude of choice and by the time you read this two three-bedroom show units will be

complete with a third to follow very soon after. The first two units will amply demonstrate the difference between two of the standard (Type C) offerings. In the first the third bedroom is attached to the rest of the house making it probably more suitable for families with young children. In the second it is fully detached from the house lending itself to use by visiting guests or live-in relatives who want a little independence. Amaya offers flexibility. If you like the concept but would wish for a bigger plot the option is there to buy an adjoining one. Four buyers in the fully sold out Phase I have already taken up this option. Phase I was sold in less than a year – and that’s without a showroom to aid sales. If you need more bedrooms Amaya can oblige with its Type D that contains five bedrooms. Same plot size, they just add another storey. In total Amaya will have three phases comprising a total of 75 plots. Of course, given the willingness of the developers to sell additional plots

be involved at Amaya Hill. The developers’ quality standards dovetail perfectly with our own.” I visited the nearly ready show rooms early last month. They are delightful. Each has a feature pool though, flexible again, you can choose not to have a pool and make a saving. My own reaction is: Why wouldn’t you have a pool? But individual needs might dictate otherwise. Back to the interiors ... there are special furniture packages available and, if you are not an interior designer yourself, I expect you will want to avail yourself of one. Energy efficiency Energy efficiency is a major consideration in the designs. For example top-of-the range Inverter air conditioning units are standard and the lighting is LED. The basic price of a 103 sqm interior house is Bt6.9m. You would not be buying a bare shell in the sense of getting unfinished walls but the best features of the design – the elements you will be “sold” on such

l For further details about Amaya Hill please contact: English 0898677969 or 0870696608 or Thai 0817792240 Email terry@ amayahill.com or guy@ amayahill.com; Website www. amayahill.com. The Crystal Design Center contact is Deli LaBarck who is available on +66 (0) 86 7118520.

as the pool, full kitchen and the like – add another Bt1m to that price. “You won’t find anything nearby that compares on price and quality,” said Terry Collins. Guy Van Harten added: “The ‘new’ Pattaya is attracting more sophisticated buyers. There is a huge manufacturing section developing in and around the area bringing more skilled workers seeking good quality accommodation.” Those seeking assurances about that quality can, of course, visit and see for themselves. Or you can look at the award-winning credentials of the developers. Amaya is in the running for the title of Best Housing Project in the International Property Awards Asia Pacific which will be announced in Kuala Lumpur in April. This follows hot on the heels of numerous other award successes – both local and international – enjoyed by Terry and his team in recent years. Phase II of the project has already been released and is selling well. Look out for announcements of a launch party in the near future. |

15 REM 03/2014

to buyers, it’s certain that the final number of homes will be fewer than the total of plots. Special mention should be made of the interiors at Amaya Hill. A lot of thought has gone into them from the developers personally. The interior of one of the ready show homes was designed by Danny Van Harten who, along with his son Guy are prime movers in the project; the other is by project partner Terrence (Terry) Collins who is also known for his The Vineyard developments. The third show home is being developed with the rental market in mind. The interiors for this one will come from the Crystal Design Center | Service Solution Team and Interior Passion which is based in Bangkok. A spokesman for CDC said: “We represent SE Asia’s finest industry professionals and land developers like Amaya Hill, as well as individual home owners. We provide quality services in décor product/ furnishing sourcing and full interior design solutions. We are very happy to

Massage Shop 4 storey, Staff 4 people, Furnished, Sale 6.5M

near swimming pool, close to Jomtien 2nd Road at corner. Sale 7.3M

deposit, external size 256 m sq,

star interview  by the interview people / martyn palmer / the sunday telegraph

I’ll always put my family before film Ahead of his latest movie about Nazi-looted art, Matt Damon tells Martyn Palmer of the UK-based Sunday Telegraph why work now takes second place to home life.

20 REM 03/2014

ust recently, Matt Damon was cycling in the hills surrounding his new Hollywood home when he took a nasty tumble. Which is why he has a sling supporting his left arm when we meet in a plush Los Angeles hotel room. “Apparently, I’m not a very good mountain-biker,” he laughs. “I was going pretty fast and what I didn’t see was some boulders buried under leaves until it was too late. I hardly had time to think ‘Oh ----!’ before my front tyre hit the rocks and I went right over the handlebars, did a full flip and landed on my back and shattered my collarbone. But, you know, I was lucky it wasn’t my neck.” To make matters worse, Damon had only recently – and reluctantly – returned to California after several years in Manhattan with his wife and their four children. Remarkably, the Hollywood star of box-office hits such as The Bourne Identity, True Grit and Contagion had found it almost impossible to buy in New York, since even A-listers can’t match the financial muscle of Wall Street. “Basically, we couldn’t find an apartment to buy in the neighbourhood we wanted to live in. We’d been looking for years, and every time we got close, somebody would scoop it out from under us, or pay way over what it was worth. The sellers would even use my name to

drive up the price. It’s all about ego for those hedge-funders. So we came to California. And the kids love it, they’re very happy, and that’s the most important thing to me.” Damon may spend much of his life jetting around the world – he was in Davos for the economic forum recently and was due to be at the Berlin Film Festival for the premiere of his latest film, The Monuments Men, the following week – but his family come first. Last year he was due to make his directorial debut but turned it down. “I’d been away filming Elysium before that, and it meant leaving again for a long time and it just didn’t work for my family. No choice at all “With four kids, it’s hard. When the kids were younger, it was all an adventure; you’d go on the road and they were portable and it was fun. But now they’re a little older and they’re in school and they have their lives – and their lives count as much as yours does. So, ultimately, if it’s Sophie’s Choice between your kids and a movie, that’s no choice at all.” Damon, 43, met his wife Luciana Barroso, who is from Argentina, in 2003 when he was filming in Miami and she was working behind a bar. They married two years later and he became stepfather to her daughter, 15-year-old

Fretting about separation He recalls making the Clint Eastwooddirected film Invictus, the story of South Africa’s triumph in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and fretting about being separated from his family. “It was a chance to work with Clint, it’s a great story, and I really wanted to do it. So I flew my daughter’s whole class out to South Africa. I told

the school months in advance what I wanted to do and asked if they would teach a class on Mandela. They thought it was a great idea. So the kids came over, my wife came over, and the class and their teacher came over. They went to Robben Island and it was a big success. “But really, it was just a way to keep my family together. So as much as that cost financially, it was either stay at home and make zero dollars or keep what was left over after I paid for the trip.” No to politics His family is part of the reason why Damon – a high profile supporter of the Democrats – would never consider entering politics. “Well, first of all, I love my life and I love making movies. And the political climate is so toxic right now and I wouldn’t want to work in that environment. I’m just not interested in that. I’ll stick to making movies.” Instead, he lends his name and active support to charity groups such as water.org, which campaigns for clean water for the 2.5 billion people in the developing world who don’t have access to safe sanitation facilities. At the recent economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, Damon was presented with an award for his work, and took the opportunity to lobby politicians. “This is my one

Far left – top: Damon (second from left) in his latest film, The Monuments Men, which is based on the best-selling book by Robert M Edsel and directed by his friend George Clooney (centre). They are pictured with co-stars John Goodman, Bob Balaban and Bill Murray. Cate Blanchett (below) also stars. Far left: In Good Will Hunting, the film that won him an Oscar for best screenplay.

passion outside of making films. It’s my other job.” His latest film, The Monuments Men, is based on the best-selling book by Robert M Edsel and directed by his friend George Clooney, who also costars with Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman and Hugh Bonneville. It is the true story of how a group of men and women, mostly academics and art historians, from 13 different nations including the UK, were recruited by the US military during World War II to save art works looted by the Nazis. They faced a race against time to rescue many of the world’s greatest cultural treasures from fanatics who had plundered them from museums, art galleries and private collections all over war-torn Europe. Sacrifice everything “I knew nothing about the story, which is why I was so surprised to find it was real,” says Damon. “Ultimately, this is a movie about people willing to sacrifice everything to save what is the very best of us, of humanity. “Art represents the very best things we have achieved. The Nazis were stealing it, and in some cases destroying it. They were obliterating works of art that were irreplaceable. The film asks us: ‘What does art mean to us?’ At a time when the art budgets are being slashed in all of our schools

21 REM 03/2014

Alexia. They now have three daughters of their own: Isabella, seven, Gia, five, and three-year-old Stella. “When I was in my 20s, I wondered if I would ever be able to settle down. But I found the right person and it was like getting struck by lightning – literally, everything changed in my life. Now I find the prospect of being single terrifying. My life is so much easier because of my wife and my marriage. Everything makes sense.” Damon and his brother, Kyle, a sculptor, were raised in Boston mostly by his mother, Nancy, a university professor specialising in early education, after she divorced his father, Kent, a tax specialist. He remains close to both parents. Although his was a safe, middleclass childhood, he is aware that his own children are growing up in a vastly more privileged way. “We talk about it a lot, but I think it’s about giving them an understanding of the world.”

star interview  by the interview people / martyn palmer / the sunday telegraph

Above: Matt Damon with two of his children and his wife Argentine-born Luciana Bozán Barroso who he met in Miami, where she was working as a bartender. Right: A poster from The Monuments Men.

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Below: With Cate Blanchett in a scene from the film.

- and in some cases, where it’s being cut from the curriculum – it shows us that art matters.” With his childhood friend Ben Affleck, Damon had wanted to act since he was a boy. As teenagers they would go to New York for auditions. Wasn’t it competitive? “It was and it wasn’t. We were always happy if one of us got the job rather than someone else.” Damon won a place at Harvard to study English but always knew he would return to acting. “The first line of my application essay to Harvard was: ‘For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an actor.’ I had friends who were agonising over what they were going to do and I really felt for them. I knew and I was always grateful for that.” He left university before his final year to take a role in a TV movie, Rising Sun. “I’d love to finish the course but I don’t know that I could go back to Harvard now. Maybe if more people my age were there. But the idea of spending a few months where all you have to do is read books and write the odd essay is very appealing.” Won the Oscar Living in LA in his early 20s, he was reunited with Affleck, who was also trying to break into the film world. Together they wrote Good Will Hunting (1997), which was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won the Oscar for best screenplay.

Both then suffered setbacks. Damon was in a couple of flops and feared that his A-list status was over. Then, in 2002, he made The Bourne Identity – playing a renegade CIA operative – and was back on track. Affleck, too, endured some duds before winning an Oscar for Argo, which he directed. Fell out of favour “The rose-tinted glasses definitely came off in the intervening years. We each had our moments where we fell out of favour and, I think, came to grips with the fact that the business is indifferent to our fate. It’s nothing personal. But if the phone stops ringing, I can still write, I can still direct. With Good Will Hunting, we came out of obscurity - and Ben has done that again with Argo - and that’s what I’d do again. “I kind of feel like I’m playing with the house’s money now. When we were making Ocean’s Eleven [in 2001], I remember having a drink with George [Clooney]. He said: ‘If you have a 10-year career in this business, you really are doing something.’ Not many people last that long. I reminded him of that recently, and said: ‘Hey, we’re still going strong!’ “Then I said, ‘Mind you, having worked with Clint [Eastwood], can we have a 60-year career?’ That would be really cool…” |

property & project development

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wining • dining

the chow hound ... Problem Solving Chocolatier

Nobody complains about good chocolate

Duc De Praslin is a Belgian chocolatier that brought their knowledge and expertise to Thailand in 1993. Please understand, they do not import chocolate from 30 REM 03/2014

Belgium; they train local chocolatiers to produce it in Thailand.

he Chow Hound recently read an article detailing and intensive study that concluded chocolate is good for you; something he has known for years. This month The Hound is spreading the word about this new study and his personal favourite distribution point for this decadent and now medicinal pleasure. Duc De Praslin is a Belgian chocolatier that brought their knowledge and expertise to Thailand in 1993. Please understand, they do not import chocolate from Belgium; they train local chocolatiers to produce it in Thailand. There are outlets in Bangkok, Phuket and in Pattaya on the 4th Floor Central Festival on Beach Road. The Hound’s personal weaknesses are the pralines and truffles. The glass case glistens with dozens of choices. Pralines you say? Pistachio, lemon & coconut ganache, cinnamon, coffee crunch, pepper … the list goes on forever. Dizzying array of flavours The truffles are available in an equally dizzying array of flavours. Cassis, orange, raspberry, caramel, lavender; the mind boggles. What’s more they add new selections all the time. We should not be fooled into thinking The Chow Hound is a “choco-holic”, for he only partakes in Duc Du Praslin’s delectable delights sparingly. Instead he has found multiple uses for this little shop. Mostly, this is The Hound’s “go to” dessert destination after enjoying a meal at one of Central Festival’s great restaurants. If your sweet tooth is aching, but you don’t want to take on a whole pile of something, do what The Hound does, stop by Duc Du Praslin and order a cappuccino. Not only is their coffee excellent … you get free chocolate. The nice

young ladies at DDP always bring a little plate with a few selections of something sweet. It’s exciting as you never know what you will get. It’s also a clever marketing ploy that worked to perfection on The Chow Hound. This little slice of Belgian Heaven is also The Chow Hound’s secret weapon when it comes to last minute presents. At Christmas time The Hound presented elegantly decorated boxes with 18 pieces of assorted sweets each to some very excited young ladies. The Hound has found this technique highly effective on Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays and especially when he has been relegated to the dog house by Missus Hound. A friend recently took The Hound’s advice and brought a small box along on a first date. The next morning he sent The Hound a message … “good call” was all it said. Other goodies Duc Du Praslin offer to tempt your cravings are chocolate-covered coffee beans, dark chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, macaroons and the chocolate supreme cookie is absolutely irresistible. The Chow Hound says next time you need to feed the choco-urge or if you’ve completely forgotten your better half’s birthday, consult your local chocolatier at Duc Du Praslin. |

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.

Cholesterol and eggs – just a sick yolk?

here are dangers associated with ‘Googling’. What you get may not be facts, as nobody moderates the responses. I have had the following statements given to me by Googlers who were researching eggs and cholesterol: “High cholesterol levels protects against infection” (says who?) “High cholesterol levels makes you live longer” (really?) Now contrast that with the following from Mayo Clinic cardiologist Gerald Gau, MD, who replied to a similar question with the following:

32 REM 03/2014

Blood cholesterol “It’s understandable that you’re confused. Eggs are high in cholesterol, and a diet high in cholesterol can contribute to elevated blood cholesterol levels. However, the extent to which dietary cholesterol raises blood cholesterol levels isn’t clear. Many scientists believe that saturated fats and trans fats have a greater impact than does dietary cholesterol in raising blood cholesterol. “Adding to the confusion, the

If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or high LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, you should limit your dietary cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg a day.

American Heart Association recently acknowledged that as long as you limit dietary cholesterol from other sources, it may be possible to include a daily egg in a healthy diet — a statement that was heavily reported in the media. “Here are the facts: One large egg has about 213 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If you are healthy, it’s recommended that you limit your dietary cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg a day. If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or high LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, you should limit your dietary cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg a day. Therefore, if you eat an egg on a given day, it’s important to limit or avoid other sources of cholesterol for the rest of that day.” One instance is not enough. You have to look at large numbers. The initial results of the Framingham Study by Dr Kanel were published in 1960. This appeared to show that cholesterol and heart disease were intimately connected, but the medical

world is notoriously slow to react to change, I’m afraid, and Kanel’s words fell onto some stony ground. But there were a few believers, (I actually met Dr Kanel in the early 1970s and he convinced me). The believers continued the research and it was in 1994 that the Scandinavian 4S study proved the concept and the need to lower cholesterol, to in turn reduce heart disease, and became universally accepted. Verified tests This was done with 4,444 patients and these results have been verified many times with huge numbers of patients since then. It is true that we manufacture cholesterol. This fat-like substance is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of some hormones, but your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Any cholesterol in your diet is extra – and that includes the eggs. Have you had your cholesterol levels checked recently?

news • property

Plans already laid for second and third property exhibitions Exact Trading Company, the organisers of the Pattaya Property Show have just announced that their second exhibition will be moving to the Dusit Thani hotel (pictured) and will be held on 3-5 October. More than 2,000 investors and buyers came to the first Pattaya Property Show held at the Hilton Pattaya in January. There were more than 40 developers and estate agents exhibiting covering Pattaya, Rayong, Koh Chang and even Koh Lanta.

few years. We would like to add value for our attendees, so will be including financial services such as banks and lenders, as well as service providers and furniture retailers as well.” The 2nd Pattaya Property Show will double in size with more than 2,000sqm of exhibition space all on the ground floor of the hotel. There is ample car parking space in the hotel itself, as well as easy access from surrounding streets for additional parking.

Media coverage CEO of Exact Charlie Warner said: “Our original aim was to organise a professional exhibition to highlight the amazing investment opportunities the Pattaya real estate market has to offer. Everyone was delighted with the response, the media coverage was excellent and the exhibition showed the trade that Pattaya was able to attract a large number of serious buyers. “Of course the Bangkok shutdown by protestors naturally affected the number of Bangkok investors who came, but overall all our exhibitors reported healthy sales both during the show and afterwards.” Exact Trading’s Mike Bridge,

City promotion Once again the organisers will be working closely with Pattaya City Hall to ensure the event is promoted all over the city. In addition there will be both local and countrywide marketing across Thailand and internationally through the shows various media sponsors. Almost all the initial exhibitors are keen to re-book and the organisers are also speaking to developers from Phuket, Bangkok and other Thai regions about the possibility of joining the event as well. There are plans to hold the third exhibition in March 2015 offering investors the chance to see all the latest projects twice a year.

l For more information please visit www. pattayaproperty show.com

organiser of the show, told us: “We actually outgrew the Hilton ballroom and sold out all the space for our launch event. We have therefore decided to move to our new permanent home at the larger Napalai Convention Centre at the Dusit Thani in Pattaya, where we can grow the show over the next

34 REM 03/2014

Beachfront is ready Last month saw the Beachfront Jomtien Residence celebrate the completion of construction and the signing of Compass Real Estate as managing agents for the project. Agents and customers came in big numbers to enjoy the sunset on the beach and they experienced an array of treats including prizes, fire show and fireworks. Buyers had the chance to win huge discounts in the prize draw. Beachfront consists of two low-rise buildings, on Na Jomtien Beach which is quickly becoming one of Pattaya’s most sought-after locations. Buyers were attracted by Beachfront’s affordable prices starting at only Bt2.79m and the availability of five-year foreigner finance. The project has an array of facilities including beachfront infinity pool, BBQ zone, gymnasium and coffee corner. For more information on Beachfront Jomtien Residence please contact Dom on 092-364-4816 or email beachfront@compasspattaya.com.

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

quiz • questions

Where in the world are these? 1. While Mount Rushmore is famous the world over, an even larger – and far from complete – mountain sculpture has been under construction since 1948 just 17 miles away. Who does the sculpture depict?

38 REM 03/2014

2. Famous for leaning for almost a thousand years, Italy’s Tower of Pisa is actually toppled in the tilting stakes by the modest village church pictured below. But where is it?

Places are often defined by the landmarks that man has created in them. But do you know these famous monuments

3. The 14th Century spire of Chesterfield Parish Church (above right) in Derbyshire, England, not only leans but twists as well. But what caused it to twist 45 degrees and lean 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 metres) from its true centre?

as well as you

4. The world’s largest working waterwheel (above centre) is in the British Isles but not in the United Kingdom. Where is it?

be found on

5. Rumours that architects of a cathedral almost Disney-like in appearance (above left) were deliberately blinded when they finished the job were quashed when they were re-hired to add an extension 25 years later. Where is the cathedral? 6. NORIs from Accrington in Lancashire, England, played

think you do? The answers to all our quiz questions can Page 72.

a key role in the construction of New York’s Empire State Building. What is a NORI? 7. The half-mile high Burj Khalifa has been the world’s tallest manmade structure since 2010. But what stood as the world’s tallest for 3,800 years before being overtaken by Lincoln Cathedral in 1311? 8. Which current London landmark stood as the entrance to the newlyrebuilt Buckingham Palace when Victoria became Queen in 1837? 9. A gift from the people of France, the robed female that is the Statue Of Liberty holds a tablet evoking the law. But what date is inscribed upon it? 10. What two factors were the main contributors to the partial ruin of the 2,000 year old Coliseum amphitheatre in Rome?

Now for a change of subject: 11. What do British postage stamps NOT have that the postage stamps of every other country DO have? 12. Who was the first non-Royal to appear on a British postage stamp? 13. Who was the only female competitor to represent Thailand in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi? 14. Dartmoor prison in the UK was originally built to house who? 15. With which Beatles song did Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper serenade his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu? 16. Astonomers say they have identified the colour of the dark side of the Moon. What hue do they think it appears? 17. A public swimming pool in Queensland, Australia, had to be evacuated after what were spotted in the water? 18. Officers from the UK intelligence agencies MI5 and MI6 will gain a new dispensation to break the law. What will they be given licence to do?

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advertorial • acura windows & doors

Quality shines through

40 REM 03/2014

e honest with yourself now ... when buying a new property have you ever stopped to ask about the quality of the windows, patio doors and balustrades that will be used in it? No? Well, you don’t ask that sort of thing, do you? You sort of take them for granted. Johny Fuchs (or Johny Aluminium as he calls himself) would seek to change that mindset. If home buyers start asking about windows and doors he feels that will put developers on their toes about ensuring quality – and that, in turn, would suit Johny’s Sukhumvit-based Acura Windows & Doors company nicely. “Many developers are skimping when it comes to specifying these items,” says Johny. “It’s an area where developers can shave a little off the price by buying cheaper materials and adding to their bottom line.” He adds: “I have a problem. I cannot cheat on quality.” Those who know Johny well are aware that he is prone to cracking selfdeprecating jokes. But his comment about not cheating on quality isn’t one of them. He means it! “I might sometimes find myself compromising on price, but never on quality,” he says. Johny prides himself that the company he co-founded in 2004 with two partners now produces goods to “approved, advanced international

standards”. Many of the accessories that complete his products are imported from Europe (mainly Italy). They cost a little more but he feels they are worth the extra for the peace of mind they give. “Those who choose poorer quality items are engaged in false economies,” he said. “All that means is that further down the line they will waste time and money putting the problems right.” Fuchs, 67, started the company in tandem with a powder coating supplier and an extrusion aluminium supplier. Two years further down the road he took over full control. There was no “falling out” as such and his two former partners continue to supply Acura. Asian regular Born in Romania and a resident of Israel for a long time, Johny has been an Asian regular since 1978 when he had an import/export business dealing mainly with household and general goods from Taiwan, Singapore and China. His link to his current business came when “I was manufacturing huge garden umbrellas and was looking for big, strong aluminium profiles”. He found them here in Thailand and the transition to windows and doors followed. With his partners he decided to set up a factory in Thailand exporting to Europe which meant the quality of

projects Among the developments Acura have been involved in are: Hyde Park 1 & 2; Pattaya Heights; Club Royal A & B; Park Royal 2 and 3 (A & B); Nova Platinum 1, 2 & 3; Nova Gold; Nova Star; Nova Plaza; Laguna Heights; Sunset Boulevard 1 & 2; The View; the Vision; and Elegance. Hotels include On 8 Bangkok and Sofitel in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Phen.

their exports had to be to accepted European standards. Away from Europe entry into the local market was not easy initially. “The first company to use us was Rony Fineman’s Nova Group,” said Johny. “We have completed several projects with his company now.” We list some of the projects Acura have been involved with alongside. Any projects he is particularly proud of? “I’m proud of everything I do,” said Johny. “But I’d like to give special mention to the Elegance condo on Pratumnak. There we have installed insulated double-glazing that not only looks good but is energysaving as well. | l Acura can be contacted on 038 240198 or 081 918 5603.

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advertorial • porchland

Porchland spread wings to Phuket

42 REM 03/2014

he Porchland Group have decided to launch their first project in Phuket – a new luxury condominium in the Nai Yang Beach area aimed at the holiday homes market. It will be called Massa Luna Condo – a “new-born Pearl of the Phuket sea” as they describe it. Porchland Group already have projects worth more than Bt1,000m in the Pattaya area. A spokesman said: “This new premium condo evokes a sense of nature because it is surrounded by mountains and the sea with pine trees and a very peaceful atmosphere.” Massa Luna represents a new concept of low-rise condominiums as it will be only five storeys high. Famous destination The spokesman continued: “Phuket has a steadily growing holiday homes market because it is one of Asia’s most famous tourist destinations.” Massa Luna Condo will be located in Talang, Phuket City, close to Sirinart, the national park at Nai Yang Beach which is known for its natural, peaceful and private setting. It is popular with both Thais and foreigners with many top quality five

star hotels nearby. It is also close to Phuket International Airport which lies only three kilometres away. Architecture for Massa Luna will be in modern tropical style that brings out the uniqueness of Nai Yang Beach. It will be built on more than three rai with two buildings comprising 184 units. Sizes include 40sqm units with a starting price of Bt3.4m; twobedroom units will range in size between 66-83.5 sqm. Massa Luna will boast many top facilities with a large garden, pool with salt water chlorinator system, wireless internet, CCTV and 24-hour security systems. The spokesman added: “Residents will need to walk just a few steps to enjoy five-star service, whether it is at a spa or leisure resort hotel nearby. There is also a shuttle service to the airport. We believe that this resort will fulfil all holiday requirements.” A sales gallery for Massa Luna is due to open this month. | l Massa Luna Phuket, to find more information at www.massalunacondo. com or www.porchland.com or ring the call centre on 096 139 0005-7. Email: massalunaphuket@gmail.com. Facebook / massalunaphuket

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car test • dr iain corness

Nissan Almera measures up well

48 REM 03/2014

few weeks ago I tested the new Nissan Teana, and was very impressed with the vehicle. This month, Khun Ju of Pattaya Automobile Co (on Sukhumvit Road, about 50 metres past the Ambassador City and on the same side) offered the Nissan Almera, seeking my opinion on the Teana’s smaller brother. Mind you, Nissan has an unrivalled propensity for finding nonsensical names. Remember the Nissan Cedric of 40 years ago? Or the recent Nissan Tiida? Or even the current Juke and Sylphy? Just where do they get these names? A quick search turned up the fact that “Almera” is of Arabic origins and means Princess. Hardly an attractive name, but is it an attractive car? Eco-car This Nissan Almera is derived from the Nissan March eco-car, which was released a couple of years back. The Almera is also considered an eco-car, and is thus restricted to the 1.2 litre engine from the March. (In Malaysia the Almera has a 1.5 litre engine, not being restricted by the Thai specifications.) Direct competitors in the B segment to the Almera in the marketplace include the Toyota Vios and the Honda City. The first impression one gets of the Almera is one of size. It is not a

small car and is generally larger than its rivals in the B segment. Almera: 4425mm (L) x 1695mm (W) x 1500mm (H), wheelbase: 2600mm Vios: 4410mm (L) x 1700mm (W) x 1475mm (H), wheelbase: 2550mm City: 4415mm (L) x 1695mm (W) x 1480mm (H), wheelbase: 2600mm Good driving position The exterior styling is a matter of personal taste. The front is quite pleasant with its Lexus-like grille, but I cannot connect with the “ironed” slab sided rear panel. Doors are of good size and entrance and exit are easy. The steering wheel is also adjustable in height, and it was possible to get a good driving position. The seats were also comfortable. Not only does it look full-size from outside the car, once settled in, the

One of the first items to learn to accept is the Idle-Stop system. This turns the engine off when stopped at traffic lights.

interior is very large and the five seats are not at all squeezy. From the inside, it does not feel like a small car in any way. Even with the driver’s seat racked way back, there was ample room for the rear seat passenger’s legs. One of the first items to learn to accept is the Idle-Stop system. This ingenious electro-trickery turns the engine off when sitting stopped at traffic lights, resulting in improved fuel consumption figures. But then lift your foot from the brake pedal and the engine re-starts and away you go. No prayers necessary Initially when stopped and finding a large bus each side of me and another hovering over the rear bumper bar made me pray that it would restart, but after the first few times I began to accept that it would work, and prayer was not necessary. With only a 1.2 litre 79 BHP engine the Almera is no drag-racer, but the engine is not at all fussy and is adequate both in city driving and open road, returning around 20 km per litre gasoline. With a 40 litre tank this works out as a distance of 800 km per tank. The CVT transmission is exceptionally smooth and never seems to get confused as some automatic transmissions can do, and the gear changes are seamless. The steering is light at parking

compared to its nearest rivals It is very quiet

Dislikes Not too many, particularly when you look at the price. Even the top of the line model as tested is only Bt608,000 and has ABS, EBD and BA. However, I would like a central console with arm rest, and the top models should have daytime running lights. There are only two airbags, and considering the amount of electronics already in the Almera, side curtain airbags should not be too difficult to incorporate at the design stage. Features I did like included

has a

in operation, and comfortable,

cavernous boot and is ideal for the weekly supermarket expedition.

the very simple to operate airconditioning as opposed to dropdown menus. The GPS was clear, though it was a trifle annoying having to “agree” to the terms of reference every time before setting off. However, it is one of those developments it is hard to imagine being without. Looking at the B segment, the Almera is by far the cheapest and is certainly worth your investigating. It does have the smallest engine and is exceptionally economical. Least powerful On the other side of the coin, it is the least powerful among its rivals, but to be honest, do you need Formula 1 acceleration in Pattaya’s congested streets. As long as you can outrun the busses, what more is needed, and

especially looking at the purchase cost which ranges from Bt433,000 base model to Bt608,000 top of the line. The best advertisement is always word of mouth and I found one owner in my office. His is a top of the line Almera and he has owned it for 12 months, and was effusive with praise. He found, as I did, that it is a very pleasant and comfortable motor car. His only recommendation was to lower the tyre pressures by a few psi to enhance the comfort, and again I would agree, but only by around two-three psi for safety reasons. l Test car supplied by Pattaya Automobile Company, a new Nissan dealership with all the infrastructure required for sales and service. Address: 222 Moo 2, Sukumvit Road, Tambol Najomtien, or phone 038 255-800.

key features l Bt 433,000 starting price l 1.2 litre petrol engine l Two-wheel drive l 79 brake horse power l 5 seats l Rear spoiler with LED high-mounted stop lamp l Dual SRS airbags l Adjustable urethane steering wheel l 490 litre trunk space

49 REM 03/2014

speeds but gets progressively firmer as the speed increases. It is very easy for a woman to park the Almera. It is very quiet in operation, and comfortable, has a cavernous boot and is ideal for the weekly supermarket expedition.

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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 l Sales office now open

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special report • dave buckley

Vanessa proves doubters wrong

52 REM 03/2014

Above: Vanessa competes in the Grand Slalom at the Sochi Olympics last month. She was the last finisher in the competition. Far right: While at the Games she took up a photo opportunity at the pavilion hosted by Omega, the official timekeeper for the event.

hen I think about child prodigy Vanessa-Mae representing Thailand last month in the Sochi Winter Olympics a piece of music, appropriately, comes to mind. But it’s not a violin concerto like the ones Mae is famous for playing. It’s the first line of a song – to dream the impossible dream! That, for me at least, sums up what she achieved by skiing in the Olympics. She dreamt the impossible dream – and made it come true. In the middle of 2012 I wrote an article (pictured right) saying Mae wanted to represent Thailand in the Winter Olympics. It was a good yarn

and it gave me the excuse to include some nice pictures of Vanessa. But, frankly, I didn’t think she had a cat in hell’s chance of qualifying. How nice it was to be proved wrong. I mean that. But, let’s keep some perspective here – she came last of the 67 finishers. Had she finished any higher

it would have surprised everyone – Vanessa Mae included, I suspect. Vanessa, who competed under her father’s surname, Vanakorn, is quoted as saying that for her it was more than enough just to take part. Mae was born in Singapore. Her mother is Chinese, her dad, of course, is Thai. She moved to London at the age of four when her mother married an Englishman who adopted her. She decided not to try to represent the UK because the Brits had tightened up their Olympics qualification process after ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards came up very short in the 1988 Calgary Games. To my mind anyone prepared

finishing time was more than 50 seconds slower that the event’s winner, Tina Maze. To give that some perspective in an 800 metres track race Mae would have been halfway around the last lap when the winner was finishing. But she finished both downhill runs which is more than 20 other competitors can claim. There are those who query whether V-M should have been allowed to compete in Sochi. I say: “Get a Life!” Vanessa Mae didn’t compete to try to gain fame – she has more than enough of that. She dreamt of being in the Olympics and achieved it. Bravo Vanessa, but don’t give up the violin! |

53 REM 03/2014

to go down that jump slope and take off deserves a medal. But the sport’s purist were less than impressed by “The Eagle” so Vanessa’s chances of a UK breakthrough were negligible. Indeed, she only just scraped in for Thailand shortly before the Games started. Her mother, PamelaMae, did not even congratulate her on qualifying; they have spoken little since her daughter dropped P-M as her manager when V-M was 21. P-M did not support her daughter skiing as she feared it might lead to a music career-threatening injury. Vanessa is now 35 which made her the oldest competitor in the giant slalom field at Sochi. Her combined

089-092-11-33

lete

013

events • promotions

he best free show in town, the Pattaya International Music Festival, is the highlight of a month which sees music take centre stage on the local entertainment calendar. Billed as the longest beach music festival in Asia with four stages featuring all styles of music from pop and rock to reggae and jazz, the three-day Pattaya International Music Festival will take place between 6pm and midnight on the evenings of March 21, 22 and 23. Beach Road from the Dolphin Roundabout to Walking Street will be sealed to traffic as an expected 400,000 visitors descend on the city. Visitors can enjoy beach activities during the day before attending the music festival as the night falls. In addition to the concert, there are booths selling music-related accessories and food stalls within the concert area. Leading Thai artists will perform alongside musicians from Europe and elsewhere in Asia, although the line-up had still to be announced as REm went to press. Check www. pattayamusicfest.com closer to the event for programme details. Other music events include a Lakeside Gala Concert at Harrow International School, Bangkok, on March 13, featuring the combined orchestral forces of Harrow International School and the Bangkok Charity Orchestra. The charity

events & promotions ARE produced in association with

concert raises funds for the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities in Thailand. Titled Movies Under the Stars, the concert will feature soundtracks from cinema blockbusters. Tickets for the event cost Bt450 and include a champagne reception and firework display over the lake. The orchestras will be joined by the school’s Jazz Band, choirs and soloists. Elephant Day March 13 has been designated Thai Elephant Day. Look out for special promotions at local elephant farms and at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens. Elephant Day was launched in 1998 to draw attention to the dwindling numbers of elephants, a national symbol of Thailand. From around 100,000 animals 100 years ago, numbers have steadily fallen to less than 3,000 today. Last year in Pattaya, 52 elephants were treated to an all-you-can-eat fruit buffet to mark the day. Events will be held all week in order to draw attention to efforts to save the species and protect their shrinking habitats in Thailand.

Building on its growing reputation as Asia’s top golfing destination, the Eastern Seaboard plays host to a number of events in March. One of the highlights of the golfing year is the Pattaya Sports Club Charity Classic. The 18th staging of the event will again be held at Burapha Golf Club, on March 22 and is limited to 144 golfers. The tournament has raised more than Bt7m for local charities over the years. For more information visit www.pattayasports.org. The Golfasian Amateur Series hones in on Pattaya for the week beginning March 8. It is Asia’s first and only amateur golf tournament series that provides men and women of all ages, with any handicap, the opportunity to compete on a level

Need to hurry – on March 2 Eric ‘Slowhand’ Clapton will be in concert at the Impact Arena, Bangkok. Tickets cost between Bt1,000 and Bt6,000.  Nong Nooch elephants on Thai Elephant Day.

63 REM 03/2014

Pattaya goes pop

 One of the four Pattaya Music Festival stages.

events • promotions

 Two days of equestrian action is on the International Riding School’s agenda when the Horseshoe Point Open show jumping and dressage competitions begin in March.

64 REM 03/2014

field. The series also visits Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai during the course of the year and returns to Pattaya in October. For more information visit www.golfasian.com. Timed to coincide with Golfasian’s Pattaya Golf Week is Social Golf Australia’s third SGA International in which more that 30 golfers from Down Under will compete over four rounds at Siam Country Club and Laem Chabang. The event will be preceded by the second Australian Players Amateur Golf Championship between March 3-7 in conjunction with the Outback Bar on Soi Siam Country Club. It will consist of four 18-hole stroke play rounds at Burapha (March 3), Pattana (March 4), Siam Plantation (March 6) and St Andrews (March 7). The tournament is also open to Pattaya residents with Pattaya Sports Club handicaps. For more information visit www. outbackgolfbar.com. The US$1 million Thailand Open, scheduled to be played at Thana City Golf & Sports Club between March 13-16, has been postponed because of the protests in Bangkok. A new date has yet to be arranged. Show jumping Dressage and show jumping is on the menu at Horseshoe Point when the two-day Horseshoe Point Open gets under way at the International Riding School on March 9. Warm-up show jumping classes in the 60cm, 80cm and 110cm classes start at 4.30pm on Friday, March 7.

Dressage classes for seniors, intermediates and juniors take place the following morning starting at 8am while five show jumping classes for various jump heights between 60cm and 130cm get under way at 1.30pm. The event also doubles as the third qualifying round of the Dressage for Thailand Championships 2013-14. The Thai Polo Club & Equestrian Centre will also host a Family Bike Day on Sunday, March 9. This will be the first event of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard and more than 300 participants, including mountain biking enthusiasts from both Pattaya and Bangkok, are expected to take part. Family fun day There will be a short trail for the younger riders, a 10km mountain bike ride for the older kids and adults and a 30km trail for the more hardcore cyclists. The family fun day will also offer food and beverage stalls and children’s activities. Proceeds from the day will be donated to the charities Women With A Mission and Make a Wish Foundation Thailand. For more information visit www.pattayafamilybikeday.org. March 17 is party time as the Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day and Pattaya is all set for its fourth annual parade. Marching bands and floats will gather in front of Alcazar Cabaret Show on Second Road before the parade starts at 2pm. It will then turn down Soi 4 to Beach Road and make its way towards Walking Street where it will turn left before coming to an end in the grounds of Chaimongkol School

events • promotions

events & promotions ARE produced in association with

Siam CC on March 2 and March 22, the Thai National women’s team on March 8 and Indorama on March 30 in the Bangkok League C Division. They will also play a couple of friendlies against the British Club (March 1) and a London Asian XI (March 15-16). Pattaya Players At the end of the month – 28th and 29th – the Pattaya Players will stage their latest production, A Ghostly Crime, at a new venue, The Courtyard just off Siam Country Club Road. The comedy whodunnit written by Gary Payne will start at 7pm each evening. A three-course buffet from the restaurant starts at 6pm and is priced at Bt750 for the show and food.

 St Patrick’s Day last year in Jomtien somehow added a Brazilian touch.  On yer bike... Horseshoe Point is to stage its first Family Bike Day.  The popular Nitto 3K racing returns to Bira Circuit for round two of the Thailand Championship.  Round two of the World Motocross Championships takes place at Sriracha’s PinThong 3 Industrial Estate, March 7-9.

Tickets are available from The Courtyard, any cast member, Yorkies in Soi Chaiyapreuk 1 or by mailing pattayaplayerstake2@gmail.com. Further details can be found at www. pattayaplayers.org. Finally a call to all budding dancers. Hard Rock Pattaya together with Boss Studio Dance are calling talented dancers to compete in Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya’s Step-Up Dance ’14 competition, The Freestyle Prize and Battle on 15 March. First prize for Poppin’ dance is worth Bt12,300 including cash, trophy and sponsor’s gifts. First prize for Freestyle dance is worth Bt19,400 including cash, trophy and sponsor’s gifts. First prize for Team Performance dance is worth Bt68,500 including cash, trophy and major sponsor’s gifts. For further information and application, visit the hotel’s official Facebook page at www.facebook. com/hardrockhotelpattaya - Step-Up Dance ’14. 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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on South Pattaya Road. Here the fun will continue with entertainment from singers, musicians and dancers who will fly in from Ireland to entertain the people of Pattaya. Round two of the 18-round Motocross World Championships will take place for the second year in succession at PinThong 3 Industrial Estate, Sriracha, between March 7-9. The event draws the cream of motocross riders from three continents who compete in 500cc, 250cc and 125cc categories. Tickets cost Bt500 (March 7), Bt700 (March 8) and Bt1,000 (March 9). Three-day tickets cost Bt1,500 and Bt5,000 for the Grand Stand. They are available from thaiticketmajor outlets. Track action at Bira Circuit will see three days of the popular Nitto 3K Thailand Championship between March 7-9 and round two of the Thailand Kart Championship on March 23. There’s a busy month of cricket in store at Horseshoe Point with Pattaya Cricket Club entertaining

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

It’s a beautiful day Life in the Pattaya suburbs

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hen someone says they “live in New York City”, you know they don’t use the whole thing. When someone says they “live in London”, surely they don’t expect you to believe they tromp all over every 1,572 square kilometres and know every one of the eight million inhabitants. When I “lived in Bangkok”, my territory was Sukhumvit Soi 16 to Soi 24, with an occasional venture up to Soi 53 to meet friends in Thonglor or Soi 63 to eat at an Ekamai restaurant. There are a multitude of neighbourhoods in Bangkok that I would never see even if I lived to be 500. Now that Pattaya has sprawled all over Chonburi province and continues to creep ever southward and eastward, the phrase “I live in Pattaya” in no way should be interpreted to mean “I live all over Pattaya”. In fact, I do not live in Pattaya. I live in Jomtien; Upper Jomtien to be

exact. Jomtien is my territory; my stomping ground; my neighbourhood. Definition When I was a kid, “neighbourhood” meant as far as I could ride my bike or my mom would let me go. In Pattaya, it means as far as I’m willing to go without being aggravated by tourists and traffic. Jomtien is the perfect neighbourhood; lots of ways in … lots of ways out. It’s as easy to find your private sanctum or become fullcontact socialised with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. And it’s on the beach. I’ve owned property in Jomtien for several years, but never lived there as my condos have been long-term rentals. A few months ago I moved into one of my units and became a full-time Jomtien resident. In this month’s article, I’ll try to give you an idea of what it’s like to live there. First off, let’s define “Jomtien”. This is the area on the Gulf of

I’ve owned property in Jomtien for several years, but never lived there as my condos have been long-term rentals.

Thailand, just south of Pattaya and beyond Pratumnak Hill. For me, Jomtien begins with its northernmost border at the Hannuman statue posted near the three-way intersection of Thappraya Road, Jomtien Beach Road and Jomtien Second Road. The southernmost border is at the end of Jomtien Sai 2 (also known as Jomtien Second Road) and the eastern border would be Sukhumvit Road. It’s a big chunk of land to be sure, and until recently was only heavily populated in the few blocks of residences near the beach. Once Jomtien Second Road opened for business, all manner of residential real estate and commerce began sprouting out of the ground to the south and east. Many Pattaya residents have been startled by the rapid development, especially during the past two years. The reason for this growth spurt can be found by looking at a map. Jomtien always had good ingress and egress (that’s the old in-and-out for us regular folks). But new flexibility came because of several good roads connecting chaotic main vein Sukhumvit Road with Jomtien Beach Road. Good roads Six lane (and sometimes eight) Thepprasit Road makes the connection in Jomtien just north of the northernmost border. Soi Watboonkanjana (or just Soi Watboon for the tonguetied) meanders westward from

regular columnist • bart walters

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Sukhumvit, spilling out on the beach right in the middle of Jomtien’s well established resorts and businesses. Soi Chaiapruek has transformed from a far-flung avenue forming the old southern border to a main thoroughfare that now seems to be right in the middle of the area we now know as Jomtien. Thepprasit Road was always a journey into madness, but now these other two east-west connectors are alive with locals, tourists and a swarm of motorbikes both night and day. But, the real game-changer was the six-lane (and sometimes eight) Jomtien Second Road when it connected all the east-west roads with one long north-south expressway. All the old and sleepy sectors of Upper Jomtien between the new Second Road and Sukhumvit were injected with new life. Of particular note is the area I cheekily refer to as “Hannuman Heights”, or “Upper Jomtien”; the part of Jomtien I live in that is accessible by Thepprasit Soi 17, Second Road and Rompho Road. Five years ago, the only real residential developments in this area were Jomtien Park Villas and a few resort-style establishments doubling as medium- to long-term rental condos. Explosion Now my neighbourhood has exploded. It started with The Residence, a cozy little low-rise tucked away off Thepprasit Soi 17. Soon to follow was The Park, now known as Zen in the Park; a spread out low-rise condo development that has struggled to get built, but now boasts both residents and new construction. And now in full-blown construction is the biggest project on the entire Eastern Seaboard, Heights Holdings’ Laguna III, The Maldives, covering 25,000 sqm with seven low-rise buildings and a 5,000 sqm lagoon-style pool. Once Jomtien Second Road officially opened, a second wave of development started just to the south of Rompho Market that includes Acqua, a 309 unit low-rise; Atlantis, an eight-

And now in full-blown construction is the biggest project on the entire Eastern Seaboard, Heights Holdings’ Laguna III, The Maldives covering 25,000 sqm with seven low-rise buildings and a 5,000 sqm lagoon-style pool.

floor water themed mega-resort with five Jacuzzis, and Dusit Grand tower, a 36-storey highrise near the intersection with Soi Watboonkanjana. Travel east from Jomtien Second Road on any of the major crossroads and you’ll find more low-rise luxury condos going up like Universal Group’s Savannah Sands on Soi Watboon. But, the most startling development has come on the extreme south end of Jomtien. When Jomtien Second Road opened up south of Chaiyapruek Road it was like someone threw some condo seeds on the ground and added water. Major Development’s majestic twin towers called Reflections are finished and open for business. Lumpini Park with its distinctive blue and yellow colour motif stands out of the expanse of flat land between Second Road and the beach. Tulip Group’s Centara Grand and Nova Group’s Nam Talay are in a feverish state of construction though the last two probably fall under Na-Jomtien. South Jomtien looks like a property developer’s model-underglass with streets lights bearing the Pattaya Brand, landscaping and sparkling new resorts-by-the-sea. The way we do condos here on the Eastern Seaboard sure has come a long way. Even the beachfront in South Jomtien is under renovation. This area has long been known, especially by Bangkok Thai visitors, as a seafood mecca. Big open air seafood restaurants like Suttangrak

and Phu Pen have been drawing visitors down this narrow strip of Beach Road for years. Now it’s getting a facelift and widening so more people can enjoy sunset and seafood in south Jomtien. Good food And, speaking of restaurants in the Pattaya area, many of the good ones are located right in my neighbourhood. For pub grub and great atmosphere, there’s Shenanigan’s near the JomtienPattaya arch. Want Mexican? Try Sunrise Tacos. How about Indian? My favourite is a little hole-in-the-wall called Indian Kitchen. American Breakfast you say? None are better than Rich Man, Poor Man Soi 13 and Beach Road. Nandas for an afternoon cappuccino? If you happen to be Norwegian, there are several local favourites that can give you a taste of home. The difference between eateries in Jomtien and anywhere else in Pattaya is the intimacy. Sure, you can cross over to Theppraya Road and hit “restaurant row” with classy joints like Bruno’s, Mata Hari or Gian’s, but be prepared to put on big-boy pants and pay similarly large prices. Me? I like to meet the owner and feel like family. I get a lot of that in Jomtien. My default restaurant is Le Merinda on Jomtien Second Road just past Soi 7. It is literally one shop-house wide with exactly 24 chairs. Chef Danielli, his wife, his daughter and his Chihuahua

regular columnist • bart walters

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Cha-Cha hustle from 4pm to late every night but Monday. The food is authentic Italian, simple and cheap. The house wine comes in perfectly tempered carafes and the big flat screen plays classic rock concerts. Locals, tourists and Thais come in waves for the pizza and pasta del mar. It is entirely possible to hear seven or eight languages simultaneously at Le Merinda. It is uniquely Jomtien. This is the kind of place that makes a neighbourhood worth living in. Good markets Another feature of life in Jomtien is the centre of my food universe, Rompho Market. Rompho Market is located just a few hundred metres past the Hannuman statue on Jomtien Sai 2. Three years ago it was a quiet little produce market frequented mostly by Thai locals. After finding itself in the middle of an infrastructure explosion, Rompho Market has turned into something else uniquely Jomtien; a hybrid Thai-Foreigner market with a food court and beer bar colony. If you want to get your belly full of good food for under Bt100, Rompho Market is for you. The local installment of the famous KISS brand of Thai budget restaurants anchors the north corner. The daytime parking lot turns into an open air food market at night. Vendors come out of the woodwork selling mostly Thai food, with plenty of barbeque smoke in the air. When I don’t feel like cooking, it is just so easy to park on the

If you want to get your belly full of good food for under Bt100, Rompho market is for you.

street, order from my favourite chicken lady, run across the market to my som tum lady, and then head home to gorge myself. I find it particularly hard to walk past the guy cooking ribs in this urn-based barbecue contraption. They are absolutely addictive. I never fail to see something new on offer at Rompho. Last week I saw a young Thai girl selling home-made jelly donuts. I meet snowbirds who stay in Jomtien three months at a time and eat at Rompho Market’s open air food court every night. The food is fresh, fast and wallet-friendly. Thais, foreigners, expatriates and tourists; Rompho Market is a good fit for anyone who is hungry. And, when I am feeling culinarily inclined, I can buy all my ingredients right there at the same market. Just like I have my chicken and som tum ladies, I also have my smiling vegetable lady, and my fruit sisters. Mangoes, apples, pineapples, tangerines, watermelons … all the flavours in the lifesavers tropical fruit candy roll are represented. Onions, peppers, tomatoes and ginger root as big as your hand. If you like to cook, nothing beats an old-fashioned produce market. Fish guy And now I’ve added a new member to the family; the fish guy. Rompho Market is constantly expanding and now, along with fresh chicken, pork and beef, there are several enterprising fisherman selling their daily catch.

My fish guy sees me coming and starts pulling out the stuff he knows I like. He scales and cleans fish on the spot and I never have to worry about how fresh they are. I can easily cook an excellent meal for six people for under Bt500. That’s the kind of market that keeps you from moving out of a neighbourhood. Beer bar colony I’m still not sure if it is a good or bad development, but Rompho Market has also sprouted a beer bar colony. At first, this place looked like it was going to be one of those loud tacky hell-holes like we see in Pattaya on Soi 7 and Soi 8. But, to my surprise, several enjoyable bar venues with good music and cheap drinks have emerged. There are larger bars like The Aussie Bar and Star Bar at the front of the market, but the colony reaches deep into Rompho Road nearly to Thepprasit Soi 17; more than 30 bars by my estimate. I have ceased to be surprised by the action I see in this area early evenings. Couples, singles, people playing pool and having a few cold ones. The music is contained and not invasive. The common restrooms clean and well maintained. The inyour-face sex-for-money trade is not garishly present here. Rather, the Rompho Colony has chosen the kinder-gentler beer bar option. All in all, it’s not a bad place to stop and wait out rush-hour traffic with a cold beer and some bar snacks. It is like most things Jomtien, a really mixed bag of people. In fact, all of Rompho Market

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regular columnist • bart walters

and its appendages are something uniquely Jomtien. Jomtien isn’t really known for the glitzy kind of nightlife you expect to see in Pattaya. But, what it lacks in neon it makes up for in character. Since living in Jomtien I have frequented a genuine Americanstyle country bar, complete with live country music band. I spent an evening in an Irish Pub receiving an education in the noble game of cricket from a couple of old-timers happy to enlighten me … as long as I kept the Guinness flowing. I have seen an Elvis impersonator. Jomtien may be “low-key”, but it is never boring.

Tanned, fed

Lazy Sunday Test But, how should you really judge your neighbourhood? How do you know if you are living in the optimum place? For me, the “Lazy Sunday Test” is the key. Actually, the word “lazy” and “Sunday” are redundant with me. Last Sunday I was floating around in the swimming pool thinking about what I did the Sundays before. Some people have a family day … others want it all to themselves. How well your neighbourhood serves your Sunday purpose will tell if you’re in the right place. My Sundays are unrepentant “me days”. Lucky for me, Jomtien is home to a couple of venues that have “me” written all over them. I am a big fan of the sauna and massage

Sunday, I

and properly steamed, I went home and slept like the dead. When this is an option every lazy

know I’m in the right neighbourhood.

combination and my neighbourhood hosts two of the best places. Mari-Jari is on Soi Watboon just east of Jomtien Sai 2. This huge relaxation zone is attached to a resort, but serves mostly outsiders who come to steam, swim and chill out. There are two types of sauna, including a Nordic-style dry sauna and big Turkish herbal steam. Both are immaculately clean. There are also two deep hot pools to soak in (men’s and women’s) and an icy Swedish “cold dip” that is sure to wake you up all over. The outdoor swimming pool is nothing less than massive, with chairs and cabanas available for sunworshippers and fellow malingerers. Cool jazzy tunes emanate from speakers all over the spa. When you’re finished, lunch or coconut water can be had in the open-air restaurant. A long menu of massage treatments is available as well. Mari-Jari isn’t cheap, but if you come for an all-day experience, it’s money well spent. Less touristy A more economical and less touristy spa and massage venue lies buried in a neighbourhood further up the same Soi called Jomtien Sauna Massage. It’s not as big and fancy as Mari-Jari, but it’s also less than half the price. It’s a more intimate setting to be sure, but with similar features like dry sauna, herbal steam room and cold dip. What truly makes Jomtien spa and massage shine as a lazy Sunday

destination is the food. Last Sunday I found myself in a rhythm, moving from poolside, to steam room to cold dip and back again poolside. When I finally realised that the noise was my stomach growling, the friendly staff came to my rescue with a giant bowl of healthy Thai seafood soup. Fresh and authentic Thai food poolside? Come on … it’s almost not fair to other places! Tired, old washrag Before going home, I allowed one of the competent massage staff to wring me out like a tired old washrag. Tanned, fed and properly steamed, I went home and slept like the dead. When this is an option every lazy Sunday, I know I’m in the right neighbourhood. My bank, my pharmacy and my car wash are located walking distance of each other and to the Pattaya Immigration office. My market, bakery and favourite restaurants are across the street. Convenience, variety and just the right mix of the Thailand experience make Jomtien a uniquely easy place to live. It does not surprise me to see condos bursting out of the ground in Jomtien at record pace. Most people know a good neighbourhood when they see and feel it. With plenty of room to expand, I do not fear overcrowding for many years to come. Even with all this expansion in Jomtien, it is still a beautiful day in the neighbourhood. |

news • tourism

Wifi takes to the Thai skies With effect from the middle of last month Thai Airways International have added in-flight connectivity by OnAir to their Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A380-800 aircraft. Passengers flying on Thai’s A380s and dedicated A330 flights will be able to log on to the on-board wi-fi product, Internet OnAir. It works exactly as a wi-fi hotspot does on the ground. It is simply a case of entering credit card details, then surfing the internet, checking emails and updating social media. It is expected that OnAir’s inflight GSM product, Mobile OnAir, will also be available on Thai flights, once the regulatory framework has been determined. The launch of Thai Sky Connect is possible thanks to Thai being the first airline approved by the National Broadcasting Telecommunications Commission to provide in-flight connectivity in Thailand’s airspace. OnAir is the only provider authorised

to deliver in-flight wi-fi services to airlines in Thailand. “Thai is pleased to be launching Thai Sky Connect, a service that adds to passenger in-flight comfort and convenience on flights operated with Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A380-800 aircraft in all classes of service,” said Chokchai Panyayong, Thai senior executive vice-president, Commercial Department, and acting president. “Thai Sky Connect is offered

No reason to be out of touch any more. Thai Airways have introduced in-flight connectivity on some of the planes in their fleet with effect from last month.

to passengers at package rates for laptop/iPad and smartphone usage, with OnAir as the wi-fi service provider. This is a positive step forward to bring internet connectivity and modern technology directly to passengers’ fingertips. Thai is pleased to introduce wi-fi on board its flights, which will further improve passengers’ in-flight entertainment experience and make travel with Thai even more enjoyable.” Thai is one of three airlines currently operating OnAir connectivity on the A380; all three also use Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband satellite network. Internet OnAir and Mobile OnAir are the only connectivity products currently flying on more than 50 A380s every day. Thai is the 20th airline to operate OnAir connectivity and the seventh in Asia. Internet OnAir and Mobile OnAir are widely available across the world and are used by more than 4.5m passengers each year.

BRIEFLY ...  The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Airways got together at the end of last month to welcome more than 40 members of overseas media from Asia and Europe to come on familiarisation trips in a bid to restore confidence in country as a tourist destination. Pattaya attractions due to be visited included Elephant Kingdom, Mimosa (the City of Love), Art in Paradise, Underwater World, Silverlake Winery, Colossium (Cabaret Show), and the Sheep Farm.  Meanwhile warnings not to travel to Thailand issued by many foreign governments in the wake of the political tensions in Bangkok may result in the loss of Bt10bn revenue from reduced tourism, according to the chairman of the Thai Tourism Business Association.

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Koh Tao in top 10 islands The lsland of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand has been rated 10th in web site Trip Advisor’s 2014 top islands poll. The island takes its name from the abundance of sea turtles that line its shores. Koh Tao lies to the north of

Samui and has white sandy beaches sheltered by steep hills, some of which are only accessible in fourwheel drive vehicles. Best island for the second year was Ambergris Caye in Belize Cays.

 The Oriental Kwai Resort has been ranked fifth in the worldwide Bargain Hotels class of the Trip Advisor 2014 awards. The hotel is 20 minutes outside of Kanchanaburi and well placed for those wishing to visit war memorial sites around the River Kwai.  Bangkok has been ranked third in the latest Euromonitor International’s 100 Top City Destinations in the world. Pattaya was ranked 15th overall.

tourist hints • bart walters

Shoppers’ paradise? Layers and layers of choices to be found in Pattaya

ook at any in-flight magazine or visit websites of tourist destinations and you will find a list of attributes and attractions for a given place. Invariably, all of them will list “shopping” as a highlight of any trip to their location. But, not all destinations are really a “shopper’s paradise”. And, in many ways it depends on where the visitor is from and what is readily available in their home city or country. Someone who visits from Singapore or Hong Kong surely has about all the shopping choices a person could want. A visitor from a small town or rural area may be starved for choices.

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Pleasantly surprised So how does Pattaya rate as a shopper’s paradise? You may be pleasantly surprised; Pattaya has layers and layers of choice for any visitor. Anyone who has been down Pattaya Beach Road has witnessed an array of “street vendors” and

tourist-oriented discount shops. It should come as no surprise that these are mostly stocked with counterfeit brands and cheap copies of clothing, watches, and so on. Still, if you are looking for gifts for friends back home, that Chang Beer tee-shirt may just the thing you want. One step up from the street vendors would be an entire mall of these kinds of items as well as a whole bunch of brands no one has ever heard of. Mike’s Shopping Mall comes to mind. Still, if you forgot to pack your swimming shorts or need a pair of sandals for the beach, you can satisfy these needs very cheaply at Mike’s. The original shopping malls in Pattaya are on the small side. The Big C Festival in North Pattaya has a mixture of internationally known brand stores like Camel, Lee, Hom and others as well as a whole second floor full of tourist-take-home items. Last year I bought three little sundresses for my granddaughter for Bt400 and they are her favourites.

I recommend buying some local brands like the fabulous fabrics from Jim Thompson, a legend in Thai silk, or Jaspal, Thailand’s up-scale fashion house.

Royal Garden Plaza attached to the Marriott in South Pattaya was the first real “mall”. Again, they have some well-known clothing brands like Gap and Levi’s mixed in with some more tourist-oriented shops and salons. Hidden away on the second floor is a very nice Jim Thompson outlet store. Proper mall A few years ago Central Festival on Beach Road opened and Pattaya finally got a proper shopping mall. What’s more, it is attached to a Hilton Hotel right on the beach. This is where you’ll find just about every brand name under the sun. The Central department store anchors the mall offering everything from designer clothing to home appliances. Central Festival is conveniently organised with each floor featuring a different category of shopping. The top two floors are dedicated to a spectacular theatre complex and

Brand names If brand names are what excite you, Central Festival has a lot. Guess, Body Glove, CC Double 0, Von Dutch, Camel Active, Nike, Adidas, Puma, MNG, Zara, Calvin Klein; they even

have a Manchester United store! The ground floor features a new jewellery and gem pavilion that is sure to capture the eye of many visitors. Also on the ground floor is a collection of small shops with many “only in Thailand” items. Clothing, home décor, and souvenirs in this section are good quality and value. With all these choices, visitors may be overwhelmed. I recommend buying some local brands like the fabulous fabrics from Jim Thompson, a legend in Thai silk, or Jaspal, Thailand’s up-scale fashion house. Chances are you can’t get these brands back home. If you are looking for those “only

Please don’t overlook shops that display the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) symbol.

available in Thailand” items, please don’t overlook shops that display the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) symbol. This is a governmentsponsored programme to promote locally produced goods with cultural significance. Missing names The only shopping layer missing in Pattaya is the super luxury brands like Hermes and Gucci. But, with some of the five star luxury hotels and resorts being built, I predict we’ll see some of those names appearing very soon in attached shopping complexes like the Intercontinental or Erawan hotels in Bangkok. |

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a variety of good restaurants. Most of the third level is clustered with hi-tech gadget stores and camera shops. A big Power Buy outlet offers everything from the latest iPhones to giant LCD televisions. Level 2 has an equally huge Super Sport outlet featuring clothes and equipment for every activity you can think of. Golf clubs, running shoes, surf shorts … Super Sport has it all.

quiz • answers

1. The 641 feet by 563 feet Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the warrior chief riding a horse, has been under construction in the Black Hills, South Dakota, since 1948. 2. The church steeple of Suurhusen, a village in the East Frisian region of northwestern Germany, is the world’s most leaning tower that is unintentionally tilted, beating the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa by 1.22 degrees. 3. Unequal expansion and contraction of the 33 tons of lead on opposite sides of the roof caused by heat from the sun, compounded by the use of unseasoned timber, made the spire twist and tilt. 4. The Laxey Wheel is in the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency and as such not part of the UK.

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5. Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square was built between 1555 and 1561 under orders from Ivan the Terrible.

 The 87-foot (27 metre) high head of Crazy Horse is all there is to see for 65 years of work on his mountain sculpture in the Black Hills of South Dakota. When finished the sculpture should see him riding a horse.  The date on the tablet held in the left hand of the Statue Of Liberty is July 4, 1776, the day of the American Declaration of Independence.  Vanessa Vanakorn – aka professional violinist Vanessa-Mae – represented Thailand in the Winter Olympics. Standing 481 feet high (146.5 metres) the Great Pyramid of Giza was the world’s tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years until overtaken by the UK’s Lincoln Cathedral in 1311.

6. A NORI – IRON spelled backwards – is a type of engineering brick famed for its strength and manufactured in Accrington, UK. 7. At 481 feet (146.5 metres) in height, The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops), was the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years. 8. Marble Arch was designed by John Nash in 1827 and relocated from Buckingham Palace to Park Lane in 1851. 9. July 4, 1776, the date of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. 10. The partially ruined Roman Colisseum was damaged by a devastating earthquake in 443 and by stone robbers. 11. British postage stamps are the only ones not to bear the name of the issuing country. 12. William Shakespeare became the first non-Royal to appear on a

British postage stamp in 1964. 13. Amateur skier and professional violinist Vanessa Vanakorn – better known as Vanessa-Mae – was the only female to represent Thailand in the Winter Olympics. 14. French prisoners captured during the Napoleonic Wars. 15. Stephen Harper sang Hey Jude at a state dinner in Jerusalem. Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “great!”. 16. Light reflected back from the dark side of the Moon appears turquoise, according to a team of researchers at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. 17. The swimming pool in Mount Isa was closed after nine baby crocodiles were found in or around it. They were later released back into the wild. 18. MI5 and MI6 officers will be given the same exemptions to traffic regulations as police vehicles, ambulances and fire engines.

golfers • guide Many local bars organise golf days, often at better prices than casual golfers can negotiate with the course direct. If you plan to play regularly, consider membership of the Pattaya Sports Club as production of its membership card can help secure worthwhile discounts. The one-off registration fee is Bt400 plus Bt500 a year membership thereafter. Most golfers find they can save these sums within just a few rounds. Bangpra International: is one of several five-star courses in the area. This is an 18-hole, par 72 course with plenty of water on the front nine. Clubhouse has been renovated in style – even the toilets are automated! Tel: 038 341 149-50 Burapha Golf Club: is a four-star, 36-hole, par 72 course. The Eastern course suits up-and-coming golfers, while the Western challenges the more experienced. Reserving a tee-off time is advised. Tel: 038 372 700-1 Century Chonburi: Designed by Nick Faldo, this is an inexpensive 18-hole, par 72 course, often not too busy during the week. Clubhouse has little to commend it, but this is reflected in low green fees. Tel: 081 304 1545 Crystal Bay: Many palms has led to Hawaiian comparisons. Testing par 3s are a feature. Water adds to the look of the course, not just as a hazard. Virtually no rough. Good chance to play to your handicap or better. Tel: 038 349 370-80 Eastern Star: near Bang Chang is an 18-hole, par 72 four-star course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course with a five-star clubhouse

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

is set in an old coconut plantation and is popular with families due to its pools and sports club adjacent. Tel: 038 630 410-6 The Emerald: Close to Bang Chang, Emerald is another course where Nick Faldo has left his mark. He designed this in conjunction with the late Desmond Muirhead. Many holes test accuracy, not length, of drive. Tel: 038 941 111

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

Great Lake: is a 36-hole, par 72, Nick Faldo design to the east of Pattaya. The 120 bunkers, water hazards and lovely setting make this a challenging course at moderate prices. Tel: 038 622 630

Rayong Green Valley: this is a Wolveridge and Thompson course of 18 holes, classed as five-star for both the course and clubhouse (which it shares with St Andrews). Suits all handicaps, but beware the water. Tel: 038 603 000-5

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

Royal Thai Navy (Plutaluang): reasonable green fees ensure this 36hole, par 72 venue is well used but is rarely too busy. Feature holes include The Lighthouse par 3 surrounded by water. Tel & Fax: 038 246 056-7

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

Siam Country Club, Old Course: is a three-star, 18-hole course, a fourstar clubhouse and a five star price. Gentle hills with large trees give it the feeling of Western golf courses. Host to the LPGA tournament early each year. Tel: 038 909 700

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort: Three nine-hole course – one of which features a par 6; another starts with an intimidating drive between two stretches of water that catches out many a high handicapper. The course is a par 72 set in more than 1,200 rai. Tel: 038 318 999 Pattaya Country Club: located 25 kms outside Pattaya on Route 36 is popular with expat golfers. This 18-

Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: 27-hole course opened in 2008 and is already regarded as one of the most difficult. Three holes share the same green – a first in Asia. Carts are compulsory. Clubhouse is a delight. Tel: 038 909 600 St Andrews 2000: is considered one of the best in the area. This course is a serious challenge. Carts are compulsory. Boasts two par 6 holes. Tel: 038 030 660-2

IT IS ABOUT THE SAFEST INVESTMENT IN THE WORLD!”

sightseeing • attractions Bira International Circuit: is the only internationally certified racetrack in Thailand. Its extensive facilities include a full-service karting track, an off-road test track, and the FIA certified 2.41km racetrack. It can be found about 15 km away on the Pattaya-Rayong Road (Highway 36). Tel: 022 803 547/025 221 731/8 Flight of the Gibbon: this attraction is ranked highly on the Trip Advisor website list of things to do. Cheap it isn’t but most of the reviews rate the experience and commend the safety measures employed. It can be found close to Khao Kheow Zoo. Tel: 0899 70 55 11 or visit website www. treetopasia.com Khao Chi Chan: etched and filled with gold leaf, this Buddha is more than 100 metres high and is thought to be the largest such image in the world. Next to Silver Lakes Vineyard which is also worth a visit. Khao Kheow Open Zoo: 35 km north of Pattaya. A huge zoo with many animals that are on the endangered species list including six rare white tigers exchanged by the Memphis Zoo in the USA. Open daily 08:00-18:00. Tel: 038 298 188. Koh Larn: is reached by ferry from Bali Hai pier or by speedboat. It has several beaches boasting white sand and clear blue water. The many activities include para sailing, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range there. Koh Larn is also suited for bicycling and hiking. www.kohlarn.com Million-Year

Stone

Park

and

Crocodile Farm: lies a 15 minute drive from central Pattaya. It features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fireswallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 8.00-18:30. Tel: 03824 9347-9 or www. thaistonepark.org for information. Mini Siam: is on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33. This model village celebrates the heritage of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites. Replicas of Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed. There is a small go-kart track. Open daily from 7.00-22.00. Tel: 038 421 628 for information. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: 163 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes east of city towards Bang Saray). Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, “Cultural Extravaganza” performances four times a day. Tourists experience religious ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, massages and elephant shows. Tel: 03842 9321. Pattaya Dolphin World and Resort: a comparative newcomer to the scene and parts of it were yet to be completed at the beginning of 2013. Recommended for families with young children but don’t expect USA-style shows. Tel: 038 051 790/6. Pattaya Elephant Village: 7km from Central Pattaya on Phonpraphanimit Road. Shows daily at 14.30 and last an hour. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 8.00-17.30 and rafting, trekking (three hours including a meal) is available at 9.00, 10.30, 12.30 and 16.30. Tel: 038 249 818.

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

Pattaya Park and Tower: at Pratumnak features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. Open daily from 10.00-19.00 (20.00 on Saturday). Tel: 03836 4110-20 or 02579 9612-4 or www.pattayapark. com for more information. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum: on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza. Access from both Second Road and Beach Road. Open daily 11.0023.00. Tel: 03871 0294/8. Sanctuary of Truth: this wooden giant can be found in North Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Naklua Road. Every inch of the building is covered with wooden carvings to reflect Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. It is open daily from 9.00-18.00 Admission is 500 baht. 038 225 407/038 367 229 www. sanctuaryoftruth.com Sriracha Tiger Zoo: a zoo with various shows at 341 Moo 3, Nongkham, Sri Racha (30 minutes away). It claims a population of 200 tigers and around 10,000 crocodiles, the largest of such in the world. Tel: 03829 6556. Underwater World: on Sukhumvit Road 200 metres south of Tesco Lotus at Pattaya South has a collection of marine species from the Gulf of Thailand. Walk through the 100-metre long pedestrian tunnel and witness more than 200 species of fish swimming by. Open daily from 9.00-18.00 (last tickets 17.30). Tel: 038 756 879.

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

RW-Treuhand AG, founded in 1975, a reliable partner Looking for actively involved and co-operating partner The owner of a vacation resort in Thailand is planning to take a step back from work. Wonderful weather and sunshine comes with this position. Financial investment is THB 12,000,000. Interested in something new and exciting? Properties for rent in Pattaya at Naklua Road Located on the 2nd and 3rd floor (no elevator), 2 x 200 sq.m. Building still under construction, flat roof. 10 year lease available. Luxury suite in Pattaya at Soi 18, Naklua Located on the 7th floor which offers a wonderful ocean view. One bedroom, one bathroom, one parlor including open area kitchen. Monthly rent THB 50,000 all inclusive. A property with the special touch of one thousand and one nights!

This dream property is spread over 2,000 sq.m. A true jewel that fulfills every wish! It is the perfect place to relax and find peace. The selling price for this Garden of Eden is THB 23,000,000. Contact information: rw-treuhand@bluewin.ch (only seriously interested parties welcome, no curious onlookers!)

bars • restaurants

Bars Bamboo Bar: live music nightly in this busy bar and streetside lounge. Close to Walking Street entrance. Tel: 038 232 315, Fax: 038 232 315, email: bamboopattaya@hotmail.com Booze Lounge: situated on the Dark Side in Soi Khao Talo this airconditioned bar combines low prices with good music. Tel: 087 747 8555, email: info@loungebarpattaya.com Caddy Shack: as the name suggests, it’s a haven for golfers. Airconditioned with outdoor terrace and swimming pool and rooms to rent upstairs. 388/385 M10, Soi 17. Tel: 038 300 683, Fax: 038 300 682, email: enquiries@caddyshack-pattaya.com Green Bottle: cosy, well-run pub with a good reputation and central location. 216/3 M10, 2nd Road. Tel: 038 429 870, email: dianagrp@ loxinfo.co.th Jameson’s: Irish pub with strong food offering. Popular with locals and tourists alike. Good place to unwind. 80/164 Moo 9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) right next to Nova Park. Tel: 038 361 873-4 Fax: 038 361 873, email: info@ jamesons-pattaya.com Metro: an air-conditioned sports bar boasting free pool tables and numerous screens on which to watch top sports events. Soi LK Metro, 33/8536, Moo 10 close to Soi Buakhow. Tel: 038 425 874, email: info@metroapartments-pattaya.com Punch & Judy: this is a London-style pub with good food and competitive prices. Frequent promotions. Almost opposite the Caddy Shack in Soi 17. Tel: 038 413255 Shamrock: fun and lively Britishrun ‘family’ bar, an oasis of sanity among the bars of Pattayaland, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 425 417 email: pattayashamrock@yahoo.com Witherspoons: A typical Britishstyle pub with inexpensive meals available while you watch the football on one of its numerous screens. Rooms also available. Soi Buakhow near Soi Diana Inn. Tel: 038 721 121

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

Restaurants Ali Baba: Good quality Indian restaurant with a fine selection of authentic dishes. 1/13-14, Pattaya Central Road close to the beach. Tel: 038 361 620

Mata Hari: close to the Thappraya Road turn-off towards Pratumnak. Specialises in fine European and Thai cuisine at prices less than you might expect. Tel: 038 259 799, email: info@ mataharirestaurant.com

Alt Heidelberg: German sausages and imported sauerkraut dominate the menu, good location. 273 M10, Pattaya Beach Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 258

PIC Kitchen: classy Thai food in a traditional atmosphere. Soi 5, Pattaya 2 Road. Tel: 038 428 374, 428 387, Fax: 038 422 773, email: picpih@ loxinfo.co.th

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

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

Bruno’s: Renowned for serving classy reasonably expensive French cuisine, more than 150 wines available. A place to impress. 306/63 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 364 600-1, Mobile: 081 861 5612, Fax: 038 364 602, email: reservations@brunospattaya.com Cherrys: You get a lot for your money here. European and Thai food. Be careful not to fill up on the salad bar which is free when ordering a main course. Their buffet nights get crowded. In Third Road opposite the former X-Zyte Disco. Tel: 086 3145819 Ciao: Decent pizza and pasta in this established Italian restaurant in Pattaya Klang Road. 038 710 614 Hard Rock Café: International restaurant cum bar with large cocktail menu and mainly American influenced cuisine. DJs spin discs and house band performs cover versions. 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road. Tel: 038 428 755, Fax: 038 421 673. Open: Mon-Sun 11.00 to 02.00 JJ Pizza Bar: authentic pizza cooked in wood fire ovens, reasonably priced. 325/85 M.10, Soi Pattaya-land 2, Pattaya Beach Road. 038 424 128 Lobster Pot: huge restaurant serving all seafood, specialising in lobster and tiger prawns. Walking Street opposite Pattaya Soi 14, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 426 083

Queen Victoria Inn: traditional English pub with excellent menu and a good selection of imported beers on tap. 437/137-8 Soi Yodsak (Soi 6), Pattaya.038 425 418, 362 523, Mobile: 086 060 6210, Fax: 038 424 941, email: mail@queenvicpattaya.com Rice Mill: Cantonese restaurant offers dim sun and all-you-can-eat buffet on weekends. Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Beach Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 120 Royal Cliff Beach Hotel: huge complex containing 10 restaurants, including the delicious Maharani Indian restaurant. 353 Pratumnak Road. Tel: 038 250 421, Fax: 038 250 511, 250 513, email: info@royalcliff.com Shenanigans: bar and restaurant serving traditional Irish pub-style fayre and drinks with daily food specials. In Jomtien Complex which also has daily promotions such as “Toss the Boss”. If he loses the drinks are on him. Tel: 038 303 490. The Sportsman: traditional pub fayre with Thai food. Top Sunday carvery, extensive wine list and many imported beers. Soi 13, Beach Road. Tel: 038 710 609 Sugar Hut Restaurant: in hotel of the same name, expensive, but worth it. Thai cuisine. 391/18 Moo 10, Thappraya Road. Tel: 038 364 186,251 686, Fax: 038 251 689, email: sugar-hut@cnet.net.th, open: 07.00-24.00

OCEAN LANE VILLAS

For sale Bt14,900,00

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

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plus a maid’s room and boasts four bathrooms.

The house is found near the village clubhouse and

Great value at a little under Bt15m.

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south beach

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approx 72sqm living space and all fitted furniture and

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sale: 089 098 3733 Kevin (Eng) â&#x20AC;˘ sale/rent: 081 375 3275 Punoi (Thai)

Good company in stylish surroundings

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

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

movers & shakers

M&S gets 2014 off to Dream start

the evening to kick off as more than 40 guests were there before the official 6.30 opening time. The spokesman added: “Dream hotel gave us a warm welcome with very attentive and servicefriendly staff, great drinks, brilliant atmosphere and a never-ending buffet with exquisite food! “Many thanks to the sponsors Kingdom Property and co-sponsor A+ Plus Pattaya Property and, of course, Heineken Beer!” |

95 REM 03/2014

e’re happy to be back! That was the obvious message when Movers & Shakers made its 2014 return late in January at the Dream Hotel in Bangkok’s Soi 15. A spokesman for M&S said: “What an opening that was! Who could have Dreamed of a better place than this!” The event was held in the Flava restaurant on the hotel’s second floor. Many folk literally couldn’t wait for

coffee break • robert collins

This month in history

Coffee break

Mar 15, 44BC: Julius Caesar is assassinated in the Roman Senate. Mar 12, 1609: Shipwrecked sailors are the first to colonise Bermuda. Mar 24, 1807: The British Government abolishes the slave trade. Mar 6, 1836: Fort Alamo in Texas falls to Mexican troops. Mar 27, 1977: 570 die as two Jumbo Jets collide in the Canary Islands. Mar 30, 1981: President Reagan is shot while walking to a limousine. Mar 24, 1989: Exxon Valdez runs aground causing a huge oil spill.

S A S _______ __S _A ____ _____ _____ __ __________ S S ____ A ___ A ________ A A S __ _______ ____________ 7 26 4 19 22 18 10

19 5

12 21 5 22 12 26 4

CRYPTOGRAM

Answers to all the puzzles appear on Page 94

18 9

17 26

19 21 9 19

21 9

22 16 26 18

17 9

19 22 12

22 18

Tiger Woods – top earner.

× ×

× -

2 +

+ 11

26 19 2

4 13 26 12 19

26 11 24 26 18 12 26 4

sudoku

3 4 4 2 7

3 6 9

4 2 6 9 1 4

8 1

7 8 4

5 2

12 5 18 4

Highest paid sportsmen beween June 2012 and June 2013 according to Forbes magazine: 1. Tiger Woods (golf, $78.1m ) 2. Roger Federer (tennis $71.5m) 3. Kobe Bryant (basketball, $61.9m) 4. LeBron James (basketball, $59.8m) 5. Drew Brees (American football, $51m) 6. Aaron Rodgers (American football, $49m)

46 13

Two-minute trivia 1. The Stasi were Secret Police in which country? 2. What is Britain’s tallest building outside London? 3. Apart from the Sun, what is the brightest star visible from Earth? 4. Which two obstacles are jumped only once in the Grand National horse race? 96 REM 03/2014

Six of the best

8 19 26 18

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

number cruncher Fill in the missing numbers using 1-9 to complete the equation. Each number is used once. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

5. What name was given to the first Rolls-Royce model? 6. What name is given to a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet?

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

Aldaniti Auroras Encore

Bindaree

Don’t Push It

Earth Summit Foinavon Highland Wedding Mon Mome Mr Frisk Red Rum Silver Birch

West Tip

mystery columnist • our man at large

Our man continues his look at the current political unrest and asks what – if anything – can be done to resolve the differences that have had an adverse impact on the country’s economy.

Can Thailand ever change?

98 REM 03/2014

he uncertainty in Thailand over the recent weeks and months has certainly had a knock-on effect on many aspects of life in Thailand although as I mentioned previously, Pattaya does seem to be less effected than many other areas and Bangkok in particular. Walking around the city I have noticed that is does appear to be a little quieter than at the start of the high season and before all the issues relating to the election came to the surface. Some may argue that this is normal and happens every year although from my experience I would have expected and liked to have seen more people around the city. As with many things in Thailand, I think many of us are still left wondering what the longterm damage, if any, will result from these recent events. Pattaya is a city that is forever growing and is

certainly building more for the long term so, hopefully, the effect will be minimal but I think it fair to say that many people are still nervous. Having spoken to some bar and restaurant owners around the city they saying that business is noticeably down with some regular short term visitors saying that with the almost constant uncertainty in Thailand, that it is perhaps time for a change. Will it happen again? One question that is on everyone’s lips is ‘how likely is this to happen again?’ Sadly, given the recent history of the country in all honesty it is probably quite likely. As most will know, Thailand has a turbulent past when it comes to political tensions, internal hostility and even coups. Thailand is quite a divided country both in terms of the North and the South but also

As most will know, Thailand has a turbulent past when it comes to political tensions, internal hostility and even coups.

the large divide between the rich and the poor. In reality, it highly unlikely that these divisions can be resolved in the short term and, indeed, make take decades or even generations to iron out. Pattaya is one place that appears to be able to isolate itself from these divisions and rarely sees the troubles first hand but naturally feels the effect of the reduced number of visitors to Thailand as a whole. Many countries were issuing warnings about visiting Thailand and this is obviously damaging. ‘What can be done to stop it?’ is the next obvious question. Well that really is the million dollar question. As I have mentioned, the differences run very deep and the poles are literally miles apart. There have been calls for electoral reforms and even dividing the country in two with a capital in Chiang Mai for the largely rural, red shirt masses based there

Significant change In reality significant change is unlikely in the short term so perhaps we just have to accept the situation and make the best of what is on offer. With the ongoing development around the city I think that it is fair to say that the local property market is concerned. Local developers have invested hundreds of millions of baht in the local property market with the general feeling that the city was or is constantly growing and evolving, relying both on the expat community and a strong tourist trade. Pattaya certainly has the potential for these areas to continue to grow so hopefully the effects on the property market will be reduced. Indeed, as I

mentioned in my article last month, the weakening baht in actual fact may boost the property market by meaning more properties are now more affordable to more people. I think it is important that we are not overly negative about the prospects for the property market but perhaps a little caution maybe the words of the day, if not for the buyers or the agents, but for the developers themselves. With many countries in South East Asia preparing for ASEAN we can perhaps see another opportunity for Pattaya to continue to grow. This potential influx of foreign labour from neighbouring countries may bring new skills, work ethics and new workers to the local industrial estates, local shops and other local businesses. These people will obviously need places to stay and be spending more money in the local economy. The new guests can only add to the already diverse, cosmopolitan city that we undoubtedly already have. I am sure many countries and other cities look at Pattaya as a place to aspire to. The economy is prosperous, the infrastructure is constantly being improved and the city is growing at an astonishing rate. The main reasons for this are what Pattaya has to offer both in terms of entertainment and business opportunities. The local industrial

Whatever you want Pattaya can offer it to you and it is for this reason that I believe that it will continue to grow and thrive. Political tensions or not, what Pattaya has to offer can not be taken away.

estates are ideally placed both for the port at Laem Chabang and also Bangkok. They are close enough to Pattaya for employees to commute to but far enough away that Pattaya is largely unaffected by the industrial traffic. The entertainment that Pattaya has to offer is there for everyone to see. We have stunning golf courses, excellent diving spots, shops and restaurants catering for every taste. Grow and thrive Whatever you want Pattaya can offer it to you and it is for this reason that I believe that it will continue to grow and thrive. Political tensions or not, what Pattaya has to offer can not be taken away. As always, space is running short. This article was no means intended to be a downer on Thailand as it is a country that, like many other people, I love. The turbulence of the recent months has certainly caused concern but I hope that people understand that Pattaya has lots to offer both for the now and the future. Wherever, you are, stay safe and continue to enjoy all the wonderful things that are on offer, so until next time, keep enjoying the Land of Smiles! |

99 REM 03/2014

and a continuation of the capital in Bangkok for the more heavily favoured yellow shirts based in and around the existing capital. It has to be questioned whether these are realistic options, certainly in the short term. Dividing a country is no easy process and will naturally have individuals who support the opposition on both sides of the border so this option seems unlikely. Electoral reform is more tangible but deciding how this should be done is complicated. It almost goes without saying that one side, if not both, will not be satisfied with the outcome.

coffee break • answers

Coffee break answers

cryptogram

two-minute trivia

1 East Germany; 2 Blackpool Tower; 3 Sirius (the Dog Star); 4 Water Jump and the Chair; 5 Silver Ghost; 6 Munro. NUMBER CRUNCHER AND SUDOKU

100 REM 03/2014

Multiply and divide before adding or subtracting. The first row across therefore is 3 x 9 = 27; 7 + 27 = 34.

‘Destiny is a name often given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences.’ – JK Rowling

wordsearch

broker & developer directory

This is one of the new show houses at the Amaya Hill project near Lake Mabprachan. See story on Pages 12 and 13.

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 • directory

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

glossaRY The following are among the trade organisation memberships or qualifications held by some of the agents. Note that, in some instances, the qualification is with the individual employee – not the company overall. AIPP: Acronym stands for The Association of International Property Professionals which is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve the standards of professionalism in the international property market, helping both the industry and the public. Members have voluntarily signed up to follow the AIPP Code of Conduct. CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist – this is a members-only group which is for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®. CRS: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the top professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in residential sales. Held by fewer than five per cent of all REALTORS®. NAR: National Association of Realtors is North America’s largest trade association representing more than 1.2 million members. Members can call themselves REALTORS®. NAR also functions as a self-regulatory organisation for real estate brokerage.

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

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

TREBA (Thailand): This is the nationwide Thailand Real Estate Broker Association with affiliation to the international Council of Residential Specialists. REBA-ES: The Real Estate Broker Association for the Eastern Seaboard.

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

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

REM 03-04/2014 • Issues 154 and 155

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

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

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

REM 03-04/2014 • Issues 154 and 155

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

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

glossaRY RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – an independent body which regulates the conduct of property professionals and surveyors in the UK and other sovereign nations. RICS provides education and training standards, protects consumers with strict codes of practice and advises governments and business. TREA: The Thai Real Estate Association aims to be the hub of the real estate profession here by encouraging entrepreneurs to operate to standards of quality and ethics; to create the maximum benefits for developers, government and consumers altogether. TREBS: The Thailand Real Estate Broker School provides training for real estate professionals. The course includes real estaterelated laws, broker law, broker ethics, listing and sales techniques, reconciliation techniques, property evaluation, property transfer procedure and tax calculation. Golden Homes Real Estate Co Ltd 33/39 M9 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 892-3 M: +66 (0)86 826 8821 E: info@goldenhomespattaya.com or Ploy1@csloxinfo.com W: goldenhomespattaya.com Principal: Yupaporn Sangpagdee (Ploy) Homes Direct Asia 99/34 Soi Khao Noi T: +66 (0)38 068 956 F: +66 (0)38 068 957 M: +66 (0)811 429 0111 or 0890 160 077 E: info@homesdirect.asia W: homesdirect.asia Principal: Matt O’Sullivan Jomtien Property 315/185-6 Thappraya Road near entrance to View Talay 2 T: +66 (0)38 303 243 M: +66 (0)86 108 6575 E: info@properties-in-thailand.com W: properties-in-thailand.com Principal: Stu Sutton

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

agents â&#x20AC;˘ directory

Pattaya Bay Real Estate 405/23 Soi Bongkot T: + 66 (0) 38 374 623 M: + 66 (0) 811 580 065 (English) + 66 (0) 807 247 476 (Thai) E: info@pattayabayrealestate.com W: pattayabayrealestate.com Principal: Mal Patterson Pattaya Exclusive Properties 680/8 Nova Mirage, Naklua Soi 16 T: + 66 (0) 38 368 368 M: +66 (0)89 266 8665 or (0)89 831 4602 E: sales@pattayaexclusiveproperties.com W: pattayaexclusiveproperties.com Pattaya Jomtien Property 75/49 Soi 5 Immigration, Beach Road, Jomtien (75m from Immigration Office) T: +66 (0)38 756 755 M: +66 (0)85 129 5657 (Thai); or +66 (0)85 667 3687 (English) E: sales@pattaya-jomtien-property.com W: pattaya-jomtien-property.com Principals: Kevin and Chanram Hurst Pattaya Prestige Properties 2/28 Ground Floor, View Talay 7 F: +66 (0)38 059 632 M: +66 (0)870 217 014 E: info@pattayaprestigeproperties.com W: pattayaprestigeproperties.com Principal: Jan Nuyten

Pattaya Realty 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Second Road T: +66 (0)38 412 301-2 M: +66 (0)89 833 6175 or (0)89 832 7226 E: info@pattayarealty.com W: pattayarealty.com Principal: Stuart Daly Memberships: CIPS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR Advertisements: Pages 14 and 15

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

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

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

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

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REM 03-04/2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Issues 154 and 155

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

Major Development PCL 141 Soi Thonglor 10, Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Local project: Reflection Jomtien Beach Sales office: Jomtien Beach Road, adjacent to Suttangrak Restaurant T: +66 (0)38 233 111 M: +66 (0)89 247 7158 E: sales@reflectionpattaya.com W: majordevelopment.co.th Matrix Developments 352/202-3 M12 Pratumnak Road Current projects: Art-on-the-Hill, Paradise Park, Sunset Boulevard, The View, The Vision, Amazon Residence and City Center Residence T: +66 (0)38 250 120-1 F: +66 (0)38 250 008 M: +66 (0)87 607 8880 E: info@matrix-developments.com W: matrix-developments.com Membership: AIPP Modus Group 292/1-2 Moo 5 Soi 12, Pattaya-Naklua, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: Modus Beachfront Condo T: +66 (0)38 225 999 or (0)38 252 635 M: +66 (0)89-092 1333 E: info@moduspattaya.com or 888modus@gmail.com W: moduspattaya.com Principal: Pimpinan Namthep New Nordic Occupies a large area of Pratumnak. Soi 4 and look for the orange signs Current projects: New Nordic Suites, New Nordic VIP Condominium I, II and III and IV are planned T: +66 (0)38 250 025 M: +66 (0)89 605 4114 E: sales@new-nordic.com W: new-nordic.com Norwegian Properties Group 315/175-180 Moo 12, Nongprue Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: VN Residences 3 T: +66 (0)38 303 310 F: +66 (0)38 252 548 M: +66 (0)89 936 6741 (Eng) or +66 (0)89 834 7664 (Eng and Rus) E: jeanette@vnresidences.com or liene@vnresidences.com W: vnresidences.com Principal contact: Jeanette Eiksund Heltne

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Where you can get a copy of REm

Robinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest 33/42-44 Moo 10 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 194 or +66 (0)89 928 7080 W: robinsnestpattaya.com

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

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

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

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

Cocoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro & Coffee Lounge Soi Chaiyapruk, Jomtien T: 038 074 675 E: madeup@cocospattaya.com W: cocospattaya.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

REM 03-04/2014 • Issues 154 and 155

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

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