Flags and acronyms

In the space of 50 years Singapore became the richest country in the world; it went from having a standard of living equivalent to that of Viet Nam, to one that all of Europe now envies. Rey Buono summed it up for the Pattaya City Expats Club at their Sunday, October 27 meeting.

In the space of 50 years Singapore became the richest country in the world; how it happened can be explained by using flags and acronyms. This is how club member Rey Buono summed it up for the Pattaya City Expats Club at their Sunday, October 27 meeting. Rey has spent 25 years in Asia, including 10 in Singapore. He is a theatre director, acting coach, and performing arts educator. Rey now lives in Thailand. Currently, he is Coordinator of Performing Arts at Siam University, Bangkok.
Rey said, Singapore went from having a standard of living equivalent to that of Viet Nam to one that all of Europe now envies. At the same time, Singapore has the largest gap between rich and poor. He began by giving a brief history of Singapore using the flags that have flown over the island. The first being that of the British East India Company which ruled Singapore on behalf of Britain starting in 1819; bringing in hundreds of thousands of Chinese people to live with the native Malays along with many Indians, mainly to do police work. The next was that of the Japanese. After the war, things were not the same for European colonial powers as many of their colonies sought independence. Britain adopted a policy of peaceful disengagement from its colonies once stable, non-Communist governments were available to transfer power to.

Rey mentioned the acronyms “LKY” and “PAP.” The first stands for Lee Kwan Yew, an ethnic Chinese, and the second for his Peoples Acton Party.

The third was that of Malaya, which gained its independence from Britain in 1957. Singapore joined with Malaya as a way to end British colonial rule. Malaya initially resisted because it feared the power of the large Chinese population in Singapore. When Singapore was admitted, Malaya was renamed Malaysia. However, two years later Singapore was out. Rey explained that the Singapore Chinese resented the preferential treatment Malaysia accorded Malays in schooling, taxes, etc. As a result, the Republic of Singapore was created with its own flag.
At that time, most of its residents were living in abject poverty, Rey said. There was also tension among the ethnic groups who lived separately in different cantons; plus the existence of a communist faction added to the political instability. Rey then mentioned the first acronyms “LKY” and “PAP.” The first stands for Lee Kwan Yew, an ethnic Chinese, and the second for his Peoples Acton Party. LKY, through the PAP ruled Singapore for three decades (and Rey says still runs Singapore, at the age of 90, even though he is no longer the Prime Minister). Rey gave a brief summary of his English education, involvement in politics, and how he set out to create a strong one-party state.

MC Richard Silverberg presents Rey with a Certificate of Appreciation as thanks for his insightful presentation.

The next acronym mentioned by Rey was “ISA,” which stands for the Internal Security Act. It allowed the detention of persons without the benefit of trial. The PAP used it to squash any opposition. Over the years, operations were launched against various groups (e.g. artists in 1976, catholic activists and theatre people in 1986). The PAP also used libel lawsuits to crush and bankrupt their enemies. The ISA was used to cement the political and social dominance of the PAP and Singapore became a surveillance state; Rey said that the people who live there feel they are constantly being watched even today.
He then mentioned the acronyms “EDB,” “HDB,” and “CPF.” Explaining that the Economic Development Board, brought in Western companies and greatly strengthened Singapore’s economy. The Housing and Development Board, which Rey said was the single most important tool in the social transformation of Singapore, demolished the ethnic cantons and built high rise apartments which were ethnically integrated and had to be purchased. The Central Provident Fund was a forced savings plan; employer and employee each contributed 20% of the employee’s earnings which Rey explained could be used for only two things - housing and retirement; thus providing the means to purchase the high rise apartments.
He then went on to mention the “MOE,” which stands for the Ministry of Education and said that Singapore is famous today for the quality of its education. He explained how the MOE was also an instrument of social control, set forth that all schools were to use English (although in recent years, they have allowed Chinese language schools to return). He also described how the MOE paid students to take courses in the humanities and to send the best students, at government expense, to schools overseas. These students were “bonded” to work for the government for eight years after their return; thus creating a strong cadre of high-level civil servants.
The “SAF” stands for the Singapore Armed Forces, a well trained military. Rey explained that every male has to go into the army for two years and has to go back for two weeks a year for 15 years after the initial stint. The SAF, therefore, is another social control device. Also, the last acronym he mentioned was the “SDU.” The Social Development Unit was created to provide opportunities for single men and women to interact socially.
In conclusion, Rey said Singapore has been called a tiny island in an Islamic sea. However, over the years, the only threats to Singapore have come from communists, not Islamists.
After Rey answered several questions, Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg updated everyone on upcoming events and called on Tony Heron to conduct the always interesting and informative Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about expat living in Thailand.

Jomtien Rotary helps Phanat Nikhom flood victims

Showing the height of the waterline.

Graham Hunt-Crowley
The Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya visited Phanat Nikhom on Tuesday 29th October to see the damage caused by the recent flood, where the town centre roads were waist deep in floodwater. The main reason for the visit was to deliver 100 Water Drip Filters to families whose houses had been under a metre or more during the floods in Phanat Nikhom.
This was possible due to a £1,000 donation by a Scottish benefactor, which the club matched from its Community Services fund, to purchase 100 Drip Filters. These units are capable of filtering well or roof gathered water into 6 litres of clean drinkable water. Even floodwater can be cleaned using these Drip Filters, which have a lifespan of 5 years of daily use.
Using this filter unit prevents people contracting waterborne diseases, caught by drinking unclean water.
The Drip Filters were supplied by the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard, who taught members of Phanat Nikhom Rotary Club how to assemble and maintain the filters.
For more information on this and their other projects, contact President Graham Hunt-Crowley on 08 1340 8852 or via their website http: //www.rotaryjomtienpattaya.org/

 Flood soaked wardrobe and clothes.

President Graham and resident with PP Brendan.

PILC Banglamung Home for the Elderly

The PILC formerly present a cheque valued at 17,400 Thai Baht to the Banglamung Home for the Elderly for assistance in purchasing two washing machines.

Mary Pierce, PILC Welfare Chair
During the Songkran Celebrations in April this year I met a group of people from the Banglamung Home for the Elderly who were visiting the Fountain of Life Children’s Centre. The group invited me to visit their home, which I did a few weeks later. I was very impressed with the home and therefore asked if the PILC could assist them with anything. I received a request for assistance in purchasing two washing machines. The PILC issued a cheque valued at 17,400 Thai Baht soon after the request was made.
On Wednesday 30th October a group of ladies from the PILC visited the home to formerly present the money for the purchase of the washing machines. The Banglamung Home for the Elderly is located in lovely surroundings and can accommodate approximately 300 people who are cared for by 55 staff. Normally the PILC channel assistance to underprivileged children, so today it was a delight to assist the elderly for a change.

Halloween Family Fun at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group a Monstrous Success

Royal Cliff Hotels Group once again successfully hosted a fun family-friendly monster-themed Halloween party for kids on October 26, at its beachfront restaurant, Breezeo - Be Yourself Dining.

Executive Director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Vitanart Vathanakul, presents a certificate and special pumpkin loot bag for “Best Halloween Costume” to Sava “the little wizard”.

Halloween came early with the restaurant all decked out and into the spirit of litstle monsters, ghoulish fun and freaky Halloween music!
Parents and their little ones in charming Halloween costumes enjoyed the festive feel of monster-themed Halloween decor while dining on delicious dishes topped with a unique Halloween-inspired menu and beverages consisting of fun Monster Bites, Frankentreats, Vampire Elixirs and Crypt Keepers!
Entertaining activities featuring photo ops with monster cardboard cutouts, a monster page coloring activity, fun artistic body painting and a variety of fun spooky games kept the children occupied and basking in the spirit of the Halloween season. Laughter was abundant throughout the night as they enjoyed exciting games such as “Pass the Monster”, musical chairs with a Halloween twist, “Pin the Eye on Monster Mike”, ”Halloween Bingo”, “Feed the Monster” Ball Toss and the “Longest Roar” with their ever supportive parents tirelessly cheering them on!

Executive Director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Vitanart Vathanakul, presents a certificate and special pumpkin loot bag for “Best Halloween Costume” to Tia dressed as a “pretty fairy”.

Little faces were alight with excitement as the young visitors tried to win lots of fun prizes ranging from trick or treat pumpkin loot bags filled with delightful goodies to nutty monsters Halloween stickers. Vitanart Vathanakul, Executive Director of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group joined in the Halloween fun by awarding the winners of the Best Halloween Costume contest.
It was a night filled with fun, laughter and cheers! The thrilling games, freaky food, exciting lucky draw, zombie dance entertainment, spooky tunes, special Halloween goodies and other delightful perks made the event an enjoyable monster success!

Maria Gequillana, PR and Marcom Manager of Royal Cliff Hotels Group with charming masked visitors at the “Monsters at the Cliff” Halloween Family Fun.

Children enjoying the “Pin the Eye on Mike” Halloween game.

Pullman Pattaya Hotel G features Chef Julien Lavigne for 2 nights only

Another unique culinary treat comes to the Beach Club of Pullman Pattaya Hotel G November 12 & 13. French chef Julien Lavigne, the man who has pleased so many palates in Bangkok, has been invited to show off his skills for two memorable nights. Total enjoyment: extremely likely.

French Chef Julien Lavigne.

Chef Julien Lavigne grew up with a strong tradition of culinary roots in France. He has always loved food and quality cuisine. After five years of studying fine cuisine, he began a nine year collaboration with the Pourcel brothers, 2 Michelin star restaurateurs. This included his tenure at D’Sens Bangkok, which began in 2004.
In 2011, Julien decided to fulfill his dream of becoming a chef in his own kitchen. Soon enough, he was maintaining deliciousness at not one, but two, celebrated fooderies in Bangkok, Oskar Bistro and Gossip Gastro Bar.
Chef Julien loves mixing Mediterranean flavours into his cooking hallmarks of generous portions and quality ingredients. Expect a nuance of olive oil, basil or sun-dried tomatoes. Of course, he has also learned to adore the cuisine of Thailand, which he calls “a limitless source of inspiration,” noting that, “The products, the spices, the techniques are so diverse.” Few gastronomic secrets have escaped his curiosity and talent.
Chef Julien will prepare a premium 4-course set dinner for these two evenings, with excellent choices for each course, all for only 790 baht net.
The menu includes appetizers such as Caesar Salad with smoked or raw salmon; warm sienna goat cheese; or delightful Phuket Blue Crabmeat, with avocado, mango and coriander. And for the first course, look for delicious Grilled Beef “Look Lak” with flake salt, pepper and lime dip; Tender Chicken with a yellow curry dip; or a scrumptious Oskar Pizza with Parma ham, fig, balsamic syrup, rocket and white truffle oil.
The Main Course takes fine dining even further with a choice of “Cocottes” - of Duck Parmentier, served with mashed potatoes, green pepper sauce and mixed salad; or “Cocottes” of Braised Lamb Legs, with semoulina and harissa. Another fine choice is Grilled Butterfish Ratatouille, with rocket and saffron sauce.
Life deserves a little dessert as well. And Chef Julien has prepared choices for that: Café Gourmand Oskar Tiramisu; Vanilla Crème Brûlée; White Chocolate and Passion Fruit Cheese Cake; or a Toblerone Chocolate Mousse.
Once again, this is dining at its best, and just what a fine dinner in The Beach Club means. Drop in and have a bite before it’s all gone - available two nights only.
The Beach Club Restaurant opens every day from 6:30 – 22:00 hrs.
For more information or reservations, please contact +66 (0) 3841 1940-8 or email [email protected]  or www.facebook.com/thepullmanpattayahotelG