COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Events

The next Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) meeting will be on Sunday, Jan. 5.  Everyone is warmly welcome.  Dr. Olivier Meyer will talk about recent advances in anti-ageing medicine.  The Club meets every Sunday morning at the Tavern by the Sea restaurant located on the north end of Beach Road (part of the Amari Orchid Resort).  The program starts as usual at 10:30 a.m. with a buffet breakfast available from 9 to 11 a.m.

The next Pattaya International Ladies Club meeting will be on Tuesday the 7th of January at 11 a.m. in Gian’s on Thappraya Road.  Women from all countries are warmly welcomed to join in the fun.  The Club will also be holding “An evening with wine” at Siam Gardens on Siam Country Club Road on 25th of January from 6pm - 10pm.  The wines being presented are from Chile and Australia and will be followed by a fantastic finger food buffet.  Admission price is 1200 baht per person.  For more information, check website: www.pilc-pattaya.com or email [email protected].

Green Pattaya will be holding their first clean-up day of 2014 on Saturday, January from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Cosy beach in South Pattaya.  Come along bring your friends and family and help make Pattaya a better and cleaner place.  Water, soft drinks plus fruits & snacks will be provided to all those lending a helping hand.  For more information, go to: www.facebook.com/GreenPattaya/events.

The 6th edition of the Columbia Trail Masters will take place at Khao Mai Keaw, on the outskirts of Pattaya on Sunday, January 12.  The event will feature a 50km ultra trail run, 25km trail run, 10km trail run and 3km fun run/walk for children and families.  Entry fee is 1250 baht for the 50km race when registering before January 6 or 1500 baht thereafter.  The 25km race is 900 or 1100 baht; the 10km race 600 or 800 baht and the 3km trail run/walk is 150 baht for adults (15 & over).  Registrations for the 3km fun run will be accepted on Saturday January 11 from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday January 12 from 6 to 7am at the venue.  Free for children of 14 years and under.  For more information and registration, go to website: www.ama-events.com or call 02 718 9581-2.

A joint Chambers of Commerce Eastern Seaboard Networking Evening will take place on Friday, Jan. 17 from 6.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. at Dicey Reilly’s Pub & Eatery, Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa.  For more information and booking, go to www.bccthai.com, www.austchamthailand.com, www.amchamthailand.com or email [email protected].

The 2014 PTT Pattaya Open, WTA professional women’s tennis tournament is scheduled to take place from 26 January - 2 February 2014 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya.  An exciting line-up of stars is in place for the 23rd edition of the tournament, which is one of the longest running events on the WTA Tour and is tremendously popular with the players and spectators alike.  For more information on the tournament and ticket enquiries, Tel: 02-3113414-5, Fax: 02-3113498 or e-mail: ppc@ pentanglepromotions.com.

The culture of northeastern Thailand will come to life in Pattaya for three nights at the Issan Festival 2014 from March 7-9 on Pattaya Third Road.  The event will feature a parade, performances from actor Nadej Kokimiya and country music singer Ying Lee, general Issan music, and sales of northeastern products.  The event will also showcase a “phi ta khon” scary-ghost dance competition with winners receiving more than 100,000 baht in prizes.  Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to AIDS patients at Phra Bat Numpu Temple in Saraburi.

Dining

Enjoy a Bubble Cocktails promotion with Bubble Heaven, Candy Fizz, Gummy Bubbles, and Imagine Sparks at Infiniti & Latitude lounge, Sheraton Pattaya Resort during December 2013 to January 2014 with price THB 320++ per glass.  For more information or reservations, call 038 259 888 or go to website: www. sheratonpattayaresort.com.

Centara Grand Phra­tamnak Pattaya is now fully open and offering the following: Wednesdays - Thai Night with live Thai contemporary modern art dance in Oceana 18:00-22:30, THB 800++.  Sunday Champagne Brunch (12:00-15:30) every first Sunday of the month, THB 1,100++ Excl. beverages, THB 1,800++ incl. white wine, red wine, sparkling wine, soft drinks and THB 2,500++ incl. white wine, red wine, ½ bottle of Champagne, soft drinks.  Every day - afternoon high tea in Espresso from 15:00-17:00, THB 350++ for a single set including tea and coffee.  Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya is located on Pra­tamnak Soi 5.  For more information and booking 038 306 337, e-mail: [email protected]

Halal international buffet dinner @ Harbour - only THB 420 net per person.  The buffet dinner includes halal food, an international buffet line and many selections of dessert.  The food is certified and cooked by a halal chef with 40 years experience. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available.  Harbour restaurant is located at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel on Pattaya Beach Road (Soi 3), Open daily 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm.  For more information, call 038 259 555 Ext 4236.

Sugar Hut Restaurant is open for lunch with set menu prices from 240 to 350 baht net/set.  Menu items include chili fried rice, pork soup with tofu, noodles, fresh spring rolls, salad, fruit, desserts and more.  For inquiries and reservations, call 038 364 186, 038 251 686.

Zico’s Pattaya restaurant of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort is Pattaya’s only Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant.  Enjoy succulent meat and fresh seafood; as much as you can eat on long skewers which gracefully pass through the tables.  Special on every Wednesday and Thursday enjoy free flow beef unlimited 2 hours with 15 skewers at only Baht 999+ per person (subject to 7% VAT).  And don’t miss the great selection at the salad bar.  Brazilian Samba Queens perform at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. with an amazing dance routine and hot music (except on Mondays).  For more information or table reservations, contact 038 043 516 or email: [email protected].

Marco Polo Chinese Restaurant is famous for its authentic Shanghainese and Szechuan cuisines prepared to perfection by master Chinese chefs.  Enjoy a dim sum lunch daily from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and dinner from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily.  Also make sure to call in at the Montien Bakery Shop for freshly made cakes, pastries and breads plus a range of Thai desserts.  Open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. (Every day).  For more information, call the Montien Hotel, Pattaya, tel. 038 428 155, 038 361 340 ext 1620, 1621, or email [email protected].

The Bay Italian restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience in a contemporary setting with both indoor and outdoor seating and a scenic view of Pattaya Bay.  The Bay is located at the Dusit Thani Pattaya Resort, next to the Dolphin Roundabout in North Pattaya.  Opening hours are Monday to Sunday - 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For more information and reservations, please call 038 425 611-7 ext. 2270.

The open kitchen concept at Edge restaurant, Hilton Hotel Pattaya, creates an interactive dining experience combined with natural light and breathtaking views.  Monday’s “Post weekend BBQ” features freshly grilled sausages, Korean style pork cuts and chorizo burritos while Tuesday’s “Mediterranean Fare” includes Middle Eastern dips and salads, pizza and pasta.  On Wednesday, Edge presents “Burgers, Salads and Gourmet Sandwiches” where guests can create their perfect burger, toss a fresh salad or grab a gourmet sandwich.  The tastes of Southeast Asia, India, China and Japan come together for Thursday’s “Extended Asia” followed by Friday’s “Seafood Pattaya” where the crystal waters offer up fresh local prawns, crabs and lobsters served on ice or grilled.  Saturday’s “Classics & Confectionaries” presents timeless favorites such as Greek salad, oven-baked whole salmon, green curry and bouillabaisse and margherita pizza.  In addition, guests will be able to indulge in traditional Thai desserts with a modern twist.  Every Sunday, the chefs pull out all the stops and offer the hotel’s famous “Sunday Brunch” that brings together a wide selection from around the globe.  Bookings are absolutely essential for this very popular event.  Monday to Thursday @ THB 420 net; Friday and Saturday @ THB 480 net, Sunday Brunch @ THB 1200 net; Wine Buffet @ THB 800 net.  “Seven Days, Seven Themes” is available from Mondays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. on Sundays.  Edge restaurant is located on the 14th floor of the Hilton Hotel Pattaya.  For bookings, please dial +66 (0)38 253 000.

As well as the excellent European food for which it is very well known in Pattaya (including some very rare Dutch items), Mata Hari restaurant also has a complete range of Thai cuisine, including Thai Isaan on request from Chef Jackie, herself coming from Isaan.  Mata Hari restaurant is located at the top of the hill on Thappraya Road, and for reservations (strongly recommended) phone 038 259 799 or email louis@ mataharirestaurant.com or go through the website at: www.mataharirestaurant.com

The Tavern by the Sea Restaurant introduces the following daily promotions: Monday Curry Night features the tastiest curries, naan bread and salad buffet for just THB 449 net per person.  Taco Tuesday offers as much as you can eat, beef, chicken and pork tacos plus chili con carne, Mexican beans, vegetables and salad bar for just THB 399 net.  Wednesday is Ribs & Wings evening: finger licking good ribs and 6 different kinds of wings - all you can eat for THB 399 net per person (and with 1 glass of Heineken beer THB 449 net per person).  Friday & Saturday Churrasco Nights offer prime meats and seafood, grilled to perfection on the fire and freshly skewered for you on the churrasco pens at the Tavern.  All complemented by a full buffet of starters, side dishes and desserts.  Only THB 690 net per person.  Every buffet is open from 18.30 - 22.00 hrs.  There is also a daily happy hour from 11 am - 6 pm.  Watch all the premier live sports on one of the many widescreen TV’s or on the big projector screen (Sports hotline 038 418 419).  Amari Orchid Pattaya, Beach Road, North Pattaya, Tel 038 418418, E-mail orchid @amari.com.

Eat to the New Beat at Starz Diner located at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya between 2nd Road and Beach Road, Central Pattaya: A selection of Pan Asian and continental flavors, from the griddle, BBQ char-grill, pan, fryer, steamer, wok, and tandoori oven, as well as some really delicious desserts.  Sat: THB 850++, Sun-Fri: THB 750++ food only.  Sat: THB 1,080++, Sun-Fri: THB 980++ including free flow drinks.  Children under 11 years of age eat for free.  Show time for live music is from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  For more information call 038 428 755-9 or go to http://pattaya.hardrockhotels.net.

The Peak restaurant offers a variety of dim sum items during the All You Can Eat Dim Sum for Lunch.  Price is just THB 705 net per person.  Lovers of Peking Duck, prized for the thin crisp skin, can also enjoy lunch with a whole Peking Duck on the centerpiece at only THB 1,765 net.  What’s more, Roasted Suckling Pig is offered at a discounted price of THB 1,882 (whole roast).  The Peak Chinese Restaurant is located on the 8th floor of Dusit Thani Pattaya next to the Dolphin Roundabout in North Pattaya.  Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For reservations and more information please call 038 425 611 to 7, ext. 2276.

Oasis restaurant is currently featuring “Meat on a Stick” with Turkish kebabs, Jamaican chicken, Tandoori inspired seafood and BBQ pork kebabs.  Prices start at only THB 300++ (subject to service charge and VAT).  Oasis Restaurant is located at the lower main lobby of the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.  Open daily from 6.00-23.30 hours.  Call to reserve at 038 301 234 ext 4260-61.

Intimate surroundings and a magnificent wine wall provide a distinctive backdrop for sophisticated dining at Flare restaurant.  Experience an exquisite new menu of the authentic taste of Thai cuisine, as it captures the freshness of its surrounds and fuses it with a global twist.  Sample “Hoy Nang Rom” made with fresh Fine de Claire oysters from the southern regions of France or perhaps a “Som Tum”, imaginatively prepared tableside.  Finish your evening with “Cafe Bo’Lan” or maybe “Bai Tuey” - a very international crème brûlée.  Also available are an exciting range of wines from Thailand’s emerging vineyards.  Available for a limited time only in Flare, level 15 of the Hilton Hotel Pattaya from 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily.  For bookings, please dial 038 253 000 or email: pattaya.sales @hilton.com

New and only at Moon River Pub! The After Work Club from 7 p.m. to midnight offers guests a Western or Thai evening menu.  Groups of 30 people may choose from the European and Thai all you can eat buffet (booking 1 day in advance).  The all you can drink (wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, etc.) counts for both offers.  Price per person: 1,200 baht per person Sunday to Thursday or 1,500 baht per person Friday & Saturday.  The Moon River Pub is located in front of the Thai Garden Resort, North Pattaya Road.

With a full salad and dessert buffet station, diners at Cascade can select their main course on the menu featuring Thai and western dishes such as fried seafood with garlic and hot basil leaf served with steamed jasmine rice; grilled chicken breast with barbecue sauce; breaded fish fillet, French fries and tartar sauce and many more. Price is THB 299++ per person (food only).  The Cascade is located near the Main Lobby of Dusit Thani Pattaya.  Open daily from 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.  For reservations call 038 425 611-7 ext. 2153.

Chill out to the DJ’s beats as you sip on signature cocktails at the Horizon lounge and take in stunning views of Pattaya Bay.  Located on the 34th floor rooftop of the Hilton Hotel Pattaya, Horizon lets you party with friends and sample the delicious cuisine in one of the three flexible private dining rooms. Bar opens from 5:00pm until 1:00am - restaurant from 6:00pm until 11:30pm.  Guests can indulge in style with a twist or simply relax in the most chilling Infinity Bar and enjoy the gentle sea breeze and romance sunset in a comfortable and relaxed entertainment venue.  The new ‘Sunset Session’ promotion offers guests an array of signature cocktails and “best sellers”, including Yello, Sea Breeze, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, Singapore Sling and beers on a one-for-one basis.  The promotion is available daily from 5 pm to 7 pm at Horizon.  For more information or reservations please call +66 (0)38 253 000 or email: bkkhp.pattaya. [email protected].

dusitD2 baraquda Pattaya has now introduced its premium branded sparkling wine “Baraquda Prosecco”.  Designed for celebratory sipping or leisurely refreshment as the perfect start or finish to any dining experience, this top-of-the-range premium Italian Prosecco is priced at only THB 1,500++ per bottle and is only available at the dusitD2 baraquda pattaya.  For more information or purchase inquiries, call 038 769 999 or E-mail. [email protected].

Promotions

Pullman Pattaya Hotel G is offering promotional rates to welcome in the Chinese Year of the Horse on January 31.  Book now and save up to 30% on a stylish Deluxe Room, starting from 5,865 per room per night, with complimentary Wi-Fi.  Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 7% applicable government tax and are subject to space availability at the time of booking.  Advance reservation is required. Please book online or contact the Reservations office: www. pullmanpattayahotelG.com, email: rsvn@pullmanpattaya hotelG.com, Tel 038 411 940.

Entertainment

Ruffino Restaurant & Lounge at Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya presents Thailand’s premier female DJ, DJ Diva, every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 19:00 - 23:00.  Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort is located on Soi 5, Pratamnak, South Pattaya.  Tel. 038 306 337 for more information.

Latino Groove dance nights take place every month at Havana Bar, Holiday Inn on Beach Road, North Pattaya.  Admission is free of charge and all are welcome.  For more information, call 038 725 555 or go to www.facebook .com/HavanaBar.Pattaya.

dusitD2 baraquda Pattaya invites you to come and relax, sip a cocktail or two and enjoy the dulcet tones of classic live jazz performed by the famous saxophonist Aht Gunlayanakupt, a.k.a. the Kenny G. of Thailand.  Performances of “a new jazz in town” are held every Friday and Saturday evening at the the rooftop sunset lounge from 8 p.m.  For more information and reservations, call 038 769 999 or send an email to [email protected].

The North Star Library on Sukhumvit Road, north Pattaya holds regular Thai language classes Mon - Fri from 10.30 till 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. till 2.30 p.m.  Cost of admission is 100 baht per session for library members and 200 baht for non-members.  Private lessons are also available for 200 baht per hour.  In addition, the library also holds Yoga training every Tuesday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Father Ray Foundation.  Cost is 1200 baht for 6 sessions (first session free).  For more information, call 081 575 4854 or email [email protected]

Come and enjoy live music at the Jazz Pit Pub from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day (except Tuesdays & Wednesdays).  Listen to great music by Thomas Reimer, one of the most famous European Jazz guitar players.  If you play an instrument, you are welcome to come along and join in the jam sessions every Monday evening.  Jazz trio every Friday at 7-11 p.m., with Thomas Reimer (guitar), Andy Goodson (bass), and Peter Couling (drums).  The Jazz Pit is located on Soi 5 off Pattaya Beach and 2nd Road. Tel: 038 428 374.

Yoga classes now available every Tuesday and Thursday at the Tea Tree Spa, 5th floor of the Holiday Inn Pattaya.  Experience the calmness and serenity of Pattaya Bay at sunset time while having a 1 hour yoga class with natural sea breezes and relaxing music.  Limited space available, please call 038 725 555 ext. 3902 for more information and reservation.

Groups & Associations

Al-Anon Family Group:  Are you bothered by someone else’s drinking?  Maybe we can help.  Sunday meeting at 2 p.m., Pattaya, Satree Pattaya Center, 519/56 Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi Skaw Beach near the Skaw Beach Hotel, next door to Scandalia Restaurant.  Thursday meeting is at 10:30 a.m. on the 4th floor of Jomtien Plaza Condotel.  For more information, call the Helpline 092 674 4109 or Richard 084 867 4138.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Pattaya:  The Pattaya Group meets Wednesday and Thursday at noon (open); Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m. (closed) and Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (closed) at the Satree Pattana Center, Soi Skaw Beach (2nd Rd): contact Mick on 087 994 6224, Bob 087 939 2463 or Joe 082 715 2082.  The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning.  All meetings are ‘open’: contact 084 564 8479.  The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: contact: Warren on 086 158 9688, Andy 080 570 1404 or Henk 086 070 6684, Thai contact: Somchai 081 445 3302.  The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515.  10.30 a.m. meetings every day at Satree Pattana Centre on Soi Skaw Beach off Second Road. Call 084 564 8479.

For the past 28 years the Samaritans of Thailand have been providing confidential crisis intervention services over the telephone.  The English-speaking unit, Samaritans English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community.  English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone.  All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge.  Please call (02) 713-6791 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week).

Overeaters Anonymous meetings in Pattaya/Jomtien - The ‘Up to You’ group meets Wednesdays at 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the housing area just behind Pan Pan Restaurant in Jomtien on Thappraya Road. Call Steve at 038-364-207(h) or 089-250-1359 (cell) for directions or more information.

Narcotics Anonymous - Hotline: 082 811 2686.  There are 3 English speaking meetings in Pattaya near Central Festival and 2 more in Jomtien each week.  Also regular Thai speaking meetings at 12 Midday every Sunday and Persian Farsi speaking meetings at 5.30 pm on Thursdays.  Please call the Hotline for details.