Pattaya Mail — Features

Cultural in the Central region

by Boonleua Chatri

In conjunction with the 12th International and National Cultural Festival in Pattaya, Pattaya Mail presents part 1 of a series on the different regions of Thailand and their cultural diversity.

The Central Region of Thailand is comprised of 22 provinces spread out over a fertile plain, eminently suitable for rice cultivation. It is often called Thailand’s ‘rice bowl’. The Central area has been home to various cultures since prehistoric times. This geographical region reached its height twice, once during the Thawaravadi Empire in the first millennium of the Christian era and the Ayuthaya Kingdom in the second.

Aside from the suitability for agriculture, the central region was once a rich source of minerals, such as gold, silver, copper, and many types of precious and semi-precious stones.

There are many beautiful and ingenious evidences of past civilisations in the central area. Thai and Khmer temples and palaces, the Khmer irrigation system which may still be seen in Ayuthaya, and the handicrafts which central region dwellers still practice.

All these provinces possess their own history and customs.

Krung Thep was originally called Bangkok after the many Makok, or Hog-Plum trees which grew in the area.

After the Burmese destroyed Ayuthaya and the Chakri Dynasty was founded, King Rama I moved the capitol to Bangkok, as the river provided a natural barrier to invading forces.

The city, originally named Krungthepmahanokorn-bowornratanakosinmahintar-ayuthaymahakilokanopharat-rachathaniburiramudamarachanivesmahasathanamariaphimarnawatarossathitsakkathatiyavisanukamprasit, was called Krung Thep by the residents and Bangkok by natives of other provinces.

Bangkok has an area of 1565.2 sq. Kilometres and is divided into 36 areas. Although modern Bangkok can be rather pandemonious, it has many places of historical interest, such as 11 museums and 15 historically important temples.

The most famous of the temples is Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was built during the first reign of the dynasty. The temple is actually The Royal Temple of the Monarchy and is connected to the Grand Palace.

The temple is of particular interest, as the wall enclosing the courtyard is painted with murals depicting scenes from the Hindu Ramayana epic poem, known in Thai as the Ramakien.

The National Theatre, located next to Thammasart University, has regular cultural performances. Details of these performances may be obtained by calling (02) 224-1342.

Other historical and ‘amazing’ sights in Bangkok are Wat Tri Mitr, home to a 7 tonne Buddha image of solid gold, the National Museum, and too many others to name here.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand produces a comprehensive tourist guide which gives informative details of Bangkok’s many wonders. Information may also be obtained by calling the Tourism Authority of Thailand’ office.

Selling eggs to relieve poverty

by Kittisak Khamthong

In the past, the word ‘Isan’ brought images of the north-eastern part of Thailand, a high plain which suffered from constant drought. We thought of the poverty the people suffered and their constant migration to cities to search for work. The never-ending draught in Isan was legendary and affected every aspect of their lives.

The people’s constant struggle for life earned them a reputation as a people who stoically endured hardship from birth.

The land of opportunity for the Isan people was Bangkok. Most of the labour force was Isan and the high-rise buildings in Bangkok were built on their backs. The Isan people then began to move to other provinces in the central and southern regions.

The Isan people worked as manual labourers, in the service industry, in shops and the entertainment industry.

Some independent Isan natives chose to be vendors selling Som Tam, Khao Niow, and grilled eggs. For some reason, grilled eggs have become a speciality of the Isan people.

Mr. Phanat Srimuang, 45, a native of southern Isan whose family have been rice farmers for hundreds of years, is one of the people who left Isan and engaged in the sale of grilled eggs. Born in Surin, Phanat has lived in Pattaya for three years.

Phanat told Pattaya Mail that his family had 32 rai of rice paddy in Surin. He said the average yearly yield of the fields was 9 cartfuls at 5,000 baht per cart. This brings in 45,000 baht per year. But after subtracting fertiliser costs, labour costs, doctor’s fees, and the amount of rice needed to sustain the family, the total cash left was less than 4,000 baht.

Phanat said leaving his land was sad, but his extended family of 16 people could not sustain themselves on 4,000 baht. After each harvest, the younger adults in the family separate and find work in different areas of Thailand while the old folks stay home, taking care of the young children and surviving on money sent to them by family members.

Phanat has been a manual labourer, an auto mechanic and a truck driver. But the pay is never enough to feed himself and have any left to send home.

When friends invited Phanat and his wife Prakorb to come to Pattaya, telling them that selling eggs was more lucrative than other professions and gave them personal freedom, the couple felt they had nothing to lose.

The couple left their 11 year old son and 5 year old daughter, both in school, with grandparents.

The couple said they could gross approximately 14,000 baht a month selling eggs. After subtracting living expenses, they were left with 6,000-7,000 baht. All of this is sent home to their parents and children. Phanat and Prakorb told reporters that their parents managed to bank a portion of this money.

The couple admitted they were surprised at the income from selling something as simple as grilled eggs.

The husband and wife said that they felt relieved that they and their family at home could have a rather decent life.

Prakorb said this made her especially happy. ‘When I came to Pattaya and saw all the girls working as ‘service girls’, all I could think of was our five year old daughter and worry.’

‘Isan children are very loyal and if their parents are poor, will do anything to help them. I did not want this to happen to our little girl. Now, thanks to selling something as simple as grilled eggs, she and our son will finish their education.’

Their life is one of constant migration though. Soon, it will be time to go home and plant the rice. Then back to Pattaya to sell eggs. Then home to harvest the rice.

The couple arises at 6:00 a.m. and finishes work around midnight. But Phanat and Prakorb don’t complain.

‘We don’t care how hard we must work. We only want to make money which is equal to our labour.’

‘The future of our children is what is important,’ the couple say with a smile.

British Chamber Pub night

The British Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Hemaraj Land and Development PLC, Hongkong Bank, ACS Asia Ltd., and MBMG International Inc., held the First British Chamber Pub Night on the Eastern Seaboard at Henry J. Bean’s, Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya on Friday, November 7th, 1997.

Graham Macdonald, Chairman of the British Chamber Eastern Seaboard Committee, revealed that the main objective of the Pub Night was to provide an opportunity for networking for business people based in the Eastern Seaboard area.

Graham stated in his opening address that following a very successful visit by the British Chamber of Commerce Bangkok in July, and following the request of a lot of business people on the Eastern Seaboard, a new branch was opened on the Eastern Seaboard.

The main objectives of the branch are: 1) To provide opportunities for networking between companies on the Eastern Seaboard and also with Bangkok based companies via a programme of regular activities, 2) To facilitate a regular flow of information on business prospects & opportunities, changes in regulations, etc., between the Eastern Seaboard, Bangkok and the U.K., 3) To collate a list of reputable service companies (e.g. lawyers, accountants, executive job search, market research, etc.) that are based on the Eastern Seaboard, 4) To create an Eastern Seaboard briefing pack from all available government and private sector sources with contributions from committee members, and hopefully, get members to promote opportunities in the area, 5) To establish a link between British Chamber members and other organisations on the Eastern Seaboard, e.g. Board of Investment, Eastern Seaboard Investors Club, etc., 6) To expand membership of the British Chamber, and 7) Anything else potential members may want.

Graham also stressed that it is important to acknowledge that non-U.K. persons are welcome to join.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Graham Macdonald, Greg Watkins, Executive Director of the British Chamber, or any of the committee.

Charley, a Clown walking a tight rope

His name is Karl Walisbühl, "but everybody has called me Charley since childhood."

Charley has been fascinated by the circus since the first time he saw one. At the age of 5, he began walking on everything that came close to a tightrope. And, by intuition, he usually did this in front of Circus tents.

One of the artists of a Circus watched him and invited Charley to train with them. When his parents came to pick him up, the good man told them that Charley was a born high-tightrope walker. After long discussions, and after the parents learned that their child would be able to attend school even though he was in the circus, they agreed to send him off to Los Angeles with the circus. There he boarded at an artist-school for 1 1/2 years. After that, however, he had to return home to go to a regular school. But artists can recognize a talent, and every time a Circus came to his town, he was invited to perform.

Finally, at the age of 11, he got his first contract with "Bügler-Tomelli". His salary was 5 German Marks and a chocolate per performance, and at least 3 1/2 hours training per day. His special appearances in the shows at that time were as a clown on the tightrope.

After 2 years, his parents once again put a stop to it, for at least one year. Defiant, he tried to escape boarding school 5 times, but each time the Judo trainer of the school always caught him and brought him back.

When he was 14, "Starlight" Circus approached him and he was allowed to join them again - only because his cousin was the tiger and lion trainer there.

At the age of 16, his father demanded he learn a "real" job as a waiter, but Charley just couldn’t stand balancing only plates. Just a year later he was back in the lime-light.

"I’ve learned a lot in all those years. Still performing as a Clown, I joined other groups as well. I drove a motorbike 62 meters above the ground on a tightrope fixed to a tottering steel-pole, which had a variation of 6 to 7 m all the way up. Underneath the bike, a trapeze tied to it and one of my partners balanced on it while I carried my other partner on my shoulders. We even performed a triple salto mortale at every show. I also walked on a tightrope 50 m high, blindfolded, and the only orientation I could use was the voices of my helpers on the ground."

Charley starts to laugh. "You know, I was a crazy guy. I still hold the world record for walking on a tightrope with fins, and I always liked to try out something new. I walked on stilts and with baskets on my feet. Once I tried it with ice-skates, but that didn’t work out."

Charley admits to being very nervous before a performance. "My knees were shaking so bad, I always had to wait a few minutes before making the first step onto the tightrope."

Charley performed in the Circus until he was 23. Then in Lucerne, Switzerland, he visited a public swimming pool for the first time; the "Lido", one of the nicest of its kind on the Vierwaldstätter Lake. The manager there, who knew him, asked him to help out as a lifeguard. Charley agreed and worked there in the summer while going on regular tours with the Circus the rest of the year.

After five years working at the "Lido", he was promoted to manager. In the meantime, during a cold summer, he had an idea to attract people to the "Lido". He began performing on the tightrope by the pool. Soon they had up to 6,000 visitors every day to watch his shows. He also performed many times at charity events and in hospitals.

About 8 years ago, he joined Circus Knie for the last time. Along with a Polish group, he performed a 5-man pyramid, again on the tightrope, and was awarded with the "Oscar’ in silver for this exiting and dangerous act.

In 1993, after visiting Pattaya for the fourth time, he had a terrible accident in a print shop. His left hand was caught in a machine and cut off. Charley neither fainted nor lost his nerve. Instead, he applied a tourniquet to his arm, took his severed hand to the restaurant next door, packed it in ice and went to the hospital. They immediately sent him off to Bangkok by ambulance, but it took 7 hours to reach the hospital due to a traffic jam caused by an accident. Once he finally arrived, he underwent 7 1/2 hours of surgery to reattach his hand.

Twice, he was in danger of loosing his hand again, but twice the doctors managed to save it in long hours of operations. 12 different specialists in Switzerland assured him that this was truly ‘sensational’ surgery.

"Of course, after my accident I couldn’t work anymore. My hand is useless so I quit my job at the "Lido" and moved back to Pattaya. Before that, I was awarded with the life-saving medal, presented by the President of Switzerland. I was very proud, though I thought I only had done my duty by saving 18 people from drowning within 20 years."

Charley does not like to talk about his private life, saying, "I am very happy in Pattaya. I’ve traveled around all over Thailand and before that, all over the world, but Pattaya is home for me now. I have a beautiful flat at Residence Suites, with nice neighbors, and I like the people and the culture here. I couldn’t wish for anything else.

Health and Nutrition Facts

Sugar - how sweet it is

by Laura Zubrod, Registered Dietician

Were you born with a "sweet tooth"? Studies show that newborn babies respond to sweet tastes quicker than to bitter, sour, or salty tastes. Our earliest ancestors enjoyed the sweetness of berries and other fruit. Experts say perhaps sweetness indicated that the food was safe to eat. There is no doubt about it, sweetness adds to the pleasure of eating.

Sugar is not considered a health food, but it is not all that harmful either. Eating sugar does not cause hypoglycemia, diabetes, hyperactivity in children, or even obesity. Sugar can cause cavities, but then so can any carbohydrate. Sugar offers virtually no beneficial nutrients and 16 calories per teaspoon in its granulated form. But parting with it would be sweet sorrow. Sugar adds taste, aroma, texture, color, and body to all kinds of foods.

Sugar, along with fiber and starch, belongs to the nutrient category called carbohydrates. Sugar contains no fat but it is a concentrated source of calories. If you are watching your calorie intake or your energy needs are low (such as older adults), go easy on the amount of sugars you consume. The sugar children consume should be limited since sugary foods often replace other foods that contain nutrients children need for growth.

Some sugars occur in foods naturally, like sugar in fruit. Other sugars are added to foods including cereals, canned fruits, baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, black sauce, oyster sauce, salad dressings, and of course desserts like cakes, pastries, puddings ice cream, etc. Sugar is also the main ingredient in sodas, candy, jelly, jams, and syrup. Regardless of the source of sugar, once it is broken down and floating through your system, your body cannot tell if it came from a piece of chocolate or a banana. So, if your body cannot tell where that sugar you just ate came from, why drink orange juice instead of a Coke or an orange-flavored soda? Well, when sugar comes from fruit and pure fruit juices, it is naturally accompanied by vitamins, minerals, and fiber that you need for good health.

Common forms of sugar include:

Sucrose is familiar to us as simple table sugar (granulated white sugar). It is the end result in the refining of sugar cane or sugar beats. Castor sugar is similar to granulated sugar but the granules are smaller. Cane sugar is granulated white sugar before it has been bleached. Powdered sugar or icing sugar is granulated sucrose that has been machine ground and has a small amount of cornstarch added.

Fructose is present in most fruits, jellies, and jams. Commercially available fructose is made by a refining process that starts with sucrose, not fruit.

Corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup are produced using acid and high temperatures to hydrolyze cornstarch. High-fructose corn syrup is the most widely used sweetener in processed foods because it is cheaper and sweeter than sucrose.

Lactose, or milk sugar, is present in dairy foods and mother’s milk. Most of the world’s adult population, especially people of Asian and African descent, are lactose-intolerant. They lack the enzyme lactase that breaks down lactose and may have problems digesting milk products.

Molasses is the liquid that remains after sucrose has been extracted from sugar cane or beet juice. Molasses is the only form of sugar that contains some beneficial nutrients. Blackstrap molasses has significant amounts of calcium and iron. In general, the darker the molasses, the higher the nutritive value.

Brown sugar is white sugar colored with molasses. However, there is so little molasses in brown sugar that there is no health benefit to using it over white sugar.

Palm sugar is made from the juice of coconut palm flowers and should be a dark red-brown color. We often see pale colored palm sugar here in Thailand.

Honey is formed when sugars present in the pollen collected by bees are split apart by an enzyme produced by bees. The source of the pollen determines which sugars it contains and the flavor of the honey. Honey contains only trace amounts of nutrients.

Maple syrup is what remains after sap from maple trees has been boiled down to about one-fortieth its original volume. Most pancake syrup is merely corn syrup spiked with artificial maple flavor. Pure maple syrup has only trace amounts of nutrients so when deciding whether to use pure versus artificial maple syrup, it’s just a matter of preference.

Enjoying the sweetness of foods is part of a healthful diet. Balance sugary foods, such as cake or pastries, with those having less sugar such as crackers or bread. The majority of your carbohydrates should come from pasta, rice, bread, other grain products, legumes, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables because they supply vitamins, minerals, and fiber that sugar does not. Try using more fruit to satisfy your cravings for something sweet since it also contains beneficial nutrients.

Readers may write Laura care of the Pattaya Mail with questions or special topics they would like to see addressed.

Lebanon celebrates 54th Independence Day

Message from Dr. Vatcheh Nurbatlian
Ambassador of Lebanon

Lebanon’s Independence Day 54th Anniversary on the 22nd of November is going to be celebrated officially for the third consecutive year in Thailand, like everywhere else in the world where we find Lebanese Communities and Embassies.

The State-to-State relationship between Lebanon and Thailand is ancient. Thailand and the Republic of Lebanon have long enjoyed friendly and cordial relations as well as good mutual understanding. This is because our two countries are lands of ancient civilization and rich culture and also because they share a common political dedication for the International Law, the respect of human rights and democratic principles and also a common desire to see mankind live together in peace, freedom & prosperity.

Bilateral trade and economic relations have also continued to grow steadily since the opening of our Embassy in 1995, so that the two-way annual trade volume between Thailand and Lebanon reached a record of US$ 81 million last year.

The years 1995-1997 have been marked also by the exchange of both private and official business and tourism delegations, and agreements on the promotion and protection of investment. Avoidance of double taxation and on trade and technical cooperation are under consideration from concerned authorities of our two countries.

I would like to take this happy opportunity to wish on behalf of the Government and People of Lebanon good health, long life, happiness and prosperity to H.M. the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, H.M. the Queen, the Royal Family, the Government and People of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Finally I wish to thank Pattaya Mail for giving us the opportunity of reaching its readers in Pattaya and all over Thailand, while conveying our best wishes for the rapid recovery of Thailand from the recent economic slowdown which has hit the countries of the whole of Southeast Asia.

Dr. Vatcheh Nurbatlian
Ambassador of Lebanon

Lebanon: recovery and development program

On September 21, 1994, His Excellency President of the Republic Elias Hrawi and Prime Minister Rafic El Hariri laid the foundation stone of the BCD reconstruction project before a distinguished gathering.

The Beirut Central District (BCD) is the historic heart of Lebanon’s capital and an urban area thousands of years old. Until 1975, it was vibrant with activity, the hub of a country enjoying a privileged position in the region as a financial, commercial and business center, a safe haven for capital and an attractive area for Arab and international investment.

The BCD reconstruction project is a pivotal urban development project expected to play a leading role in the rebuilding of the city of Beirut and in the recovery and development of the Lebanese economy as a whole.

The Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District s.a.l (Solidere) is undertaking this project. Solidere was incorporated as a Lebanese join-stock company on May 5, 1994, following a statutory meeting of its shareholders, with a share capital of US $1,820,001,290.

Lebanon: a country for all seasons

Lebanon is one of the few winter sports centers in the Middle East and certainly the most extensive.

The season begins in December and continues until April in a winter landscape unique in the world. The larger resorts have hotels, chalets and other facilities, including good ski lifts. There are six winter resorts: the Cedars (2,300 meters), Faraya/Ouyoun es-Siman (1,890 meters), Laqlouq (1,740 meters), Faqra (1,750 meters), Qanat Bakiche (1,990 meters) and Zaarour (1,990 meters).

In Lebanon you can swim in the sea in winter as well as spring and an hour later ski at 1,900 meters.

It almost never rains between June and October so in summer and autumn it is easy to go from sea to mountain, where another world awaits.

While in Lebanon

Lebanon has a good hotel capacity, including a number of outstanding luxury establishments. In Beirut there are also many small, well-run hostelries. Several of the older large hotels have refurbished their premises and once again offer an elegant and convenient place to stay. Hotel space in the mountains is abundant, the majority in the second and third class category. Generally open in the summer season, these are clean but basic establishments perfectly adequate for short stays. There are some grand hotels in the mountains as well, open year-round. Furnished apartments, which offer self-service facilities, are found throughout Greater Beirut and in other population centers.

Modern Medicine

Presented by Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital

In the past ten years, the new awareness of the importance of vitamins in the US, Europe and Australia has spread around the world. In the US, there are tens of thousands of ‘health food’ stores. This awareness has reached Thailand in the past three years. ‘Health Food’ is now a concern in Thailand.

Are Food Supplements Necessary?

Opinion is divided among licensed nutritionists and dieticians. Most physicians feel that a balanced diet is the best way to complete nutrition. Dr. Herbert of the Mount Sinai Hospital has stated that vitamin supplements are of no use at all. Dr. Herbert believes they are a waste of money.

Other physicians do not agree and believe that vitamin supplements are a necessity, as very few people eat properly in today’s world.

How to Choose Vitamin and Food Supplements:

This must be gauged to each person’s needs. People whose work is stressful or suffer from depression and ‘moodiness’ do not receive full benefit from the food they eat. They should use a vitamin B supplement, which is beneficial to the nervous system.

Those who work in air-conditioned offices often suffer from electrolyte imbalances. (Electrolytes are the minerals which help convey messages through the nervous system.) A vitamin B supplement, and extra magnesium, calcium and potassium are beneficial.

A multi-vitamin supplement high in iron and antioxidants and beta-carotene is often necessary for pregnant women. Women over 35 often require a calcium supplement due to reduced bone density.

Is it Possible to Overdose on Vitamins?

Water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B and C, are excreted in the urine. The fat soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, are stored in the body. The daily vitamin A requirement for a healthy adult is 10,000 international units and 400 for vitamin D. Dry lips and headache are often a warning sign that there may be too much of either substance in the body. Vitamin D overdose is characterised by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, excessive urination, muscle weakness and fatigue. These symptoms will disappear 2-3 days after stopping the supplements.

Our bodies need vitamins for growth and repair. But taking vitamin tablets cannot replace a balanced diet and healthy life-style.

Remember that fruits and vegetables, aside from providing us with vitamins, also contain enzymes and minerals which protect us from serious diseases, such as cancer.

Eat a healthy diet and consult your doctor concerning the need for vitamin supplements.

How to get a Perfect Portrait

The "Perfect Portrait" Studio, located on the first floor of the Royal Garden Plaza, is the only one of its kind in Pattaya. The management and staff realize that perfect portraits don’t come from the usual; "I need a photograph, - OK sit down, smile - click..." sessions. Manager Santiphap Wimonsin and his team know what it takes to make a perfect portrait.

First, one can choose what sizes of pictures are needed. Different packages are offered for the same price of Baht 850. Package A (one pose) includes one 8" x 10" plus four 3" x 5" photographs. Package B (one pose) includes one 5" x 7" plus six 2" x 3" photographs. The price also includes full make-up, hair styling and a dress to wear.

Discount prices are also offered for subsequent packages taken at the same time. A second package will cost only 550 Baht, a third only 450 Baht, and the price goes down for each successive package to 350 Baht per sitting.

If different photographs in different poses better suits your needs, 6 different poses at one time cost 2,900 Baht for 30 photos (package A) or 42 photographs (package B). Large portraits, sized 16" x 20", can be ordered after one package is done and will cost 1,200 Baht.

The price for one package of wedding pictures is 1,500 Baht. "The dresses are more expensive to buy, as well as the dry-cleaning", Manager Santiphap says. For photographs taken in original Thai costumes, 1,000 Baht on top of the price of each package is added on, for the same reason.

Soon after I knew what I wanted, one of the professional cosmeticians, Oravan Tingsowan, took care of my make-up. She’s originally from Bangkok and she assured me she has a lot of experience in normal daily make-up as well as stage make-up and effect make-up. While leaning back, I was a bit worried how it might turn out after having seen so many Thai beauties with heavy make-up. Surprise, surprise! Even though Oravan painted my face for almost an hour, it turned out looking very natural and absolutely smashing.

A dress was chosen for me and the photographer took a few shots in different positions, directing me in a very professional way how to pose. Immediately after the shots were taken, I could review them on a computer and choose those I wanted to be developed.

It takes approximately one week to get the photographs. After I received them, the result was fantastic. I never knew I could look so beautiful. Now I am going to send pictures to all my friends and relatives for Christmas to prove to them how good Thailand is for one’s look.

Copyright © 1997 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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