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Family Money: Things to Come (Part 1)
By Leslie
Wright
What is going to happen in 2001? No one ever knows for sure what will happen in the future, but I am one of the people who is expected to make an educated
guess, and gets soundly roasted if I get it wrong. It goes with the job.
Although it’s not hard to make humorous predictions with regard to some local goings-on, making more serious forecasts for what might happen in various
stock markets over a twelve-month period is infinitely more difficult and fraught with danger - especially given the uncertainty prevailing over the past several months, and
current positions of world markets.
But as readers have come to expect me to do at this time of year, I’ll go out onto what is a very shaky limb this year, and give you my thoughts on what
might transpire in 2001.
Please remember, though, that these ‘predictions’ are just for fun. Don’t run out and invest your life savings based on these peerings into my
crystal ball: it’s very cloudy at the moment!
First, let’s look at the domestic situation.
#1: The question I am asked most frequently - not just at New Year but all the time - is what I think will happen with the Thai economy, and specifically
the Thai Baht over the next few weeks or months.
There is still some uncertainty as to the stability of the local banking system, and the economy in general.
Over the past year some of the overwhelming debts carried by some local banks have been partially restructured, and others written off.
The ‘official’ figure for the remaining indebtedness is still some Bt.2.1 trillion (which is just under US$49 billion if that makes this enormous sum
easier to comprehend), down from Bt.5.4 trillion some three years ago. To put this into perspective, this translates to about Bt.35,000 for every man, woman and child in
Thailand - quite a hefty sum for them to absorb.
Bonds have been issued by the government to offset some of the indebtedness, and additional bond issues have had to be made to pay the dividends due on
some of the earlier issues. Not a good position to be in, but the government had little alternative.
It is sad to think that it will take a full generation to wipe out the total indebtedness to the nation, while the culprits that caused the mess are able
to walk around free.
Bankruptcy laws, you will recall, were not passed until after the horses had strolled out of the Augean stables (if you’ll pardon the mixed metaphors)
with smiles on their faces, and the stable boys were too scared of getting kicked by these big powerful animals to try rounding them up.
Even now, with new laws in place, it could take up to 10 years in court to get judgement on a bankruptcy case. Most creditors are unwilling to wait that
long on a ‘maybe’, or pay the lawyers’ fees for what will inevitably be a time-consuming, costly and protracted process.
So about 30% of the non-performing loans (NPLs) that were restructured over the past two years are now non-performing again. This does little to ease the
burden, nor to restore international confidence in the economy.
As a result of these factors, the figures for NPLs - especially the so-called ‘strategic’ ones with people who have the wherewithal but not the
willingness to pay - are still significantly higher among local banks (in many cases over 20% of outstanding loans) than deemed acceptable by international banking
‘norms’ (that figure being 6% of total loans), and will continue to be a problem throughout this year.
To help raise capital (both to meet the government’s minimum standards and offset NPLs), interest rates on local bank deposits will have to be kept low;
but for the same reasons, the current significant differential between lending and deposit rates will probably persist throughout this year, as it did last year.
I therefore think it unlikely that there will be any significant changes this year to interest rates on deposits. If anything, they might be lowered
another half-percentage point.
Also worth mentioning is the reluctance of local banks to grant new loans, despite encouragement from the government to do so.
Some na๏ve farangs even imagine they can waltz into a local bank and get a mortgage on the property they have bought in their ex-bargirl
girlfriend’s name. Instead of being laughed out of the bank as would happen ‘back home’, the girlfriend is politely asked to show proof of a steady income (which indeed
she may be getting from her new boyfriend, but from no other source - except perhaps the string of other farang boyfriends she still keeps in contact with and from whom she
receives monthly remittances so she doesn’t have to work in the bars where they each, separately, met her). In typical Thai face-saving fashion, the mortgage application
may go forward “for consideration”, but won’t ever be granted.
And if you think that the word of a foreigner as ‘guarantor’ for the loan will make any difference, forget it. Local banks have had their fingers
burned up to the wrist in the past three years, and are not about to take on any additional risk, no matter how trustworthy you know you are: you have a passport and could
leave the country any time.
So while it is a long and laborious process to obtain loans from banks, and very difficult for most ordinary folk, people will continue to borrow ‘on the
street’ at rates ranging from 3%-10% a month, depending on the collateral they are able to put up, or not, as the case may be.
Small businesses are finding it very difficult or expensive to obtain additional capital to operate effectively or expand, and this aspect of the ‘black
economy’ is passed on to consumers in the price of goods and services. This hidden inflation will remain a factor of daily life.
On the general politico-economic front, the new Prime Minister will - as always - have to keep the various political factions at each other’s throats
rather than at his, and keep his own house in order. If he succeeds in this and is perceived as a strong leader, some international confidence will be restored to the
beleaguered economy.
This will, however, take time (as everything does in Thailand, with much huffing & puffing and lots of talk and little action), and I do not see the
SET doing anything very exciting for at least six months.
There will be an initial jump on the wave of positive investor sentiment that will greet the new government; but international uncertainty will continue,
and the economy will probably remain more or less steady, with the occasional dip as each new revelation of malfeasance and/or corruption surfaces - an almost daily
occurrence in Amazing Thailand. (But at least here the press can write about it - unlike in many other regimes where the people don’t or mustn’t be allowed to know about
similar goings-on in their country.)
I therefore expect the SET to fluctuate erratically (as always) between 240-360 for the first six months, and then gradually ease up above 400 (with
several bumps & dips along the way) in the latter part of the third quarter.
I also expect the Baht will slide down to around 47 to the US$ in the near term, and fluctuate within the range 42-46 to the US$ for most of this year,
perhaps recovering to 40 by year’s end.
#2: The second most frequently asked question these days concerns the US market - and this is a particularly tough one to call right now.
Just as this time last year, there are two opposing camps of ‘expert’ opinion with regard to what direction the US stock market will take in the coming
months.
First, that the market is still overpriced and overdue for a ‘hard landing’ correction. This has been the stance of many analysts for well over a year.
The second camp says that the US economy is fundamentally sound, and that the market will continue to plod along nicely, driven by investor sentiment while
the economic figures remain robust and demand is still strong.
Well, the fundamentals looked doubtful a year ago, and P/E ratios back then were already at levels that economic theory dictated were unsustainable.
But the US market has slowed down quite a lot in the past year, and rising interest rates have served to dampen the euphoria of investor sentiment, leading
to a gentle slowdown rather than the much-feared crash that many doomsayers were predicting.
Will the same thing happen again this year? As I said, a very tough one to call, so I will refer to the consensus view of 30 major international financial
institutions whose forecasts I receive regularly. Of these, only five are taking a positive stance for US equities for the coming 12 months. Five are negative, and all the
rest are neutral.
The consensus seems to be “wait & see.” So unless you are a dyed-in-the-wool contrarian (which I’m not), one would have to go with the flow and
advise caution with respect to investing in US equities this year. (Or to put it another way, if you’re still in, now may well be the time to bite the bullet and get your
money out to greener pastures.)
Of course, some of the more pessimistic analysts are still predicting a ‘hard’ landing, which means a significant sudden drop in equities, and a
recession to follow, once what they see as a sentiment-driven speculative bubble - driven as it has been by a veritable wall of money - eventually bursts.
Average P/E ratios in the States of 27 are regarded as still relatively high, but not as high as the somewhat more speculative figures a year ago.
My own view is that the US market will continue to cool off gradually as investors move their money to other less-overpriced markets. The bricks in the
wall of money are beginning to crumble, and money is already starting to trickle back into Europe. It may be expected that this will continue, and then Asia may start to get
some - if the various Asian countries are seen to be getting their acts together. It looks to me as though the ‘soft landing’ for the US economy is in sight.
#3: Doubts about the Euro have if anything increased over the past year, and the European governments have been discussing the situation (some would say
squabbling) at great length, with no real solution in sight.
Nonetheless, Europe is seen by many analysts as the principal alternative to the over-priced US market, and European stocks are generally expected to do
well again this year, although possibly not as well as last year.
As noted above, money is starting to flow back into Europe from the US, which will have a positive effect both on the Euro and the equity markets.
This area is again my strongest bet for good returns from equities in 2001 - but expect continued volatility while the situation in the US is unclear and
investor sentiment remains cautious.
#4: Will Sterling remain steady? After the effective devaluation last year returned Sterling to more realistic levels against the Dollar, it seems likely
that Sterling will continue to hold its own for at least the first three months of 2001 while doubts persist over the Euro.
Assuming the European Union continues to be unable to come up with a united policy to restore international confidence in their currency (which seems
unlikely in the short term given the various vested nationalist interests involved and the intransigence of some members), Sterling will continue to be seen as the principal
alternative currency to the Dollar, and thus likely to retain its strength.
On the other hand, if the EU gets its act together and the Euro strengthens significantly later in the year (which I don’t think is going to happen - but
I could be wrong), then Sterling will weaken as the hedge-betters back the Euro and move away from Sterling.
#5: Interest rates in the major economies will almost certainly remain at relatively low levels while inflation remains under control.
The US market is like an elephant: it takes a lot to slow it down, and several hefty prods to get it going again.
Traditionally in January there’s a dip in the US market, when corporations pay their capital gains tax. I see no reason for 2001 to be any different.
This will add to the negative sentiment, and if the US market continues to cool off of its own accord (as indeed seems likely at this juncture, with
economic figures remaining somewhat gloomy and inflation not seen as becoming a problem), Alan Greenspan may be able to leave interest rates unchanged in the first quarter.
If on the other hand, the new president has got his feet firmly under the table, the Middle East crisis has been resolved, oil prices have dropped, and
some good news emerges and the market rallies on positive sentiment (all of which seem unlikely at this juncture), then Greenspan may have to raise interest rates once again
(look for a possible 0.25% hike in February or March at the latest). Thereafter he should be able to leave them unchanged until mid-year.
However, as it seems likely that the slow slide towards the much-hoped-for soft landing will continue, look to Mr Greenspan being able to re-stimulate the
economy by lowering interest rates again about mid-year.
Although some analysts expect this lowering of interest rates to happen as early as February, my own bet is the first one will not happen until April or
May, by Alan Greenspan’s favoured 0.25%, with perhaps two more of the same later in the year.
#6: If the Fed were to raise interest rates in the first quarter, the UK will probably be forced to follow suit shortly thereafter, just to protect the
value of Sterling. But this would have a negative effect on the equity market.
However, if the UK economy does not show significant positive growth in the first quarter (which most expect will not happen), and there are no signs of
growing inflation, then there may be no need to raise interest rates until much later in the year, if at all.
On the other hand, if the US lowers interest rates as early as the second quarter, the UK may be able to do so too. This will have a positive impact on the
UK market.
I reckon the FTSE All-Share Index may end the year at around 3800. Rather iffy-butty, I’m afraid, but my crystal ball is very cloudy on this one.
(to be continued next week)
Successfully Yours: Sasipean Sripreang
By Mirin MacCarthy
Sasipean (Sasi) Sripreang is the manager of the Eastern Seaboard office of JVK International Movers, and is undoubtedly a young Thai lady “on the move”.
With her happy, elfin-like personality, this little lady has managed to pack a lot into her life despite being only twenty-eight years old.
 Sasi was born in Chantaburi, where her father was a teacher and then later a market
gardener. She and her elder brother and sister were fortunate to have been born into a family which espoused strong principles, and Sasi thanks her father for these. She says,
“My father was a good teacher and taught us to be patient, be strong and to keep going despite all obstacles.” Her father was also aware of the special position of the
youngest in a family, so easily spoilt as the “baby”, so when she was old enough she was packed off to Bangkok to attend Assumption Commercial College as a boarder.
It was during this time that Sasi began to understand her own nature and the need for involvement with the world around her when she joined a leadership camp
run by the Social Volunteer Club from Assumption. “That taught me a lot and still helps me in my job today,” she said.
Following her secondary education she went on to Assumption University where she graduated with a BA in Marketing in 1994. Most of her studying was done at
night, however, as she took her first job in 1991 with JVK International Movers in Bangkok, to be a secretary - the company she is still with today.
“In those days my English was not so good, but my bosses at work taught me to speak it.” She freely admits to this as a debt of gratitude, and mentioned it
several times during our interview. “English is the language of global communication for all news and information.”
Her social involvement had continued throughout this period of her life too, and through the YWCA she went on a four month Youth Exchange programme to America.
“I am very proud of my country, and it was a wonderful opportunity to teach American children about Thailand.”
Being also a very resolute young lady, she took the opportunity to don a backpack and explore America from East to West, taking in such places as Washington
DC, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and California. She enjoyed the experience, but “I still think that Thailand is the best country. The freedom and the attitude of the people makes
life here so good.”
With her BA, JVK recognised both her hard work and her personal development and she became a marketing executive for the company in Bangkok, to be offered the
position as branch manager for the Eastern Seaboard two years later in 1996. Modestly she said, “I don’t know why they chose me.” However, after talking further with Sasi
it was obvious that her management realised that here was a little lady who had local knowledge, plenty of local contacts and who was fully conversant with all aspects of
import/export systems control. She was also continuing her own personal development, studying finance at Ramkamheng University as an external student, finishing with an MBA with
a finance major.
This year she got married to a chemical engineer, “A lovely guy who helps me a lot, as he has had training in management.” She glows when talking about her
husband, and there is no doubt that the sparkle in her eyes is genuine.
When I asked her what attributes were necessary to become successful in her life she was quick to say, “Patience, learn all the time and continue with
personal development. You have also to learn from life’s problems so you can improve.” The rules for life that her father gave her are still very obviously important to her
today.
Sasi is also very involved here in charity work, being a member of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club. This interest is not new, however, as when she was in
Bangkok she raised funds for the orphanage there, even when she was in high school. “We should care. This is my country and if we can help, even if it just a little, then we
should do so.”
Her hobbies include aerobics, which she does five days a week, which might explain her very trim and lithe figure, whilst her other hobby is backpacking, a
carry over from her exploring America days. With her trusty backpack she has been all over Thailand from Chiang Mai to Phuket.
Like so many dedicated executives in the Thai business scene, her plans for the future are two-fold - corporate and personal. “I want to see JVK expand in
this region and become very well known... For myself, I am happy. I have a good family, a good company and a good husband and friends. I have a good life.”
Sasi believes very strongly that you have to go out and find your own way in life. “Don’t be afraid - give everything a go, but do it one step at a time.
If you don’t try you will never know if you can do it.”
Sasi Sripreang is certainly a great role model for the young female Thai executives of the future. Pint sized, but profound and compassionate. A lovely lady.
Snap Shots: Your part in “A Day in the Life of Pattaya”
by Harry Flashman
There has been a very successful series of photographic books called “A Day in the Life of...” or even the similar “A Week in the Life of...” Tom
Chuawiwat, a Thai photographer, who was an old friend of mine, was selected to do one of these for Thailand some years back and it was interesting to hear how the concept was
handled.
 A Day in the Life of Pattaya
In essence, a number of photographers were chosen, most from overseas, and let loose in Thailand for one day. During the 24 hours they recorded whatever
came into their fancy and then the results were collated and eventually the book was produced.
The fascinating part of all this was the enormous diversity of the photographs. No photographer saw any part of Thailand in the identical way to another,
so their portrayal was different. In this way, the resulting photograph was really the extension of the photographer’s mind, and how he or she reacted to the subject. For
Harry, this is the true meaning of photography. All the photographic technique is purely an aid to help the photographer (you) get the image you want to show. It’s that
simple.
Now here’s what I am proposing as the ultimate photographic project for the new year, which is now upon us. How about you and I putting together an
exhibition we can call “A Day in the Life of Pattaya”? This will be open to every photographer, amateur or professional, adults or children and should show something
happening in a day in the life of Pattaya. Being a 24 hour day in a city that never sleeps, there are plenty of different subjects for you to shoot, from the beach vendors
setting up their concessions in the mornings, to the retailers, to the baht buses, to the bars and the revellers and into the twinkling nightlife. Really, the subject matter
is endless. Dogs on motorcycles, elephants, monkeys. Wats, monks, the giving of alms. Golf, swimming, parasailing. Can you see what I mean? Everything you could ever imagine
is out there - just go and record your little bit of it! I am quite sure that there are enough photographers who might like to participate. Schools could even make this a
little project for their classes. The scope is endless.
Harry here is willing to collate the entries and arrange for exhibition space. An exhibition that would be YOUR exhibition of how YOU see a Day in the Life
of our city. To be fair, I would suggest that each photographer select a maximum of four shots, and to present them in 8x10 enlargements. These are called 8R in the photo
shops and generally are around 80 baht only. This way we get images large enough to display, and simple to handle and mount.
This project should not be thought of as a competition. I am just looking for as many different aspects of Pattaya as possible. Certainly we could have a
“people’s choice” during the exhibition, where you could vote for the images you like the best, but I would rather propose that you enter into this project because you
support the concept, rather than looking for rewards, other than photographic satisfaction.
Having said all that, let’s see how many of you would be interested in becoming part of “A Day in the Life of Pattaya, 2001”? If we receive enough
support I will let you know when the BIG DAY (and night) will be, and the great photographic “click-out” will be on. You can email me [email protected] or fax to
the Editorial Office on (038) 427 596. I know it’s not new, but it really is an exciting concept and the first time it has been applied to Pattaya. We need at least 20
photographers to end up with 80 prints - and the more the merrier. Discuss this with your friends, teachers, and workmates. Let’s do it soon!
Modern Medicine: I’ve got blood pressure!
by Dr Iain Corness
Well, I certainly do hope you have got blood pressure, because otherwise you have just died. Pressure is needed to pump the life giving, oxygen carrying
blood around your body. Out through the arteries and back through the veins. It doesn’t do it with gravity feed - it has to be sent around with pressure to get it back
“up hill” to your brain and is delivered by the central pump, the one we call the heart.
Having got that straight, there is a range of pump pressure that the body can safely work within. Too low and the body does not function properly, or too
high and you risk “bursting” one of the blood carrying tubes, which can end up in your having a “stroke” if the vessel that blows is in the brain.
So what pressure should we run at? The first thing to grasp is that we measure two sets of pressures when we give the blood pressure (BP) readings. A
typical example would be a BP of 130/90. That stands for a peak pressure of 130 (mm of Mercury scale) with a resting or ambient pressure of 90 mm of Mercury. The high one we
call the Systolic, while the lower one is called the Diastolic. (I have told you before that half the medical course is to learn the big words.)
Another aspect of BP measurement that has to be understood is that it is not a static measurement, but a dynamic system we are dealing with. The BP levels
you have while lying down and resting are not the same as the levels you have when you are running to escape a pursuing baht bus for example.
Healthy “resting” BP levels are generally below 145 systolic and below 90 diastolic, but this can change with age and sheer physical size. If you have
big fat arms, then when we measure the BP we get an incorrect reading, unless the doctor has a special large size cuff for his sphygmomanometer (which is our fancy name for
the BP measuring instrument).
Because of the dynamic nature of the BP system, there is also a danger of thinking that if you come up with a high reading today you have high blood
pressure. This is a fallacy, because tomorrow it may be down again. I believe you should have the BP checked three times over the course of a couple of weeks to try and get
the “average” pressure reading.
There is also a problem if you become anxious about your BP reading, you will immediately send the pressure up! Some people get so tense when the doctor
takes their BP that the BP rockets up very high and we call this “White Coat Hypertension”.
Provided you do not become fixated upon it, it is a good idea to buy one of the home BP checkers. This way you can start to see the “real” pressures
you work on.
I also recommend that if the systolic BP is consistently above 145 then you should book yourself in for a check-up. It’s good preventive maintenance!
 Dear Hillary,
I have been building up a good relationship over the past three weeks with a new girl at my local watering hole. I go there about every second night and
she seems to enjoy my company and sits with me till closing time. She does not ask for “lady drinks”, but I buy her some because I understand that is how she makes her
money. The other night I dropped in early and I found that she was sitting with an older chap and they were laughing and chatting happily. I was shocked by this and left
immediately. The next night when I asked her about him she just said, “It doesn’t matter” but to me it does. Do you think I should keep going with this relationship?
Stefan
Dear Stefan,
It’s all bad news I’m afraid, my petal. Your watering hole girl is merely doing her job, and looks like she’s doing it well by all accounts. She is
correct when she says that it doesn’t matter - we are not talking about a deep and meaningful relationship here, we are talking about a hostess in a bar making young and
old boys feel good. But be aware that hostesses in bars can also make very young boys feel very insecure. I feel you may be of the latter category. Find another bar, poppet.
In your spare moments visit www.bangkokrules.com and read rule number 3.
Dear Hillary,
We have just recently arrived from Australia and my husband is already very busy in his new position in the motor car industry here. We have a very nice
apartment that has been supplied by his employers, but it is a little way out of town (Pattaya). I would like to join some of the ladies groups in Pattaya and perhaps do some
charity work, but I am a little perturbed at how I would get around to meetings etc. My husband’s employers will not let him drive, and supply a car and driver, so they
must think it is unsafe. Is it really that unsafe? Can women drive safely here? What do you think I should do?
Megan
Dear Meggsie,
The reason that many multinational corporations do not let their senior personnel drive in foreign countries is a combination of legal exposure and fear
that the different road rules and manners will phase the new incumbents. There are plenty of ex-pat men and ex-pat women driving in Pattaya, and much will depend on how good
you are behind the wheel. If you are an accomplished driver, then go for it. Just watch out for motorcycles! If you are not, then a driver’s salary is not much and you have
no hassles with parking. You can make him a driver/gardener, so he’s not sitting around doing nothing half the day.
Dear Hillary,
On Jomtien Beach there appears to be some sort of discrimination. The beach concessionaires arrange the chairs in long rows at the front closest to the sea
for the farangs, while they arrange the chairs in squares, with the seats facing each other for the Thai’s. Is this a deliberate thing or what? I know you will know the
answer, Hillary.
Helen
Dear Helen,
Of course Hillary knows everything! We’ve had this query before, but it is simple to answer. The farang holidaymakers go to the beach to lie in the sun
and to get brown, so that when they go back to their home countries their workmates all say, “Haven’t you got a lovely tan!” You will therefore find them lying, covered
in oil and slowly broiling on all sides. The Thais, by comparison go to the beach to have fun and chat with their friends and stay out of the sun as much as possible, so they
don’t get a tan! You will have noticed that the deck chairs in square formation are grouped around a table and underneath beach umbrellas. So it’s different strokes for
different folks, I guess.
Dear Hillary,
One of my husband’s old friends (of more than 30 years) asked if he could drop in and stay with us for a couple of days between Xmas and New Year. He had
stayed with us before and was always a perfect house guest. However this time he arrived with a woman in tow. My maid had spent some time arranging the guest bedroom (single
bed) and when this happened she had to find extra mattresses, sheets and all the rest. Do you think this was fair? My husband says I get upset too easily, but I still say his
friend should have let us know beforehand.
Martinique
Dear Martinique,
Common courtesy would have it that he should have let you know beforehand, but sometimes with very old friends, it is just expected that one will
accommodate the other, no matter what the circumstances. I’m sure he wasn’t looking for the bridal suite, just somewhere to stay and reminisce with old friends. Unwind
and enjoy life as it comes. It’s a lot simpler. If your maid had written this letter, I’d have been more sympathetic. Be a Martinique, not a martinet.
GRAPEVINE
| New Year Pattaya Poll
As Father Time called in the old year, a UK based travel company published its most recent survey of what holidaymakers say is most memorable about
Pattaya. Elderly couples mostly remarked on the fine shopping malls and excellent restaurants, but single men were split if not quite down the middle. Two thirds of them
admitted they were interested only in notorious bars and sexy go go clubs. But the other third disagreed and enthused instead about classical concerts which they said they
had frequented on most nights before returning to their hotel in a sober and chaste condition. The findings cannot be confirmed as the owners of several of Pattaya’s
classical concert halls were unavailable to comment before we went to press.
The pink baht
In a related story, shock waves reverberated after a news report that 98% of Pattaya tourists from Western Europe are homosexual. Anyone who can read
advertisements screwed into local lamp posts understands that the resort has its fair share of well appointed establishments catering for those seeking close encounters of
the third kind, but informed sources on Jomtien Beach (North End, best after 14.00 hours) are said to have been flabbergasted by the sensational revelation. “No wonder
you can’t get a seat here!” moaned one paunchy middle aged guy in unsuitable swimwear. However, the excitement subsided after it was discovered that the particular
research in question had been conducted by Euro Camp based in Holland. Euro Camp is apparently a gay polling organization, or at any rate 98% gay. The worrying conclusion
appears to be that you can’t believe everything you read in newspapers.
Boxing Day story
An American tourist decided to test the spirit of Christian Christmas by doing the bars circuit on December 26 with a wallet clearly sticking out of his
back trouser pocket. The wallet was a plant, so to speak, and contained nothing of value. The idea was simply to test the honesty of the general night time population in
South Pattaya. In spite of visiting several low dives and engaging in conversation with doubtful characters of several nationalities, he emerged at 2 o’clock in the
morning the worse for drink but with the wallet still protruding. It was only when he hailed a baht bus to go home that he discovered that the money clip in his shirt
pocket, containing 3,200 baht, had been nicked.
|
Cautionary word
Although sensational cases involving farangs, such as drugs or sex offences, dominate local and international attention, police sources confirm that
you are far, far more likely to be arrested in Pattaya for overstaying your visa. People who do this have invariably run short of funds and don’t fancy going back to
their home country for one reason and another. Sometimes they have met the girl (usually) of their dreams and can’t bear the thought of separation. Sooner or later
these guys are going to be caught. Whatever the circumstances, the consequences are always the same: appearance in court, a fine of two or three thousand baht or a month
in the cells, followed by deportation back to the country whose passport you traveled on. Assuming you have spare cash or a functioning credit card to pay for your fine,
deportation charges and a scheduled flight home, you might get away with a couple of weeks in unpleasant detention before the flight home. Bureaucratic wheels turn slowly
in such cases. If you haven’t any assets, and no friends or relatives willing to chip in, the incarceration could extend into months before your friendly embassy
hopefully loans you the cash. If you have had a wonderful festive season in Pattaya but are thinking of risking overstay, just don’t.
The first lesson of business
Thinking of opening a bar and raking in cash for doing nothing in strict accordance with local labor laws governing farangs? A crow was sitting on a
tree and doing precisely nothing all day. A small rabbit saw the crow and asked whether it would be possible for him also to sit and do nothing. “Sure,” responded the
crow, “Why not?” So the rabbit sat on the ground and rested just like his new found friend. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Management lesson: to be doing nothing all day you must be sitting very high up indeed.
Christmas leftovers
Here are the signs that a bar has had a disappointing festive season.
Turkey is still on the menu
A free mince pie with every order over 100 baht
Fancy hats and noise makers are still being given out free
Staff have stopped saying “Sit down please” to passing farangs
The owner has unexpectedly gone on an extended visa run
Lottery ticket vendors don’t venture inside
All the talk is of when the American navy is next in town
The idea of forming another darts league is under serious consideration
The owner is contactable only by e-mail
|
Dining Out: Benjarong - more than priceless pottery
by Miss Terry Diner
It had been pre-arranged that the Dining Out Team would meet with Felix Grieder, the resident manager of the Royal Wing of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, in
the Benjarong Restaurant; however, the “royal” treatment began at the entrance to the Royal Wing.
 Chef Fabian and Felix Grieder
I was met with “Good evening, Miss Diner” plus a smile and a wai, and then we were escorted through the foyer to the lift to go down to the Benjarong
Restaurant on the pool level. Safely deposited at the door, we were further greeted and escorted through to Felix’s table, where noiseless unseen hands put chairs under our
bottoms and we were ready for an elegant evening.
The restaurant is quietly high class. Carpeted floors, starched white tablecloths, lotus blossoms and orchids on every table, silver cutlery with the Royal
Cliff logo, subdued lighting and spotless crystal glasses. And what glasses! One was a huge Bordeaux/Burgundy glass which we found out later was specially blown to Felix’s
order. This is Style, definitely with a capital S.
Felix also introduced us to the new chef, the reason for our invitation being to try some of his creations from the new menu. Chef Fabian is tall and very
proudly Swiss with an impeccable CV and history, including being the chef for State Banquets in Malaysia. This was obviously going to be a night to remember.
While pondering on the menu, we sipped on a Hardy’s Australian Semillon Chardonnay, a very highly recommended white wine. Of course we had the cork to test
before the wine was poured, and of course it was tasted before all glasses were filled. You do not have to ask - it all just happens naturally.
The menu is comprehensive and begins with the advice that reading glasses are available from the Maitre d’ if you have forgotten yours. Another nice touch.
Appetizers (450-620 baht) begin with grilled marinated vegetables with saut้ed prawns and herb-garlic vinaigrette served with grana shaves and candied lemongrass through
to pan-fried goose liver on apple and pear tartelett over baked with Calvados emulsion and shallot-modena confit. As you can see, this is no prawn cocktail and assorted
sausages!
Next up are soups from the Tureen (generally around 200 baht) and include Anis infused carrot consomm้ with scallops and fresh sea urchin and gingered
tomato broth with celery-leaves accompanied with shiso tempura. Again this is not the usual choice of cream of “fill in the blank” soup!
 Fish and crustaceans are next (400-800 baht) and include such items as grilled
coral trout fillets with Wasabi-butter served with maple syrup glazed potatoes and Chinese vegetables. You can start to appreciate the style here.
The next section is called Contemporary Western with Asian influence (400-700 baht) and begins with prime beef tenderloin in filo pastry, stuffed with Asian
vegetables and shiitake mushrooms accompanied with home-made persimmon and mango ketchup, or pyramid of curry spiced lamb rack served with pickled zucchini, mint yoghurt and
crispy nori cake, or perhaps Madame might like the rose-liqueur glazed duck-breast served with bouquet of greens and comes with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette?
Finally there are the desserts and herbal teas, - but what did we choose? For starters, Madame ordered lobster with artichoke in a red and green chilli oil,
while I plumped for salmon with ginger and wasabi. Both of these dishes were just sensational, with new tastes to tempt the palate.
To go with the main courses we chose a 1990 Penfolds Shiraz Cabernet-Sauvignon and drank it from Felix’s enormous Burgundy glasses. Both complemented each
other beautifully. Madame’s main was the duck breast while I had the beef tenderloin in the filo pastry. Both were amazingly presented and both were absolutely brilliant
dishes. It is rare to find food of this quality, and young Fabian was congratulated on his fabulous dishes.
I could go on and on about our desserts and coffees, but rest assured that the food and service at the Benjarong are just absolutely world class. The highest
recommendation possible. Go there at least once every year.
The Benjarong Restaurant, Royal Wing, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, 353 Pratumnak Road, telephone 250 421.
Animal Crackers:
The Aardy Aardvark
by Mirin
MacCarthy
This wonderful beast comes from South Africa and through its peculiar name, which comes from the Afrikaans language, it is the first animal in the
dictionary. It is certainly odd-looking, resembling a giant, hump-backed rat with the head of an anteater, the snout of a pig, and the ears of a rabbit.
 Aardvarks are also rather large, growing up to 2.3 meters long, including its
rat-like, thick and powerful tail. Adult aardvarks weigh around 50-70 kg, but some may weigh as much as 82 kg.
The head is very long and narrow, similar to anteaters, but ending in a thicker, pig-like snout and can be thrust into holes and crevices. And it laps up
insects with a sticky tongue that can be extended as much as 300 mm. This tongue, which often hangs out of the mouth, is like a coiled clock spring.
Aardvarks are covered with thick pinkish-grey skin that protects them from insect bites and may even save them from predators. The skin is covered with
bristly hair varying from dull brownish-grey to dull yellowish-grey. The hair on the legs is often darker than that on the body.
Low forequarters add to aardvark’s hump-backed appearance. Short, stocky legs end in toes bearing long, straight, strong, and blunt claws. There are four
toes on each front foot, and five on each hind foot. These toes are webbed at the base.
It is its diet that has caused the aardvark to evolve into the form it has today. And that is termites. An aardvark’s powerful claws are adapted to
breaking open hard clay termite nests, and aardvarks can travel as far as 16 km a night, visiting termite mounds.
These animals are nocturnal, spending their days asleep at the end of their burrows. In fact, aardvarks excel at burrowing. An aardvark digging in soft earth
can beat several people armed with shovels! Its powerful fore-feet can even tear through hard, sun-baked ground. Aardvarks dig like dogs, pushing dirt backwards under the body.
The nostrils are sealed from dirt by fleshy tentacles and dense hairs. The burrows are generally about 3 meters long and end in a chamber large enough for the animal to turn
around in. Aardvarks enter and exit their burrows headfirst.
Aardvarks carry their young for about seven months before they are born. The time of year varies from place to place, influenced, for example, by rainy
seasons. An aardvark mother may bear two young, but one is the normal. Born naked and flesh-coloured, the young aardvark remains with the mother in a series of burrows for
about two weeks. Eventually, the young begins to follow its mother on nightly trips to termite mounds. After about six months, the young can dig for itself, and the aardvark
cycle continues with the new generation going off to fend for itself.
Down The Iron Road:
Siam’s first ‘railcar’
by John D.
Blyth
Only one illustration this week, but quite an unusual one! It shows the very first ‘railcar’ ever to work in Siam. It was so early that even the word
‘railcar’ had not come into use and the press described it as a ‘motor railway car’. This little vehicle was built in 1908 for the little Pak Nam Railway which from
1893, when it was opened by H.M. King Rama V, ran from a point near Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Station (then yet to be built) down to the settlement at Pak Nam, at the mouth of
the Chao Phraya River.
 Any rail vehicle, whatever it is designed to carry, and which – not for
engineering purposes – is able to move under its own power without a separate locomotive, may be dubbed a railcar; in some countries there were many early attempts to use
such items, and the developing internal combustion engine seemed more attractive than it really was, for some time. Power units, and transmissions, were in their infancy, and
failures were quite discouraging.
The advent of the diesel engine, with its low fuel costs, and the epicyclical gear box, fore-runner of all kinds of gear-changing aids, became the real
breakthrough, although in Siam the Danish firm of Frichs, noted supplier of diesel-electric locomotives, also supplied railcars on the same principle – the electric
transmission’s weight was a disadvantage here. Earlier still, Baldwin’s of Philadelphia had supplied a steam power unit to the then Royal State Railways; a remarkably big
one of 2-4-2 wheel arrangement, for which the wooden passenger accommodation is thought to have been made locally; it could haul two or three coaches, but had to run round them
at journey’s end, much lessening the convenience that was sought.
From all this came the modern British-built ‘Sprinters’ and their Daewoo counterparts that do so much mileage on today’s State System; rationalisation
enables each powered car to operate with just one engine unit, placed under the floor, in place of the previous two, one to drive to each bogie. The excellent Japanese Railways
diesel trains, given to us at the time of the Asian Games, are on the same lines, but are more spacious, and it is a pity that they seem to be limited to services on the
Eastern line out of Bangkok.
To go back to the Pak Nam’s pioneer, this was built at Basingstoke, England by the Thorneycroft Company, pioneers of heavy road vehicles for goods and
passengers. They were still in business after the Second World War, but their design seemed to lag behind that of their competitors, and they went out of business. British
Railways seem to have been one of their keenest customers!
The four-cylinder engine could develop 30 h.p. using paraffin as fuel, no doubt more on petrol, then not as easily available. It carried enough fuel for
about 300 miles without refilling the tank. It is stated that the ‘metal-to-metal’ clutch works very well; the gear box provides for two speeds in either direction, about
40mph being the maximum on level track.
All controls were operable from either end, the driver occupying the ‘forward’ position in the direction of travel; separate foot brakes, a hand brake
operating on the wheel tires can be used at the front by the driver, or at the rear by the conductor.
The ‘open-air’ accommodation, not only for passengers but also the driver, will be noted. Of the simplest character, it is explained in the article in
the British magazine The Engineer that ‘the car will be used exclusively for carrying natives of the poorer class. It could, of course, be differently arranged as
required.’ I should hope so! – But what about the poor driver, with no better accommodation, despite his responsible job?
It appears that, in the best modern manner all the technical gear is stowed below the floor; the radiator is seen below the seat occupied by the driver;
there is thus plenty room for seating the 40 passengers in wooden reversible seats.
Designed for a gauge of 5 ft. 6 in, one wonders what railway had been in mind – one in Spain, Portugal, or some South American state seems possible. But it
had to be adapted for the Pak Nam’s metre gauge, and the trials were conducted on the lines of the former London & South Western Railway, of “standard’ 1435 mm (4 ft.
8ฝ in. gauge) of most of Britain’s railways by that time. I quote again: ‘carry in a load equal to 40 passengers, it negotiated an up gradient of 1 in 40, with a
9-chain curve, at 15 mph (1chain is an old British measurement equal to 22 yards).
I would like to know something of the fate of this pioneering effort in old Siam; if any of my readers has any detail of its life, success or otherwise, I
will be very glad to hear from them.
Social Commentary by Khai Khem
Speaking of Brothels...
I know, I’ve been warned. The subject of brothels is not accepted in polite society. I am also aware that there are those who feel there IS no polite
society in Pattaya. Well, those people are quite wrong and one day I will let readers know where to find it. However, I digress. In that secret alcove of the cloistered, high
in the ivory tower of affluence and indifference, starting a dialogue regarding prostitution is akin to announcing at a fashionable cocktail party that one communes with
Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies. We all know that for years, Thai politicians denied there was any such thing in our beloved kingdom. They denied the gambling dens, too. But no
one ever believes politicians, Thai or otherwise.
However, before some readers grab their helmets and run for the nearest bunker to protect themselves from the flying debris which this topic usually
provokes, perhaps it should be established exactly what a brothel is. Let us get the meaning of the word brothel straight, now. After all, it is the tourist season, and we have
visitors in our home, so to speak. We wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about us; like for instance, we’re not all rocket scientists and neurosurgeons.
Brothel is a Middle English word meaning a “wretched person”. Most English language dictionaries also include a note saying that brothel is commonly
confused with the word bordello, which means a house of prostitution. Since these words are so commonly confused with each other, the meanings have mingled and the two words
are now interchangeable.
One might be safe in saying that some brothels inhabit, or (if we refer to the customers) visit, bordellos. That is if anyone is inclined to speak that way.
But one must not say that all houses of prostitution are abodes of, or patronised by, wretched persons, either. Some prostitutes love their work. Not the captive young girls
who are lured into this life through lies and deceits; having been promised honest work, only to find themselves raped, drugged, and imprisoned. These women are pitiful victims
and should receive protection and sympathy. However, there are women all over the world who make this work their profession and thrive in it. They are not necessarily
masochistic waifs, nor are their customers always wretched castaways. In a successful and established house of prostitution, lots of participants are rolling around in mindless
ecstasy! If you have never entered an establishment of this type, you will just have to trust me on this.
Thailand has always taken a lot of flack about prostitution. But we have with us two social situations which have existed in civilisations everywhere for
thousands of years; sex for money, and human bondage. Every society continues to debate these issues, but few have found a way to eliminate prostitution and slavery. In one
form or another, no matter how modern the packaging, or canny the disguise, if one knows where to find it, it surely will be there.
The press seems to give Pattaya a particularly hard time, for reasons which are best known to itself. Anyone tuning into the business channel of CNBC on 4
December at 6:20 a.m. would have heard a particularly well-known anchorman tell his international audience that he had spent his honeymoon in Pattaya, Thailand. Then, just as
those of us who live here extended our arms to receive the kudos which we thought were being offered, he threw brickbats. He stuttered, and then blurted out that it was very
strange place to choose for a honeymoon. He said he actually liked it, but the place struck a discord with his new wife. He left us all with the impression that he’d rather
have come here without her. I suppose in the end, Pattaya did get a left-handed compliment. But it doesn’t say much for the future of that marriage.
The Computer Doctor
by Richard Bunch
From Harold Jackson, Na Jomtien: I have a Notebook PC, which is getting on five years old and I guess well past its use by date. With this in mind, I
have decided to purchase a new notebook PC that will be a Pentium III. I also have a desktop PC getting on for one year old, this is a Pentium III 600Mhz and I presently have
Windows 98 installed.
Up to now I have transferred data back and forth between the two PC’s using a Laplink cable through the parallel ports. Whilst this works, it is cumbersome
and I forget what I have to do each time, and even when I remember, it is very slow. Is there a better solution? It seems now would be an ideal time to make a change as the
notebook is being replaced.
Computer Doctor replies: Indeed if you are replacing the notebook PC it would seem an ideal time to think about a better solution for keeping your data
updated on each system. The good news is there is a much better solution available; my preferred solution is based on Windows 2000 and a network. This involves installing a
network card in both systems, if one is not already installed. Ideally these should be 10/100Mbps. In addition a network cable to connect the two PC’s is required. There is
no need for a hub, the cable should however be terminated as a crossed cable, this spoofs the network to think a hub is connected. Once these are installed, then give
both computers a unique name and assign them to a common workgroup. Having done this, one of the nicest features of Windows 2000 for notebook PC users comes into play, Offline
Folders. These allow you to have access to network folders whist you are not connected to the network. In other words, your desktop PC becomes the server and your notebook PC a
network client and to all intents and purposes, the notebook PC thinks it is always connected to the desktop server but in fact when the network is restored by connecting the
cable then the Offline Folders synchronise seamlessly! That should be far less frustrating than using the Laplink cable, and the total cost should be around 10,000 baht.
Send your questions or comments to the Pattaya Mail at 370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, 20260 or Fax to 038 427 596 or E-mail to [email protected] . The views and comments expressed within this column are not necessarily those of the writer or Pattaya
Mail Publishing.
Richard Bunch is Managing Director of Action Computer Technologies Co., Ltd. Providing professional information technology and Internet services which
includes custom database and application development; website design, promotion and hosting; domain name registration; turnkey e-commerce solutions; computer and peripheral
sales service and repairs, networks (LAN & WAN) and IT consulting. For further information, please e-mail [email protected] or
telephone/fax 038 716 816 or see our website www.act.co.th
Sea Worlds : Denizens of the dark
by Apichart
 Giant spider crab
Beneath the snow capped pinnacle of Japan’s sacred Mount Fuji lies the 40 mile long Suruga Bay. A few miles from shore, the sea floor plunges steeply. The
depths of the deep in this area harbour an astonishing array of marine life fed by nutrients from the Kuroshio current and surrounding mountains. Only recently, with the
development of ROVS (remotely operated vehicles) have many of the creatures been photographed in nature for the first time. Here dwell the six-foot wide giant spider crab, the
cutlass-fish, tube anemones, the bizarre stone fish and moray eels. These creatures live in a twilight zone, where the sunlight is too dim to produce photosynthesis. They know
when to ascend to where the food chain is more abundant, and they feed at night.
 Aggressive fang tooth fish
from the deep
More creatures of the gloom
On the sea floor at many depths, lives the secretive brittle star, a spiny five armed creature of a class that also includes sea urchins. Unlike their more
rigid cousins, brittle stars have thin, sinuous arms that enable them to move rapidly. Their mobility, small size, and deftness at hiding in shadows and crevices make them
highly successful inhabitants of the oceans dimmer regions. Their six-inch serrated arms can grasp. And like an elephant’s trunk, those arms carry food to its mouth. If
lacking shelter, this brittle star can be found exposed on the ocean floor between about 800 feet and 1,800 feet where light hardly penetrates.
 Brittle Star
Below the range of sunlight, about 3,300 feet, the ocean becomes a black, cold and sparse place. This is Earth’s largest habitat. More than 80 percent of
the ocean realm exists below the illuminated upper layer, yet no plants and few animals live there. One creature, however, that not only survives, but actually flourishes, is
the sea cucumber. They can grow to a foot or more in length. This gelatinous, bottom feeding animal traps food in its tentacles, then stuffs it, bit, by bit into its mouth.
Stinging tentacle cells on another large animal, the deep sea jelly fish, allow it to snare, paralyse and feed on other fish, sometimes quite sizeable. Like
other jellyfish, the deep sea variety is more than 95 percent water. It drifts with the currents and pulsates to maintain position at the proper depths. 8 inch shrimp feed at
approximately 2,600 feet. They often feast on other smaller shrimp. Nearly all mouth and tail, the gulper eel also scavenges in the depths. Miles down into the deep, we are
finding more species and more variations with each exploration. The abyss is not an empty void, but full of nature’s wonderful mysteries.
Guide to buying a small dog: Shetland Sheepdog
by C. Schloemer
Good Points: beautiful, intelligent, faithful, ideal for competitive obedience, intuitive
Take Heed: best kept in the home (not in a kennel), may be wary of strangers
 The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie as it is often referred to, is the perfect Rough
Collie in miniature. This breed is a handy size for the owner who feels that the Rough Collie is too large for his home. This dog is affectionate and has a predictable nature.
Its beautiful appearance and devotion to its owners makes it a well-loved house pet. Loving and attentive, the Sheltie will not do well kennelled out of doors. This dog loves
its family and wants to participate in family life.
The Sheltie has a lovely temperament with children. But it can also be a bit wary of strangers and may object to being petted by those it doesn’t know.
Lots of socialising at an early age will overcome this reluctance on the part of most dogs of this breed. It is faithful and supremely intelligent. Since these dogs are so
smart and easy to train, any owner who wants to enter his Sheltie in obedience trials will find the breed to give a very good account of itself in competition.
Size: Ideal height measured at the withers, 35 cm for a bitch, and 37 cm for a dog.
Exercise: Provided the Sheltie has a largish garden in which to expend its energy, and receives regular daily walks, it will be happy. This dog is
probably not suited to life in a tiny apartment; however, a large flat or condo with ample common grounds and gardens will satisfy its needs for exercise.
Grooming: This breed is not as difficult to keep spick and span as might be believed. Brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush and use a comb to avoid
tangles, particularly behind the ears. Using a creme rise after shampooing will make combing out easier and avoid breaking off the long hairs of the coat.
Frequent bathing is unnecessary, but it is advisable when the bitch loses her winter coat. This breed is not the type to roll around in mud after a heavy
rain. The Sheltie is meticulous about its appearance and will often clean itself.
Origin and History: The Shetland Sheepdog originated in the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland, an area also famous for its tiny Shetland
ponies. Like the Shetland pony, the Sheltie was bred with a think coat to protect them from the harsh climate. Since Thailand is usually very hot, the Sheltie will suffer in
the heat if precautions are not taken. If your home is air-conditioned, the Sheltie will be perfectly happy. As an alternative, grooming salons may cut the Sheltie’s coat by
thinning it or cutting excess hair. This is probably a good idea if the owner is not going to show the dog.
The breed has bred true for some 125 years, but controversy at one time existed as to its aims and requirements. The ideals of the club formed at Lerwick in
1908 conflicted with the desires of the Shetland Collie Club, whose wish was to simply produce a Collie in miniature. Both groups were similarly named. Luckily, agreement as
reached in 1914 when the English Shetland Sheepdog Club was formed. Today, the breed is universally popular.
Secrets of The Hand : The Head Line
by Anchalee
The Line of Head is the most important line on the hand. It shows the mentality of the subject. Mind is the organ which makes Man what he is, and so mind
reveals the person. If the mind is strong, it will make up for other qualities which individuals may lack. The Head Line tells the defects or diseases which may either cloud the
thinking or even induce nervous temperament or faulty judgement.
It speaks of a person’s power of concentration and self- control. Some palmists also say it shows his age, and exact year of his death. The character of the
line shows the mental activity of the subject. The ultimate outcome of qualities are shown by the termination of the line. Its course through the hand reveals the strength,
changes, and deviations. Mind is the power of thinking, feeling and willing. It is the process of memory and attention by which we adjust our selves to our surroundings. These
functions are part of the organisation and structure, which we derive from inheritance, experience, training and education. Brain is the organ of the mind, and the type of mind a
person possesses is shown by his Head Line.
There are two main types of Head Lines, the curved and the straight. The Line of Head may be long or short and either sloping or horizontal. There are numerous
variations, too; all significant. The absence of the Head Line is very, very rare. In certain cases there might be only one line crossing the hand without any indication of the
Heart Line; this would be regarded as the Line of Head.
A perfect Head Line is one clearly traced without any islands or breaks. It is slightly curved and inclines towards the lower edge of the hand and ends at an
imaginary vertical line from the middle of the base of the fourth finger. Such a line must be supported by a strong thumb, well balanced fingers, a long curved Line of Life and a
good Heart Line. A person with such a good Head Line has sound judgement, well balanced intelligence, the ability to reason judiciously, and is consciences and faithful. This
person commands love and respect.
The Head Line must be good and long, deeply traced and pink in colour. It should not be thick, broad, or thin. The length of the line shows ability to absorb
ideas, a versatility of mind, learning and scholarship. The depth of the line depicts ability to concentrate. Shortness of the line shows limited ability to understand things.
When the line slopes down, it implies possession of imaginative faculties. A Head Line running straight across the palm shows a practicality, and will tend to have good
organising skills, and will administrate and execute plans with precision.
People with deep Head Lines, medium length and which run fairly straight are very successful in business. A straight Headline also indicates a truthful and
honest person.
Forgotten Classics : Just One Night - Elton John
by Mott the Dog
Rating - *
Elton John’s new live album is a ‘greatest-hits’ package, perhaps, thus showing his lack of creativity recently. Although the quality of the songs
cannot be denied, unfortunately the quality of the performance can.
Oh Elton, why hath thou forsaken us? “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” used to make you want to put on your leather jacket and bump somebody
over the head for looking at your date the wrong way. Now it sounds more like the theme song for some kids’ Saturday morning TV show on a ‘goodie two shoes’ channel.
Even worse is to come and the appalling version of “Your Song” which is sung in duet with a nearly asleep Ronan Keating, is the album’s absolute nadir.
No, I am afraid that if this dog wants to listen to some real Elton John, I’d rather go back thirty years to 17/11/70 for a live showing. Alternatively,
for heart-rending ballads, I would go to something like ‘Tumbleweed Connection’, which has the tear jerking “Talking Old Soldier”. These are the kind of songs that
help us to remember what a fine artist Elton John used to be, not this nostalgic act which almost wallows in over-sentimentality.
Only buy this if you’re a fan of Chicago or rush into elevators to listen to your favourite tunes.
Star Ratings
No Star - Do not accept even as a gift
* Only buy if you are hard of hearing
** Only buy if you want to pad out your music collection
*** Worth listening to
**** Go and buy now
***** Buy this even if you have to travel to the North Pole to get it
To contact Mott the Dog try e-mail : [email protected]
Shaman’s Rattle: Hanuman, the Magic Monkey
by Marion
When you look into mythology, one “super-hero” stands out. Not a man like Achilles, not a mythical creature like Pegasus, but a monkey. His name is
Hanuman, and he is still worshipped today in many parts of India, and is still remembered in many ways in Thailand, being one of the most central characters in the folk tale,
the Ramakien. In fact, in the 1930’s, one of the Siamese princes, Birabongse, even called his famous racing car Hanuman in the monkey’s honour.
So why should this monkey garner the “super hero” status? Well, for starters, he had an incredible sense of duty, which kept him going throughout all
sorts of hardships. He was capable of all kinds of endeavours, such as jumping at the sun when he was a child monkey, to crossing 30 miles of sea in a single bound (beat that
Superman!), descending into the netherworld to rescue people, to making himself so small he could climb out between a tiger’s teeth, to becoming so large that armies could
walk across his back to cross water. Hanuman had the gift of magic.
Hanuman also had great intellect as a tactical warrior and could quickly turn adversity into the defeat of his enemies. For example, when Thosakanth’s
soldiers set fire to his tail, he enlarged in size and set the whole of the island of Lanka ablaze. This monkey could also use subterfuge and other tactical weapons as well as
he could with physical strength. He managed to infiltrate Thosakanth’s army and even became elevated to the position of Crown Prince of Lanka. In this time, Hanuman gained
all the secrets of the army and then returned to Rama with all the information.
Much of the folklore surrounding Hanuman regards the return of Sita, Rama’s wife, and how Hanuman never wavered from his devotion to this task. This was
the basis of the Indian epic, the Ramayana, which in turn became the Ramakien in Thailand.
However, Hanuman did not die with the crown as he abdicated and returned to the forests to follow a more simple life. After all his exploits and acts of
bravery, who could deny Hanuman of his retirement? The magic white monkey - an undeniable Asian super hero.
|
In the Khon performances of the Ramakien,
Hanuman’s mask changes to correspond with the various times in the magic white monkey’s life |
| (Below) Hanuman is typified by this first mask. He is a white monkey, with whorls of hair.
His eyes are wide open, attentive and mischievous. His open mouth reveals the symbol of the moon, surrounded by stars, on the upper palate so that when he yawns he identifies
himself as the son of the Phra Phai - the wind god. |
 |
(Left) Towards the end of the epic, after the defeat of Thosakanth and the return of Rama
and Sita to the throne, Hanuman is rewarded by being made king of a vassal state of Ayodhya. The mask which represents Hanuman in this episode wears the golden crown of state. |
|
 |
(Right) When Hanuman displays his full power as a god-incarnate, he becomes a grotesque figure of a huge monkey with six
arms and four faces. If you look carefully you will see this Khon mask also has four faces, with the major one in the front and three smaller ones on the back. |
 |
Women’s World : My skirt shrunk in the wash!
by Lesley Warner
I hope you all had a good Xmas. Now I’m going to give you some advice on how to get over it, after all the over indulging we tend to do at this time of
year. How many times do we say that we want to improve our eating and exercise habits? The challenge is actually to do it - not just for a week or a month, but for life.
For many people, healthy eating is a temporary endeavor, cut short by unrealistic goals and bad feelings when those goals aren’t met. But it doesn’t have
to be that way. Here are some tips on how you can eat healthfully for life.
Don’t consider yourself to be ‘on a diet.’ Diets are things people start and stop, while healthy eating is a way of life. Think “diet” and you
think “deprivation” and “cheating.” Healthy eating is associated with positive words, such as “longevity” and “vitality.”
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods entirely. Can you imagine what life would be like if you could never again eat your favorite food? Not worth
living, as far as most people are concerned. So don’t banish chocolate or french-fries from your menu forever, but do keep the portions reasonable and view those foods as
treats, rather than staples.
Get out of the ‘good/bad’ mindset. Not only do we unjustly label foods as “good” and “bad,” we label the people who eat them as “good” and
“bad.” Eating “bad” foods can bring on feelings of guilt and self-disgust, which can lead to bingeing. Remember that all foods can fit in a healthful eating pattern -
again, in the appropriate proportions.
Steer clear of triggers. Some foods or activities trigger overeating. For example, if you know that you absolutely cannot bake chocolate chip cookies without
eating half the batch, don’t bake them anymore. Instead, treat yourself once in a while to a fresh-baked cookie from a bakery or coffee shop.
Retrain your taste buds. Introducing new foods into your diet is a gradual process. Some foods you might love right away, others may take some getting used
to, and some you’ll know instantly you’re never going to like. Give yourself time and experiment with different menus and methods of preparation. For example, at first bite
the taste and texture of brown rice may seem strange to you but here in Thailand there’s no excuse and many different recipes you can try.
Do what works for you. For some people, going cold turkey is the most effective way to adopt a new eating style, while gradual changes work best for others.
Find what works best for you and stick with it, despite what your friends, family and co-workers suggest.
Set realistic goals that you can actually achieve. Put more focus on behavioral changes, such as eating more healthful breakfasts or including more
vegetables in your diet, and less on hard (and unrealistic) numbers, such as losing 10 pounds in two weeks or reducing your cholesterol by 30 points in a month.
Plan ahead. You plan for meetings and social events. Applying the same foresight to meals and snacks can make healthy eating easier. For example, if you know
a late afternoon meeting will mean getting home late with no energy to cook, prepare something light and easy the night before or in the morning, such as a salad or vegetable
soup.
Stay informed. Whether by subscribing to a nutrition newsletter, surfing the Web or swapping healthy recipes with friends, keeping abreast of new information
will help you stay motivated and supply you with new ideas and ways to achieve your goals.
Copyright 2001 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co. Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected] |
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