SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Lamud Chaidara & Mark Wood top list of winners in Richard Livingston’s Birthday 4th of July Golf Tournament

Pattaya Sports Club hosts another great Summer Party

Bangkok v Eastern Seaboard Golf sponsorship opportunity

Herbie rises to the top

Mike Davies runs wild

Im Woodruffe fires hole in one at Plutaluang

It’s turned out nice again for Mr. Loy

Mio’s team gains first despite her absence

Winchester Club moves back into first place alone

Thailand’s 7 best windsurfers dropped from National Team

Pattaya Marathon set for July 21

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Lamud Chaidara & Mark Wood top list of winners in Richard Livingston’s Birthday 4th of July Golf Tournament

Mark Wood beat the course with a scratch 71 and Lamud Chaidara broke 80 for the first time to top the list of winners in the Richard Livingston’s Birthday 4th of July Golf Tournament played out of The Haven at Phoenix Country Club.

Six-handicapper Mark Wood went out in 38 and came back in with a remarkable 33 for a 1 under par scratch 71, scoring 43 Stableford points to win the 1st Division as well as low gross honors. Mark’s Ocean nine included 3 birdies and 6 pars for 24 points; good enough to edge out on count back another great round by Yazuo Suzuki. The long-hitting Yazuo also scored 43 points, which included 2 birdies on the Ocean nine.

Birthday boy Richard Livingston (right), seen here in this undated file photo with tournament organizer Stephen Beard, celebrated the 20th (or so) anniversary of his 29th birthday on the 4th of July.

Rounding out the podium positions in the 1st Division, Jack Spencer finished with 39 points and earned third place by virtue of his 22 points on the back nine. Three others, Stan Fry, Chris Davisson and Phil Groves also finished with 39 points, but lost out to Jack on count back.

Lamud Chaidara had a great Ocean nine, carding a scratch 37 which included 2 birdies. Lamud finished the day with a scratch 77, net 61 off her 16 handicap, and an incredible 47 Stableford points, by far enough to win the Ladies Division.

Mam Trayling had a good day, scoring 41 points, which on most days would have been good enough to win. But on Richard’s birthday she had to settle for second place in the Ladies Division.

Glynn Nicholas carded 41 points off his 21 handicap en route to winning the 2nd Division. Reigning TQ Masters Champion Frank Polizzotto finished second with 40 points. It took another count back to determine 3rd place in the 2nd Division, with Jens Gunnarsson just edging out the affable Jimmee Little on count back. Both finished with 39 points, Jens getting the nod with his back nine of 19 points. Jimmy had a putt at the last, albeit a very long putt, to reach that elusive scratch 40 for nine holes, but alas ran it “just a bit long”. His “fun” didn’t end there, however, as he found the water hazard at The Haven whilst belly-busing after the awards presentation ceremony.

Jens, meanwhile, took home two near pins and the long drive for a total of four trophies, when combined with his trophy for 3rd place. His name was called so often it sounded almost like he might have been lost in the supermarket, “Jens Gunnarsson, please report to the podium,” and by the end of the awards presentation, his table looked like a garage sale. Well done, Jens.

One of the prevailing themes on the course seemed to be a forgiving Ocean nine. Richard Pietrzkiewiez took full advantage of the benign conditions and carded an incredible 27 points on the Ocean and finished the day with 42 points to top the 3rd Division. BJ Smith and John Gibson both carded 40 points, with BJ earning 2nd place on count back by virtue of his 25 points on the Ocean. John Gibson happily took home the 3rd place trophy.

Thomas Rueggsegger won the rascally Rabbits Division with 39 points, edging Bob Pring into second place on count back. Both beat their handicaps on the Ocean, Thomas scoring 21 points to Bob’s 20.

Once again at the other end of the spectrum was the Dream Team, of which some of the members are now almost too good at the game to wear that moniker. However, it did take Kim Fletcher 17 holes before he figured out his caddie was a novice and wasn’t lining up his putts for him. He was heard to say, “I must have missed 20 putts because of her,” but when it was pointed out to him that would have meant he would have shot an 88, he quickly revised the number. Kim and Jack also narrowly missed being on the receiving end of a wayward Toto drive, which luckily was diverted by a tree before landing just a couple meters away.

Out at the course, marshals Wayne Ogonoski and birthday boy Richard Livingston kept everyone in line, and Malcolm Clare performed the unenviable task of handling registration. Malcolm didn’t seem to be overly distracted by the task, as he managed to score 39 points, just missing out on a podium position by 1 point in the 3rd Division.

Back at the awards presentation ceremony, the staff at The Haven put on a 4th of July feast any American would have been proud of. Mike Franklin once again did a commendable job as emcee, despite some early heckling. And Stephen Beard organized an event to be remembered. How does he do it time after time?

At the end of the presentation ceremony, the man who once played one hole with Arnold Palmer (ask him about it), our resident PGA professional who has more friends in and out of this town than can be counted, Richard Livingston humbly stood by whilst 97 golfers, their friends and families sang for him a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday.

Results
Best Gross
Mark Wood, 71
1st Division
1st: Mark Wood, 43 points (cb 24)
2nd: Yazuo Suzuki, 43 (cb 22)
3rd: Jack Spencer, 39 (cb 22)
2nd Division
1st: Glynn Nicholas, 41 points
2nd: Frank Polizzotto, 40
3rd: Jens Gunnarsson, 39 (cb 19)
3rd Division
1st: Richard Pietrzkiewiez, 42 points
2nd: BJ Smith, 40 (cb 25)
3rd: John Gibson, 40 (cb 21)
Ladies Division
1st: Lamud Chaidara, 47 points
2nd: Mam Trayling, 41 (cb 22)
3rd: Nora Haugsjordet, 40 (cb 20)
Rabbits
1st: Thomas Rueggsegger, 39 points (cb 21)
2nd: Bob Pring, 39 points (cb 20)
Near pins: M #4: 1st Div Steve Mascari, 2nd Div Frank Polizzotto, 3rd Div Trevor Edge. M #8: 1st Div Stan Fry, 2nd Div Jens Gunnarsson, 3rd Div Mike Franklin. O #5: 1st Div Kevin Taylor, 2nd Div Jens Gunnarsson, 3rd Div Richard Pietrzkiewiez. O #7: 1st Div Dale Shier, 2nd Div Bill Hurd, 3rd Div Lewis Underwood.

Long drives: O #9: 1st Div Ray Matti, 2nd Div Jens Gunnarsson, 3rd Div Fred Theobald, Rabbits Torben Jorgensen, Ladies Nora Haugsjordet.


Pattaya Sports Club hosts another great Summer Party

The Pattaya Sports Club hosted another successful simmer party at the Town in Town Hotel last week, with social chairman, Ken Crow again outdoing himself in organizing yet another outstanding event. With almost 300 people in attendance the food and drink flowed equally well as PSC members and guests joined in the high spirits, with the staff of the Town in Town Hotel happily providing the service needed to handle the hungry and thirsty patrons.

Banjob Franklin wins the gold!

Despite all the early fun, the excitement of the evening was yet to come. This was of course, the raffle draw. The lovely raffle sellers were doing an extremely good job prying PSC members away from their cash in the hopes of winning the grand prize, one baht of gold - a prize highly sought after by the ladies.

After dinner President Carl Engel gave a brief speech and introduced the new committee members. Not one for long speeches, Carl finished quickly and announced the long awaited raffle.

Dancing on a moonbeam...

The draw began with the usual rice cookers and toasters and slowly built up to the gold.

This year, there were 6 half baht gold chains on offer and one baht weight as the finale. The first 6 half baht chains were handed out in quick succession with Banjob Franklin winning the final half baht gold and the one baht gold chain, much to her excitement and joy.

The band once again took to the stage, entertaining the lively crowd who danced the evening away, some of whom were lubricated well enough to make it to the dance floor.

All in all a great night was had by all. Can’t wait for the next one Ken, you’ve got your work cut out for you to beat this one. What a night!2. Dancing on a moonbeam...


Bangkok v Eastern Seaboard Golf sponsorship opportunity

The organizers of the inaugural BCCT Bangkok v Eastern Seaboard Golf Challenge are seeking sponsorship. The event is scheduled to begin at 12:30 on Saturday July 20 at Pattaya Country Club.

Players please make a note in your diaries. The participation flyer will follow shortly.

The challenge has been designed to promote more active participation and interaction between Bangkok and Eastern Seaboard members of the BCCT, both current and potential. It will follow the rescheduled BCCT Mission to the Eastern Seaboard and BCCT Networking Evening at the Bang Saray Club, both on Friday July 19. The event will be played on Saturday using a 4-player scramble format with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

There are three sponsorship packages available. The major ‘Naming Sponsor’ - i.e. Bangkok v Eastern Seaboard Golf Challenge sponsored by X - (30,000 baht) and Special Hole Prize Sponsors (10,000 baht). As one of the challenge sponsors, your company will receive recognition prior to and throughout the entire challenge. Please review the following sponsorship opportunities and choose the appropriate level for your company.

In addition, any chamber member that would like to donate corporate gifts of a golfing nature, i.e. golf umbrellas, balls, etc., will receive recognition.

Naming Sponsorship package (i.e. Bangkok v Eastern Seaboard Golf Challenge sponsored by ‘X’). Baht 30,000:
- Company name/logo prominently displayed on golf course backdrop
- Company name/logo on tee signs
- Company name on all correspondence
- Company name/logo on BCCT website
- Recognition of contribution in challenge appreciation sheet
- Post event publicity in Chamber publications
- Complimentary corporate profile in The Brief magazine.

Special Holes Sponsorship package - Baht 10,000:
- Company name/logo on tee signs for the special hole
- Company name on all correspondence
- Recognition of contribution in tournament appreciation sheet

Cooler Bags (15" high x 7" diameter). Baht 40,000 (80 bags):
- Embroidered company logo on top of bag
- Holds 6-8 cans plus ice
- Fully re-usable

Please remit full payment of the non-refundable sponsorship fee to BCCT on or before Monday July 14. All cheques should be made payable to “British Chamber of Commerce” in Thai baht.

Sponsor’s signage should be delivered no later than Monday 14th July 2002: In the Bangkok area please deliver to GolfworksThailand: 49/29 Soi Ruam Rudee 3, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 01 802 9606. In the Pattaya area please deliver directly to the golf course, attn: Khun Malinee Tel: 038 423 718-9.

On behalf of the BCCT, we thank you in advance for support and look forward to hearing from you.

Reply to [email protected]


Herbie rises to the top

PSC Three Sisters Golf

Monday, the 1st of July brought excellent weather and scores for the Three Sisters Golfers at Siam. With blue skies and a slight breeze the weather was perfect for golfing.

Herbie (left) took the bragging rights at the Siam Country Club on 1 July 02 with a whopping 40 points while Fred Theobald (right) was left holding the bag.

Squat Herb Ishinaga, playing near the ground and swinging his 48-inch driver like a baseball bat, clobbered the rest of the field. Hitting his drives mostly down the middle and with improved putting, Herb was unstoppable for the day and scored 40 points.

Coming in second with 38 points were Gerry Carpenter and Jerry Lien giving close chase to the leader. Jerry Lien’s game has improved over the last few months which goes to show you that practice and getting lessons from a pro helps.

Following close behind were Andy Bettany and Doug Powell with 37 points each. With excellent weather conditions and improved greens at Siam, most golfers had a good day of scoring.

A couple of golfers did not fair so well as trees, bunkers, and other obstacles got in their way. Paul Shortino stumbled down to 22 points, but even as he was going down, Fred Theobald rushed past grabbing the bag for the week with 20 points. Fred is not normally found in this slot so I have a feeling that he will have his revenge next week.


Mike Davies runs wild

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

by

Monday 1st July Century Ban Chan (Stableford)
1st: Phil Groves, 37 points
2nd: John Mabry, 34
3rd: Trevor Schirmer, 33

Playing the ever improving Ban Chan layout, where the course is benefiting tremendously from the additional drainage and sprinkler systems that have been recently installed, Phil Groves carded the only sub par round to easily lead a flagging pack of weekend weary golfers.

John Mabry, playing with his own clubs for a change, managed to keep him in sight right until the end but faded over the last two holes and had to settle for second just ahead of Trevor, who is only now getting to grips with his lower handicap.

Back at The Haven, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed new member Ray Walton from the England who is on a speaking tour of the Land of Smiles. He also welcomed back John Mabry, returning from the USA and taking time off to give more instruction on genetic engineering to BJ, together with Jens Gunnarsson who, having gone to the airport could not find the way out, and Patrick Scullion.

The twos were shared between Moe Deverdenne and Richard Lyne.

Wednesday 3rd July Phoenix Blue Tees (Monthly Medal)
2nd Division
1st: Glynn Nicholas, 70
2nd: Bob Lindborg, 74
3rd: B.J. Smith, 75
4th: Jens Gunnarsson, 76

1st Division
1st: Phil Groves, 77
2nd: Yazuo Suzuki, 79
3rd: Chris Davisson, 81 cb9 37.5 cb6 25.6
4th: Brian Kelly, 81 cb9 37.5 cb6 26

In preparation for the next day’s Independence Day event, a report of which can be found on the back page, there was a good turnout for the monthly medal except by the ladies section who were all having their hair done. As it transpired they had the best of the day as the rest of the competitors struggled to come to terms with the Lakes and Ocean courses that were playing at their most difficult level from the blues, with high winds and lightning fast greens.

Glynn took the second division medal with the only round under par and left the rest gasping in his wake. It proved to be, for him at least, a very good warm up for the following day. It is a pity that he will return to the UK at the weekend just as he was getting the knack of the golfing bit. Bob just managed to keep B.J at bay with an excellent par on the last hole and claim his first prize for a little while.

Phil took the first division, and his second win of the week, with another studied and steady round in which he gamely battled the elements when all around were floundering. Yazuo closely trailed him to take second spot, which unknown at the time proved to be an omen for the next day when he shot 15 shots better and still finished second in the defense of his second division title.

Richard welcomed back Dick Jones from England, Stefan Hoge from the sand dunes and Malcolm Clare from a holiday in Kazakhstan. Dick won the twos on his own to make it a welcome worth having.

Friday 5th July Burapha West
(Bogey)
1st: Mike Davies, 8 up
2nd: Brian Kelly, 3 up, cb9 3 up
3rd: Stephen Beard, 3 up, cb9 1 up

Perhaps it was a little ambitious to organise a competition the day after Independence Day, making it the fourth played out of The Haven in a week, and the numbers reflected that with a small but dedicated group setting off for the wide open spaces of Burapha.

Mike Davies scored six better than his own previous best and swept the field away with an outstanding score in which he won ten holes and only lost two, recording three birdies on the way, including a stunning two on the part three seventeenth. Mike was the only player to get the ball on the green, hitting driver against a howling gale force wind, 183 yards to the pin, with all the rest of the field coming up well short. The round capped off a very successful period for Mike, which has seen his handicap reduce steadily towards the first division level.

Brian claimed his second podium position of the week with a scintillating inward half outscoring the “Doc” over the back nine, with the latter claiming that he was distracted by the continual searching for his playing partner’s balls, but in truth he was just not good enough when push came to shove.

The twos were shared between “Big Al” Rolnik, Mike Davies and Trevor Schirmer.

The party in celebration of Mike’s outstanding success went on long into the night, on a day he did not wish to end.


Im Woodruffe fires hole in one at Plutaluang

P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday 1 July - Plutaluang Royal Thai Naval Golf Course (Stableford)

The Royal Thai Naval South and East layouts were host to a Stableford competition in one flight. The ever present Ebrahim took first place with 37 points, Stormin Norman Robinson was second with 33 points beating our ‘Navel’ liaison Dave Richardson into third place on count back, also 33 points. A trio on 31 points fought it out for fourth place with Slamming John Swanson winning over Im Woodruffe and Yasuo Suzuki.

Im Woodruffe (right) is all smiles after she fired an ace on the par three East #5 at Plutaluang Royal Thai Naval Golf Course on Monday, July 1.

The highlight of the day was Im Woodruffe buying everyone a drink of their choice after her hole in one on the East number 5 hole. The course is still one of the best values for money in Thailand so check it out.

Thursday 4 July - Bangpra (Stableford)

Great day, great weather, great course, large field, lousy greens - and it seems despite the poor quality of the greens, or maybe because they were not scary fast, the players turned in some excellent scores. Because this was the Andy Bettany appreciation day, it was after all the 4th of July, it must be said that he didn’t win but can return to Three Sisters with head held high after just losing third on count back and being the leader of the Three Sisters (till the party at the Palace).

As said, the scores were still extremely good and at the end of the day soaking in the big hot tub, grumbles turned to mumbles and mumbles to praise that at least it doesn’t happen there very often, and we’ll soon be hearing the famous Bangpra call of ‘bye bye’ as balls go sailing off the greens.

With the greens tame the players took advantage, and the A flight (0 to 17) was won by Derek Brook (alias K.S.M. and scribe) who despite a new lower handicap putted like a demon to score 40 points. Second was Wayne Koch with a fine 39 points, and third with 37 points was Rich Montana beating Andy Bettany, on appreciate Andy Day, on count back.

In the B flight (18 upwards), Barry Kerr came in with a fine 41 points to win. Second and shooting one of his best rounds ever after cutting his handicap severely of late was Garry Welch, and third was John Swanson, 38 points, returning to the form we know he Is capable of.

Near pins: #2 Wayne Koch, #8 Pete Galle, #12 Don Richardson and #17 Rich Montana.


It’s turned out nice again for Mr. Loy

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

Once in a while the Bunker Boys are drawn to the immaculate course at Laem Chabang, and such was the case on Tuesday, 2nd July, when Jack Niklaus’ masterpiece had the honour of welcoming the lads for their weekly stroke play event. Having heard the Bunker was on its way all hands were summoned to the course to make sure not one blade of grass was out of place, and at Mr. Loy’s request the greens were prepared at 8 on the stimp meter. All leaves were painstakingly swept from the A and B nines and the bunkers were groomed to perfection. As the allotted start time approached even the birds were silent in deference to the events that were about to unfold.

The Ladies’ competition was won by Lamun Hanley and her round of net 70, and was but one highlight of the day.

Division two threw up its heroes and the amiable Swede, Robert Knutsson, showed the progress he has made when he shot net 70 on his first visit to the course. George Meigh (net 72) chased him all the way and only lost out when he went astray on the seventeenth hole. In third place was Len Jones (net 75) who played his best ever fifteen holes to overcome the nightmare of the ten over par he shot on the first two holes.

In division one, early starter Harry Riley sat in the clubhouse anxiously waiting to see if his net 74 would be beaten and when the final group returned his fears were realised, as first Alan Alexander returned a card of net 72 and then Mr. Loy bashfully signed for his net 67. He later declared it his best ever round in which he hit all fairways, was never in trouble and had more than a dozen birdie opportunities.

Other victors on the day were Danny Greer, Harry Riley and Mark Wood who all shared the Bunker Super Sawng award and Dale Shier who merited the Bunker Banana Booby once again for his net 91. But when memories start to blur Mr. Loy’s breathtaking round will remain sharply in focus on the day the Bunker Boys graced Laem Chabang with their presence.

Winch hoists himself to the top

The Bunker Boy’s second home, Century Ban Chang, played friendly host yet again on Friday, 5th July, when the squad met for their weekly Stableford competition. It was the end of a busy week for many of the players, and some of the regulars chose a day off after their round in the Independence Day event the previous day.

There were the usual two divisions and in the top flight John King showed that he has finally found some consistency by topping the list with 38 points. In runner-up spot both Andy Spence and Mr. Loy fired 35 points, the latter after taking a voluntary cut of one shot - how kind!

In division two Les Winch put his game together for a whole round and shot a lifetime best of 44 points. He has belied his 30 handicap for such a long time and at last the adjustment will be made. Kevin Wilson showed his Friday form again to fire 39 points, closely followed by Bryn Jones on 37.

The Bunker Super Sawng award was not awarded but the Bunker Banana Booby certainly was. Lowest scorer Blair “Skinny” Newton and Jon Wood shared the banana split, the latter closing the Bunker’s World Cup “forum” with his classic rhetorical question “Who does the Turkish goalie play for?”

For the answer to this and other intriguing news visit www.thebunkerboys.com


Mio’s team gains first despite her absence

Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League

This week the Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League lead changed again, with Mio’s team taking over the top spot. The team was again bowling well, even without their captain, who is on holiday. They won 4-0 against La’s team, which was enough to take the lead, as Tue’s team could only manage a 2-2 draw against Jeed’s team.

Udom rolled a 210 this week in the Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League.

Udom, bowing as spare for the day, was the only one to roll a 200+ game on in this outing, a solid 210.

The last match also ended in a 2-2 draw between Bill and Kran’s teams.

A good turnout this week with 20 bowlers, even after 4 regulars left on holiday. It was also good to welcome back Somrak after a 6-month absence.

Team standings after 10 weeks
Won Won Lost
1. Mio
2. Tue
3. Jeed
4. Bill
5. Kran
6. La
23 1/2
23
21
18
17 1/2
17
16 1/2
17
19
22
22 1/2
23

Winchester Club moves back into first place alone

PSC Friday Bowling League

Winchester Club split their match with an under manned Cafe Kronborg but still moved into first place all alone as the House of the Golden Coin lost all four points in their match. Otto led the Winchester team with the only 200 game of the day and a 540 series.

Otto rolled the only 200 game of the day

VFW Post 9876 took all four points from the House of the Golden Coin who were playing with only two of their regular teammates. Lek had a 501 series, 624 with handicap, for the VFW team and Ooy led the Golden Coin with a 508-pin count.

Nice & Sleazy took three points from Cafe Ole with no 500 series in the match.

Captain La and Jon led Shakey Pete’s to a three-point victory over Three Sisters. Jon had a 537 series and La an even 500 total pins.

Team Standings

Points - 5 July

Winchester Club
House of the Golden Coin
Cafe Kronborg
Nice & Sleazy
Shakey Pete’s
VFW Post 9876
Cafe Ole
Three Sisters

22 - 14
20 - 16
20 - 16
19 - 17
18 - 18
18 - 18
16 - 20
11 - 25

2 - 2
0 - 4
2 - 2
3 - 1
3 - 1
4 - 0
1 - 3
1 - 3


Thailand’s 7 best windsurfers dropped from National Team

Thailand’s top 7 windsurfers, Suhaimee Muhammadkasem, Kukert Sakulfang, Phanutas Raumchap, Seksan Khuntong, Napalai Thanjai, Kearngkai Sakulfang and Aran Homraruen were dropped from National Team last week over differences with the Windsurfing Association of Thailand.

The seven had been training in Poland, but cited difficulties with food, weather and insufficient funds and asked to be returned to Thailand. They were scheduled to remain in Poland until August 20, but returned on July 5.

(L to R) Suhaimee Muhammadkasem, Kukert Sakulfang, Phanutas Raumchap, Seksan Khuntong, Napalai Thanjai, Kearngkai Sakulfang and Aran Homraruen display the document that discharged them from National Team.

Upon their return, they received a document from the Windsurfing Association of Thailand stating that all seven had been dropped from the team. The document was signed by Partit Waiwong, secretary of the Thai Windsurfing Association.

The board of directors of the Windsurfing Association concluded that the Association had acted in the best interests of the athletes by offering to assist in solving the problems they faced. But since the athletes were adamant about returning to Thailand, the board concluded that the 7 be dropped from the National team on July 4.

Asian Games gold medallist Aran Homraruen, one of the athletes dropped from the team said, “There is no truth as to what the letter states because at all the times ... everyone has always done their best the last 100 times we have gone for training.

“We faced many problems right from the start (in Poland). There was no one managing the team or taking care of the necessary details, only our Polish training partners. During 3 months of training we were to compete in Germany from June 26th to June 30th. However, we continued to face numerous obstacles and problems including the food we had to eat, the accommodation facilities, the equipment we were expected to use. We were far from being ready, specifically due to the cold weather, and more importantly, the allowances we were sent were far from being enough to use as athletes.

“This affected our physical and mental conditioning to the point where the team was unable to register for the German competition in time. This caused low moral and we asked the coach to return to train in Thailand because we wanted to be ready for the upcoming 14th Asian Games in South Korea.

“No one wants to sign this document to acknowledge that we have been dropped from the national team,” Aran said.

Pattana Boonsawat, deputy chairman of Pattaya council and National Windsurfing coach said, “I have closely followed the news and information related to the team because this has been going on for more than 10 years. It is a problem that must be discussed with the Windsurfing Association of Thailand so that they are fully informed of the true problems with the Thai Olympic team in order to solve them because all athletes are dedicated to doing their best for the national team.”


Pattaya Marathon set for July 21

Thousands of athletes will be pounding the pavement when the Pattaya Marathon gets underway in the wee morning hours on Sunday, July 21.

This year for the first time, the route of the marathon will change and will include only a short section of Beach Road. The start and finish line will be the same, on Beach Road between Sois 4 & 5, but due to the ongoing construction, the only section of Beach Road that will be used will be from Central Pattaya Road to North Pattaya Road. That section of Beach Road will be closed completely during the event.

Traffic lanes along North Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya Road, and long stretches of Sukhumvit Highway, Jomtien Beach Road, Pratamnak Road and Pattaya 2nd Road will be cut in half. Chaiyapruk and Watboon Roads in Jomtien will also be part of the route and may be reduced to one lane or closed off completely.

The competition includes a full 42.195 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon and a 10.55 km quarter-marathon. The marathon will start at 5 a.m., the half marathon at 5:30 a.m. and the quarter -marathon at 6 a.m. Male athletes in the marathon and half marathon will compete in six different age groups; in the quarter marathon four age groups. Female athletes in the marathon, half marathon and quarter marathon will compete in four age group categories.

A strong contingent of wheelchair athletes is expected to compete in the wheelchair category.

The first six finishers in each category will receive a trophy and cash. The top prize for the men’s international category is 150,000 baht, while the top prize for the women’s category is 100,000 baht. All finishers will receive medals.

Application fees are: Marathon US$25 until July 14, US$45 July 15-20; Half Marathon US$20 until July 18, US$35 July 19-20; Quarter Marathon US$15 until July 20, US$25 July 21.

Applications can be submitted by hand at city hall in North Pattaya (tel. 038 410 200 ext. 108), or through the Amateur Athletic Association of Thailand (tel. 02 564 3322), Running Sport and Trophy in Bangkok (tel. 02 930 6809, 02 930 6405-6, 02 934 1219), or at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Office on Pratamnak Road (up the hill) (tel. 038 427 667, 038 428 750), or TAT in Bangkok or any domestic or international TAT office.


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