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Great monarch remembered
Boonlua Chatree
Special guest of honor, Admiral Prasert Bunsong
Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy presided over the ceremony during
which a statue of HM King Mongkut Klao, Rama VI was raised into position.
The new statue was erected on July 3 in Sattihip district near the
intersection between Sattahip and Rayong, the entrance to Chong Samae Sarn
village. Local citizens will come to this statue which was placed in a
lovely park setting and pay respect to the great monarch.
 The
statue of King Mongkut Klao, Rama VI, built by Tawat Wetchkosit the
artist/architect, at the Boonchoo workshop. The statue is twice larger
than life and presented in the standing position. The statue shows the
king in full royal uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet, modified from the
Uniform of the British Navy, using the material made of Iron mix with the
skin color.
A traditional Buddhist ceremony was conducted by 10
monks who blessed the statue and poured holy water during a traditional
religious rite.
Admiral Prasert Bunsong Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai
Navy presented gold flowers while the stature was raised before a
gathering crowd.
 Admiral
Prasert Boonsong, commander-in-chief, Royal Thai Navy, laid down the
precious foundation stone before erecting the statue.
The statue was cast at the Boonchoo factory. Tawat
Wetchgosit is the sculpture who created the statue. The statue of the king
is twice life size, and is presented in the standing position, wearing the
Royal Thai Navy uniform, (which was modified from those worn by British
naval officers).
The 28 rai section of land the statue now stands upon
was divided into 2 sections; the statue’s base area and the courtyard
area where various functions can be held. The statue’s 6-sided base
symbolizes the 6th King of the Chakri Dynasty. Opposite, there is a park
designed for exercise and relaxation.
 Tawat
Wetchkosit the artist/architect and his team helping out in the molding
process of King Mongkul Rama VI at the Boonchoo workshop.
During his reign, HM King Rama VI did much for the
people of Sattahip and the Royal Thai Navy. He gave land around the
Sattahip area to Thai citizens where they built homes and businesses.
Another large portion of land was given to the Royal Thai Navy on which to
build their naval base.
The building of the statue began in 2001, commissioned
by Vice Admiral Sutat Kayim,
 Admiral
Prasert Boonsong, commander-in-chief, Royal Thai Navy together and Vice
Admiral Sutat Kayim, Sattahip Base Commandant join a senior monk to
perform a religious ceremony of pouring the hot gold to begin the molding
of the statue of King Mongkul Rama VI.
Commander-in-Chief, Sattahip Base. Sutat knew the local
residents and the navy owed a lot to this great king. Arrangements were
made for a gesture of appreciation. The statue now stands as a tribute to
that gratitude.
A brief history of King Rama VI
King Rama VI succeeded the throne from HM King
Chulalongkorn, Rama V on October 23, 1910. Having made great contribution
to the Royal Thai Navy, the navy presented the Uniform of the Admiral of
the Fleet to HM King Mongkut Klao at the Chakri Maha Prasart Palace on
November 4, 1910. The formal presentation of this uniform was attended by
senior and junior ranking officers and high-ranking officers of the Royal
Thai Army.
 The
King Rama 6 statue is carefully lowered into its final position under the
guidance of the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy.
Somdej Chaofa Nakorn Sawan Vorapinit,
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy presided over the presentation
ceremony that day, and the uniform was presented to His Majesty by Rear
Admiral Chumporn Ket U-domsak.
After the presentation His Highness King Rama VI told his audience,
“The suggestion that I learn more about the navy was made by Somdej Pra
Chanok Thirat. I intended to go to Europe for naval studies. When Crown
Prince Chaofa Maha Vachirunahit died, and I became Crown Prince, it was
necessary for me to direct my attention toward the army and political
studies. However I am pleased to accept the position of Admiral of the
Fleet and this great show of love and respect.”
The area of 28 rai of
land where the statue of King Rama VI will stand, as well as the park
around the monument. The park and statue are situated near the 6th
kilometer on the Sattahip-Rayong road at the entrance to the Chong Samae
Sarn Sub district, Sattahip district, Chonburi. This site was chosen as a
suitable area for people to pass by and pay respect to HM King Rama VI.
House Hunting - a spiritual tale
by Dr. Iain Corness
At the outset I should point out that not only am I
apolitical, but I also do not espouse any religion. I am happy with my choice of
nothing, but that does not mean that I am unaware of the world around me. A
world, which in Thailand has more than its fair share of ghosts and spirits.
 The
“four legs” spirit house.
Some months ago, while in a contemplative mood, I noticed
that my home did not have a spirit house in the front garden, as opposed to the
others in my street. I was not moved to contemplate why, but just felt, that for
the sake of conformity or unity even, my home should have one too.
This has led to a several week search, the like of which more
than rivals any attempts that you have had in getting suitable accommodation for
yourself. May I present the trials and tribulations of the spirit house
seeker...
Like us all, I had noticed a couple of spirit house
manufacturers on Sukhumvit Road. A nice open space with rows of suitable
dwellings for the spirits. Different sizes, different colours, different styles.
They were all there.
 The
solemn proceedings.
Now if you think that all you have to do is pick one up and
plop it beside the front gate, think again. There are certain moves that have to
be done first, before the big moving in!
My maid, the omnipresent Suchida, without whom I would wither
and die, suggested that we should consult the local monks as an opening gambit.
This was done in conjunction with a bilingual friend, as Suchida’s English is
not her strongest suit. After squatting down with the local monk for a knee
breaking, ankle twisting 45 minutes, it turned out that we needed a Brahmin
priest for this foray into spiritual real estate. However, he was unsure if
Pattaya had one.
This did not faze Suchida who said that any old person would
do (me excluded, of course). Consequently, a suitable old crone was found in my
street who nodded sagely at me and dictated a shopping list which appeared to
have more items on it than the Pattaya Orphanage’s Saturday shopping spree at
the local supermarket.
So we repaired to the spirit house outfitters at Naklua. A
smiling young chap started loading up my spiritual shopping trolley. We had a
pair of horses, elephants, three different bolts of material, a strange pair of
umbrella looking things, incense sticks and fairy lights. Only 1,540 baht later
and I had what I presumed was the necessary doings to keep even the grumpiest of
spirits in good humour and well housed. Basic error number 1.
 The
“one leg” spirit house.
It appeared we needed someone to position said spirit house,
but just fortunately, the spirit house outfitters did a comprehensive service
and a suitably ascetic looking gentleman was produced to do the honours.
Arrangements were made to pick him up the following week and take him to my
home.
I arrived home, rather proud of the accomplishments so far,
to be regaled by a hand-wringing Suchida. What was wrong now? Amid entreaties
and fractured English she got the point home that I needed more than one spirit
house - I needed two! In my innocence I had not seen that the spirits were into
property development! However, Suchida has to be kept happy at all times (see
comments before on personal withering and death) so I agreed immediately. Silly
me! Of course we needed two spirit houses.
On the appointed day, I picked up my ascetic, plus his rather
plump wife and daughter, so I presume their diet was different from his. So
there we were, my interpreter, maid Suchida, the ascetic and entourage. With a
string of jade beads around his neck, a compass and a spirit level (only as I
typed that, did I realise just how apt) ascetic positioned himself in the
driveway, which was obviously going to be sacrificed to the neighbourhood
spirits. Waving a pointed stick in the air which had a bell at one end, he
awaited divine inspiration which came with much bell ringing and spearing of the
stick into the ground. This was done several times and finally all the
co-ordinates were joined to give the site for the spiritual residences.
Now came the sales pitch. My ascetic could take away all the
worries and cares from my shoulders and he would arrange for the two spirit
houses, one which was called “one leg” and the other which was called
“four legs” and would have the plinth built, residences erected, suitable
incantations, the whole shooting match. And it would only cost 30,000 baht!
At that rate, I reckoned the spirits would be living better
than I and I was going to suggest that for that money, the spirits just take
over the main house and I’d live in their abode in “one leg” or “four
leg”. I looked at Suchida pleadingly. As always, she rose to the occasion.
“Khun Doctor just thinking.” I nodded in agreement with this sentiment. I
was more than thinking, I was counting! No, 30,000 baht was well outside my
budget. I ran ascetic and family back to their house and returned to my office.
As I walked in, my secretary was volubly gesticulating to
someone on the other end of the telephone line. She replaced the hand-set,
looking triumphant. “I speak with Suchida, we can fix spirit houses and only
cost 10-12,000 baht.” How could I refuse, even if my house spirits were going
to have to put up with slightly more cramped quarters! The deal was made.
A few days later, Suchida and I were at the purveyors of
spirit houses on Sukhumvit. Suitable one leg and four legs were selected and
paid for - 3,700 baht and delivery included! What a bargain.
Next was the Officiating Person for the installation who
turned out to be a Brahmin found by my secretary. He looked at the co-ordinates
left by Khun Ascetic, modified them slightly, made the dimensions for the plinth
smaller and a car could still fit in the driveway. I warmed to this man! Thai
pragmatism at its best.
The builder was next to make the plinth, supervised by eagle
eyed Suchida, who personally tamped down the sand with her bare feet. I just
hope these spirits understood just what privations have been done on their
behalf!
It was decided that the 11th of July was auspicious at 7 a.m.
but the preparations began the night before, with Suchida, plus my secretary and
maid from work all assiduously cutting up banana leaves, cooking chickens and
pork and collecting all sorts of paraphernalia associated with getting the
spirit houses ready for occupation.
Promptly at 7 (now there’s a first!) the secretary and the
Officiating Brahmin, now all dressed in white arrived at the house, where
Suchida, bless her, had been doing the final cooking since 5 a.m. (does cooking
have to be so noisy?).
Much energy was now expended in unwrapping figurines, the
small horses, elephants, incense holders and the like, while Suchida laid a
groaning table in front of the plinth. One factor was certain - these spirits
were not going to go hungry on that Thursday morning.
By the time the spirit houses were decorated, figurines
installed and bouquets of flowers arranged an hour had passed, and then the
ceremony proper commenced. Water was prepared with a ceremonial candle dripped
into the golden container, whilst the Brahmin sang incantations and then
sprinkled water on the houses and figurines.
I was somewhat taken aback when I was then informed that I
had to take the Officiating Brahmin through the house, while he blessed it by
sprinkling water inside (and over me). I was about to retreat outside again when
Suchida, all sotto voce, said “Your room” so I dutifully led him through the
basket of old socks and jocks and a lap of my bedroom was completed to
Suchida’s satisfaction.
Returning to the spirit houses I found I was again part of
the proceedings, having to place incense sticks in an urn while asking for the
spirits to smile upon the main house and myself. I suddenly found myself very
moved and humbled by this situation. I felt honoured and touched by the simple
acts of friendship and even kinship shown by Suchida, Tooiee and Dow and the
Officiating Brahmin, towards me. Tears started to well up in my eyes - it was a
very emotional moment.
So now my house is complete with its two spirit houses. I really do get the
feeling that if I look after them, they will look after me. I will do my bit to
keep them fed, watered and amused in return for some spiritual assistance. I
feel I probably need their help more than they need mine, but I’ll do my best
in my clumsy, stumbling farang way. But I’m sure they’ll understand.
My First Fourth of July
by Kathryn Brimacombe
I felt kind of strange going to a Fourth of July party. Being
a Canadian, I oddly felt that I would be out of place amongst all the Americans
celebrating their country’s independence. But my partner, who is a U.S.
citizen, told me I was being silly (which I was), so we went.
 The band
had everybody singing and dancing.
The party was held in Udon Thani at Nong Prajak Park, and was
hosted by the 10249 Post of the VFW, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States. As we approached the pavilion in the park, we could see hundreds of
people talking and eating, and could hear live music and laughter. It looked
like it was going to be a great party!
At the entrance we bought our tickets, and a member of the
VFW with a warm smile told us where the beer and buffet was, and about the many
raffles being held throughout the afternoon. We thanked him and went in to find
our friends.
The pavilion was appropriately decorated with red, white, and
blue banners, and behind the band were the American and Thailand flags, as well
as the flags belonging to the U.S. Army, Marines, and Navy.
 Flags of
the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army.
My concern about feeling like I didn’t belong was
unfounded, as there weren’t only Americans at the party. Many of the expats
brought their non-American wives and families. I even met a Dutch man and a
fellow Canadian! The joviality was infectious.
After we found our friends (and the beer), our hungry
stomachs led us to the buffet, which was serving both Thai and American food.
Although I do love somtam and fried rice very much, I couldn’t take my eyes
off the hamburgers. I left the buffet with a plate overflowing with potato salad
and chili con carne, and the hamburger sitting on top. I don’t have the
opportunity to eat Western food very often, so this was a real treat. And
delicious!
 Dancing
up a storm!
Throughout the day, we were entertained by a local Thai band
who played both Thai and American favourites, and who had everyone singing and
dancing. There were even games and activities for the many children. The raffles
for various prizes were held every hour, and my partner (who never wins anything)
even won an electric jar pot.
 Everyone
had a great time!
I met many fascinating people at my first Fourth of July party, both locals
and foreigners. I hadn’t been to a community event like this one in many
years, not since I was a child in Canada. It’s a wonderful feeling being part
of a community. It’s a feeling of support, safety, belonging, like being in a
family. My first Fourth of July party was a day I will never forget, and always
cherish
Battling the Crab
Part 4 of a 6-part series about fighting cancer
Tests & treatment
On my first morning after admission into the hospital,
the doctors wanted first to determine how extensive was the cancer, and
whether it had already spread - metastasised - elsewhere. This involved a
series of diagnostic tests: CAT-scan to check the other organs, and MRI
full-body bone-scan to determine whether it had spread into my bones.
The CAT-scan procedure I have already described, and
the MRI machine looks very similar, if marginally narrower. But it’s not
the same. You don’t need contrast dye to be injected, but you do have to
hold still for a much longer period while they produce the pictures, which
are amazingly clear and detailed. And during that time the machine is
making a noise like a jackhammer next to your ear. They give you earplugs,
but the noise is very loud and very pervasive. In fact, the noise is the
worst part of the procedure, other than having to hold absolutely still
for periods of up to 6 minutes at a time. The whole procedure took about
two hours.
The results were good and bad. The good news was that
we had caught the cancer relatively early: it had not yet spread to other
organs - liver, spleen, stomach, heart, brain; but the bad news was that
it appeared to have metastasised to two of my vertebrae, although not to
other bones.
So the recommended course of treatment involved 24
doses of radiation therapy on the principal tumour from the front, the
side and - to include one of the affected vertebrae - the back. Then
later, a further course of 12 doses of radiation on the other affected
vertebra.
Radiation treatment is similar to having an X-ray,
except it takes a bit longer. You lay on a moveable table, and the machine
rotates around you. You have to lay still, of course, and the technicians
ensure you’re lined up properly. While the radiation is being delivered
there’s a buzzing sound, but you don’t feel anything.
They will have tailor-made one or several metal
‘masks’ specifically for you, which are put in front of the radiation
source to protect parts of your body and internal organs that are not to
be irradiated. So you actually get a focussed, shaped beam of radiation
exactly where it’s needed, and nowhere else. All very modern and
hi-tech.
Then I was sent back upstairs to receive my first doses
of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is simply a cocktail of chemicals that are
administered intravenously. These chemicals are in and of themselves toxic
- i.e., they’re poisonous. But they are more toxic to cancer cells than
to normal cells.
Regrettably, while killing the cancer cells, these
toxic chemicals have unpleasant side effects on the rest of the body. Some
people tolerate the chemotherapy better than others, and there have been
significant improvements in recent years in reducing these unpleasant
side-effects. But I was fully expecting to go through the whole gamut of
nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, hair loss, fatigue,
headaches, and a general feeling of malaise. Not a pleasant prospect, but
better than dying.
TAT Pattaya welcomes tour agents from the Northeast and Laos
Manit Boonchim, director of the Tourism Authority
Thailand Central Region 3, Pattaya recently welcomed Nuan Sarnsorn,
director TAT Northeastern Office Region 5 who brought with him
representatives of various travel agencies from Udorn Thani, Nongkai,
and Nong Bualampoo, as well as agents from the Republic of Laos. Agents
set up booths selling local products as well as tour packages under the
theme “Travel Isaan Amazing Khong River.”
(L to R) Pornpimol
Amarapal, general manager of Chaba Tours, Manit Boonchim, director of
the Tourism Authority Thailand Central Region 3 Pattaya, Teerapong
Hemwadee, managing director of KN Travel, and Nuan Sarnsorn, director
TAT Northeastern Office Region 5.
The formal welcome was held at the Garden Seaview
Resort Pattaya. After the introduction and announcements were made,
guests were invited to walk around and view the ‘Table Top Sales’
that displayed information regarding agencies and tourist destination
from northeastern Thailand and Laos, including Lane Xang Travel, Wangyen
Resort and Laos Youth Travel.
 Travel executives
and agents have a look at what’s on offer at the Northeastern booth at
the Table Top Sales exhibition.
“One Product One Tambon” displayed local
merchandise such as Thai silk and hand woven cotton. A video about the
northeast region was presented by TAT. Dinner was then served, followed
by the lucky draw with various prizes having been brought along by the
agencies.
Nuan Sarnsorn, director of TAT Region 5 expressed his
gratitude for the organizers of this event, “This event serves as a
very efficient promotion. The idea of setting up the Table Top Sales or
the agencies and inviting the press was clever. This way we all get to
know the tourist places around the Isaan area.”
Nuan predicted a very positive response from tourist businesses
around the country.
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