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A spicy opening at Pattaya 4 Fun
Introducing: The world’s largest Tom Yam
The highlight of last weekend’s Pattaya 4 Fun opening
was its “spicy start”, with the making of the world’s biggest ‘tom
yam’, Thailand’s famous spicy sour soup. The 6,000 liter pot was
prominently displayed on the beachfront between Sois 4 & 5 at the
opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. last Saturday evening.
(L-R)
Pisit Ketphasook, Chonburi governor, Sontaya Khunpluem, minister of Tourism
& Sports, Chanyuth Hengtrakul and Santsak Ngamphiches, advisors to the
minister tast test the Tom Yam, giving it the thumbs up.
Plenty
of residents and tourists milling around to take a look at the world’s
large Tom Yam Talay.
Visitors
scramble to line up and try some Tom Yam. Chef obviously happy in knowing
there was plenty to go around.
The official opening of the “Hansa: Pattaya - Chonburi
Pattaya 4 Fun” fair was presided over by Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of
Tourism and Sports. Numerous local and regional dignitaries including Pisit
Khetphasook, the new Chonburi governor, Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, Pattaya
mayor, Santsak Ngamphiches, advisor to the minister of tourism and sports
and Manit Boonchim, director of the TAT Central region 3, joined the
minister in the formalities.
This first event proved successful as it drew large
numbers of tourists and residents to the beachfront to witness the many
activities on display and taste the world’s large tom yam at 25 baht a
bowl.
Booths were set up along the beach area promoting and
selling locally produced items and fresh seafood. An ice carving contest,
cocktail preparation by a champion bartender, cabaret show from Tiffany, and
music concerts on the beach were also held as part of the many activities.
The second weekend will include a ‘som tam’ contest,
which will decide who can make the tastiest, hottest papaya salad.
Phasit
Limtho, the Montien Bartender Champion showed how the best in the business
mix cocktails in Pattaya.
An ice
carving contest was just one of the many activities at the first Hansa
Pattaya-Chonburi ‘ Pattaya 4 Fun beach festival.
Minister
Sontaya Khunpluem (center), governor Pisit Ketphasook(front centre left),
Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat and chefs all approve of the Tom Yam.
Each weekend the Chefs Association of Pattaya, Thai
Hotels Association (Eastern Chapter) and the Pattaya Hotels Chapter will
display various Thai and international foods along Beach Road.
The Pattaya 4 Fun fair is aimed bolstering falling
tourism numbers to the eastern region as a result of recent world and
regional events and the idea has received financial backing from the city to
the tune of 2,300,000 baht to aid the local and provincial travel industry.
The event will take place over 4 consecutive weekends along Beach Road
from Soi 4 to Central Road, from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.
| So what does it take
to make 6,000 liters of Tom Yam?
First, a 3 x 3 meter pot to place your
ingredients with heating facilities.
1,000 liters of chicken soup stock
50 liters of lemon juice
50 liters of fish sauce
8 kilograms of vegetables
5 kilograms of kaffir lime leaves
5 kilograms cilantro leaves
8 kilograms of chopped lemongrass stalks
4 kilograms of thin slices fresh galangal
8 kilograms of sliced shallots
8 kilograms of chili (prik kee noor)
200 kilograms of shrimp
100 kilograms of crabmeat
100 kilograms of squid
100 kilograms of sea mussels
100 kilograms of fish balls
100 kilograms of sliced straw mushrooms
10 cooks to place the ingredients in the pot and stir and dozenss
more to sell the tasty soup. |
BCCT dinner invokes economic discussion
on midsummer night in Pattaya
Through a glass darkly: Is the glass half full or half empty?
By Brendan Richards
Is Thailand’s economic climate improving or moribund?
It all depends on how you view the facts and the attitude of the economic
forecaster. At the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) dinner held
last week Friday evening, Chris Bruton, director of Dataconsult Ltd. and a
Thailand resident for almost 35 years, gave an entertaining explanation on a
subject the common man rarely thinks about regarding the economy. Is the
glass half full, half empty or both?
Gary Burroughs, Iain
Cruickshank and Denis Laurin looking for some more wine to kick off the
evening.
(L-R) Rod Cummins (JVK)
and Yves Henon (Isotron)
Alain Duerwaerder,
Kateon Natie, Christopher May (EIM) and Arnaud Bialecki (PCS)
Held at the Marriott Resort & Spa, BCCT members and
supporters from the Eastern Seaboard and Bangkok joined the event to listen
to Thailand’s economic outlook for 2003-2004 from a number of views; the
optimist, pessimist, realist, anarchist, feminist, environmentalist,
capitalist and the economist.
Each view primarily described their evaluation of the
glass. This well-rounded approach by Chris was highly appreciated and
brought laughter to what is often an uninteresting subject.
Chris Bruton has represented the Economist Corporate
Network, a division of the Economist Group of London, since 1980 and
operates two peer group forums for business; the Thailand Regional Forum,
and the Thailand Corporate Finance Forum. A large part of Chris’s work
also covers the Indochina region, where he undertakes corporate market entry
strategies, as well as major international conferences to promote investment
and trade.
Graham
Macdonald, head of the eastern seaboard committee for the BCCT presents
Chris Bruton with a bottle of appreciation for his enlightening
presentation.
James
Pitchon (CB Richard Ellis), Ole Wissing (EAC), Heather Suksem (PCS)
(L-R)
David and Catriona Mary Lowder, Paradee Vilaisit and Peter Stirling enjoy a
cocktail at the pre-dinner reception.
However, it was Chris’s overall outlook that proved
interesting. Thailand’s economy is apparently faring well showing 19.7
percent growth in the first 5 months of 2003 and may very well average out
between 6-7 percent for the year. Regional business leaders’ view that
Thailand is a more stable environment should also prove beneficial to the
country. The issue of non-renewal Amity treaty between the US and Thailand
was brought up during the discussion. From the economist’s point of view
it would decidedly present a more level playing field for some countries -
Australia for example - that want to negotiate a new trade treaty with
Thailand.
It appears economics is not an exact science and by its
very nature can fluctuate greatly due to the ever-changing world
environment. But it all depends on how you view it, either as an optimist,
pessimist, realist, anarchist, feminist, environmentalist, capitalist or
economist.
So which one are you?
UNICEF meets the northern media for discussions on child rights
story by Peter Cummins; photos, UNICEF
A high-level delegation from the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF), led by the Thailand representative, Dr Gamini
Abeysekera and the UNICEF Communications Team, headed by Dr Teresa Stuart,
was recently in Chiang Mai, to meet with northern media representatives,
counterparts and personnel from both the public and private sectors. Top of
the agenda was child rights and closely-related issues involving children
and the media.
UNICEF
Communications team: Teresa (left) and Pichada listen to the discussions.
Thai
Youth News advocates show their talent.
The overall aim of this first such networking exercise
with the northern media was to meet with and table proposals for Child
Participation Project partners and to accompany the media, exposing the
group, through field visits, to various UNICEF-assisted HIV/AIDS projects.
One of the many positive outcomes of the meeting with the
more than 30 print and audio-visual media persons was the resolve to
coordinate information and resource sharing and the overall effort to
encourage youth groups and related networks and the media to collaborate in
capacity building, through training and shared seminars on child rights
issues in such vital areas as drug abuse, child trafficking, child
prostitution and victims of HIV/AIDS.
The UNICEF delegation placed much emphasis on the
community-based capacity building aspect of child and youth development.
Under the Thai Youth News Centres (TYNC) Project that UNICEF has been
supporting through the Ministry of Education, the young members of TYNCs in
selected schools in the North, Northeast and Central regions of the country
are trained in child rights, media production and programming.
UNICEF
staff (L to R) Pichada de Jesus, Dr. Teresa Stuart, Dr. Permsiri Nitimanop,
Dr Gamini Abeysekera listen to Pattaya Mail-man Peter Cummins
addressing some of the media.
Discussions
at the Amphan Foundation.
At the workshop in Chiangmai, a group of TYNC members
from Yuppraj School had an opportunity to prove their talent and skills in
presenting their work to all participants. All TYNC members are encouraged
by UNICEF to learn to use the media - to gather data and produce news and TV
programmes that reflect their and their peers’ thoughts and ideas on
issues that relate to them, as a means of exercising their right to free
thought and expression. However, a linkage with Child Wave Radio, Child
Rights Volunteers and other local media - print, radio and television - is
regarded as mandatory, as it will help them with resourceful programme
materials and also get their programmes on air and published.
A separate discussion of UNICEF Thailand’s delegation
with David Hopkinson, director and Pavinee Chommuang, Education Promotion
Manager of the British Council in Chiang Mai, also revealed many areas of
improving co-operation on educational issues for children, including the
possible linking of UNICEF-supported “child-friendly schools” in the
North to British Council activities. During the meeting, I was able to
promote the teaching of cricket to Thai children (also reported in Pattaya
Mail earlier this year) with which Mr Hopkinson was very familiar,
whole-heartedly endorsing the game as an alternative to less salubrious
activities.
One of the many highlights of the visit to Chiang Mai was
discussions with the Amphan Foundation, a self-help group of volunteers who
assist distressed families, offering counselling, financial aid, education
and child-care.
One of the many families assisted by Amphan and UNICEF
was that of a 10-year-old girl, orphaned when both parents died of AIDS and
the precious, bright little child is being raised by her grandparents, both
elderly, living at Baan Gaad, a tiny place out of Chiang Mai.
The grandmother is so proud of her young charge who, she
informed us, is one of the best students at her school. I noticed from an
entry in the “visitors book” that Princess Alexandra of the Royal Danish
Court, who had been in Thailand earlier in the year (reported in Pattaya
Mail of 14/03/03, Vol XI, #11) had also visited Baan Gaad. The beautiful
little child, dreadfully shy at first, soon warmed to us and told us that
she wants to be a nurse or a school teacher.
We left Baan Gaad on a poignant note, as grandmother
said, “I only hope that I can live long enough to see her graduate.” We
all left somewhat chastened by the moving experience and the realization of
how fortunate we have been.
Before departure from Chiang Mai, the UNICEF team met and had discussions
with Michael Vogt, managing director of the Chiang Mai Mail and
agreed to keep the newspaper office informed of any new developments in
children’s issues.
Sunset Beach
by Kathryn Brimacombe
I lay on my back, floating in the warm primordial fluid
of the sea, the hot breath of the sun caressing my face. I stretch my limbs
taut and exhale, feeling myself rise then relax my muscles and inhale,
allowing my body to fold and slowly sink into the clear blue waters of the
Andaman. Holding my air deep inside, my hair floating around my face like
waving sea fans, I open my eyes and watch small silver fish flash in the
sunlight, flickering around my legs then disappearing with quick twists of
their lithe bodies. I watch until my lungs feel like they are on fire then
kick my feet and shoot upwards, breaking out of the ocean with a gasp of
air.
The
limestone cliffs, karst formations and caves that fall right into the ocean
make the area an extraordinarily beautiful place to explore.
Railay
Beach is a haven for travelers seeking the excitement of climbing limestone
cliffs, sea canoeing and kayaking, cave exploring and diving.
Treading water, I gaze around me at the majestic
limestone mountains that surround Railay Beach in Thailand’s southern
province of Krabi, marvelling at their formations, which appear like they
have been carved by hand. I look to the palm-fringed beach of Hat Railay
West, or Sunset Beach, the golden sand glowing softly in the late afternoon
light. My boyfriend waves to me from our sarong laid out under the shadow of
a broad-leafed tree, with piles of books and bottles of water. I wave back
then swim slowly towards him, the water streaming between my fingers like
silver fish.
Railay Beach, which is divided into two beaches, Hat
Railay East and Hat Railay West, is a haven for travelers seeking the
excitement of climbing limestone cliffs, sea canoeing and kayaking, cave
exploring and diving. The geology is perfect for such activities. Not only
does the pristine clear sea and coral reefs offer excellent scuba diving and
snorkelling, the limestone cliffs, karst formations and caves that fall
right into the ocean make the area an extraordinarily beautiful place to
explore. Tidal erosion and wave action have created overhangs so that you
feel like you’re swimming or kayaking right under the colossal blocks of
stone, while erosion by heavy rainfall has formed caverns covered with
stalactites and even giant chambers called hawngs, created when the ceiling
of caverns collapsed.
We arrived on Railay Beach a week ago by long-tail boat,
which we caught from the Chao Fah pier in Krabi town. The supposed 45-minute
journey took more than an hour as we were met by heavy seas and high waves.
By the time we began approaching Hat Railay East, the sky was darkening and
our bodies and bags were soaking wet from the frothing waves crashing into
the narrow wooden boat. Our captain, a thin older man with lined leathery
skin and a worn baseball cap, handed my boyfriend a tin can to scoop the
water over the side. But his effort was fruitless. For every can of water he
tossed out, another wave washed in.
The
giant orb sinks beneath the horizon, pulled down slowly by the force of the
sea to be swallowed whole by Neptune himself.
Thinking about our wet clothes, journals and cameras, I
began wondering whether this trip to Railay Beach was worth it. Dusk was
settling in deeply and I was shivering with cold. But then suddenly, the
canvas of the sky metamorphosed into a landscape of colour, as if an artist
had pressed his brush into the back of the canvas so that the colour bled
through the fabric to meet our eyes on the other side. Pinks and oranges
fused with reds, yellows and purples, so that the entire sky was on fire. I
changed my mind.
As the hues above paled darkly, the bow of our boat slid
up onto the sand of Hat Railay East. At last on land, we pulled our drenched
bags onto our backs and, with a wave to the captain who had to make his way
back to Krabi town in the blackness, headed off into the night in search of
a place to sleep.
I squeeze the water from my hair and settle back down on
our sarong on Sunset Beach, facing the sun as it slips closer to the sea. I
scrunch my toes into the soft sand, and smile as I lean my wet head against
my boyfriend’s chest. We are silent, waiting patiently, while others,
oblivious to the sea which is now the colour of ripe papaya, continue to
chat animatedly in clustered groups or lie on the sand with their eyes
closed, feeling the last tendrils of heat on their backs.
The sun shines a glittering path along the ocean’s
surface right to the water’s edge so that the light sparkles like jewels
on the waves, and soon conversations slow in tempo and cease, as all eyes
turn to gaze at the dazzling view in front of us. The giant orb sinks
beneath the horizon, pulled down slowly by the force of the sea to be
swallowed whole by Neptune himself. As the limestone cliffs on either side
of the beach darken to a gentle velvety blackness and wispy clouds glow with
gold, the sky and sea silently deepen to the colour of blood, a hue so
vibrant and rich, gasps of amazement are carried on the gentle, sweet sea
breeze. For several minutes we watch as the fingers of red extend like
northern lights over our heads to the far reaches of the sky in the east, as
if to entice the sun to rise again.
As the sun sinks lower into the abyss, the sea and sky soften to a dark
wine, stars begin to dot the heavens, and black waves crash onto the shore,
the scent of salt and evening flowers heavy in the air. With a sigh of
contentedness and tranquility, we collect our things and return to our
bungalow, to wash the sand and salt off our skin, and dress for the night.
Another dreamy day on Railay Beach spent, our memories linger in
anticipation of another breathtaking sunset tomorrow.
“For Thailand-Sydney-Thailand, No Worries mate!”
The Urban Peasant
The Plan
Hoping to take a break from the hectic work routine to
visit my daughter in Australia, and to blow some of my savings away, I
booked a flight on Singapore Airlines bound for Sydney. Only for one reason,
you get individual movie screen at your seat.
“Droplets-Free
Wine, Sir?”
Two weeks before the flight, rumors had it that if you go
to Australia from any of the SARS affected countries you will be quarantined
for 14 days. Great, 14 days out of 14 days vacation. I hope they have
kangaroos to entertain us in the quarantine station.
“But what about transit passengers?” Rumor went on
that passengers would be observed. You sneeze, you’re quarantined. “But
what about transit passengers?” Also, passengers would have to queue up
for ear-stick temperature check. High temperature and you are quarantined.
“But what about ... never mind.”
Plan B, Qantas Airways
A week later I was advised that I would not get Frequent
Flyers Miles on Qantas as it does not belong to the Star Alliance thingy I
am a member of. Life is complicated.
Plan C, Thai Airways, smooth as a two-ply silk. Okay!
At Bangkok airport, I had my cloth mask ready to be with
the crowd on the SARS thing, but to my surprise, less than ten percent of
people in the departure lounge had them on. I must admit I did put it on for
a few minutes during the boarding, but once on board, all was fine ...
except some “ER” cabin attendants still had their masks on throughout
the flight. You can’t be too masked nowadays I guess.
Once we landed at Sydney airport, the whole check in and
out procedure, including getting into the cab outside the airport took about
30 minutes. And no ‘tie-me-kangaroo-down-sport’ quarantining. It was a
breeze.
Sydney - The Official Guide for Lazies
During the first few days in Sydney, I did a lot. A lot
of sleeping ... until my daughter nudged me to get up and get going and see
things. “OK, OK. If you insist.” Nag, nag, nag.
Of course we did most of the exciting tourist stuff.
Opera House, Darling Harbor, Botanic Garden St. Mary’s Cathedral, and The
Barracks - which I bumped into accidentally while lost in the city.
After all’s done, I immediately charged to my next
program on the itinerary, SLEEP. (Leave me alone, I’m on vacation, and I
will have my jet lag on any day I want). My energy actually resumed after
the fifth day and I ventured off on my own into the big, big world. Took
ferry after ferry and visited bays after bays.
Watson’s Bay; stunning harbor and ocean views,
sheltered little beaches, home of the rich and famous. Don’t ask me who.
Cremorne featured varied flora and rock formations. Neutral Bay, Double Bay,
Rose Bay and more bays. Then there was my favorite bay watch, the Mosman
Bay.
The walking path winds its way between houses and
apartments on one side and natural bush descending to the bay on the other.
Imagine owning the entire area, as James Robertson did in the 19th century.
And all because he was the curator of Governor Brisbane’s astronomical
instruments, he was granted 86 acres in 1823. I’m going to be a curator
when I grow up.
It’s the people that make the country worth the visit
My stay in Sydney was not totally solo-based. Apart from
visiting friends of friends, and friends of bosses, I also had the chance to
meet Annie Cummins, who was so sweet and sacrificed a whole day for me
amidst her hectic study schedule; carrying her heavy “books” in her bag
around, and reading them at every opportunity she had while trying to
entertain an aimless traveler like me. We had a ball shopping at the
Paddy’s Market, where you can buy almost anything made in China. If you
don’t get the picture, think “Chatatuchak” or “Bua Khao” market.
Alisa and her friend Daniel, also busy with their Uni
works, got rid of me by introducing me to another Annie, the home-stay lady
who had put up with Daniel; I mean put Daniel up for many months at her
home. She is a lady of heart who lives her life fully and is full of joy to
be around.
I ended up staying at her home a couple of nights. She
also drove us up the hilly roads of Sydney and down the beaches and up again
into the park. Centennial Park was the backyard playground for her children
when they were little.
I didn’t get to see concerts at the Opera House or
plays in theaters while there, but a stroll down the Fox studios made us
decide to see a movie there. “Chicago”. The sexiest razzle-dazzle jazz,
and the most dynamic and robust toe tapping musical I’ve seen in a long
time. That night I was still singing the song. “I didn’t do it, but if I
done it, how can you tell me that I was wrong.” Sure makes you want to go
out and kill someone.
Romance and
Adventure
My last minute decision was made to go to the Blue
Mountains on my own. It’s nice to be alone sometimes, you know, to reflect
on your life, to find an inner peace, and of course, to give the hosts a
break.
I took the 9 a.m. city rail, equipped with a jam sandwich
and high hopes to see a few train stations along the way and take a nap. I
saw more then a few train stations as the train broke down at the very next
stop from where we started. No worries, after an hour, we were boarded on
the next line and finally reached Katoomba 2 hours later.
Not to waste time, I bought the touristy ticket and
hopped on the explorer bus that throws you out anywhere you like at their
stops in the mountains, giving you a chance to walk and explore. Lunch-less
and waterless, I soon found myself dehydrated and hungry. After about 500
meters of walk along the steep mountain paths, I headed back to the pickup
stop to be delivered to the nearest restaurant.
At the Solitary Kiosk, a restaurant with a panoramic view
and crisp fresh air, I passionately enjoyed my sandwiches and high tea. From
there on, it’s downhill all the way - literally. I figured it was much
more convenient just to sit and explore the mountains on the comfortable
bus. The Three Sisters looked much more appealing this way too.
I returned safely to the city by dusk. Annie and I drove
out for a nice farewell dinner at Sydney Cove in The Rocks area, where
buildings date back to the first years of European settlement. The area is a
showcase of early history and architecture in Australia.
The Drill
The following day I went to stay with my daughter at her
hostel, The International House. It was partly funded by the Rotary Club,
but not of Jomtien Pattaya. The fun part of the stay was when they had their
fire drill one early morning. Dragged out of beds, all were later gathered
up opposite the building for a group photo.
Having slept there a couple of nights, I was also herded
into the crowd and thus was included in the Inter-House Class of ’03
photo. This calls for a reunion trip next year.
During the few days there, I had befriended many students
who at first thought I was there for my Double Post Graduate Super PHD
course, because of my age. I empathized with them. Wherever I went, everyone
was running around. “I have exams tomorrow”, “I have to finish my
assignments”, “Got to go for group work”, etc.
However, they were very hospitable to me amidst their
brain wracking studies. Lina, Uma, and all the others, I wish you all big
success in your studies.
The night before I left, the kids wanted to treat me to a
fun evening. We went to a bar where they had a Salsa class every Thursday
night. For 15 dollars per session, you are almost, I say almost, a
professional sexy salsa dancer. It was fun indeed. Many newcomers ended up
dancing the night away, ending up with old and new romances.
Now you may think, with all this fun and dance, did the
Urban Peasant finally find an Aussie mate on this trip? The answer still
remains: I only brought back some vegemite, mate!”
The Farewell
The last day of the trip I did the inevitable. Shopping.
It’s a pain to think of what to buy for friends and family. I don’t know
who this David Jones guy is, but it seems most Thai women love him and must
have him.
After I went around and around the display counter, not
sure what I wanted, or could afford, to be more precise, I emptied my wallet
of the last Aussie dollars I had on the counter and told the shop girl to
put in whatever was possible for that budget. Sorry, David, but that’s all
I can afford of you. Packed with creams and shaving lotions I headed back.
Finally it was time to say goodbye. Alisa and Daniel saw
me off at the airport to make sure I really left Sydney and they could
finally resume their normal life again.
The flight back was smooth as a three-ply silk. Reaching
Don Muang airport and coming from a fresh and cold climate, the weather in
Thailand welcomed me with sweat and rash plus headache.
Complimentary Mercedes limousine service from my family was so
comfortable that I knocked out before it even hit the expressway. And yet I
was still tired when I reached home. I don’t know about other passengers,
but for me, I’m quarantining myself for a few days, mainly in my
sterilized bed, and “May the Rabbis keep the SARS far away from us”
(Fiddler on the Roof).
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