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Bruno’s Restaurant and Wine Bar officially opened
Fredi Schaub becomes a professional balloon chaser!
After one of the smoothest and fastest
relocations in the history of restaurant kitchens, Fredi Schaub threw the
doors open to welcome the gourmets of Pattaya at the new address in the
Chateau Dale Plaza on Thappraya Road. He also welcomed the Swiss
Ambassador, HE Hans-Peter Erismann and his wife Freda, who were happy to
cut the floral ribbon and declare the venue ‘officially’ open.
In addition to the Pattaya ‘foodies’, several other
restaurateurs came to celebrate the opening with Fredi, including Kim and
Pascal Schnyder (Casa Pascal) and Hans Banziger (Paradise Restaurant).
As a ‘novel’ touch, Bruno (no relation to the
restaurant) Keller, the past president of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary club,
was selling balloons at the entrance, inflating the club coffers for
charity. At the end of the cocktail party, almost one thousand balloons
were released and the one that went the furthest won dinner for two at
Bruno’s (the restaurant, not Keller’s). However, if you have found one
of Bruno’s balloons, don’t rush, two penguins have already claimed the
prize.
H.E.
Hans Peter Erismann ambassador of Switzerland to Thailand assisted by his
wife Freda (right) cut the garland with Fredi Schaub declaring Bruno’s
Restaurant officially open. Bruno Keller (2nd right) was instrumental in
organizing the ‘Balloons for Charity’ that raised enough money for a
Christmas party including presents for children at the Pattaya Orphanage.
Fredi’s
sight and mind soar up into the skies and the future as the VIP guests
gather around for a picture. (l-r) Freda and Hans Peter Erismann, Fredi
and Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat.
Alvi
Sinthuvanik, VP of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya has her hands full
holding the balloons. Wonder where her balloons landed.
Leroy
feels secure as his grandfather Gusti Steiner of SwissSiam Group of
companies, lends his massive weight to hold down the balloons, preventing
Leroy from flying off into the skies.
H.E.
Hans Peter Erismann flanked by Khun Poo and Khun Thanakorn get ready to
release their balloons into the night sky.
YWCA’s Warm Family Project provides education
for the region’s needy children
The YWCA Warm Family project, now in its 13th year, organized annual
presentations on the 5th floor of Mike Shopping Mall where YWCA members were
joined by local charities and over 400 school children plus teachers and
parents.
The Warm Family Project supports children by enabling
them to attend school by providing scholarships of 1,500 baht per year. This
year, students from Pattaya’s 10 schools, a further 32 schools in Chonburi
Region 3 and another 3 schools in the general education system received
scholarships from the numerous benefactors.
The afternoon’s activities were also filled with games
and shows by the children to show their appreciation to their supporters for
allowing them to continue their education unhindered.
Vikanda Pornpanyanurak said, “Thank you to all of you,
our surrogate parents. On behalf of all the students I wish to thank the
YWCA for their kindness and generosity and for their help. Without your
assistance, many of us would not be here today. Your help gives us the
opportunity to attend school because without the scholarship program we
would be unable to receive an education. I want to say that all of us come
from poor families and you have helped us to stay in school. We promise to
do our best and study hard so you can be proud of us always.”
Following the handout of scholarships, the YWCA also
presented certificates of appreciation to the many contributors in the
project, which included the Pattaya Sports Club, the Pattaya International
Ladies Club, the Rotary Clubs of Pattaya, Jomtien-Pattaya and
Taksin-Pattaya, the Lions Clubs, Thai Sikh Association of Pattaya and many
individuals, who presented gifts to the children as well as school equipment
and clothing.
Members
of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya (l-r) President Peter, Phil Webb and
V.P. Alvi Sinthuvanik present the club’s contribution to Nittaya
Patimasongkroh President of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya.
Korkiat
Sakjirapong (left) representing the Thai Sikh Community of Pattaya along
with other members of various associations presents scholarships to the
children.
Pol.
Lt.Col Jirat Pichitpai champion fighter against drug abuse and ladies of the
YWCA are seen here making the presentations. The YWCA Warm Family project,
supported by numerous benefactors, this year provided 1,500 baht
scholarships to students from Pattaya’s 10 schools, a further 32 schools
in Chonburi Region 3 and another 3 schools in the general education system.
Peter
Thorand, Hans Schaad and President Dieter Precourt from the Rotary Club of
Taksin-Pattaya do their part in putting children through school.
Carl
Engel President of the Pattaya Sports Club makes a major contribution to the
scholarship fund.
Sandy
Langford, President of the Pattaya International Ladies Club is also a
champion in helping children in getting a decent education.
Vikanda
Pornpanyanurak said, “On behalf of all the students I wish to thank the
YWCA for their kindness and generosity and for their help. Without your
assistance, many of us would not be here today... We promise to do our best
and study hard so you can be proud of us.”
German delegation visits
Thai-German Institute, seeks cooperation between Thai and German automotive technology suppliers
TGI facilitates SME technical and business discussions
On November 25, TGI German director, Walter Kretschmar welcomed Joachim
Kiefaber and his delegation to the Thai-German Institute for a meeting with
Thai industrialists and SME representatives.
 (From
left) Sybille Schaller, from the Schaller Automation Finance and Legal
Department; Siegfried Kraus, managing director of Fraunhofer Institute, and
Dr. Winfried Khun, president of Innovative Imaging Corporation KG (IIC).
Joachim Kiefaber is head of the International Economic
Relations Department for the Saarland State Government in Germany. He and
his delegation’s trip to Thailand was part of a study tour through Asia in
order to seek cooperation between Thai and German automotive technology
suppliers.
 Joachim
Kiefaber (right), head of the International Economic Relations Department
for the Saarland State Government in Germany and Otto Alfred Barbian,
president of NDT Systems/Services AG.
The trip was a follow up from Industry Ministry Deputy
Director General Pramode Vidtayasuk’s October 2003 visit to Saarland,
Germany, where he met with Dr. Winfried Khun, president of Innovative
Imaging Corp, Saarland, and Rainer Khun Automotive Technology GmbH.
Innovative Imaging Corp.’s main focus is rubber and polymer testing.
 Delegates
take a tour of the lab.
The delegation arrived at the German embassy in Bangkok
on November 24, where they were welcomed by Holger Michael. Later that day,
representatives from the Ministry of Industry also met with the delegation,
after which the entire entourage visited Tiger Motors.
The following day the delegation visited the Thai-German
Institute and gave a presentation showing the strength of the German State
of Saarland, which was formerly a coal mining area but which has now
progressed into a leader in German automotive technology. Up next, TGI took
the opportunity to once again reinforce its position as a hub for technical
and business discussions for the SMEs.
 (From
left) Walter Kretschmar, German director of TGI; Narong Ratana, advisor to
the Thai director; Worawut Phuttatorn, Product Control dept manger at Enkei
Thai; Prasert Thammonoonkul MD of Sutee Group International; Patanasak
Hoontrakul, vice president of Thai Heng Foundry and Machining; Nithi
Jaroenrat, executive director-manufacturing of HJH Industry Co., Ltd.; and
Joji Ikeda of I.N. Precision.
The meeting took place in the morning followed by a lab tour of the
training center’s high tech facilities before a nice wrap up lunch
together.
HRH Sirindhorn’s visit to Pattaya: the untold history
Peter Cummins
HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s “study trip” to Pattaya
last week was well covered in the pages of the Pattaya Mail (Vol XI,
#47 Friday, November 21, 2003).
Arriving attired in her Army General’s uniform, the
Princess, who is director of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, brought a
number of the Academy’s fifth year students for a walk through history.
 Two
Royal Varuna yacht club veterans, David Wales and Peter Cummins, sailed
their respective dinghies onto the Pattaya Beach where they were mounted on
the sidewalk, adjacent to an excellent photographic exhibition of His
Majesty’s boat-building and sailing days.
The principal focus of the visit to Pattaya and other
parts of the Eastern Seaboard was to see how the city and the area had
changed in the three decades since US forces, on leave from the Vietnam War,
“discovered” the then tiny and idyllic fishing hamlet.
There was very little of the nautical history of HM the
King’s days in Pattaya and, thus, while not emphasized during her visit,
nevertheless the Princess basically followed in her father’s footsteps in
the areas of her visit.
An
excellent photographic exhibition of His Majesty’s boat-building and
sailing days, courtesy of the Royal Palace archives, the Pattaya Mail and
Peter Cummins, was mounted along the seawall where the Princess passed.
We were about to go to press with the annual edition of
the Pattaya Mail, written by special correspondent Peter Cummins and
dedicated to His Majesty the King, on the occasion of his seventy-sixth
birthday on the fifth of December, 2003, when HRH Princess Sirindhorn
visited Pattaya.
An excellent photographic exhibition of His Majesty’s
boat-building and sailing days, courtesy of the Palace archives, the Pattaya
Mail and Peter Cummins, was mounted along the seawall where the Princess
passed.
 The
Varuna Marine Club was established in 1957 at the location where Food Fair
(formerly Barbos) Restaurant now stands. The entire Royal family, visiting
royalty, diplomats and sailing enthusiasts congregated there to enjoy dinghy
racing, camaraderie and the beauty of a pristine Pattaya Bay.
Two Royal Varuna yacht club veterans, David Wales and
Peter Cummins, had sailed their respective dinghies onto the Pattaya Beach
where they were mounted on the sidewalk, adjacent to the photo exhibition.
There was a purpose to all this, for the exhibition and
the mounted dinghies were on the seawall opposite Mike’s Department Store
which was formerly the site of the “Sailing Club”, administered by the
Royal Thai Navy. Here, in by-gone days, many events and championships were
conducted over roughly the same period that the GIs were frolicking further
south along the beach.
The structure housed a lot of the King’s yachting
memorabilia, although His Majesty never sailed or raced from there. The
building was finally demolished and a lot of those rare pictures were on
display at the seafront last week.
The dinghies, in immaculate condition, represented the
types of boats the King had built in the early 1960s: An Enterprise, a
two-person craft he called the “Rajpatan” which he sailed with HSH
Bhisatej Rajani, his crew and co-builder, and the two enjoyed much success.
But it was the single-handed OK dinghy, named the
“Vega” which the King also built and in which he became world-famous as
a gold-medal skipper at regional Games in 1967. This was at the Fourth South
East Asian Peninsular Games, now the biennial “SEA Games” and that day,
the 16th of December, 1967, henceforth observed as National Sports Day,
sporting history was made and is never likely to be equalled. The King and
HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s elder sister, HRH Princess Ubolratana, came
equal-first in the OK dinghy division at those Games, held in Pattaya Bay,
just out from where last week’s exhibition took place.
Furthermore, a little further down Pattaya Beach, the
Varuna Marine Club was established in 1957 at the location where Food Fair
(formerly Barbos) Restaurant now stands. The entire Royal family, visiting
royalty, diplomats and sailing enthusiasts congregated there to enjoy dinghy
racing, camaraderie and the beauty of a pristine Pattaya Bay.
Close by where the Princess visited the Royal Thai Radio
Station atop Pratamnak Hill, is the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - the old Marine
Club where the King often sailed in 1965 and l966, graciously bestowing
Royal Patronage on the fledgling Club on 26 April 1965.
Unfortunately, for those of us who cherish Pattaya’s
incredible appeal as a sailing and marine sports centre, one of the
world’s best - and the King’s own sailing ‘playground’ during the
1960s - scant attention was paid to these events by the tour organizers.
Thus, it seemed appropriate to the Pattaya Mail to
add this new section to the King’s Birthday Supplement, sketching another
chapter to the rich - and Royal - history of Pattaya.
But, thanks to Royal Palace archives, Peter Cummins, yachting scribe of
the Pattaya Mail and other contrbutors, a huge crowd waiting outside
Mike’s was able to see the dinghies and view the pictorial history at
close range. The display will be open through January 10, 2004 for all to
see, at the Fourth Floor of Mike’s Department Store.
Italian Wine Gala Dinner
By Miss Terry Diner
With the renovations finished in the Rossini restaurant
in the Royal Cliff Grand, and having Stefano Zamboni, an Italian visiting
chef on hand, it was obvious that the Royal Cliff Wine Club should feature
Italian wines at their latest Wine Club dinner.
 After
the feast accolades were given to Panga Vathanakul, MD of the Royal Cliff,
Ron Batori, MD of Ambrose Wines, Ranjith Chandarasiri, Wine Club captain,
Bruce Hoppe MD of Copeland corporation winner of the Wine Quiz, GM Alexander
Haeusler, Chef Stefano Zamboni and Executive Chef Walter Thenisch.
With Ron Batori’s Ambrose Wines, the staunch and long
time supporter of the Wine Club, it was decided to feature Italian Ruffino
wines for the evening. The Ruffino label is such that there would be enough
variety, both whites and reds to allow the Wine Club members to experience
something new as well as something Italian.
 Khun
Panga and Ranjith (3rd & 4th left) entertain wine lovers at the
poolside. (l-r) Dennis Dewsnap, Tim Durrell, Archie Dunlop and Robbie
Laurie.
The popularity of these events has been such that Wine
Club captain, Ranjith Chandrasiri was embarrassed by the response, with the
restaurant booked out within two days of notifying the members of the date
for the event. In fact the demand continued until it became necessary to
have some of the members seated on the outside terrace around the pool.
 Never
to miss a Royal Cliff wine dinner are from left, Michael Knopp his lovely
daughter Chelsa, Paul Bryan, Chitra Chandarasiri, Yanisa Musiksawat and
Patricia Burbridge.
The dinner began with Ron Batori explaining some of the
history of the Ruffino label, the club members then enjoying the shrimp and
cantaloupe melon salad with port wine dressing, washing it down with the
Ruffino Orvietto Classico made from Trebiano grapes.
For many, the dish of the evening was the pumpkin soup,
served in a bread bowl and spiced up with some bitter almond drops. The
Ruffino to go with this was the Aziano Chianti Classico DOC 2002, a wine
that was notable for its tannin content, and not to everyone’s taste.
The Gold Label Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico
DOCG 1997 was a different matter, with most club members looking for more of
this special vintage. Unfortunately, owing to the limited supply of the
wines, only one glass per diner was possible. For some, this was also a
bitter taste to swallow!
The date for the next Wine Dinner will be announced in
the Pattaya Mail closer to the event.
Irish eyes smile on the Eastern Seaboard
ITCC holds first networking evening in Bangsaray
The newly established Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce held their first
networking evening at the Bangsaray Club last week. For this historic
occasion Irish Ambassador, accredited to Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and
Vietnam H.E. Daniel Mulhall and his wife Greta flew up from Kuala Lumpur to
attend the function and give support.
 Enjoying
themselves are H.E. Daniel Mulhall (left) and his wife Greta (3rd left),
Peter Malhotra, Matt Brennan, MD of CMB Design and Build, Karun
Sirarojanakul, Thai International manager, Pattaya, Liam O’Keeffe, Jerome
Kelly of Lawtonasia and Graham Macdonald, chairman of the BCCT Eastern
Seaboard.
The Irish Thai Chamber was launched by Mary McAleese,
President of Ireland during her visit to Thailand in September 2002. The
Asia Ireland Chamber of Commerce was launched shortly afterwards in Dublin.
Liam O’Keeffe, chairman of the PCS Group of Companies and resident in
Thailand for 40 years was appointed the first chairman and president of both
chambers respectively. In his welcoming speech Liam proudly said, “We are
thrilled that everything is setting into its proper place. Finally the
paperwork is complete and we are now able to function as an independent
entity. These Chambers are working closely together in furthering the
interest of Irish business in Asia and in facilitating Thai and Asia
businessmen to do business in Ireland. We aim to bring together Irish and
Thai businesspeople, so that they may get to know each other better, to
exchange ideas and knowledge for the furtherance of understanding and
relationships in both the commercial and cultural fields.”
 “Where’s
the Irish stew” wonders Liam eyeing the table of plenty, as the other
guests pay attention to the ambassador’s address.
He went on to say that the aims of the ITCC were to
promote trade and investment links between Ireland and Thailand. To that end
the chamber offers services such as membership activities and events both in
Ireland and Thailand, information on all Irish-Thai affairs, facilitation of
trade and investment contacts, research into trade opportunities,
facilitation of attendance by companies at trade fairs and exhibitions,
facilitation of trade missions, publication of an annual directory,
management of an interactive web site and promotion of education, sport and
cultural links between the two countries.
 Peter
proposes a toast to the Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce. “May your
blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you
wherever you go.”
The Chamber is the Thai affiliate of the Asia Ireland
Chamber of Commerce - which co-ordinates services to Irish companies and
Irish businesspeople throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Chamber is also
affiliated to the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland and to the Thai Chamber of
Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand.
 John
ONeill receives his raffle prize from Greta Mulhall as Liam beams
delightfully.
In his keynote address, H.E. Daniel Mulhall, the Irish
Ambassador spoke proudly of Ireland and how Ireland had achieved the status
of being ‘fully developed’ as a commercial nation. “We were once
considered to be the poorest country in Europe, but today we have earned the
distinction of having the highest per capita income,” he said, adding,
“The New Ireland has now come to be highly regarded in the fields of
technology and education.”
 Liam
O’Keeffe conducting the ITCC Symphony Orchestra.
The ambassador went on to say, “But we have very few
connections here, in this part of the world. We have to spread our wings,
broaden our horizons and make new contacts here. Thailand and Ireland are
different, but the challenges are similar. We must build a strong Irish
presence in this part of the world. I am committed to help Irish businesses
get a foothold here in Thailand. This is a new base and we’re here to
stay.”
The evening was hosted by Matt Brennan, MD of CMB Design
and Build assisted by David Goulden landlord of the Bangsaray Club and
Suwanna Viroonchan MD of Travel Clinic, who all ensured that the evening was
jovial and full of the Irish cheer.
Guests included Karun Sirarojanakul, Thai International
manager Pattaya, John Murray of Uawithya Group, Philip Sheridan of Vovan and
Associates, Jerome Kelly of Lawtonasia, Gary Biesty of Johnson, Stokes,
Master who is also Hon. Irish Consul for Thailand and many other local
luminaries such David Gray, Paul Ryan, Graham MacDonald, chairman of the
BCCT Eastern Seaboard chapter and David Lowder, head of St. Andrews
International School.
New faces in Pattaya were Irwin Stewart and John ONeill
who recently arrived from Dublin to settle here.
Peter Malhotra, MD of the Pattaya Mail was invited to
make a presentation to give the guests an insight of Pattaya and the Eastern
Seaboard and its development. Peter spoke of the migration of businesses
from the different parts of Thailand at the close of the Vietnam War in the
early 1970s and how most of them who were doing businesses with the US
military stationed here or who came here for R&R, had to look for new
locations after the Americans had left.
“‘There were only two places that they could relocate
to at that time. One was to Bangkok and the other was to Pattaya, which was
on the threshold of an economic boom. This proved to be a good move as we
now realise. Not only has Pattaya grown to become a major tourist and
business centre, but all of the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand is now one of
the largest commercial and industrial centres in Thailand comparable to some
of the more affluent economies in the world.”
Peter said he was pleased that the Irish had
‘discovered’ Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard and that both the private
and public sector, “Welcomes you with open arms. We are also committed to
work side by side with you for the benefit of all concerned.”
The ITCC membership is open to Irish companies interested in, or engaged
in, trade with Thailand, Thai companies interested in, or engaged in, trade
with Ireland and Irish people working and living in Thailand. For more
information contact the ITCC, Level 27, Bangkok City Tower, 179/114 South
Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Tel 02 343-1701, fax 02 343-1818.
e-mail [email protected]
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