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Managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort named honorary consul of Russia
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand, on
behalf of the government of the Russian Federation recently appointed Mrs.
Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort and
PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall) as honorary consul of the
Russian Federation in Thailand in recognition of her exceptional
contribution to the development of economic and cultural ties between
Thailand and Russia.
At the
official presentation ceremony were (right to left): Director General of the
Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thanarat Thanaputti,
Ambassador of the Russian Federation H.E. Yevgeny D. Ostrovenko,
Under-permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
H.E. Virasakdi Futrakul, Managing Director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort
Mrs. Panga Vathanakul, and her husband Chan Vathanakul, Executive Director
of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Vathanai Vathanakul, Director of the
Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Surakrai
Lekklar, and Director of Sales for the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Mr. Victor
Kriventsov.
Mrs. Vathanakul accepted her appointment at a special
ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, attended by
several ministry officials as well as H.E. Yvgeny Ostrovenko, the ambassador
of the Russian Federation in Thailand.
“By accepting this designation, I would like to express
my strong belief in the importance of further enhancing the strong ties
between our two nations,” said Mrs. Vathanakul in her acceptance speech.
She then added, “You have my firm and faithful promise that such relations
shall be even further improved with my service as honorary consul for the
Russian Federation in Pattaya and I am greatly honored today to accept and
fulfill the sanctioned role.”
When presenting the award, H.E. Virasakdi Futrakul,
deputy permanent undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a
tribute to Mrs. Vathanakul’s achievements in several important areas,
particularly her exceptional standing as one of the leaders of Thailand’s
travel industry and praised her commitment to her newly-acquired
responsibilities. He expressed confidence that she would successfully carry
on her duties in her new role.
The title of honorary consul is only awarded to
individuals whose extraordinary and continuous efforts significantly
contribute to the improvement of relations between two nations.
As managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Mrs. Panga
Vathanakul has been involved in several projects with the Russian community
in Thailand. She also lends her support to numerous charitable causes, such
as a trip of Russian orphaned children to Thailand, which she organized and
sponsored together with the Russian Orthodox Church. Her work in the travel
industry has received wide recognition outside of Thailand, with over 20
different awards of distinction bestowed on the Royal Cliff Beach Resort at
numerous Russian trade fairs.
Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital holds First Eastern Seaboard Cardiology Review
Suchada Tupchai
Heart disease is one of the main causes of death in
Thailand. Unfortunately, modern and easily accessible medical service for
this killer disease is not available throughout the entire country.
 Over
200 doctors and physicians from many hospitals in the eastern region
attended the first Eastern Seaboard Cardiology Review held at Dusit Resort
Pattaya.
On February 7, the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital cardiology
unit under the supervision of Doctor Nithi Mahanond, director, organized a
one-day seminar under the theme ‘First Eastern Seaboard Cardiology
Review’. Over 200 doctors and physicians from many hospitals in the
eastern region attended the seminar held at Dusit Resort Pattaya.
Doctor Pirat Praditwanit, deputy director of
Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital said, “This gathering of specialists is a vast
step for the Kingdom’s improvement in the field of cardiology. Doctors
gathered and shared their invaluable ideas on the issue.”
The deputy director added, “The meeting opened the door
for doctors to achieve higher cooperation in academic, theoretical, and
practical exercises. Doctors need to gain access to newer discoveries in
cardiology. In the past, heart disease patients who lived in the countryside
had to travel to Bangkok for a cure, but today Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital
provides them convenience, early detection and treatment.”
Doctor Pirat said that cardiology has become an
inescapable issue for Thais to learn about because the statistics show that
in the last 10 years the death toll caused by heart disease was only second
to accidents. The doctor added that it is risky for heart patients not to
receive a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital, one of the most progressive
hospitals in the eastern region, has been increasing its scope of service on
cardiology for some time and has achieved a level of excellence where heart
patients are able to receive prompt and complete medical service.
Doctor Pirat said the hospital has gathered a team of
doctors specializing in the topic to share useful information and has
high-tech equipment for more effective cure. The doctor hoped that with
collaboration of skilled doctors in the eastern region, new light could be
shed on cardiology and its management by having Bangkok-Pattaya as a center.
On the day, 10 cardiologic doctors from different hospitals in the
eastern region took their turn to lecture on different areas of cardiology
including arteriosclerosis - a systemic disease; metabolic syndrome - a new
risk factor; medical treatment and its optimal treatment. Booths exhibiting
information about cardiology were set outside the seminar room for public to
learn more about the topic.
Central Festival Center holds ‘Kan Tok’ dinner on Valentine’s Day
Central Festival Center organized a special lovers’
feast of cuisine from northern Thailand on this special day. The main hall
was decorated in Lanna style and ‘so sueng’ Thai musical instruments
were played throughout the evening. Snacks of different styles from the
north were offered while many games were played. Lucky winners walked off
with free movie tickets. Additionally, there were many shows on stage to
entertain the audience.
 Valentines
Day lovers enjoyed the kan tok dinner at Central Festival Center.
Kan tok is a traditional northern Thai dining style. The
main dish is cooked rice, accompanied by curries, chili paste, spicy salad,
and boiled vegetables.
Lanna people consume three meals a day. Breakfast is
called khao ngai, lunch is called khao ton, and dinner is khao laeng.
Kan tok is made of rattan or the like, used for placing
the food tray so that the food is raised above the ground. Spoons were
originally made from coconut shells, and in the olden days, such utensils
were so scarce that very often there was only one spoon at the dinner table
to be shared by everyone. Rice boxes were made of bamboo and lined with
bamboo leaves to keep the rice warm.
The ideal place to have kan tok meals are usually on the porch in front
of the house and the seating is usually in a circle on the floor, which
creates a very casual and cozy, family-like atmosphere.
Phyathai Hospital Sriracha opens Infertility Center
Phyathai Hospital Sriracha now provides infertile mothers
an opportunity for treatment through the new Infertility Center that opened
on Valentine’s Day. Dr Thanakhom Manthananont, managing director of
Phyathai Hospital Sriracha, administration group and all staff welcomed
Chonburi Governor Phisut Khetpasook, who cut the ribbon with other honored
guests, and officially opened the new center located on the 2nd floor of the
hospital.
 Dr
Thanakhom Manthananont (4th right), managing director of Phyathai Hospital
Sriracha, Chonburi Governor Phisut Khetpasook (4th left), Ittipol Khunplum
(2nd left), Chonburi parliament member and spokesman to Ministry of Tourism
and Sport and other local dignitaries at the opening ceremony.
Dr Thanakhom said, “The hospital has invested more than
10 million baht to import modern technology for both operation rooms and
medical supplies to respond to the needs of infertile women.”
 Hospital
staff provides expert care to this infant born on Valentines Day.
After the opening ceremony, Dr Suchada Mongkolchaipak,
obstetrician at Phyathai Hospital Sriracha and Dr Theeraporn Wuttayawanitch,
infertility treatment expert presented a video presentation of the methods
used to treat infertile women. The hospital administrators then led the
honored guests on a tour of the new facilities.
The infertility Center at Phyathai Hospital Sriracha has comfortable care
and is not far from Bangkok or Pattaya. In addition, the treatment fee is
cheaper than the hospitals or centers in Bangkok. Infertile women who are
interested in the modern technology of Phyathai Hospital Sriracha, please
contact the Infertility Center at tel. 038 770200-8 ext-2424 daily.
Manpower opens new branch office
Suchada Tupchai
Simon Matthews, country general manager of Manpower Inc.,
presided over the opening ceremony for the newest Manpower Co. Ltd. office
located on 131/56 Moo. 9 Nongprue District in Banglamung, near Sukhumvit
Road. The opening was celebrated on February 6 and attended by Manpower
staff, honored guests and customers from the industrial estates.
 Simon
Matthews, country general manager of Manpower cuts ribbon with Rungnapha
Damrongboon, ESB Area manager.
Manpower Inc. is a world leader in the staffing industry,
providing workforce management services and solutions to customers through
3,900 offices in 63 countries.
Manpower annually provides employment to more than two
million people worldwide. In the Asia-Pacific region, Manpower works through
a network of over 200 offices in 12 countries including Australia, China,
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines,
Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
Manpower in Thailand was established in March 1998. Now there are 6
branch locations servicing Thailand; five branches in Bangkok, one on the
Eastern Seaboard in Sattahip and now their new office in Pattaya.
Jumping for joy at Prachuab?
Or perhaps jumping with Joy!
Pattaya’s premier paratrooper, Patrick Van den Berghe,
has arranged a Thai Boogie Special for all those who would like to try a
tandem parachute jump. This will be held between March 9-20 at Prachuab,
close to the beach.
The jumps will be from a Hercules C-130 at up to 15,000
feet, which allows for a 60 seconds free-fall. This is the same plane that
was used to set the world record mass jump at Khorat in February this year,
and is set up for skydiving.
To be able to prove that you really did do it, video and
photos during the dive are arranged, and provides positive proof that you
have nerves of steel.
Prachuab airspace is ideal for skydiving at present, and
the Thai Boogie Special includes transport from Pattaya to Prachuab, one
night in the hotel and all meals, the tandem jump plus video and photo,
certificate and return to Pattaya. Pick-up is from Pattaya hotels or from
the central point, Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant, opposite Mike Shopping
Mall. The cost for the entire package has been pegged at 15,000 baht.
Further details are available from Patrick’s Belgian
Restaurant and Cafe, 216/51-52, Moo 10, off 2nd Road, Pattaya 20260,
Chonburi, Thailand, email [email protected], website
http://patricksresto pattaya.com, phone and fax 038 720 300, mobile
01-6872410.
Belgian Buddhist Monk Visits Pattaya
Ven. Thanissaro Bhikkhu, or Phra Nicholas Thanissaro as
he is also called, has been visiting Pattaya recently and has already helped
lead a meditation and relaxation programme at the Glao Kesa Institute at the
invitation of the owner Khun Songphol Phusansa-ard.
Last week he was one of 20 monks that were invited again
to the Institute (The Hairdressing and Beauty School in Pattaya Klang) for
their annual Tamboon along with many Thai dignitaries.
Phra Nicholas, on being invited to share some of his
techniques with the Pattaya City Expats Club, said he was excited to be able
to offer the relaxation exercises to foreigners and help them find some
personal means of meditation. Phra Nicholas went on to say that he would be
willing to lead the members on Sunday 29th February during the regular
breakfast meeting at 10.30 at Henry J. Bean’s on North Beach Road and that
he would provide exercises that they could do right their in their chairs
without having to adopt any yogic positions. He said he would also be
willing after the meditation to answer any questions relating to Buddhist
ritual and doctrine or about himself as a ‘foreigner” who has adopted
the Buddhist religion or indeed anything else related to the practice of the
religion here in Thailand. Phra Nicholas is very approachable and though a
native of Belgium will answer all questions in English and looks forward to
meeting as many members of the Pattaya City Expats Club and their guests on
Sunday.
Anyone who wants to have a preview of some of the practices of meditation
can go to the website at www.dhammakaya.or.th
Jesters receive first Platinum Sponsorship for 2004
Peter
Stonebridge hands over a cheque for 100,000 baht (Platinum Sponsorship) to
Lewis Underwood, chairman of the Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive 2004 on
the occasion of the Classroom Charity Classic golf tournament.
Victor Kriventsov receives Ukraine Tourism Merit Award
Victor Kriventsov, director of sales at the Royal Cliff
Beach Resort was recently bestowed with the Award of Merit in Tourism of
Ukraine. Kriventsov received this award for his significant contribution to
the development of tourism between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Thailand.
 From
left to right: charg้ d’affaires of Ukraine in Thailand Igor
Hummenyi; head of the Ukraine State Tourism Administration, Valery Tsybukh,
and director of sales at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Victor Kriventsov.
The head of the Ukraine State Tourism Administration,
H.E. Valery Tsybukh presented Kriventsov with the award at the official
ceremony that took place at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
HE Tsybukh stated that so far, Kriventsov is the only
person in the Asia-Pacific region to hold this prestigious award.
The charg้ d’affaires of Ukraine in Thailand,
H.E. Igor Hummenyi also joined in to congratulate Kriventsov on his success.
The “Award of Merit in Tourism of Ukraine” is
Ukraine’s highest state decoration in the area of tourism and travel.
Hard Rockers win the judges hearts at Valentine dinner table setting contest
Romance and artistic talent were highlighted during a
recent contest held at the Royal Garden Plaza to challenge teams to create
the most beautiful and romantic table setting for their loved ones on
Valentine’s Day.
 The
Hard Rock Hotel’s team won the top prize in the recent Valentine dinner
table setting contest.
Aimed to encourage contestants to be creative by using a
variety of materials to come up with various ways to set dining tables, this
imaginative concept drew a huge and appreciative audience who gathered to
watch this unusual event.
Eight teams had to use a 3x3 carpeted space provided for
them, but the participants had to bring in their own tables, chairs, food
and other accessories. Each team was required to have up to three members
and to finish their decoration within 2 hours.
First prize went to the team from Hard Rock Hotel, and they walked away
with 20,000 baht. The second prize of 10,000 baht went to The Proposal from
the Marriott Resort and Spa, and the 5,000 baht third prize went to the
Eternal Love team, who were eternally grateful.
Pattaya City Expats Club
learns about dental care
Suchada Tupchai
Dr Ketsuda Pornpreecha, an expert dentist from
Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital, was the guest speaker at the Pattaya City Expats
Club weekly meeting February 20 at Henry J Bean’s Bar and Grill at the
Amari Orchid Resort in North Pattaya.
 Dr
Ketsuda Pornpreecha, an expert dentist from Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital,
received assistance from a willing member of the audience to demonstrate
proper dental health techniques and ways to protect one’s mouth and teeth.
Dr Ketsuda used overhead projections and a willing member
of the audience to demonstrate proper dental health techniques and ways to
protect one’s mouth and teeth. She also answered various questions from
members about this topic.
The Pattaya City Expats Club, led by its president, Drew Noyes, holds
meetings every Sunday morning for members to meet other expats in the area
and learn from expert scholars from various organizations. One of the goals
of the club is to follow current trends and explore the lifestyle of foreign
people and tourists in Pattaya City.
“flow” flew through
The hard-working rock band, “flow”, flew into Pattaya
last week for a one night concert at Shenanigans, as part of their Thailand
tour. Led by songwriter and vocalist Rick Montembault, the four man group
entertained the audience with numbers from both their CDs “seeds” and
“roots”.
 The
hard-working rock band, “flow”, thrilled the crowd at Shenanigans
Pattaya last week during their one night concert as part of their Thailand
tour.
The Pattaya Mail’s CD reviewer, Mott the Dog was
seen wagging his tail enthusiastically, but his response was no greater than
the rest of the pub goers, who were also seen to be tapping feet and
clapping in appreciation of the original work coming from this Thai based
band. They did play a few covers, but the vast majority of the numbers were
Rick Montembault originals.
To find a group writing their own numbers and not just slavish covers, no
matter how close to the original group, is a refreshing change. “flow”
certainly was refreshing and a pleasant fun-loving group.
Hundreds of choppers rumble into Pattaya
for ‘7th Ride for Peace’ charity event
Suchada Tupchai
Over a thousand big choppers rumbled onto Pattaya’s
roads and highways on February 13, as Prasan Nikaji, president of Burapha
Motorcycle Club Thailand, led the riders on the ‘7th Ride for Peace’ in
collaboration with the Burapha Motorcycle Club Thailand, American Classic
Car Club, Classic Old Bike Club, and Cowboy Club Thailand.
 The
ground literally shook as the big bikes rumbled into town for their 7th
annual Ride for Peace charity event.
Prasan explained the 3-day bike-riding event was
initiated to promote tourism in many aspects - aiming to raise awareness of
eco-friendly tourism, carbon monoxide reduction, and to generate
understanding amongst the public that bike riders such as his group love
peace and social harmony.
Prasan said it was common in some parts of the world to
see chopper bikers as troublemakers, but his group is made up of respectable
people with jobs and businesses who just happen to love big bikes. They
genuinely desire to uphold peace and interact with the community in a
responsible way.
 Proud
owners put their big bikes on display for all to see.
“Our members are also involved in many charitable
events,” said Prasan. The group leader said his squad endorses the
campaign for 4-stroke motorcycle engines to help reduce CO 2
emission, the wearing of helmets and switching on headlights for safety,
Asian-European-American relationship strengthening, and fundraising for
Pattaya student scholarships and improvement of facilities.
Prasan said, “This year over one thousand riders of
different nationalities, including Thais, Germans, Dutch, Swedes, British,
Australians, Singaporeans, and Indonesians joined in a huge parade which
started from North Pattaya Road, proceeded to Beach Road, continued to
Pratamnak Road, and ended at Na Jomtien. Tight security was enforced by
local police and volunteers and the event came off without a hitch.”
The bikes attracted a cheering mob of spectators as they snaked their way
along the parade route. Several shows took place at the event ground in
Jomtien including a chopper bike show, jet ski show, para-motor show, Miss
Chopper pageant, a Cowboy and Cowgirl contest, and Tom Dandee, a famous Thai
country singer, performed for the happy crowd.
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