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Mercedes Benz Opens iD1 center in Pattaya
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pisit Khetphasook, governor of Chonburi province presided
over the grand opening of the newest addition to the up market car dealers
in Pattaya, the Mercedes Benz iD1 showroom and service center. Also
attending the celebrations were Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and
Karl-Heinz Heckhausen, president of Daimler Chrysler Thailand.
 Karl-Heinz
Heckhausen, president of Daimler Chrysler Thailand is welcomed to the
opening ceremonies.
Burapha Jetsada-apiban, managing director of Benz Pattaya
Co. Ltd. explained the iD1concept. He said, “The iD1 (Ideally No.1) is the
official Daimler Chrysler pre-owned vehicle program for its customers. Our
comprehensive warranty offers the car owner an assurance package, which
covers availability of a wide range of products, attractive prices, genuine
parts, trade-in of vehicles, service packages and customer care programmes.
Through the iD1 program, our customers are able to purchase, sell and
trade-in their vehicles conveniently through our iD4 dealerships around the
country.”
 Pisit
Ketphasook, governor of Chonburi Province enjoys the feel of the new SLK-Class.
He went on to say, “The iD1 brand is an exclusive brand
of Mercedes Benz and is well known in South-east Asia. In England the brand
is called ‘Signature’ and in Australia the ‘Star Mark’ brand is
used.”
Karl-Heinz spoke to the Pattaya Mail and gave us
an insight into the history of the world famous car brand saying, “The
Mercedes-Benz has a long history in the Kingdom. The first Mercedes-Benz
drove on the streets of Siam (Thailand) on December 14, 1904. The vehicle
served the royal activities of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). For over 100
years, Mercedes-Benz has been appreciated for its high quality and advanced
technology, faithfully serving the Thai people as they travel across the
country. To date, over 100,000 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have operated on
the roads of Thailand.”
He continued by saying, “Today the outlook of the
automobile market is very positive. I expect that production of cars in
Thailand will surpass the 640,000-unit mark. At the moment we may be going
through some difficult times with the fluctuation of oil prices, but these
will eventually stabilize. The automobile industry is receiving a lot of
government support in areas of import of parts for local assembly and
assistance in exports of cars built in Thailand to foreign markets. I have
full confidence in the future of the auto industry here in Thailand.”
He ended his interview by saying, “We reiterate our
commitment to all our dealers here in Thailand. Each and every one of them
receives the best in technical training, advice and assistance in their
development of services and human resources. This in turn reflects on their
ability to give our clients the best benefits possible.”
In conclusion Karl-Heinz said, “With confidence and determination,
Mercedes-Benz looks forward and strives to continue its leadership of the
luxury car segment in Thailand.”
TGI-Carl Zeiss Metrology Center of Excellence launched on Eastern Seaboard
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
A metrology expert once said that if we cannot measure
what we are going to build, we couldn’t possibly build it. The
Thai-German Institute (TGI) and Carl Zeiss Company recently celebrated the
launch of the first and only hi-tech metrology (the science of weights and
measures or of measurement) center in Thailand, called TGI-Carl Zeiss
Metrology Center of Excellence.
TGI
director, Narong Warongkriangkrai, TGI director Walter Kretschmar, Carl
Zeiss Chairman J. Gold and V. Srinivisan, Carl Zeiss managing director
proudly display the signed contracts.
The center provides the most advanced parts and pieces
equipment for measurement services, and training courses in hi-technology
measurement equipment utilization.
 Manu
Liewpairot, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mrs.
Stephanie Kage, economic affairs counsellor of the German Embassy jointly
cut the ribbon to officially open the center.
Honored guests present at the launch included Manu
Liewpairot, permanent-secretary of the Ministry of Industry, and Stephanie
Kage, counselor, Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of
Germany in Bangkok.
The contract signing ceremony was also held on the day
between TGI and the Carl Zeiss Company, with Narong Warongkriangkrai and
Walter Kretschmar, directors of the TGI, and J. Gold, chairman and V.
Srinivasan, managing director of Carl Zeiss Company.
The center provides modern measurement equipment,
including the CMM Prismo 5 model, CMM Spectrum, Surface Tester, Contour
Tester, and Roundness Tester.
Secretary Manu said the TGI-Carl Zeiss Center, which
provides detailed measurements for industrial uses, would help boost our
economy to the extent that it would open up new avenues in advanced
construction and assembly. He said the kingdom has survived labor wage
competition and is now entering the superior quality competitive arena. He
said it is time that everyone concentrates on product quality improvement
rather than gross product expansion.
Narong, TGI’s Thai director, said the institute focuses on meticulous
measurements and sees these as amongst the most important steps in
manufacturing. He said the center would be of great use in terms of
strengthening national-level industry and engineering.
Irene Cyber Cafe now online for web junkies
Cozy atmosphere, reasonable prices
Suchada Tupchai
The Irene Cyber Cafe officially opened its doors last
weekend. Located in LK Plaza, on the corner of South Pattaya and Third
Roads, the cafe is tastefully decorated and has 12 stations where you can
check email, surf the web or play online games in comfort. The cafe, as the
name suggests, also offers a variety of beverages for thirsty surfers.
 Jee
Leck Ng, Irene Cyber Cafe managing director receives flowers from Primprao
Somsri representing the Pattaya Mail.
A traditional religious ceremony was held on Saturday
morning with friends, relatives and customers joining in the festivities.
Jee Leck Ng, Irene Cyber Cafe’s managing director welcomed everyone to his
new venture, and he offered an hour’s free surfing for everyone.
 Stylish
computer stations line the wall.
“Pattaya is the first branch for the Irene Cyber Cafe.
We intend to increase our market share in the future when our customer base
increases,” said Jee, a Singaporean.
The Irene Cyber Cafe offers a number of services including internet time,
online games, food and drink, an extensive collection of reading material;
and computer services for those pesky machines that just refuse to work.
Prices are inexpensive and it’s well worth a look.
72-meter brownie baked in honor
of her Majesty the Queen’s 72nd birthday
Amari Orchid Resort and Big C jointly raise funds for charity
Suchada Tupchai
On August 12 Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her 6th
Cycle, 72nd birthday
anniversary. This day is also considered to be Mother’s Day in Thailand.
People from all walks of life try to outdo themselves in organizing events
in Her honor, combining the festivities with events that benefit the
underprivileged people I this country.
Amari
management stand proudly behind their fantastic creation.
This year was no exception. Amongst the hundreds of
thousands of activities around the country was one that was held here in
Pattaya.
The Amari Orchid Resort came up with a brilliant idea to
bake a chocolate brownie that was 72 meters in length, to correspond with
the anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday anniversary.
Dominic Stamm, the general manager of the Amari Orchid
Resort said, “This being a very auspicious year, we decided to do
something different. In co-operation with the Central Festival center we
decided to bake this wonderful 72 meter caked calling it the ‘Brownie for
a Better Life’. We chose the brownie because the chocolate brownie is so
much liked by the Thais and the foreigners. It is very delicious because it
is made from the world renowned Swiss chocolates,” said the Swiss national
proudly.
Michel Goetz, the executive assistant manager of the
Amari Orchid Resort added, “To celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday we have
arranged to sell the 1000 piece brownie, the proceeds of which will entirely
be donated to charity. The Amari Group of Hotels and resorts have an
on-going program called the ‘Baht for a Better Life’, established since
1995. Since then we have donated funds for the education of underprivileged
children in the slums of Klong Toey in Bangkok under the care of the Duang
Prateep Foundation. The second part of our charity program is for the
benefit of rural children. We build schools and supply the students with
educational accessories.”
For their part, the Central Festival Center organized
music shows, dance demonstrations and a whole day of fun activities to
celebrate the historic event.
Art, sea and food combine at art gallery opening
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya welcomes a unique new addition to the art and
culinary scene. A grand opening ceremony was held recently at the Narai Art
Gallery & Restaurant presided over by the mayor of Pattaya, Niran
Wattanasartsathorn and Chatchai Thimkrajang, mayor of Sriracha Municipality.
 Patchana
Sungkaet (right), the charming managing director of the new Narai Art
Gallery & Restaurant explains the intricacies of art to Pattaya’s
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn (left) and Chatchai Thimkrajang (center),
mayor of Sriracha Municipality.
Ms Lek-Patchana Sungkaet, the charming managing director
of the new establishment introduced the new establishment saying, “I come
from Lopburi province where we own the Narai Art Company, producing art
objects for export. Art is my first love, but I also love the sea. So I
combined them both and included a restaurant in the deal too. Now I have
them all in one.
“Pattaya is an international resort, visited by both
Thai and foreigners and I feel that I am able to give an opportunity to art
lovers to enjoy beautiful art objects while at the same time enjoying
delicious food at very reasonable prices,” said Lek.
The Narai Art Gallery & Restaurant is located on Soi 6, Phratamnak
Road, near Khiang Talay Condo. Telephone number 038 364 727. Open from
12.00-01.00 hrs.
Local businessman opens
New Classic Snooker Club in Pattaya
Suchada Tupchai
Successful Pattaya businessman Taweep Wahnglaijaroensuk
recently opened Pattaya’s latest hotspot for pool and snooker players. The
New Classic Snooker Club is located near the old Muay Thai ring in North
Pattaya (next to the Palladium) and is the latest addition to the
professional style venues in the city.
 Representing
Pattaya Mail, Rungratree thongsai presents a congratulatory bouquet of
flowers to Taweep Wahnglaijaroensuk.
The club boasts 13 pro-size tables, a fully serviced bar
and a special VIP room designed to entice hardcore players.
Taweep, a self-confessed snooker enthusiast, revealed
that he wanted to create a relaxed club that catered to businessman like
himself who enjoyed a game after work.
Morning religious ceremonies marked the opening, with friends, relatives
and associates joining in. The evening was celebrated with a party for
guests.
Korean businessman opens new ‘Massage Club’
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Korean businessman, Peter Kim is now massaging his
business for local golfers. Kim, a Pattaya resident, recently opened the
Massage Club at the Diana Garden Resort and Driving Range.
Peter Kim was joined by Sopin Thappajug, Diana Group
managing director in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Korean
businessman, Peter Kim (left) receives a grand opening gift from Sopin
Thappajug (center), Diana Group managing director.
Peter revealed that had previously operated a piano bar
in Pattaya with his Thai wife. And as a golfer he found it useful to relax
after a round on the course.
“I know many businessmen who like to relax on the
driving range after work and here at the Diana Driving Range they can now
hit a few balls and ease their tired muscles afterwards,” said Kim.
The Massage Club is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight and provides foot
and traditional Thai massages as well as oil massage using natural
ingredients.
- Editorial - Pattaya’s new look beachfront
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya’s New Project
The city’s latest development project, the beach
renovations, is now in full swing. Aimed at creating a new face and selling
point for Pattaya, it is just one of many that the new administration deems
necessary to change the city’s image, as well as form a legacy of for the
future.
Under scrutiny
For many residents, many of the city’s projects aimed
at improving Beach Road have been more or a less a case of “wiping one’s
face, and rubbing one’s eyes”. Whether it be the slow starting 250
million baht project to relocate all utilities underground, which is now
underway, or maybe the new Pattaya Klang fountain, which will replace the
previous “Welcome to Pattaya sign”, or larger projects aimed at
bolstering the city’s beauty, all are setting tongues wagging as all eyes
focus on what comes next.
Did they miss the point?
Despite all the things aimed at beautifying the city, it
appears that city administrators may well have missed the point. The issues
of the past still haunt the beach today, from the motorbike and car rental
businesses, to songtaews (baht buses) creating traffic snarls by parking
where they feel like it. These are issues that many have failed to solve
regardless of the pseudo efforts of rectification. Will they ever disappear?
Probably not in this lifetime.
Special city status
Special in the fact that internally and externally
Pattaya has yet to escape or remove those who seek to take advantage of the
beachfront for personal gain. These are the groups of individuals that seek
to take advantage of everyone and everything, never caring if their actions
destroy what the city is working for. Only in this special city called
Pattaya. Nothing has changed except for the hope that new management might
exact justice.
Time for a change
The starting point of all this was the resurfacing of
Beach Road. Now, after a good sleep, it is time for the next phase. But the
most important aspect is to instill a feeling of cooperation in the hearts
and minds of government departments to forge clear and concise policies …
and then follow through with them. Without strict implementation we can
never bring order to chaos. However, strict implementation will serve to
benefit the community as a whole, rather than cater to the minority of
vested interests which selfishly seek to pollute the morality of public
service.
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