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Russian couple ties knot at Nong Nooch Garden in traditional Thai ceremony
Pacharapol Panrak
Russian businessman Pavcl Zvydgintsev and his fiance
Anna Chaplina were recently married in a traditional Thai ceremony at Nong
Nooch Garden. The wedding was a splendid display of ancient ritual in lush
tropical surroundings, and a day the couple would never forget.
 Anna
Chaplina and Pavcl Zvydgintsev, dressed in traditional Thai clothing, take
their sacred vows.
Pavcl is the owner of a Russian chemical import company
and he and his fianc้e came to Thailand on a holiday. The couple was
so impressed with Thai culture they decided to wed in Pattaya. After
visiting the magnificent Nong Nooch Gardens, they spoke with the Garden’s
management to arrange a traditional Thai wedding for them.
The
groom, Pavcl Zvydgintsev, who arrived on the back of the big ‘Plai Bird’
elephant, was announced with a tom-tom parade.
The wedding was a magnificent performance and a mix of
elegance, glamour, excitement and romance. The couple, in traditional Thai
dress was wed in an old-style Thai house with Nong Nooch employees dressed
for the occasion. A tom tom parade was led by the smiling groom Pavcl, who
arrived on ‘Plai Bird’ the elephant.
The newlyweds were blessed by placing a mark on their
foreheads made from sacred powder, they were then draped with floral wreaths
and holy water was poured over their hands. Then the happy couple was led to
the bedchamber where the bed had been decorated with rose petals in the
shape of a heart.
Pavcl and his lovely wife Chaplina explained that this
ceremony had been their dream marriage, ever since they saw it on the
Internet and in tourist brochures. Glowing with joy, Chaplina said, “This
day has been a dream come true for us. It was just like a page from history.
It is the happiest day of our lives.”
Pavcl said that his Russian friends who had holidayed in Thailand had
told him one of the most impressive cultural traditions was the Thai
marriage ritual. He said he and Chaplina had decided to have their first
wedding in the Thai style and would make it legal once they returned home.
He added that he was certain more Russians would come to Thailand to get
married in this beautiful ceremony.
All are welcome to Doc’s Natter Nosh & Noggin
at Shenanigans
Louis Coatalen
I accepted the open invitation in the Pattaya Mail and
went to Shenanigans Monday November 8 to Dr. Iain’s Car and Motorcycle
enthusiasts club (Natter Nosh & Noggin). I was made most welcome as was new
boy John from England. There was not a sign of this meeting being a
“clique”, and the dozen or so attendees were all interested in the
background and experience of each other. The discussions were lively to say the
least as personal photographs were commented on and several magazines, some old
some new, were reviewed.
Some of the
gathering of motoring enthusiasts.
While motoring in one form or another was the main subject,
the raconteurs in the gathering enjoyed entering us with humorous stories.
Notably Pea Wee, who acted out his characters, had us in fits of laughter.
The management provided welcome snacks and in return some of
us downed several Heinekens.
The allotted two hours passed without notice, hence, Dr. Iain, I will be
there at Shenanigans again next month.
Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya installs new president
Stephan Heynert assumes office ahead of schedule
President Marliese Fritz resigned her Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya
presidency due to personal reasons. Therefore, Stephan Heynert, who was
elected as president for the year 2005-2006, was installed as new president
ahead of time, which became official last week.
In the first meeting Heynert chaired, he savored the
merits Marliese Fritz gained as member, board member and president of the
club: “Marliese Fritz always set as her target to support the poor and
needy in our society. To this aim she worked in all her positions with
great personal effort and passionate commitment. Therefore, the board as
well as the club assembly accepted her resignation with great regret.”
Stephan Heynert, retired officer of the German armed
forces and head of an IT-company in Pattaya, explained the aim of his
presidency as follows: “Rotary stands for fellowship. But Rotary means as
well to achieve the ethical purposes which are common to us, in our
vocational environment as well as in our private surroundings and in the
society in which we live. Therefore a main purpose of my presidency will be
to win leading members of our community over for the idea of Rotary as well
as young people who will continue our work in the future.”
Furthermore, he emphasized that Rotary should not be a
closed circle but a vivid part of our society and is open to all people who
are prepared to support the ideas of Rotary. “Especially in a community
like Pattaya with members of different nationalities, languages and social
origins, it is important to tear down prejudgments. In this context it is
our challenge to communicate to the people our aims and to welcome everyone
who wants to join us to achieve these aims – may it be as a guest or as a
member.”
At this occasion President Heynert announced that on
November 26 the club will organize an event in the German language to
inform in detail about purposes and regulations of Rotary. A similar event
in English language will take place in due time.
Good turnout for Scandinavian Day at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
The Scandinavian Day Open House, hosted by the Bangkok Pattaya
Hospital’s International Marketing Department on October 29, was a great
success with more than 55 attending.
 Mats-Erik
Karlsson, Swedish coordinator at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, addresses the
assembled crowd.
After a welcome speech from Neil Maniquiz,, Mats-Erik
Karlsson, the Swedish coordinator at the hospital, showed a video
presentation and a picture show about the hospital’s services, presented
in the Swedish language.
A variety of free tests were available. Two attendees who
took the blood pressure test were diagnosed with very high blood pressure
and were advised to see a doctor immediately.
A
variety of free tests were made available.
Dr Chawalit then gave advice and answered many questions.
The open house was also attended by Paul from PCD, who
provided information about insurance.
During the hospital tour, the attendees met many members
of staff and commented on the high standards at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and
their friendly staff.
Many will be returning for health check-ups and dental
treatments in the near future.
The Scandinavian day was a “job well done” by all the staff of BPH.
Long Boat races to compete for the Royal Princess Cup
Coming this weekend, November 20-21
at Mabprachan reservoir
Decha Chalermyart
Chonburi Province, in conjunction with the Provincial
Administration Department in Pattaya City, TAT Central Region 3, local
officials and private organizations will organize the 4th Long Boat
competition to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Theprattanasuda and
Princess Soamsawalee, on November 20 - 21 at the Mabprachan reservoir on Soi
Siam Country Club.
Sontaya Khunplome, minister of tourism and sports is the
competition organizer. The 2-day event will also feature other contests,
including wind surfing, tom-tom native drums, buffalo racing and booths will
be set up selling One Tambon One Product goods. There will be plenty of fun,
food and activities for everyone to enjoy.
This is one of Thailand’s most colorful traditions and
a favorite with tourists and locals alike. The long boats have always played
an important role in Thai society. Throughout history communities along the
rivers, canals and waterways of the kingdom have depended on boats for
fishing and transporting goods.
One of Thailand’s most ancient and uniquely indigenous
boats is the ‘Rue Yao’ or Long Boat. Originally designed for battle
against aggressors, this unique and beautifully crafted vessel is now used
in races. Young, powerful rowers from towns along the waterways compete
against each other in crews of 30 and 55 rowers, in friendly rivalry to
bring fun to this vibrant celebration that pays tribute to nature’s gift
of rain and water.
For more information contact the Nongprue sub-district Administrative
tel. 038-249820 or TAT Central Region 3 tel. 038-428750 and 038-427667.
Gidavi Co. Ltd. holds grand opening
Unique cake decoration products for export
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Gidavi Co. Ltd. held an official opening for its export
production division on November 5. The company has installed the highest
technology to produce cake decoration products in many shapes and forms for
export to European and Asian markets. The company invested over 30 million
baht for the plant on more than 4 rai located on Soi Chaiyapornwithee in
Banglamung.
Belgian
Ambassador HE J. Matthysen (2nd left), owner Van Den Bogerd, his general
manager Sompong Blianwithee, and VIP guests cut the ceremonial ribbon to
declare open Gidavi Co. Ltd.’s export production division.
Owner Van Den Bogerd and his general manager Sompong
Blianwithee gave a warm welcome to distinguished guests who turned out to
convey their best wishes for success, including special guest of honor HE J.
Matthysen, Belgian ambassador, who came down from Bangkok. Other VIPs
attending the event included Chalerm Ketchae, Chonburi provincial
administrator, and Mai Chaiyanit, Nongprue executive president.
A religious ceremony was carried out in the morning by 9
monks from Nongprue temple. Management, guests and staff then joined up for
a delicious lunch and were entertained with a delightful show from Thai
dancers.
The company produces cake icing decorations in a wide variety of shapes
for all occasions, including flowers, animals, houses, cartoon characters
and even Santa Clauses for Christmas.
Engagement Party
The newly engaged couple, Rob Watson and Miss Mesiya Aksom (May), shared
their special day with a few close friends by hosting a celebration dinner
party at the Mata Hari Restaurant (2nd Road) on Friday November 12.
The happy couple (3rd
and 4th left), and their friends went on to Shenanigans to party until the
wee small hours.
Rob, 47, an accountant from Barnsley, England met May, 23, a marketing
manager for NSI Insurance, five months ago and they have been devoted ever
since. The wedding date in March 2005 has yet to be confirmed.
Henry J. Bean’s celebrates 7th birthday
‘Hank’s birthday bash packed with well-wishers
Suchada Tupchai
My how time flies! Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill
celebrated its 7th anniversary on November 6 with a grand party to mark the
occasion. The festivities were held in the front garden of the establishment
and a massive crowd of loyal customers and distinguished guests gathered to
convey their congratulations for the restaurant’s extraordinary success in
the past 7 years.
 Banglamung
district chief Worawit Saisupatphol fills the champagne glasses as GM
Dominic Stamm, Michael Goetz and the crew cheer him on.
Guests were given a gracious greeting by Michael Goetz,
executive assistant manager, Dominic Stamm, Amari Orchid general manager and
hotel staff. Special guest of honor Worawit Saisupatphol, Banglamung
district chief turned up to convey his best wishes and hopes for future
prosperity and success.
The party was held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and featured a
superb layout of Tex-Mex cuisine. There was plenty of fine wine flowing and
a ticket raffle draw with great prizes.
Later in the evening a 7-layer pyramid of champagne
glasses was set up and Worawit Saisupatphol did the honors of pouring.
Guests were then treated to a live concert given by well-known singers from
the famous bands of Thailand, the “T-Bone” and the “Skalaxy”.
Henry J. Bean’s Bar and Grill was established on
November 8, 1997 within the Amari Orchid Resort in Pattaya. The venue is
especially popular with its customers, both Thai and foreign, who appreciate
the warm service, smiling employees and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant
is open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.
on Sundays.
The venue is also a family-friendly establishment, which contributes much
to its enormous popularity. Happy Birthday Henry J. and many more returns!
EDITORIAL: The peaceful path
Suchada Tupchai
His Majesty the King, concerned over the rising violence
in the country’s south, has called on the Thaksin government to take a
softer and more controlled approach to resolving the problems there. Prime
Minster Thaksin met with HM the King at the Klaikangwol Palace in Prachuab
Khirikhan on October 31.
The situation in Thailand’s south has escalated, even
though officials attempt to reduce the violence. The overall picture sees
Thais carrying weapons, killing and destroying each other over numerous
disputes.
More disturbingly is the force used by the military to
quell the violence, creating further problems, as the destruction wreaks
havoc in the affected communities. By and large, in the fight over control
it is a strong representation of a war zone, similar to what is now
occurring overseas. It is a picture that one would never think possible in
Thailand, particularly when the death toll and the numbers injured in the
conflict has reached well into the 100s and is increasing.
With the search for a separate state and with the rising
pressure in the south, Siam - The Land of Smiles- is a picture that reflects
events around the globe: it is a scary situation, not only in the affected
areas but throughout the nation and the rest of the world, as news speeds
along the information superhighway.
The consequences are taking a toll via a loss of life,
property, the economy and tourism - a sign of the times in a world under
siege - Thais killing Thais over ideals and governance with the innocent
paying the ultimate price. The government and the military are desperately
trying to find a solution and seeking closure to the ongoing unrest.
The important directive HM the King has imparted to the
government is to encourage residents to become part of the solution in a
soft approach at finding cooperation and not through the use of force. It is
a way that seeks benevolence and solidarity as Thai people, with everyone
joining together to seek peace and not add fuel to the fire. The peaceful
path requires finding common ground without dispute or ego, regardless of
race or religion, and finding the most precious aspect of all, “Thai
people as one.”
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