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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

VFW donates money to assist activities for the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya

Local Expats Club gathers for tsunami relief buffet at Cafe New Orleans

Sammy’s celebrations help others

Food Wave in Royal Garden Plaza celebrates official grand opening

Chairman praises progress of Pattaya Gay Festival

Pattaya Finland Society engages in reflective exercise and meditation

Amorn Malhotra celebrates birthday in grand style

A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant holds VIP party

PILC ship-shape for the New Year

Vale Reggie Shiu - Senior VP Accor Hotels

Koh Samui Rotary Club raises over One Million Baht in aid of the Tsunami victims

Vigilant Technology officially opens

VFW donates money to assist activities for the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya

Suchada Tupchai

On January 19 at the Green Bottle Pub in the Diana Inn on Pattaya Second Road, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars from the United States) donated 21,000 baht to the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya organization. Funds were donated to the president of the Saiyairak (“bonds of love”) Project, Waraphan Sukhonthasit, and Diana Group MD Sopin Thappajug, and will be used for children in need of scholarships. This donation is part of the VFW’s activities for society and is held annually.

Waraphan Sukhonthasit and Diana Group MD Sopin Thappajug of the Saiyairak Project receive donated money from the VFW.

These VFW members are Pacific American War Veterans, and there are currently over 700 members in this post. It is an important organization that helps take care of war veterans from all countries. This organization has been tied to Thailand since World War II, beginning with Thailand’s support for the war effort.

At present the VFW has approximately 3 million war veterans around the world. Their groups (posts) conduct many charitable activities for society, such as donating money and supplies to orphanages, holding fund raising activities for underprivileged children, and organizing charity events.


Local Expats Club gathers for tsunami relief buffet at Cafe New Orleans

Suchada Tupchai

Members from the Pattaya Expats Club in cooperation with Cafe New Orleans Restaurant took part in a charity buffet dinner on January 16. Customers paid 1,000 baht per head to dine at the restaurant with proceeds aiding tsunami victims in the south of Thailand.

Worawit Saisupatpol (right), Banglamung district chief received monies from Steve Burke (left) of New Orleans raised at the event to pass on to those affected in the nation’s southern provinces.

Special guest of the evening was Worawit Saisupatpol, Banglamung district chief who received the funds on behalf of the project to help the south. The district chief will hand over the donation to the office of the prime minister.

Colin De Jong, aka Elvis, spoke with Yvonee Ek from Sweden who was lucky enough to live through the experience.

Among the diners were some who escaped the deadly wave on December 26, declaring that they are lucky to be alive but feel for those who lost their families, homes and businesses in the wake of the destruction. Their stories of survival touched many attending the event.

The heartbreaking tragedy prompted the group to arrange the charity dinner to show their support and sympathy for the victims of this terrible disaster.


Sammy’s celebrations help others

Party time to celebrate Mark’s Birthday and the new additional ownership of Sammy’s Wine Bar at this recently-opened establishment in the Marine Hotel Complex, helped raise funds for the tsunami victims and HEARTT2000.

Steve, Chris, Mark and John and many friends celebrated Mark’s birthday and a new partnership in the ownership of Sammy’s Wine Bar. Proceeds from the event went to tsunami victims and HEARTT2000.

Text messages were being transmitted during the early evening to remind people that despite the atrocious weather conditions “rain would not stop play” and it didn’t!

The evening progressed through the eating of the usual pig and trimmings, a beautiful selection of buffet items catered by White Night and non-stop entertainment of various kinds by Mark’s friends through to the fireworks display lighting up the night sky.

The staff added their dulcet tones with karaoke renditions of Thai songs as the witching hour arrived to make the lucky draw. All items not claimed on the night were then auctioned off to add to the donations for the two charities.

Thanks must go to the generous bidders who bought then re-donated the DVD player which by the time it was eventually bought had swelled the funds by a considerable amount.

The outcome of the evening was conviviality for those who attended, help from the money raised for the tsunami victims and HEARTT2000 patients, new friendships formed and the announcement of the addition of Steve from Liberty Computers and Chris joining Mark and John in the ownership of Sammy’s Wine Bar.

Sammy’s certainly proved to be a party place with all the facilities and a fine addition to the places to be seen.


Food Wave in Royal Garden Plaza celebrates official grand opening

Diners’ delight – great food at the right price

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

At 1 p.m. on January 19 at Royal Garden Plaza, Amorn Amornkul, general manager of Royal Garden Plaza Co. Ltd. opened the latest rage in food centers, called Food Wave. By modifying the plaza for a new concept of food center, the Food Wave is the first of its kind in Pattaya and the eastern region.

The Royal Garden Plaza’s Food Wave celebrated its official grand opening on January 19.

Spanning a space of over 5,000 square meters and with an investment of over 180 million baht, this new food center sits right in the heart of Pattaya’s central business and tourist district. A crowd of awed spectators joined the group of VIPs from Pattaya and Bangkok for the opening of this extraordinary center for food lovers.

Tasty, trendy and inspirational, the new food center is eye-catching with a friendly atmosphere. Food Wave is divided into sections; first class restaurants include The Zen, Oishi Ramen and Hot Pot. Another section is Food Wave’s dining area of approximately 1,200 square meters with 500 seats, and to allow customers to enjoy Pattaya’s scenery, an open-air terrace has been erected and is always crowed.

The central part next to the terrace provides 10 favorite food shops serving specialties such as “Tamnan Thai”, Cantonese Chinese food or “Jok Club”, which is prepared by a Chinese chef, “Accha” Indian food, Italian food “Spicchio”, Daeng Dam noodle soup and Matador Steak, plus many deserts and all kinds of beverages. The average price per person is approximately 100-150 baht – reasonable prices and high quality food.

Food Wave is located on the 3rd floor of Royal Garden Plaza beside Beach Road in a comfortable atmosphere with a tropical view. Guests get a bird’s eye view of beautiful Pattaya Bay and can watch the world go by as they enjoy a delicious meal.


Chairman praises progress of Pattaya Gay Festival

Chairman of Pattaya Gay Festival, Michael Burchall, presented his annual report of the PGF2004 at Le Cafe Royale in Pattayaland Soi 3 on Monday January 17.

This is the fourth year that PGF has been in existence and Burchall reported, “In terms of finance it has proved to be our second best year; in terms of entertainment and overall enjoyment and support of PGF activities it must surely rank as the best.”

The chairman praised the efforts that took a total income of 1.7 million baht by October to a total almost double by the end of the year to just over 3.3 million. Between 2001 and 2004 the PGF has raised the incredible sum of nearly 12.5 million baht and with a balance of 2.6 million baht it will ensure that HEARTT2000 will, at least for the ensuing year, receive the sustainable level of a 200,000 baht donation per month.

Burchall thanked the resigning committee members for their valuable voluntary work during their years in office; David Martin and John Nicholl the treasurer for the past 3 years.

Burchall also acknowledged that the going had not always been easy and, “The success of the Pattaya Gay Festival and its position as the best festival of its kind in Thailand is a striking symbol of how adopting the Buddhist principle of finding a middle way through all difficulties can achieve something positive and rewarding.”

Thanks were expressed to Dr. Philippe Seur and Dr. Jerrarat of Chonburi Hospital who continue “the magnificent work they undertake with the HIV/AIDS patients in the area allowing them to be able to face the future with hope.”

The chairman also placed on record the Festival’s special thanks to Brian Wigley (www.boxertravels) for managing the PGF website (www. pattayagayfestival.com) and ensuring greater publicity and exposure of the events this year.

In December 2004, Dennis Dewsnap presented a cheque through the PGF for 300,000 baht, to HEARTT2000 representing 50% of the income from the sale of his book “What’s sex got to do with it”. The other 50% is being donated to the Tangier Creche for Abandoned Children. The book chronicles Dennis’s life with his partner for over 40 years, Syd Wood who sadly died in 2003.

During the year 2004 the Festival’s originator, Jim Lumsden, was recognized by 2 very differing organizations. In the summer Pattaya Rotary Club awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship and then towards the end of the year Jim was presented with the Utopia Asia Award. Jim graciously accepted both on behalf of the PGF and “such unsolicited awards have added considerably to the credibility of the Pattaya Gay Festival in general as well as being recognitions of Jim’s continued hard work.”

Burchall ended by thanking all members, sponsors and contributors on behalf of the committee and those who have been helped during the year.


Pattaya Finland Society engages in reflective exercise and meditation

Relaxation techniques created by Thai meditation guru

Suchada Tupchai

The art of gentle exercise and meditation is a traditional part of Asian culture. With this in mind, and to promote a calmer state of being, the Pattaya Finland Society participated in such an activity at the Baan Dvara Prateep here in Pattaya.

Visuda Sathanont, from the Standards Department of Thai Airways International Plc presents the evening of relaxation at the Ban Dvara Prateep.

The evening’s activities were led by Visuda Sathanont, from the Standards Department of Thai Airways International Plc. Tom Ogard, Pattaya Finland Society president, began the relaxing evening.

Everyone in attendance performed Kasemsook Movement meditation. This is a gentle form of exercise combined with breathing techniques created by Kasemsook Phamornsathit, Mathura Human Society president. The movements are performed to soft music, which further creates a meditative atmosphere promoting better health in the body and mind.

Pattaya Finland Society members look, and no doubt feel, quite peaceful during meditation.

The night was well attended by society members who left feeling relaxed and clear of mind, and less stressed from the pressures of modern life.


Amorn Malhotra celebrates birthday in grand style

Suchada Tupchai

Amorn Malhotra, managing director of THOSS (Thailand One Stop Service Co. Ltd.) marked his 48th birthday with friends, family and distinguished members of the community at the Jomtien Boat House Restaurant on January 8. The festive evening included a host of well wishers and a night of fun entertainment.

Guests wish Amorn prosperity and success.

The grand party was attended by honored guests including Chalerm Det Chompoonuch, manager of the Government Housing Bank, Prateep Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail Publishing, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Pol. Col. Wutichart Leuansukahn from Pattaya police station. Restaurant owners Ib and Kannikar Ottesen were on hand to coordinate the celebrations and graciously receive guests.

The evening’s entertainment highlight was a lively performance by Elvis Presley impersonator Suriya Prajamthee, who awed the crowd with a fascinating selection of the “King’s” most popular songs. The room rocked with applause of appreciation as the group tapped their feet and cheered.

After the performance a lavish cake was presented to “birthday boy” Amorn, as his friends joined in a chorus of “Happy Birthday”. After blowing out the candles, guests lined up to wish Amorn prosperity and success.

All best wishes to Amorn for a bright future and many more birthdays to come.


A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant holds VIP party

Suchada Tupchai

A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant held a V.I.P. party to thank their patrons and show appreciation for their support. The party, held on the evening of January 16, was crowded with loyal customers, most of them foreigners who enjoy the sumptuous cuisine offered on the venue’s lavish menu.

A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant was crowded with loyal customers who enjoy sumptuous Turkish cuisine.

A La Turca Authentic Turkish Cuisine Restaurant is located at “The Market” on Pattaya Second Road. It is the first and only Turkish restaurant in Thailand, and is managed by Arif and Serap Ilgun.

Arif and Serap love their national cuisine and want to share it with those who appreciate good food with a touch of exotica. The pair decided Pattaya’s international community would be the best place to set up business since it is renowned for its multicultural population with a love of fine dining.

The restaurant is open from 1 p.m. 11 p.m. For information and reservations contact Khun Montra at 09-8211265.


PILC ship-shape for the New Year

Gillian Thom

PILC held their first meeting of 2005 with a brunch at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel on January 18. The event was well attended by many of the group’s members and their friends. The hotel put on a splendid buffet feast, ruining the good intentions of many who had already expanded rather too much during the Christmas festivities!

Business of the day included reports from the president, Sharon Tibbits, who gave a round-up of the club’s activities in 2004. She also advised that the AGM, for election of new committee members, would be in February and asked as many of the members as possible (with friends) to attend.

Diane Doll (left) from Mercy Ministry presents a thank you certificate to Sharon Tibbitts (right), as Liz Shepard looks on.

An announcement was made of the forthcoming opening of the North Star Library, a generous donation by one of the club’s most active members, Arlette Cykman. Arlette has presented the library building and all its precious contents to the community of Pattaya in memory of her late mother, Vera Cykman, and her mother’s friend, Maxine North.

Aureen Howell, Ina Buschhter and Marie-Therese Curschellas listen with much interest.

Another high spot of the event was a presentation by Dianne Doell, co-founder with her husband of the Mercy Ministry here in Pattaya, of a plaque to PILC both in thanks, and to commemorate the help and support that the club has given to the mission over the past years. The plaque was gratefully accepted by Sharon Tibbits, and will be on show in the new North Star library building.

Plans are now afoot for many more events during 2005, and anyone wanting more information about the club’s activities is welcome to telephone Sharon Tibbits, president, on 06 0956928 or vice-president, Avninder Khanijou on 038-374-303.


Vale Reggie Shiu - Senior VP Accor Hotels

Andrew J Wood,
General Manager,
Chaophya Park
Hotels & Resorts.

Over one thousand people attended the ceremony on 21 January 2005 at the Bangkok Convention Centre of the Sofitel Central Plaza Hotel. Many came long distances just to be there and remember a great hotelier who went missing in the tsunami disaster.

No matter how stiff lipped and up-beat one tries to be on such occasions, it was a moving and emotional experience for all that attended. Partly because of the man himself and the tragic loss, but partly as it was for many, the first pause for breath following the disaster.

Reggie’s passing was indeed tragic, caught, whilst vacationing in southern Thailand, in the tsunami that ripped into the Sofitel Khao Lak. Within seconds sweeping away so many, including Reggie, his wife Grace and two of their three children, Nicholas and Matthew.

The evening’s theme suggested that it should have been a happier occasion, more so than a memorial service, but it was hard. Many of the guests and hotel executives present, have been through enormous emotional strains and stress, dealing with the families who had loss loved ones. No matter how one plans and trains, no one could have taken this one from the pages of the crisis management manual.

Reggie Shiu was one of the great hotel pioneers of the Asia Pacific Region. When I first arrived in Thailand, Reggie had two years before, opened the first Novotel in Bangkok. It was 1991 and the hotel was the immensely successful Novotel on Siam Square - a property that launched Accor’s phenomenal success in the region, becoming its flagship property.

Reggie was every part of that success. Until his premature death, he was the Senior V.P. Asia, Accor Asia Pacific.

I remember my first meeting with him, so full of energy and enthusiasm, immaculately dressed, as many Asian born hoteliers are. It was a memorable time to be an hotelier in Bangkok, full of challenges and changes. The Gulf War; Military Coups; a new style of government and later the baht devaluation. New ideas to try, food, beverages, entertainment, they all had their own mini revolutions and nowhere more so than at the Novotel Siam Square, constantly striving to be on the leading edge. I watched with interest as Reggie grew up the corporate Accor ladder. Always visible, always in the news, always doing deals, for him it was all part of the process of being a good hotelier.

Reggie was born in Shanghai and educated both in Hong Kong and in New York. He first worked in hotels during his student days, washing dishes and setting tables as many great hoteliers did. He first joined Accor in New York in 1980 and just three years later; he was General Manager of the Doral Park Avenue in New York.

Reggie touched many people during his life, often forming deep and lasting bonds. One such bond of friendship was formed with one of the early investors in the Novotel Siam Square, Khun Piti Sithi-Amnuai, Exec Vice Chairman, Bangkok Bank. Khun Piti gave an account, to all present, of his shock on learning of Reggie being announced missing on that dreadful Boxing Day, 2004.

He also went on to describe how Reggie, in their first meeting, had impressed him. Khun Pitti, sitting banker like and 20 years the hotelier’s senior, Reggie still showed confidence, charm and professionalism. In a speech from the heart, Khun Piti shared with those present the kinds of feelings so often evoked with Reggie, with his special talent for being passionate and fun. Even today, many of us cannot quite believe Reggie has passed.

Reggie left behind scores of senior hoteliers that at one time worked under him, many at the Bangkok property. It was of no surprise to me to learn that on hearing of the disaster in the south, Oswald Pichler, a former No. 2 to Reggie and now Director of Operations - Thailand, along with 40 other brave Accor executives and long time friend Victor Pang, rushed immediately to the scene. They helped co-ordinate the relief efforts at ground zero in Khao Lak. Reggie would have been immensely proud of his executives.

As a result of the tragedy Benjamin Cohen, Exec Vice Chairman who flew in from Paris for the ceremony, announced that Accor’s Board of Directors had allocated 1 million Euros for restoration and relief work in the region. The company also announced plans to help set up a fund for Reggie’s remaining daughter, 7 year old Zoe.

Dear Reggie, we will miss you and you will be missed.

Accor Asia Pacific Chairman David Baffsky, spoke for many of us, when he said, “Reggie’s loss will be felt by the wider hospitality industry. A man of great natural charm and positive energy, he has inspired many working with him to progress their careers in the industry. He will be missed by all of his colleagues, and our deepest felt condolences go to his surviving daughter, Zoe, who not only lost a wonderful father, but also her mother and two brothers in this terrible disaster.”

[For more information about the ‘Accor Zoe Shiu Trust Fund’, please contact Mr Tom Racette [email protected]]


Koh Samui Rotary Club raises over One Million Baht in aid of the Tsunami victims

The Rotary Club of Koh Samui Tsunami Aid Concert Committee has raised 1,020,000 Baht at the Tsunami Aid Concert held Sat Jan 15th in Koh Samui, Thailand, surpassing the goal set.

Having already donated over 560,000 Baht along with trucks driven to Phuket overflowing with donated labour, goods and materials, Rotary members will move forward with Tsunami Aid Concert donations to help rebuild lives devastated by the tragedy.  The Rotary Club of Koh Samui is developing a long-term plan to meet the needs of survivors with the Rotary Club’s ‘Adopt A Village’ Program.

“We’ve been blessed by the huge outpouring of support that allows us to commit all the funds from the Concert to our ‘Adopt A Village’ Program, noted Rotary President Paul Hawkins.  Funds from the Tsunami Aid Concert are entirely through cash donations and donated services and goods.  Rotarians Marc Ribail and Alex Andries noted the generosity of the participating hotel and restaurant sponsors, coordinated by the Thai Hotel Association Samui and the Samui Culinary Association.  All together sixty sponsors participated, twenty live musical performances were donated by artists and musicians along with the professional event crew and work force of over sixty volunteers.  The artists performed live to a highly appreciative, standing-room only crowd of several thousand holiday-makers and local residents.  It is estimated a total 5,000 people enjoyed the 14-hour marathon concert.  The mood was festive and upbeat as MC’s Ricky Zen and

Christy Ferrie kept the crowd rockin’ & rollin’, continuously reaching into their pockets.

As the audience watched the stage, a giant screen shared performing acts and captured Tsunami images.  Linda Cartlidge, Tsunami Aid Concert Chair, noted, ‘at the stroke of midnight, a minute of silence was shared amongst all in attendance - then voices were raised on stage as the musicians carried forth singing We Are The World for all to share.  At that moment all people were brought together and all nationalities joined in memory of lives lost and hope for a better future for those left behind.

Rotary Club of Koh Samui President Paul Watkins stated, “We plan to use these funds to be a blessing to those who are hurting.”  Rotary Club of Koh Samui is responding to the longer-term needs by helping people of a selected Village obtain new boats and nets, helping farmers to rehabilitate their fields, rebuild the school and medical center and help families to build new homes so that they can move out of temporary camps and start getting back on their feet. Rotary wants to help the selected Village with a long-term development program that will meet the ongoing challenges of the people of the Village.  “We’ve been working in Thailand for many years, and we are committed to working here for many more”, said Hawkins.  “We want to help a Village overcome this most recent disaster and other obstacles that are keeping from a better future. Through the generous support of so many on the sister island of Koh Samui and the unstinting generosity of those involved in the Tsunami Aid Concert, we are now positioned to make a lasting difference.”

For more information about this program and Rotary Club of Koh Samui support, please visit www.rotarysamui.org.


Vigilant Technology officially opens

High tech facility to increase Thailand’s competitiveness

Elfi Seitz

With an impressive ceremony, designed by Willem de Vries’s daughter Linda Beljone, the Vigilant Technology Co. Ltd. was officially opened by HE Pieter J. Marres, the ambassador of the Netherlands, and Satit Sirirangkamanont, secretary general of BOI. Many guests of honor took part at this exciting affair, including almost all of the de Vries family.

Vigilant, a semi conductor assembly and test facility, was founded in late 2002 by Willem de Vries, a Dutch national with over 35 years of experience in the semi conductor business. The company was incorporated as a Thai company with 2 million baht registered capital.

After agreements for cooperation with suppliers and customers, Vigilant moved to the factory at Ladkrabang. The clean room and production line were finished in early 2004, and internal and customer qualifications were completed by May that year. Later, capital was increased to 75 million baht and the company was incorporated as a foreign company. Vigilant achieved ISO9001-2000 in August 2004 and a month later production was started.

Vigilant currently has capacity for producing high-density PDIP and SO semiconductor packages, and will respond to customer demand for other types. Vigilant achieves exceptional customer service by, amongst others, short cycle times, quick response time, high quality and highly competitive cost of ownership.

The ambassador said in his opening speech that, as a representative of the Netherlands in Thailand, it gives him great pleasure to be at events such as this opening ceremony, and that indeed the establishment of companies like Vigilant Technology brings together people from the two countries. “The Netherlands and Thailand have had a long history of trade relations. These relations started with true entrepreneurs. Many years on, we have the internet, phones, cross-cultural courses and plenty of other resources at our disposal, but it still takes adventurous people to start a joint-culture enterprise. People like Willem de Vries and Somchai Siripanyanon, as well as Vigilant’s investors are continuing this tradition, adding to the history of the partnership between our two countries,” he said.

The ambassador also thought about the victims of the tsunami. “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you who have lost loved ones. We hope we can play a part in helping Thailand recover.”

Satit Sirirangkamanont added, “It is always a significant event when a new company opens for trade. It shows us there is confidence in the economy and trust in the country’s ability to support a business. The BOI specifically targets the promotion of the semi conductor business in Thailand to increase our nation’s competitiveness in this area. As such, we are pleased to see Vigilant, a semi conductor assembly and test facility, open its doors.”

Willem de Vries, the president and CEO said in his speech that he is very happy to see so many friends at this opening party. “It has been a dream of mine for many years to start a semi conductor assembly and test facility. Even though many people my age decide to retire (and some think I should too!), I am very happy that I decided to pursue my dream,” he added with a smile.

Somchai Siripanyanon, the managing director said, “With the semi conductor market recovering, we believe the timing is appropriate. We are confident of the strong demand for our selection of packages.”

For more information contact www.vigilant-techno.com