|
HRH Princes Sirindhorn presides at consecration ceremonies
of magnificent new structure at
Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn
Her Royal Highness Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided on behalf of His Majesty the King at the
consecration of the new temple building at Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officiated on behalf
of His Majesty the King at the opening of the new temple building at Wat
Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn in Chachoengsao on August 30.
The ceremonies included internment of the Buddha’s relics and placing the
Look Nimit (round stones buried in the ground to mark the sacred limits of a
temple) and pouring gold to cast a Buddha image for placement onto the 8th
level in the arch of the temple façade.
The ceremonies were also attended by the governor of Chachoengsao province
A-Non Promanart, Thirawat Kulawanit, director general of public works and
city planning, and head of the committee for constructing the new temple
building, and Jaturon Chaisang, acting on behalf of the Minister of
Education.
The initiative for the construction of the new structure at Wat Sothorn
Wararam Worawiharn stemmed from His Majesty the King’s remarks on June 3,
1966, after performing religious ceremonies to mark Visakhabucha Day at the
temple. As he was leaving the temple he said, “I have been meaning to come
to pay homage to the revered Luang Phor Phra Buddha Sothorn for quite
sometime. I note that the ceremonial chapel is unsuitable to house such a
revered image, so a new one must be built in its place.”
For more than 20 years the temple administrators had attempted to adhere to
His Majesty’s wishes. Then in 1987 they appointed architect Prawet
Limparangsee to draft a plan for a new building, and this was presented to
His Majesty for his approval.
On January 19, 1988, His Majesty and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn
laid the foundation stone for the new temple construction. Her Royal
Highness the Princess graciously accepted the role of chairperson of the
construction project, and officiated at the opening of a new office for
architects and designers of the project on November 21, 1988.
On June 5, 1992, Her Royal Highness attended religious prayers and rituals
before the old ceremonial chapel was pulled down. The Princess has also
closely monitored the construction progress ever since and chaired a
committee to select construction and ornamental materials for the temple
building.
The prominent and beautiful new ceremonial chapel combines the ancient
traditional Thai architectural style with a touch of the contemporary.
The building is 123.50m in length and measures 44.50m in width. At the
center is a square structure with four arches rising up into an eight
levelled pyramidal roof 85m in height, topped by a 4.90m high tiered golden
umbrella weighing 77kg.
The combination of the roofs of the area at the front and rear of the square
structure meets in the form of a tetrahedron. Intricate materials such as
Italian cacara marble and gold plated ceramics are used throughout the
magnificent structure.
The new temple is build to last for centuries and is considered to be not
only one of the most beautiful but also the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
Wat Sothorn was built with a budget of over 2.04 billion baht. This amount
was donated from the faithful all over Thailand and from around the world,
who have come to pay homage to Luang Phor Sothorn throughout the years.
Legend has it that Luang Phor Sothorn was found floating down the Bangpakong
River where it was retrieved and placed at Wat Hong, now known as Wat
Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn.
Luang Phor Sothorn image, cast during the Lanna-Lan Chang period, is an
intricate bronze image depicting the Buddha sitting cross-legged in a state
of meditation, measuring 165 centimeters from knee to knee, and 198
centimeters in height.
The image is said to have miraculous powers for bringing luck, prosperity
and helping to accomplish tasks. It is an object of worship and devotion for
people from all corners of the world.
Banglamung and Huay Yai communities mourn the passing of Acharn Kan
His Holiness Phra Khru
Patrakijviboon.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
His Holiness Phra Khru Patrakijviboon, better known to his followers as Acharn
Kan, abbot of Wat Huay Yai, passed away on September 13 at Queen Sirikit
Hospital in Sattahip. He was 87. Acharn Kan, was a very well known and revered
monk on the eastern seaboard who lived at the temple since childhood and
preached there for most of his adult life.
The next day his body was brought back to the temple where his followers
throughout the eastern communities gathered together in sadness to perform
religious ceremonies and bathing rites.
Phrakroo Wimol Khunaporn, head of the clergy at Huay Yai sub-district, acting on
behalf of the Huay Yai Temple abbot, led the ceremony. Banglamung district chief
Supakit Thammasatitman was the layman representative at the bathing rites.
A date has yet to be announced for the funeral.
Over one thousand people attended
the bathing ceremony for His Holiness Phra Khru Patrakijviboon, who passed away
September 13.
Lamyai celebrates
her 40th in grand style
Lamyai Choochanan (right), member
of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina, presents a bouquet of flowers to her mother,
thanking her for all her support.
Narisa Nitikarn
Lamyai Choochanan, member of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina, celebrated her 40th
birthday with a party at the Gulf Siam Hotel on September 9, with club president
Dr Olivier Meyer present and a beautiful dress contest, a singing competition
and a karaoke contest all making sure the evening went with a swing.
Lamyai started the party by thanking her mother, and thanking her husband for
throwing the party in her honor. She then gave tribute to His Majesty the King
in this, the 60th year of his reign, and led the singing of the Royal Anthem,
before the evening got underway with singing, dancing and toasts to friendships.
IFHS returns to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre with new look and new feel
The International Food and Hospitality Show (IFHS) 2006 was
held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from 6th – 9th September
incorporating the newly launched “Hotel Restaurant Thailand” profile and
welcoming the co-located event VFR (Vending, Retail & Franchise).
 Ranjith
Chandrasiri (center), chairman of the Wine Judging Panel, presents one of the
trophies to general manager of California Wine Co. Ltd., Sorrasit
Wongsantivanich (left). Also shown is Sanjog Modgil (right), president of the
Food & Beverage Association of Thailand.
IFHS has very much strengthened its hotel, restaurant and retail profile this
year, no surprise that it has become the chosen host of the Thai Hotel
Association’s annual Congress, the retail Associations Conference and restaurant
Association special event activity program. The International Wine Challenge
organized by the Food and Beverage Association of Thailand (FBAT), the 12th Thai
Chef’s Association International competition and the Metro restaurant Award were
among the other highlights.
The FBAT International Wine Challenge 2006 was held on the opening day with 132
international wines being judged in 8 categories of Premium and Super Premium by
a panel of 13 wine experts from Thailand’s wine, hotel and restaurant industries
chaired by Ranjith Chandrasiri, president of the Royal Cliff Wine Club and
deputy general manager of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
Among the winners in the premium category were Anekena (Reserve) 2005
(Chardonnay), Forest Ville 2004 (Savignon Blanc), Botalcura Rev, Char/ Vionier
2005 (Blended White), La Celia Reserve 2003 (Cabernet Sauvignon), Henrys Drive
Pillar Box Red Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2004 (Blended Red), Pirramimma Stock’s
Hill 2003 (Syrah/Shiraz), Evans & Tate Gnangara 2005 (Merlot), Angas Brut
(Champagne & Sparkling wine) while the trophies for the Super Premium category
went to Concannon Chardonnay (Chardonnay), Stone Wall (Sauvignon Blanc), Francis
Coppola Pinot Grigio (Blended White), Majella Coonawarra Cabernet 2003 (Cabernet
Sauvignon), d’Arenberg The Sticks & Stones McLaren Vale Tempranillo Grenache
(Blended Red), McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004 Angove’s (Syrah/Shiraz), Francis Coppola
(Merlot) and Duval-Leroy, Brut Champagne, N/V Flur de Champagne, Brut (Champagne
and Sparkling wine)
Ranjith Chandrasiri, the chairman of the wine judges, presented the trophies and
certificates to all the distributors of the above mentioned winning wines during
the award presentation ceremony..
PCEC reaches milestone
At the Sept 3 meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC)
an important milestone in the club’s development was announced: Max Rommel,
Co-chairman and treasurer, made it known that the 1000th membership card had
just been issued.
At the Sunday Sept 10th meeting at Henry J. Beans, Dean Barrett was welcomed
back as the main speaker. Dean is a prolific writer having produced five novels
set in Asia based upon the 25 years he has lived in this region. He has also
written an off Broadway play.
Dean was most entertaining, providing anecdotes of life in Thailand generally
and by reading extracts from his diverse range of books. He also provided advice
to those wishing to become an author and mentioned that often the most difficult
part was ‘wrestling the white bull’ - when an author is faced with a white sheet
of paper. He also advised that to build an audience producing a variety of books
on different subjects was not the best approach!
Dean has an entertaining website at www.deanbarrett thailand.com
It was announced at the meeting that planning was underway in conjunction with
TAT for a club trip to Kanchanaburi in the not too distant future. It is
expected that details of the trip will be announced within the next two weeks.
On a more sombre note, recognition was given to the late Steve Irwin, the
Australian television personality known as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ who was killed
by a stingray while he was filming an underwater documentary. Steve’s
achievements in the world of conservation were discussed.
The regular open forum was then underway and this proved to be a lively and
entertaining session. A diverse range of topics were brought up including
Branston Pickle, WD40, air compressors and experiences of the new immigration
office.
For the Sept 17 meeting, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was kind enough to send the
club Dr. Jimmy Kongcharoen from the Urology Department. A pleasant bespectacled
man in his forties spoke to an almost all male audience on a subject dear to
most of the aged present, i.e., incontinence, infection, disease and some of the
latest advances in prostate care.
Bladder infections are one of the most common problems and are caused by
bacteria entering the urinary tract and holding urine too long. However, the
good news is that it is easily controlled with anti-bacterial drugs. Pain or
burning sensation while urinating may be caused by an unspecified fungus or
gonorrhea. Incubation is 1-10 days and both partners have to be treated or you
may get a ping pong effect. Again we thank Buddha for antibiotics.
There were so many questions he ran out of time and promised to come back in the
near future.
The club’s man from F.A.S.T. was also there to take more applications from those
who were never notified after their subscription expired. They have two plans:
Gold 2000 baht, Platinum 3000 baht.
For more information regarding, not only PCEC Sunday meetings but also the
varied mid week activities, please see the Community Happenings section of
Pattaya Mail or visit the club’s website at pattaya cityexpatsclub.com.
Conduct your Dreams
The countdown continues - the excitement grows
Andrew Watson
Only two weeks to go. My excitement grows, daily. My tickets are safely tucked
away. Even in the current electric climate, where a deluge of world class
performers pour sweet music into our grateful souls with increasing regularity,
Bundit Ungrangsee just about takes the biscuit.
 World
renowned Thai conductor, Bundit Ungrangsee holds a press conference to announce
the ‘Conduct your Dreams’ concert to be held Oct. 7 at Horseshow Point.
I had the pleasure of meeting this maestro, the man who conquered the Carnegie,
at a packed press conference in Pattaya City Hall (I was thankful I didn’t need
tickets for that!). For a gentleman with such a reputation, in my naivety, I was
expecting a man of greater physical dimensions. But I couldn’t have
overestimated Bundit’s presence, if I’d tried. He held the audience absolutely.
He was calm, assured, confident and sartorial, with a smile for every greeting.
Damn cool, actually.
It’s not often you hear a ‘Farang’ speaking Thai with utter assurance. I have
the utmost respect for people who have taken the time and the trouble to master
the language; it’s a source of constant shame to me that I have so far failed to
do the same. World famous soprano Mary Jane Jones is one of those who have
consummately succeeded where I have failed. She also happens to be the mother of
two beautiful children (under the age of three) and Bundi’s wife. They have
travelled the world in the past few years, children in tow. It’s an
extraordinary tale of brilliance and resilience. Now, they have come home to
Thailand and both are hugely looking forward to the concert “Conduct your
Dreams” at Horseshoe Point on October 7. There will be an emotional sense of
homecoming as Bundit conducts the International Orchestra of Italy, through a
repertoire which includes Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Respighi, Gershwin and Bernstein.
Under the sensitive direction of erudite and articulate managing director, Jate
Sopitphongsathorn, the Grand Arena of Horseshoe Point, a superb indoor riding
ring, will be transformed into a magical stage in ‘the round’; 360 degrees of
sensational sound. It’s an original and innovative idea from a group of people
with initiative, flair and imagination. Horseshoe Point recognises that this is
a wonderful opportunity to produce a quality classical music concert headlined
by a prestigious, world-class Thai conductor.
The press conference was just about over when I received rather a wonderful
invitation. The next day (after the deluge so to speak) I travelled through the
puddles and temporary lakes to interview Bundit and Mary Jane for PMTV. Their
elegance and charm spoke volumes. Stars they may be, but their humility,
openness and perhaps most of all their sense of great calm, is a beautiful thing
to witness. Music fills their lives. I felt rather fortunate thinking about
those tickets of mine, kept in a safe place, that will enable me to share in
what is going to be, without a shadow of a doubt, an evening of divine harmony.
Catch Andrew Watson’s exclusive interview with Bundit Ungrangsee and Mary Jane
Jones, Friday September 22nd, on PMTV.
Obituary
Domenico Spadari
80-year-old retired Italian Domenico Spadari passed away on
September 5. He was a special guest in Pattaya, having spent holidays in
Thailand for 30 years, the last 25 in Pattaya (often twice a year) and until
recently with his wife, 69, hotel keeper Deima Baldelli, who sadly passed away
in 2002.
 Domenico
(left), shown here with his son Aldo and two Dusit Resort receptionists in 2003.
He had been coming to Pattaya since 1978.
His last visit, in 2003, was a two week stay at the Dusit Resort with his son,
Aldo, 43, Italian literature professor and journalist of “Il Resto del Carlino”
in Ancona, the oldest and most respected newspaper edited in Bologna.
Domenico was fond of Thailand. So much so, in fact, that he decorated the family
hotel, called “Panoramic” and located in Sirolo Italy (a pretty sea village on
the cliff of Mount Cònero near Ancona City), in Thai style and filled it with
wood furniture, sculptures and objects of value.
Domenico had many friends in Pattaya and he was well known, especially amongst
local traders. “I have been traveling all around the world with my wife,”
Domenico recently said, but he really considered Pattaya his “second home”. “The
best place for a true holiday,” he said. “Everywhere (I went in Thailand) I met
… many amusements, an incredible variety of shops, great and magnificent hotel
complexes. This really is the land of ‘the culture of hospitality’. Many people
are kind and smiling. Don’t lose these aspects,” he recommended, “It is most
important for preserving tourism.”
His funeral in Sirolo, where he was very well-known for his character,
likeability and friendliness, drew a large crowd from the town and nearby
villages.
Ciao Domenico, big friend of Pattaya. We will miss you!
|
