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Skål stands up for Friendship,
Peace and Ecotourism
World congress opens to rapturous reception
President Jan Sunde and
members of the Skål International executive committee.
Will Burrows
The good and the great from around the world of tourism descended upon
Pattaya last weekend for the 67th Skål International World Congress.
Large scale event management is something of a specialty for the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort in general and the hugely impressive “PEACH”
conference centre in particular. In a packed programme between 15th and
20th October, Skål delegates have had the opportunity to get to know
Pattaya and its environs extremely well.
 Skål
International President Jan Sunde
The congress was inaugurated in a moving ecumenical service, which
brought together the local spiritual leaders of all the region’s main
faiths; Buddhist Monk Phra Kru Vichitthamasarn, Abbott of Suthaward
Temple, Catholic Clergyman Father Laurence Patten of the St. Nicholas
Church, Pastor Eivind Barclay Stevenson of the Living Word Church,
Pattaya, Muslim Imam Sangob So-Hang of the Nurulyakeen Mosque and Sikh
Guru, Gianiji Onkar Singh. Bringing the spiritual world together as one,
they blessed the congress and asked that it might succeed in all of its
aims.
For those skeptics amongst the readership who might be unaware of the
meaning or indeed the relevance of Skål, permit me to enlighten you.
Founded as an international association in 1934, Skål is the largest
orgnisation of travel and tourism professionals in the world, embracing
all sectors of the travel and tourism industry; hoteliers, travel
agents, airline executives, training and tourism media. In the ninety
countries and 480 locations where Skål exists, members are encouraged to
network with each other, in line with their motto “Doing Business among
Friends”.
 Malai
Sakolviphak President of Skål Thailand.
In a glamorous and immaculately choreographed opening ceremony, a sense
of fun and friendship was pervasive, whilst a flag procession featuring
the over eighty member countries represented, celebrated the
unmistakable international flavour of the conference. Cheers rose from
the packed hall for each of the flags as they entered; it was very much
an acceptable side of nationalism.
Master of ceremonies Andrew Wood, who did a top job from start to
finish, delivered the rapt Skål delegates unto the orators, who were
chomping at the bit. The otherwise implacable Andrew Khoo, president of
Skål International for Pattaya and the East of Thailand, seemed to be
thoroughly enjoying himself, rousing the assembled with a couple of
rounds of “Good morning”! It wasn’t quite Butlins but it wasn’t far
away; more a case perhaps of being caught between the Hard Rock and
“Hi-de-Hi”. Nonetheless, as the tourist trade audience soaked it all up,
it was clearly implied by their reactions that they approved absolutely.
 Andrew
Khoo, President Skål Pattaya and Chairman of the Organising Committee
Then, some serious stuff. Said Andrew, “Pattaya has undergone tremendous
growth economically while managing to clean up its shores and waters.
The result of which is a continuously burgeoning tourism industry and
keen interest from international hotel chains that are set to bolster
the image of Pattaya as a world-class destination for leisure and
business.”
Ecotourism and trafficking were high on the agenda and it was refreshing
to hear an established group of leaders in the tourist industry place
care for the environment and human rights so high on their priority
list. Of course, it makes sense; clean beaches, clear water and social
justice in conjunction with sustainable growth will bring more
efficient, safer holidays for an increasing number of people.
President of Skål International Thailand, Malai Sakolviphak spoke of
increased awareness of the Skål movement and the desire to expand
coverage locally regionally and globally. Currently there are five Skål
clubs in Thailand, in Bangkok, Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket,
and it is hoped that there will be a club in Hua Hin by the beginning of
next year.
 Andrew
Wood, MC extraordinaire throughout the whole congress.
President of Skål International Jan Sunde rose to rapturous applause. He
was clearly delighted to be addressing the audience. In a keynote
speech, he stressed the principal of friendship between leaders in the
travel and tourism industry and stressed ecotourism as the way forward,
saying, to a chorus of approval, “Sustainable development is the
development that improves the quality of life of the current generation
without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to benefit from
the same environment. It is a ‘win-win’ situation. Where you can say
that not only have you managed to make a profit, but you have
contributed to the social and natural environment.”
In an important development, President Sunde pointed out that Skål
International is part of the Task force of UNWTO for the protection of
children from sexual exploitation in tourism. He went on, “Skål is a
non-political and non-religious organization. However, we say that there
can be no peace without friendship, and without peace, there will be no
real tourism.”
Pre-empting possible suggestions of empty rhetoric, he used the example
the Red Sea Bay, where three countries, Jordan, Israel and Egypt and
working side by side to develop the tourism industry. President Sunde
ended by bringing a new motto to the congress, which rather beautifully
encapsulates the spirit of Skål: “Hug and Hold”.
Then, as one might very well expect from a conference celebrating the
best that tourism and Thailand has to offer; entertainment. Under the
direction of musical genius Bill Thompson from the Regents School,
Bangkok, star students performed with such astonishing sensitivity and
control that Chopin himself must have stirred.
Nobody can ever tire of classical Thai dance. A unique and compelling
production of “The Heritage of Paradise” followed, holding the audience
in utter fascination and compelling wonder.
In a morning marathon of endless highlights, the Skål Ecotourism Awards
were announced, with winners coming from places as far a field as
Turkey, Madagascar and the United Kingdom. Following the United Nations
declaration of 20002 as the “Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains”, Skål
International launched the award to highlight and recognize global best
practices. Skål values and recognizes sustainable tourism as the key to
the industry’s continued success.
As the delegates swept into a lunch of squid and roasted pepper salad
and baked red snapper, washed down with vintage wines from the Royal
Cliff’s sensational cellar, one was left to muse that the Skål delegates
must truly be having the time of their lives. They’ll probably need a
holiday to recover.
Mayor Niran and the Thai
delegation including President Andrew Khoo, wave giant Thai flags during
the flag parade.
Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn (center) and members of the 67th Skål International
World Congress Organising Committee greet Skålleagues from all over the
world.
(l-r) Immediate SI Past
President Matanyah Hecht, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, Revat
Phonlookin, Panga Vathanakul, Hulya Aslantas, SI President Jan Sunde,
Skål Pattaya President Andrew Khoo and Andrew wood, International
Councillor Thailand.
(l-r) Phra Kru
Vichitthamasarn, Imam Sangob So-Hang, Gianiji Onkar Singh Father
Laurence Patin and Pastor Eivind Barclay Stevenson, blessed the
congress.
Panga Vathanakul MD of the
Royal Cliff Beach Resort and PEACH presents a gift to guest of honour,
Kajit Habanananda, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Thailand
Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn presents a gift to President Jan Sunde.
The Regents School’s
youthful virtuosos Ruaychai Sae - Ngow (violin) and Panupat Prapakomol
(piano) enthralled Skal delegates with their classical music performance
during the opening ceremonies.
Thai entry one of the winners of the prestigious
Skål International Ecotourism Award
By Hulya Aslantas
Director of Media and Public Relations
Skål International
The 5th Annual Skål International Ecotourism Awards were presented by
the President of Skål International, Jan Sunde and Director of Media and
Public Relations, Ms. Hulya Aslantas during the Opening Ceremony of the
67th Skål World Congress held in Pattaya, Thailand, on 16th October 2006
in PEACH.
 Trail
of the Tiger, Thailand.
Skål International is aiming at quality in tourism and values
sustainable development in Tourism as the key to the industry’s future
success and considers Ecotourism but one area of the various components
of sustainable development and responsible tourism.
To encourage the conservation of the environment and help to promote the
development of responsible and sustainable tourism, Skål International
initiated an awards program in 2002, during “The Year of Ecotourism and
the Mountains” as declared by United Nations.
While the purpose of these awards was to highlight best practices in
ecotourism around the world, they were also created with the aim of
acquainting the world with this new concept that puts emphasis on the
importance of the interaction of the physical, cultural and social
environment, the traveller’s responsibility and the need for active
community participation for Ecotourism.
 Black
Sheep Inn, Ecuador
In their fifth year the awards have received continued support worldwide
and this year 51 entries were received originating from 28 Countries; 16
from Asia, 15 from Americas, eight from Europe, seven from Africa and
five from Oceania. It was interesting to note six entries from India and
five from Canada the two Countries with highest number of entries.
The Awards show the sensitivity and awareness of Skål International
towards the protection of the environment in conjunction with
sustainable tourism. Ecotourism, together with other alternative forms
of tourism strengthens the local economies and contributes to
sustainable development.
 Inkaterra,
Peru
The applications were evaluated by three independent judges and the
scores given by each separately, are added up to find the winners. The
primary criteria for the evaluation is based on such points like,
contribution to the conservation of nature and cultural heritage,
community involvement, educational features, business viability and
innovation.
Skål International is grateful for the meticulous work conducted by the
three judges, namely, Eugenio Yunis from UNWTO, Head Sustainable
Development of Tourism, Jason Keating from Green Globe Asia Pacific,
General Manager, Australia and Bernward Geier, Rainforest Alliance,
Germany.
 Saunders
Hotels Group USA.
Iznik Foundation continued for the second year to be the sponsor of the
quartz trophies they have specially designed for Skål International.
Combining ecology with the unique art of Iznik (Ancient Nicea), the
awards are a sign of preservation of natural sources and traditions and
with their special characteristics they are specially chosen to
emphasize the value of our global riches.
Main sponsor Evian of Danone group, coherent with their environmental
commitment identifies as one of their first responsibilities to be to
protect the springs they manage and contribute to the preservation of
the natural and rural environment. Danone group also owns two hotel
properties in Evian and supports environmental friendly tourism.
The winners for the 5th Ecotourism awards in the various categories:
 The
Camili Rural Development Project-Turkey
Tour Operators and Travel Agents Category: Trail of the Tiger’s
‘Voluntourists Without Borders Initiative’-Thailand.
Rural Accommodation: Joint winners: Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador, and
Inkaterra, Peru.
Urban Accommodation: Shine - Saunders Hotels initiative to Nurture the
Environment-United States of America.
General Countryside: Blue Ventures-United Kingdom.
Cities and Villages: The Camili Rural Development Project-Turkey.
Educational Programmes and Media: The Wechiau Community Hippo
Sanctuary-Canada.
Blue Ventures-United
Kingdom
The Wechiau Community
Hippo Sanctuary-Canada.
50th Anniversary
celebrations of Skål Thailand, and here’s to 50 more years of Peace
through Tourism.
We came, we saw and we fell in love with Pattaya
Accolades for Jim Power,
the ‘power’ behind this excellent world congress.
Litsa Papathanassi is
jubilant as she is elected as the Skål International President for
2006-07
A Dream Comes True
by Andrew Watson
It is important as one travels along life’s highway, I have found, to
carry around with you a sense of healthy scepticism regarding the
possibilities in life. It can prevent you from getting carried away and
allows you to maintain a capacity for introspection and critical
reflection. However, it is equally important to acknowledge that
anything is possible. Where would humanity be, I wonder, without
visionaries who have pursued the art of the possible and through a
combination of their imagination, initiative, determination, knowledge
and self-belief, made their own and others, dreams come true?
Saturday, October 7th and Horseshoe point was alive with anticipation
for one of the most eagerly awaited events of an increasingly busy
cultural calendar along the Eastern Seaboard, as Khun Bundit Ungrangsee,
world famous soprano Mary Jane Jones and the International Orchestra of
Italy prepared to let rip with a repertoire which included Brahms,
Tchaikovsky, Respighi, Gershwin and Bernstein. Stars of stage and screen
joined music lovers from all over the country who had converged on
Horseshoe Point to witness something of a homecoming for Khun Bundit,
the man who conquered the Carnegie.
As promised, the Grand Arena, in another life a superb indoor riding
ring, was transformed into a magical stage, draped with silver silk;
fitting testament to the talents on show. Horseshoe Point Managing
Director Khun Jate Sopitphongsathorn, the paragon of cool, had left
nothing to chance; a familiar eye for meticulous detail seemed to have
enabled to him to relax with a smile which could melt a woman’s heart
from thirty paces.
Concerts are all about atmosphere; a subtle combination of lighting,
sound and movement. As I was waiting for the arena to fill, I surveyed
the scene, pausing for reflection. Enormous mirrors ran the length of
the arena, the air was still and moving towards humid, although it was
never stifling; everything was in place.
My thoughts turned to Khun Bundit; whom I had met a couple of weeks
previously. I had found him utterly charming and at ease. He exuded a
powerful sense of something; call it presence if you like, but it was
more like contentment, self-belief or strong faith. Probably all three.
For some reason I had been reminded of David Beckham (until that is,
Khun Bundit opened his articulate mouth). Bundit, like Beckham, is
something of an iconic figure in his native country. He has been a great
adventurer, a pioneer in melodic desire and purveyor of passion for his
art which has transcended cultural and national boundaries. He also
possesses swashbuckling good looks; he’s a thoroughly modern man for a
classical future.
Bundit cantered on to stage to fulminating adulation and with a
consummate flourish of his animated hands, we were off, as the orchestra
launched into Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture. Bundit’s baton was a
blur, more magic wand than rhythm stick. On the cusp of a great
crescendo, it suddenly acquired a life of its own and flew into never
never land. Bundit continued unabated, like a painter utterly immersed.
His hands had become transmitters of passion, each finger was a
lightning rod, each sinew an extension of the notes; music possessed him
and his body leapt, danced and pirouetted on the podium. He was floating
on the waves of timbre.
It’s a funny thing about conductors. You usually only ever see them from
behind. I’m not suggesting that it wasn’t a pretty sight, but it’s like
watching a silhouette. There was a strong element of classical Thai
dance about Bundit’s movements, especially his hands, and the
chiaroscuro of his dark animated frame against the silvery whiteness of
the set accentuated it. With increasing intensity but without
relinquishing control, Bundit moved the orchestra as one towards a
Brahms’ stirring climax.
Then a surprise; Ekachai “Bird” Jearakul appeared before us, commanding
the lightest touch with a rendering of Rodrigo’s hauntingly familiar
Aranjuez’s concerto for Guitar. This piece has long since entered
popular consciousness; only its name might seem unfamiliar. The slow
movement - its unforgettable melody taken first by mournful English
horn, then passed to the ruminating guitar - simultaneously evoked
Andalusian hues and ineffable poetry, and “Bird’s” time-stopping
performance ideally matched delicacy of technique with depth of feeling.
The young and delicate boy-man was living up to his reputation as one of
the brightest lights on the classical stage.
The pace of the concert was undulating; ideal. Nothing was left to
chance. Now Mary Jane Jones brought Bernstein and Gershwin to life,
finding a purity of sound which seemed to make the mirrors shiver in
appreciation. I can only imagine how eclectic Mary Jane’s and Bundit’s
music collection at home is (they’re married); following on from what
went before and preceding Respighi, throwing in a bit of ‘West Side
Story’ and ‘Porgy and Bess’ took some nerve. Mary Jane, enchanting and
graceful, was like a cooling breeze on the soul. You could see the
orchestra was having a good time too; there were more than a few feet
tapping as we smiled our way to an intermission.
Tchaikovsky isn’t exactly light, but the fantasy overture from Romeo and
Juliet, part of a long symphonic poem, is certainly dramatic. Back with
fresh wand in hand, Bundit slashed, drew and quartered the music with
fiery precision. The movements of his hands seem to leave trails of
light behind them, like a sparkler on a dark winter’s night. I observed
the eyes of the orchestra, fixed, trusting, and eager. Almost inevitable
Italian vivacity emanated from the percussion section; rolling,
rollicking drums.
And so to the Respighi; what originally seems like a Roman sojourn,
suddenly digressed, picked up pace, lilted, was revived again and
proceeded to travel with aplomb and panache around the Villa Borghese,
or so it seemed. It was if children were running and dancing. Suddenly,
I wasn’t in the least surprised that the composer had been greeted with
a cacophony of catcalls when the piece had first been performed in 1924.
It’s pretty abstract; the orchestra and composer have to work their bows
off to create a dynamic conversation with the audience. Trumpets blared
a discordant note, a sound not unlike children blowing a raspberry. It’s
really a very visual, painterly piece and consciously so; Respighi
wrote, “There is a thrill in the air: the pine-trees of the Janiculum
stand distinctly outlined in the clear light of the full moon. A
nightingale is singing. From the depth rises the sound of a mournful
chant, floating through the air like a solemn hymn, and gradually and
mysteriously dispersing.”
Quite so, but the work still requires interpretation; I in my naivety,
still needed to be guided through the piece. In this sense, Bundit was a
great story teller, and each sway of his concentrated motion lent
meaning to every syllable of compelling narrative.
The climax was rousing, fitting and complete. A pause, then a roar of
approval grew from the depths of the arena and filled the space.
Bundit’s beaming smile lit up the night as he acknowledged the
appreciation. Riding the crest of the wave, he pirouetted again in a
flash and entreated the assembled to enjoy the overture to William Tell,
a fitting finale indeed. Whilst I cannot claim to be particularly happy
in the saddle, this piece has always seemed quintessentially equestrian
to me. It is most definitely, “music to gallop to”.
A final flurry, flowers and admiration followed, then Bundit was gone,
but not forgotten. We repaired to the Nam Tok island of beauty where the
glitterati partied until late into the night and Bundit, Sarah Jane and
the International Orchestra of Italy took their well earned place in the
happy memories of a thousand grateful people.
2006 PILC holiday bazaar is great success
(L to R) Roseanne
Diamente, Atchara Patchimnun, Gillian Thom and Panga Vathanakul cut the
ribbon, officially getting the bazaar underway.
Gillian Thom and Atchara
Patchimnun pose with Sister Woranute and the children from the Street
Kids’ Home, all of who were having a great time.
Ellen Jackson and Debbie Cavanaugh
On Saturday, October 7, the Pattaya International Ladies’ Club held its
annual Holiday Bazaar at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Siam Ballroom.
PILC President Gillian Thom was joined by guest of honor, Atchara
Patchimnun, the wife of the Permanent Undersecretary of the Interior
Ministry in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Not only did Atchara grace us
with her presence, she also made a sizeable donation to PILC and
purchased many sweets from the Rayong Bakery Project for the children
from the Street Kids’ Home.
 Guest
of honor Atchara Patchimnun, wife of the Permanent Undersecretary of the
Interior Ministry, made a sizeable donation to PILC and purchased many
sweets from the Rayong Bakery Project for the children from the Street
Kids’ Home.
When the doors opened, a record 851 people enjoyed a day of shopping
amid the colorful vendor stalls. Over 73 vendors brought their wares
from all over Thailand to tempt the shoppers.
The combined efforts of Special Events Chairperson Rosanne Diamente
joined by her hardworking committee members, including Judy Clausen,
Susan Farrar, Kavita Singh, Ingrid Cunliffe, and Kavita Lamba, and a
host of other PILC members and volunteers were rewarded by raising over
500,000 Thai baht, all benefiting PILC local charities.
Mom’s were free to shop without worrying about their kids, as the
Children’s Room saw over 100 youngsters, including fifty-three children
from the Street Kids’ Home, join in games and a coloring competition,
and to enjoy the antics of special clowns, provided by the generosity of
Capt. Steve Ponter.
Gillian Thom and Atchara
Patchimnun examine the beautifully built model ships on display
PILC President Gillian
Thom welcomes everyone to the event.
Roseanne Diamente invites
all shoppers to have a great day.
Thai silk and Thai-style
products were a big hit at the bazaar.
Judy Hoppe (right) and
Peggy Wegner try on the beautiful and funs sun-hats on display, as the
sales woman (not pictured) shows how well the hand-bag would look as an
accessory.
Cindy Burbridge, always
first in line to help charity, set up a booth with her mother to sell
jewelry.
Helle Ransten and Sue are
obviously having a great time, with Sue showing off a painting from the
School for Life.
Ursala’s antiques added a
touch of class to the bazaar.
Winners of the children’s
coloring contest and friends show off their prizes.
The Children’s Room saw
over 100 youngsters, including fifty-three children from the Street
Kids’ Home, join in games and a coloring competition, and to enjoy the
antics of special clowns, provided by the generosity of Capt. Steve
Ponter.
The cute girls from the
School for Life offered wonderful works of art for sale to benefit their
excellent charity.
Pattaya Mail on TV’s Sue,
shown here interviewing Wan Nujan, librarian at the North Star Library,
was kept busy interviewing presenting the event for TV viewers.
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PILC wishes to thank their
generous sponsors:
Volclay Siam, Transpo, and Foster Wheeler. All money donated by
these companies goes directly into the many Welfare projects of
PILC. Their continued support over the years is greatly
appreciated.
The biggest event of the day is the Raffle. Ticket sales were
brisk and saw 541 books of tickets sold, for a total of 6492
tickets, and the equivalent of 277,200 baht raised.
The top five prizes awarded were:
1.) 2 night stay for 2 at Chaophya Park in Bangkok won by Woody
Underwood
2.) 2 night stay with mahout training at Anantara Resort & Spa
in Chiang Rai won by Sue Dooley
3.) 2 nights/3days for 2 with breakfast at Pimalai Resort & Spa
in Krabi won by Fountain of Life
4.) Cruise for 4 with Gulf Charters out of Ocean Marina won by
Amphan (Foster Wheeler)
5.) 2 nights for 2 with breakfast at Amari Watergate in Bangkok
won by Kim of Casa Pascal Restaurant
Remaining prizewinners are as follows:
6.) 3 month Family Membership to Dusit Resort Pattaya Beach
Sports Club won by Aed
7.) Chinese ladder chair from Kalae won by Kirsten
8.) 2 night stay of 2 with breakfast at Birds & Bees
Resort/Cabbages & Condoms won by Ariana Lopez
9.) 2 night stay for 2 with breakfast at Birds & Bees
Resort/Cabbages & Condoms won by Helle
10.) 2 nights for 2 w/board (exclude beverages) at Lakeside
Lodge won by Kannikar (Residence Garden)
11.) 1 night for 2 (room only) at Royal Cliff Beach Resort won
by Judy Clausen (Bangkok Fine Wine)
12.) 1 night for 2 with breakfast at Sheraton Pattaya won by
Helle
13.) 1 night for 2 with breakfast at Woodlands Hotel & Resort
won by Sita
14.) Dinner at Casa Pascal Restaurant won by Sara
15.) Vase from Lotus Crystal won by Chad Martin (ISE)
16.) 1 night or 2 with THB500 food voucher at Ocean Marina Yacht
Club won by Nataran S. (Foster Wheeler)
17.) 1 night for 2 with breakfast at Rabbit Resort won by J.J.
Sinthuvanik
18.) Dive package with Aquanauts Dive Center won by Louisa Girad
19.) 4 champagne flutes from Lotus Crystal won by Mathew Weir
20.) Voucher to Central Gems won by Sam Porn
21.) Dinner for 2 at Mantra Restaurant won by Mogens Rantsen
22.) Ship from Pattaya Boat Show Emporium Art Gallery won by
Superpore (Dana)
23.) Membership to Pattaya Sports Club won by Boonsong Meeanand
24.) A spa treatment at The Beauty House won by Helle
25.) Books from Bookazine won by Hilary Dixon
26.) A spa treatment at The Beauty House won by Richard Smith
27.) Voucher to Bruno’s Restaurant and Wine Bar won by Mu (Tiew)
28.) Gift certificates to Foodland won by The Balcony Restaurant
(PG)
29.) Meal voucher from Indian by Nature won by Tony Shepherd
30.) Dinner for 4 at Mike’s Tex-Mex Restaurant won by Les
31.) Dinner for 4 at Mike’s Tex-Mex Restaurant won by Karyn
Walker
32.) Garnet earrings from Thai Bijoux won by Les Cleavers
33.) A voucher for Top Shop Tailor won by Natsukarn S.
34.) Facial, manicure, pedicure at Salon J Simone won by Judy
Clausen
35.) Dinner for 2 at Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa won by S.
Leaspar
36.) BBQ buffet dinner for 2 at The Bay Restaurant, Dusit Resort
won by Debbie Cairns
37.) Dinner for 2 at the Hard Rock Hotel won by Nicole Cromwell
38.) Purse from Jim Thompson won by Helle
39.) An elephant trek at Pattaya Elephant Village won by
Kalyanee Gulatt
40.) An elephant trek at Pattaya Elephant Village won by Somporn
41.) Brunch at Casa Pascal Restaurant won by Ingrid Cunliffe
42.) Brunch at Casa Pascal Restaurant won by Amopnnat Tianlue
43.) Dinner voucher to Cafe New Orleans won by Richard Foulstone
44.) Collagen facial at Estee Beauty Salon won by Dee Cromwell
45.) Voucher to Pan Pan Restaurant won by Laurie A.
46.) Dinner for 2 at Henry J. Beans Restaurant won by K.
Saovadee
47.) 1-year subscription to Pattaya Blatt won by Tove Rantsen
48.) 1-year subscription to Pattaya Mail won by Jens
49.) Voucher to Art Cafe Pattaya won by Hugh Parker
50.) Dinner for 2 at Au Bon Coin won by Tom Murray
51.) BBQ dinner for 2 at the Captain’s Corner won by K. Nattaya
52.) Shampoo, style, manicure, pedicure at Ben’s Beauty Salon
won by Ursula Rothstein
All prizes must be claimed by Tuesday, November 7, 2006, or
they will be used by PILC at a future date to raise more money
for their charities. To claim your prize, contact Rosanne
Diamente, 081-865-0714, or Susan Farrar, 085-285-7998.
All 73 vendors also donated gifts to the PILC to be used in
future raffles to raise additional funds for the PILC Welfare
projects.
The Welfare Projects adopted by PILC that benefited from the
funds raised last year are as follows: Street Kids’ Home,
Scholarships (Several Local Schools), Fountain Of Life,
Garunawayet Home For Disabled Ladies, Ban Jing Jai, Our Home,
Huay Pong Protection Centre, Koh Pai, Ban Chang School Projects,
Emergency Shelter In Chonburi, Kao Bai Sci School, Nikom 9
School, Tamar Centre, and Ban Mu Eire.
Now, the PILC membership is gearing up for its second major
fundraiser of the year, the Around the World Charity Ball to be
held on Saturday, November 25 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort
Siam Ballroom. Tickets are still available at 1950 baht per
person, which includes a welcome cocktail, a 4 course meal with
wine, and dancing until 1 a.m. If interested in attending,
contact Rosanne Diamente. |
The coloring competition winners are as follows:
3-5 year old girls
1st Place: Sakura
2nd Place: Brina
3-5 year old boys
1st Place: Tommy Petchawee
2nd Place: Patrick Steele
5-7 year old girls
1st Place: Lily Castle
2nd Place: Orrawa
3rd Place: Jordan Hickok
5-7 year old boys
1st Place: Kyle McMurtie
2nd Place: Kreangsak
3rd Place: Aidan Cunliffe
8-10 year old girls
1st Place: Rudi
2nd Place: Supatra
8-10 year old boys
1st Place: Tommy
2nd Place: Andrew
11-13 year old girls
1st Place: Joanne
2nd Place: Paiwan
3rd Place: Oil
11-13 year old boys
1st Place: Prakankow |
Pattaya Immigration
explains new regulations for visa extensions
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya Immigration Police on October 5 held a briefing in the
conference room on the 2nd floor of the new Immigration building on
Jomtien Beach Road Soi 5 to announce Thailand’s new regulations for visa
extensions, which had become valid on October 1.
The briefing was led by superintendent of Pattaya Immigration Pol Col
Ittipol Ittisarnronnachai and Pol Maj Thanapat Poromsuk, inspector of
Pattaya Immigration Police.
The new rules affect nationals of 41 countries and are effective under
Royal Thai Police order No. 608/2549, dated September 8, 2006.
Nationals of these countries (listed below) are granted entry not
exceeding 30 days, as before, but now the total period of stay is not to
exceed 90 days within six months from the date of the first entry into
the Kingdom. In the event the visitor intends to stay in Thailand after
the 90 days allowance is completed, then he/she should apply for a
review or obtain a visa from a Thai embassy in a foreign country, before
entering the Kingdom again.
The 41 countries whose residents are affected by this order are:
America, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Great Britain (U.K),
Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Dutch (Netherlands), Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Kuwait, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Macao, New Zealand, Norway, Oman,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey, U.A.E., Vietnam, and South Korea.
The police order states thus:
Royal Thai Police Order No. 608/2549
Subject: The assignment of authorization to permit an alien
who obtains an exemption visa to enter into the Kingdom of Thailand for
temporary stay
According to the Ministerial Regulations: terms and conditions of
inspection and visa exemption and visa types changing, BE 2545, dated 16
August 2545 (2002) and the Ministerial Regulations: terms and conditions
of inspection and visa exemption and visa type changes (No.2), BE 2546,
dated 28 March 2546 (2003), has granted terms and conditions of visa
exemption under section 12(1) of Immigration Act BE 2522.
In order to assign the authorization to permit aliens to enter into the
Kingdom with granted exemption visas for temporary stay orderly and to
follow the aim of the government under the provisions of section 35 of
Immigration Act BE 2522 and section 11(4) of Royal Thai Police Act BE
2547, therefore competent Immigration officials shall be authorized with
the power to permit granted aliens with exemption visas to enter into
the Kingdom of Thailand for temporary stay as follows:
1. Passport holder who has the nationality of a foreign country’s
government that has an agreement with the Thai government in accordance
with the Ministerial Regulations: terms and conditions of inspection and
visa exemption and visa type changes, BE 2545, dated 16 August 2545
(2002) under section 13 (1), shall be permitted to stay according to the
period of stay in the agreement with each foreign country’s government
2. Passport holder who has the nationality of a foreign country that has
no Thai embassy and/or consulate located in the country, which has been
assigned by the Minister with the cabinet’s approval, and in accordance
with the Ministerial Regulations: terms and conditions of inspection and
visa exemption and visa type changes, BE 2545, dated 16 August 2545
(2002) under section 13 (2), shall be permitted to stay not exceeding
thirty days from the date of the entry into the Kingdom.
3. Passport holder or travel document holder who has the nationality of
a foreign country’s government that has been agreed upon with the
Minister and with the cabinet’s approval and enters into the Kingdom for
temporary stay for the purpose of tourism, in accordance with the
Ministerial Regulations: terms and conditions of inspection and visa
exemption and visa type changes, BE 2545, dated 16 August 2545 (2002)
under section 13 (3), shall be permitted for multiple entry into
Thailand, and permission of which must not exceed thirty days per entry
with a total period of stay not exceeding ninety days within six months
from the date of the first entry into the Kingdom.
4. Passport holder of travel document holder who enters into the Kingdom
for temporary stay for the purpose of international assembly or sports
activities in accordance with the Ministerial Regulations: terms and
conditions of inspection and visa exemption and visa type changes, BE
2545, dated 16 August 2545 (2002) under section 13 (4), shall be
permitted to stay for a period not exceeding thirty days from the date
of the entry into the Kingdom.
5. Passport holder or travel document holder who has the nationality of
a foreign member country of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
and holds an APEC travel card, enters into the Kingdom for temporary
stay for the purpose of business in accordance with the Ministerial
Regulations: terms and conditions of inspection and visa exemption and
visa type changes, BE 2545, dated 16 August 2545 (2002) under section 13
(5), shall be permitted to stay for a period not exceeding ninety days
from the date of the entry into the Kingdom.
6. In relation to all other regulations, rules or orders which are
contradictory and inconsistent against this command, this command will
be applied.
It will be effective on 1 October BE 2549
Authorized on 8 September BE 2549
(Signed)
Police General Kowit Wattana
Commissioner General of Royal Thai Police
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