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Christmas at Prem’s brings peace and joy
and a bundle of hope for those in need
Rotarians forge ahead with humanitarian programmes and projects
A Rotarian
On the cool and calm evening of December 20, as we approached
the Mabprachan Reservoir, the silence of the air was broken by sounds of
revelry drifting from beyond the trees to the left of the road. “Hark!
Are our ears playing tricks upon our senses?” Because we heard music and
singing through the night sky (didn’t sound like angels’ voices, but
that didn’t matter), interspersed with the sounds of bells jingling and
the cackle of laughter? Could it be? We looked at each other, excited at
the very thought that the day had arrived yet again. Yes it is ... it’s
Christmas at Prem’s.
 Premprecha
Dibbayawan surprised the living daylights out of everyone as he
performed a splendid Thai dance on stage.
The most wonderful time of year we thought, when we can all go up to
Prem’s and meet old friends and make new ones in an atmosphere of
harmonious fellowship, whilst indulging in a huge spread of home-cooked
fare and commence to get silly imbibing the endless flow of drinks.
And so it came to pass, Rotarians from clubs in Pattaya and the
neighbouring townships, with smiles on their faces and warmth in their
hearts came to wish the Dibbayawan household a hearty and joyful
Christmas and to join each other in singing Christmas Carols and praying
for peace in the world.
If you were at Prem’s last year, you would probably remember the little
children who performed exquisite traditional Thai dances and sang
popular songs. Well they were back and my, how they have grown, not only
in size and beauty, but also their talents have matured to match. We
hear that they have won awards left, right and center at various
competitions both locally and nationally throughout the year.
They sang and danced their way into our hearts and made us reflect on
how lucky we are that because there is a Christmas we can gather with
family and friends, to get in touch with loved ones far away, and to
enjoy the festive spirit. It is also a good time of year to remember
those less fortunate and perhaps give a little to make their lives
better.
The big surprise of the evening was when Peter Malhotra announced that
if we were able to put a small collection together, we could probably
convince Prem to dig out his old traditional Thai warrior costume and
perform a Thai dance for us.
As Peter was ‘drumming up some business’, Prem was frantically rummaging
through his old chest of costumes searching for that which had been
stored away and almost forgotten.
When Peter was satisfied that the collection was adequate (well he did
give enough time for Prem to find the outfit), the drums rolled and with
it so did Prem onto the stage, to put on one of the most awe inspiring
Thai dances that was equivalent in beauty and precision if not better
than those performed by graduates of any school of fine arts of dance
and music.
Prem never ceases to amaze us. Little did we know that Prem had studied
Thai dancing ever since he was a little boy. “I taught myself,” he says
proudly.
We were informed that a few years ago as Rotary District Governor Elect,
Prem attended the Rotary International Assembly in Anaheim USA, where he
performed before the Rotary International president and hundreds of
Rotarians and dignitaries from around the world.
Proceeds from Prem’s charity performance will benefit the Rotary
Foundation funds of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya and as DGN Peter
assured everyone, is for a good cause because for every baht that is
donated to the Rotary Foundation, Rotary clubs in Thailand can apply for
Humanitarian Grants that will bring back sufficient amounts of money to
support Rotary projects such as polio eradication through national
immunization days, health, hunger, education for everyone, peace and
conflict resolution studies, and disaster recovery and relief, which are
just a few amongst the hundreds of programs of Rotary to help improve
the quality of life for the underprivileged in every community in
Thailand and around the world.
Rotarians and guests had a
wonderful time at Prem’s.
PP Alvi Sinthuvanik
interviews the little children after their show.
Indiri and Lamyai help
deposit the donations in the Rotary Foundation collection box.
The super talented
children sang and danced their way into our hearts.
PDG Jin Srikasikorn (left)
congratulates Prem and his ‘family’ for a most enjoyable party.
Christmas tree lights switched on
at St Nikolaus Church
Father Phaiboon Udomdache, pastor of
St. Nikolaus Church Pattaya leads the congregation in prayer.
Bishop Lawrence Thienchai Samanchit blesses
the faithful.
Narisa Nitikarn
Lights were lit on the Christmas tree at St Nikolaus Church on
December 17, the ceremony being conducted by Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn and Bishop Lawrence Thienchai Samanchit.
The large Christmas tree and its parcels, along with Santa and his
reindeers were provided by Pattaya District Office, and have been placed
on the traffic island on Sukhumvit Road in front of the church.
A choir from St Paul’s Convent sang Christmas carols, and after the
ceremony ended the congregation, led by Father Phaiboon Udomdache,
priest at St Nikolaus, prayed for blessings for His Majesty the King in
this the year of his diamond jubilee.
St. Paul’s Convent Band kept up the holiday
spirits by playing Christmas Carols.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Bishop
Lawrence Thienchai Samanchit, the spiritual leader of Thai Catholics
light the Christmas tree together with other dignitaries looking on.
The grandiose Christmas tree, Santa and his
reindeers light up Sukhumvit Highway.
The gathering of people from institutions
under the care of the Father Ray Foundation are thrilled by the events
of the evening.
Pattaya Gay Festival “Christmas Cracker” Boyz Town Street Party
Brings in about 860,000 baht with special donations
The Pattaya Gay Festival 2006 came to a superb finale
with the Street Party ‘Christmas Cracker’ in Boyz Town on Saturday. It
was a real cracker of an event, too, with the street once again closed
off and a huge stage erected outside Funny Boys for the shows from Boyz
Boyz Boyz’ Divas & Dudes, Throb Show and the Dolly Sisters, causing
havoc everywhere they go, this time they took up riding!
 Archie
Dunlop (left) donated a surprisingly huge 350,000 baht to the PGF
charities.
It was nice to see the return of Alfie, courting Chase of Throb singing
Santa Baby, and then a new star was born to Boyz Town. Glen, joint owner
of Throb, appeared all dressed up in ‘Tux’ to dance all night with Jim
and the show boys in a polished performance that brought the house down.
Santa Mike came and switched on the beautiful Christmas Boyz Town lights
that will be the envy of all the sois around.
The street opened about 8 p.m., and within 30 minutes many of the tables
had diners at them and a crowd gathered around the Wheel of Fortune, run
by Terry and David of La Cage and Happiness Bar, which produced a
handsome 11,000 baht during the early evening build up fun. Toi of Café
Royale entertained as dinner finished and guests prepared for the shows
to follow; by now the street was packed way back to Panorama Bar.
A spectacular opening number, the ‘Circus is in Town’, brought everyone
on stage and set the high standard for the night’s entertainment once
again. Show numbers followed, but MC for the night Jim kept it all
flowing and entertaining. In between numbers Jim announced the rising
amount raised from door, over 450 attending early on, the Lucky Numbers
raffle, 100,000 baht here, 100,000 baht there. Donations poured in from
1,000 baht up to a surprisingly huge 350,000 baht cheque from 85 year
old Archie Dunlop, a truly magnificent gesture and, I believe, a near
record individual donation for the 5 years PGF has been going. In that
time, from the beginning of the PGF to now, Jim said that everyone had
raised over 20 million baht towards the HEARTT 2000 HIV/AIDS Charity.
Later Doctor Philippe Seur and some of his patients came on stage to
present the committee gifts as thanks to everyone for helping in this
much needed fight to provide expensive drugs not available in Thailand.
A crazy mad period then followed when Chris McGuiness and friends of the
USA bought all of Jim’s costume jewelry bit by bit for a cash fortune.
Then Charlie offered more cash IF Jim would take his frock off and IF
Mick from Café Royale would put it on! Ever sporting Mick then obliged
as a Jim look-a-like and the funds rolled in as many other donations
were made. Dennis Dewsnap and Jamal also sold many of his books during
the night and donated 30,000 baht.
A glorious finale show was then performed and Jim thought the only other
job to do was the Lucky Numbers but David was on hand to help and the
donated prizes fled out. A full computer set from Liberty Computers, a
beautiful gold and diamond ring from Honest Gems and a further golden
Buddha from them were the top prizes and were presented by Mr. PGF Koh
and his Mr. Popular runner up Golf, looking as stunning as ever!
Ian Brown won the ring and presented it back to Jim to auction. In a
fierce bidding round, Doc Terrance and Jim paid 65,000 baht for the
ring, boosting funds beyond expectations. The total for the night was
approximately 860,000, with funds from each of the bars not all in yet.
Proceeds from some bars are still being counted at press time, with a
final four day total of approximately 1.34 million, the exact amount yet
to be confirmed.
Jim Lumsden, who has headed up the operation of the PGF for this holiday
season, writes: “Without all the figures in yet from various bars, I
would suggest you quote a figure of 860,000 (from the Street Party).
This is from the information I have at hand. Bruno’s was 300,000, Mr.
PGF another 144,000. So in the final days we raised in total 1,300,000
baht. Final figures for the year to date will be released once we
complete the accounts but it is about 3,700,000.”
Jim added, “The Pattaya Gay Festival was very successful, and personally
I would like to thank everyone who gave so generously of their time and
especially the huge amounts of cash they donate to the PGF Charities. It
was a fantastic 3 days and shows once again, despite reluctance from
certain quarters of the Gay Community to join with us, we are still able
to keep coming up trumps and help a very worthy cause.”
Story courtesy boxer@ boperstravel.net
Anna (2nd right) from
Honest Gems donated a beautiful gold and diamond ring and golden Buddha,
which were among the top prizes.
The finale was
spectacular.
Schedule for Pattaya City’s New Year Count Down Festivals
December 29 to December 31 at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya
Main Stage
Friday December 29
19.20 MC announces the organization of the Pattaya Countdown 2007 and
Rhythm & Boyd Eleventh performances
19.30 Musical performance by young players from Pattaya City’s Music
Association
20.30 Games and prizes giving
20.50 Pong Lang Inter musical performances
22.30 Games and prizes giving
22.40 Academy Fantasia AF3 performances (90 minutes)
24.00 MC announces the closing of the day and next day’s events
Saturday December 30
19.20 MC announces the opening of the second day’s stage
performances
19.30 Musical performance by young players from Pattaya City’s Music
Association
20.30 Games and prizes giving
20.50 Rhythm & Boyd Eleventh performances
22.30 Games and prizes giving
22.40 Artist Bee the Star performances
23.10 Michael Tang, the thousand face man’s performances
24.00 MC announces the closing of the day and next day’s events
Sunday December 31
19.20 MC announces the opening of third day stage performance
19.30 Musical performance by young players from Pattaya City’s Music
Association
20.30 Miss Tiffany 2006 Cabaret Shows
21.00 Appearance of the next MC, this year’s Miss Thailand Universe,
Lalana Kongthoranintha
21.10 Games and prize giving by Miss Thailand Universe
21.30 Budokan musical performances
22.30 Games and prize giving by Budokan’s band members
22.50 Performances by AF1 and AF2 (concerts)
23.50 Pattaya Mayor, administrators, city council members, event
sponsors, artists, etc, join the countdown and wish everyone a Happy New
Year in 2007
24.00 Fireworks to celebrate the year 2007, stage will be changed into
yellow color, parachute jumpers release gold and silver paper from the
sky, audience releases yellow balloons into the sky and sings Happy New
Year songs in Thai and English
24.10 Performances by AF1 and AF2 (concerts) continue
24.30 Stage DJs play tunes
01.00 MC announces the closing of the event
* Games and prizes giving will be done during performance intervals *
Schedule for Sunday December 31
at the Bali Hai Bridge Stage
19.00 Opening of Projector board on stage displaying
atmosphere of the area
20.00 MC announces the opening of the day’s performances
20.30 Games and prize giving
21.00 Marching Band performances
22.00 Games and prize giving
22.30 Marching Band performances
23.15 Games and prize giving
23.40 Marching Band performances
23.50 Opening of the Projector board on stage displaying atmosphere of
the area, MC welcoming all to participate in the Countdown to 2007
Skål floats away for Xmas
The Xmas Xruise for the members of the Skål
International of Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard is always a well
attended affair. Many of the ‘seafarers’ included guests and Skål
members from some of the other clubs enjoying a sunset cruise on board
the Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s Island Dream catamaran.
As a winding down event after the very successful Skål World Congress,
(which incidentally was voted by many overseas members as the best
congress ever held by Skål International), the cruise certainly helped
people to relax. The flow of Royal Cliff wines also helped!
For many of the local members this was also the first time they had set
foot on the Bali Hai pier, with the Island Dream moored and waiting.
Also on board were several platoons of waiters and chefs and the usual
hot and cold buffet, so heavy I am sure the mighty craft was listing to
port at sailing time.
Despite the somewhat choppy conditions early on the cruise, the Island
Dream and its complement made it as far as the Sanctuary of Truth before
turning around for a leisurely sail down past Jomtien to turn again at
Skål International secretary Ingo Rauber’s Pinnacle Resort at Najomtien.
By this stage, the sea air had whipped up more than the waves, it had
whipped up a good appetite and there were many who were spotted going
back for seconds (and thirds), but nobody went hungry.
After the buffet, the annual auction run by Dr. Iain was a feature, with
many such as Malcolm Boden snapping up incredible bargains, especially
in such items as multiple nights stay in some of the five star resorts
in Thailand. Andrew Wood, the GM of Chaophya Park in Bangkok, could be
relied upon to open the bidding for most items, though missed out on the
candles for the Lobby Bar. Another prolific waver of hands was Denis
Dewsnap, who managed to bag a brace of jacuzzi nights at the Asia
Pattaya Hotel, but nobody could outbid Corry Bik, who managed to up her
own bid at one stage, for a bottle of Indian port, donated by Bob Lee,
who couldn’t believe he had actually managed to get rid of it. Dr. Iain
was careful to read the label which included a warning that drinking it
could be injurious to health! The total from the auction came to 75,000
baht, which has helped to swell the club’s coffers after seriously being
depleted during the World Congress.
At around nine bells the Island Dream berthed again at Bali Hai, and the
revelers disappeared into the night. Another successful Skål
International event completed.
Helle Rantsén, PILC Welfare chairperson leaves Thailand
Says farewell at coffee morning at Casa Pascal
Even though many members had returned to their home
countries to spend the Christmas holidays with family, 61 people turned
up for the coffee morning at Casa Pascal. They were greeted by Kim
Schneider who had put on a fabulous array of delicious hot and cold
canapés and a selection of mini deserts to go with the coffee.
 Gillian
Thom (right), president of PILC, and the entire club say an emotional
farewell to Helle Rantsén (left), PILC Welfare Chairperson for the last
3 years.
Gillian Thom started the proceedings by welcoming all to Casa Pascal and
thanking Kim and her husband Pascal. Gillian reminded members that 2007
subscriptions were due and that the membership fee was the same as last
year at only 800 baht.
In February 2007, Gillian will step down as president, and a new
president and committee will be elected at the A.G.M. to be held at
Ocean Marina on February 7. Gillian said that although the A.G.M. is an
important official occasion, the lunch and social gathering is very
enjoyable and she encouraged as many members as possible to attend in
February.
It was then time to say goodbye to some very special members. First,
there was an emotional farewell to Helle Rantsén, Welfare Chairperson
for PILC for the last 3 years.
The following has been written by Gillian Thom, president of PILC:
“Helle has lived in Thailand for several years with her husband Ebsen
and two children. During her time in the area, Helle has been extremely
active in the organization and implementation of many projects around
the Ban Chang, Rayong and Pattaya region, on behalf of not only PILC but
also the Rayong Ladies Circle. She, as chairperson of the PILC Welfare
Team, has worked unstintingly with her team to source needy projects,
and then to go on to organise renovations, scholarships, training,
education, healthcare, and whatever else may be needed.
“PILC raises over THB 1,000,000 annually, and all these funds are
distributed with care, energy and enthusiasm by Helle and her team. She
has been instrumental in advertising the welfare side of PILC, and has
motivated many of the members to also help with the charity projects.
She has also worked very closely with many of the other charitable
organizations in the area, particularly Jesters Care for Kids, and there
are many families and children in the area who have benefited from her
dedication.
“Helle has been one of the mainstays of our club in Pattaya, and we are
going to miss her greatly when she goes to Oman, but our loss is their
gain, and I know that she will be able to find many projects to get
involved with there! Of course we wish her and her family every success
in their new venture, and we will be sure to keep her up to date with
all the projects she is leaving behind here.
“Helle leaves behind a huge job to be filled, and PILC are fortunate
indeed to have the capable hands of the Welfare Team, Ingrid Cunliffe,
Rosanne Diamente, Diana Mortensen and Kathleen Petras, to take over the
reins on her departure.”
Gillian Thom presented Helle with a gift in appreciation of all her hard
work. Helle thanked her Welfare Team for their support and hard work and
gave a special mention to Nancy Bradburn who has done so much to help
the children of the Baan Jing Jai Centre. So, it was a sad farewell to
someone who has done so much to help PILC improve the lives of so many.
Helle will indeed be greatly missed.
Gillian also said farewell to two other special members, to Anita
Schock-Caspar and Dolores Carr Wickes (who was unfortunately not able to
attend the event).
2006 has been a very successful year for PILC. As well as many very
enjoyable social activities, the club has raised over 1 million baht
which will be used to help many charitable causes. Membership grows as
women from different countries and backgrounds all meet to share
friendship and can enhance the experience of living in Thailand by
helping the children and the underprivileged. The PILC would like to
thank all those who have supported them during 2006 and to wish everyone
a very enjoyable Christmas and Happy New Year.
If you would like any further information about PILC, or sponsorship
opportunities for future welfare projects, please contact Gillian Thom,
president on 081-7626003 or [email protected]
Jomtien Beach Residence throws the doors open
Dr Iain interviews Ib
Ottesen for PMTV.
Jomtien Beach Residence
held its ‘open house’ last weekend.
Jomtien Beach Residence,
one of the latest in up-market living.
As Jomtien rapidly overhauls its ‘elder sister’
Pattaya in building development, it has also seen a boom in better class
accommodation. One of the latest in up-market living is the Jomtien
Beach Residence, which had its ‘open house’ last weekend. The venue is
opposite the well-known Maesri Ruen restaurant on Soi 9 Jomtien Beach
Road and is 60 meters from the beach.
The project has been the result of the previous experience of Ib and
Kannikar Ottesen (Residence Garden, Residence Suites and Jomtien
Boathouse), and this latest addition to their portfolio shows the same
attention to detail, from the basic design, right through to security
and the exemplary furnishings.
With many of the apartments having been bought off the plan, there are
now very few units still available, with Ib Ottesen stating during the
open house that there were only 10 left, and there had been several
enquiries.
The remaining single bedroom units are priced from 2.7 million baht, and
the large two bedroom units are around 5.5 million. If purchased for
investment purposes, owners can expect returns ranging between 8-10
percent.
Further details are available from sales@jomtienbeach residence.com
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