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1 million baht Great Pattaya Brahma is unveiled
The Great Pattaya Brahma, the largest Brahma image in the
city, is located at the Ohm Plaza shopping center.
Narisa Nitikarn
The formal unveiling of the Great Pattaya Brahma, the
largest Brahma image in the city, was conducted at the Ohm Plaza shopping
center on March 16, with a ceremony led by Daeng Ceramic, the owner of the
center.
The plaza is located on North Pattaya Road near Sukhumvit
Highway, next to the Pattaya - Bangkok bus station.
Thanes Pornsiwa, who was amongst the many people joining
this auspicious ceremony, said that Daeng had spent 1 million baht of his
own money to create the Brahma image.
Prof Chaiwat Dejnathee from Bangkok joined Daeng in
leading the prayers, and the Buddhist monks donned white “sai-sin” string to
keep away the evil spirits.
The Great Pattaya Brahma is expected to become popular
amongst overseas visitors in addition to attracting the faithful from all
over Thailand.
PCEC members learn about ischemic stroke
Dr Niyom (right) addresses the PCEC about ischemic stroke.
A busy programme was presented at the Sunday March 18 meeting
of the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) at Henry J. Bean’s.
The morning got underway with this week’s MC Richard
Silverberg who welcomed the first speaker of the morning, Dr Niyom Pattana, a
neurologist at the Neuroscience Centre at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Dr Niyom
spoke mainly about ischemic stroke, which is a leading cause of disability.
Ischemic stroke can be described as a sudden loss of brain function due to
deprivation of blood.
A friendly nurse was on hand to take members’ blood pressure readings.
Symptoms of a having a stroke can include incomprehensibility
to those around the sufferer, and loss of vision. It is also possible to suffer
a transient ischemic attack (TIA) which could be described as a mini stroke.
If a stroke has occurred in an individual it is essential
that those in the vicinity of the sufferer recognize the condition and take
action immediately. Remedial treatment must be underway within three hours to
minimize the effects on the body.
Those at risk are those over 55 years of age, especially
those over 65 and those who may have a family history of stroke. The risk of
stroke can be reduced by up to 80% if the following are carried out: blood
pressure kept to a correct level, giving up smoking, testing for diabetes, the
level of cholesterol kept to a correct level, and body weight management. The
intake of alcohol should be curbed and unnecessarily high stress levels reduced.
Philip Jones of Offshore Financial Services (OFS) was then
introduced. Philip spoke briefly regarding the tax benefits of offshore banking,
life assurance as a means to reduce UK inheritance tax, healthcare options, and
the changes to UK pensions which can produce additional income. OFS are
currently offering a free 2 hour consultation on these or any other financial
issues and can be contacted on 038 233 218.
Further announcements included Cliff Hagerman who provided
the reminder that the next club dinner was scheduled for April 7th at the
Montien Hotel when the well reported buffet would be available. Secretary David
Meador announced that the competition to select a new club slogan was also
underway and encouraged suitable suggestions.
The regular Open Forum was then underway and this proved to
be the usual lively and entertaining session. 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, for more details, visit
the Club’s website at pattayacityexpatsclub.com
Itthipol weds sweetheart after 15-year courtship
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Itthipol Khunplome married his sweetheart of 15 years,
Miss Rachada Chatikvanich, at a ceremony held at the Tide Resort Bang Saen
on March 19.
The groom, Itthipol Khunplome, puts the ring on the
bride, Rachada Chatikvanich, as Banharn Silpa-archa leader of the Chart Thai
Party looks on.
Leading figures from the worlds of politics, business and
entertainment gathered at the ceremony, which was presided over by Banharn
Silpa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Party.
Amongst the guests were Suchart Tancharoen, Suthep
Tuoksuban, Sora-at Klinpratum, Uraiwan Tienthong and Varathep Rattanakorn.
Addressing the gathering, Itthipol said that he and
Rachada had spent more than 15 years learning about each other, but from now
on time will have to be divided between work and family life.
Religious ceremonies were held early in the morning,
followed by the actual marriage ceremony held in the hotel. The groom
presented a sin sod comprising 2,222,499 baht in cash, gold and diamonds,
and a diamond engagement ring.
Itthipol is the fourth son of five children of Somchai
and Satil Khunplome. He completed his primary school education at Assumption
School Sriracha, and his secondary education at Suan Kulap College. Itthipol
earned a BA from the Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University and an MA
from the Golden Gate University in the USA where he met the bride who works
in the legal department of PTT Public Co Ltd.
Itthipol was member of parliament for Chonburi District 5
in 2001 and is presently chief advisor to the mayor or Pattaya. He is
running for the position of mayor during the next election.
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