Clubs & Associations

The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be on Sunday, December 23. The Club meets every Sunday morning at Henry J. Bean’s Restaurant on the north end of Beach Road in the grounds of the Amari Orchid Resort. The program starts as usual at 10:30 a.m. with a buffet breakfast available from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Everyone is warmly welcome. This week the PCEC welcomes Chutipon Kamolnath, also known as Rugby, who will be giving a presentation on the Apple Mac ‘Leopard’ operating system, as well as showing the new iMacs and the Macbook, Apple laptop. This will be followed by the ever lively Open Forum and update on happenings in and around Pattaya. A full report appears each week in Pattaya Mail. For more information about the Sunday meeting and the numerous other weekday activities of the PCEC, see the Club’s website at www.pattayacityexpatsclub .com and learn more about the many and varied activities to which everyone is welcome.

The Pattaya Irish Society meets every Wednesday at 8pm at Moonrakers in Pong. Call John on 086 112 0988 for details.

Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya welcomes you to their Wednesday meetings in the Rotary room Royal Cliff Grand Hotel: Time 18.30 for 19.00. Contact Lloyd Jones (Membership) 0878043943.

For the past 28 years the Samaritans of Thailand have been providing confidential crisis intervention services over the telephone. The English-speaking unit, Samaritans English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community. English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone. All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. Please call (02) 713-6791 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week).

The Royal British Legion, Chonburi Thailand Branch is now up and running at Tropical Bert’s. You do not have to have served in H.M. armed services to join as long as you support the principles of the Legion you are more than welcome. All members receive a 15% discount every day at the bar and we have a get together every Sunday lunch (free food). Future trips are Burma, Remembrance Day at the British Embassy and perhaps a day on the ranges. Contact Bert 089 8072335 or call in to Tropical Bert’s 2nd Road Opp Bangkok Bank.

Rotary Club Pattaya Marina meets every Friday at 7pm at the Balcony Restaurant (Pattaya North Rd). For further information call President Nicolas Demet on 081 983 4082.

Chess Club players meet every day at "Margarita Madness" by Soi 10, Jomtien Beach Road, directly across from the Sea Breeze Hotel. Everyone welcome. Call 087 008 9951 for details.

The Dutch Expat Club meets the last Thursday of every month at Chateau Dale on Thappraya Road at 6pm. For full details please check out the website at www. nederlandseverenigingpattaya .org or email albertmartin26 @yahoo.com. New members are always welcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Pattaya: The Pattaya Group meets Monday & Thursday at noon; Monday, Tuesday & Friday at 5pm and Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday at 7:30pm at the Satree Pattana Center, Soi Skaw Beach (2nd Rd): Contact Jim on 087 927 0437. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets every morning 9am at the Highlander Guest House, Soi Skaw Beach: Contact Mike 081 741 3166. The Jomtien Group meets everyday at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: Contact: Jerry 086 141 7748.

Christmas & New Year
Dining options

The Royal Cliff Beach Resort invites you to join them for some fabulous dining events over Christmas: December 24, 7pm-10:30pm enjoy the Christmas Eve Gourmet Set Dinner - a 7-course Epicurean set dinner with live entertainment and carol singing: 3,200 baht++ per person. Also on Christmas Eve the Royal Wing & Spa will be serving an 8-course gourmet extravaganza accompanied by live entertainment, 7pm-10:30pm: 4,200 baht++ per person. December 25, 11:30am-2:30pm is the Christmas Day Lunch Buffet – a sumptuous international buffet with roast turkey, Christmas pudding, a visit by Santa and Santarina and entertainment by the Strollers Trio: 1,200 baht++ per person. The Royal Cliff Beach Resort, 353 Pratamnak Road, Pattaya, Call 038 250421 for details.

Enjoy a Rockin Yuletide at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya: December 24, Christmas Eve Dinner & Party – Savour a seasonal holiday feast with split-roasted whole carcass of beef and free flow soft drinks during dinner plus entertaining shows: 1,200 baht++ per adult, 600 baht++ per child (book and pay before Dec 22 and pay net price only). Also December 24, Christmas Eve Set Dinner – A sumptuous 3-course dinner with chilled Norwegian salmon for starters followed by a choice of traditional roast Tom turkey, honey glazed ham or Australian char broiled beef strip loin served with a complimentary glass of wine: 790 baht++ per person – free kids menu for 1 child per paying adult (book and pay before Dec 22 and pay net price only). New Year’s Eve Dinner and Countdown Party ‘Carnival Rock’ – a colourful New Year’s Eve celebration with an exciting Carnival theme complete with an extensive buffet feast, split roasted beef, live band shows and dazzling firework display: 5,800 baht++ per person (dinner & party), 1,000 baht++ (party only). Call 038 428 755 for reservations.

Shenanigans Irish Pub invites you to a Christmas Dinner on December 25 from 12 Noon till 11pm. All the traditional Christmas fare including roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, roasted goose, pork loin with crackling, roasted beef, all served with vegetables and side dishes plus Christmas pudding, apple pie, Irish coffee and a glass of port or liqueur of your choice. All you can eat for 1,500 baht. Call 038 723 939-40 for reservations.

The Green Bottle Pub & Restaurant asks you to join them to count in the New Year on December 31. Enjoy the special menu with promotional whiskey, beer and wine, special shows, live band and the midnight countdown with "free champagne". The Green Bottle Pub & Restaurant, next to Diana Inn, Pattaya 2nd Road. Call 038 429 675 for details.

Celebrate Christmas & New Year at the Montien Hotel, Pattaya: December 24, Christmas Buffet Dinner - comes with a generous helping of festive cheer, carol singing and a visit by Santa with gifts for the children. Served in the Verandah Coffee Shop from 6pm-10pm, 800 baht++ per adult and 500 baht++ per child. Also December 24, Christmas Set Menu – a fabulous festive banquet featuring an opulent menu card, carol singing and a visit by Santa with gifts for the children. Served in La Mer restaurant from 6:30pm-10:30pm, 2,000 baht++ per adult, 1,500 baht++ per child. December 31, New Year Party Polynesian Night – Be mesmerized by the sumptuous international buffet dinner, live band, fireworks and a variety of entertainment. Held in the Paradise Gardens of the hotel, 6:30pm-1am: 4,500 baht++ per adult, 3,500 baht++ per child. Call 038 428 155-6 for reservations.

Bulls Eye Pub & Restaurant invites you to celebrate the three days of Christmas: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day with a special 3-course meal served on each day including a welcome cocktail on arrival. Only 690 baht net per person per day. Bulls Eye Pub & Restaurant is on Pattaya 3rd Road, Naklua. Call 038 370 701 for more information.

The Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa invites you to celebrate Christmas and New Year: Christmas Day will revolve around the theme of "dancing on a happy day". Dance performances and music shows by dancers and artists from around the world will be the highlight of a Christmas Day dinner, along with a spectacular Christmas buffet. The performances include flamingo dances and a glorious concert by Maestro Ohmen: Christmas Day dinner at 4,900 baht per person (half price for children under 12). Price is subject to 10% service charge and applicable government tax. New Year’s Eve: A spectacular New Year’s Eve party takes you back in time to old Siam, a visual feast of color and light, graceful dancers in original Thai costumes, evocative Thai music, and a gastronomic buffet of festive dishes. A colorful fireworks display will light up the skies at the stroke of midnight, Dec. 31: Dinner buffet at 6,900 baht per person (half price for children under 12). Price is subject to 10% service charge and applicable government tax. Call 038 412 120 for reservations.

Christmas at the Jomtien Boathouse features a traditional Scandinavian smorgaasbord buffet on December 22 from 6:30pm. The buffet includes 3 kinds herrings, assorted cold cuts, Christmas ham, eggs and tomatoes, gravad lax, roast beef, smoked salmon, warm roast pork, liver paste, meatballs and pork tenderloin, Assorted cheese platter, black and white bread and much more, all for only 450 baht. Call 038 364314 for info and reservations.

Celebrate the festive season at the Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya: Christmas Eve, Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season under the shining stars on Christmas Eve around the pool. Make merry with a pre-dinner cocktail and savour a delicious Christmas Feast with an international buffet, not to be missed. Priced at 3,800 baht++ per person including a bottle of sparkling wine. New Year’s Eve - Countdown to the New Year with pre-dinner cocktails by the pool followed by an international buffet and be entertained by fantastic dance performances. The relaxing oasis and its bedouin tented camp will, at countdown, be the place to let loose those party feet, continuing on into the night! Celebrate in style on New Year’s Eve at 6,000 baht++ per person inclusive of a bottle of wine. For reservations and more info contact 038 418418, email: orchid @amari.com or visit www. amari.com/orchid/

Celebrate the New Year with Hank at Henry J. Beans! Be a part of a gigantically fun party - just two steps from the beach on December 31. Let the music play on and the liquid flow, with lots of lucky draw winners! Join Hank and his deliriously happy staff to party until late, at 500 baht net per person inclusive of 2 standard drinks. For reservations and more info contact 038 418418, email: [email protected] or visit www.amari.com/orchid/

It’s a Fabulously Festive Mantra Affair - Do Xmas differently, do it Mantra-style! Xmas Eve, December 24, turn up the heat on the Christmas Eve with an à-la-carte menu to dine for at 2,950 baht+ per person, including wines. Xmas Day, December 25: Leave your stockings, holly and mistletoe at home and discover the delights of a dynamically stylish Grand Xmas Day brunch at 1,650 baht+ per person, inclusive of a free-flow sparkling wine buffet with the soulful sounds of American jazz diva, Ruby Hayes, performing live. New Year’s Eve, December 31: Nothing less than an outrageously extravagant feast and celebration awaits! Indulge in an exquisite gourmet menu, all you can eat for 3,900 baht+ per person (1,950 baht+ per child), inclusive of 2 drinks vouchers. The Mantra DJ kicks off the ascent to this end of year countdown - entrance fee on New Year’s Eve after 23.00 hrs at 500 baht per person. New Year’s Day, January 1: Start the first day of the year with Mantra’s Recovery Brunch with free-flow morning-after smoothies, packed with vitamin goodness, at 1,650 baht+ per person (850 baht+ per child). 11am - 3pm. For reservations, call +66 (0) 3842 9591 or email: email@mantra-pattaya .com, visit www.mantra-pattaya.com

Richard and his team at Amor Restaurant are preparing their fabulous Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dinners again. As usual they are all you can eat affairs with family style service direct to your table. Christmas Day Menu December 25: home made duck terrine, port and strawberry sorbet, roast turkey and roast pork, chestnut stuffing, roast & creamed potatoes, fresh vegetables, Christmas Pudding with brandy butter, tea or coffee: 1,350 baht+ (two sittings 7.00 p.m. & 9.30 p.m.) Reservations recommended. New Year’s Eve Menu December 31: salmon rillettes, champagne sorbet, baked ham and roast tenderloin of beef, roast & creamed potatoes, fresh vegetables, milles feuilles of marinated strawberries and whipped cream with cognac and cointreau, tea or coffee: 1,350 baht+ (one sitting 8 p.m.) Reservations recommended. Tel: 038-710-680, 081-945-5396, email: [email protected], www.amorrestaurant.com, Pattayaland Soi 3, South Pattaya.

Kim, Pascal & staff invite you to celebrate the Holiday Season at Restaurant Casa Pascal & Restaurant Poseidon: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Menu: Entrees: amuse bouche, salad of rock lobster and sesame shrimp on crunchy lettuce or homemade venison and cepes mushroom pâté with Cumberland sauce, celeriac and orange salad, pumpkin cream soup with pan–fried goose liver, orange champagne sherbet; Main Course: stuffed butter ball turkey served with chestnuts, cranberry sauce and gravy or whole roasted beef tenderloin with horse radish and apple cream, red wine gravy and béarnaise sauce. Both main dishes accompanied by green peas, carrots, Brussels sprouts and braised red cabbage, fresh croquettes potatoes. Dessert: finest selection of imported cheese or sour cherry parfait with kirsch and chocolate mousseline or traditional Christmas pudding with rum sauce, coffee & tea, price 1,550 baht. For more information, please contact our staff Casa Pascal (038) 723-660, Poseidon (038) 303-300, www.restaurant-pattaya.com, [email protected]

The Dusit Thani Resort, Pattaya announces a special Christmas Eve Dinner, December 24 from 7 pm - 10.30 pm at The Point Restaurant: Savour our delicious festive buffet feast while the Heartthrobs Band sets you in the party mood with our very own dancing sensations, the Honey Bees. Get spellbound by Mighty Torrent’s magic and entertained by Esarn’s "I Will Survive" celebrity Nabhada Sukhakrit. Not to be missed are the keepsakes from Santa and a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to Chiang Mai on Thai Airways International and two nights stay at Dusit Princess Chiang Mai: 5,000 baht++ for adults and 2,500 baht++ for children 5-12 years old. New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown December 31 from 7.00 pm - 1.30 am at Napalai Ballroom & The Point Restaurant: The feasting is out of this world and the entertainment virtually non-stop, starting with the Thai Human Puppet Dance Show. Dance and bid farewell to 2007 with Thailand’s songstress diva Nantida Kaewbuasai, while famous comedian Michael Tunk out-Michaels ‘Michael Jackson’ and even tries to top ‘Queen’ single handedly! Before the stroke of midnight, you can win fabulous prizes, including two roundtrip tickets to Chiang Mai on Thai Airways International and two nights’ stay at our trendy dusitD2 chiang mai. A fitting finale is fireworks at The Point, Dusit Thani Pattaya’s exclusive terrace, overlooking the most dazzling view of Pattaya Bay: 8,500 baht++ for adults and 4,250 baht++ for children 5-12 years old. For reservations, please call +66 (0) 3842 5611-7 ext. 2149-50.

Other Dining options in December

Molly Malones Irish Pub Pattaya (formerly The Kilkenny) has recently opened its doors on Walking Street, South Pattaya. Enjoy a wide selection of Irish & international homemade pub cuisine with huge portions and a great selection of local and imported draught & bottled beers, wines & spirits. Daily Irish Happy Hours start at 10am with Heineken, Singha, Tiger & Chang at just 59 baht draught specials and 150 baht jugs from 10am till 9pm. Christmas Day features a three-course lunch and dinner for only 750 baht & half price for children. The early bird pub breakfast is only 99 baht from 10am till 4pm, live music Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays and all your favourite live sport on the big screens. Call 038 711 094 for more information.

From 25 December to 3 January, The Peak Restaurant offers a special Chinese Dinner Set Menu for 10 persons with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for you to toast to a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Enjoy all this while enjoying the panoramic views of Pattaya Bay. The Peak is located on the 9th floor of Dusit Thani Pattaya. Open every day, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm for lunch & 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm for dinner. For reservations, please call 0 3842 5611-7 ext. 2276.

For great tasting Thai food pop along to the Salt and Pepper Restaurant next door to the Flamingo Hotel behind Tuk-Com City on South Pattaya Road (opens Mondays to Saturday from 9 a.m. till 10 p.m.). You will see a new exhibition by Pattaya Mail’s cartoonist M.J.B. which you can buy (every baht goes to the Pattaya Orphanage), plus each person who eats a meal and tells the management they have read about this restaurant in the Pattaya Mail can pick up one cheeky cartoon postcard FREE of charge.

Events

Gallery Opium at 315/26, Thepprasit Road, Pattaya introduces "My Art, My Passion" an exhibit running from Dec 22 till Jan 26. This Exhibition launches a new season of the Gallery’s artists and celebrates the beginning of its third anniversary in Pattaya. Also on display at the Sheraton Pattaya, 437 Pratamnak Road is a variety of work from local and international artists and all pictures being exhibited are for sale. Please call 038 303 040, 0850 847 947, email: [email protected] for further details.

Pattaya Music & Art Performance 2007 ‘Alangkarn Theater’ will host this great event in order to match the performance of a grand show, and a magnificent musical fountain show starting today until Sunday 23rd from 4:00pm until 9:00pm everyday at the Culture Courtyard at the Alangkarn Theater. A show case of artists’ achievements and work shops, music by famous artists emphasizes on a variety of music such as Jazz, Piano, Trio, Acoustic, performances by DJs, B-Boy, along with other interesting styles of music.