FEATURES
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Nong Ae named Young Tourism PR Ambassador

Pattaya youth shows real talent

Chonburi Rotary Club celebrates 40th birthday

By George, there’s a Hazard at work

AustCham waited till the sun went down


Nong Ae named Young Tourism PR Ambassador

Mayor Itthipol Khunplome addresses the gathering.

Miss Pawinee Kaewkerd (Nong Ae), a secondary school class 5 student from Pothisampan Pittayakarn School, has won the 3rd Pattaya Young Tourism PR Ambassador competition.

City council member Pisai Panomwan Na Ayuthaya (left)
presents the first place award to Nong Ae.

(L to R) Ruchira Ruengpattanavirat from Pothisampan Pattayakarn School was the 1st runner up, Nong Ae, also from Pothisampan Pittaya School, was the winner, and Watchanapisut Purikasem from Sawang Boriboon School finished 2nd runner up.

Sopin Thappajug (right), managing director of the Diana Group, presents the 1st runner up prize to Ruchira Ruangpattanawirat from Pothisamphan Pattaya School.

Chintana Wetchot (right), from the city’s education department, presents a bouquet of flowers to Nong “C” from Satitd Udomsueksa School, last year’s winner.

Nong Ae impresses the judges with
her answer concerning the Thai tradition of “wai”.

Ruchira Muangpattanvirat from Pothisamphan Pattaya School impressed the judges with her costume and mannerisms and ultimately earned 1st runner up.

Wachanapisut Purikasem,
who finished 2nd runner up, gave an impressive performance.

Mayor Itthipol Khunplome presents a certificate of appreciation
to Sopin Thappajug, managing director of the Diana Group.

Mike Franklin representing Skål International – Pattaya & East Thailand, Pattaya Mail Mike Franklin Classic Committee, Jesters Care for Kids Committee receives certificates of appreciation from Mayor Itthipol Khunplome.

Ruchira Muangpattanvirat performs in front of an appreciative crowd.

Tony Malhotra of Pattaya Mail Media Group receives a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Itthipol Khunplome.

Kittisak Wimooktayon (left) of Underwater World receives
 a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Itthipol Khunplome.

Umaporn Rachatawattanakoon (left) and Suwanthep Malhotra (right)
 emcee the Young Ambassador contest in Thai and English.

The judges had a difficult decision.

Kids from Pattaya Schools add flair to the proceedings with wonderful performances.

The judges and winning students pose for a photo after the contest.

Vimolrat Singnikorn
A secondary school class 5 student from Pothisampan Pittayakarn School has been named as the winner of the 3rd Young Pattaya PR Ambassador competition, the finals having been held on July 5.
Miss Pawinee Kaewkerd, known as Nong Ae, took the title while her friend from the same school, Rujira Ruengpattanawirat, was the runner up.
Both youngsters will now take part in various tourism promotional programs for Pattaya City.
The competition, which was being held for the third year in succession, attracted more participants than ever before, with 175 initially taking part.
Large organizations in Pattaya also supported the competition, with Underwater World, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and the Sanctuary of Truth amongst the names involved, and Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd acting as a sponsor for every year of the event.
Of the 175 students taking part in the first round, 60 were selected for the semi-finals that took place on June 20. From there, 20 students went forward to the final round, which was held on July 5 at the Central Festival Center in North Pattaya.
Cheered on by their families, friends and supporters, the 20 finalists answered questions in front of a panel of judges that included Sopin Thappajug, managing director of the Diana Group, Pattaya educational administrator Jintana Wetchote, and Dr Napaporn Ketwattanawes.
The 20 were narrowed down to 10, at which point Nong C, Miss Arisara Boonyasawat from Sathid Udom Sueksa School, who had won the title the previous year, came on the stage to bid farewell to her position. She drew great applause as she addressed the audience, saying that her year as Young Tourism PR Ambassador had been a great experience and that she would do everything she could to continue supporting Pattaya’s tourism.
Then the 10 selected students went back on stage to answer one final question each. The judges were most impressed with the answer from Nong Ae concerning the Thai tradition of “wai”.
As the winner, Nong Ae received 15,000 baht in cash, together with a trophy and a sash. Runner up was Ruchira Ruangpattanawirat, in third place was Wachanaphisut Purikasem from Sawang Boriboon School, and fourth was Kantima Samertwet. There were also two consolation prizes, going to Chatchana Sriyai and Kanaporn Tiewtrong. The Best Vocal Young Ambassador was Rungaroon Maenpuen. The Judges Choice prize went to Anchalee Villgach, and the Young Ambassador with the Best Talent was Viparat Boonanurak.

The organizing committee of the Young Pattaya PR Ambassador 2008 would like to warmly thank the following sponsors:
1. Skål International – Pattaya & East Thailand
2. Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd.
3. Sopin Thappajug and the Diana Group
4. Pattaya Mail Mike Franklin Classic
Charity Golf Tournament
5. Jesters Care for Kids Committee
6. The Charity Club of Pattaya
7. Y.W.C.A. Pattaya Chapter
8. Central Pattana Co., Ltd. (Pattaya)
9. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
10. Horseshoe Point Co., Ltd.
11. Underwater World
12. Ripley’s World of Entertainment
13. Mini Siam
14. The Sanctuary of Truth
15. Sophon Cable TV Pattaya


Pattaya youth shows real talent

Mike Franklin
The twenty finalists in the Pattaya City Young PR Ambassador contest did not disappoint the many onlookers at the Central Pattaya stage on Saturday July 5th. The enthusiasm to win this prestigious accolade grows, and in its third year the contest attracted 175 entries from local schools.
The chosen theme by most finalists for the live presentations to the panel of distinguished judges was predominantly traditional Thai dance, music or theatre. That is understandable as the ability to present Thai culture is an essential part of the Young PR Ambassador’s role. So too, is the ability to communicate well, be skilled in public speaking and have a language other than Thai.
The finalists all performed well and, after the first round, were reduced to ten. Clearly great effort had gone into every performance and the response to the impromptu questions given to each finalist was good.
However, when all the performances are good and there is not much to choose in the main, then originality and natural ‘stage presence’ is bound to score. This was certainly the case with the winner who chose to make and wear a dual male/female dress, and conduct a ‘George & Sarah’ conversation centered on how to MC and be a good public speaker. The ability to speak in Thai, English and Russian added to her emerging qualifications. The performance was natural, with no make-over but with a beautiful Thai smile.
So, Pavinee Kaewkerd, 16 years old and taking Grade 11 at Photisampan Pitiyakarn School, was duly voted the Pattaya City Young PR Ambassador for 2008. It was a well deserved win and I am sure she will a be fine PR ambassador for Pattaya City.


Chonburi Rotary Club celebrates 40th birthday

Pramote Channgam
Former president of the Chonburi Rotary Club Kowit Srisawat led the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the founding of the club on the evening of June 21 at the Sriniyom restaurant in Chonburi.

Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat congratulates the Chonburi Rotary Club on their 40th anniversary.

Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat was guest of honor, and presented a speech of congratulations to the club members and the members of other Rotary Clubs who were also attending.
Chonburi Rotary Club received its official credentials on June 20, 1968 at the Bangsaen Hotel. There were 27 founder members, with Dr Pratuang Kongkham as the first chairman and Boontiem Eungarporn as the first secretary.

Former president of the Chonburi Rotary Club Kowit Srisawat welcomes everyone to the celebration.

Pratheep Malhotra, governor of District 3340 congratulated club members on 40 years of success and service to the community, and added his warmest best wishes to the current president, Tossapon Rujiranon, who was ending his term. Pratheep then gave a warm welcome to incoming president Yongyuth Ploypradab and to the new committee for 2008-2009.
Kowit led a remembrance for members of the club who have passed away, and then candles were lit on the club’s 40th anniversary cake.
After the anniversary ceremony was completed, the club continued with the inauguration of the new committee, led by past district governor Dr Arnon Jirachawala.

Chonburi Rotary Club’s current president, Tossapon Rujiranon (left)
receives a souvenir from PP Surachat Chuenchoksan.

PDG Dr Arnon Jirachawala (left) presents
a meritorious service award to Tossapon Rujiranon.

Members and guests sing happy birthday
to the Chonburi Rotary Club on their 40th anniversary.

Rotary International governor of District 3340, Pratheep Malhotra proposes
 a toast to congratulate the Chonburi Rotary Club.


By George, there’s a Hazard at work

Vimolrat Singnikorn
A welcome party was held on July 2 at the Hard Rock Cafe for incoming general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel George Hazard.

Pratheep S. Malhotra (right) pins a “Make Dreams Real” pin on the Hard Rock Pattaya’s new GM George Hazard.
George is replacing Andrew Khoo, who has moved to the Concorde Hotel in Singapore.
Amongst those attending the reception to wish the new GM congratulations and best wishes were Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd and Suwanthep Malhotra, the company’s executive director for sales and marketing.
John Primmer, who has been training at the Hard Rock Hotel and who will shortly be on his way to take up the position of GM at the Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, was also amongst those present.
Andrew Khoo, although he has relocated, was on hand to welcome George Hazard, whose first day it was in the job, and to acquaint him with the Hard Rock Hotel kinsfolk.
The hotel employees introduced themselves to their new boss, and Pratheep, in his role as governor of Rotary International District 3340 presented a Rotary brooch to welcome George to Pattaya.

(L to R) Good pals Andrew Khoo, Pratheep S. Malhotra and Steve Graham.

(L to R) Suwanthep Malhotra, John Primmer, Andrew Khoo, Pratheep S. Malhotra, and George Hazard are quite festive at the welcoming event.

Andrew Khoo (right) and George Hazard (2nd right) interact
with the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya’s “band members”.


AustCham waited till the sun went down

Dr Iain Corness
The very aptly named Seaboard Sundowners, the monthly networking function of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) had a slight hiccup in the organization last week. They had to wait until the sun went down!

Kevin Fisher (left), director S.E. Asia of Cranes and Equipment Asia Co., Ltd. and Graeme Moore (right), procurement and materials manager of Clough (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and in a festive mood.
This occurred when the Automotive Focus Group (AFG), which is under the umbrella of AustCham and meets just before the Sundowners, had to wait until sundown to be able to see the outdoors PowerPoint presentation from guest speaker Dave Teirlynck of ZI-Argus Industrial Automation. However, with the sun disappearing over the ocean from the Northpoint venue, it all got underway.

(L to R) Stuart Saunders from AA Insurance, Sue from Pattaya Mail and Grant Atkinson, general manger of Latitude 12 share a tipple and a laugh.
The message from ZI-Argus was simple. Automation gets rid of mistakes and quality issues, but the software systems have to be correct first. Unfortunately, he was preaching to the converted, as none of the AFG manufacturers are doing hand building these days.
AFG president Mike Diamente, along with AustCham executive director Martin Kyle, presented Dave with a bottle of Australian white wine complete with wicker wine basket, and he was later seen scurrying from the Northpoint building with his booty in his arms.
Earlier in the day, the AFG members had been welcomed by Saint-Gobain Sekurit MD Francis Cholley, to inspect the modern auto glass manufacturing plant in the ESIE complex.

Paul Wilkinson (right), GM of AGS Four Winds International and Paul Whyte, GM of Tinfish (not show) were able to give Fr. Giovanni (left) from the Camillian Center a cheque for 150,000 baht.
However, with the sunset in full swing, the attendees at the AustCham function began to get into full swing as well at the Raimon Land sponsored event with the food coming from the Amari Orchid Resort and Tower.
As well as networking between the members, the function allowed AustCham to present the charity proceeds of last month’s golf tournament to the Camillian Center. Organizers Paul Wilkinson, GM of AGS Four Winds International and Paul Whyte, GM of Tinfish were able to give Fr. Giovanni from the Camillian Center a cheque for 150,000 baht, a much-needed boost to the center’s finances in their never-ending care for AIDS sufferers, especially children.
The AustCham Sundoweners are certainly popular with the business community, with probably more ‘honorary Aussies’ than real ones in attendance, including the vice chairman of the British Chamber Graham Macdonald. The AA Insurance brokers duo of Peter Smith and Malcolm Scorer were more of the honorary Aussies, along with Kevin (the crane man) Fisher, Jimmy Howard and Shaun Burke from Cromwell (another good English name). The Americans were also out in force as usual with Alan Verstein and Bobby Brooks telling everyone about the 4th of July celebrations commemorating when the Americans split from the English. It was only because there were so many English at the Aussie function that they could do this.
Of course there is naturally a Thai contingent, with the lovely trio of Ann, Pik and Nan from the International Marketing division of the local Bangkok Hospital Pattaya in attendance, promising super-star loving care and attention.
There were some of the ‘real’ Aussies present however, with Clough’s Graeme Moore, Stuart (the flosser) Saunders and Peter Cummins (Tasmanian but considered almost part of the mainland these days) doing their bit to hold Australia’s reputation high in the beer drinking stakes.
Once again, a great event at a great venue (though the steps to the toilet truck were a bit daunting). The next Seaboard Sundowners will be announced in the Pattaya Mail.