|
Chambers unite for a night by the beach
(L to R) Harald P. Sandow,
MBA INSEAD, managing director.,
Business & Financial Services Group.; and John W. Wyss,
branch manager – Pattaya of Property Care Services (Thailand) Ltd.
(L to R) Scott Malone,
managing director
of Homehunters International Group Co., Ltd.; and Paul Salisbury,
mortgage & property consultant with Lifestyle Thailand Co., Ltd.
(L to R) Peter Smith,
director of AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd.; and Dr. Paul Wilson Bland,
coordinator for Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering with the
Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering
(TGGS).
(L to R) Benjamin
Leipold, deputy chief of the Business Advisory Division at the
German-Thai Chamber of Commerce; Eupaporn Seniwong Na Ayuthaya, chief of
the Division for Special Projects at the German-Thai Chamber of
Commerce; Till Ahnert, integrated expert in International Trade at the
German-Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Michael C. Usher, managing director
of Thai-German Institute-International Technical Services (TGI-ITS).
(L to R) Dave Buckley,
Real Estate Magazine Thailand; John Black, managing director, Real
Estate Magazine Thailand; and Steve Johnson, Water Engineered
Technologies.
(L to R) Stuart McArthur,
CEO of Zuellig Industrial Group; Volker Braun, general manager of
Zi-Techasia Solutions Ltd; and Liam Ayudhkij, owner of Liam’s Gallery.
(L to R) Wilaree
Kleesuwan, lawyer at Sukhothai Associates Inter Law Co., Ltd.; Okko
Sprey, director, Macado Co., Ltd.; and Joe Barker-Bennett, managing
director of JMBB Consulting Co. Ltd.
(L to R) Alain
Deurwaerder, managing director of Katoen Natie (Thailand) Ltd.; Craig
Donnelly, managing director of Emission Control Technologies Co., Ltd.;
and Cameron Stirling, group account & creative director, Milan Crosse
Creative Ltd.
(L to R) Steve Duckworth,
general manager of Waste Management Siam Ltd.; Gal Aviram, regional
manager Eastern Seaboard, Group 4 Securicor PLC. Company; and David W.
Pollock, account manager of Coreharbour Ltd.
(L to R) Sue K and Stephan
Feldmann, junior economist with
the Business Advisor Division of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce.
(L to R) Michael Parham,
network business development manager with East-West Logistics Co., Ltd.;
and Governor David B. Carden with FedEx Express.
(L to R) Ron Keeley,
managing director of the World of Wine Co., Ltd.; Rodney Bain, chairman
of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; Graham Macdonald, vice
chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; Mark Butters,
CPFA, United Kingdom, director of RSM Advisory (Thailand) Ltd.; and Greg
Pitt, managing director of Mackenzie Smith Law.
(L to R) Sue, Rungratree,
Judy, Dr Iain,
Peter and Bruce know how to enjoy the evening together.
(L to R) Jan Rozendaal,
PhD, MSc, malaria control adviser for Tangguh Community Health Unit;
George T. Strampp, managing partner, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions;
Kunchaya Fuengfoo, executive secretary at Horseshoe Point; Ron Kosinski,
president, Forging and Machining Technology; Craig Donnelly, managing
director, Emission Control Technologies Co., Ltd.; Frank Keller.,
engineering manager, Interstar Technology Group.; and Nanthini Doowa,
assistant to the director of sales & marketing for Pattaya Mail
Publishing Co., Ltd.
Pattaya Mail Reporters
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) arranged for
the American, French and German Chambers of Commerce to join them in a
Networking Evening on August 30 at the Garden Cliff Resort & Spa in
Naklua. The evening was a magnificent success with nearly 200 people
attending the event, which was sponsored by Mackenzie Smith Law (MSL)
and Property Care Services (Thailand) Ltd (PCS).
The event was situated in a wonderful setting overlooking the beach and
the general manager of the Garden Cliff, Wesley Hayden, was everywhere
making sure that there was enough drink and food to keep everyone happy.
The night had a truly international flavour to it. Dr. Iain Corness, an
Australian, was seen interviewing Rodney Bain, another Australian and
chairman of the BCCT, and Stephan Buerkle, a German, the executive
director of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce. He also persuaded the
two sponsors to speak for television and so Greg Pitt, the Welsh MD of
MSL and Liam Ayudhkij O’Keefe, the Irish chairman of PCS, waxed lyrical
for the cameras.
Many new faces were also seen, John Wyss, the Pattaya branch manager of
PCS was there talking to Charlie Gamban, the vice president of Thailand
Elite who was also chatting with Dr Salam Hoshang, the associate dean of
Asian University. Ravi Singh, the CEO of MPS Technologies was in deep
conversation with Paul Marks from the American School and Khun Ko was
trying to persuade David Holden of Premier Hospitality Services to go
and see him at Horseshoe Point.
There were familiar faces in attendance as well. Clive Butcher of
Transearch was seen with Mark Butters of RSM Advisory and Scott Malone
of Homefinders was trading stories with Peter Mewes of the London
Consultancy. Jackie Wright, a new recruit with Watermark Capital, was
asking for ideas of where she should celebrate her wedding anniversary
next week and George Strampp was advising people on the latest in the
automotive trade. Alain Deuwaerder of Katoen Natie was there as was Lee
Hunter from Premier Environmental. Stuart Sutton from Jomtien Property
found a new host of potential clients whilst Bruce and Judy Hoppe were
delighted to catch up with old friends.
Ron Keeley, the MD of World of Wine, which is a company that gives all
of its profits to charity, was negotiating deals with prospective
clients. At the same time, Paul Wilkinson from AGS Four Winds and Simon
Matthews of Manpower were seen digging into the superb food laid on by
the Garden Cliff whilst Joe Grunwell was wondering how to build up
enough brownie points to be able to see the next Tri-Nations game.
The evening was a huge success with everyone delighted with the venue
and the superb catering. The next BCCT Networking Evening will be at
Jameson’s Irish Pub on Friday, 26th September at 6 p.m. and will be a
combined event with the charity, the Lighthouse Club of Pattaya.
Asian Experience 2008
Participants gather for a
group photo at the Amari Orchid Resort and Spa.
Victor Kriventsov, Russian
director of sales and marketing,
guides Russian students around the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
International many legged
race.
Massage is fun.
Chef from Sea Breeze hotel
demonstrates flambé.
Fruit carving isn’t as easy as
it looks.
Learning to carve fruit.
Cooling off at Nong Nooch.
Callum presents a thank you
shield to Dr Iain at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.
Tug of war tests students’
strength.
Elephant riding - a new
experience for the visitors.
Susan Joyce
After three weeks of lectures, tours, business and cultural
visits and making friends, the 34 international delegates have left Asian
University’s Summer University; some have returned to their homes and others
are enjoying a short holiday in Thailand.
 Asian
University assistants Mink and Poppy.
The programme started on the Asian University campus, near Jomtien, and the
young people from nine different countries started with introductions to
Thailand from the University’s Thai students about the way things are done
here.
After a week on campus, including an inspiring lecture from Mr. Meechai,
they went to Koh Samet for a relaxing weekend. Everyone enjoyed themselves
on the beach and in the sea, preparing themselves for the study ahead. The
group was split into two sections. Fourteen of the Russians from Sakhalin
University were taking special English language and Tourism courses, while
the others were concentrating on how business operates in Thailand and SE
Asia. The business section included undergraduate and postgraduate students
as well as people who are already working. Both sections socialized together
and were introduced to Thai culture and visited some local sites and
businesses.
The tourism group went to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort where they were shown
round by Victor Kriventsov, the Russian director of sales and marketing.
They also visited Alangkarn, where the management team allowed everyone onto
the stage to see some of the special features used in the extravaganza
shows. The students liked the Hard Rock Hotel, and felt it was most suitable
for younger visitors. They also visited the Aquarium and the Pattaya Friday
market, finding plenty of bargains. The students made time to go shopping,
visit a few of the numerous nightspots in Pattaya and Bangkok as well as
tasting Thai food in a wide range of venues.
 An
egg race is part of the fun.
Everyone enjoyed visiting the Amari Hotel, with a presentation by Chatchai
Sangphet, their professional development manager, followed by supper at
Henry J. Beans. A first for most of the visitors was elephant riding by the
beach at Ban Amphur, and a visit to Wat Yan with a talk by the Abbot about
meditation and his life as a monk. He certainly looked young for his age!
The visitors were very impressed by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (where a few
stayed behind to visit the dental department) and Dr Iain Corness guided
them around the facilities, many of which compare favourably to a five star
hotel. In Bangkok there was a visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, riding
the sky train, cruising the klongs (including the Royal Barge museum and Wat
Arun) and lectures from eminent businessmen who are working in Thailand. The
Asian University president, Dr Viphandh Roengpithya, also gave lectures on
some of the influences of Thai Buddhism.
The visitors were looked after by the Summer University director, Keith
Cheeseborough, and his assistants plus two Asian University students, Poppy
and Mink, who were able to guide the students to the night spots frequented
by both Thais and foreigners. The feedback was very positive; “This
experience was really interesting and great in all aspects. I’m sure these
days will stay in my memory forever.” “Like to give great thanks to Dr. Vip
and Asian University for an enlightening experience.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s Summer University, and some
customized programmes for individual groups.
Colorful religious ceremony held to mark
Santsak Ngampichet’s birthday
Thousands of Buddha images
adorn the ceremonial
altars as monks lead the congregation in prayer.
Sansak Ngampichet lights the
ceremonial candle
to commence the religious ceremonies.
Gold rings, paper and jewelry
are smelted down to make a gold Buddha image.
Drew Noyes
More than 10,000 friends, family members and supporters of the
charismatic Santsak Ngampichet joined in a breathtaking Buddhist ceremony of
prayer and merit making to commemorate his sixth cycle birthday in Sattahip
recently. The 72-year-old Santsak is a former Member of Parliament
representing Pattaya and the region.
More than 100 monks prayed at the ceremony with thousands of Buddha images
adorning the ceremonial altars. Guests linking arms to pray for Santsak’s
good health and long life was an incredible sight to behold. Gold jewelry
was smelted down for the purpose of creating an extraordinary Buddha image
to commemorate the auspicious occasion. Amongst the guests were leading
Pattaya and Chonburi personalities from both the public and private sector.
It was indeed a birthday party that will be long remembered.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul and
Poramet Ngampichet assist
in the ritual of smelting gold to make the unique Buddha image.
Sontaya Khunplome (left)
former Minister of Tourism & Sports poses with Drew Noyes (2nd left) along
with family and friends.
PVC pipe laid in Samaesan Bay for coral growth
Patcharapol Panrak
Artificial reefs in the form of PVC pipe were laid on the seabed
off Samaesan Beach on August 11 to encourage the growth of coral.
 Students
get a closer look at the project.
The project was organized by the marine science and preservation division of
Vinythai (Public) Co Ltd and undertaken in cooperation with Sriya Nusorn
School to demonstrate how the marine environment can be conserved.
The event was held in honor of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, which took
place on the following day, August 12.
Sriya Nusorn School is located in the Muang District in Chantaburi Province,
and is the provincial girls’ school. Thirty-one students from secondary
school class 4, and 39 students from secondary school class 5 attended the
placing of the PVC pipes.
Mrs Chareerat Charoensappapuech, science teacher at Sriya Nusorn School,
said that the students would follow the growth of the coral and thereby
understand more about how marine organisms grow and flourish.
Vikrom Phumibhol, manager of marine science and preservation activities at
Vinythai said that the project was for the planting and spreading of antler
coral using PVC pipe in Samaesarn Bay. This is a continuing project between
the educational institutions, and the government and private sectors.
Students from Sriya Nusorn
School learn a little about coral from
the marine science and preservation division of Vinythai (Public) Co Ltd.
The PVC pipes are finished and
ready to be submerged in Samaesarn Bay.
Regent’s Round Square team takes part
in service venture in Peru
Mike Thomas
(Head of Drama) and Vlad Plotnikov
(Year 13 – IB student)
As part of this year’s Regent’s School Round Square week, Head of Drama
Michael Thomas and Year 12 IB student Vlad Plotnikov travelled the 23,000
thousand mile distance to Peru, South America to help the Chincha community
re-build their lives following a disastrous earthquake there in November
2007. They were joined by ex-Regent’s Gap Teacher Gemma Cox and her friend
Erin Hulme who are now both medical students in Toronto, Canada.
 The
Regent’s team at Chincha.
The Regent’s group formed part of a larger group made up of students from
Louisenland School, Germany and a number ex-students and exchange visitors
of Markham College, Peru who, led by Harry Hildebrand, coordinated the
relief project.
The day following the 23 hour flight from Bangkok, the group travelled by
bus to Chincha, approximately 80 kilometres south of the capital, Lima. Upon
arrival, it soon became apparent that virtually all the houses and public
buildings were made of mud brick, no defence against the deadly forces of an
earthquake which had destroyed much of the town 18 months before.
The mayor of Chincha allowed the dedicated volunteers to camp-out in his
garden with his wife making breakfast for us all bright and early each day.
Despite the chilly temperatures compared to Thailand, the single cold water
shower took its fair share of use that week and alarm clocks were not needed
as there was a cage full of roosters at the bottom of the garden.
 Friends
on the road.
Our main task was to build three community centres which were made of sturdy
wooden panels topped by corrugated iron roofs with the whole structure
bolted to a cement base. The week rapidly became a fast-track induction into
the construction industry and we all took part in the different tasks of
cement mixing, sawing, bolting and lifting the heavy panels.
As well as giving a helping hand with the construction work, the locals
prepared a delicious lunch each day, insisting we took home some freshly
baked bread at the end of each ‘shift’.
The final touch was a colourful mural (designed by Gemma) which adorned the
outer walls of each of the structures, with some particularly decorative
Thai emblems featured on the Regent’s building. Each of the centres was
ceremonially opened by ribbon cutting and speeches by the community leaders.
This was followed by fried banana fritters for all, washed down by a dose of
‘strong liquid’ to toast the success of the project!
 Machu
Pichu.
The Community leader of the Regent’s building expressed particular thanks
for the money raised by the Regent’s Pattaya Round Square Council towards
their splendid new facility. At the end of the week, which went all too
quickly, we were very sad to say farewell to our friends in Chincha.
The day following our return to Lima, Mr Kvietok, Head of Round Square at
Markham College, took us and some Year 12 students, from the affluence of
central Lima with its smart shops and stylish residences, to the shanty town
of Pamplona Alta situated on a mountainside overlooking the city.
The contrast between the two worlds could not have been greater. Most of the
thousands of its inhabitants were forced to flee there from the countryside
following the terrorist war of the 1980’s between government forces and the
feared Maoist Shining Path guerrillas. Many families rely on one meal a day
at a cost of one dollar with the average income not exceeding 100 dollars
per month.
 Peruvian
market.
The majority of the buildings were situated amongst pig farms which are one
of the main sources of income in the communities of tightly packed shacks
without water, electricity or sewage disposal. Despite these hardships, the
dignity, generosity of spirit and good humour of the inhabitants reached out
to us and at no time did we feel in any form of danger, unlike similar
communities in other parts of South America.
The walls of the Primary School, perched precariously on the side of the
mountain, were alive with colourful art work and examples of poetry produced
by students full of energy and impish good humour. Markham College students,
who have built a close-knit bond with the community, have recently
constructed a concrete staircase as well as furnishing and decorating a
community meeting hall.
The second week of the trip saw us leaving Lima to travel south to visit
some of the most famous tourist sights in the world, beginning with the
legendary capital of the Incas, Cuzco and the spectacular mountain
settlement and fortress of Machu Pichu. Not having sufficient time to walk
the famous Inca Trail to the summit meant a 4.30am start on the backpacker
train in the company of 400 other tourists, each with a blanket across their
knees to ward off the chilly morning temperatures. The four hour journey
there and back was worth it since Machu Pichu has to be one of the most
awesome and spectacular places in the world.
The guide carefully explained the rich and sophisticated culture and social
structure of the Inca society which came to a tragic end with its defeat by
the Spanish Conquistadores in the 16th century. (We were also told that we
were lucky with the weather since it had rained there all the previous
week.) The return train journey was enlivened by an impromptu fashion show
presented by the very same carriage attendants who had seemed so serious on
the journey up the mountain a few hours before!
Back in the regional capital Cuzco, we soaked up the atmosphere and history
of the city with its cobbled streets and beautiful churches, many of which
were built on the foundations of the gold-inlaid Inca temples. This was
after an afternoon visit to the nearby ancient and massive Inca temple of
Tambomachay, situated on a hill overlooking the city.
Our hotel was a delightful 18th Century coaching inn with low ceilings and a
fountain playing gently in the courtyard. If Zorro had jumped from the
balcony, we would not have been surprised!
We were lucky enough to be in town that evening for the latest fiesta
(apparently there is a religious feast practically every day!) in which we
joined in with the thousands of local people and tourists dancing wildly
under the stars in the main square to the music of the latest Peruvian rock
band.
The next day meant another early start, this time on the Inca Express bus
south to Lake Titicaca, the highest freshwater lake in the world where we
visited the thousands of years old communities living on floating carpets of
reeds. As we travelled across the vast expanse of lake with its canopy of
blue sky, the snow-capped mountains of Bolivia were clearly visible in the
distance.
On the return journey we journeyed across the high plateau of La Raya where
we also had an opportunity to visit the mysterious Inca funerary towers of
Sillustani. The experience seemed more intense as there were very few other
tourists there - a change from Machu Pichu!
The whole experience of our service adventure in Peru was packed from start
to finish with unforgettable images and memories of amazing people in
extraordinary situations. The Regent’s hopes to host some students from
Markham College in the future so they can learn about our beautiful country
and some of the Round Square projects we have here. (Two Markham teachers
have already participated in the Regent’s Koh Phi Phi project). Until then,
there is the dream and hope of returning to the amazing land that is South
America.
Chincha community and
volunteers.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul inducted into
Optimist International Club of Thailand
Last week at the club’s headquarters in the Hard Rock
Hotel Pattaya former Member of Parliament and managing director of Sophon
Cable T.V., Co., Ltd. Chanyuth Hengtrakul was inducted as a member of
Optimist International Club of Thailand and then appointed senior advisor to
the club.
 Club
Treasurer Max Rommel and President Drew Noyes induct Chanyuth Hengtrakul.
The charismatic Thai leader then helped President Drew Noyes, Vice
Presidents Phil Webb and Robert Sutterfield, Club Secretary Anna Guia
Napenas and Treasurer Max Rommel induct ten more new members to the new
international club based in Pattaya.
Among the honored guests invited to witness this historic event were the
Banglamung District Chief Mongkol Thamakittikhun with a high-ranking member
of the Ministry of Culture, Hard Rock General Manager George Hazard, Captain
James C. Phillips, editor of Pattaya.com magazine Nitiphon Phuekpipat and
website entrepreneurs Mike Hanlon and Jan Jansen.
Nine new inductees came from Bangkok led by Richard Bell who was an Optimist
for many years in America and his father Paul Bell who has been an Optimist
Club member for 43 years and now by his induction continues his help to
children in Thailand. The other leading business people from Bangkok joining
the club were Joe Chailom, Colin Wilkes, Tim Broderick, John Guchone, Fabio
Fe, Thanawut Vathincha and Natsajee Thongleam.
The Optimist International Club of Thailand was honored to induct a very
special new member - Scott Robert Palinkas, a Native American businessman
and philanthropist from California.
This brings the three month old international club membership to 42 members.
Optimist International is a world-wide organization of business people and
retirees who are devoted to serving the children of the community. There are
Optimist International Clubs in 38 countries. But, until now, there has
never been a Charter Club granted membership in Thailand. Requirements for
joining are good character, strong community ties, an optimistic, caring
attitude to all you meet and, most of all, a willingness to improve the
lives of children.
According to Founder and Charter Club President Drew Noyes, the new Optimist
International Club of Thailand’s primary goals are to help children continue
their basic education and to form one of the world’s strongest and largest
Optimist Clubs to show the caring nature of the Thais living here and the
foreigners who have relocated to Thailand for its love of family and
acceptance of foreigners. Already the club is making its mark with the
national headquarters based in the USA.
Drew explained that he learned so much from one of his mentors, Rotary
International District 3340 Governor Peter Malhotra about how to organize
and operate a successful international service club. Rotary now has six
clubs in Pattaya which is part of a family of more than 32,000 clubs all
over the world. Drew said that he wants to work with Rotary and share
efforts on service projects helping children.
President Drew Noyes explained that he formed the national Optimist Club in
Pattaya instead of Bangkok because he wanted to spotlight Pattaya and help
to create a strong, positive image of this rapidly evolving resort city.
Banglamung District Chief Mongkol Thamakittikhun commented that this was an
excellent idea to form the national club headquarters in Pattaya as it
indeed does bestow honor and a positive image on the city and there are
children in Banglamung District outside of Pattaya City who need help. The
officer of the Ministry of Culture agreed.
In March, Drew Noyes received the news that Optimist International would
award a Club Charter to him for all of Thailand if he had 15 members to join
him as Founding Members. The goal was to have foreigners and Thais who all
love helping children and share the values of the Optimist Creed. Drew sent
the Optimist Creed and Mission Statement with the link to www.Optimist.org
to 22 of his closest friends in Bangkok and Pattaya hoping that 15 would be
able to attend the ever-important Charter meeting held at the executive
conference center of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Pattaya on a work
day.
To his amazement all 22 of his friends came to the meeting and signed up
providing more than the required number to qualify for Charter Club status.
Whereas Rotary has seven clubs in Pattaya alone, this is the first and only
one of the prestigious Optimist International Clubs in Thailand.
Meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist Clubs
have been “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” since 1919. Optimist Clubs conduct
positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Club
Members are best known in their communities for their upbeat attitudes. By
believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can,
Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place to live.
There are 101,000 individual members who belong to more than 3,200
autonomous clubs. Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects each year,
serving six million young people. Optimists also spend US $78 million on
their communities annually.
Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community,
Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their community
in any way they see fit. Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and
react to it.
The Optimist International Club of Thailand has already completed two
community service projects for rural school children in areas of Thailand
with no civic or charitable clubs or government funds to help them.
In a project led by Board Member Wanrapa Boonsu ninety-nine pairs of new
shoes were donated to school children who had never owned shoes attending a
school in a small village 30 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani.
Hundreds of kilos of rice, basic school supplies, a water filtration system
and other much-needed items were donated to a needy school near Petchaburi
in a project led by Board Member Brian Wright and contributed to by Brian,
his wife Noon and Captain James Phillips and his wife Pui.
Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday at 6pm at the Hard Rock
Hotel. Anyone interested in joining is invited to call President Drew Noyes
at 084-111-799 or e-mail him at
[email protected]
Club members Sermsak, Kung and
Drew pose for a photo with with Banglamung District Chief Mongkol
Thamakittikhun and an officer of the Ministry of Culture.
Members eclipsed at PCEC meeting
The regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya City Expats
Club got underway at the Amari’s Henry J. Bean Restaurant on Sunday, August
24th when the club welcomed Myles Harman in his debut as Master of
Ceremonies (MC).
 New
MC Myles Harman introduces John Fishback to share with PCEC members his
recent trip to China to see the total eclipse of the sun and the Olympic
Games.
After the usual announcements, Myles introduced John Fishback to tell
everyone about his recent visit to China to see the solar eclipse. The word
eclipse is Greek for “abandonment.” The Greeks believed that the sun was
abandoning the earth during an eclipse. John noted that in history, it was
believed that a solar eclipse involves a dragon or a demon devouring the
sun. During an eclipse, the ancient Chinese would make extremely loud noises
by banging on drums or pots to scare the dragon away.
John explained that while there have been 71 solar eclipses in the past 100
years; they are not visible in all parts of the world. He further explained
how the moon blocks the view of the sun during a solar eclipse. With the aid
of some projected diagrams, John covered the technical aspects of solar
eclipses and said that many are partial and not total. He also said that
many people from all over the world travel to locations where they can best
see solar eclipses. However, he did not have to travel to see his first one
as it occurred over Hawaii when he was living there. But, he said he did
travel to see his second one as he was living in Guam, but the best viewing
point was from Lopburi, Thailand. As he often visited Thailand, he decided
to visit at the time of an eclipse and included Lopburi in his itinerary.
 After
a very informative talk on the phenomena of eclipses, and a recent history,
John showed us a video of the event including totality, and the ‘diamond
ring’ moment when the first light breaks after totality.
When he learned that a total solar eclipse would occur on August 1st this
year with the best viewing location at a place in China and knowing that
this would be shortly before the start of the 2008 Olympics, John said he
couldn’t pass up making the trip. Further, it also gave him an opportunity
to revisit where he had previously lived in China. John said it was great,
but he did experience some problems along the way including flight delays
and other obstacles. But, he described how he persevered and was able to get
near the preferred location for the best view of the eclipse. In addition to
diagrams and pictures from the Google Earth website, John showed several
pictures of the country along his route culminating with a video he took of
the total solar eclipse.
 Board
member Roger Fox reports on last week’s members’ trip to Kanchanaburi, and
next week’s trip to Hanoi and Halong Bay.
John said that there will be another eclipse occurring next year, which will
be visible from Bhutan and China. He said he would do some research as he
thinks he might be able to come up with an overall trip that will interest
other club members enough to join him for such an adventure. John concluded
by describing some of the difficulties he encountered in attending the
Olympics, but said he would save his presentation on attending the Olympics
to a later date.
MC Myles Harman then brought everyone up to date on upcoming events. The
regular Open Forum began with Hawaii Bob Sutterfield again joining Sig
Sigworth in conducting the Forum. As always, the Open Forum provided answers
to questions from the members and guests about living here in Thailand
following the club’s motto - expats helping expats. The forum was done, as
usual, with a bit of humor to liven the day.
Member Sermsakdi introduces to
PCEC members the new director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for
Pattaya, Niti Kongrut.
|
