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Saroj strikes gold at Eastern Star

BCCT join forces with Horseshoe Point

Pattaya’s Thai-Sikh community celebrates Guru Nanak’s birthday


Saroj strikes gold at Eastern Star

Diana Group celebrates 10th anniversary of Diana Gold charity golf tournament

Diana Gold organizers and sponsors present a cheque for 40,000 baht to Chanita Yndeesook (second left) of Banglamung School.

The Diana Group Charitable Foundation benefits to the tune of 120,000 baht.

Nittaya Pratimasonkoh (second left)
receives a cheque for 20,000 baht on behalf of the YWCA.

Laila Sarawong from VC Sports production and representing the Tawanyim Sunshine Radio Project (left) is presented with a 40,000 baht donation.

Mike Franklin
The Diana Group recently celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Diana Gold Charity Golf tournament at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort
Whilst still maintaining the Diana Group’s unique concept of offering gold as a technical prize on every hole, it was necessary, due to the high price of gold, to update the sponsorship format. Sponsorship was set at 10,000 baht per hole to fund a 50 Satang gold item as the player’s prize with the balance going to the nominated children’s charities.
The weather on the day was perfect at Eastern Star and the course, presented by Superintendant Kaweeporn, was in fine condition, albeit the greens running a bit slow at around speed 7.

Ladies winner Sud (left) is all smiles as she receives her trophy together with 50 Satang of gold sponsored by the YWCA and presented by Nittaya.
No problems with handicaps in this 10th Diana Gold Charity Golf tournament as the scoring was by the ’36 System’ that calculates a player’s handicap based on performance on the day. A scoring method that is increasingly popular for major tournaments as it eliminates conflict between different handicap systems and sources.
However, that meant that the handicap divisions for performance scoring could not be established until the final gross scores were in, so the divisions on the course for the technical prizes were based on age. For the men, Super seniors 65 years and over, Seniors 50 – 64 years and the remainder under 50 years. The age qualification for the ladies was open.

Pratheep (Peter) Malhotra, Managing Director of Pattaya Mail Publishing presents the Division 2 winners trophy to Harry Riley (right).
The prize-giving and formal proceedings were preceded by a minutes silence in respect of the late Princess Galayani, and held poolside at the Diana Garden Resort.
The main sponsors were represented by Yanyong (Beer Chang); Kanthorn (E.C. Biotech), and GM Pinij (Eastern Star) with Passakorn and Prawit and were duly welcomed together with Diana Gold ‘Partners’ Pattaya Sports Club, Pattaya Mail Publishing, VC Sports and City Life Radio 93.75
The VIPs in attendance included: Nitti Kongkrut, Director TAT Pattaya, Middle Region 3, Nittaya Pratimasonkoh, a President of YWCA, Pattaya Center, Waraphan Sukontasit, President of Saiyayluk Project, Chanita Yndeesook, Assistant Director of Banglamung Schools, Veera Phuengphadung, Kasikorn Bank Manager, Yanyong Thontoh, Beer Chang, Kanthorn Chinarong, E.C. Biotech Healthcare, Pinij Dharakasem, Eastern Star, Sanya Mangkorn, City Life FM 93.75, Laila Sarawong, VC Sports production and Peter Malhotra, Managing Director Pattaya Mail Publishing.
A warm welcome was given to all.

The Diana Gold Champion 2008, Saroj (left), receives the champion’s trophy and 50 Satang of gold from TAT Regional Director Nitti Kongkrut (right).
The nominated Charities to benefit from Diana Gold 2008 continue to be those concerned with children’s care and education: The Pattaya City Education Dept. (One School, One Hotel); Scholarships for Children at Banglamung Schools; Tawanyim (Sunshine Radio project); The Street Kids of Pattaya; and other chosen projects through the Diana Group Charitable Foundation.
Net 67, returned by Saroj Chalermyat, was the best net score of the day by two shots to win the 10th Diana Gold Charity Golf tournament, that in a set of results which reflected the likely concentration on winning gold at the 18 technical holes, or mastering the greens. Congratulations to Saroj on becoming the 2008 and 10th Diana Gold Champion to receive the Champions trophy with gold sponsored by The Tourist Authority of Thailand Middle Region 3 and presented by Director Nitti Kongkrut.
The Low Gross trophy went to Koravit with a gross 72 off the stick, even par for the round.
The Division winners were Sud for the Ladies with a net 69, while runner-up Nattaporn Thongpen took second on count-back from Sopin Thurarat, both with net 71. Sud, in addition to the winner’s trophy, received 50 Satang gold sponsored by the YWCA and presented by Nittaya.
For the men Tony Barker won Division III with net 72 in a three-way count back, beating runners-up Visut and Janne Johansson.
Harry Riley’s net 71 beat Manop on count-back in Division II, closely followed by 2nd runner-up Wattanhabol with net 72. Division I produced the best all round scores; Klahan declared the winner from a net 70 three-way count-back with the runners-up being Stewart Retour and Nuttaphol.
The trophies were presented by members of the VIP party hosted by Sopin Thappajug, CEO Diana Group
The 50 Satang gold technical prizes were well spread and the winners and hole sponsors are listed on this page. The Beer Chang Charity hole, the par-three 17th, raised the sum of 7,000 baht to add to the proceeds.
The prize-giving, on a fine evening, was back at the Diana Garden Resort poolside with a splendid outdoor buffet to welcome the players and their many guests. Yours truly (Mike Franklin) and Khun Boonrung were co-presenters for the evening. In their opening remarks, the benefiting charities were announced as those concerned with Children’s Care and Education. Namely The Pattaya City Education Dept. (One School, One Hotel); Scholarships for Children at Banglamung Schools; Tawanyim (Sunshine Radio project); The Street Kids of Pattaya; and other chosen projects through the Diana Group Charitable Foundation.
The sum of 320,000 baht was raised for the charities and checks were presented on stage to the representatives present. The sum of 229,000 was raised on the day with the balance given by the Diana Group Foundation.
A cheque for 40,000 baht was presented to the Banglamung Schools, received by Chanita to help with their various projects. Secondly, 40,000 baht went to Tawanyim Sunshine Radio project represented by Laila, and 20,000 baht to the YWCA represented by Nittiya Pratimasonkoh. The remaining proceeds of 220,000 go to the Diana Group Foundation to benefit the ‘One School One Hotel’ Project, Street Kids of Pattaya and other projects through the foundation.
Thanks were then duly expressed to the main sponsors of Diana Gold 2008: Beer Chang represented by Yanyong Thontoh, E.C. Biotech represented by Kanthorn Chinarong and Eastern Star Country Club & Resort, represented by GM Pinij Dharakasem. The ‘Gold’ sponsors were displayed stage-side and their generosity duly acknowledged as the gold prizes were presented, in most cases by the hole sponsor in person. Grateful thanks to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for supplying the Ambulance Unit to be on station during the day.
Special thanks were extended to Eastern Star for the excellent presentation of the golf course, and the friendly efficient service from the staff. Due credit was given to the tournament team on the day – Beer Chang and Diana Group staff for manning the Beer Chang Charity Hole. Thanks also to Nigel Cannon and PGA Pro, David Race, for helping throughout at registration and for judging the final results. To Prajackchat for the starting, to Kob and staff from the Diana Group at registration, and finally, to Khomsan, Diana Group General Manager, with regard to the overall planning and preparation of the event
Finally, it was time for the Lucky Charity Draw. The items to be won included some more gold, golf equipment and golf bags from Pattaya City Golf and Eastern Star; beer sets from Beer Chang, vouchers for the Green Tree and Green Bottle pubs, a Jameson’s ‘Carvery Every Week for a Year’ from Jameson’s, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya health checks and more.
The draw concluded another fine event in this series; an excellent day’s golf at Eastern Star, a great buffet back at the Diana Garden Resort, plenty of trophies and gold for the players and a valuable contribution to Sopin’s chosen charities supporting Children’s Care and Education through the Diana group Foundation.
November 2009 will be the occasion of the 11th Diana Gold Charity Golf tournament.

Diana Gold 2008 Division Results

Diana Gold Champion - Low Net Overall
Saroj Chalermyat - Gross 73 (Net 67)
Low Gross Overall

Khun Koravit - Gross 72
A Flight (0-14)
                                                           B Flight (15-20)
1st Khun Klahan – Net 70                                          1st Harry Riley – Net 71
2nd Stewart Retour – Net 70                                      2nd Manop Ketprajatt – Net 71
3rd Nuttapol Nuntidhanpakorn - Net 70                  3rd Wattanhabol Vangsakul – net 72
C Flight                                                                       Ladies Flight
1st Tony Barker – Net 72                                           1st Khun Sud – Net 69
2nd Khun Visut – Net 72                                            2nd Nattaporn Thongpen – Net 71
3rd Janne Johansson – Net 72                                  3rd Sophin Thurarat – Net 71

 

Diana Gold 2008 - Technical Hole Sponsors - 50 Satang Gold

Hole  Sponsor                     Target                                               Winner

1       Pattaya Mail                Nearest Pin 2nd Shot (Men & Ladies)   Lamun Hanley

2      Supamit Store              Long Putt (Men: Super Seniors 65)        Tage Anderson

3     Pattaya Sports Club       Nearest Pin (All Men & Ladies)             Patrice Barry

4    Jesters MC                     Long Drive (Men: Under 50 years)         Khun Koravit

5    Thai Sausage                  Straight Drive (All Men & Ladies)         Graham Goodman

6        TAT Region 3              Nearest Pin (All Men & Ladies)             Khun Koravit

7        Pattaya Sports Club    Straight Drive (All Men & Ladies)           Bengt Borg

8     Pernod Ricard Thailand    Long 1st Putt Ladies (Ladies Only)       Prakong Robinson

9     Jackrit Laundry Service    Ladies Long Drive (Ladies Only)            Sophin Thurarat

10   Mulligan’s Lakeside         Long 1st Putt (Men: Seniors 50-64)       Rolf Johnsson

11   Jamlong Seafood             Long Drive (Men: Super Seniors 65)      Perry McNeely

12   Jareon Bakery                 Long 1st Putt (All Men & Ladies)          Khun Aattanabhol

13   The Diamond Shop           Nearest Pin (All Men & Ladies)            Sud Budsri

14    Nopporn Construction      Long 1st Putt (All Men & Ladies)          Steve Plant

15    Pattaya Best Food          Long 1st Putt (Men: under 50)              Khun Nuttaphol

16    Pilamid Laundry Service   Straight Drive (All Men & Ladies)         Chant Schwelera

17   Tan Food Supply              Nearest Pin (All Men & Ladies)            Virayut Sakulpreat

17   Beer Chang Charity Hole  B.100 & Beer Chang (Get In Circle)       No claim

18   Tahitian Queen                Long Drive (Men: Seniors 50-64)            Bengt Borg


BCCT join forces with Horseshoe Point

Special Correspondent
Last Friday, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand held its latest monthly networking at Horseshoe Point. The event was sponsored by the hosts themselves as well as Prasertchai Phornprapha from Siam Country Club Plantation. Nippy from LBG was also a sponsor and put on a fantastic fashion show for all those present as they displayed the wonderful La Perla latest offers. District 3340 Rotary International was represented by District Governor Peter Malhotra and other members from all over the region.

Greg Watkins, executive director of the BCCT addresses the gathering.
The whole night was one to remember. Jate Sopitpongstorn, general manager of Horseshoe Point, organised some fantastic food which also included live cooking. The quality and quantity was superb. The drinks outlets were in full flow and Pop and his All-Stars put on a magnificent concert for all to enjoy.
Greg Watkins, executive director of the BCCT along with the vice chairman, Graham Macdonald, made an award to Peter Malhotra in his capacity as MD of the Pattaya Mail Media Group for all the service he has done for the Chamber since it was founded on the Eastern Seaboard in 1998.
Horseshoe Point (HSP) has expanded over the last few years and has to be commended for all it is doing for the local community. It regularly promotes all of the following:
1. Resort for corporate outings and seminars.
2. Event venue - company parties and special events.
3. Sports centre - HSP is now the centre for most of the rugby and soccer activities in the Eastern Seaboard - within the expat community. Jim Howard and the Pattaya Panthers are the key supporters for the rugby and Rick Bryant is the key supporter for the soccer. Every last Sunday of the month, HSP opens its field in the afternoon for family activities - rugby, soccer, softball, etc. A cricket pitch is also being prepared.

Graham Macdonald (right) presents Peter Malhotra (center) and Tony Malhotra an award for all the service the Pattaya Mail has provided for the Chamber since it was founded on the Eastern Seaboard in 1998.
Also, HSP has just won the Thailand Property Awards 2008 as the Best Villa Development on the Eastern Seaboard. All of this was shown on a professionally made film that was entertaining and informative.
Well over 120 people were in attendance. Rick Bryant from Foster Wheeler managed to entertain the crowds by organising a race between two teams where Eion Quirke, also of Foster Wheeler, [pure coincidence] and his team easily defeated Graham Macdonald’s squad. Refusing to blame his hardworking outfit, the latter blamed the equipment which was made by Rick Bryant [again, pure coincidence].
Harpic Bryant and Shelley Quirke were taking advantage of their husbands having to work for their food and were seen quietly sipping wine and enjoying the surroundings. Also, many of the usual BCCT supporters were seen as well. Stuart Saunders was there as was Alan Verstein. Chris Fletcher and Colin Bartlett made the journey down from Bangkok just for the event as did Mark Butters of RSM Advisory and Stephen Frost of BIA. Manpower was represented by Simon Matthews and Joe Barker-Bennett was expounding the benefits of using his company Crestcom for all training purposes. Terry Schofield of Ecology-Care decided that he was so impressed by everything he has seen that he joined the Chamber that very night.
The education field was also there in the guise of Paul and Oanh Crouch whilst Mike Walton, the Head of Regents, expressed delight at having made the journey from the school as it was his first networking for many months and he was pleasantly surprised at seeing so many people there that he knew.
Last Friday certainly raised the bar as far as BCCT Networking Evenings are concerned. However, the Chamber is confident that the standard will be maintained. The next Networking Evening will be sponsored by Raimon Land and will be on Friday, 12th December at Northpoint Show Suites on Wong-amat Beach off Naklua Road Soi 18. The event will start at 6.00p.m.

(L to R) Jitra Wongjuna, director at AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd.; Jate Sopitpongstorn, general manager of the Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club; Malcolm Scorer, director at AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd.

Jate and George Hazard, GM of the Hard Rock Hotel enjoy a drink together.

(L to R) Robert P. Denzel, president of the Rotary Club
of Taksin Pattaya; Daniel Biel and Stefan Ryser.

(L to R) Jack Kelly, managing director of Fastrak Services Limited; Paul Whyte, general manager of Tinfish; Grant Atkinson, general manager of Latitude 12.

Partying at the Horseshoe Point can become quite a pain in the neck
for Pattaravadee Wangviriyaphan and Chinapon Trakulyuthacha.

Rick Bryant discusses the future successes of the Seaboard FC with Jate.

And the race is on!

Paul and Rujira having a magical moment together.

The HSP dancers kick up a sandstorm doing
one of their boogey woogey numbers.

Elfi Seitz, (left) executive editor of the Pattaya Blatt and Rungthip Suksrikarn, (right) managing director of the Sunbeam Hotel flank the irresistible Jate.

(L to R) Alan Verstein, Sue K and Jate Sopitpongstorn share a laugh.

Jate is flanked by the heavy weights of the Rotary Club of Pattaya. (l-r)
Po Malakul, Assistant Governor Don Maclachlan, Praphan Thinnarong,
and Past District Governor Jin Srikasikorn.

(L to R) Malcolm and Christina Boden from the Charity Club of Pattaya;
Pattaya Blatt Editor Elfi Seitz and Nittaya Patimasongkroh, chairwoman
of the Y.W.C.A. Bangkok - Pattaya Center.

The sponsors, (l-r) Peter Malhotra, Prasertchai Phornprapha, Nippy,
Graham Macdonald and Jate Sopitpongstorn take a bow.

Pops Pattaya Allstars entertains the crowd.

The fashion show displays the wonderful La Perla latest offers.


Pattaya’s Thai-Sikh community celebrates Guru Nanak’s birthday

Nanthini Doowa
Members of Pattaya’s Thai-Sikh community, led by president Amrik Singh Karla, gathered at the Sikh Temple in Pattaya to celebrate the Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Dev Ji Day to mark the anniversary of the great Guru’s birthday.

The main event for Guru Nanak Dev Ji Day was held on November 13 this year.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of the Sikh religion and his teachings have been passed along for over five centuries. This year’s event was held mid-November and coincided with Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival.
Gurpurbs (Sikh festivals) celebrate the lives of the 9 Sikh Gurus.
Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan. At the age of 30 he mysteriously disappeared for 3 days and then returned to preach the Sikh faith and spent the rest of his life teaching, writing and traveling around the world to discuss religion with Muslims and Hindus.
The main event this year was held on November 13 in which Sikh residents made a special pilgrimage to the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Soi 17 where special programs were arranged and Kirtans (religious songs) were sung.
Sikh devotees joined in the chanting of prayers lasting three days and three nights. Langar, or community lunch, was available to people of all walks of life and of all faiths by local volunteers who served the food with a spirit of Seva (service) and Bhakti (devotion).

Sikh devotees joined in the chanting of prayers lasting three days and three nights.

Pattaya’s Sikh community made a special pilgrimage to the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Soi 17 where special programs were arranged and Kirtans (religious songs) were sung.