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In Rayong, a garden to heal the body and soul
His Majesty the king and the
little Princess Sirindhorn,
who became interested in herbs at an early age.
(Photo: exhibition room of the herb garden)
The princess with her
entourage at a walkabout through the garden.
(Photo: exhibition room of the herb garden)
Elfi Seitz
With six flower and plant species already named after her, HRH
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was a natural source of inspiration when
energy company PTT Public Ltd. decided to complement the opening of its
Rayong gas-separation facility with Thailand’s first public herb garden.
Her Royal Highness Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn plants a nutmeg tree on the occasion of her 50th
birthday. The nutmeg is the sign of her Royal emblem. (Photo: exhibition
room of the herb garden)
Nearly five years after its opening, the 60-rai Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden in the Nikhom Phatthana sub-district has
become a lush and surprisingly high-tech nursery. Divided into 23 groups
according to their medical properties, the garden’s 20,000 plants yield 260
different medicinal herbs.
The garden, built by PTT in 1984, was officially opened a year later by HRH
the Princess the same day as HM the King was nearby in Rayong opening the
gas plant. After dedication ceremonies there, the Royal Family joined the
princess to plant the conservatory’s first trees. PTT renovated the garden
and built a multimedia-education building to mark HRH the Princess’s 50th
birthday in January 2006.
 YWCA
Pattaya president, Nittaya Patimasongkroh, at an excursion at the garden.
Nittaya will soon be getting her doctor’s degree in herbology. (Photo: Elfi)
Since then, schools, universities, clubs and those interested in the healing
power of plants have visited the garden.
Many Thais are fascinated by the abundance of herbs in their country and
their healing powers. Most prescriptive medicines have roots in tropical
herbs and experts know many ailments can be treated just as successfully
with natural remedies as chemical ones.
With some plants, you could use anything from the roots over to the bark,
leaves, wood and blossoms. Yet one needs lots of knowledge to use the right
dosage, as too little won’t help and too much could be poisonous. Some herbs
have to be used fresh while some should be dried, preserved in alcohol or
boiled.
The science behind the garden isn’t readily apparent when one enters the
garden, however. Entering you feel a sense of well-being that’s enhanced
during the (Thai-language only) guided tour or by simply renting a bicycle
to roam.
A small lily pond invites one to rest while a larger one mirrors the
reflections of the trees and bushes. In a traditional Thai sala one can rest
as well and enjoy nature.
For the mind, there’s also a museum for all those who want to learn more
about herbs. You can even check your blood group and learn which kind of
food you should and shouldn’t eat. In the 50th Birthday Celebration building
are photographs of visits by the Royal Family and in the multipurpose
building houses a multimedia information booth where you can learn about
herbs in English.
To fully enjoy the garden, set aside a full day. Delicious Thai food is
available, as well as souvenir plants, books and other items.
The beautiful herb garden.
(Photos: Elfi)
Louis X Fassbind remembered at two memorial charity dinners
Small group of residents gather at Alois to honour Luigi
Dr. Iain Corness &
Elfi Seitz
Alois X Fassbind passed away 11 years ago, on August 3 1998, but his legacy
is still with us. His mission and vision continues to influence the everyday
lives of all who live and work in the industry all over Thailand in one way
or another.
 The
faithful trio, Paiboon, Vichai and Veerapong pose before photographs of
their mentors Louis and Bruno. Notice the glass of wine below Louis’
portrait.
He was no “ordinary” character. He was a “larger than life” personality. He
was a man who spent more than half his life in Thailand, 28 years of which
were devoted to promoting Pattaya. Quite frankly, if he had not been so
successful, Pattaya would not be the growing city it is today, and many of
us would not have the successful businesses we have today. Put even more
simply - many of us owe our livelihood to Louis Fassbind.
Louis befriended and influenced the lives of many more people than just
those in the hospitality industry. Louis Fassbind was a charitable man. 25
years a Rotarian, and a founding member of the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya, he was a driving force behind many of the Rotary projects
to help the people of Thailand. For those who knew him personally “Charity”
was his middle name. In 1985 he founded and funded the Fassbind Medical Home
in the Banglamung Home for the Aged. It has since undergone extensions and
renovations. Alois Xavier Fassbind provided the funding for the entire
project from his personal funds until his sudden passing On August 3, 1998.
Louis Fassbind left us all so quietly and quickly that we have all been
caught unawares, but there is no doubt that his influence which helped shape
and develop Pattaya is still here. He will not be forgotten and must be
honoured as one does for all pioneers.
On August 2, one day before the anniversary of Louis’ passing, a charity
dinner was held at Alois Restaurant and Bar run by Vichai Pryatrakulruji a
long time friend of both Louis and Bruno Forrer.
Vichai and his team had worked for many years with Alois and Bruno and loved
and respected them both dearly. “They taught us everything we know,” said
Vichai. “We felt a great sense of loss when they left us, so now that we
opened our own establishment we would like to honour them.”
More than 40 guests who knew Louis or had heard of the legend attended the
quiet yet festive memorial dinner. Among them were long-time friends
Premprecha Dibbayawan, Elfi Seitz and Peter Malhotra. Peter ordered his
favourite wine and placed a glass under Louis’ portrait. This was a
tradition that Peter had followed ever since Louis passed away. Together
guests raised their glasses in his memory.
Proceeds of the dinner were donated to the Fassbind Memorial fund under the
stewardship of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya which will dedicate the
funds to the upkeep of the Fassbind Medical Home in the Banglamung Home for
the Aged.
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Other pictures show old friends and residents of
Pattaya enjoying a memorable evening. |
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya holds fundraiser at Bruno’s
Dr. Iain Corness
It has been 11 years since the unexpected passing of Alois X
Fassbind, the ebullient hotelier who was so instrumental in putting Pattaya
on the world tourist map that he was bestowed the title “Mr. Pattaya”.
 Dr.
Iain Corness joins Fredi Schaub (left) and Patrick Zellweger (right) for a
curtain call.
His influence within Pattaya has been so profound that many people wished to
commemorate his memory and achievements, with the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary
Club being foremost amongst local groups. In fact, Alois Fassbind was a
great supporter of that Rotary International Club, making a Rotary Room
available for the group in the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
This year, the Jomtien-Pattaya charity committee headed by Judy Hoppe
selected Bruno’s Restaurant and Wine Bar as their venue, remembering that
Alois Fassbind had been one of the partners in Bruno’s original restaurant
when it opened. In addition, with Bruno’s having guest chef Patrick
Zellweger till the end of August, here was the opportunity for the diners to
experience something a little ‘different’, whilst at the same time assisting
in charitable works.
The Pattaya Mail’s pre-event publicity had really worked, with Fredi
Schaub and the Bruno’s staff having to cater for a full house of 100 diners,
while Patrick Zellweger was cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Being a charity dinner, there were many raffle tickets being purchased and
with 62 items available, anyone who bought two or more tickets had better
than even odds of winning something. People like Jim Lumsden, with several
strips of tickets, made many trips to the front of the restaurant claiming
yet more prizes, including some of the 12 bottles of wine donated by Richard
Waller’s World of Wines, which included two bottles of 2007 Broken Hills
Estate Classic Dry Red. Others won dinners from Casa Pascal and Poseidon
restaurants, as well as other really worthwhile rewards. Amongst those who
donated items were local personalities Arlette Cykman, Nittaya
Patimasongkroh, Ken and Debbie Cavanaugh and Elfi Seitz who gathered loads
of prizes from many generous establishments and friends.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (3rd
right) poses with the organisers
of the memorial dinner. (l-r) Judy Hoppe, Apple Thamcharoen,
Peter Malhotra, Elfi Seitz and Jim Phillips.
As a novelty item, the dinner guests were kept spellbound
by the very talented magician Kriengsak (the Amazing K) who went around the
tables making items disappear and re-appear, with the sentiments of everyone
being “How did he do that?”
During the dinner there was also a Silent Auction, with the ultimate item
being a replica set of renowned Faberge earrings, which were purchased by
Jim Phillip’s wife Pui when they were in Russia last year. Though wishing to
keep them for herself, being a charitable person, she put them in the
auction, and Jim was the first to place a bid for them. Unfortunately he was
out-bid by the Mayor of Pattaya Itthiphol Kunplome who was also in
attendance. In a short address, the mayor mentioned the debt the city has to
the memory of Alois Fassbind and how he was very happy to acknowledge the
work that Alois Fassbind and many other ex-pats have done to elevate Pattaya
over the years. He also personally donated B. 5000 to the Fassbind Fund.
One person who remembered Alois Fassbind very well is Peter Malhotra of the
Pattaya Mail, who gave a brief eulogy to his late friend, who amongst
other things had introduced him to a Montepulciano Valpolicella wine,
bottles of which Fredi Schaub had stocked for the occasion of the Fassbind
dinner. Peter Malhotra’s table emptied quite a few!
At the end of the evening, chef Patrick Zellweger emerged from the kitchen
joining Fredi and thanked the diners for their support, and mentioned that
he was ‘in residence’ at Bruno’s till the end of the month and hoped that he
would see many of the diners again before he returned to Australia.
With B. 500 of the net price for the dinner going to the charity, plus the
raffles and silent auction, it was a very successful event which raised over
B. 110,000, and one that Judy Hoppe will long remember. (As well as being
supported by tin legs!)
A wonderful gift was presented to everyone on leaving, which was a mystery
dining voucher from Fredi Schaub and Bruno’s - but you were not allowed to
open it until your next visit! Smart marketing, Fredi!
It had been an evening that Alois X Fassbind would have been very pleased to
attend in person, and he certainly did in spirit.
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Various photos show diners enjoying their meals,
winners receiving their prizes and everyone having a great time. |
Father Ray remembered at Pattaya Orphanage
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Each year, the many people whose lives were changed for the better
by Father Ray Brennan gather to honor the passing of the man who devoted
much of his life to caring for orphans and the physically challenged. This
year’s memorials began with the Pattaya Orphanage Foundation, which
celebrated his life about two weeks shy of the Aug. 16 anniversary of his
2003 death.
 Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome presents a wreath in front of the Father Ray monument.
“Cherishing Father Ray’s Vision” was the theme of the foundation’s Aug. 1
commemoration at Sotpattana Kindergarten School for the Deaf. It gave the
underprivileged and parentless children a chance to learn more about and
give thanks to the spirit of the man who started the foundation.
Volunteers directed games and presented awards to the children from the
Pattaya Redemptorist School, Child Welfare and Development Center, Pattaya
Redemptorist School for the Blind, Mercy Center, and Pattaya Redemptorist
Vocational School. Youngsters leaped into high gear in the bouncy castle,
shot darts and simply enjoyed the warm, sunny day.
 Children
with sight disabilities sing about Fr. Ray.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Richard E. Smith, former chairman of the
Pattaya City Expats Club, each laid an official commemoration wreath in
front of the Father Ray monument as children clapped and sang a song that
had been composed especially for Father Ray. Father Weera Phangrak, director
of the Pattaya Orphanage Foundation, former Chonburi MP Chanyuth Hengtrakul
and Nittaya Patimasongkroh, chairwoman of the Y.W.C.A. Bangkok-Pattaya
Center joined this ceremony and led a banquet dinner for the children.
 Representing
Richard Smith and the Pattaya City Expats Club, these beautiful young Thai
dancers bring forward a commemorative wreath.
Fr Brennan was born Dec. 7, 1932, in Chicago. He came to Thailand in 1961 as
a volunteer to assist impoverished and disabled people and from that day
until his last he devoted himself to assisting Thailand’s poor.
He established the Orphanage Foundation in the early 1970s, after a baby was
left in his care. In the early 1980s a young deaf boy was left at the
orphanage and Brennan was unable to find a local school for him. This led to
the opening of the Sotpattana Kindergarten School for the Deaf in 1983.
Anyone interested can attend Brennan’s official commemoration Saturday
August 15 at St. Nicholas Church on Sukhumvit Road at 6 p.m. On Sunday
August 16 a ceremony will be held at the Pattaya Redemptorist School at 6
a.m.
The raffle is always fun, especially when you win something.
Richard Smith and the Thai dancers cherish Father Ray’s vision with a
wreath.
Richard Smith hands out raffle prizes at the dinner.
The bouncy castle is always a big hit at children’s events.
This character straight out of a cartoon book interacts with the children.
Fun and games for all.
Honored guests pose in front of the Father Ray
monument to commemorate a great man.
Good hearts, Nittaya Patimasongkroh (kneeling left) and Radchada Chomjinda
(kneeling right) pose with the orphans.
Marine cadets plant coral in Sattahip
Patcharapol Panrak
Sattahip City and Navy officials are hoping that teaching youngsters
about the importance of coral reefs at an early age will see them grow up to
protect the marine environment.
 Sattahip
Mayor Phairoj Malakun na Ayutthaya (left) distributed 25 life jackets and
snorkeling masks with Capt. Kaveevat Ngam Photong (right), deputy chief of
staff for the Sattahip Marine Commission.
In a project marking the 57th birthday of HRH Crown Prince Maha
Vajiralongkorn, the city enlisted 80 marine cadets to plant coral off Toey
Ngam Beach. The Royal Thai Navy’s Marine unit in Aumphoe distributed 25 life
jackets and snorkeling sets to students from Burana Marine School to help
lay coral as part of the Sattahip’s Volunteer to Conserve and Preserve the
Environment project.
 Navy
officials sing about the importance of conserving nature, and sign Happy
Birthday to HRH the Crown Prince.
Sattahip District Chief Somboon Chumpali, coordinator of the program, said
the public health and environment departments had organized this activity
because Sattahip’s coastline boasts a large variety of natural resources,
including coral reefs which provide ecological balance and a habitat for
marine life. Reefs also protect the coast from strong tides and waves.
However, coral populations have dwindled due to abuse and pollution.
Sattahip Mayor Phairoj Malakun na Ayutthaya said the city is educating
youngsters to preserve natural resources and help replenish important
resources.
Youngsters set about creating a brand new coral reef.
More than 80 children were brought together
to lay coral reefs to honor HRH
the Crown Prince’s birthday.
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