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Swimmers take the plunge for charity
Paul Strachan
Some years ago a convivial Aussie by the name of Simon Simms came up
with the idea of doing a charity swim across Pattaya Bay.
 Swimmers
register at the Hard Rock on Beach Road.
The Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya took up the mantle to organize the swim
and in 2003 a handful of swimmers took to the waters at the sea rescue point
just past Bali Hai pier to have a bit of fun, exercise and raise some funds
for the club.
No one could have envisaged that six years later this event would not only
have endured but prospered into one of the most popular fundraisers in the
annual calendar.
On Sunday November 15, under a baking sun and a calm breeze, 101 swimmers
registered at the Hard Rock Hotel to take part in this year’s swimathon.
As with the last 2 years the event consisted of the tradition 3.5km swim
from the sea rescue point to Chaba Beach at the Dusit Thani, and a shorter
1.1km swim from the beach adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel to the Dusit.
 Rotary
Club of Jomtien-Pattaya President Helmut Buchberger (left) presents
Immediate Past District Governor of Rotary District 3340 Peter Malhotra a
plaque of Appreciation.
The swimmers were given a safety briefing then divided into two groups as 40
of the more experienced swimmers then left to prepare themselves for the
longer swim starting at the sea rescue point.
After some brief loosening up exercises the remaining 61 swimmers were
ushered by the police and Rotary volunteers into the warm waters of Pattaya
Bay.
With a blast of the whistle the keen swimmers young and old were off.
Myself and my cameraman made a very brisk walk along walkway and had to
quicken our pace to edge ahead of the swimmers.
 Thidsidda
Shingrissiri, Director of Rooms of Dusit Thani Pattaya accepts a plaque of
Appreciation from Brendan Kelly of the Rotary Club Jomtien-Pattaya.
Upon arrival at Chaba Beach, as Rotary International District 3340 Assistant
Governor Jan Abbink was instructing the crowd as to how the day would pan
out, he had to break from his talk to announce that, unbelievably, the first
swimmer was already approaching.
Taking just 14 minutes and 20 seconds to swim the 1.1km, thirteen year old
Thanapol Kamnirdsabpaisan was welcomed to cheers from the crowd. Nobody
could believe this young lad had knocked nearly 6 minutes off of the 1st
place time from last year.
 Rotary
Club of Jomtien-Pattaya President Helmut Buchberger (right) presents a
plaque of Appreciation to Elyes Ben Brahim as Director of Operations for
Hard Rock Hotel.
He was closely followed by Mario Parotto in 2nd place with a time of 15
minutes and right behind him was Wongsakorn Huankim receiving 3rd place in
the boy’s category.
The girls did themselves proud as well with Talnachanok Ketuoon completing
the swim in 17 minutes. Just a minute behind her was Pheraya Umree and
Wasinee Booncherd.
Once all of the 61 swimmers were accounted for, the sea rescue team, in
boats and jet skis made their way across to the other side of the bay to
safeguard the 40 swimmers who were taking on the lengthier and potentially
more dangerous swim.
 Dasha
Depew, winner in the women’s long distance category, accepts her trophy.
Safety is a top priority for such events as these and the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya has worked very hard over the last few months to ensure that
safety is never compromised.
3.5 km is quite a distance and although the sandy shores of Pattaya is
within sight, the swimmers really were going to sea. Many of them had taken
part in the previous year’s event and knew what to expect as long as the
weather held out.
The wind was starting to pick up slightly with specks of rain blowing as the
whistle signaled the start of the race.
 Pick
a number… One of the swimmers has a number written on his arm in permanent
ink.
As Helmut Buchberger, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya said
during his welcoming speech, the weather god was doing his bit to ensure a
safe day.
A mere 42 minutes later the first swimmer in the long race came into view
and soon Nick Wilson (three time winner) was touching the golden sands of
Chaba Beach, his face beaming as he once again took first place.
Nick is a teacher at Pattana School in Bangkok and every year he brings a
team with him to support the event. He was glad to see the second swimmer
coming in, his team mate Lance Drew with a time of 46 minutes. Then, much to
everybody’s surprise a woman, Dash Depew, another Pattana member took third
place with a time of 50 just minutes.
 Long
distance winner Lance Drew (right) accepts his trophy from Siriporn “Apple”
Thamcharoen.
The swimmers were all treated to drinks and a buffet laid on by the Dusit
Thani Pattaya and the San Miguel girls were on hand to keep everybody cool
with their refreshments.
After the prize giving there was a raffle presenting a chance to win a flat
screen television and a motorbike. On the first draw a Rotary Club member
was the winner; however, in the spirit of Rotary they refused to collect the
prize and the ticket was redrawn.
Immediate Past District Governor of Rotary District 3340 Peter Malhotra gave
a brief history of this spectacular day and introduced the crowd to its
founder Simon Simms. Peter also gave an insight to the work that Rotary does
and in particular the clean water project which is supported by the Rotary
Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, which brings safe, clean drinking water to
disadvantaged schools and communities in the Pattaya area and beyond.
 Nastassia
“Naz” Neufeld (right) interviews short distance overall winner, 13-year-old
Thanapol Kamnirdsabpaisan for Pattaya Mail TV.
The president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya Helmut Buchberger talked
about the great success of the day and mentioned the raffle, in which he
said, “Even if you didn’t win the motorbike, you have won the hearts of the
children in our area whose lives you have enhanced and made safer.”
This very special day has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the many
volunteers who have given up their spare time to ensure that every
logistical aspect is covered. This also involves a massive contribution by
the international schools who had not only a large number of swimmers but
also contributed to the safety element with volunteers in kayaks
safeguarding the swimmers.
The other great thing about this day is the intermingling with the Thai
community, with all the first 5 swimmers in the short race being Thai and
approximately 250,000 baht being raised; it shows that you can ‘Make Dreams
Real’ with the help of Rotary.
(L to R) Short course winners
Mario Parotto, Thanapol Kamnirdsabpaisan and Wongsakorn Huankim proudly
display their trophies.
Winners in the short swim race
(front row, L-R): Wongsakorn Huankim, Wasinee Booncherd, Pheraya Umree and
Talnachanok Ketuoon. (back row L-R) Thanapol Kamnirdsabpaisan and Mario
Potto.
Long distance swimmers set out
from Bali Hai.
Short distance swimmers set
out from the beach in front of the Hard Rock.
The finish line is in sight,
so close yet so far away.
Pattaya City Rescue was close
at hand throughout the swim.
Congratulations, you made it.
(L to R) Dasha Depew,
Claire McCafferty,
Nikolas Wilson, Lance Drew and Kari Johanssen.
Long distance swimmers pose
for a group
photo before beginning their swim from Bali Hai.
A large crowd follows the
short swimmers along the beach.
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya
President Helmut Buchberger (back row) rallies some of the short course
swimmers.
Yeah! We’re all back safe and
sound.
Some of the teen swimmers
prepare for the short swim.
Some of the swimmers gather
for a group
photo at the Hard Rock before the swimathon.
BCCT backs a winner at the horses
Dr. Iain Corness
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) held their November
networking evening at the Horseshoe Point, and in the minds of many, this
was the best one for 2009.
Jate Sopitpongstorn, the MD of Horseshoe Point and Thailand’s most eligible
bachelor, put on the greatest extravaganza seen this side of England’s Grand
National, with Lusitano horses and liveried riders to welcome everyone, and
even a small snow white Shetland pony for smaller people in a small hay-bale
enclosure.
 (L
to R) Susan Joyce from Asian University has a chat with, Raymond O’reilly.
It did not stop there, he had cow girls, Elizabethan ladies, two people in
horse outfits, a couple of “bomb disposal” army chaps, a band and singers,
an inflatable hot air balloon (which didn’t in the cold of the evening),
several live cooking stations, plus outlets for Singha beer, Chivas whisky,
Absolut vodka and absolutely anything you wanted it seemed. It should be
pointed out that he did not do all this single-handedly, but had additional
sponsorship which came from Siam Country Club, Thai Polo Club and
Pernod-Ricard Thailand.
Vice-Chairman Graham Macdonald was seen with a wide grin all evening, and
well he might, it was such a successful party. I have no idea whether anyone
actually did any business or swapped any business cards, but that didn’t
matter. It is not every week that you can attend a party such as that one.
Jan Rozen Laal (left) and George Strampp (right) try their hand at
chopsticks.
With Horseshoe Point having won a real estate developer of the year award
for the second year in a row, even the sales girls for The Village and The
Residence developments seemed to have that extra sparkle. Nothing succeeds
like success!
The ‘official’ part of the evening was kept very short, with appreciation
being given to Jate and co-sponsors, whilst people such as Prasertchai
Phornprapha, the MD of Siam Country Club, just enjoyed themselves.
The entertainment was also different, with some likely lads on stage
attempting to empty a jug of beer in record time and then wearing it on
their heads. However, the prize for silliness had to go to Thailand’s oldest
front-row forward Jimmy Howard doing the ‘chicken dance’, but I am sure he
enjoyed the exercise.
 (L
to R) Rick Bryant, chief consultant of Foster Wheeler, and Ole Jensen,
technical supervisor of Tetra Pak Thailand Limited.
There were over 100 people attending, and I am not even going to start to
name them all, but it was nice to see Oanh Crouch with her girlfriends
enjoying her first night out since the birth of her latest baby 16 weeks
ago. Welcome back to the party scene, Oanh!
Cees Cuijpers (Town and Country) spoke on Pattaya Mail TV and said
that as far as his company was concerned, 2009 was not the disaster year
that had been predicted, and the real estate developers had adopted new
strategies to keep the market buoyant and now, all the indicators for 2010
were all positive. These sentiments were echoed by Jate Sopitpongstorn, who
proudly stated that Rick and Harpic Bryant were now living in one of his
developments, and if that doesn’t lower his real estate market value,
nothing will!
I cannot finish this report without mentioning the superb food which was
available, from some beautifully succulent warm ham to a full range of sushi
items and everything in between. It was top marks all round. It was just a
shame that BCCT supremo Rodney Bain and executive director Greg Watkins
missed the best party their chamber put on all year.
(L to R) Nicolas Duke,
operations manager of Celeste Asia Co. Ltd.
and James Falla, general manager of Air International.
(L to R) Mark Bowling, sales
manager for Colliers International;
Joe Barker-Bennett, managing director of JMBB Consulting Co. Ltd.;
and Cees Cuijpers, managing director of Town & Country Property.
(L to R) Pratheep Malhotra,
Managing Director of Pattaya Mail Publishing;
Juthathip Mahapaisarn; and Graham Macdonald,
Vice Chairman of the BCCT Eastern Seaboard Committee.
(L to R) Dawr Buckley from
Real-estate Magazine Thailand;
Robert Watson of Five Star Villas and Condos; and John Black,
managing director of Real-estate Magazine Thailand.
(L to R) Terrence Allen
Collins, project manager for Bravothai Lifestyle Co. Ltd.; John Walker; and
Mike Davey, diving project manager of Mermaid Offshore Services Ltd.
(L to R) Warisa Raktham, sales
supervisor for Colliers International;
Tientthong Barrow of Water Mark Company; and Supannee Starojitski,
business development manager of Colliers International.
(L to R) Pavadee
Aungkavattana, chief technology officer of AT Ceramics Limited; Kevin Cain,
chief production officer of AT Ceramics Limited; Simon Matthews, director of
the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; and Glenn Liddell, general manager
of ISS Facility Services Co., Ltd.
(Back row, left to right)
Nicholas Halliwell, managing director of Evergreen Comware Company Limited;
Colin Bartlett, managing director of the Sutlet Group; Barry Willmore from
Brooklands, and (front row, left to right) Krongkan Pewbang, director of
Evergreen Comware Company Limited; with Patthanawan Thongyeem.
(L to R) Graham Macdonald,
Vice Chairman of the BCCT Eastern Seaboard Committee; Dr. Iain Corness,
author and TV presenter; Jate Sopitpongstorn, general manager of the
Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club; Paul Strachan, Pattaya Mail TV
presenter; and Hueston G. Fortner, writer for Sereechai Newspaper.
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks comes to Pattaya
Barack Obama heads parade of luminaries at grand opening ceremonies
William Heinecke (center, right) and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center, left)
lead celebrities in melting the ribbon at the official opening.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, an international wax museum from the USA has
established the fifth branch in the world and the first in Thailand.
Ripley’s World of Entertainment, under the management of Minor International
PCL, has brought the miracle of lifelike wax imaging to the Royal Garden
Plaza in Pattaya.
 Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome poses for a photo with the likeness of U.S. President
Barack Obama.
The grand opening ceremonies held on November 13, began with a parade down
Beach Road led by a very lifelike US President Barack Obama replete with 6
foot tall, muscular, heavily armed body guards wearing dark glasses.
William Heinecke, the CEO of Minor International PLC, accompanied by his
lovely wife Cathy escorted Robert E. Masterson and Jim Pattison the former
and present CEOs of Ripley’s USA to the opening ceremonies.
In his speech Heinecke said, “Welcome to Pattaya, the chosen venue for the
5th Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks who’s reputation has wowed the crowds for years
and years. The museum has trusted the Royal Garden Entertainment Complex to
manage its world-class showcase of life-like waxworks. The extremely
incredible craftsmanship of transferring the similarity from either a photo,
a real person into work of art is the specialty of Louis Tussaud’s
Waxworks.”
 Ad
Carabao rocks the crowd.
Bill went on to say that, “The Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks in Pattaya houses 68
selected figures of Thai and foreign personalities, chosen not by the
management but by a majority of votes from the public, who have voiced their
views of who they would like to see immortalized in this particular waxworks
museum.”
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks Pattaya is the first wax museum in Thailand that
people can get up close to the models and take pictures with their favorite
people.
Somporn Naksuetrong, general manager of Ripley’s World of Entertainment
Pattaya Co., Ltd., said the exhibition was created by “top of the line”
international artists with each figure taking up to a year to create.
“Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks is different from other ordinary wax museums. It
has specific characters and it is difficult to imitate them. They’re not
just a mannequins made of wax,” Somporn said, and added “This museum offers
a totally different and unique experience. We bring the sense of smell as
part of the experience. Models are brought in for study and even their scent
is integrated into the wax.”
 Jim
Pattison, CEO of Ripley’s USA (right) presents a certificate of appreciation
to William Heinecke (left), CEO of Minor International PLC.
This museum is divided into nine themed zones covering sports, pop stars,
magic, British royalty, politics and religion, superheroes, horror, movie
characters and a “Thai Sunset Garden Party” featuring likenesses of Victoria
Beckham and her football star husband David, Paris Hilton and Thai stars
Tata Young and Look Ket-Metani Kingpayom.
Other luminaries depicted include Tiger Woods, Princess Diana, Barack Obama,
Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Batman, Harry Potter, Tony Jaa of the “Ong
Bak” movies and, in the den of horror, Hitler, Frankenstein and Dracula.
Tickets cost Bt300 for children, Bt400 for adults and Bt600 for foreigners.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome shared his pride about the new attraction. He said,
“I am thrilled that Pattaya was chosen as 5th venue for the world-class wax
work museum which certainly will boost Pattaya’s tourism industry. The
museum is the one and only in South East Asia making Pattaya a complete
business and tourist destination, whether family or business travelers.”
Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Srichaphan poses with Paradorn Srichaphan.
Actress Lookket-Metanee Kingpayom poses with her wax figure.
(L to R) Actress Lookket-Metanee Kingpayom, two Tata Youngs
and boxing legend Kaosai Galaxy admire Tata Young’s wax figure.
Harry Potter and Hermione Granger practice casting spells in the secret
chambers.
Jesters Care For Kids support Special Olympics Thailand
(L to R) Ratchaneewan Bulkul, national director of Special Olympics
Thailand, receives 50,000 baht in sponsorship from Lewis “Woody” Underwood
of Jesters Care for Kids as Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, Nittaya
Patimasongkroh, chairwoman of the Y.W.C.A. Bangkok-Pattaya Center, look on.
(L to R) Manat Kongwattana, director of Pattaya School #7, Pattaya Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome and Ratchaneewan Bunkul, national director of Special
Olympics Thailand, accept a donation from Florent Pellegrin, president of
the Rotary Club of Pattaya-Marina, Rotarian Eric Larbouillat, and Nittaya
Patimasongkroh, chairwoman of the Y.W.C.A. Bangkok-Pattaya Center.
Bernie Tuppin.
The 3rd Annual Eastern Region Sports Competition, under the banner
of the Special Olympics Thailand, was held on November 18 and 19 at School
No.7 in Pattaya.
The SOT [Special Olympics Thailand] was founded in February of 1987 and was
included in the Special Olympics International with the appointment of
Virginia Kirkwood to liaise with personnel working with intellectually
disabled groups in Thailand. Subsequently the Foundation for the Welfare of
the Mentally Retarded under Royal Patronage agreed to be the coordinating
centre for Thailand. In 1989 the first SOT event was held at Hua Mark and
since then has been held throughout Thailand annually.
 Bernie
congratulates some of the winners.
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year round sports training
and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children
and adults with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to
develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and
participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their
families and fellow Special Olympic athletes in the community.
The Pattaya event is the only one to be held at a regular location due to
funding by the local community. This year Jesters Care for Kids were proud
to be among the major sponsors of this unique event.
 Bill
(left) and Woody (right) pose with a couple special kids.
The Competition was held at the sports ground of School No 7 with
competitors and their carers bussed in from Chachoengsao, Rayong, Bang
Kapong, Chonburi and locally from Garunyawet, Baan Tung Klom and Pattaya
School 7. In all, more than 250 special athletes took part in the various
disciplines over the two days.
The first day got underway when the assembled teams marched into the Sports
Hall to the music of the School 7 Marching Band where Mayor Khun Ittipol
Khunplome officially declared the competition open. The main sponsors were
then introduced to SOT National Director Rachaniwan Bulakol [Khun Nui] and
presented her with their donations. This was followed by an impressive
display of aerobic dancing by the team from Chachoengsao who had obviously
had a lot of practice sessions.
Khun Nui later explained that all competitors have to agree to 8 weeks of
training at their respective centers before being accepted by the teams in
order to ensure the highest level of performance at the events. The rest of
the days program was taken up with preliminary events in athletics and 5-man
football to grade all competitors for the finals of the events on day two.
 Nittaya
Patimasongkroh encourages Payak at the finish line;
Day 2 began early on the track for the runners and in the sports hall for
the footballers. The participants for the running events ranged from 200m to
800m and they certainly displayed that the competitors achieved all of the
objectives set out in the program’s manifesto.
Of all the 150 competitors not one failed to complete their task and they
did so with huge grins and hands raised high in celebration of their
achievement. That many were also physically handicapped and clearly
outclassed mattered not; they were competing with friends and their joy was
infectious.
Many local dignitaries were in attendance throughout the day to present the
medals to all finalists for each event and I am sure no Olympians accepted
their medals with any more pride than these disadvantaged competitors. To
single out individual efforts would be unfair because of the differing level
of afflictions carried by the athletes most of whom were autistic, had Downs
Syndrome, or were accident trauma victims. Many carried severe physical
handicaps as well. In the end, they were all winners in the courage
department as not one competitor failed to finish an event even though many
were severely distressed at the completion of their challenges.
There was, however, one outstanding effort that brought the crowd to their
feet. In one of the last events on the program, the 800 meters, there were
only two entries: one a tall fit looking lad and a very small boy less than
a meter tall and weighing barely 20 kilos aged twelve named Payak.
As the race began Payak ran the first 100 quite smartly but, disoriented,
ran off the track cutting the corner gaining good distance in doing so. But
an official stopped him and made him retrace the distance back to where he
had run off.
Payak was now some 50 meters adrift of the other boy. Few present gave the
tiny boy a chance of completing the distance and even less chance of
catching the leader, but his little legs kept churning and slowly the gap
narrowed with one hundred meters to go. To the astonishment of the crowd, he
passed his rival and sped to the lead. The crowd cheered loudly spurring him
onward to the finish, but in the last 50 meters he weakened and was passed.
Payak collapsed on the line and took quite a few minutes to recover his
composure and his breath. He had lost the race but had won the respect of
all present. I was told that in Thai language Payak translates to ‘power’;
if it does not, it should translate to courage.
The other highlight of the day was the effort of Jesters Care for Kids
President Woody who, as the oldest competitor of the day, ran a very
creditable second in the race with the coaches and trainers.
The day ended indoors with the final of the Fussball, a very exciting game
of a high standard with the team from Chachoengsao winning comfortably.
Medals presented to all team members, closing speeches and the games were
over for another year in Pattaya at least.
This was the first occasion that the Jesters Care for Kids has been involved
with Special Olympics Thailand but in talking to Woody during the day I got
the impression that this will not be the last time.
Other sponsors included the Rotary Club of Pattaya-Marina and the Y.W.C.A.
PCEC vaccinates against the flu
Past Chairman Richard Smith (left) introduces to PCEC members Niti Kongkrut,
director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya office, to talk about
the trip to Bangkok that TAT has arranged.
Master of Ceremonies Richard
Silverberg welcomed everyone to the regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya
City Expats Club on November 15 at the Amari’s Henry J. Bean Restaurant and,
after the usual announcements, he called on fellow member Gavin Waddell to
introduce the guest speaker.
 PCEC
member Gavin Waddell from Phyathai Sriracha Hospital advises members of new
specials available through the Phyathai Hospital.
Gavin is with the International Relations Department for Phyathai Sriracha
Hospital. He first announced that he had brought 80 doses of the 2010
seasonal flu vaccine and that the nurse, who was doing the vaccinations, was
set up in the back alcove. Further, the cost for the 2010 influenza vaccine
was 750 baht. He then introduced the main speaker, Dr. Prachan
Ussawutmangkul, MD, from Phyathai Sriracha Hospital who works in the
occupational and family medicine area.
Dr. Prachan said he would be telling everyone about vaccines for the flu,
Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. He began by telling everyone what influenza is
and why it is important to get vaccinated, especially if one is over 50
years of age, pregnant, has a chronic medical condition (such as asthma,
diabetes, or heart disease), or is a child between 6 months and 19 years of
age.
He explained that influenza is a respiratory illness. The flu season can
start as early as September and usually peaks in January or February.
 Dr.
Phrachan Ussawutmangkul, MD, from Phyathai Sriracha Hospital, occupational
and family medicine area, talks of the seasonal maladies in Thailand, and
the vaccinations available against them.
He noted that in the USA, from 5 to 20 percent of the population will catch
the flu this year. Further, about 200,000 will require hospitalizations and
about 36,000 will die.
He described the symptoms of the flu as high fever, headache, tiredness, dry
cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Further, in
some cases, there are stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea; but these are more common in children than adults. People who are
older, chronically ill, or children are more susceptible to complications
from the flu such as bacterial pneumonia.
The flu is spread person to person by coughing and sneezing or by coming in
contact with the virus and then touching the mouth or nose. Most healthy
adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop
and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for
longer than seven days.
Symptoms usually start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. If you
get sick with flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with
other people except to get medical care. Medical care may include treatment
with antiviral drugs. Prevention through vaccination, especially if you are
in one of the vulnerable groups for complications, is best.
After discussing the flu, Dr. Prachan went on to describe hepatitis A. He
noted that hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from
infection with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild
illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.
 Gavin
shares a moment with very active members of the Pattaya City Expats Club,
Les and Judith Edmonds, from the UK.
Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter, even in
microscopic amounts, from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated
by the feces or stool of an infected person. Symptoms are poor appetite,
nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine. The best way to
prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. Vaccination comes in two
doses; the second 6 months after the first.
Dr. Prachan then went on to discuss hepatitis B. He noted that it is also a
contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B
virus. The severity can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a
serious, lifelong illness. He explained that hepatitis B is usually spread
when blood, semen, or another body fluid from an infected person enters the
body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact,
sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B
can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
He said that acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that
occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed. Further, acute
infection can, but does not always, lead to chronic infection.
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a long-term illness caused by the virus
remaining in the person’s body. Chronic hepatitis B is a serious disease
that can result in long-term health problems, and even death. The symptoms
are similar to those of hepatitis A with the addition of itching all over
the body and the abdominal pain being on the right side where the liver is
situated.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. Vaccination
comes in three doses over a period of 6 months with the second dose coming
about 2 to 4 months after the first and the last one at 6 months.
Dr. Prachan followed his presentation by answering many questions from the
audience.
Emcee Richard then updated everyone on coming events and called on Les
Edmonds to conduct the always informative, interesting, and sometime
humorous Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about living in
Thailand and Pattaya in particular.
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