|
Fun learning as Pattaya celebrates National Children’s Day
Staff reporters
Pattaya celebrated National Children’s Day with a mix of fun and
education with the city, military and private groups offering exhibits,
activities and tours for youngsters.
 The
bouncy castle is always a huge hit at children’s events.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome kicked off the Jan. 9 festivities at Pattaya City
Hall with a speech urging kids to “think creatively, learn diligently and
uphold morality.” Gifts were passed out and a tank and anti-aircraft battery
were provided by the Royal Thai Navy for children to experience. But the day
disappointed some parents who found the city’s event lacking in activities,
other than a stage awards show.
More fun was to be found elsewhere, such as at Central Center which hosted a
“Discovery Dino-Land” and a drawing competition. The Sanctuary of Truth held
a world wood carvings exhibition, dolphin show and other educational
activities.
 Young
elephants pose with a young visitor at Pattaya’s Crocodile Farm.
Tourist attractions included the Crocodile Farm and the Million Years Stone
Park in Pattaya, the Tiffany and Alcazar cabarets, Underwater World, Nong
Nooch Tropical Garden and Pattaya Home for Orphans also held their own
activities.
In Sattahip, the Navy opened Thailand’s aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri
Naruebet, and two other warships to the public at Juksamet Pier. The Royal
Thai Air Force, meanwhile, landed Squadron 201 of the Royal King’s Guard
Wing 2 at U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport and delighted kids with a
mock aircraft dogfight show.
These youngsters are giving
their all in the tug-o-war contest at Pattaya Orphanage.
Children could meet their
superheroes at Royal Garden.
Father and son learn
woodworking together at the Sanctuary of Truth.
The always hilarious ping pong
ball / spoon relay at Pattaya Orphanage.
Children watch in amazement
during the Pattaya Crocodile Farm show.
Helping to feed the crocs at
the Pattaya Crocodile Farm.
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya was
on hand to make sure everyone stayed
in good health, but also to hand out candy to the youngsters.
Dinoland dancers perform at
Central Center Pattaya.
Dusit Thani Pattaya brought
ice-cream and candy along with school materials
with a bear mascot to entertain the children on North Pattaya Road.
Children perform a stage show,
and later received toys
at Kanthamat Child Development Center in Sattahip.
Bringing out the big guns at
City Hall.
Doing the hula-hoop at Central
Center.
Blind children experience the
amazing wood carvings
by feel at the Sanctuary of Truth.
Children file into the
Sanctuary of Truth on Children’s Day.
The staff at Plutaluang Child
Development Center made
a huge cake for the children on Children’s Day.
An unusual kiss from an
unusual friend at the Sanctuary of Truth.
This youngster found a new
friend at Underwater World.
And they’re off! Baby races
are always fun at the Sanctuary of Truth.
Families take their children
to see the exciting air show at U-Tapao.
Thousands turned out to tour
the HTMS Chakri Naruebet
and two other warships at Juksamet Pier.
BCCT enters 2010 “safely”
Dr. Iain Corness
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) had their first
Eastern Seaboard networking evening at Jameson’s Irish Pub, and it was a
very successful evening for the start of 2010.
The sponsors for the evening’s event were Jameson’s Irish Pub itself
(represented by Pattaya’s most professional landlord Kim Fletcher) and ESC
(European Safety Concepts, represented by its dynamic MD Steve Graham). The
drinks flowed freely, including Tetley’s, dispensed by the most charming
Miss Tetley T-Bags in the sprayed on mini-dress, and the snacks were superb,
including oyster shots! Thank you Kim, and yes I made a pig of myself.
There was no doubt at all that everyone was pleased to see the back of 2009,
and hopes were high for a much better 2010 economically. Vice-chairman of
the BCCT, Graham Macdonald, in an exclusive interview with Pattaya Mail TV
stated that all the financial indicators were that we had gone through the
worst period, and all businesses would emerge much stronger.
With the election of BCCT office bearers looming, there were many of the
candidates present, but unfortunately there were no ‘envelopes’ being
surreptitiously passed around. The BCCT seems to have forgotten which
country this is!
As always, there are some lovely young ladies who attend, including Annie
Sawasdiraksa, MD of Strawberry Hill uniforms; Renita Bromley (got it right
for the start of the year, but no guarantees for the rest of 2010) and Som
Corness all seen huddled together conspiring.
Down from Bangkok were the Sutlet ‘twins’ Chris Thatcher and Colin Bartlett,
plus Mark Butters (RSM Advisory) and Simon Matthews (Manpower - and can
someone give him the name of a good shirt-maker?). Astounding the networkers
was Jimmy Howard (Milan Crosse), who came in a quietly conservative pink
shirt. No stripes, no stars no football insignias, nothing! Amazing. Will
this trend continue for 2010?
Down from the Seth Effrikkan chamber was Maurice Bromley who was seen
discussing the next Automotive Focus Group meeting with Uli Kaiser. Maurice
theoretically retired two years ago and has never worked harder, now on the
executive of almost every important group in Thailand.
New faces included Nick Henley (Talent Technologies), Joe Barker-Bennett
(Crestcom) and Paul Rogers (Optima Management Services), but by the end of
the evening everyone was drinking with old friends, such as Alain Deurwarder
(Katoen Natie - but pronounced “Nasee” - it is something to do with being
Belgian, I believe). Alain was proudly showing off their new materials
handling plant at Antwerp.
It had been a very sociable networking evening, and the BCCT certainly went
into 2010 on the Eastern Seaboard on a high note. There is obviously no need
for gloom amongst the BCCT members. The next Eastern Seaboard networking
evening will be publicized in the Pattaya Mail as usual.
Jameson’s enjoyed a good
turnout for the BCCT
networking evening on Friday the 15th.
German - Thai Chamber of Commerce
holds New Year’s first Stammtisch
Peter Nordhues
On January 8, the group of regulars from the German - Thai Chamber
of Commerce held their first meeting of the New Year at the usual location,
Pattaya’s Moon River Pub. The pub is located in front of the Thai Garden
Resort on North Pattaya Road.
The Chamber’s executive director, Stefan Bürkle, welcomed the guests,
amongst whom there were a few new faces. He was particularly thrilled to see
numerous ex-committee members that have now retired.
Bürkle started with a review of the previous year, marked by economic and
political difficulties. A highlight of the previous year was Thai Garden
Resort’s presentation with the Thai - Netherlands - Belgium - Luxemburg
Chamber of Commerce’s Small-Medium-Enterprise Business Award. He
congratulated Otto Duffner on the 25th anniversary of his restaurant “Bei
Otto - Schwarzwaldstube”.
Bürkle is confident that 2010 will be a year of recovery. A sign, amongst
others, so Bürkle, is the continuous demand of German technology in
Thailand.
At a previous meeting, it had been pointed out that members located on the
Eastern Seaboard were now eligible for full membership in the GTCC, a
privilege that previously was reserved for businesses operating from
Bangkok.
“Unfortunately, not many businesses have taken advantage of this opportunity
yet. I would like to remind you of this great opportunity. Full members have
far greater influence on the decisions made by the chamber as their votes
are counted as full votes,” Bürkle said.
Upon Bürkle’s invitation, guests made their way to the buffet and enjoyed a
successful networking evening with drinks and music by the Power Jam Band.
Some danced until late in the night.
Networking events held by the German - Thai Chamber of Commerce offer a
great opportunity for business people to exchange experiences and network.
Meetings are held in Pattaya and Bangkok and non-members are welcome, too.
Contacts: German - Thai Chamber of Commerce, 25th Floor, Empire Tower 3, 195
South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Tel. +66 (0)
2-670-0600, Fax. +66 (0) 2-670-0601, E-Mail
[email protected]
A good crowd showed up to
enjoy the fun and change business contacts at this year’s first GTCC
Stammtisch.
Pattaya Orphanage greets international guests
Johnny Reimar speaks from his
heart as he hands over the donation.
Elfi Seitz
Johnny Reimar enchants children with his charm
On January 15, the children from Pattaya’s orphanage received two
groups of important visitors. The first visitor, at 8:30 a.m., was Johnny
Reimar. The popular Danish musician often performs in Bangkok and has played
in Pattaya a few times.
On January 13, Johnny gave a concert in Bangkok where he auctioned his
“Tiroler Hat”. The combined profit of 600,000 baht was donated to the
children at the orphanage.
Johnny had of course not just brought money but also unthinkable amounts of
candy. What the kids liked best, however, were the pictures Johnny
cheerfully signed.
Johnny was accompanied by Iceland’s honorary consul, Paul Weber, and his
wife Vicky. Paul Weber is also in charge of the Danish embassy’s charity
projects.
The kids performed a dance to Danish songs, that, coincidentally, Johnny
himself had played in Bangkok only two days earlier.
Johnny praised the children and claimed he had never seen a more beautiful
show. What a compliment coming from a professional.
French delegation visits Orphanage for the second time
As reported a few weeks ago, Sophie Renaud from the French
Embassy visited the orphanage to initiate contact and facilitate adoptions
to France.
On January 15, she came back, accompanied by Beatrice Beondi, managing
director of the French Adoption Agency (AFA), Emmanuel Poccein, AFA
correspondent in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Yann Leochowski who is responsible for
the group’s operations in Thailand.
The French guests were also welcomed by members of the French Club, Dr.
Michel Roche and Andre Pachoun. Much to everyone’s surprise and joy, the
children performed a song in French.
The children sing and dance to
say thank you to their French guests.
Sophie Renaud, Beatrice
Beondi, Emmanuel Poccein, Yann Leochowski,
Dr. Michel Roche and Andre Pachoun pose for a commemorative
photo with the excited children and their caretakers.
Dancing the night away at The Bed
There are plenty of shows at
The Bed.
Sue K
Themed “Strictly Salsa”, this hot Latino dance event sent The Bed at
the Amari Nova Suites Pattaya into mad vibrations with busy bodies swaying,
tapping, and twirling around the floor late into the night Friday, January
15, doing their Salsa, cha cha cha, Bachata, Merengue and more.
 Dancing
the salsa at The Bed at the Amari Nova Suites Pattaya.
On hand to welcome the guests were Rony Fineman, the director of the Nova
Group and Martin Simons the general manager.
Many VIP guests were spotted on the night, including the world renowned Hari
Harilela, the founder and chairman of Harilela Group from Hong Kong, and his
big family from near and far.
GM Martin confirmed that since Salsa has proven to be a big hit here, it
will continue to take place every Friday night; however, if Friday is not
your night, don’t despair, there are many other great shows and
entertainment every night.
If you’re not familiar with the Bed, it’s an eclectic venue with a cozy room
full of white beds and pillows where you can have your own space while you
eat, drink and be merry with your friends, or just relax, put your head
down, lift your feet up and watch the shows go by.
There is also a free pick up service. Call 038 - 426 768. After 6 p.m., call
089 - 2461364, or go to their website at
www.thebedpattaya.com
Time for the audience to learn
some dance steps.
|
