Announcements

The British Consulate in Pattaya will be closed due to staff leave from January 10-14, 2011. During this time, the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Bangkok will handle consular enquiries (Tel: 02 305 8333) and requests for notarial services (Tel: 02 305 8351). For notarial services, the Bangkok staff will be able to advise on the best way to submit documents, based on each circumstance. The Consulate in Pattaya will reopen for normal business on Monday, January 17, 2011.

Events

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) will be holding an Eastern Seaboard networking evening on Friday, January 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. The venue has yet to be announced but BCCT members can obtain further details by visiting www. bccthai.com. A further update will be announced in the Pattaya Mail once more information is to hand.

The 16th Thailand Open backgammon championship, hosted by the Pattaya Backgammon League (PBL), will be held at the Aisawan Resort & Spa from January 10-12, 2011. For more information call 083 113 0559 or email [email protected]

Clubs and Associations

The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be on Sunday, January 9. Everyone is warmly welcome. The guest speaker will be Howard Posener. Although best known as a professional magician, his topic will be about the paranormal. The Club meets every Sunday morning at the Tavern by the Sea Restaurant located on the north end of Beach Road (part of the Amari Orchid Resort). The program starts as usual at 10:30 a.m. with a buffet breakfast available from 9 to 11 a.m. Each week the PCEC usually has an interesting speaker to talk on various subjects of interest in an informal setting. The program is followed by the ever lively and often humorous Open Forum where questions are asked and answers given about living in Pattaya as well as an update on events in and around Pattaya. A full report appears each week in Pattaya Mail. For more information about the Sunday meeting and the numerous other weekday activities of the PCEC, see the Club’s website at www.pattayacity expatsclub.com and learn more about the many and varied activities of the Club.

The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) organizes regular lunches and coffee mornings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. For more information email [email protected], or go to the website at www.pattaya-pilc.com

The Pattaya Irish Society meets every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Moonrakers in Pong. Call John on 086 112 0988 for details.

Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya welcomes you to their Wednesday meetings in the Rotary room Royal Cliff Grand Hotel: Time 18.30 for 19.00. Contact Lloyd Jones (Membership) 087 8043943.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Pattaya: The Pattaya Group meets Wednesday and Thursday at noon (open); Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m. (closed) and Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (closed) at the Satree Pattana Center, Soi Skaw Beach (2nd Rd): contact Carl on 084 563 1671. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning at the Highlander Guest House, Soi Skaw Beach. All meetings are ‘open’: contact Mike 086 009 6276. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: contact: Bill 086 156 8102, Mark 087 096 6069, Bob 087 085 3356, Thai contact: Somchai 081 445 3302. The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515.

For the past 28 years the Samaritans of Thailand have been providing confidential crisis intervention services over the telephone. The English-speaking unit, Samaritans English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community. English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone. All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. Please call (02) 713-6791 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week).

The Rotary Club Pattaya Marina meets every Friday at 7.00 p.m. at the Pullman Aisawan, Wongamat Beach, between Soi 16 and 18 in Naklua. The evening meetings include a sumptuous international buffet. For more information contact Club President Eric Larbouillat at [email protected]

The Dutch Expats Club meets the last Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Feel free to see our website for the location address: http://nvtpattaya.org. New members are always welcome.

DACH-Club - Meetings of German speaking residents for dining, discussions, films and gemutlichkeit. Pat’s Leckerle, Soi 33 Naklua. Check website http://www. dach-th.org/location.html

The RLC (Rayong Ladies Circle), which operates mainly in the Ban Chang and Rayong areas, is a friendly and social group of international women. They hold a monthly coffee morning, amongst many other activities, on each second Tuesday of every month in the home of one of their members. Everyone most welcome to join! For more information contact [email protected] or visit www.rayongladiescircle.com

Christmas Dining

Manhattans Restaurant is now open with a festive menu at 1,000 every baht evening until January 9 and then closed on Sundays (changing from Monday). The restaurant offers Pattaya’s best steaks, superb seafood and international a la carte in a luxurious setting. They also have live music every evening through December and January. Traditional Christmas 3 course lunch will be served on December 25 from 12 - 4 p.m. with live music for 1,400 baht (booking is advisable). Reservation can be made on 038 259 790.

Shenanigans Irish Pub offers an “All you can Eat” Christmas Dinner on December 25 from 12 noon - 11 p.m. All the traditional Christmas fare will be available for a cost of 1,500 baht per person. For bookings and reservations call (Pattaya) 038 723 939 or (Jomtien) 038 303 490. Booking times 12 noon - 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. till late.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya offers a choice of four dining outlets to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Enjoy yourself with wandering entertainers and Christmas Carols. ‘Oasis’ All Day Dining: Get started this festive season with a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner Buffet on Friday December 24 featuring a wide selection of festive dishes including imported oysters, Alaskan king crab, fresh seafood, smoked salmon, roast turkey with all the trimmings and much more. 1,999++ baht per person and 900++ baht per person for children under 12 yrs. Flames BBQ Grill Restaurant: Enjoy traditional roast turkey carvery dinner on December 24th & 25th for only 790++ baht per person and 395++ baht for children under 12 yrs. Ginger and Lime Restaurant: Discover “Asian Style Turkey Menus” on December 24th & 25th. Menu prices from 890++ to 1,250++ baht. Acqua Italian Restaurant: “La vigilia di Natale”, experience an “Italian Style Christmas” with Chef Stefano’s Gourmet Gala Dinner set menu on December 24th & 25th 1,990++ baht. For more information or reservations please contact Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, tel. 038 301 234 ext. 4255.

Jameson’s the Irish Pub will be offering a Christmas Menu on December 25 from 12 noon - 11 p.m. featuring a smorgasbord of Yuletide favourites plus a selection of Thai dishes for just 1,499 baht per person. Call 038 361 874 or e-mail: [email protected] for more information.

Captain’s Corner restaurant is once again having its famous Christmas Eve dinner on the 24th of December. Enjoy this joyous holiday with the Captain’s Corner’s Big International Christmas Buffet. Grownups will be entertained by our “Live Elvis Show” by one of Asia’s top impersonators while Santa Claus will bring presents to the children. Adults only 795 baht net, Children under 10 years only 395 baht. For reservations call 038 364 314.

Celebrate a Christmas Eve filled with holiday cheer and magical spirit at The Point, Dusit Thani Pattaya on Friday, December 24: Enjoy the superb international buffet, dancing, music and entertaining shows! Fantastic lucky draw prizes also await - such as two round-trip tickets to Chiang Mai courtesy of Thai Airways International and two nights of accommodation at Royal Princess Chiang Mai - plus many more exciting surprises! Price THB 4,500++ for adults and THB 2,250++ for children 5-12 years. Also don’t forget the Christmas Eve Set Dinner at the Cascade Restaurant for THB 1,500++ (THB 1,766 net) for adults/THB 750++ (THB 883 net) for children 5-12 years from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Christmas Buffet Brunch, which is being served at The Bay Restaurant on December 25 for THB 1,100++ (THB 1,295 net) for adults/THB 550++ (THB 648 net) for children 5-12 years from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For all reservations call 03842 5611-7 ext. 2149-50.

Christmas Eve at Verandah (Coffee Shop) the Montien Hotel Pattaya on Friday December 24: Enjoy an festive dinner with all the traditional trimmings for (adult) baht 1,750++, (children) baht 950++ from 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Be entertained by the Sea Breeze Duo Band and carol singing, plus Santa Claus will have gifts for the children. For tickets and reservations call 038-428155, 038-361340 ext 1620, 1621, E-mail; [email protected]

Greg’s Kitchen on Pattaya 2nd Road opposite Soi 6 is now taking bookings for Christmas Day lunch or dinner. Tel. 081 254 3624 for more info and reservations.

Sheraton Pattaya Resort invites you to their Christmas celebrations including all the traditional seasonal warmth and trimmings with balmy tropical seaside overtones. Enjoy a wide range of delectable food from around the world, beautiful table set up and d้cor and carol singers to fill you with Christmas spirit. Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at Elements Restaurant: Friday 24th December, 19.00 - 22.00 hrs, Price: THB 2,500 per person. Christmas Eve Set Dinner Menu at Infiniti Restaurant, 18.00 - 22.00 hrs, Price: THB 2,950 per person. Christmas Day Lunch Buffet at Elements Restaurant: Saturday 25th December, 12.00 - 15.00 hrs, Price: THB 2,300 per person. Prices are inclusive of tax and service charge. 50% discount for children aged 4-11 years old. For more information or reservation, please call 038 259 888 or email: [email protected]

Christmas Day lunch at the Holiday Inn, Pattaya: Enjoy a perfect Christmas Day with delicious Christmas buffet and entertainment for the whole family at the Holiday Inn’s Cafe G. Carol singers will sing some lovely Christmas tunes and Santa Claus will also be visiting Cafe G to give presents to all the children. From 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Christmas lunch for only THB 750 per person. All kids under 12 eat free. Visit www. dining-experience.com/pattaya or call 038 725 555 for more information.

Christmas Day traditional set menu at the World of Sport Restaurant in Naklua. 5-courses including welcome cocktail on arrival, choice of appetiser. Roast turkey, beef or pork with all the Xmas trimmings followed by choice of 3 fabulous desserts: Christmas pudding, Raspberry Pavlova or Santa’s Ice-cream Sundae. Mince pies and coffee. Crackers, Christmas hats etc. all for just 799B per person. 499B for children. There is also a Thai main menu choice. Bookings are now being taken. Available from 12 noon all day! Tel. 0871410309 (Eng.) or 038416670.

Dining

The Peak Restaurant offers modern Chinese cuisine complemented by a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay. The Peak’s kitchen turns out a stellar selection of Chinese dishes including hot & cold appetizers sampler, steamed abalone stuffed with minced shrimps on sesame egg noodles, and eight treasure rice. Daily dim sum lunch is also available. The Peak seats 80 and is located at the Dusit Thani Resort in North Pattaya, next to the Dolphin roundabout. Open daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. For reservations and more information please call (0) 3842-5611 to 7, ext. 2276.

Manhattans Restaurant is now open with a festive menu at 1,000 every baht evening until January 9 and then closed on Sundays (changing from Monday). The restaurant offers Pattaya’s best steaks, superb seafood and international a la carte in a luxurious setting. They also have live music every evening through December and January. Reservation can be made on 038 259 790.

The Paulanergarten beer garden offers all your favourite German and Thai cuisines accompanied by imported beer from Munich. The menu boasts a wide range of foods for your dining pleasure including mouth watering desserts and a special selection of fine wines. Enjoy the amazing sunset views from the 3rd floor location of the Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya (Beach Road side) as you dine. Call 081 866 7547, 082 790 1782 or go to www.paulaner-thailand.com

Theme Buffet Evenings at the Montien Hotel, Pattaya: Wednesday at La Mer Restaurant - Mediterranean Buffet Dinner 6.30p.m. - 10.00 p.m. Savour original culinary delights from the sunny Mediterranean. A rich array of southern European favorites available: Adults Baht 695++, Children Baht 400++. Friday at the Verandah (Coffee Shop) - BBQ & Seafood Buffet Dinner 6.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m., “Irresistible Seafood” with a net-full of fresh seafood and tender sizzling meats: Adults Baht 795++, Children Baht 450++. For reservations please call 038-428155, 038- 361340 ext 1620, 1621, E-mail; [email protected]

The Bay Italian Restaurant sits in a contemporary setting and offers a relaxed dining experience. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, with a scenic view of Pattaya Bay. The Bay, with its sumptuous Italian dishes and boasting one of the best views of Pattaya Bay, has established itself as one of the best restaurants in town. Located at the Dusit Thani Resort in North Pattaya, The Bay also hosts a fabulous BBQ Buffet Dinner every Saturday evening. Seating is available for 200 in both interior and terrace settings. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday - 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. For more information and reservations, please call 038 425 611-7 ext. 2270.

Restaurant Casa Pascal has re-launched its popular Sunday Brunch Buffet. The first and longest Sunday Brunch Buffet in town offers an overwhelming choice of food items and comes to you for just 899 baht + V.A.T. including a glass of Prosecco (children under 8 years 450 baht). Don’t miss this unique chance and book your table right now! First come, first served. For your reservation, please call (038) 723-660 or 081-983-4182.

Restaurant Poseidon offers a daily Breakfast and Lunch Buffet menu from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. featuring a host of favorites including freshly baked breads, delicacies, fruit, salads, hot dishes and the cooking station that offers bacon, ham, sausages, eggs of your choice, potatoes, fried rice, noodles and much more. The whole menu is available for only 165 baht per person. Also don’t forget the weekend BBQ dinner menu (every Sat & Sun night) which includes a whole smorgasbord of delicious food offerings for only 444 baht per person. For more information and reservations call (038) 303-300 or 081-983-4182 (Kim) or go to www.restaurant-pattaya.com

New and only at Moon River Pub! The After Work Club, Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to midnight, offers guests a Western or Thai evening menu. Groups of 30 people may choose from the European and Thai all you can eat buffet (booking 1 day in advance). The all you can drink (wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, etc.) counts for both offers. Price per person: 1,000 baht each. The Moon River Pub is located in front of the Thai Garden Resort, North Pattaya Road.

Jameson’s the Irish Pub has a weekly set menu, served from midday to midnight, 3 courses for 255 baht / 2 courses 230 baht / 1 course 195 baht. Starters include potted ham with thick toast & English mustard or homemade turkey broth or hot prawns in cognac. The main courses offer spaghetti with your choice of Bolognaise, vegetarian tomato sauce or Carbonara, or pork burger or grilled king mackerel steak (caught by manager Wanchai) served with boiled potato, peas & butter/lemon/chili sauce. Dessert includes a choice of chocolate brownie cake with cream or strawberry sundae or pineapple crumble with custard. This menu can be served within 45 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Tel. (038) 361 874, e-mail: [email protected], Website: www.jamesons-pattaya.com

Entertainment

Pattaya Players amateur dramatic troupe has announced auditions for its upcoming murder mystery performance of “Murder Under the Big Top”. There are parts for both male and female actors of all ages and auditions will take place at the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel on Soi Khaotalo at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2011. The performances will take place on February 25-26, 2011 (at Le Cafe Royale Restaurant). All interested parties both talent-wise and back stage should plan on attending. For further details and directions on how to find the audition space, please email [email protected]

The New Garden in Pratamnak Soi 4 has Charity Music Jam Sessions every Sunday at 6.30 p.m. Welcome! Phone 038-250971. See earlier videos at www.jomtienpeople.com

Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes at the North Star Library every Saturday at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact John 083 005 3006 or North Star Library 038 716 755, www.thaisahajayoga.com

Come and enjoy the live music at the Jazz Pit Pub from 8 p.m. to midnight every day (except Tuesdays & Wednesdays). Listen to great music by Thomas Reimer, one of the most famous European Jazz guitar players. If you play an instrument, you are welcome to come along and join in the jam sessions. The Jazz Pit is located on Soi 5 off Pattaya Beach and 2nd Road. Tel: 038 428 374.

Liam’s Gallery will be displaying an exhibition titled “The mind never sleeps” featuring paintings and drawings by renowned Dutch born artist Barro from January 7 to February 10, 2011. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information please visit www.liamsgallery.com, telephone 038 306172 Geena or Liam or email [email protected]

City ready to host fun events for Jan 8 Children’s Day

Local government and private businesses have a whole host of activities planned for Children’s Day, which this year falls on Saturday, Jan. 8.

At 9 a.m. at Pattaya City Hall, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome will begin the event by reading the Prime Minister’s annual message to the children. Afterwards, the mayor will distribute presents and announce the beginning of food and games, plus exhibitions from various organizations. Children also will be given a tour of Taksin Meeting Hall and provided with a demonstration of elected officials at work.

Pattaya Police station will open many of their department offices and provide children with demonstrations about how they work. Police also will present holiday gifts to the children.

In the private sector, Mini Siam will open for free for children from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will organize games to win fun prizes.

Pattaya Crocodile Farm will be free for children to see different species of crocs, various animals, and different flowers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At Central Festival Pattaya Beach, various games are being prepared for children, along with a total of 2011 gifts to give away to children on January 8th and 9th.

Alcazar Cabaret Pattaya will host games and activities for children between 8 a.m. and noon.

Activities at Tiffany’s Show Pattaya will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Children there can compete in a drawing competition with the topic traditional games for Thai children. Shows from various schools and a special show by Tiffany’s will round out the event.

In the greater Sattahip area: popular venues will be open for children, such as Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Sattahip Naval Base, the latter of which will allow children to see various weapons and the Chakri Naruebet Ship. The Tortoise Conservation Center and U-Tapao Naval base will also be open.

Whatever you do, have a great day with your children. And remember to be kind to them throughout the year.