Former PCEC chairman, and
founder of PAPPA Law Office, Drew Noyes tells members about the legal
conference coming up sponsored by Pattaya City Hall.
Do you know your rights under Thailand’s laws? This was
the opening question from Drew Noyes, managing director of PAPPA Co., Ltd.
Law Office, at the Pattaya City Expats Club weekly meeting on August 14 at
the Amari’s Tavern by the Sea restaurant. Drew was introduced by member
Harry “Sig” Sigworth. Sig pointed out many of Drew’s accomplishments and
that he is not only a long term member of the Club, but was its first
chairman. He has operated businesses in Thailand for many years and through
his law office had a lot of experience dealing with the Thai judicial
system.
Drew mentioned that when he first came to Thailand, it
was as an investment banker with no specific plans to settle in Thailand.
Since he came here, he said he has learned a lot including the cultural
conflict between a westerner and a Thai in that a westerner approaches
situations with his brain; whereas a Thai will do so with their heart.
Consequently, because of this difference it is harder for a westerner to
understand Thais and their application of the law.
In answer to his opening question on the rights of a
foreigner under Thai law, Drew said that many would be surprised to learn
that except for some narrowly defined exclusions, it is the same for a
foreigner as it is for a Thai. Under Thai law, both foreigners and Thais
will be treated the same.
He said that the chief judge of the provincial court in
conjunction with the city administration and his law office felt that it
would be very beneficial to the expat community to gain a better
understanding of Thai law and the Thai judicial system. Consequently, they
have undertaken the organization of a seminar on Thai criminal law to be
presented to foreigners and conducted in English. The panelists will be
judges from the Chonburi Provincial Court, including Chief Judge Visit
Sripibool. They will discuss Thai Criminal Law and the Thai Judicial
process.
The judges are imminently qualified and experienced.
Additionally, all have received advanced law degrees in the USA or UK; so
they are conversant in English and will be able to explain the similarities
and differences between the laws and judicial system in those countries and
in Thailand.
Drew emphasized that this first seminar will cover
criminal law and not civil law. It should provide insights into Thai
criminal procedures and legal system; with a crucial part being to know how
to manage yourself if by chance you are arrested.
Drew said that he is working on organizing two more
seminars for a later date. One will be on civil law - divorce, contracts,
wills, etc. The other will be on property law. During his presentation, Drew
provided some interesting insights into the Thai legal system and how it is
impacted by Thai culture.
After Drew answered several questions from the audience,
Richard Silverberg brought everyone up to date on upcoming events and called
on Steve Ashkinos to conduct the always informative and sometime humorous
Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about Expat living in
Thailand, recommendations for restaurants and movies are made, an and
perhaps a joke or two are told.
The guests agree: The house wine
is excellent.
Martin Brands
With lots of confetti and plenty of well-wishers, Bistro
Oscar opened in Jomtien Complex.
Owners Auke Boon and Frank Kalter have created a tasteful and
intimate restaurant on the ground floor of the Poseidon Hotel named for Oscar
Wilde, the Irish author known for his wit and taste. At the Aug. 1 opening,
guests were impressed by the restaurant’s red and black interior accented by a
large collection of Versace decorations.
Boon and Kalter ran a successful restaurant in Holland and
retired to Thailand a few years ago. They still own the Dutch farmhouse and rent
it out but discovered they needed a new distraction to fill their retirement
days. Their extensive catering experience inspired Bistro Oscar, which offers
currently trendy “fusion” cuisine mixing French and Oriental recipes.
Oscar opens for breakfast at 9 a.m. with dishes from 175
baht. The dinner menu features a choice of starters ranging from 110 to 175
baht, main courses from 275 to 425 baht, and desserts and snacks all under 200
baht. The restaurant is open until 1 a.m., although the kitchen closes at 11
p.m.
For more information, visit the restaurant online at
bistro-oscar.com.
Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Tim Beeson from Lodi,
Calif. walks up to receive the award for first place in the Teppanyaki
Cook-off. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin
Devenberg)
Mass Communication
Specialist Seaman Erin Devenberg
Eight culinary specialists from USS George Washington
(CVN 73) competed in the Teppanyaki Cook-off at the Marriott Resort and Spa
Hotel in Pattaya, Aug. 8.
Our Culinary Specialists go through a lot of training and
this is a great opportunity to demonstrate what they can do,” said Cmdr. Pat
McClanahan, George Washington’s supply officer. “It’s hard to demonstrate
your skills as a chef when you’re cooking for 5,000 people. But a
competition like this, where you’re preparing just a few specialized dishes,
this is where they can truly represent their rate.”
The competition consisted of seven teams - four from
George Washington, two from USS Cowpens (CG 63) and from USS Mustin (DDG
89).
The Sailors were given a spread of vegetables, meat and
spices to choose from and were challenged to use their own unique cooking
styles to create two dishes that would impress the judges’ palates.
“It’s up to them to get creative and do whatever they
want to win our vote,” said Luis Rodrigo Zamora, executive chef of Pattaya
Marriott Resort & Spa.
The Sailors were judged on hygiene, taste, creativity,
presentation and choice of a secret ingredient.
“Our secret ingredient is love. If you love your food,
it’s going to be great,” said Culinary Specialists 3rd Class Benjamin
Batenhorst, one of the George Washington’s Sailors participating in the
competition.
The cooking competition was hosted by the Thailand
chapter of the Navy League of the United States.
“The Navy League supports service members by arranging
activities that get the Sailors involved with the local community,” said
Peter Thorand, president of the local Navy League chapter.
The Sailors focused on creating appetizing dishes during
the hour and a half competition while their shipmates cheered them on.
The George Washington team consisting of Culinary
Specialist 3rd Class Tim Beeson and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Morgan
White took first place in the competition.
“It was exciting to watch but it’s not about winning,
it’s about participation and we put it on so everyone can have a chance to
participate,” said Thorand.
