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VFW Post 9876 to
commemorate Veterans Day
Eric Larsen, Commander and
John P. Clark, Junior Vice Commander
History of Veteran’s Day: World War I - known at the time as
the “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed
on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles,
France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or
temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went
into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For
that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to
end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as
the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Later, the 83rd Congress, at the
urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by
striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the words
“Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th
became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
- Courtesy of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VFW Post 9876 will traditionally commemorate Veterans Day
at our post home at the Hog’s Breath Saloon on Soi Batman. VFW Post 9876 was
chartered on 7 March 1981 here in Pattaya and has operated all those 30 years in
this city. It has over 400 members who are all US Military veterans who have
served in a foreign war for the United States of America. Our charter is to
promote comradeship, continued patriotism and assist US military veterans in all
aspects possible. We also assist as needed all US Military veterans widows.
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What is the status of the Pattaya property market?
PCEC board member David
Meador updates members on Pattaya activities for the week, before handing to
MC Richard Silverberg to introduce the guest speaker.
What is the status of the Pattaya property
market? On Sunday, October 30, Michael Barricelli gave his views to the
Pattaya City Expats Club at their meeting at Amari’s Tavern by the Sea
Restaurant. Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg introduced Michael
noting that he is the founder and managing director of Big Mango Properties
with offices in Pattaya and Bangkok. He is also co-publisher for two
property-related publications; the Pattaya Condo & House Reference Guide and
the Property Newsletter - Pattaya.
Michael Barricelli of Big
Mango Properties gave PCEC an unbiased and comprehensive review of the
Pattaya real estate situation, finishing with a check list of do’s & don’ts
for use when buying property in the ‘Land of Smiles’.
Michael gave a very comprehensive presentation covering
many aspects related to the Pattaya property market such as: (1) market
drivers and general interest indicators; (2) factors impacting on the
Pattaya market; (3) who is buying property in Pattaya; (4) what is selling
in Pattaya; (5) factors to consider on whether to buy a condo or a house;
(5) describing the distinctly different “Markets” that exist; (6) the due
diligence for “Off Plan” purchases; (6) the common pitfalls when doing a
property search; (7) remembering to budget for all acquisition costs; and
(8) the ongoing costs of owning property.
Former PCEC chairman Richard
Smith discusses the activities of the Cross Cultural group, providing free
English classes to Thais who are likely to deal with foreigners in their
jobs.
He mentioned that some of the market drivers are a
continuing concern about the overall health and stability of EU and North
American economies, the perception of a relatively stable political
environment in Thailand along with core indicators which are strong (GDP,
exports, job market), and mortgage financing is still available for Thais
despite some tightening. Factors impacting on the Pattaya market include
some strengthening of foreign currencies against the Thai Baht, the supply
of condos continues to increase in most areas, there is access to quality
healthcare, and continued development of high end hotels and shopping
centers. Michael pointed out that the biggest increase in supply is in the
Pratamnak Hill and Jomtien areas. Further, builders are making smaller room
size units to keep prices within buyers’ budgets.
Michael noted that buyers come from various groups.
Retirees still find Thailand a favorite destination for retirement. Thais,
especially those in Bangkok, are seeking second homes. Russians have been a
recent addition. The American and British are active in the market again.
Michael’s view was that British and American expats are now coming to terms
that their lower currency value is not a fluke and are no longer waiting to
see if their currency value rises. Further, later arrivals from Britain and
America have no recollection of when their currency was much higher in value
and are accepting the market prices. He said Australians are also very
active in the market since their economy and currency value is strong. Also,
there is increased interest from “new” buyers coming from India and China.
He said that houses were not selling well but rentals are
in demand. Condos, except in the moderate market were selling well. Also,
Michael pointed out that there are distinct markets in Pattaya - these
different markets can be categorized by the amount of baht per square meter
- starter/entry at less than 45,000, budget at 45,000 to 65,000, moderate at
65,000 to 90,000, high end at 95,000 to 135,000, and exclusive at more than
135,000. The prices mentioned are for condos. Michael said that houses tend
to be 30% lower.
Michael then listed several benefits and drawbacks
related to owning a condo or a house. He also gave several pointers on what
one should do for due diligence if purchasing “off plan” (before building is
completed) and emphasized one needs to know their own risk tolerance as
buying off plan has more risk than purchasing an existing condo or one that
is very near completion.
He then described some common pitfalls when doing a
property search. One in particular is not to take “advice” from a purported
“expert.” Someone sitting at the next bar stool may not be the “expert” they
claim to be. Another is not having a budget and sticking to it or over
paying because you do not understand the market. Often the buyer is not
aware that the purchase price is not all the costs associated with the
purchase.
Michael concluded by listing some of the acquisition
costs that you need to be aware of when purchasing property and ongoing
costs after acquisition. Michael then answered many questions from the
audience. Michael’s presentation slides are on the Club’s website at
www.pattaya cityexpatsclub.com in the General Interest section. To learn
more about Michael and his company, his website is at www.bigmangoproperties
.com.
MC Richard Silverberg then called on Judith Edmonds to
conduct the always informative Open Forum and bring everyone up to date on
upcoming events.
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105,000 baht raised in
Boyz Town Flood Relief Benefit
The evening was a sellout and 60
people enjoyed a chef’s carved buffet.
On October 26, a Flood Relief Benefit was held
at Le Cafô Royale Hotel in Boyz Town, with the support of other businesses on
the street, to assist the people so badly affected by the floods.
The ‘star of the show’ was
international drag comedian Davina Sparkle (right), freshly arrived from UK.
The evening was a sellout and 60 people enjoyed a chef’s
carved buffet at 600 baht. Entertainment was provided by Le Cafô Royal resident
entertainers with shows from Boyz Boyz Boyz, Copa Showbar, Oscars, Funny
Boys/Panorama and Ambiance.
The ‘star of the show’ was international drag comedian Davina
Sparkle, freshly arrived from UK, whose witty repartee, fine vocals and acidic
wit kept everyone thoroughly entertained.
A lucky draw was held with the 1st prize being a 32 inch Flat
Screen TV donated by Le Cafô Royale and this together with an auction, generous
donations and a percentage of Le Cafô Royale takings raised the great sum of
105,000 baht. Thanks to all involved.
We can’t save the world but we can show we care.
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Magna Carta law office lends a hand
Handing out provisions.
Tony Justice
On October 17, Magna Carta law office, led by CEO Chalemwat
Wimkutayon and barrister Noppadol, along with the legal office managers Anthony
Justice and Peter McCarthy, decided to open an appeal to help all the victims of
the floods in Thailand.
We asked all our clients who responded by donating very
generously.
Our 2 main sponsors’ were Vern Wheatley and family who
donated 150,000 baht in memory of their late son Shane (former owner of Living
dolls 1) plus Matrix developments who donated 100,000 baht. With these 2
sponsors and all our other clients we managed to raise over 400,000 baht for the
flood victims.
Loaded and ready to go.
We had realized a long time ago that a lot of the donations
were not getting to the victims because of lack of transport (mainly boats) so
we decided to buy 2 small boats to help with the distribution. We also decided
to join with the Thai army located in Chonburi who would help us distribute all
the food and products that we had brought.
We loaded the 2 army vehicles early Saturday morning and
headed off to Nontaburi. At Around 20 km away from our destination we could see
the water had started to accumulate on the roads. By the time we arrived at
Nontaburi the water was between knee and waist height.
Loading one of the boats.
We all jumped from the truck into the water and started
loading the boats with food and provisions. Then, accompanied by the Thai army,
set off along the flooded roads, in our boats, in search of people that needed
our help.
People on our journey had mixed emotions: the happiness that
comes with helping people and the sadness when you start to realize that a lot
of these people have lost everything. In nearly all the houses, the furniture
had been moved upstairs and almost everyone was restricted to living on the
first floor and above.
The gratitude shown by the Thai families that we met was very
humbling.
The most worrying thing we saw was how close the electric
meters and wiring were to the water level, in some places only a few
centimeters.
People trapped.
We finally finished delivering all the packages around 8 p.m.
then headed in army trucks back to the Chonburi army base.
The total damage has not yet fully been realized and will
only become apparent when the water has receded; then I feel the real work will
need to be started. The smell from the stagnant water only went to further our
feelings of how many building were actually beyond repair.
I would like to say a very big thank you to the Chonburi army lads who worked
so hard helping everyone that crossed their path. They have been the unsung
heroes over the last few weeks and many people owe their lives to them.
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S.O.S. Rice Appeal 2011 needs your help
Donations have already arrived,
but more is needed.
Derek Franklin
The 2011 SOS Rice appeal will take place over three weekends
from the 18th of November to the 5th December.
The aim of the annual SOS Rice appeal is to encourage the
people of Pattaya to donate rice to help feed the 850 children and students with
disabilities living at the Father Ray Foundation.
This young flood victim will
benefit from the SOS Rice appeal.
However, this year the Foundation needs your help more than
ever.
The flooding in Bangkok has seen many people leave their
homes and make their way to Pattaya.
The Father Ray Children’s Home has opened its doors to fifty
children from a similar home in Nonthaburi. The Vocational School is giving
shelter to ninety people living with a disability whose homes have been flooded
and the Drop-In Center for Street Kids is once again providing a safe haven for
children who have no other place to go.
From November the 18th to December the 5th the Father Ray
Foundation is asking for your assistance to help feed the children, students
with disabilities and the evacuees from Bangkok.
Over three weekends there will be volunteers and children
from the Foundation stationed at many supermarkets in Pattaya.
The Foundation is asking that the next time you go shopping
at Tesco Lotus, Big C, Makro, Best, Friendship, Tops, Villa Market or Foodland
you will buy an extra bag of rice for the children of Pattaya and the flood
victims of Bangkok.
Donations of rice, foodstuffs and cash can also be dropped
off at the Father Ray Foundation Welcome Center on Sukhumvit Road, between North
and Central Pattaya Roads.
Please help the victims of the floods, and remember the
children of Pattaya.
Look for these friendly faces,
and more like them, at collection points around town.
It is not just young people who
need shelter from the floods.
Safe and dry, the young flood
victims from Bangkok at the Fr. Ray Children’s Home.
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