Lula performs at Hard Rock

Lula performs one of her fan favorites.

Warunya Thongrod

Lula, Thailand’s first Bossa Nova singer had fans swaying to the rhythms at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Soul Lounge Sessions.

Commonly known as Kanyarat Tiyapornchai, the singer showed off her powerful voice during her chilled-out set June 30 at the Hard Rock Hotel’s newest beachfront bar, the Soul Lounge. She sang fan favorites from her time in the band “2 Become 1” and as a solo performer.

Lula studied Bossa Nova for three years before releasing her first album, “Urban Lullaby,” which climbed high on the Billboard charts. She won Thailand’s Fat Award (from Fat Radio 104.5 FM) in 2008.

The Soul Lounge hosts live sessions every Friday and Saturday and brings in name acts once a month. Lula joins such other top Thai names as Burin and the Old School All Stars in February, Theer Chaiyadet in March and Wan Thanakrit in May.

The two women not only sing well together, but look beautiful whilst doing it.

Lula invites one of her fans to sing with her up on stage.

Lula fans excitedly watch her perform in person.

PCEC elects board to serve new term

New board members for PCEC were elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club held on Sunday, July 1. Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg opened the regular Sunday meeting and announced that this being the first Sunday in July, the club would be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Outgoing PCEC Chairman Michel de Goumois presents the Pattaya City Expats Club Annual Report. Michel’s conclusion was that 2011 / 2012 was a good year for PCEC; if the PCEC were a ship, we could now say that it has reached its ‘cruising speed’.

The club has from nine to eleven members of its Governing Board; they serve two year terms and there were seven with terms expiring on June 30, 2012. Since there were ten candidates for the seven vacancies, an election was to be held during the AGM.

Electoral Officer Max Rommel announced the balloting procedures to be followed for the election. After this, MC Richard called on the club’s chairman for the 2011-2012 year to open the AGM.

Chairman Michel de Goumois opened the meeting with the first order of business being the Chairman’s Annual Report to the Membership. Michel noted that since his written report had been distributed to everyone, he would only summarize the report during the AGM.

He started by commenting on the values on which the club is founded. He felt the most important was the openness and an acceptance of diversity. He noted that although English is the club’s language of communication, the members are from many different countries and from different backgrounds, which he believes is a major strength of the club in carrying out its theme of Expats helping Expats.

PCEC Treasurer Judith Edmonds delivers the annual Treasurer’s Report.

In short, he said the club is not an American, British or Australian club - but truly an international club, where expats and visitors can meet, exchange ideas and actually enjoy their differences as well as their affinities.

He mentioned one welcome change during the year was the improvements the Amari’s Tavern by the Sea Restaurant had made in the buffet breakfast they provide for the club each Sunday. He then proceeded to highlight various activities of the club during the past and preceding years.

He said that few could boast of having continuous Sunday meetings since the club’s inception eleven years ago; including during Songkran and on Christmas and New Years Day. He thanked several of the club members who have taken on the duties to ensure guest speakers are available and the meeting runs smoothly.

Also, the club has more to offer than just its regular Sunday meetings. The club has many Special Interest Groups formed by its members that have in many cases developed a life of their own and added new dimensions to the club.

Returning Officer Max Rommel reports on the elections for the board of Pattaya City Expats Club.

Further, the club gives an opportunity to any member who wants to pursue a common interest with others to do so by forming a group. He also thanked several members that took the time and effort to organize several excursions during the year for the benefit of members and friends of the club.

As chairman, he reported that the board has functioned smoothly and efficiently. Though each are from different backgrounds and nationalities, the board was bound together by a dedication to make the club a success.

He gave special thanks to the club’s officers for the extra effort required to carry out their duties on behalf of the club. He also thanked the regular members saying that, “Without you there would be no club and no reason to have this meeting today.”

After concluding the summarization of his report, he called on Treasurer Judith Edmonds to give the Annual Treasurer’s Report. This was followed by an invitation to club members to provide any comments and suggestions about the club’s activities.

The Annual General Meeting was concluded after Max Rommel announced the results of the election for the board member vacancies. The seven candidates elected to two year terms were: Roy Albiston, Jerry Dean, Judith Edmonds, Lawrie McLoughlin, David Meador, Stuart Saunders, and “Hawaii” Bob Sutterfield. Roy and Jerry are new to the board with the other five having been reelected to serve on the board.

MC Richard then resumed the regular meeting by updating everyone on upcoming events. He then called on Roy Albiston to conduct the always interesting and lively Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about expat living in Thailand; Pattaya in particular.

Read more about the Club’s activities on their website at www. pattayacityexpatsclub.com.

On Tuesday the 3rd a group of PCEC members visited Old Siam, a historically themed village to the South East of Bangkok, in Samut Prakarn. Many buildings from ancient Siam are recreated, as well as klongs and floating markets. Here a small group takes a trip on the klong. Following this, a visit was made to the Erawan Elephant Museum (the large three headed elephant statue beside the Southern Circular Road), then to the Bang Pu Recreation Reserve for dinner.

Banglamung Hospital offers free flu vaccinations

Banglamung Hospital is offering free flu vaccinations to those most in need.

Manoon Makpol

Banglamung Hospital officials are encouraging chronically ill or other high-risk residents to receive vaccinations against three seasonal flu bugs.

Strategic officer Montri Jittiruamgkiet said the hospital has received 7,000 doses of vaccines, which protect against A-H1N1 flu from 2009, and the more-recent A-H3N2 A and B strains. Those already inoculated previously for one or two of the viruses can be revaccinated safely, he said.

Shots are suggested for people working with birds, or those with COPD, AIDS, asthma, heart problems, strokes, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, thalassemic and deficit immune system, those on chemotherapy, over 65 years old, those weighing over 100 kg., children from 2-6 years old and pregnant women in their second trimester.

The shots are available free with a 13-digit identification card. Those whose conditions are uncontrolled need to consult a doctor to determine if the vaccination is safe.