The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), in the true spirit of goodwill towards everyone, invited the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) to their networking at the Amari Orchid Resort. Not only that, but the AmCham executive director, the effervescent Judy Benn, informed me that they had also invited the Automotive Focus Group (AFG) and many other chambers that usually meet in Bangkok.
However, looking at the number of members present that evening, I think many decided that to travel to Pattaya and be faced with the same traffic jams as they experience in Bangkok, was not worth it. (Note to City Hall: you must do something about the traffic problem, and soon!)
Simon Matthews, Country Manager Thailand, Manpower Group and Chris Thatcher, Director, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.
The networking session was held in the gardens of the Amari Orchid, and GM David Cumming and his staff dressed up the gardens for the occasion and also dressed up their service girls in fetching Xmas outfits. David addressed the meeting on behalf of the Amari, and informed everyone that he would be moving to Bangkok in the new year, but with the Amari building three hotels in Pattaya, he would be seen around here very often.
Being the final networking before Xmas, celebratory entertainment was given by the fireworks, and it was appropriate that Xmas Carols were on the agenda, sung by some of the children from the Mercy Center.
Mention must be made of the food, which was just superb, from the inventive kitchens of Executive Chef Leonard Faust. The alcohol seemed as if it was never going to run dry, so from the gourmet experience, it was a very good night.
The AmCham group included (as always) David Nardone (President and CEO of Hemaraj Land and Development) and Alan Verstein who has been investigating the business possibilities in Myanmar (they are there, but it may be prudent to wait a little while).
The Brits were well represented with Executive Director Greg Watkins, ex-Chairman Graham MacDonald (MBMG), Kevin Fisher (CEA and CES Projects), Joe Cox and his lovely wife (Defense International Security Services) and Chris Thatcher and Simon (the shirt) Matthews (Manpower).
The AFG group joined the fun after their committee meeting, with President Uli Kaiser, VP Frank Holzer and PP Mike Diamante enjoying the break from the exacting task of leading the very dynamic AFG.
Networking her way through the entire evening was Pimjai Chaimongkol, the Business Development Assistant with Allied Pickfords, doing what these events are designed to facilitate.
It was a very good evening, and thanks must be given again to AmCham for hosting the event. The next networking will be published in the Pattaya Mail.
Paul Strachan and Dr. Iain Corness.
Mitsyo Enya and Hope Pilunthanakul.
Andrew Ross, Communications Coordinator, The American School of Bangkok and Andrew Ross, Wine Distributor, Wines-Warehouse.
Martin Brands, member and Dieter Reigber, President of Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya.
(L to R) Ian Maxwell Atkins poses with Tipawan Papapong and Patcharin Machima, Assistant Manager, Sales, Amari Orchid Pattaya after he bought a holiday outfitted lion doll for charity.
(L to R) Pinyo Siriton, Director, Sales, Dueanpen Thongsombat, Assistant Director of Sales, Amari Orchid Pattaya and Supawadee Rodwinit from ABC Group.
(L to R) Jittikan Thongmalai, Nida Silabonjah and Nataphong Ritpradit, Technical Sales Representative, WMS.
(L to R) Mark Carroll, Executive Director, Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, David R. Nardone, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hemaraj Land and Development Public Company Limited, David Cumming, General Manager, Amari Orchid Pattaya, Judy A. Benn, Executive Director, The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Greg Watkins, Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and Simon Matthews, Country Manager of Thailand, Manpower Group.
Anthony and Fah pose for a family photo with their daughters, Selina and Angeline Collier.
(L to R) Mark Butters, Director, RSM Advisory (Thailand) Limited, Stephen Frost, Director, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and David Cumming, General Manager, Amari Orchid Pattaya.
(L to R) Robert Walli, James Harris, Nonie Adamj and Maxine Watkinson from The Regent’s School Pattaya.
(L to R) Christian Puel, Aviation Industry, APAC, Vicki and Paul Birgan, Gold Coast Ships Ltd.
(L to R) Simon Carey, Angun and Roger R. Reynolds III, Chief Executive Officer, Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc.
(L to R) Rungroj Sae-iao, CRM Manager, GKN Driveline (Thailand) Limited, Ramesh Ramanathan, Managing Director, Visteon (Thailand) Limited and Roger Wilson, Key Account Manager Ford, Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate.
(L to R) Joe Cox, Managing Director of Defence International Security Services, Garry Irvin, Manarco Recruitment Ltd and Jutharat Champawong.
