Volume 8 Issue 16

Pattaya Today 1

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Volume 8, Issue 16

1 - 15 May 2009

The Greening of Pattaya

Pattaya City Mayor Itthiphol Khunpleum After being granted the the resort more attractive to privilege of being able to tourists worldwide.

DASTA, - Designated Arhost the ASEAN Conference, it was a cruel twist of fate eas for Sustainable Tourism for Pattaya City to lose face Administration – was set over the Red-Shirt debacle, up under the royal decree of when a few hundred mob September 13, 2003, by the members were allowed to pen- then government of Thaksin etrate the cordon to enter the Shinawatra as an instrument Royal Cliff and intimidate the to sustain balanced tourism development in various ASEAN leaders.

However, every cloud has designated zones in Thaia silver lining, which in this land, which were considered case was the welcome news potentially under threat; that Pattaya has been desig- current officially designated nated by the government as zones include the Chang a suitable zone for substan- Archipelago and Chiang Mai tial redevelopment under the Night Safari. The cabinet DASTA scheme, to radically of the current government transform the city’s ecology has now ratified proposals and environment and make for the redevelopment of

Pattaya, originally laid before it in March, 2009, by the overseer of tourism in Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Major General Sanan Khachornprasart.

Under the terms of these proposals, Pattaya City and its immediate environs, the eight adjacent tambons, will undergo significant improvements in the overall environment and infrastructure, addressing the problems of an inadequate road network and its consequent traffic congestion, unplanned development, overcrowding, insufficient water supplies,

coastal erosion, public safety, and other detriments to the citizens’ health, with the intention of substantiating Pattaya’s claim to be the leading coastal resort in Thailand and bringing it up to the global standards necessary for the city to compete on the world tourism stage. A steering committee, consisting of DASTA representatives and Pattaya City Administration, has been set up to draft the first outline of the Master Plan, which is expected to be made public a year hence.

Continued on page 2

Damage to Royal Cliff around 14.4 million baht

Disappointed that to date the government had made no promise to pay for the damage to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort during the April 11 mayhem, Ms Panga Wattanakul, managing director, informed the press of recent developments.

She said that the total damage to the resort was

25 BAHT

estimated at 14.4 million baht, caused when Redshirt protestors forced their way into the premises during anti-government protests in Pattaya on April 11. Ms Panga detailed the various damage cost centres including broken glass and doors, broken furniture, shattered kitchenware, uprooted

plants, trampled gardens and lost revenue when tourists checked out in a hurry and refused to settle their bills.

She went on to say that both the Royal Cliff and Pattaya as a whole had suffered very serious damage as potential guests had been frightened away resulting in many cancelled bookings.

Continued on page 5

2 Pattaya Today

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Continued from page 1

The greening of Pattaya

Pattaya’s Mayor, Mr. Itthiphol Khunpleum, is reportedly overjoyed by the welcome news and has expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the cabinet for the endorsement of the Master Plan. "The Master Plan will help us integrate and allow us to work with other government agencies, as we need their help to deal with problems which we don't have the authority to solve on our own," said Mr. Itthiphol.

The proposals, he continued, will also help the city

2 Senior police officers transferred to inactive posts

Another repercussion of the recent mayhem that was supposed to be the ASEAN Summit, is the transfer of two high ranking police officers who were supposed to hold key positions of responsibility for the safety of the summit and those attending. On the 21st of last month, National Police Chief, Patcharawat Wongsuwon, signed orders moving Commander of the Second Police Region, Assawin Narongphan, and Chonburi's Provincial Police Chief, Bundit Koonjuk, to

Police Lieutenant General Suwat Chan - Itthikoon

the National Police office in Bangkok.

The move is a massive blow to the officers, seen as a sideways move to an inactive post, after they were found to be responsible for enforcing sufficient security measures for the delegates and

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009 reach its goal of becoming a major sports centre. The mayor’s enthusiasm was shared by the various representatives of the crucial hospitality industry and other tourism-related commercial concerns.

In a time of economic downturn, such welcome redevelopment will also mean increased employment and related benefits, which will have a significant impact on the local community.

As an added fillip, DASTA will encourage the enhancement of the local populace’s long-term eco-sensitivity to take pride in and cherish their local environment.

Realistically, however, the redevelopment will not be all plain sailing, as local dignitaries were at pains to point out. Mr. Boonma Fangrak, Chairman of Ban Rong Mai Kheed, highlighted the ongoing issues of the predilections of local and international crime syndicates for using Pattaya as a centre for the drugs trade and prostitution, which obviously have an impact on the safety of the public at large and tourists in general.

However, to counter this concern, it should be noted that PM Abhisit has declared a new 6-month ‘war on drugs’, which should go a

long way towards addressing this issue.

Another realist was Jidapa Thanaattachai, a local tourism operator, who expressed her concerns about the long-term sustainability of the DASTA Master Plan, especially considering the negative impact of recent events on the vulnerable tourist trade. In this regard, however, it should be noted that the Tourist Authority of Thailand has unveiled plans to counter dwindling tourism.

These include web marketing, whereby videoclip interviews with foreign tourists, travelling in Thailand, will be uploaded to YouTube in order to promote Thai tourism, and the organisation of international conferences, such as the upcoming Pacific Asia Travel Association Conference in Macau, China. In addition, Suprabha Moleeratanond, Director of Conventions at the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, has expressed optimism that the C&E business will return to normal within the next 6 months.

Basically, for these proposals to work, it will take the wholehearted participation of all concerned, but as a rescue package for Pattaya, it holds much promise.

motorcades. Police Lieutenant General Assawin was replaced by Police Lieutenant General, Suwat Chan-Itthikoon, Assistant National Police Chief, while Police Major General, Bundit was replaced

by Police Major General, Pramote Pathoomwong, and Deputy Commander of the Second Police Region.

We wish the two new officers every success in their new posts.

54th Anniversary of the Thai Navy Seals The Deputy Commander of the ‘Navy Special Warfare Group, NWSG’, Captain Winai Klom-in, recently presided over the celebrations to mark the 54th Anniversary of this very important arm of the Thai Military Services, at Sattahip Naval Base.

Speaking to honoured guests and colleagues he explained that the work carried out by the select members of this special unit included unconventional warfare, direct action, combating terrorism, special reconnaissance, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery and hydrographical recon-

naissance.

The NWSG is organised, trained and equipped to conduct special maritime operations and protect the countries shoreline. They are also known as the Thai Navy Seal

(sea, air and land) and are deployed in support of fleet and national operations, in line with national policies in peacetime and to prevent the outbreak of war.

by Nana

Pattaya City looks at combating homeless children At a meeting held in the Tappraya Conference Room at Pattaya City Hall, on the 21st April, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jeerawut Sukonsup, Chief of City Inspectors Office, chaired a meeting with representatives from the Father Ray Foundation, Redemptorist School for Blind and Disabled Children, representatives from Pattaya’s 11 schools, plus other concerned organisations, on the plight of homeless

children in the Pattaya area.

The discussions focused on the ongoing problems of homeless children and the measures to be taken in an effort to fight the situation.

A committee will be visiting Pattaya 24th thru 28th April, from the government department responsible for the less fortunate in our community, to check on the progress made so far and the plans for the future.

by Nana

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Pattaya Today 3

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4 Pattaya Today

Elephants ‘wow’ the crowds as Nongnooch celebrates Songkran The famous Nongnooch Tropical Gardens, Sattahip, always go the ‘extra mile’ when celebrating public holidays, in an attempt to preserve Thai Cultures and bring them to new generations of Thai’s and visitors from other parts of Thailand and from around the world, the recent Songkran and Flower Blossom Festival was no exception.

Organised by Mrs. Puttanun Kuntisookpun, General Manager, on behalf of the owner, Mr. Kumpone Tunsutja, the events had something for all ages, from a Miss Songkran Parade to a breathtaking display from the garden’s

Fake snakes scare monkeys

Whilst trying to take offerings to the Kromluang Chumporn Shrine on Mount Laem Pujao, Sattahip Naval Base, local residents were being attacked by mischievous monkeys trying to steal the food. Everyone, including local animal organisations, could not come up with a solution to stop the ever increasing attacks. A young reporter, sent out by his paper to do a story on these enterprising thieves, was a little dismayed by the fact that whilst everyone was making their offerings, not a monkey was in sight, believing he had been sent on a wild goose (or monkey) chase, he prepared to travel home.

As he drew close to a car, he was dismayed to see a large fake python on the roof of the car, he was later to learn that a caretaker at

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

the temple, aware of the fact that monkeys were petrified of pythons, hit on the idea of placing the fake pythons in prime positions, to intimidate the monkeys and keep them at a safe distance. Nobody could believe how well the rouse worked and the Temple has been monkey free ever since.

The young reporter got an even better story for his editor, so it was wins all around, except of course, for the poor monkeys, still freighted out of their skins and now with empty bellies to boot!! However, I have to ask myself, how long it will be before these enterprising animals work out the pythons are not moving and see through the whole charade. Ya better hold onto your bananas then!!

by Nana

many loved elephants of all ages. Guests of honour included Mr. Chaicharn Iamcharoen, Sattahip District Chief, and Mr. Niti Kongkroot, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Pattaya Office. The very entertain-

Loads of fun for Songkran at Naklua

Naklua residents and tourists got together on the 18th of last month to take part in their special Songkran celebrations, which were enjoyed by all those attending, including this reporter.

Despite the best endeavours of Pattaya City and local police to control the flow of traffic, the sheer volume of traffic and revelers, brought

the whole road from the Dolphin roundabout to Naklua market to a virtual standstill.

Along both sides of the road, there were many stalls offering food and beverages, as well as the white powder and water pistols of every imaginable size and colour.

Apparently there were also beer tents, but this reporter did not see them. Hic!

Nongnooch staff and government officials gathered at the Gardens

ing elephant performances included watching Pung Baitoey, aged 5, present his mother, Pung Jingjoe, aged 24, with a garland of flowers, Pung Christmas, aged 6, poured water on his mother Pung Wassana, aged 26, and

Pung Yoke, aged 6, applied powder to his mother, Pung Nong Porn aged 24, all to the fascinating amusement of the crowds of visitors. However, the highlight for the visitors, had to be when around 10 elephants walked through the crowds splashing them with water and powder to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year.

Classic Car Club of Thailand release sea turtles

High ranking Thai Royal Navy officers were on hand recently to welcome members of the ‘Volkswagen Beetle Appreciation Club’ on their arrival at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Sattahip.

Around 200 members of the club, led by R. Pratuk Rungsit from the Classic Car Club of Thailand, arrived at the centre after completing the 1,500 mile event with the participation of 80 classic cars.

Mr. Pratuk, told those assembled that the club was very concerned about the plight of the sea turtle in Thailand’s waters, and they hoped the classis car event, would highlight the plight of this endangered species.

Members participated in a ceremony to release turtles into the sea which they hope will help the population of this cute little sea creature, and encourage the public to help keep the ocean clean for generations to come.

Nongprue Municipality staff enjoy Sport’s Day

Baanchang’s Special Promotion Special offer for tiles and bathroom accessories at the Baanchang Group, Pattaya.

Tiles start at 89 baht/square meter. Cotto toilet prices start at 1,990 baht. American Standard/Moegen/Star and other brand names on special prices.

Baanchang Group “Weekend Special 2009” every Saturdays and Sundays. Promotion Starts now until June 30, 2009.

Buy 100 boxes of Uropa Premium Home and receive a 100 baht voucher from Tesco-Lotus instantly Spend 10,000 baht on toilet, stall & kit, bathtub, or kitchen electrical appliances, and receive a voucher from Tesco-Lotus worth 300 baht.

Baanchang Group Pattaya. Home Appliances and Building Materials Center by Cement Thai Group, located at Sukumvit Road adjacent to Big C South Pattaya.

Telphone: 038-415-415-19

The General Manager of Nongnooch Tropical Gardens, Mrs. Puttanun Kuntisookpun, together with her staff, local government officials, police officers and local residents, gathered together on the 12th April, at the magnificent gardens, to show their respect to the owner and Managing Director of the gardens, Mr. Kumpone Tunsujja or Mr. Toeng.

At a ceremony of pouring water over the MD’s hands,

to wish him wealth, health and good luck for the coming year, he in return, blessed staff and visitors with good thoughts and wishes for the coming year.

In an interview, he explained that he never travels at this time of year, he would rather stay at his Tropical Gardens, meet and greet staff and visitors and enjoy the wonderful New Year celebrations.

by Nana

Nongprue Sports Stadium was the venue at 9.00am on 23rd April, when Mr. Mai Chaiyanit, Nongprue Municipality Mayor, presided over a Sport’s Day event for Municipality workers from around the region. Nongprue city officials, council members, city inspectors, and all employees attended the event.

Mr. Suksit Yaemsree, Deputy of Nongprue Municipality, gave a speech explain that the purpose of the sport’s day was to build team work

and friendship amongst staff, to encourage a more effective and organised workplace and help promote a healthy body and strong mind.

The employees were split into three different teams, red, yellow and green shirts, and competed in such events as Pétanque, tug-of-war, cross country, sprints and relay races, to name a few.

Everyone had a fabulous day and really enjoyed the competitive atmosphere.

by Nana

Pattaya Today 5

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

US Sailors not here ‘Only for the Girls’

It is a marvellous cash injection for Pattaya when the US Navy brings their Warships here for a bit of R&R, especially in our present times of doom and gloom.

But along with the excitement of spending a few nights, free of responsibility, in the ‘Flesh Pot Capitol of the World’, the young sailors of these vessels also do a lot of hard work for the local charities spread around the Pattaya area.

On recent R&R assignments, officers and sailors from the ‘USS Kidd’, visited the Banglamung Boys Home and helped out with cutting the grass. US Navy League President, Peter, arranged to have about 20 of the ship’s crew brought to the home, which they have been visiting since 1993, and are always eagerly anticipated. Once the hard graft was out of the way, the sailors made gifts to the children of skateboards, rollerblades, Frisbees, stuffed animals, toiletries and of course, safety pads for the boards and skates.

The second ship to recently dock and help out was the USS Stennis, where

officers and staff visited the Banglamung Home for the Elderly. A coach load of sailors arrived at the beach area near the home and spent a couple of hours cleaning the area before travelling onto the home.

To the great enjoyment of all the residents, the sailors set up a Songkran Dance, to which, all were invited.

The homes oldest resident, at 106 years, was delighted with so many young visitors, and although she still has a very sharp mind, she informed the sailors that walking was far from her favourite pastime nowadays.

And yet another ship with helpful sailors, this time the USS Preble, who’s crew got stuck in to do cleaning at the Karunyawet Home for the Disabled. About 30 crew, under the watchful eye of Swiss House Restaurant owner, Andy Wenger, took time out of their busy days to help with such tasks as cutting the grass and trimming the hedges, ready for the Songkran festivities.

Lots of elbow grease doing cleaning, and then it was time for presents for the

residents. Lots of goodies, including medicines, toiletries and care items were distributed to each resident.

I, on behalf of all the charities the sailors help throughout the Pattaya area, and the business owners, who, when the crew are not up to their ears cutting grass and cleaning, are very grateful for the millions of

baht spent in their establishments, and also the bar girls, who I am sure manage to get a baht or two put away, thank you for continuing to choose Pattaya as your first choice for R&R. We look forward to welcoming you again as soon as you can return, but please, no mutinies!!

by Peter Thorand

Continued from page 1

Damage to Royal Cliff around 14.4 million baht

It had been hoped that the ASEAN summit would provide a beacon of hope for local tourist coffers along the eastern seaboard but instead it had been both a missed opportunity and am unmitigated disaster.

Ms Panga explained that a team of lawyers representing the Royal Cliff had been set up and they would endeavour to sue Arisman Pongruengrong, and possibly other

Redshirt leaders, to recover the estimated sum for damage caused. There was video footage of the whole episode and this was currently being

studied to provide backup evidence for a court hearing.

The bad publicity for Pattaya arising from the April 11 Redshirt invasion cannot be denied, but some commentators are hopeful that Thai tourism may be now on the mend. On April 24 the government announced the end of the state of

emergency and several countries have cancelled or amended their negative travel advisories.

Road shows are now being organised to reassure the foreign public that both Thailand in general and Pattaya in particular are now getting back to normal.

by Nana

6 Pattaya Today

At a press conference on the 22nd April, in the grounds of the Banglamung Police Station, Police Colonel Somnuek Junket, Banglamung Superintdent, and other senior officers told reporters of the apprehension of two young men responsible for shooting hand guns randomly at the Naklua Songkran celebrations.

On 18th April, at around 5.30pm, police received reports of a shooting incident which had taken place in front of the Mityon Motorcycle Store opposite Klongplub Community in Moo 5, which had left four people

NEWS

Naklua’s Songkran shooters arrested

injured. Only two victims were allowed to be identified, Mr. Benjamin Francis Egan, aged 27, and Miss Wiyada Poomrin, aged 26, who both received gunshot wounds to the stomach.

Using plain clothed and undercover police officers, the two shooters were located and arrested at around 1.00pm on the 22nd April.

The culprits, Mr. Umnaj or Pui Jittakoon, aged 25, and Mr. Preecha or Naeng Chaiprasert, aged 24, were apprehended still in posses-

sion of their guns and ammunition which included a 9 millimiter semi-automatic handgun, five 9 millimetre bullets, six .32 millimetre bullets, twelve .357 millimetre bullets, and five shotgun cartridges.

The two culprits who confessed to the crime, are due to appear in court next week, having been charged with attempted murder, owning firearms and ammunition and fireing firearms in a public place without a permit.

by Nana

Police officers warned to be neutral At 4.00pm on the 22nd April, at Pattaya City Hall, Police Colonel Teerapon Jindaluang, Deputy Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, currently acting as Pattaya Superintendent, chaired a meeting to explain his, and national police policies to his new officers.

Colonel Teerapon, explained to his officers, that the general public believed the police had not performed their duty during the recent problems in Pattaya and

Bangkok, that the police had simply allowed the Red Shirts to overrun the ASEAN Summit and take control of

Bogus Police Officer scams 1 million baht When Police Major Toonlayawut Muengtong lent his car to a friend, Mr. Jaturon Paireung, who was a former Royal Guard, he was concerned to find his police badge missing when it was returned. The Major suspected a friend of Mr. Paireung, Mr. Tanisorn Ah-sa, aged 32, and set about trying to find him, whilst reporting the matter to Udomsook Police Station, (Bangna).

After some detective work, he confirmed the sought man was in the Pattaya area and that he had been using his badge to extort money from local residents on the island of Lahn. He then contacted Police Lieutenant Colonel Sooktus Poompunmuang, Chonburi Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, to aid him in his search and to apprehend the bogus officer.

At around 9.30pm on the 22nd April at the Max Restaurant on Tawaen Beach, Lahn Island, Mr. Tanisorn

key locations throughout Bangkok, without lifting a hand to try and stop them.

He further explained that the police did not have the manpower to handle this type of situation and the army had had to be brought in to bring the situation under control.

He warned all police officers that they must remain impartial to politics, they must not favour Red or Yellow Shirts, and they must leave their own politics at home before coming to work. Any officer found to be favouring one side or not treating all parties fairly and with dignity, will immediately be removed as a serving officer.

by Thaksin

Woman in much pain commits suicide

Police officers and a team from the Sawangrotejanatumsatan Rescue Foundation, were recently called to a suicide that had taken place in Soi Najomtien 22, Moo 8, Najomtien. Arriving at the scene they were too late to help the unfortunate lady, Mrs. Jah Muensai-ngam, aged 59, who they believe had been dead for a number of hours.

Police officers managed a few words with the dead

lady’s distraught daughter, Mrs. Somjintana Paen-ngam, aged 40, who explained to the officers that her mother had been suffering from cancer for nearly 10 years.

Despite them trying many different hospitals, and numerous types of medication and painkillers, her mother complained that the pain was getting worse by the day.

Arriving home in the early hours, Somjintana, called

out to her mother, but got no reply. She set out to search for her and eventually found her hanging from a tree by electrical cable, she attempted to cut her down, but it was obviously too late. She explained, that because of the intense pain, her mother had mentioned suicide as a way out, but that she had not expected her to go through with it.

Police made a thorough examination but could find no indication of foul play. The body has been sent away for an autopsy, a tragic end to this poor woman’s life.

Father Ray Children’s Village home for orphaned and the less fortunate children

The Father Ray Children’s Village is aiming to provide assistance and care to those orphaned and the less fortunate children aged from birth to 12 years old.

Ensuring that they will grow up with good daily livings under proper care of guardians with warmth and happiness like other normal families.

The mission and aim of the Fr. Ray Children’s Village is

to offer orphaned, abandoned and neglected, homeless, and abused children a home: a place where they will live with ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ under the watchful eye of a caring ‘mother’.

The Father Ray Children’s Village is located at soi Siam Country Club, Moo 9, Pong, Banglamung, Chonburi.

Visitors coming from Bangkok on Sukoomwit Road before reaching Central Pat-

Bus crash leaves one passenger dead

The Prime Minister’s Office recently organised a trip to Pattaya and Rayong for 200 District Administration

Grenade found in trash can

Ah-sa was spotted eating at the restaurant with the stolen police badge around his neck, he was quickly arrested.

Mr. Tanisorn Ah-sa, confessed to the theft and added that he had been posing as a police officer in the local area and offering to sell firearms to local residents at knock down prices. After taking deposits of around 15,000 to 30,000 baht from residents, with no intention of fulfilling the orders, he would use the money to live the high life and further enhance his public profile, and also to support his wife’s gambling

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

On the afternoon of the 23rd April, Mrs. Dee Jumlert, aged 67, who makes a living from other people’s trash, found more than she bargained for when discovering a hand grenade in her neighbours trash can.

The police were informed and Investigator, Police Lieutenant Colonel Saneh Yotroongrueng, quickly arrived on the scene and erected a safe area around the site, to keep curious onlookers a safe distance away.

The device was identified as a M26 Grenade and police wasted no time in contacting the Royal Thai Navy Bomb

addiction. Mr. Tanisorn Ahsa, also posed as the nephew of Police Major General Chalosuk Ah-sa, the Deputy Commander of the Second Police Region, and Mr. Likit Jitta, who is a privy councillor.

The police have asked the many conned teenagers and local residents on the island, to come forward and report the matter to the local police in order for the accused to be charged.

Officers, Municipality Mayor’s, Finance Officers and Directors of Finance, to give help and advice, on how to avoid common mistakes in public financing and yearly budgeting.

However, around a quarter of the delegates got more than they bargained for when their bus was cut up by a pick-up truck, which caused the coach to flip onto its side on the 332 road, near Rayong.

Around 31 people were injured in the accident, which left one of them dead. Some Disposal Team, who safely removed the explosive device from its new location. Mrs. Jumlert, told police officers, that as she had been rummaging through her neighbours bin, she had found the grenade and nearly died of fright on the spot. However, keeping her cool, she informed a neighbour, who notified the police. Police presume the grenade had been thrown away by someone with no further use for it.

taya, turn left into soi Siam Country Club and traveling about 8 kilometers. The Father Ray Children’s Village is close to Mabprachan Reservoir and Nongta-oon Health Center. Donors can call 085-391-4149 and 081-1755547 for driving direction or visit www.fr-ray.org for more information regarding the center. You can experience the greatest feeling once you being a giving person. were taken to the Queen Sikirit Hospotal at around 10.00am on the 21st April, whilst 14 were admitted to the Bangchang Hospital, and a further 2 to the Sattahip Hospital.

The coach, which was operated by the Thanawich Company, was found by police officers on waste ground at the side of the road, with two people still trapped inside.

Rescue staff from the Sawangrojjanasatan of Sattahip Rescue Foundation, quickly arrived on scene and used cutting equipment and electric saws to free the two trapped passengers, who were then immediately transported to the hospital.

Two of the passengers received serious injuries of which, Mrs. Noknoi Chimkoon, aged 37, the Financial Head Officer of Sadao sub-district, Puangtong, was pronounced dead at the hospital later in the afternoon.

One of the passengers, Mr. Pinit Pichaikoon, the Director of the Seminar group and former Roi-et governor, who had witnessed the events leading up to the accident explained to the police officers, “We were heading towards Rayong for a further work study tour, when a pick-up trip, in the middle lane and signalling a left turn, suddenly changed its mind and started to turn right as we were overtaking” he continued “the bus driver did everything he could to avoid a collision, but unfortunately whilst swerving, he lost control, and the bus left the road and flipped onto waste ground”.

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Pattaya Today 7

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8 Pattaya Today

Family Mart staff fight back

Stephen Michael Carleton

Stephen Michael Carleton, a resident of Pattaya for the past 15 years, died in his sleep on April 22, 2009, aged 43.

Born in 1965, in Bedfordshire, England, upon leaving school Stephen served as an Electrical Engineer in the Royal Navy, and soon after his discharge, he emigrated to Pattaya, Thailand working in the Real Estate sector and establishing a reputation for being a caring, genuine and honourable man.

Stephen was one of nature’s true gentlemen who would do anything for anybody. He was well respected and liked by all those he came in contact with and will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues.

Stephen is survived by his son Connor Michael.

In the wee hours of the 23rd April, police were notified of a robbery incident at the convenience store on the corner of Soi Chaiyaphruek and Sukumvit Road. At the scene the officers discovered two shop assistants, Miss Chonthicha Baoban, aged 20, and Miss Prapaporn Petchburanin, aged 28, both still in a state of shock following the incident.

They explained to officers that whilst the shop was empty, two men arrived on a motorbike, entered the store, and proceeded to pick out two bottles of energy drink from the refrigerator, before going to the cash register to pay. When Miss Prapaporn, opened the register to give them change, they both grabbed the cash register tray trying to get their hands on the money within. The two brave shop assistants tried to stop the attackers, who then threatened to execute them if they did not let go, they refused, and seeing the salad knife used for food, Miss Chonthicha, picked it up and

stabbed one of the robbers several times in his hand.

This caused him to drop the tray, scattering coins and notes everywhere, but they did manage to obtain about 2,000 baht, before running out of the store and disappearing on their motorcycle.

Miss Chonthicha, explained to police officers that she had stabbed the man purely from gut reaction, all the assistants were sick to death of convenience store robberies, she herself had had a bottle of whisky stolen in front of her eyes on Songkran day, with nothing she could do about it.

If the robbers were allowed to continually get away with it, there would be no end to it, however, maybe these crooks would have second thoughts before trying it again.

Police officers radioed a description of the two robbers to colleagues, but with no success. CCTV camera footage from the store was taken away and will hopefully lead to the arrest of the two men.

by Somboon

Crazy John Doe hit by Young man threatened at in critical condition gunpoint for mobile phone Inbus the early hours of the 24th the road with a bloody nose

Police officers were recently summonsed to a robbery which had taken place in front of an apartment in Soi Boongkot, to assist a young man, Sitisuk Boonma, aged 17, who had been robbed of his I-Mobile cell phone at gunpoint. A much shaken Sitisuk, explained to police that as he walked through the car park, talking to his girlfriend on the phone, two young men, aged around 20 years, drove past him and then quickly doubled back and rode straight at him.

The pillion dismounted from the bike, pulled out a gun, and demanded he hand over his mobile phone, then the two young robbers sped away.

Despite there being many witnesses to the incident, no one tried to stop the robbery or prevent the escape of the two culprits. Police radioed a description of the two robbers to other officers in the area, but the two seemed to have vanished into thin air.

The police have made an official report and will do their best to bring them to justice.

April, Police Senior Sergeant Major Anupap Jaisuk, Chief of Bagsare Police Box, Sattahip, received a telephone call from the Sawangrojjanatumsatan Sattahip Rescue Foundation, that a man had been hit by a bus and was in a critical condition, in front of the Navy Training Camp and Choompon Navy School in Moo 10, Bansare.

Arriving on the scene, the police sergeant discovered the body of a man, aged around 30 years, lying face down in

and mouth, but more seriously, with broken and twisted arms and legs. After receiving emergency treatment at the scene, he was immediately transported to the ICU unit at the Queen Sirikit Hospital.

The bus driver, Mr. Manoon Promwongsa, aged 40, when questioned by the police, informed the officers that he had first seen the victim when he had pulled up at the bus stop. The man, dressed as, and wearing the headgear, of a Thai Opera Performer, was running up and down the street, waving his arms and screaming at the top of his voice. As he pulled his bus away from the curb, the man suddenly changed direction and threw himself in front of the bus, leaving no time for the driver to take evasive action.

The police officer tried to find out the unfortunate man’s identity from local residents, but with no success. They had seen him around the area over the last four or five days, but did not know who he was or where he was from. A police report has been filled, and hopefully, more information can be obtained when the man recovers.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Not quite a ‘Cat Fight’

Best Boy a-go-go in Soi Pattaya Land on 2nd Road was the centre of attention recently. Police and an emergency rescue team were rushing to the site after being informed of a brawl that had broken out in the bar which left one man with stab injuries.

On arrival they were faced with Mr. Nuttapone Hengtes, aged 26, one of the bar staff who had a deep stab wound to his back and was being cared for by fellow friends and workers. One of the injured man’s friends explained to the police what had happened. Apparently, the problems had started a few days earlier, on April 19th, Songkran Day, when there had been a falling out with other men during the celebrations. They had thought no more about it until earlier tonight around 10 people, armed with knives

and pistols, had entered the bar, with the intent of causing problems. Whilst they were threatening the staff, Mr. Nuttapone, was stabbed in the back before the attackers took to their heels.

Police took a description of the assailants, who were quickly apprehended behind the Avenue Shopping Centre on 2nd Road. When questioned, the attackers, Mr. Uttapone Saorod, aged 25, and Mr. Worawoot Kotputorn, aged 22, admitted to the assault, claiming that a mutual friend, Mr. Rut, persuaded them to take part in a revenge attack on the Best Boy a-go-go staff, after the previous problems over Songkran.

The police have submitted a file and will try and locate other members who took part in the attack, whilst charging the two they have in custody.

Conned American slashes his wrist

The police and a Sawangboriboon Rescue Team were recently summoned to the Siam Platinum Hotel, Naklua, after an American gentleman, Mr. Brian Keith Laster, aged 46, had used a 15 centimetre knife to severely wound his left wrist, almost severing the tendons. With a crowd of onlookers gathered on the pavement, the emergency services took a few minutes to convince the man to put down his knife so they could treat his wound, before taking him to the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital.

A Hotel Security Guard, Mr. Wirat Kwanmeung, aged 53, was able to shed light on the unfortunate circumstances that had led to the incident. He explained to

police officers that Mr. Laster had booked into the hotel some time previous, each evening, he would pop into town and return some hours later with female company, never had it seemed with any problems. Today however, Mr. Laster, due to book out of the hotel at 12.00pm to return to America, informed the staff that he had no money to pay the hotel bill or to pay for his return flight, due to having it conned out of him by a Thai lady. He brought his suitcase to the lobby and sat there for the whole day, as night fell, he suddenly took out his knife and slashed his wrist, presumably through depression, because he could see no way out of his problems.

Vol. 8 No. 16 ď ´ 1 - 15 May 2009

Ex-girlfriend helps herself to 22,000 Euro Golden Handshake

We all know that when the sad time of parting from our Thai girlfriends sneaks up on us, we have to do our part and give them some money to help with their future.

However, a Belgium man, Mr. Schoukens Polydoor, a young 80 year old Pattaya fan, gave more than he bargained for recently when he split from his girlfriend, Goon, who he had been with for five months, following a heated argument.

Mr. Polydoor, who resides in the Center Condotel, South Pattaya, recently had to call in the police to report that his departing girlfriend had emptied his safe, which contained 22,000 Euros before she moved onto pastures new.

Police officers gathered all the information and a report has been filed in the hope of finding the young lady in question, and maybe, retrieving some of his money.

by Nana

Heated New Year argument leaves two men shot

As can so often happen, anywhere in the world, the mixture of too much alcohol and friends getting into an argument, quickly got out of control recently and two men finished up shot. All the friends, who had gotten together to celebrate the Songkran, New Year celebrations hosted by the Takiantai Sub-district were enjoying a marvellous time when for some trivial reason they started to argue with each other.

One of the friends attacked Mr. Nokkrod, throwing punches and kicking him, at which time all hell broke loose. At this stage, another of the friends, and I use the

world loosely, pulled out a pistol and shot Mr. Nokkrod Kaewruk, aged 29, in the left wrist and Mr. Wichai Tuamtong, aged 48, who was shot in his right hand side and was left with the bullet lodged in his waist. Good Samaritans promptly rushed the two injured men to the Banglamung Hospital where police were soon in attendance to investigate the incident.

Police teams were dispatched to try and find the shooter, who had quickly fled from the scene, but to no avail. Nonetheless, police have submitted a report and every endeavour will be made to bring the guilty party to prosecution.

Young motorcycle thieves detained by good Samaritans

After a night of stealing motorbikes from around Pattaya, a group of eight teen-

agers were apprehended in possession of three stolen motorbikes in the parking lot

NEWS

Pattaya Today 9

Burmese man stabbed to death

THE Patta-ngam Brick Factory, located at Sukhumvit Road, was the venue for a stabbing which left a Burmese man dead. On arrival at the scene, Police and a Sawangboriboon Paramedic Rescue Team, found Mr. Chai, who sustained multiply stabb wounds to his chest, dead in a pool of blood, the state of the body led them to believe the victim had been dead for about five hours. No murder weapon was found at the scene.

Mr. Komet Pattana-ngam, aged 54, owner of the factory, informed the police that he had hired 6 Burmese workers who lived together at the factory and who seemed to all get along very well. He learned of the event when he received a telephone call from one of his employees, Mr. Ju, who informed him

that the dead man, who had not worked at the factory for months, had arrived on a social visit to see old colleagues, but had been followed by an unknown Burmese man, who had quickly killed Mr. Chai, for events that had obviously taken place away from the factory. The owner quickly made his way to the factory and contacted the authorities.

The Burmese workers had all fled the scene to avoid contact with the police.

Police investigations revealed that Mr. Chai had visited his old friends at the factory in an attempt to lie low from a rival; unfortunately, he was followed and quickly met his grisly end. A police report has been filed, and they hope that the other Burmese workers may find the courage to come forward and help them with their enquiries.

Wild west shooting at Minimart

Police set up road blocks recently in an attempt to stop a new black Mitsubishi Triton truck which had been involved in a shooting in-

cident at a Minimart on 3rd Road. The Minimart sported five bullet holes on its roll-up door which had gone through the glass and ended up in the

of Pirom Apartments, Central Pattaya, by good Samaritans who then contacted the police.

Upon being notified of the apprehension of the youths, police rushed to the scene where they found the three motorbikes, a Honda Click, Honda Wave and Honda Dream all of which had had their number plates removed by the thieves.

Upon searching the young offenders, police also managed to confiscate a pistol.

The young offenders, Ice (alias) aged 13, Kai (alias) aged 13, Mr. Sumek Meksee or Taan, aged 17, and Mr. Choke Sreesuput or Choke, Lao National, aged 18, confessed to stealing

the motorbikes from around Pattaya, before meeting up at the parking lot, where they were surprised to be detained by the good Samaritans.

After a trip to the police station, the four males were charged with attempted theft, but their girl accomplices, who were all under the age of 18, were read the ‘riot act’ and told in no uncertain terms that if they continued to keep such bad company, it was only a question of time before they ended up in jail.

Their parents were summoned to the police station for a good ticking off.

Hopefully there were a few sore bottoms later in the evening! bu Somboon

store. Due to the quick action of the attending police officers at the incident, the truck was quickly stopped heading towards South Pattaya and the occupants taken into custody for further investigation.

Mr. Somyot Manote, aged 39, the truck driver, along with Mr. Kriangkrai Kaewtong, aged 28, and Mr. Tanongsuk Tipmanee, aged 24, were detained whilst police officers searched the vehicle. Under the drivers seat police found a .38

millimetre handgun with six loaded bullets, but the driver claimed the gun belonged to a friend, Tone, who after shooting at the convenience store had got out of the truck and fled the scene.

Upon arrival at the police station, the owner of the Minimart, Miss Saifon, informed police officers that she knew the accused and did not want to press charges.

However, in the line of duty, the police decided to charge the offenders with possession of a firearm and its discharge in a public place.

by Somboon

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009 BUSINESS NEWS Nongnooch Garden’s opens Carlson Hotels Pattaya City acts to worldwide strengthens bring in more domestic new Seafood Restaurant partnership with Air China and overseas visitors

10 Pattaya Today

‘Phoenix Miles’ card members enjoy club floor room upgrade

Carlson Hotels Worldwide, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has strengthened its partnership with Air China, the country’s commercial flag carrier, by offering its Phoenix Miles members a club floor room upgrade when staying at any of the group’s managed properties in China.

This offer is valid for applicable room rates eligible for mileage accrual at Regent® Hotels & Resorts, Radisson® Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts – the Carlson hotel brands currently operating in China. The agreement between Carlson and Air China was announced at a gala event held at The Regent Beijing, the luxury 500-room hotel in the heart of the city’s prestigious Jinbao street.

Carlson currently has eight hotels in operation in key gateway cities throughout China, with plans to open another nine properties by 2012, including the Radisson Plaza Hotel Tianjin which opens this month.

Air China has flights to 70 domestic cities in China, and Phoenix Miles members can receive a club floor room upgrade by presenting their membership card at check in, at any Carlson managed property in China. This promotion is valid from 16 April to 15 June 2009.

“Our partnership with Air China is a reflection of our commitment to this important and fast growing market. We will continue to seek strong relationships with major players across Asia Pacific ensuring that our hotels have expanded marketing opportunities that in turn benefit guests,” said Frank Trampert, executive vice president, Revenue Generation – Asia Pacific, Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

“The complimentary upgrade to a club floor room grants Phoenix Miles members an added incentive to stay at Carlson managed properties, as more and more leisure and corporate travellers seek value added hotel offers.”

Taking ‘most’ of it off at Central Festival Pattaya Beach

Shoppers at the new Central Festival Pattaya Beach, may have got more than they bargained for recently, when the store organised the Unlimited Sexy Bikini Fashion Show, on the ground floor. Guests of honour included Mr. Pisit Boonchuang, Deputy Governor of Chonburi, Mr. Ittipon Khunpluem, Pattaya City Mayor, and Mr. Niti Kongkroot, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (Pattaya).

The Central Festival Management Team presided over the event with Mr. Sarun Tuntijumnun, General Manager, hoping the show would

please both male and female shoppers, as well as showing the bikini’s on offer throughout the store. Many famous Thai models and celebrities were showing their ‘wares’ on the catwalk, and the famous model, Metanee Gingpayom, who is heavily pregnant, was sporting a ‘Bikini Painted Body’ to promote environmental issues.

The event also featured four gardening styles, with typical gardens from China, England, Italy and Thailand. Special discounts are available throughout the store until 10th May 2009, as part of the ‘Ultimate Shopping Promotion’.

The city of Pattaya in Chonburi, Thailand is launching a series of programs to attract more tourists from the domestic market in a bid to drum up the seemingly sagging business brought on by several factors, particularly the economic downturn and the recent political unrest that has gripped the city.

In a press conference, Pattaya City Mayor, Ittiphol Khunplome, invited the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter (THA-E), Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) and other business entrepreneurs to help bring back confidence in the domestic market and to entice them to visit the resort city by introducing special packages and discounts.

Part of the initiatives is for

members and non-members of the THA-E Chapter to offer complimentary rooms from the period 1 May to 31 July 2009 with validity extended until 31 October 2009.

THA-E President Chatchawal Supachayanont said that they would get support from the media in disseminating more information on the promotion and that mechanics would be available soon.

For his part, the Pattaya Mayor asked all business owners to submit their special packages and discount offers to his Office before launching them to the public. He added that the Tourism Authority of Thailand would also help to bring in various markets from overseas through family trips and other programs.

Rescue Pattaya Tourism’ Committee

In the Tappraya Conference Room at Pattaya City Hall, Mr. Surapone Pongtudsirikoon, Governor of Chonburi, chaired a meeting of the ‘Recover Pattaya’s Tourism’ committee. The meeting was attended by such dignitaries as Mr. Sontaya Khunpluem, former Sports and Tourism Minister, Mr. Wittaya Khunpluem, Chairman of Chonburi Provincial Administration, Mr. Ittipon Khunpluem, Pattaya City Mayor, representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Eastern Hotels Association, Pattaya Business and Tourism Associations, and other concerned parties.

Governor of Chonburi, Mr. Surapone, told those assembled that information had been gathered and sent to the Government in order to seek a solution to the recent crippling events that had hit the Pattaya Tourism sector.

The members are looking for the Government to increase the number of activities hosted in Pattaya to help promote the resort to both domestic and international travellers.

This new committee, set

up to try and quickly fix the present situation, is to have the Governor of Chonburi as President, former Sports and Tourism Minister as Advisor and the Chairman of Chonburi Provincial Administration Organisation and Banglamung District Chief as a Vice President. The committee will receive help and advice from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Eastern Hotels Association, Pattaya Businesses and Tourism Associations.

One of the ‘Quick’ fix plans is to offer 20,000 FREE nights of accommodation along with massive discounts in and around the city. Further meetings, with hopefully, more recovery plans will take place in the near future with the hope of turning the tourism market around in a few months. The city will also help, organise and support ‘Road Shows’ in major cities around the world, with the first to be held in Dubai and India from 4th May thru 13th. Let’s all hope, they can help to bring a rapid end to the tourism problems that we face.

The Nongnooch Tropical Gardens were once more the location for Songkran festivities, however, this time, at the Grand Opening of their Seafood Restaurant.

Guests of honour, Mr. Chaicharn Iamjaroen, Sattahip District Chief, and Mr. Niti Kongkroot, Director of Tourist Authority of Thailand, Pattaya Office, presided over the opening ceremony

and listened to a speech given by Mr. Jirapuet Sodorn, Marketing Manager of Nongnooch Gardens.

Approximately 500 friends and guests attended the opening ceremony on this most heart warming day in the Thai calendar. After the opening ceremony, the guests were invited to spend a fun filled afternoon in the gardens.

by Nana

Joint ‘Festivals’ planned for 1st to 3rd May Recently the Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Pattaya Office, Mr. Niti Kongkroot, held a press conference to announce that from 1st to 3rd May, TAT would be holding a joint promotion ‘Colour of the East Festival’ and ‘Travelling to the five Regions of Thailand’, both aimed at promoting tourism within Thailand.

This is the first time that TAT Headquarters, have invited representatives from all 36 TAT Offices throughout Thailand, to promote Thai culture, traditions and produce to Thai nationals

and visiting tourists. TAT has also invited business operators from the 76 provinces to participate in the event, with very low booth rentals to encourage participation. Of the minimum 64 tents, split into two sections, one on Beach Road to house the 36 TAT offices and allow them to display wares from their region, and the remainder situated at the Central Festival Beach Pattaya, for hotels, tour operators, businesses, etc. to allow them to offer special discounts to potential travellers.

Seminar on helping the crippled car industry

On the 23rd April, over 200 participants took part in a seminar presided over by Mr. Kasem Wuttanatum, Deputy Governor of Chonburi. The seminar, ‘How to turn the collapse of the Thai motor industry into opportunities’, was organised by Reed Tradex, Industrial Promotion Region 9, and the Chonburi Industry Chamber, at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel Pattaya, from the 25th to the 28th April.

Mr. Kasem, informed the delegates that in the present economic turmoil, the best defence, was offence. A workable plan and strategy

must be put in place immediately to allow them to better compete in this very difficult market. The participants got together to ‘brainstorm’, and look at ways to save and improve the auto industry.

Mr. Pisit Prapussornsiri, Policy Analyst of Conburi Industry Office, revealed plans to bring back B75, for use in agriculture, and to replace pricey gasoline. This could change the land into a goldmine and encourage farmers to produce more produce for use in alternative fuels, all endeavours to try and help the present economic situation.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Monthly earth friendly day at DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya

DusitD2 baraquda pattaya confirms its commitment to combat climate change by switching off electrical devices for one hour each last Tuesday of the month, from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. starting 26 May 2009.

Following the recent success of the 28th of March Global 60 Earth Hour, dubbed as the world’s first election between Earth and Global Warming, the hotel will initiate “Earth Friendly Day” a monthly initiative to keep employees and guests constantly reminded about the importance of environmental sustainability.

“While the hotel was full,

both guests and employees were incredibly enthusiastic about supporting the movement that we have decided to have an hour dedicated to Mother Earth every month” says Paolo Randone, Guru (General Manager).

In appreciation of their participation, dusitD2 baraquda pattaya will invite all guests to relax at the sunset lounge on the rooftop where a complimentary second drink will be offered during the hour. Guests will also be entitled to a 50% discount on any treatment booked at d’spa plus a complimentary second treatment from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Raimon Land boosts Pattaya tourism by supporting Top of the Gulf International Regatta Luxury property developer Raimon Land has signed on to continue as a key supporter of Pattaya’s annual Top of the Gulf International Regatta 2009 aimed at boosting the destination’s tourism prospects and fulfilling the company’s longterm corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

This year’s event will take place from April 30 to May 4 at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club located south of Jomtien Beach, and will again feature the HM The King’s Platu Coronation Cup and the Optimist Thailand Nationals for single hull dinghies.

Pattaya City Mayor Ittipol Khunpleum said that it is important for the government, community and private sector to join hands in supporting important international events such as this regatta to show the world that Pattaya is operating as normal.

“Pattaya is one of Asia's finest beach resorts, and sporting events like the Top of the Gulf International Regatta enable us to make use of our valuable natural surroundings and showcase the great outdoors lifestyle on offer here. We appreciate Raimon Land’s continued support of this event,” Mr Ittipol said.

Raimon Land Director of Marketing, Henri Young, said: “We remain committed to supporting high-end lifestyle events in Pattaya – of which this is an excellent example – and to helping boost

BUSINESS NEWS

Canada Day 2009

The Canada Day Organising Committee recently announced the annual Canada Day party will be celebrated at the British Club on Saturday, June 27th, 2009.

The event marks Canada’s 142nd birthday and the 20th year Canada Day has been celebrated in Bangkok.

“Last year was a great success with over 330 people in attendance,” said Suzanne Thibault, Chair of the volunteer Canada Day Committee organising the event.

“This year’s event promises to be as much fun as last year,” she added.

Officially, Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st each year, but the event will be held early in Bangkok to accommodate school breaks and ensure that families can attend the festivities. The aim of this annual event is to encourage Canadians and their families, friends, and colleagues of all ages and nationalities, to gather and celebrate Canada Day in a lively atmosphere, with delicious food, exciting games and fantastic camaraderie.

Similar to last year's event, tickets will be sold in advance with limited tickets available at the door - based on a first come, first serve basis. We

encourage participants to buy their tickets in advance to help us coordinate a more organised, hassle-free event.

As in past years, the Canada Day Celebration will feature children’s games, tug-of-wars, and various sporting activities for adults, including the ever-popular ball hockey tournament! A delicious buffet dinner will be served following the afternoon activities. Regional wines and the ever-popular Canadian beer have been provided for the occasion, as has clamato juice for the uniquely Canadian Bloody Caesar. Ticket holders are also eligible to win a host of fabulous lucky draw prizes.

Tickets are only available through the Canada Day Organising Committee c/o the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (TCCC).

Proceeds from the Canada Day celebration will be donated to the Thai Fund Foundation (TFF) in support of a youth education project in rural Thailand. More details on the project will be provided by the TFF at the actual event. For more details, please contact the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce office at 02-266-6085/86 or e-mail: tccc@loxinfo.co.th

Centara Hotels & Resorts continues expansion programme

tourism during the ongoing political crisis and stagnating world economy."

Raimon Land will return to the 2009 Platu Coronation Cup on the sails of The Lofts Southshore skippered by last year’s winner, Scott Duncanson, who will face an expected fleet of 17 platus from six countries.

The Optimist Thailand Nationals anticipates an entry list of more than 130 dinghies, and among the more than 25 top racing keelboats competing in the international IRC race are Neil Pryde in Hi Fi, Peter Churchouse onboard Moonblue 2, and Olivier Pou skippering Le Berrige III. Among Raimon Land’s Pattaya developments is Northpoint, the winner of the Thailand Property Awards 2008 Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard). The project’s 54- and 46-storey towers on North Pattaya’s Wongamat Beach were topped off in December 2008 and construction continues on schedule.

Pattaya Today 11

Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced the conclusion of an agreement to manage two properties – The Bhundhari Spa Resort & Villas Samui, A Centara Resort, located in Chaweng Noi Samui and the Centara Pariya Resort & Villas in Koh Pangan. Both properties are owned by the Orapin Beach Resort Group.

Completed in December 2008 and positioned directly on the fine, white sand of the Northern part of Chaweng Beach, less than 10 minutes from the heart of Chaweng’s shopping and nightlife, the 5 stars Bhundhari Spa Resort &

Villas’ stunning architecture and interior design encompasses 59 luxurious rooms and 62 sumptuous Suites and Villas – many with their own private pools. A host of leisure and recreational facilities are available and to take the guest experience to a new level Centara Hotels & Resorts have introduced their famous Club concept with a Club Lounge offering 5 complimentary meal servings daily including complimentary evening cocktails and canapés.

The Pariya Resort & Villas is a 4 stars Resort built only 2 years ago on the snow white

sands of Yuan Beach on the peaceful southeastern coast of the paradise island of Koh Pa-Ngan and just 20 minutes by speedboat from Koh Samui. Combining all the qualities of a Tropical Island escape with the services and standards of a 4 stars Resort, the Pariya Resort & Villas is fronted by the crystal blue sea and has a backdrop of a jungle clad mountain.

There are 5 rooms and 39 Villas – some with their own Jacuzzis – and the minimum room size is 72 sq m.

Remarked Gerd Steeb, President of Centara Hotels & Resorts: “We are delighted to have concluded the agreement to manage these two

beautiful properties. They fit perfectly the Centara Hotels & Resorts profile and we are confident that we can bring to bear the full advantages of Centara Hotels & Resorts Operating and Sales and Marketing practice to the benefit of both the Owners and the guests.

These are very exciting times - Centara Hotels & Resorts is in the process of an aggressive but controlled expansion programme both domestically and internationally through our own built projects and Management agreements and we expect to be able to make further announcements of this nature in the future.”

AROUND PATTAYA Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009 A Warm Welcome KMP Property Brokers New magic tank at ‘trying to clean up’ Underwater World

12 Pattaya Today

Pattaya’s very own Underwater World brings a brand new dimension to interaction with some of their fish, in a new and magical way! Assistant Marketing Manager, Mr. Kitisak Vimuktanon, was delighted to be on hand to show this wonderful new invention, “Magic-T” tank, the first in Thailand, to visitors of the famous landmark situated on the Sukhumvit Road. The Singaporean invention uses brand new technology which creates a vacuum at the top of the tank, and with some finely tuned instrumentation to maintain a pressure balance, hey presto, a whole in the glass allows visitors to put their hand through and feed the fish. Sounds out of this world? I agree, but cannot wait to visit and see for myself. Check out their website at www.underwaterworldpattaya.com

Mr. Suvit Khunkitti (3rd from Left), Ministry of Nature Resources and Environment presided at the Seminar ASEANWEN “A Forgotten Crisis: Arresting Wildlife Depletion in Asia through Strengthened Regional Cooperation and Effective Partnerships”, organised by FREELAND (PuenPa) Foundation for Human Rights and Wildlife at Cattleya Ballroom and was warmly welcomed by Mr. Prayuth Thamdhum(2nd from Left), General Manager of the Montien Hotel, Pattaya.

Dusit Thani Pattaya welcomes South Korean President

It’s good to hear when prominent members of the community go out of their way to try and help keep Pattaya cleaner.

Managing Director, Ms. Nong, of KMP Property Brokers, along with her staff, are spending a few hours regularly trying to make their local area litter free. Starting at the Temple on Pratumnak Hill, the volunteers are looking to other businesses in the area to join them in this very worthwhile enterprise. For further information, or to volunteer your services, please call at the offices at the southern end of Soi Arunothai or telephone 0897 489 536.

Definitely not a ‘Phantom at the Opera’

A special car for a special band Mr. Chatchawal Supachayanont (middle), General Manager of Dusit Thani Pattaya welcoming South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on his arrival to attend the 14th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Pattaya.

THA-E offers support to Royal Cliff

Traveling a short distance down Soi Arunothai, the road opposite Carrefour on the crossroads on Pattaya Klang, you may be forgiven for having to take a second glance at a remarkable car, that has been created by lovers of the famous Thai group ‘Carabao Band’. Usually parked on the left hand side, outside the restaurant/bar, this camouflaged vehicle sports every imaginable adornment from the north of Thailand and with a strong caribou influence. Well worth a quick detour next time you’re in that part of town!

It gives new meaning to ‘in the hot seat’

Members of the Thai Hotels Association-Eastern Chapter (THA-E) led by its President, Chatchawal Supachayanont (6th from left) recently paid a visit to the Managing Director of Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel, Panga Vathanakul (middle) to give her and the hotel management and staff their sincerest support following the outcome of the 14th ASEAN Summit. Photo shows Mr. Supachayanont handing her a bouquet as THA-E members’ elicit warm smiles with their kind encouragement to uplift the hotel’s spirits.

Tiny tot, Christopher, had many adoring fans of his own when along with his parents, Allen and Kate Burston, he attended one of the spectacular ‘La Dolce Vita’ nights of entertainment, ‘Nite on Broadway’. This very special venue in Naklua, goes out of its way to offer a host of special entertainment evenings, thoroughly enjoyed by probably the youngest opera fan in the world. Christopher’s parents explained that they enjoy taking the young tot with them on their evenings out. No doubt he is receiving a well rounded education in the ‘real melting pot of cultures’ available in Pattaya.

Songkarn Days in Nongprue, Naklua, and Pattaya

Sustainable Turfgrass Management Seminar 2009

Members of the Pattaya City Expats Club, which meets at the Henry J. Beans, each Sunday morning, were recently introduced to a ‘space age’ reclining chair from Technology Green Solutions. Committee member, Andre Machielsen, gave it his seal of approval along with 10’s of thousands of satisfied buyers worldwide. The ‘Infrarelax’ recliner chair features a solar cell to power and heat the chair, and it has proven very beneficial to the elderly. Further information can be found at www. tgs.co.th. Happy rocking!

The Thailand Golf Course Superintendents Association (Thai GCSA) and the Asian Turfgrass Center, led by Mr. Steve Issaac, Director of Golf Course Management, The R&A, recently held their ‘Sustainable Turfgrass Management For Southeast Asia Seminar 2009’, at the freestanding Aranda Ballroom of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya. The smiling faces are testimony to the group’s delight at the excellent service and facilities!

Songkran celebrations at the Soottawas Temple, were attended by Mr. Mai Chaiyanit, Mayor of Banglamung municipality, city officials, local politicians, and residents.

The celebrations which included the pouring of water and fragrances over Budha Images in an attempt to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year, and the pouring of water over the elders of the community to wish them good health for the forthcoming year, were thoroughly enjoyed by all those attending.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

AROUND PATTAYA

Sattahip builds a huge power platform

Joint Austcham BCCT Luncheon Thai company, ‘Best Tech Engineering’ are already four months into the construction of a 1,600 ton power processing platform which is destined for use in the seas off the coast of Argentina. The three huge boilers, powered by either gas or oil will supply the power for nearby off-shore drilling rigs.

The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (Austcham) and British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) jointly hosted a luncheon with guest speakers Ms. Suzette Jackson, Senior Associate with the Sustainable Futures Unit, HASSELL (Thailand) Company Limited and Mr. Christopher Seeley, City Director – Bangkok from the Clinton Climate Initiative on 8th April 2009 at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. In picture (from left to right), Mr. Stephen Frost – Director, Bangkok International Associates, Mr. Mark Devadason - BCCT Vice Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) pcl, Ms. Suzette Jackson - Senior Associate with the Sustainable Futures Unit, HASSELL (Thailand) Company Limited, Mr. Christopher Seeley - City Director – Bangkok, Clinton Climate Initiative, Mr. Rodney Bain – BCCT Chairman and Mr. John Andersen –Austcham Vice President.

Diana Group Celebrate Songkarn

Nongprue Mayor and residents wish Banglamung District Chief Happy New Year

Mayor of Nongprue, Mr. Mai Chaiyanit, led a group of local government officials, business people and local residents to a ceremony to pour water on Banglamung District Chief, Mr. Mongkon Tammakittikoon, to wish him health and prosperity for the New Year and to receive his blessing in return.

Superstar Night Party

The general Manager of the Diana Group, Mr. Komsun Seesam, along with fellow members of staff, celebrated a traditional Songkran Ceremony with the pouring of fragranced water over Buddha images and over the hands of their elders, in a mark of respect to bring good health, luck and prosperity for the New Year. Guest of honour, Mr. Ronnakit Ekkasing, wished all staff members health and prosperity for the coming year.

Another successful ‘Superstar Night’ at the Hard Rock Café Pattaya. The party, organised for every last Friday of the month for their VIP guests, the media and regular customers, where they can enjoy their time with a free flow of beer and finger foods. Exciting games were also prepared, so guests can win memorabilia prizes.

Central Plaza Chonburi soon to open

A meeting was recently held to organise the Grand Opening of the new ‘Central Plaza Chonburi’ which is to take place on the 29th May 2009. Dr. Natthakitt Tangpoonsinthana, asst.

MD of Marketing Division, (4th from left), along with many distinguished guests including the management team from Robinson Public Company Limited, SFX Cinema Co., Ltd., B2S Co., Ltd. , Central Food Retail Co., Ltd. , CRC Sports Co., Ltd. , Office Club (Thai) Co., Ltd. , The Management of Carrefour, Power Buy Co., Ltd. joined together at offices in Central World on the 32nd floor to discuss arrangements for this very special day.

Pattaya Today 13

14 Pattaya Today

by Peter Lloyd I was lucky enough to not be here for the recent cancelled ASEAN summit in Pattaya and the civil insurrection in Bangkok, but I avidly followed the crises in the world’s press from abroad and in the Thai press (which was frequently less critical than international headlines such as “an impotent government lets anarchy reign”).

Nowhere else in the world, perhaps with the exception of Somalia, could one imagine security forces being so unprofessional and disorganized as to allow a mass invasion of a summit, resulting in the country being unable to guarantee the safety of its own PM and neighbouring heads of state, ending humiliatingly with them being airlifted from the Royal Cliff by helicopter in chaotic scenes resembling the fall of Vietnam. It has shamed Pattaya and Thailand, and will have lasting repercussions.

The closure of the airports in December was a worse global event than either the summit fiasco or the Bangkok rioting, which for many non ASEAN countries, will not have the same resonance as the airport closures. Being trapped in a country, prevented

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Aftermath

from returning from ones’ holidays by airport occupations, is similar to being held

to protect the ASEAN summit must lie squarely at the door of central government, and

A New Political Breakthrough in Pattaya

hostage, and tourists returning to their home countries really let rip in their local media at Thailand for allowing the airport fiasco to occur. These scenes won’t be repeated for the Bangkok and Pattaya problems, which will be viewed as more local and political, which is some consolation for Pattaya, but not much, and we are now left to pick up the pieces.

In my opinion the failures

not the local government or the local police. It was state organs who were either negligent in their intelligence gathering to not know thousands of protesters would arrive to disrupt the summit, or in their naïve belief that the police of Pattaya, who are great for tourist crime, or fining helmetless motorcyclists, could ever be prepared to deal professionally with crowd control on such

The Philippines

To escape Songkran I went to the Philippines, where my friend and I dived in the wonderfully clear, marine-life rich waters of Puerto Galera in Mindoro, and on ghostly WW2 shipwrecks in pea-green Subic Bay. Apart from my being hit by a dive boat, gashing my head and almost knocking myself

by a swelling sea which had already capsized one dive boat we passed earlier, the trip was largely uneventful, which is the way I like it.

The Philippines is slowly getting its act together. Manila remains a basket case, but Clark airbase and its economic zone are thriving, as it develops into a regional

Baloy Beach, Subic Bay

out underwater, when I was pushed into the boat’s hull

air hub, and Subic Bay economic zone has been

brought closer to the world by a well-constructed, fast road to Clark and Manila.

This time we were surprised by how busy the hotels and beach were at Subic, which reflects these infrastructure improvements.

Big international medical facilities are also being built, major new businesses are opening up, and the feeling I get on my visits is that the Philippines economy may be one to watch in the region over the next 5 years.

Of course they have many business problems that Pattayans would identify with in the operation of the brown envelope culture, and in delays and incompetence of officialdom, but unfortunately that goes with the territory of doing business anywhere in Asia, with the exception of squeaky-clean Singapore.

Contact me on pattayatoday pete@yahoo.com

a scale as this. Few regional police forces in the world could have done it, probably none at short notice, and the naivety of central government is more to blame than the undrilled, untested riot-control skills and management co-ordination of Pattaya’s police. Security for these events takes months of concerted planning, not days.

Given the lack of preparedness and inexperience of the police in dealing with a mob of this size, the army were rightly deployed to protect heads of state from harm.

However, it seems their instructions were to do this unarmed and to not forcefully block the protesters. Deployment of the army is a national government’s prerogative, not City Hall’s, and they failed to do this properly.

I also think questions need to be asked of the relevant minister co-ordinating the security situation, as well as army officers who allowed their troops to be overrun, unless this was, as I suspect, their standing orders, in which case blame for this also falls back on central government.

Sacking a few police heads– sorry nobody is ever sacked, just moved sideways –is not enough. There should be an independent public enquiry, overseen by respected national heads, into the mistakes that were made in security control

for the summit. Incompetent performers should be named and shamed, then sacked, and appropriate security and political lessons should be learned. Without that, I doubt many of the evacuated ASEAN heads of state will be keen to be rushing back to Thailand for a re-scheduled summit anytime soon, no matter what they say in public.

It was interesting to note that every returning leader made statements of support to the Thai PM, but also added that the fiasco in Pattaya could never have happened in their own country, and I bet many lessons have been learned around the world about security for international conferences involving heads of state, from Thailand’s abject failure in Pattaya.

Ditto the airport seizures. So a lack of preparedness was based on outdated notions of a social contract which was probably relevant 100 years ago, but which is no longer appropriate to rely on, as recent events have demonstrated.

Now maybe it is time for Thailand to take a long hard look at itself and to begin to rebuild itself from the ground up, starting with a proper education system, teaching school children to critically

assess the world they live in, to think for themselves and not just learn by rote the one-sided lessons of the past. Emphasising the rule of law and encouraging the ability to admit mistakes and to learn from them would also be a start, as would the uncompromising rejection of incompetence and corruption in Thai public life, and the rigorous and the evenhanded application of the rule of law in Thai society, without fear or favour.

The Demise of Loss of Face

I have many times commented that the absurd notion of loss of face has distorted Thai culture, so that incompetent people never suffer the consequences of their actions.

Also a lack of respect for the rule of law is something I have raised in the past as being another worrying feature, which means law breakers go unpunished, whether they are grossly corrupt officials or politicians, or simply lawbreaking wealthy individuals.

If you don’t like a law, ignore it. There won’t be any consequences.

The only way to explain the recent and ongoing events in Thailand is to examine them through the eyes of these two systemic weaknesses in Thai life.

When you add in a poor system of education meaning many thousands of Thais are easily manipulated by either side and lack the critical faculties to weigh up the consequences of their actions, but can be exploited by wealthy competing elites, you can see why major changes in Thai culture are necessary in order to forge a new social contract between Thai people and their politicians.

I strongly believe the only reason the ASEAN summit wasn’t properly secured was because nobody in Thailand’s elite believed that a mob would invade the summit and shame the country, causing it to lose face in the world.

Pattaya Today 15

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Abhisit Strikes Back

As a respected and well known teacher in Thailand, with children born here, I have long been an advocate for the courtesy and friendship of Thai people. My opinion was shattered tonight due to the appalling attitude of certain bus staff, towards me and a colleague.

Finishing our days teaching, in Sri Racha, myself and a colleague, boarded as usual the bus for Pattaya, known and treated well by most of the different bus staff. Not today, Song Klan, we hit bad traffic in the early stages of Pattaya so the bus did a u- turn and eventually headed off up the main Road to Rayong.

For the next 5 hours we circled around, back roads, stopping to let off Thai passengers. Finally we seem to be going back to Pattaya and certain roads become familiar. We asked to be let off the bus but we are told. “no problem, stay”. So we did! Finally we arrive at some traffic lights and we are told to get off the bus. We ask where we are as it does not look familiar to either of us but the sole response is “to get off”. We have no idea where we are until we see a sign that tells us we are 5.8 km away from Pattaya. We walked, unable to get transport initially. Then a Songtaew offers to take us back to Pattaya Klang for 900 baht.

We declined and after half an hour we were very tired and succumbed to transport at 800 baht.

Frankly, this disgusts me as we, Farang, were obviously metered different treatment on the bus to the Thai passengers, some of who expressed concern at our being there on the roundabout route.

This letter is being mailed to all Asian papers and to the UK as well so that those considering a visit to Thailand can understand what they may expect. This is not the image that has been held of the Thai people but may be today’s reality.

Instead of a 40 minute journey home it took us 6 and ½ hours and cost over 400 baht. We give up our Sunday to teach Thais who cannot come during the week and this is our reward for doing so.

It is always better to err on the side of caution, and my thanks go out to this reader for taking the time to contact us so we can pass on the warning to our Readers.

The ‘Land of Sadness’ No longer viewed by the majority of Thais or the expat community as the ‘Land of Smiles’, the red and yellow shirts have damaged the image of Thailand and they have caused the people of Thailand to lose face in the eyes of the world.

The red and yellow shirts have closed airports and now brought on the closure of the ASEAN Conference resulting in loss of much needed revenue for Thailand.

It is a poor example of Buddhism to not care about the good but to bring about bad. All involved at destabilizing the economy and making Thailand lose face will get to experience the karma for their actions.

It is a true shame that the government has lost control of their own country. The military ‘securing’ the ASEAN

Dr John Ronald.

Dear John, It is always very sad to hear of the mistreatment of Farang, especially one who has given up his Sunday to help the less fortunate. I do hope that since this very unfortunate incident, you have returned to the positive treatment you were receiving before and that it will not deter you from continuing your very worthwhile work.

Please advise your readers to beware: On Tuesday (14th April) afternoon at around 4:00pm, I was driving down 3rd road towards the junction of Pattaya Tai (from the direction of Pattaya Klang), and a guy appeared at my driver’s side window and motioned me to stop/open the window.

Being as there was a lot of traffic, I just ignored this clown and moved off. The next thing was that he was running by the side of me - and actually tried to open my door. Needless to say, I had no intention of stopping, but he continued running along side, finally giving my driver’s side window a mighty slap with his open-hand.

When I looked back, this idiot was standing in the middle of the road, staring at me as I drove off. Note: He wasn’t a Thai, or Eurasian, but looked Latino - with big bushy hair.

Moral of the story, don’t stop your car for anyone; just keep going.

(Name and address withheld).

Conference venue just stepped aside and let the red shirts take control.

Both sides claim to want democracy but they do not listen to the majority, only to their tiresome and unsuccessful agenda. If the red and yellow shirts want democracy, stop acting like spoiled children. Democracy is a consensus of the majority. Both sides need to sit down and work compromises until fair and unbiased elections choose the government that the majority elects. Do not cry and throw a tantrum if ‘your’ shirt colour does not win…that is democracy…the majority elects a government.

I will respect what the majority elects…give it a try… you can change the government when the next election occurs. Look at America…they changed and they have 3.75 years to get organised for the next election.

Concerned but hopeful, Bruce K. Huay Yai Thanks for your letter Bruce. I believe that many Thai’s and Farang alike will share your views over the explosive damage that Thailand’s image has received throughout the world media. There is not going to be a ‘quick fix’ to this mess and we can only hope that the population can band together to create a light at the end of the tunnel.

Well, it’s certainly been an eventful fortnight! The Red Devils stormed the Royal Cliff, forcing PM Abhisit to evacuate the ASEAN leaders in a manoeuvre reminiscent of the US flight from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. Then the Red Devils ran riot in Bangkok for several days in true urban terrorist style, not exactly the peaceful means Thaksin had vowed his henchmen would use. Their mayhem took the form of acts of sabotage, to taking control of 15 key junctions in the capital, random firebombing, to hijacking an estimated 24 buses, some of which they set on fire, to acquiring and threatening to ignite several LPG tankers (which just happened to belong to Siam Gas, whose chairman is General Chaiyasith Shinawatra, Thaksin’s cousin), to the penultimate attempted Friday assassination of Sondhi Limthongkul, the leader of the PAD, culminating in the PM’s steadfast assumption of control, declaring the state of emergency (whilst ironically being effectively held hostage in his residence, surrounded by a phalanx of Praetorian Guard!).

All through this anarchic mayhem, our Thai Scarlet Pimpernel aka Thaksin was supposedly attempting his Machiavellian machinations, whilst jetting between Australia, China, Hong Kong, Dubai and Cambodia, simultaneously issuing video messages to his followers (one wonders how long it will be before we hear he’s taken up residence on the Afghan-Pakistani borderlands). He and his acolytes have also been spreading alleged disinformation such as instead of 2 deaths, 60 Red-Shirts were killed and their bodies spirited away, and the government, itself, initiated the violence. Fugitive Red-Shirt Jakrapob Penkair asserted that undercover troops were sent to infiltrate the Red-Shirts and they burnt the buses, and fomented unrest.

He also blamed the army and the Democrat party for gunningdown Sondhi, as an excuse to eradicate both red- and yellow-shirts.

The Nation Newspaper’s political analyst, Thanong Khanthong, maintains Abhisit was the victim of an unholy plot. “It was not until Abhisit had to flee the doomed Asean Summit at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya on Saturday, that he realised he was the target of a dark plot,” Thanong asserts.

When you look closely at the facts, it could well be that he was right.

A few hundred Red Devils broke through a cordon 4-5,000 strong, police and other officials did nothing to stop it. Thanong further says Abhisit “was about to lose power to a coup plot that ran side by side with the red-shirt protesters, who were creating enough turmoil for the military to intervene, ” which would have been the perfect occasion for Thaksin to step in and take over!

Acting decisively, however, PM Abhisit rushed to Bangkok and set up an elite control group composed of loyal veterans and certain retired generals, whilst Anupong’s troops and the police were sidelined, to be replaced with troops loyal to Abhisit from Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi and Lop Buri. These then apparently swooped down from the provinces, in disguise, homing in on the 15 Red-Shirt strongholds and incapacitated the mob. Gen. Anupong was apparently caught unawares and has been marginalised, along with Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan and Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan and other key military figures, who have apparently been quietly reassigned. Abhisit has effectively bitten off the heads of the Red-Shirt chickens, who are now running around mindlessly and directionless. Meanwhile, the arch-perpetrator, our Pimpernel friend, has apparently squandered his Bt10 billion, allegedly used to finance the People’s Revolution to no avail, despite having invoked the ultimate cynical ploy saying “I urge His Majesty to please kindly intervene, otherwise the military and the government will kill more people.” Essentially, according to Thanong Khanthong, the Red-Shirts’ failure was attributable to “First, the red-shirt protesters’ urban-terrorism tactics have spiralled out of control to create an effective state of civil war inside the capital. Second, they have failed to mobilise enough critical mass support. Third, the Thai public - appalled by the violence and the protesters’ clashes with the security forces - does not support the red-shirts.” Now, we have to hope PM Abhisit will keep his finger firmly on the pulse and quash any further insurgency.

16 Pattaya Today

By: Mr. Ponthep Werachon, Thai Solicitor & Mrs.Darunee Werachon, Thai Solicitor & Accountant of WERACHON LAW OFFICE, 315/304, Moo 12 Theppasit Road (Soi 12) Nongprue,Banglamung,Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Kingdom of Thailand Tel:(038)304 084,(038) 251 533Fax: (038) 304 027 Mobile: 081 423 4255,089 889 6483, Website: www.thaisolicitor.com, e-mail: thai@werachonlawyers.com Foreigners contemplating to settle down in Thailand should first learn about Thai laws. Justice is what we expect which can be found in a law.

We may not say that Thailand is a law-abiding country up to the degree many of you expect. However, it is undeniable that Thai people still enjoy the harmony in their lives. Can people say Thailand is a lawless society?

What is the country that is

Ursula Antiques Clearance Sale Hundreds of antique Chinese pieces of furniture and decor items at extremely low prices.

Ursula Antiques Clearance sale is now extended until May 26, up to 80% discount.

Located at Third Road next to Pattaya Driving Range towards North Pattaya Road.

Call 038.415.431.

Salsa Amante proudly present Baile de la Rosa Golden Cliff House in Pattaya will play host to this unique event, seen only once in Thailand, the Dance of the Roses. For all you dance lovers out there, come and join the fun on Saturday 16th May 2009. Tickets are priced at 400 THB in advance and 500 THB at the door and include a welcome drink, tapas style snacks and hopefully lots of roses. For tickets or more details contact Nick on 087.148.1905 or Kavita on 087.618.5117.

Decorum 10th Anniversary Decorum Furniture & Decoration celebrates their 10th year anniversary by offering their customers, free design on house and condos. For more information, visit their shop at South Pattaya Road next to Friendship Supermarket or call 038.410.763, 038.420.203 May Bazaar Rayong Ladies Circle will

LEGAL corner today

Talk about Thai Law

the most law-abiding and utopist society?

Without bias, we may say that many foreigners from around the world feel more safe to walk alone in many streets of Pattaya or Bangkok than many other countries.

This is the reason why more and more senior people come to have their long stay in Thailand. It is not fair and decent to judge that they come here just only for the cheap prostitution because you may be one of them.

Thai people are very famous for their tolerance but notorious for their indiscipline with the mentality of “Mai Pen Rai”.

What is behind their harmony?

Thai people are always proud of our Constitutional Monarchy, which unifies all of us for many centuries. The first westernized constitution was given by the King Rama VII in 1932. However, if we deem that “Magna Carta” of King John of England in 13th century was the first modern constitution, we may be also proud to say that “the Great Stone of King Ramkhamhaeng” can be also deemed our first constitution. Dating

be holding their annual May Bazaar on Tuesday 12th May 2009 at Eastern Star Clubhouse, Ban Chang Rayong. Doors open at 9.00 am and close at 3.00 pm. Vendors from as far as Bangkok will present selling Thai handicrafts, jewellery, homewares and much more.

Entrance is 100 baht for persons aged 13 and over, and all proceeds raised from the bazaar will benefit RLC nominated charities. For further information, please contact Tiew Suphamongkol on 081.644.4432.

Jazz Pit Pub Live entertainment every day, except Tuesday, at Jazz Pit Pub featuring Jazz Pit duo Rein on Vocals and Thomas on Guitar. All musicians and jazz singers are welcome every Monday with the weekly Jam session from 8pm to 12mn.

Located on soi 5, beach road Pattaya.

Casa Pascal & Poseidon Restaurant Free Flow Wine Buffet Kim and Pascal from Casa Pascal & Poseidon have once again brain stormed what could be the best suitable culinary offer for you. No worry, no hurry! Free Flow Wine Buffet , a wonderful way to enhance your meal ! You can sample all of the wines , and it is à discretion (free flow)! Schlemmer Wine Buffet, 2 different white and red wines from Europe, 195

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

back to 13th century King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai engraved the Great Stone to guarantee the rights of people in the nation. This great stone guarantee the rights of people to have free trade without tax.

Now this stone is kept in the national Museum in Bangkok.

In Sukhothai period Thai people traded with Chinese and Persian before the European came in 14th century.

The judicial institution based on the principle that the king was the “Fountain of Justice”. In this regard, King Ramakhamhaeng hung the bell in front of the royal palace in order that people could ring to file the petition with the King for their grievance. This tradition continues until now that all people including all Thai and foreigners may forward the petition to His Majesty the King for any grievance they have. In the Criminal Procedure Code of Thailand specifies the right of people serving the grave punishment may file the petition to His Majesty the King for Royal Pardon. Under the law, all capital punishment

must be forwarded to his Majesty the King.

The King plays the important role as the leader in the hearts and souls of people the nations. All religions are equally treated under the royal patronage. The King graciously exercises his power through the three institutions, which are: 1) Executive power through the government 2) Judicial power through the Courts of Justice, administrative Court and Constitutional Court 3) Legislative power through the parliament The legal mechanisms to protect your fundamental rights and freedom under the Constitution The Thai constitution 1997 is deemed as the most modern constitution in the world. This constitution introduces the modern mechanisms to guarantee the fundamental rights and liberty of people. The non judicial independent institutions are set up, i.e., human right committee and ombudsman.

Thai modern laws have methodic influence from the

continental system hybridized with Thai legal concept developed for many centuries. All Thai laws are written down in codifications, act, royal decrees or ministerial regulations. There are 7 codes, i.e., Civil and Commercial Code, Civil Procedure Code, Penal Code, Penal Procedure Code, Revenue Code, Military Code and Land Code.

The local councils (Or. Bor.Jor) also have power to legislate laws and regulations for local administration.

The main law for the country is the Thai constitution, which is prevalent over all laws of the national. That is to say, no law or treatment can be contrary to the constitution. To guarantee this principle, we have the Constitutional Court empowered to adjudicate and nullify all laws or treatment, which are deemed in violation or contradiction to the Constitution.

The prominent example of the influence of the Constitution was the order of the then government in 1999 to guarantee the equality of people under the Constitution regardless of the gender. Before 1999, all Thai women married foreigners could not have the ownership on the land while Thai men married foreigners still enjoyed

550. Culinary Wine Buffet, 4 different white and red wines from around the world, representing wonderful wines from excellent winemakers, 340 p. bottle 385 p. 8,5 dl 890. Gourmet Wine Buffet, 2 different white and red Wines from around the world. Special selected wines, usually not offered by the glass. Famous for their superiority and taste, 800 1750.

Greg’s Kitchen With over 30 years experience, chef Greg Sulis has the very best of British and international cuisine at Greg’s Kitchen on Second Road (just before Bangkok Bank, opposite Soi 6 or Yodsak). Generous portions and top quality menu.

Said to be a favourite stopping place for British embassy staff! Try Greg’s Kitchen Light Set Menus (served all day). Great value only 299 B. Located at 2nd Road Opposite Soi 6. Call 081.254 .3624 www.gregskitchennorthpattaya.com Live Jazz at Manhattans Jazz Concert Saturday 2nd May with Steve Lowry & The Manhattans Band. Enjoy an evening of sensational jazz & blues classics with the renowned trumpeter & vocalist Steve Lowry. Dinner from 6pm - last dining orders 9pm - Music begins at 8.30pm. Experience Manhattans special ‘jazz night’ a la carte menu, Dinner & Jazz @

1900 baht + vat. The night of jazz will be taking place in the dining room, seating is limited. If you would like to join on this music extravaganza please make a reservation by calling 038.259 .790 or visit www.manhattans-pattaya.com.

Manhattans is located at Nirvana Place, Thappraya Road.

Eat To The Beat Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is offering you the best International Buffet Dinner and BBQ on Pattaya Beach. Eat To The Beat - a variety of famous dishes from all over the world.

Our Chef’s special recipe of BBQ sauce Hard Rock Style to rock your world. A whole spit-roasted pig on every Saturdays following with a free-flow of whisky, wines and soft drinks. The only place where you can find a perfect dining experience that have a unique combination of Thai Hospitality and American Party.

From 6.30 – 9.30 pm. Sunday to Friday @THB 700++, Saturdays @THB 850++ .

Visit www.hardrockhotels.net or call 038.428.755-9 for more information and reservations.

Gubai Art Gallery offering free Moxibustion and Meditation Gallery owner and fine artist Jieng Sae Jern is offering a special invitation to visit the Gubai Art Gallery on Thursday afternoons in May for tea and conversation along with an introduction to the ancient practice of moxibustion and meditation.

Moxibustion involves the burning of the mugwort herb and, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, strengthens the blood, stimulates the flow of qi, and enhances general health.

The Gubai Art Gallery is on Third Road between South Pattaya Road and Tony’s Gym. Call Khun Jieng on 083.990.5346 for more information.

A new showbar in Jomtien Jomtien’s newest and luxurious showbar for all, will be presenting soft openings from May. Further news of the Grand opening on June 3/4/5/6/ will be announced soon. Beautiful showbar/15 rooms/Spa and swimming pool. For more info, please call 087.127.4027.

Pattaya International Ladies Club The PILC annual Trivia Night will be held on Saturday 2nd May at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. The fun starts at 7.00 pm (doors open at 6.30 pm) and teams consist of 6 people. Ticket price is 800 baht and includes buffet dinner supplied by Jamesons. This event is sponsored by AGS Four Winds. For tickets and reservations, please contact Kavita Lamba (salsakavita@ hotmail.com) on 087 618 5117 for Sam Wilson on samwilson102@hotmail.com.

Cafe New Orleans All You Can Eat for 299 baht plus. Sabado night, an evening for Pinoy and friends of Pinoy, at Cafe New Orleans, Pattayaland soi 2, every Saturday night. Filipino food and unlimited soft drinks. Salamat Poo!!

‘Hot Rock’ at Hard Rock Hotel The best rate offer from Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

From as low as THB 2294++ per room/night. Get your gear ready to go and avail of this limited, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya only offer.

Enjoy a Rockin’ stay at Hard

the ownership of land. The then government had the executive order for the Land Department to abolish that restriction. Now Thai women married foreigners may freely own land under the condition that they have to declare that the money they buy the land is her money alone not her husband. The land will be automatically become the private property of only a wife.

Husband will have no right and say in case of divorce or separation.

We can legally say that foreigners may enjoy all rights under Thai law unless there is a clear restriction imposed by the law, e.g., foreigner cannot own the land because there is a restriction under the Land Code. But foreigners can the ownership of the land by succession because there is no restriction.

There are always questions if foreigners are fairly treated under Thai laws. Legally speaking, every country has laws imposing restrictions to foreigners. We have to consider without bias if the legislation in question is necessary for that country. If we try to put rating of country in this world of the most legal tolerance.

We are confident that Thailand is not the worst one!

Rock Hotel Pattaya in Deluxe room (Breakfast Excluded).

You can rest assured with our best rates guarantee… Just book through www.hardrockhotels.net. For more information, please call reservation center 038.428.755-9 British embassy office There is now an office of the British consulate in Pattaya.

It’s located in the row of shop units immediately outside the Pattaya immigration bureau, Jomtien soi 5, next to the Yingchit money changer and a few steps from the Meesen coffee shop. Office hours 9.00 a.m.-11.30 a.m. weekdays exc. public holidays.

Zumba Fitness at Steps & Rhythm New Zumba Fitness class for Beginners starting in April at Steps & Rhythm Dance Academy on Mondays.

Please call 089.544.4842 for class schedule and prices and further information, or e-mail us at info@steps-and-rhythm. com Royal British Legion The Chonburi branch meets at Tropical Bert’s, opposite the Bangkok Bank on Second Road and adjacent to Soi Yodsak. You don’t need to be ex HM services to join but must share the Legion’s principles. There’s a get together every Sunday. Phone Bert on 089 807 2335.

Free Thai lesson The Pro Language Thai Course has been designed and structured to meet those with no or limited Thai.

Covers both conversation and reading/writing.

Free introductory lesson available by phoning 038 4899 225 or writing to pattaya@prolanguage.co.th 2 days before you wish to start.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fool in Paradise the government and report the facts.” Finally, former U.S. President John Adams remarked, “In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a Congress.”

The collective opinions of these great men have now been vindicated as the world is embroiled in the biggest economic mess in history. Sitting with a group of friends over a case of beer and a book of quotations, I’ve concluded the ordinary people of this world, that’s you and me, have a right to be angry because our political masters and the economic puppeteers in whom we placed our trust have messed up big time. As civil libertarian P. J. O’Rourke said, “Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”

It is tragic that, when times are going well, nobody notices. The wheelers and dealers line their pockets with obscene amounts of money, buy this company or that, con-

trol the world’s gold and oil prices and borrow other people’s money to their heart’s content. CEO’s and Company Directors grant themselves bonuses resembling telephone numbers but, while the stock prices keep rising and dividends stay high, shareholders turn a blind eye and the general public don’t care. People only take notice when the poo hits the fan and these same wheelers, dealers and executives run for cover and shirk all responsibility, blaming everyone apart from themselves.

The problem then lands squarely in the lap of those people least likely to solve it - politicians. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them,” and, as usual, Uncle Albert is right. It was politicians who caused the mess in the first place by putting big business and political opportunism ahead of the welfare of the people. Ronald Reagan hit the nail on the head in 1986 when he said, “Government’s view of the economy could be summed

up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it; if it keeps moving, regulate it; and if it stops moving, subsidize it.”

So now, government international travel budgets have blown sky high as we endure ‘economic summits’, ‘think tanks’, ‘brain storming’, conferences and meetings all with the same primary purpose in mind – to blame someone else.

Once they have firmly affixed the blame to banks and company CEO’s, they decide a solution is to throw taxpayer’s money at the problem. After all, in the words of George Bernard Shaw, “A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.”

And if the money runs out?

Print more.

This is like using bandaids to repair a gaping wound, but politicians have a dilemma. If they come down too hard on the big banks and company directors through regulation, it could come back to bite them. Private business heavyweights could argue that government is the biggest business of them all so

why shouldn’t any regulations and constraints equally apply to governments as well? Believe me, the last thing politicians want is for outsiders to interfere with their own gravy train.

Eventually, of course, the money being tossed at the problem will have to be recouped, and that will come from taxes. Mark Twain said, “The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.”

More seriously, Winston Churchill remarked, “I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

I’d like to leave artist Edward Langley (1928-1995) with the final word on the subject: “What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.” But I won’t. I thought of giving Ronald Reagan the honour for his observation, “The government is like a baby’s alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.” But I won’t. Instead, the words of Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965), U.S. politician (Dem) and diplomat are more relevant and I hope today’s politicians listen well: “Let’s face it. Let’s talk sense to the American people. Let’s tell them the truth, that there are no gains without pains; that we are now on the eve of great decisions, not easy decisions.”

Terminal at Ekamai (113 baht), the Northern Bus Terminal at Morchit (121 baht), and the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok (113 baht). You can also catch a bus to Mukdahan on the Laos border (very comfortable VIP buses run overnight) while Bell Travel Service provides buses to the new airport for 200 baht leaving at 6:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm.

I crossed the road and passed Nawaporn Ceramic Market with more outdoor concrete statues for sale, then headed 300 metres down the small soi to Luk Dod Shop Pattaya. If you want to find this shop, look for the sign to Lee Garden Resort and PRO Language & Computer School. Luk Dod (pronounced ‘Luke

Dot’) is the knickknack and souvenir warehouse of Pattaya. This is the place many of those pesky vendors who trawl the bar areas come to buy their stock.

There is a wide range of products and the prices are definitely cheap. Visitors with a tribe of family and friends back home would be wise to check this place out for their gift and souvenir purchases. On many items you will notice two prices listed but don’t be alarmed; it is not the old Thai price – foreigner price scam. They wouldn’t be that obvious. The lower price is for purchase of the same item in bulk. As far as I can tell, Thai customers and foreigners are charged the same. A lot of Russian tourists are brought here as evidenced by the tour buses parked outside, the Russian language signs and Russian language brochures.

From Luk Dod it is only 120 metres to Sukhumvit Road and there is noth-

ing of interest to report.

However, did you notice I have not mentioned any 7-Eleven shops on my journey? There is a Family Mart near the Bus Station, but this could be the only complete road in Pattaya which does not support at

least one 7-Eleven. Amazing Pattaya!

Next issue I’m off to Naklua. I’ve been brushing up on my German and my Lederhosen has just come back from the dry cleaner.

Until then, auf Wiedersehen.

Wise Words on Politics It is said one should never discuss sex, politics or religion when drinking alcohol.

I think it all depends on the people one is discussing the subject with, but in my case I find talking about politicians with friends while in an alcohol-enhanced state is the only way to give the subject its true worth. I don’t hold this view alone, as evidenced by the following old joke: Five surgeons discuss who has the best patients to operate on. The first surgeon says, “I like to see accountants on my operating table because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.”

The second responds, “Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is colour-coded.”

The third surgeon says, “No, I really think librarians are the best. Everything inside them is in alphabetical order.”

The fourth surgeon adds, “I like construction workers. Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over and when the job takes longer than you said it would.”

by Frank Thring

Drenched to the bone but with spirits not dampened, I trudged along the southern side of Pattaya North Road towards Sukhumvit Road.

Two hundred metres past Thai House, I came upon the nice-looking Gulf Siam Hotel & Resort followed by the very elegant Mantra Pura Hotel. A Honda dealership stands prominently on the corner with Pattaya Third Road.

Crossing the intersection, on the left is Health Land Spa and Massage, looking more like a redecorated colonial homestead than a health resort. A hundred metres further on the right is Gems Gallery Pattaya, promoting itself as the ‘World’s Largest Jewelery

Finally, the fifth surgeon observed, “You’re all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on.

There’s no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains, and no spine, and there are only two moving parts - the mouth and the a**hole - and they are interchangeable.”

In case you don’t already know, I am of the opinion there is not one politician in the world worth feeding.

I think they are all powerhungry, greedy, lying morons with the combined IQ of a dog chasing its tail. (The only exceptions are in Asia where there are some of the best politicians money can buy.) And once again, I am not alone in this view. Mark Twain wrote, “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress.

But then I repeat myself.”

More recently, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan quipped, “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realise that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” And Will Rogers told people, “I don’t make jokes. I just watch

Store’. This is where you bring your little turtledove to show her what you can’t afford to buy her. Here’s a tip: I have my sweetheart convinced that cubic zirconium is the most precious gemstone in the world, even more expensive than diamond. Unfortunately, she’s waiting for me to buy her one. Does anyone know if you can get copy cubic zirconium? I suspect it is called ‘glass’.

Back on the left I passed Lung Dong Ceramic Display Center which is crammed full of ceramic items and concrete statues to brighten up your garden and outdoor furniture.

Next is the Pattaya North Bus Station, well known to anyone who has spent time in Pattaya. From here, buses go to the Eastern Bus

Pattaya Today 17

18 Pattaya Today

by Kris & Noi Do you have a question about customs, culture or life in Thailand? Send it to Kris & Noi at: PTPrivatePosts@yahoo.com

Dear Kris & Noi, Thailand’s tourism will be bad now, but randy people like me love Pattaya and the people and we will remain loyal. We’ve always been good for the poor Thai people as a lot of our money goes directly to the girls from the villages.

Every time I take a girl she gets money to send to her family. Without us mongers the Isaan people will be living on a bowl of rice a day. We put food on their table, not the fancy tourists who give their money to hotels and posh restaurants. If anyone back home asks me what I do in Pattaya, I can always say I’m helping the poor, without mentioning

Private Posts the screwing! I enjoy your column, you like to have a dig at randy old codgers like me, but it’s usually in fun, never really nasty like newspapers back home, because you understand the way of life here.

Foinavon Thanks for putting us right; people have always claimed that ageing farangs are only here for cheap sex, whereas in fact they are providing hands-on charity work towards poor young maidens! While the saintly Bono is saving Africa, you and other mongers are putting food on Isaan tables by the unusual method of humping the girls. While she’s bouncing on your body, no doubt you are thinking of how your cash will buy her family a few bowls of noodles.

However, this method of distribution, although extremely pleasant for you, isn’t very reliable, as there

are many girls who will spend more money on a new mobile than they send to family. Therefore, how about every week or so keeping your golden wonder in your pants for a day, and instead of paying for a bonk, spend the money on food and deliver it to any of the charities around the area. This way, needy people benefit, you feel good, and you still get your rocks off almost as frequently.

Dear Kris & Noi, I have been married to Supaporn for more than two years now, but for some reason I am unable to establish a rapport with her young (8 and 12) sisters. They both study English, so I expected they would jump at the opportunity to practice with a native speaker. Nothing. I try speaking Thai with them, I get no response. Not even when I ask something as simple as “Sabai dee, mai khrap?”

Education

Granted, they live in a smallvillage in Isaan and know no other farang. But after several visits over the last two years, shouldn’t I expect some communication from them?

Alex It’s very frustrating to be rebuffed when you are trying to be friendly and helpful, but it does happen to many expats when they meet up with youngsters from small communities. However, try to imagine how nervous the kids must feel in your company, the only farang they have had any real contact with. It doesn’t matter that you are now their brotherin-law, they just see someone completely different in looks and manner from anyone else they have known. Nevertheless, after two years you should have made some sort of breakthrough, so the children must be shyer, or maybe more sheltered, than most

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009 village kids. Here’s something that worked for us in a very similar situation: go with your wife (they will be less nervous with big sis accompanying you) to see them when they are playing with their friends, where they should be more relaxed.

If your Thai is up to it, speak to them in simple sentences such as what are they playing, are they hot, would they like ice-cream. There’s a fair chance that at least one village kid will be bolder than the others and want to show off by talking with the farang, and others, hopefully including your sisters-in-law, will eventually join in. Stick with it Alex, and once you have made the breakthrough you can then start to help them with English learning.

Dear Kris & Noi, There seem to be a lot of expats who never stop moaning about the bargirls not being good looking enough for them. By the cringe, have these whingers ever stopped to look at themselves and others around them? Many of us are fat, badly-dressed and drab

Welcome the final term!!!

Spring is here and life is full of cheer! It’s hard to believe that we are beginning our 3rd term

(final term of the school year 2008/2009) here at the Montessori Children’s Center International. We

Easter egg painting

Paper Quilt

have just come back from our Songkran and Easter break and we hope you all had a nice one!

Our past term in Kindergarten 2, we studied about pioneer life in our history class. We made a beautiful paper quilt depicting life as it was in the ‘old days, we washed clothes in the ‘river’ and hung them out to dry. We played games that pioneer children played, such as jump rope, hopscotch and count the stones.

Just before our holiday break, we celebrated Easter.

We painted Easter eggs and had a Easter Egg Hunt with a special prize to the one who found the Golden Egg! So now we look forward to continuing our school year with many more fun and interesting activities, learning along the way and helping us to expand our minds.

Washing our clothes in the “river”

looking, and there are plenty with bad attitudes, bad breath and bad manners. Compared to some of us, the girls are all goddesses!

Fat but Clean It does seem odd when you see a bunch of ageing, beerbellied punters who are closer to Shrek than Brad, and couldn’t get a date on a Saga holiday, rubbishing the quality of the bargirls.

They forget that even the plainest bargirl probably wouldn’t go anywhere near them if they weren’t in the flesh trade. But the punter doesn’t have to be good looking, it’s his money that counts, although some are certainly as you describe, and it must be an ordeal for the girl trying to act enthusiastically.

Most punters know that they are not God’s gift to women, and still go with the girls after having their little macho expat whinge with their mates.

And it’s nice to be a dreamer at times, and imagine that you could have pulled Angelina if she’d met you before Brad

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

W O M E N TOD A Y

Pattaya Today 19

It would never have happened if..

by Bee McConville Have you ever planned to do something eminently sensible and for all the right reasons and then discovered that your logical and well thought out arrangements backfired with a capital B? Well that’s exactly what happened with my recent Songkran preparations.

Knowing that the ASEAN summit had been diverted from the capital to Pattaya, and that sin-city would therefore be absolutely chock-full of security personnel, bodyguards, police, army and traffic-jamming motorcades, I opted to make Bangkok my Songkran destination of choice this year.

Everyone knows that the City of Angels empties out over the Thai New Year and it is the best ever time for crowd-free shopping sprees with summer sales in every department store. The

added perk is that although local Bangkokians certainly enjoy splishy-splashy-wetwater-fun during Songkran, they don’t go completely loony about it like they do in Pattaya (unless you deliberately visit Silom and Khao San). And oh, did I feel smug as I watched what happened when Pattaya was over-run by red-shirts, then blue-shirts, then chaos and then acute embarrassment as Heads of State had to make hasty exits via helicopters, boats and other assorted ‘quick escape’ vehicles. Here I was, watching the debacle in glorious technicolour (which was a good thing as if I’d been watching in black and white then I wouldn’t have worked out who were the goodies and who were the baddies) many kilometres away.

However, my smugness soon evaporated when I realised that, having totally succeeded in routing the ASEAN conference, the si-daengs duly turned their attention back to Krungth-

Songkran? what Songkran??

So there I was, ready to play Songkran, walking along the street with my brand new and brightly coloured ‘bought specially for getting wet in’ shirt and getting hotter by the minute. So where was the water, where was the powder, where was the fun, fun, fun in the sun, sun, sun? Everyone warned me about getting drenched and covered in talcum powder in the madness that is Songkran, but so far all I had encountered was a three year-old with a water pistol which was so small the force of the water extended no further than his big toes.

Surely it should be better than this? Then I passed a group of locals who ran up to me with their modest bowls and proceeded to pour small amounts …. over my hands as they apologized profusely and checked that I didn’t mind.

Where were the buckets?

Where were the water cannons? By now I was sweating more water than had been squirted at me or poured on me. All around me I saw people dripping wet and covered in gunky

powder and laughing gleefully, so where was all the fun and why wasn’t I finding any of it? I tried looking friendly, exuding a jolly air of ‘I’m having Songkran fun too,’ but nobody seemed to notice. I deliberately crossed roads so that I had to walk past water throwers, but they were too busy waiting for passing cars and motorcycles and seemed uninterested in a passing falang who was, by now, getting mightily pissed off that nobody was letting me join the party. No, the best I could manage was an elderly woman who just about had the strength to pull her water pistol trigger and laugh toothlessly as a narrow stream of water just about filled my belly button – how sad is that? As far as I’m concerned this Songkran malarkey isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. It’s all media hype and grossly exaggerated so my Songkran shirt is going straight back into the cupboard where it will no doubt stay for a long, long time!

I say it like I see it!

Moaning Minnie

epmahanakorn and proceeded to wreak havoc and chaos at every major road intersection and city centre shopping mall! Not to be thwarted by political unrest, on Songkran Monday I girded my loins, filled my wallet to the full, prepared to keep my upper lip stiff when facing unforeseen eventualities, and headed with gusto for Ratchaprasong! The BTS was running on schedule, I’d been duly wetted and powdered gently by local Songkranners, and had attracted smiles from the heavily armed and camouflaged bedecked young soldiers standing on street corners (there’s something about men in uniforms, mmmm…?), so I assumed the world was still turning.

But oh my, I wasn’t prepared for what I discovered in the heart of what is normally one of the busiest cities in the world.

The first hint came when I realised that the sky-walk was gated and locked. Fair enough, I thought, you don’t want hooligans chucking molotov cocktails from on high, so I walked down to pavement level past more young uniformed men with large weapons (sooooo sexy!) and headed for Central. However, it was well and truly closed, so I crossed over to Amarin – closed; Paragon – closed; Siam Square – closed; Zen – closed; Central World Plaza – closed; Isetan – closed; Big C – open, but

who wants to spend money in Big C? Aaaahhhh! Here I was with a bill-fold full of baht burning a huge hole in my handbag and I couldn’t find anywhere to spend it, in Bangkok of all places, the world’s twenty-four-hourwe never close-spend-spendspend shopping heaven!

Apart from Big C, the only places I could see that were operating as usual were 7-11 and McDonalds and, as neither of these places sells shoes, designer handbags, sexy tops, slinky dresses, fluffy underwear or amazing accessories, I was certainly not going to derive any shopping satisfaction there. Ok, I thought, I’ll try Platinum; it’s cheap but I might be able to find something decent if I rummage hard enough. So off I went, over the San Saeb, past the burning tyres, billowing black smoke and screaming red mob outside the Pratunam Centre, to a store that surely had to be open. But no, it was also barricaded and barred. Not to be thwarted, I proceeded to Panthip where I thought I could at least get a few more episodes of Gossip Girl and Sex in the City, and browse the latest pink or floral notebooks but, alas, even Geek City was closed.

By this time I had to admit to myself that shopping was just not going to happen; the Mecca for international shopping splurges was as empty as an English High Street at five o’clock

on a Sunday afternoon. I consoled myself with a pot of tea and it occurred to me that this would never have happened if Thailand had been governed by a woman.

No indeed, had a woman been in charge, things would have been very different.

No doubt she too would have declared a State of Emergency to deal with the rioting reds, and called on the military for support, but she would have positioned the uniformed hunks at plaza doorways and mall entrances rather than on street corners and at BTS stations (how do you say in Thai, ‘is that a gun in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?’) A woman in charge would have ordered all stores to slash prices further and extend opening hours until midnight so that the

city centre would have been swarming with enthusiastic shoppers. She would have scolded the raging reds severely and sent them all home to sober up and be berated by their wives.

For sure, no intelligent woman in her right mind would have allowed ShopTill-You-Drop City to be closed down completely by a bunch of misguided male hooligans. And what better reason is there to now start appealing for more women in government, and to fight for equality and sisterhood solidarity, particularly with regards to the top job as leader of the country. If we want to kick-start the economy and get people consuming again, let’s have a real professional in charge – noone understands shopping quite like a woman!!

O U R CO M M U N I TY

20 Pattaya Today

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

The turn around of a family in Isaan

In the words of Peter Rottmann The Charity Club’s Isaan rep “I’ve never seen such an incredible turn around in a family!”

Mrs Bunlam was suffering

Mrs Bunlam then

from sever depression, her daughter Pantip was the main carer. Where ever Pantip sat her mother that was where she remained until moved again,not speaking or reacting to anyone or anything.

Pantip landed a job for 3 hours after school in a pig

farm, but she was so tired and weak through hunger she couldn’t do both so she stopped attending school.

The Charity Club got involved by accident really as a neighbour told Peter about the leaking roof and how the mother couldn’t afford to have it repaired. When they heard about all the problems they immediatley put Pantip and her mother on the food programme, which allowed Pantip to go back to school. They also arranged for the roof to be replaced unfortunatley the house couldn’t stand the weight of the new roof and fell down! So they raised funds to replace the house.

The turn around began, mum started to take notice of the building work being done and slowly started awakening to everything around her.

Pantip returned to school full time and is now number one in the school and her ambition is to become a teacher.

Pantip has still been

been completed,so they did a flying visit before the madness of Songkran.

They also visited most of their other projects in Krasang and came back

working at the pig farm which she hates, but needs the money. Mum is now cleaning the house, cooking for herself and Pantip and surprised us by telling us she now has a job in a restaurant close to home working all day for 50 baht.

Malcolm and Christina were asked by Mrs Bunlam and Pantip to come and see the new house now it has

after doing it all in a day!

They also saw the changes in the family. Mum came flying down the hill towards them on an old bicycle, they didn’t even recognise this happy smiling person, a completely different woman.

As they have a little land at the side of the house the Charity Club will provide garden equipment, vegatables and fruit trees.

PILC arrange a trip to the north so that members can see the project first-hand.

Gillian Thom, President,

on Beach Road in two weeks time, and also told members of the upcoming Family Fun Day. She

but also an opportunity for Club members to raise any issues or suggestions they may have for social or welfare projects.

Three new members joined the Club, and a sad farewell was said to Sharon Egberts, who has been an active member of the Welfare team, and who is now returning with her husband to Australia.

The venue was bright and lively, the food was delicious, and a great time was had by all!

PILC members get together twice a month for coffee and lunch, and as well as these social activities, they support a wide range of welfare projects in the area. There is also an

Mrs Bunlam, village head and Ms Pantip

They will also provide the family with 1,000 baht a month for 1 year, so that Pantip doesn’t need to work at the Pig farm, Pantip has agreed to do the vegatable garden and tend to the

fruit trees.

The mother is happy to remain at the restaurant working. After the year is up the friut and veg should be ready for them to use and any surplus can be sold.

extensive range of sports and social clubs within the group, including mah-jong, bowling, tennis, and crafts.

more information about its various activities, should telephone Gillian Thom, President, on 081 7626003

Sweet life for PILC at La Dolce Vita

by Kavita Lamba

Over ninety members of PILC met recently for their first event at the newly-opened La Dolce Vita in Soi 18, Naklua Beach Road. Owner Paulo and his team provided a delicious buffet lunch of Italian and international cuisine with delectable desserts to follow.

Susan Race was the Guest Speaker for the occasion, and gave a short talk about the project she supports in Mae Hong Son province through THEP (Thailand Hilltribe Education Project). The project basically raises funds to sponsor children through secondary education, and Susan also suggested that

delicious buffet

announced the venue of the forthcoming Coffee morning, at Trattoria Toscana

reminded members that the monthly luncheons are not only a good social event,

Gillian Thom, stretching her fingers and thumbs!

Anyone wanting to join the group, or who would like

or e-mail to pilc262@ yahoo.com.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Pattaya Today 21

22 Pattaya Today

Songkran in Bali

by Alan S. Brown

Between the yearly Songkran insanity and the anti government insurrection, with the concurrent traffic chaos and water wars, it was ABP (Anywhere but Pattaya) time. Most of my friends and acquaintances either get out of Dodge or hole up in their houses or condos for the duration of the water fighting which seems to go on longer and longer each year. If this is a boom for tourism, then I’m the King of Timbuktu. So, my friend and I booked an Air Asia flight to Bali for approximately 10,000 baht, round trip. (Fares vary depending on when you book and which dates you want to fly. The flight to Bali departs at 6am, which means leaving Fun City at about 2am to catch it.) Songkran is not celebrated in Bali, which was fine with me. We had arranged for our guide and driver, Tony and Tin Tin, to meet us at the airport and drive us to our hotel. We stayed at the Putu Bali Villa and Spa, located in the Seminyak area (www.putubalivilla.

com; tel: 62-361-739659). The property consists of sixteen, individual, one and two bedroom villas with kitchen facilities and an open air bathroom. Off season rate for a one bedroom villa was $55++ (U.S.), if booked through the Internet.

Tony and Tin Tin escorted us all over Bali from early morning till late at night. Their guidance and friendship were invaluable; and their fee was incredibly reasonable. You can reach them at tonydare2b@ yahoo.com.

A quick lunch at the Callego Beach Café, not far from the hotel and a long nap were the order of the first day. Later we checked out Kuta Beach, which was crowded with Australian and European tourists and lots of surfers. It’s not quiet and pristine but has lots of action and activity to keep you busy. A quieter and more up market alternative to Kuta is Sanur Beach. There’s a lot to see and do in Bali; and six days was barely enough to scratch the surface. On the second day, our guides drove us to the town of Ubud. For

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

shopaholics, this is an absolute must. Ubud is known for its arts and crafts and the number of shops is mind boggling.

If this is your thing, allow at least a couple of days. It’s also a center of dance and Balinese culture. We witnessed Kecak and fire dance performances.

Sanctuary (www.monkeyforestubud.com) rounded out the afternoon. The monkeys roam free and if you’re holding a bunch of bananas, they won’t hesitate to grab onto you until you relinquish the bounty.

The next day we visited the “Floating Temple” on the lake in Bedugul. The temple and adjacent pagodas are stunningly beautiful, surrounded by the lake and mountains. Spectacular scenery was also provided by

While in Ubud, don’t miss the Symon Studios (www.symonstudios.com) art gallery featuring unique pop and contemporary paintings and sculptures, including many nudes. We had lunch at a mountainside café overlooking the rice terraces in Tegalalang: breathtaking views and tasty food. A stop at the Sacred Monkey Forest

the Kinamani Volcano at Mt. Batur and its crater lake; accompanied by a delicious buffet lunch at the Lakeview Hotel and Restaurant (about $8). Not far from the volcano are several coffee plantations where you can sample the local bean. Coffee is for sale, but quite pricey. You can get locally grown coffee at the various

markets for much less. The day was capped off at the Tanah Lot Temple, one of the most important Balinese sea temples, located by the ocean on a rocky isle. This is a very popular spot to visit during sunset. So don’t forget your camera and bring extra batteries and memory cards. For a nominal donation, the priests will bless you and even pose for pictures. Another excellent spot to enjoy the sunset is the beach at Jimbaran. Various restaurants set up tables and chairs right on the sand so that you can enjoy a moderately priced seafood dinner while viewing the setting sun. Another worthwhile visit is to the Tirta Empul Temple where you can bathe in the holy water from the springs of Tirta Empul. A sarong, which they’ll provide for a nominal charge, is required.

Of course, Bali is known for its nightlife. There are dozens of bars and discos in Kuta, such as the Double Six Disco (which also has an adjacent bungee jump). Seminyak, which is a bit more upscale, has many fine restaurants, as well as, bars and discos for night owls. Trattoria, located on Jl. Lesmana offers tasty Italian dishes at reasonable

prices. Brown Sugar on Jl. Petltanget, near the Puta Bali Villas, has a good variety of continental and Indonesian food, including a steak dinner for about $4.50. Directly across from the aforementioned hotel is the Waroeng Bonita Restaurant, which is situated in a beautiful garden setting and offers continental and Indonesian specialties. I thoroughly enjoyed the beef rendang, which is a Sumatran version of beef stew (about $3.50). They also offer rack of lamb at about $18. During my stay in Bali, I got to sample several other local dishes, including gatu gatu (vegetables with peanut sauce), various satays and, of course, the old standbys: a variety of nasi goreng (rice) and mie goring (noodles).

We said our sad farewells to Tin Tin and Tony, who took us back to the airport to catch our noon flight to Bangkok. I vowed to come back soon; and I will. It’s a great destination and it was great to be away from the turmoil and nonsense that is Songkran in Pattaya.

Now that Songkran is over and the protests have stopped for the time being, let’s hope Pattaya returns to its normal low season fun and frivolity.

Designing Afterman: The Next Step in Evolution

There’s a new website out there that claims to be the official website of God. I’m sure this is a joke perpetrated by some mischievous teenage hacker, but the following dialogue was posted on www.heaven. org just a few days ago. It purports to be a conversation between God (e-mail: yahwehgod@heaven.org) and his chief design angel, Felafel.

Warning: Pious Jewish and Christian readers may find it offensive, so they are advised to skip it and turn to “Nightmarch,” “A Fool in Paradise,” or “Pete’s Peregrinations” immediately. Although this dialogue is undoubtedly a hoax,

it presents a disturbing vision of what we might be in for: God: I’ve had it with these humans, Fel. I gave them a perfectly wonderful little planet, and look how they’ve messed it up: over population, environmental rape, polluting their own atmosphere, incessant wars, and now they’ve worked themselves into an economic catastrophe. It’s time to wipe them out and start over again.

Felafel: Do you think that’s wise, Lord? Do you have a new model in mind?

God: You betcha. This will be a new, improved, streamlined species of human being. I’ll call him Afterman, because he’ll come after man.

Felafel: Sounds like a brand of after-shave lotion. What about the female of the species?

God: I’ll call her Afterwoman, and their children will be called Afterkids. I’m going to correct all the design flaws in the earlier model. First off, I’m going to leave out the greed gene.

That’s got them into all sorts of trouble, and we’re getting rid of it.

Felafel: But it’s pretty basic to their nature, Lord. Richard Dawkins even wrote a book about it. He called it The Selfish Gene.

God (gnashing his teeth): Do not even mention the name of Richard Dawkins in my holy presence. I haven’t read The Selfish Gene. I don’t need to. I read The God Delusion, in which he maligns, insults, and traduces me beyond any possibility of forgiveness. Reading one book by Richard Dawkins is one book too many. I can’t wait till he falls into my clutches. I have some instructive lessons to teach him about the afterlife. Since he loves evolutionary biology so much, I’m thinking of reincarnating him as a trilobite.

Felafel: Good luck, Richard Dawkins! But he and Gordon Gekko, in the movie “Wall Street,” both have a point. Greed may cause a lot of trouble, but it’s a motivator. If human beings didn’t have greed to get them off their lazy duffs, they’d spend all their time lying around and sleeping like hogs.

God: I’m working on a new gene: the Selfless Gene, a.k.a. the Altruism Gene. This gene will motivate Afterman to work solely for the benefit of his fellow creatures. He won’t just talk big about serving his fellow man—he’ll actually do it.

Felafel: Oooo, that’ll be different, all right.

God: Now, on the biological level, I’m going to fine-tune Afterman’s bilateral symmetry. Human beings have two of almost everything: eyes, ears, nostrils, arms, legs, lungs, kidneys. I should have applied that principle consistently. Why not two hearts, two livers, two pancreases, two spleens, two gall bladders?

That way, every organ will have a back-up system in case the first one fails.

Felafel: Errrr…I hope you’re not going to give them two heads.

God: One head, but two noses and two mouths. One nose will inhale and the other will exhale. And I’ve always thought it was disgusting for humans to be speaking and eating through the

same mouth. We’ll have one mouth for speaking and one for eating. No longer will mothers have to scold their children for talking with their mouths full.

People will be able to talk and eat at the same time.

Felafel: Errrr…what about two sex organs?

God: No. They get into enough trouble with one. We’ll stick to one stomach, too. We don’t want them getting twice as fat.

In fact, I think I’ll give them only half a stomach to keep them svelte.

Felafel: So far, your Afterman seems admirably designed.

God (warming to his theme): Yes, and I’ve got other improvements in mind. First, I’m going to upgrade woman so that she’ll never again be oppressed and exploited by man. Women have been given a really raw deal in the current dispensation, and we’re going to correct that. Afterwoman will be bigger and stronger than the present model. She’ll look like the Incredible Hulk without the green. Nobody will dare to mess with her.

She’ll have built-in steroids, biceps like Serena Williams, and in the immortal words of Andy Roddick, she’ll be bench-pressing dump trucks by the age of ten.

Felafel: Won’t that compromise her femininity?

God: No. We’re going to boost her femininity by doubling her mammary endowments.

Felafel: Beg pardon?

God: We’re going to give her four breasts.

Felafel: Wow. Gosh. Ah. But, er, you’re giving Afterman only two hands, right?

God: Right.

Felafel: Not wishing to get too racy, Lord, but I’ve observed that, in foreplay, the man occasionally fondles the woman’s breasts.

God: Yes. So? Felafel: If she’s got four breasts, he won’t have enough hands to handle them all.

God: I have foreseen that problem. Why do you think I’m giving Afterman two mouths? Aside from the reasons I’ve already cited, that is.

Felafel: Uhhhhhh…let’s see. So he can fondle two of the breasts with his two hands, and kiss the other two with his two mouths? Say, that’s brilliant!

God (modestly): Of course. It is not for nothing that they call me God. I’m going to get rid of menstruation, too.

(To be continued, unless this elevating discourse falls victim to the censor’s cruel pen.) …………..

S. Tsow can be scolded at s.tsow@ymail.com, except when he’s worrying about the censor’s cruel pen.

Pattaya Today 23 PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 1/23

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Pure’s Admirable Solutions to All Your Water Pollution Problems

Pure is a water purification specialist providing solutions to common water pollution problems for both commercial and residential clients. Unlike many water purification firms, Pure’s proven filtration technology is largely foreign, primarily from Germany, Australia and

are often detectable from lack of clarity in the water, staining to clothing and crockery after washing, from objectionable odours, and in the instance of water hardness, the worst case scenario is kidney stones from too high calcium levels. Pure specialises in particular in

Khun Patcharin with Ms Ellen Cynthia, ready to assist you

the US, backed up by qualified and experienced technicians, which means that the service Pure provides is reliable and trustworthy.

Water in Thailand frequently suffers from pollution from sediment, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulphide, and bacteria, in addition to low pH and water hardness. These problems

the removal of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide, but also provides effective solutions to all these other water-related problems.

Pattaya’s water supply, despite a recent expansion to its facilities, is still not completely adequate in providing for the needs of all its inhabitants, especially during the hot season. This particularly applies to outlying areas, serviced by local providers whose water quality is often variable. Consequently, many householders choose to have wells dug to provide for their immediate needs.

The staff at Pure astutely realised that the best testimony for their products would be that of satisfied

Happy customers, Khun Prapa Prombun and Mr Harald Wengert

clients, so the Pattaya Today Investigation Team set off to a village near Wat Yansangwararam, near Bang Saray to interview a couple of them.

The village in question consists of a few relatively new villas without access to the government water supply, which consequently have to rely on wells.

At the first villa, owned by Harald Wengert and his wife Prapa Prombun, they told the team a harrowing tale of conditions in their otherwise immaculate villa before they bought water filtration equipment from Pure. The couple said that after a shower, they felt dirtier than before, with sediment residue left on their skin. It was impossible to get their clothes clean, their crockery after washing always had a sediment residue left on it and the water was cloudy and generally smelt putrid, like sewage, obviously with high bacteria content, with a distinctly yellow tinge, indicative of hydrogen sulphide pollution. Although they had owned the villa for 2.5 years, they had only lived there for the past 6 months. Prior to this, they’d lived further up the road in accommodation with a government water supply. The government guidelines are not as stringent as they might be, particularly as regards calcium levels and the water in their accommodation was hard, so much so that Harry got kidney stones.

Being unable to stand these

Khun Pattana and Mr Mick Farrell now enjoy a clean water Thanks to Pure

awful conditions any longer, the couple contacted Pure, who came, demonstrated the efficacy of their products and Harald and Prapa being suitably convinced, the company was asked to install a filtration system for well water sources. Here is a technical comparison:

is now 95% better; almost on a par with German standards, Harald says.

Harald and Prapa were so pleased with Pure’s product and the after service they received that they recommended the system to their friends across the way, an Englishman, Mick Farrell

Before After

Ph levels: 6.55 7.46 Turbidity: 16.4 3.27 Calcium: 20 60 Dissolved solids: 303 416 Iron: 1.22 0.17 Zinc: 0.01 0.01 Copper: 0.03 0.02 One doesn’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the radical difference having an efficient filtration system has made to the couple’s lives.

They are literally thrilled with the results. Their water is now clear, actually tastes good, although actually they didn’t opt for the drinking water element, their crockery shines brilliantly, their clothes are spotless, after a shower their skin is radiant and there is no sediment whatsoever. In short, they consider the water

A wide selection of water filter available at their Pattaya showroom

Government standards 6.5-8.5 5 300 1000 0.3 3 1

and his Thai wife, Pattama Ruennimit.

This couple had experienced identical pollution problems and they, too, decided to opt for one of Pure’s filtration solutions.

Their conclusions were identical to those of Harry and Prapa’s and both couples can’t speak too highly of the service and products supplied by Pure and both heartily recommend Pure to anyone with the same unsavoury water problems.

Pure are very proud to be members of the Water Quality Association (WQA), Department of Export Promotion, The Board of Investment (BOI), NSF International and ISO 9001 ensuring you peace of mind dealing with a well respected national company with a proven track record.

If you are interested in receiving further information on any of the Pure products, please see their advert on page 1 of Pattaya Today, or contact them at 16/98 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road, Tel/Fax: 038 488 383 or by mobile on 084 013 3288.

24 Pattaya Today PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 2/24

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

All is not lost Pattaya – Time to look on the bright side!

In Thailand, the property market is always slow in April, the month of Songkran, with people taking extended holidays and returning, late from the provinces and hinterland. It’s also easy to forget that this current recession is worldwide, so with property markets across the world also depressed, one shouldn’t grow too despondent if one’s property doesn’t sell quickly, or properties, if you happen to be a real estate agent.

The Baht is still strong compared with other currencies, despite the small drop during the heat of the Bangkok mayhem, and returns-on-investments are still good, comparatively.

In two instances I know of excellent returns were to be had. The first, a condo was bought as a second home/rental investment by a Brit, who returned home, leaving his property in the capable hands of a rental management agency. With the drop in sterling, his

regular monthly return of 6% p.a.is now worth almost one third more in real terms than when he bought it.

In the other instance, at the top end of the market a house was on the market for Bt27.5m, but was taken off when it didn’t sell within the specified period, even though the owner reduced the asking price to 15.5m. Instead, he rented it out to an exec from a Eastern Seaboard multinational, on a 3-year lease for a rent of Bt110,000 Baht per month. This nets the owner Bt1.32m p.a. and with the strong Baht, a favourable exchange rate, and a bit of savvy ForEx juggling (which is possible, if sent at the right time through a ForEx agent) a healthy profit is possible.

By the expiry of the lease in 2012, the market should have recovered and the owner may still be able to offer it out at his original asking price, even perhaps to a canny investor who has spent 30 weeks prospecting for a suitable property, as seems to be common these days; which

also means there are most definitely bargains to be had in this current buyer’s market.

On the positive side, the vast majority of Western retirees, or even recent lay-offs, would much prefer a sojourn in this glorious climate, with its still favourable property prices and quality of accommodation, its steadily improving infrastructure (especially since the DASTA initiative) and amenities, not to mention the other perennial recreational attractions of Pattaya.

On the downside, however, the recent Red-Shirt mayhem has most definitely had an even more adverse impact on Thailand’s tourism and property market than the recent closure of Bangkok’s airports, in terms of the tarnishing of Thailand’s reputation (it’s now seen as uncivilised according to Sommart Khunset, Deputy Secretary-General of the Federation of Thai Industries), revenue, income and job losses.

This view was endorsed

by Nandor von der Luehe, Chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce of Thailand (JFCCT), who maintained Thailand’s image abroad was very negative after the incidents.”The image of Thailand, especially in Europe, is very bad,” Nandor said, who continued “It is very difficult to bring in new investment.

Nobody wants to put their money in a country with political instability because it means that their money will not be safe here.”

However, this just means that the respective agen-

cies will have to work that bit harder to restore Thailand’s good name. This can be done firstly by the government taking a proactive approach to prevent any further factional violence and nipping it in the bud, which PM Abhisit seems to now have the inclination to do. Other measures include collaboration between the various concerned agencies to restore investor confidence through trade activities, overseas road-shows and better communications.

The TAT has already made a move in this direction and others will certainly follow suit.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

PATTAYA STYLISH LIVING

Update on main visas for visits to Thailand

Pattaya Today 25 PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 3/25

30 days, retirement, education and the rest Looking back over the past year, there have been a number of changes to immigration rules for foreigners coming and staying in the kingdom. What follows is a summary of what’s currently happening. But please note that the specifics regarding retirement, marriage and education visas can vary in the detail according to which immigration office you use. So, as ever, it’s best to ascertain your own personal position about a long stay visa by visiting your nearest immigration office.

On arrival Tourists from many countries (most of Europe, Australia and the United States) can obtain a 30 day stamp at the airport without prior application. But they will only receive 15 days if they enter the kingdom by a land frontier. However, there is now no restriction on the number of times a foreigner may enter the country, by air or land, to obtain these stamps. The former regulation about “no more than 90 days in any six months period without a prior visa” was abolished last November. The 30 or 15 day stamps can be extended just once for seven days at a Thai immigration office.

Tourists from some countries – Poland, Ukraine and the “Stans” amongst others – receive only two weeks at the airport and must fill in an application form for a temporary stay at the airport. They can extend their visa for seven days at an immigration office just once only. They cannot enter Thailand by land borders without special permission.

Tourist visas in advance From March to early June 2009, the Thai government has abolished fees for specifically tourist visas obtained at Thai consulates or embassies worldwide. This move was made to boost tourism in the low season.

Only tourist visas are covered by the discretion – transit and non immigrant visas must still be paid for. Moreover, the extensions to tourist visas obtained at Thai immigration offices must still be paid for (1,900 baht per extension).

For most people, a tourist visa in this context is a sixty day one and can be single or double or multiple entry with the deadline date clearly visible in the centre of the visa. The extensions available at immigration are 30 days and, afterwards, a further seven days if needed. So a Thai tourist visa obtained by a French tourist at the Thai embassy in Paris would pay nothing for the initial visa (until June 4 when the freebies cease) but would pay 1,900 baht for the 30 day extension and a further 1,900 baht for the final seven days if required.

It should be noticed that extensions are dictated by the type of visa held and not by the travel plans of the individual.

As regards neighbouring countries, it seems that 60 day tourist visas are obtainable without much difficulty in the Thai embassies in Laos and Cambodia (Vientiane and Phnom Penh). But it may be best to check with a travel agent as to the current state of play in neighbouring countries.

Non immigrant visas These are 90 day visas obtained abroad and are broadly of two types. Non immigrant “B” is the business visa and the prerequirement for obtaining a Thai work permit. They are not easily obtained in Thai consulates and embassies in Pacific rim countries and it may be best to obtain one, if needed, in the country of domicile. Even where a non immigrant “B” is issued, it’s likely to be single entry.

Non immigrant “O” visas are often issued to foreigners with family commitments in Thailand, but the practice of issuing them varies considerably in consulates and embassies worldwide. Some may grant them willy-nilly, but others may want to see documentation relating to marriage or birth certificates of children. There’s also a non immigrant “Ed” visa sometimes given to children or adults who can prove they are bona fide students at school or college. In these cases, it’s best to check with the educational institute for the specific documentation likely to be required.

0/A visas These are one year visas issued to foreigners of any age, but usually in their principal country of residence. They can be single or multiple entry. Usually, applicants have to show proof of their income or a bank balance in Thailand in addition to medical clearance and a police certificate showing they have not committed serious offences in their home country. The detailed regulations vary from country to country and application should be made to the Thai embassy in the appropriate country. An O/A visa is not available to foreigners inside Thailand itself.

Elite Card visa The elite card scheme has been terminated.

However, those holding an elite card obtained previously have the right to have a three months visa on arrival, to be extended another three months by applying at a Thai immigration office. Elite card holders can repeat this process as many times as they like, up to a maximum of five years. They can leave the country when they like and always obtain 90 days on their return at any airport or border post.

Retirement visa This is the most popular one year visa for older foreigners, aged 50 and above, who wish to be based in the kingdom. A non immigrant visa is required to start the procedure, but most Thai immigration offices will allow an applicant to transfer to non immigrant status even if the initial visa was 15, or 30 or 60 days. There is a special form and a supplementary fee to pay for those with the “wrong” visa.

The retirement visa, in effect an extended non immigrant visa, has a financial requirement of 800,000 baht a year. This can be shown as a sum in a Thai bank but must not be a term account or bond. Some immigration offices allow a foreign currency account provided it’s lodged in Thailand.

The minimum of 800,000 baht must be lodged in the Thai bank 60 days ahead of the application in the first year. For second and subsequent years, the time requirement (if any) varies from office to office. So check locally.

A letter from the Thai bank must be obtained Alternatively, applicants can bring into play their regular income in their home country, usually pensions or rentals. In this scenario a letter of confirmation or guarantee must be obtained from the applicant’s embassy or consulate in Thailand. If the income is less than 800,000 baht, when converted to Thai currency, then the balance has to be made up by cash in the Thai bank. If the income is in excess of 800,000 baht, when converted to Thai currency, then a bank account letter is still required. But the minimum in the account can be as low as 1,000 baht. It’s worth emphasising that every application for a retirement visa must be accompanied by a letter from the Thai bank no matter how big the home country income. A married couple, both foreigners, can each apply for a retirement visa using just one block of 800,000 baht provided each has a non immigrant visa.

Family visa Foreigners with family commitments in Thailand, usually being married to a Thai and/or having dependent children, can apply for a one year visa. They need a non immigrant visa to kick start the procedure at a provincial immigration office. If they have only a tourist visa, it will be necessary to apply in the immigration headquarters in Bangkok. The financial rule is cash in the bank, at least 400,000 baht and held for sixty days before applying in year one and in all subsequent years, or proof of income at least 40,000 a calendar month with bank statements going back one year.

Foreigners on retirement

visas sometimes want to switch to a family visa because “it’s less money in the bank”. However, they should bear in mind that many more documents are required for the family visa including photos and maps of the residence. Also, provincial offices have to send the applications for family visas to immigration headquarters in Bangkok for a final decision. Obviously if a foreigner is under 50 years of age, he cannot apply for a retirement visa so must use the family route if he qualifies.

Education visas Foreign adults can sometimes apply for a one year

education visa. They need to have a non-immigrant visa to start the process, have 500,000 baht in a Thai bank account and produce documentation from the educational institute describing a course of tuition for the applicant lasting at least 200 hours. Foreigners interested in this visa should make specific inquiries at their local immigration office. The visa may be withdrawn if there is evidence the applicant is not properly completing his or her course of study.

Work permits Work permits are given by the department of labour and

not by the immigration bureau.

However, the immigration can extend the non immigrant “B” visa up to a year once the permit is awarded provided that the correct documentation is submitted. The process can be complicated, requiring audited accounts and assorted company documentation and tax returns, and most work permit holders use a lawyer to make the application. If a working contract is terminated, the applicant must make sure he or she reports the matter to the labour department and obtains a special form (Tor 10) which must then be shown to the immigration.

26 Pattaya Today PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 4/26

Brit Murdered in Hua Hin British expatriate, Nicolas Francis Knight, 64, a Hua Hin resident, was recently stabbed during an attempted robbery at his Khao Tao home. The victim apparently surprised the assailant while he was actually engaged in the robbery, and was stabbed in the confrontation which followed. Mr. Knight later died from his wounds in hospital. Police are attempting to discover if the alleged murderer was known to the victim, prior to the robbery.

Japanese Students Render Aid To Rural Communities 20 Gakushuin University students are currently on a voluntary mission to help deprived remote villages in Northern Thailand. At Ban Huay Kaew Bon, the students joined NGOS and others to build a village school. Other group members are working to improve the village’s basic infrastructure by setting up basic flush toilets, teaching the locals how to cultivate bee colonies and planting trees. After work, the students play with the local children.

Separatist Militant Attacks Frustrated Through Interco-operation Closer relations between the authorities, village chiefs, religious leaders and local residents has reduced the effectiveness of recent attacks by Separatist militants in Yala Province. In seven incidents on the same day, only four people near a local teashop in Yaha suffered gunshot wounds, none fatal, while no injuries were reported after an incendiary device destroyed a food stall, nor in five ambushes, one involving police and the others soldiers.

The Consequences of Inadequate Research British author, Dom Joly, researching a forthcoming book on the world’s trouble-spots, decided to come to Thailand for what he expected to be a calm week, but landed in the middle of the Red Shirt riots. Beating a hasty retreat to Chiang Mai, he and his family, who weren’t familiar with the Thai New Year’s water festival, were deluged, instead, by manic songkraners straight out of the city centre airport.

HIV-Aids Bigwig Makes Plea on Behalf of Imprisoned Global Drug Users Professor Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, speaking recently at the International Harm Reduction Conference in Bangkok, made an impassioned plea to the world community to extend basic human rights to jailed drug users, who are generally treated as ‘untermensch’ or sub-human. A more liberal approach would also help to decrease the impact on the long term cost, he contended.

Thai Drug Connection Gets US Contactors into Deep Water DynCorp International, contractors to the US government , have been told by the State Department to replace

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

senior managers overseeing a major Afghani police training contract after allegations that they ignored indications of drug abuse amongst employees, when one died of a suspected overdose. The unnamed individual had apparently been acquiring drugs every month from Thailand. The dead employee had also been arrested by Thai police in March for the theft of a US$14,000 watch.

Ratings Agencies Downgrade Thailand’s Creditworthiness For the second time in a week, an international ratings agency, Fitch Ratings, cut Thailand’s sovereign credit ratings, following the riots in Bangkok. The downgrade in Thailand’s creditworthiness, according to Vincent Ho, Fitch Associate Director, “reflects the inability of successive governments to resolve disruptive civil unrest, which threatens to extend an already protracted period of political uncertainty.” Standard & Poor’s had cut Thailand’s local currency rating to “A-” from “A”, two days previously.

Riots Force Cruise Lines to Avoid Bangkok Red Shirt riots in Bangkok have prompted a number of passenger cruise lines to temporarily avoid using Bangkok port facilities, until the political turmoil is resolved. Instead of berthing at Bangkok, Oceania Cruises, for example, will put in at Singapore. Another, Princess Cruises, still intends to use Bangkok as a staging post, whilst another major line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is non-committal. Apparently, the safety of day-tripping cruise passengers can’t be guaranteed.

Thailand Goes Into Recession – Official The 2008 Q4 statistics, highlighting a 6.1% final quarter contraction in the Thai economy, signify the country is in its first recession since the financial collapse of the Asian economies in 1997. Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij is likewise predicting dismal figures for 2009, forecasting a contraction of up to 5%; a significant increase on earlier estimates of 2.5-3%, though the World Bank only estimated a contraction of 2.7% (before the riots).

Riots Take Heavy Toll on Tourism Anarchy on the streets of Bangkok and the state of emergency led to the issuing of travel warnings by a number of countries, including Australia, China, France, Britain, South Korea, and the U.S. Kongkrit Hiranyakit, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, predicted the combined impact of the Bangkok airport closures and the recent turmoil, will cost tourism Bt200 billion and cause 200,000 job losses in the hospitality and travel industries.

TAT Pessimistic About This Year’s Tourist Numbers The Tourism Authority of Thailand has had to drastically revise its estimates of 14 million tourists for 2009, (based on the 14.3 million tourists who came to Thailand in 2008), following the mayhem in Bangkok and Pattaya. “There is no chance we will meet our 14 million target,” maintained Apichart of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. “If we are lucky enough to restore confidence, we may get 12 million”.

Thai Travel Industry’s Dilemma The recent fighting in the streets, lending flesh to the movie theme of ‘Bangkok Dangerous’, is posing a dilemma for the Thai travel industry. “It will take some time for the government to regain confidence,” said Apichart Sankary, President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. “If we can’t create reconciliation in the country, we shouldn’t go out to assure foreign travellers. We may be seen as liars if we can’t deliver what we have promised.”

The Mayhem’s Industrial Fallout Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij’s statement “It’s undeniable that the country has suffered in every dimension from what has happened,” is echoed by other pundits.

Pessimistic Santi Vilassakdanont, President of the Federation of Thai Industries, declared “New industries such as automobile, auto parts, electronic parts, and food may look at other countries. It’s possible that they may change the

manufacturing base.” Santi has also had to contend with investors, including those from China and Japan, anxious about the government’s policies and country’s ongoing stability and security.

International And Internal Confidence Plummets National consumer confidence apparently slumped to its lowest level in more than seven years in March, amid Korn Chatikavanij’s warnings that GDP may decline by over 3% unless government spending is increased. International confidence likewise suffered, Malaysian Investment strategist Suresh Kumar Ramanathan complained “They keep on having these problems every three to six months and there is no end to it. This puts a big question mark on everything that is happening in the country”.

Ozzies Freak Out The Australian Foreign Affairs Department is cautioning Australians coming to Thailand not to wear red or yellow shirts, to avoid being mistaken for demonstrators. Likewise, citing alarmist road traffic stats - “On average 38 people a day die in motorcycle accidents in Thailand”, they advise extreme caution when hiring motorbikes, as well as being wary of shop employees copying credit card details.

Americans are apparently concerned over dangers of theft at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market.

No Let Up In Songkran Road Toll This year’s carnage on the roads over the five days of the Songkran holiday period, when migrant workers return home, inebriated revellers take to the roads and manic water throwers target vulnerable motorcyclists and passengers, amounted to 272 deaths and 3,375 injuries in road traffic accidents, according to the Road Accident Centre.

The blackest day was Tuesday, when 638 accidents occurred, leaving 52 dead and 717 injured.

Red Devils’ Leaders Get Comeuppance Three of the ringleaders of the red-shirted rioters, facing 7 1/2 years’ imprisonment, have surrendered themselves to police, namely Veera Musikapong, Nattawut Siakuar and Weng Tojirakarn. They will be denied bail and, under the provisions of the emergency rule, can be detained as long as it is in force. Meanwhile, 37 arrest warrants have been issued for other prominent UDD demonstrators, including Jakrapob Penkair, a protest leader and Thaksin Cabinet minister.

Young Girl Left Four Days Alone In Bush Natcha Prong Santia, 8, on a family outing to Kao Yai National Park, had to brave 4 nights alone in the bush, after she was accidentally left behind. She had to cope with the cold, rain and virtual starvation, with only leeches, ticks and a tiger for company. The extended family had stopped at the Kong Kaew Waterfall, but didn’t notice her absence on departure, until they reached the park exit. She was eventually found 4 days later.

Development Initiative for Southern Provinces The four insurgency-ridden provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla are to receive a government hand out of Bt50 billion to develop the region’s infrastructure and improve the livelihood of the inhabitants, scheduled from 2010-2012. The development initiative is also aimed at resolving violence in the region. Each village in the area will receive Bt228,000, with villagers being expected to co-operate in planning development projects for their village, without government interference.

Convention & Exhibition Bureau Pleasantly Optimistic The eternal optimists of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau are downplaying the negative impact on Thailand’s C&E business from the Bangkok Red Shirt riots. Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director of Conventions, Suprabha Moleeratanond, maintained. “This (state of emergency) situation will certainly affect our meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions business for a short while, but we believe that within four to six months, it should return to its anticipated level.”

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

BUSINESS MATTERS

Pattaya Today 27 PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 5/27

Determining what should be in your retirement portfolio... and whether diversification is still considered critical

by Craig Taunton As far as most investors are concerned, there are really only three basic investment categories: stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents. Commodities, currencies, and a few other “alternative assets” round out the bigger list.

Yet even with just these few choices, it’s a challenge to figure out how much of your money should go to each. One traditional rule of thumb says to subtract your age from 100. The resulting answer determines the percentage of stocks that should be in your portfolio.

For example, a 40-year-old investor would allocate 60% to equities. The obvious idea here is that the longer you have until retirement, the more aggressive you can be with your portfolio. Since stocks are historically more volatile but also better able to outpace inflation over long periods they deserve the lion’s share of a younger investor’s nest egg.

In contrast, bonds are considered better able to weather storms and kick off income, so they should comprise a higher percentage of an older investor’s portfolio.

I don’t necessarily agree that bonds trump stocks either as income investments or as safe havens. But I do agree that older investors should move into more conservative assets as they get closer to or into retirement.

The recent stock market decline is proof why: If you need to withdraw money on a regular basis from your account, you don’t want to be forced to do so when stocks just got a 50% haircut. On the other hand, if you’re invested in solid income-producing investments, you’ll be able to live off the cash streams and leave the underlying assets to recover with the market.

Of course, age is just one factor in determining your asset allocation. Risk tolerance is another.

Some people even 20-yearolds just aren’t able to sleep at night when they’re sitting

on paper losses of 40% or 50%. And that’s fine. Those people might be better off in ultra-conservative investments. Sure, math and history might argue otherwise, but no amount of investment return is worth more than the ability to relax and enjoy life!

While there are rough guidelines, no asset allocation is right for an entire generation of Investors!

A lot of investors are feeling jaded about the old “diversify, diversify” mantra these days. Even though they padded their portfolios with various investments, nearly every one of those holdings has lost value over the last year or so.

End result: Broken nest eggs and broken confidence in fundamental investment strategies. So is that it? Is diversification dead? Is it just a hold-over notion from a bygone era?

In my opinion, anyone who has their entire fortune invested in a single stock is virtually asking to lose it.

Sure, the absolute best and fastest way to build wealth

would be to find one home-run stock and let every penny ride on it. And there are real-world examples. Consider anyone who held Altria over the last 50 years or bought Berkshire Hathaway, Wal-Mart, or Microsoft way back when.

Regardless, I wouldn’t suggest keeping your entire net worth in any one investment, even if it’s been a tremendous performer.

I’m not saying that buying and holding is the wrong approach. Rather, I’m suggesting that you’ve got to take some money off the table and put it into other assets along the way, particularly if the investment has had a rather substantial run up.

The same holds true for general asset classes never rely on any one investment category As you probably know, U.S. stocks have been the best performing asset class over very long periods of time. And that’s precisely why I firmly believe you are best served by putting a healthy portion of your portfolio into stocks, particularly the dividend-paying variety.

DIY-Q TEST Before you tackle those long-overdue repairs around the house, tackle this test to determine your DIY Q (do-ityourself quotient). Answers and evaluations follow the questions…

by Khun Dee 1. Your toilet mysteriously starts running and then stops from time to time. What would most likely fix the problem?

A-Replacing the flapper.

B-Jiggling the handle.

C-Adjusting the float.

2. Someone turns on a hair dryer and your circuit breaker trips. You go to the panel box and reset it. It trips again.

What is the most probable cause: A-Too many appliances plugged into one outlet or multiple outlets connected to the same circuit.

B-There is a loose connection at one or more outlets.

C-You have a short circuit or ground fault.

3. You pour a new cement walkway about 1 meter wide, 6 meters long and 5 centimeters deep. Your neighbor predicts it will crack because: A-You did not use the more expensive brand of 5000 psi concrete.

B-Concrete always cracks.

C-You neglected to put wire mesh in the forms.

4. A showerhead now only trickles when you turn it on. To deal with the problem you: A-Take longer showers.

B-Remove the showerhead

and replace it with a new one.

C-Remove the showerhead and clean it with a formula of bleach and salt.

5. You are preparing to paint a window that was painted previously with oilbased paint. The paint you are using now is latex, so you should: A-Wash the window with TSP (tri sodium phosphate).

B-Prime the window with a good latex primer.

C-Give the window two coats of paint.

6. You’re hanging a heavy picture on the wall and you know it would be better if the hook were secured into a stud. To find the stud, you: A-Knock on the wall and listen for subtle changes in tone.

B-Use a nail to make a series of holes in the wall until you hit something solid, figuring that the picture will end up covering these holes anyway.

C-Use an electronic stud finder.

7. You get a miniscule wood splinter in your skin and you can hardly see it let alone easily remove it. The best thing to do is: A-Cut the skin open with a sharp razor blade, then extract the splinter with tweezers.

B-Pour paper glue (white paste) over the splinter.

C-Leave it alone; eventually your body will eliminate the splinter on its own.

8. You decide to remove a wall between two rooms.

What will most likely determine if it is a bearing wall?

A-If the wall is perpendicular to the floor/ceiling joists above it.

B-If it has two heavy beams resting on top of the vertical studs.

C-If it spans more than two thirds of the room.

9. You decide to repair the caulking around your tub. After you remove the old caulk you fill the tub with water because: A-The weight of the water will help widen the crack between the tub and the tile.

B-The humidity will cure the caulk more slowly and provide a better seal.

C-Caulking is stressful and a calming bath will help you do a better job.

10. To keep paint from dripping onto your wood floors you tape down newspapers over the floor. When you remove the papers you find that you have made a terrible mistake. What is it?

A-Some dripped paint has soaked through the paper.

B-Newspaper ink has stained the floor.

C-The masking tape has pulled up the finish on the wood floor.

ANSWERS: 1. To stop your running toilet, jiggling the handle (C=1 point) may work as a temporary fix, but the best solution is replacing the flapper (A=3 points). Rubber often deteriorates, causing slow leaks and intermittent running to replenish water in tank. Adjusting the float (B=2 points) helps only if water runs constantly.

2. An overloaded circuit (A=3 points) is the most common reason for a breaker tripping. When more current runs through the circuit than the circuit was intended to take, the circuit breaker trips to avoid overheating. A less common cause is a loose wire (B-2 points). Check all outlets and the service-panel hot wire for a loose connection.

A short circuit or ground fault (C=1 point) is less likely and more serious; call an electrician.

3. Your concrete walkway will not crack because of inadequate compressive strength (A=1 point). Concrete always cracks because it shrinks as it

However, that doesn’t mean you should put all your investment dollars into stocks.

For starters, you should always have a healthy amount of cash stashed in a very safe, liquid place. You never know when the need will arise, and you want to ensure access to those emergency funds at a moment’s notice. Consider this fund separate from your investment accounts, and tap it only when needed.

What about the idea that diversification failed investors in 2008?

There’s no denying that many assets lost value during this brutal bear market. But they have done so at markedly different rates. Among stocks, the performance of some dividend payers has differed wildly from the broad market indexes.

And bonds have generally held up better than stocks, with Treasuries even handing early investors capital appreciation.

Gold has been volatile, but its trend has generally been up throughout the financial crisis.

Plus, the more important point is that different asset classes may recover at different rates going forward. Stocks typically rally very sharply when bear markets end. Meanwhile, Treasuries will very likely hand out substantial losses to less-than-nimble investors.

Investment categories and the global economy may very well be more correlated than ever before. But isn’t a matter of just picking any old investment and hanging on for the ride. Paying close attention to your asset allocation is as important as it ever was. In fact, this is the ideal time to revisit your needs and expectations and to make changes as necessary.

In my opinion, the importance of a diversified, wellpadded basket is more important than ever. And the simple act of rebalancing will do wonders for protecting and building your wealth safely and consistently.

Questions to the author can be directed to Craig Taunton of Haswell Pellant on 083 292 1793 or email ctaunton@ haswellpellant.com

cures (B=3 points). You can help control cracking by putting wire mesh in the forms (C=2 points).

4. Taking longer showers (A=1 point) just adds to your water bill. You may replace the showerhead (B=2 points) if it’s old and you want a new one, but the correct answer is C (3= points); cleaning the showerhead with bleach and salt helps remove lime deposits that often clog small jets.

5. Before repainting, cleaning the window with TSP is the best solution because no primer is necessary after cleaning (A=3 points). A good latex primer could help (B=2 points), but even primer sticks better after a surface has been cleaned. Two coats of paint (C=1 point) is totally wrong; if the first coat doesn’t stick the second will not help.

6. Knocking on the wall (A=2 points) to hear tone changes isn’t reliable, nor is it a good idea to poke holes in the wall (B=1 point). The pros use an electric stud finder--less expensive than you think (C=3 points).

7. Cutting your skin open (A=2 points) to remove a wood splinter can lead to infection and scarring. Don’t do it. You body may expel the splinter naturally (C=1 point), but don’t count on it.

This too can cause infection if the wood is dirty or bacteria-ridden. Cover the splinter with paste (B=3 points).

When the paste dries, peel it from your skin; the splinter sticks to the paste.

8. Generally, if a wall is perpendicular to the floor/ ceiling joists above it, it indicates that it is a bearing wall, but that is not always true (A=2 points). A double top-plate (two heavy beams resting on top of the vertical studs) helps distribute a load better so it is used for bearing walls (B=3 points). C=1 point.

9. Fill your bathtub before caulking because the weight of the water causes the floor to separate from the tiles above. Caulking when the crack is widest ensures that the caulk will not be pulled away from the tiles when the tub is refilled (A=3 points). If you chose B take 2 points.

10. Using newspapers to protect your floor could result in some paint drippings soaking through onto the floor (A=2 points), but masking tape is even more destructive to the finish on a wood floor (C=3 points). Many painters will not use tape on a hardwood floor; tape to the baseboard instead. Ink stains (B=2 points) are unlikely.

If you scored below 15 points, hire a pro.

If you scored between 16 and 20 points, you’re an amateur do-it-yourselfer with promise. Keep it up.

If your score was 21 to 25 points, you qualify as a handyperson. Advise shoppers in hardware stores.

Did you rack-up more than 26 points? You are an expert.

Send Pattaya Today your application to replace Handy Andy.

28 Pattaya Today PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 6/28

The first divorce fair in Britain The first divorce fair in Britain attracted hundreds of singletons last month. The ‘Starting Over Show’ saw solicitors, mortgage advisers and even a “mystic housewife healer” offer their advice. Divorcee Suzy Miller, 44, who organised the event in Brighton, said “In some cases a break-up can be the catalyst for good”.

Britain’s population is exploding.

BRITAIN’S population is exploding so fast we will soon be the biggest country in Europe. Germany has 20 million more people but we are on course to overtake it by 2050. This is down to immigration with Britain taking in 174,000 people a year more than are leaving.

The UN also predicts that the world’s population will be seven billion early in 2012 Families’ food crisis A CRISIS is spreading across the UK with families unable to feed themselves properly due to high food prices, charities warned last week. Children and pensioners are especially at risk after an 18 per cent rise in food bills in the last 12 months.

New hope to wipe out heart disease HEART disease could soon be eradicated by injecting patients with stem cells from their own bone marrow. The cells, which are converted into heart stem cells by a new technique, would repair damaged heart muscle. The development to be tested on humans for the first time later this year, could lead to the first effective cure for heart failure that affects a million people in Britain and kills 120,000 a year.

Security at the London Olympics 2012 THE Home Office has allocated £600 million for security at the London Olympics in 2012. About £500 million will be spent on manpower, with up to 10,000 police expected to be on duty for the 64 days of the Olympics and Paralympics. The rest will go towards buying new hardware, though the Government ruled out “James-Bond-style purchases”. Experts said it was a missed opportunity to upgrade Britain’s security system, Greece got a new communications system for the Athens Games in 2004 and in 2000 Sydney police traded their Smith & Wesson revolvers for Glock pistols.

No Motor Show next year.

Next year’s British Motor Show has been cancelled because of the recession and the slump in car sales, along with staff lay-offs and factory shutdowns means the biennial show has been scrapped for the first time since the Second World War. Organisers blame the economic downturn and the unique pressure on the beleaguered motor industry.

How safe is your e-mail message?

EMAIL is a ‘horrifyingly’ insecure form of communication, the security minister has warned. Lord West of Spithead told peers email user did not realise that their words could be read by more people than “if they wrote a postcard and stuck it in the mail.”

Researchers reveal that a rebellion is underway in offices across the country as workers turn their backs on emails. A survey of 1,200 staff found that almost one in 10 thought using email had led their working relationship to suffer because of a lack of direct contact. Only one in six said emails distracted them from the rest of their work, while one in four admitted they

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

used them unnecessarily and spent too long on them each day.

A pill to cure shoplifters SERIAL shoplifters could soon be cured simply by popping a pill. A drug called Nailtrexone, already used to treat alcohol addiction, is also able to curb the urge to nick from stores, say researchers at the US University of Minnesota. They are also looking at how it might help to cure compulsive gamblers.

Dr. Jon Grant said “Naltrexone gets rid of that rush and desire.”

A cure for Alzheimer’s?

BRITISH scientists are a step closer to curing Alzheimer’s disease, with the world’s first artificial brain cells. By using tumour cells to create artificial ones that are identical to the human nervous system, researchers say they hope it will help them understand how degenerative brain diseases develop.

Prof. Michael Coleman who led the research at Aston University in Birmingham said “This is a step closer to finding a cure. In five years, I would hope to have some answer”.

Children’s TV time Children are spending twice as much time in front of the TV or computer screen, than they are in the classroom. Consumer watchdog Ed Mayo said “Children are ‘a captive audience’ for big business and spend five hours, 18 minutes watching TV, playing computer games or being online each day. The total 2,000 hours a year compares with 900 hours in class.

Asthma for TV fans A study of more than 3,000 children found that those who watched more than two hours of television a day were nearly twice as likely to have asthma diagnosed as those who watched less. The findings reflect theories that a sedentary lifestyle and poor fitness increase the likelihood of asthma-like symptoms. About 1.1 million children in the UK have asthma.

‘Optimist gene’ found.

SCIENTISTS have identified a gene that is linked to looking on the bright side of life. A team at the University of Essex found that people who inherit a variant of a gene known as a serontonin transporter tend to avoid negative thinking. They hope that genetic tests may be able to predict whether depressed patients will respond to therapy that tries to build a more positive approach to life.

Money addicts SPENDING money is like a drug on the brain and is just as addictive. Scientists have found evidence that proves the more we earn the more we spend. A study by the German Professor Armin Falk tested 18 volunteers with scans on the part of the brain associated with reward. He discovered than even if we just think about earning more money we get electrifying physical buzz linked to addictive activities.

Death is still good business DEATH is still a good business despite the recession. Britain’s only stock market quoted undertaker, Dignity, has seen profit rocket 17% to £35.4 million in the past year and said its outlook for 2009 is positive.

It also announced it had bought nine new funeral locations, including six in Northern Ireland.

Why the weather can be a real pain HEADACHES really can be caused by the weather.

Changes in air temperature, pressure and humidity have often been blamed for headaches, especially by migraine sufferers, but evidence has never backed this up.

Now Scientists report that higher temperatures and lower air pressure can lead to an increased short-term risk of headaches.

A study of more than 7,000 severe headache sufferers in Boston, America over a seven year period found that the risk of headache went up by 7.5 per cent for every 5 C rise in temperature. Lower air pressure also increased the risk of non-migraine headaches. No link was found with headaches and air pollution.

Exercise for half an hour a week Four out of five workers in London exercise for half an hour a week, a survey suggests. A poll of 2,500 employees also found that just seven per cent manage to exercise for the recommended amount of four hours a week. Nearly half of respondents said they did not have time to exercise.

The figures from weight loss firm FITSTART com. show nearly two thirds of workers would invest redundancy money in getting fit. But 76 per cent said the recession had forced them to cut gym membership.

Overweight cuts your life by three years CARRYING four stones of excess weight can cost you three years of life, warn researchers. A study of almost a million adults has given the clearest indication yet of the mortal danger of obesity, those who are extremely overweight could lose ten years of their life.

The study, published online by the LANCET journal pooled information on 894,575 adults, mostly from Western Europe and America with an average age of 46. Nearly one in four adults in Britain is obese and 38 per cent are overweight. The National Audit Office estimates obese causes at least 30,000 deaths a year.

Free Passports MORE than 519,000 people have received a free passport since October 2004 in a government scheme to give every Briton born on or before September 2, 1929, free travel documents to recognise their efforts in the Second World War, whether a veteran or a civilian, the Identity and Passport Service said.

Fight against terrorism A ‘BIG BROTHER’ database is being built by the Government to store details of millions of our international journeys for up to ten years. The computer system, housed at a secret location on the outskirts of Manchester, will record names and dates of every movement in and out of the UK, by air, sea or rail.

Reservation and payment details, addresses and telephone numbers, names of travelling companions and even details of luggage carried will also be stored.

Ministers insist the database, part of the Government’s E-Border project, is vital to the fight against terrorism, illegal immigration and organised crime.

Living alone Despite getting more crowded by the day, Britain is becoming a lonelier place. Within 20 years four in every ten homes will be occupied by someone living alone, according to official predictions last week.

Some 11 million homes will have a single occupant in a country which will have to find room for nearly a third more houses and flats than there are now.

Singletons will outnumber any other kind of household, said Hazel Blears’s Communities Department which is responsible for estimating the number of homes needed in the future.

It said that the number of single-person households will grow by 60 per cent by 2031.

Immigration will push the overall number of households in England up by 29 per cent the analysis said, up from 21.5 million homes now to 27.8 million in the 2030s. The rapid rise in numbers of those living on their own reflects the decline of marriage and the ageing of the population.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

by Richard Bunch Songkran is over for another year, the water throwing being over until next year.

However, during the holiday period, two of my clients suffered from what may be deemed natural disasters, one was flooded the other had a fire, both of which caused extensive damage, so I will provide a few tips that may prevent or at least minimise the damage.

Of course, in business and indeed the home too, it is worth checking that you have adequate insurance that will cover you for at least replacement, and ideally temporary premises if necessary as well as loss if income if commercially viable.

To the details, one client had just completed their office relocation, having just completed the same exercise ourselves I know how demanding this can be, and so it makes what they found when the reopened after the holiday even more poignant.

They are a small company employing in the re-

gion of twelve staff; all of them have computers and they have a server, network and communications equipment installed in a 19” rack.

Their new premises are in the ground floor of a newly completed office complex. On the surface the finish appeared relatively good and well appointed. The building itself had a fire alarm and the client had installed their own burglar alarm, so they thought they were well prepared, and yes they had taken out appropriate insurance. The office layout had been prepared and designed by an interior designer.

So, when they opened the office to start work, they were greeted by a a very wet, soggy mess, the ceiling had collapsed under the weight of water that had leaked and was continuing to leak from a pipe originally in the ceiling void. Obviously the electrical installation had been compromised and there was considerable damage to equipment and furniture, fortunately the server rack was relatively

The IT Guru uncompromised and was recovered fairly easily, unfortunately all the remaining computers were really beyond economic repair as they had stood in a pool of water for several days. Luckily these were workstations and they didn’t hold data and the servers were backed up to external media and stored off-site, not that it was needed in this instance but the ability to recover if necessary was there.

What to learn, if you don’t know the construction of the building it is wise to at the very least look at the architect’s drawings otherwise make a visual inspection, particularly as regards to what is overhead in the ceiling void as well as in the upper floors.

It is common to find some pipes and whenever possible do not site equipment directly underneath them, where this is not possible then a waterproof membrane should be used or a waterproof canopy to deflect the water. Also, remember that not all pipes carry clean water, some carry far more unpleasant things, though fortunately for this client it was clean water. Another thing is that the alarm system they had installed could have had a water detector added as an option and

this could have alerted them sooner and in all probability reduced the damage The second client ran his business from home and was awoken one night by the village security guard who had seen a fire in one of the downstairs rooms which the client used as an office. Having gained entry, the guard had thoughtfully opened all the doors checking for fire but had unfortunately compromised the remaining rooms. My client and the security guard moved the family to safety and the fire brigade arrived, they quickly extinguished the fire which appeared to have started at a computer monitor. The bad news was that the actions of the guard in opening the other doors had meant that there was extensive smoke damage throughout, including a second room where he had computers, which he believed had escaped unscathed as they appeared to work even though black from the smoke.

The thing that you need to be mindful of here is that whilst they may work now, they will break down very soon as the humidity will react with the residue from the smoke and cause acidity. So these should be included with your

Pattaya Today7/29 29 PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY

insurance claims, insurers are aware of this but may not make you aware of it when you prepare your claim.

Can you use the same contact details as we did on the last issue please... It also occurs that all the contact details in the advert are wrong If you need any further information, you’re welcome to call into my office located at 194/182 Moo 9

Paniadchang Soi 11, Central Pattaya, adjacent to Carrefour. I am also happy to see you personally, but to avoid a wasted journey it is best to telephone me first on 08 3540 5220 as I am often out at client sites these days.

Send your questions and to contact me by e-mail itguru@itsthailand.org, you can also visit our website www. itsthailand.org

30 Pattaya Today PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 8/30

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

A Letter to our Pets Don’t Audit Grandpa!

Dear Pets, When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two of you in the way.

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note that placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not automatically stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object.

Tripping me doesn’t help, because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort. I suggest you look at videos of dogs and cats sleeping. They can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm.

My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must actually exit through the same door I entered. In addition, I have been using the bathroom for years ... canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog’s or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough. This would be a simple, but much appreciated, change from you.

To pacify you, I have posted the following message on our front door .... Rules for non-pet owners who visit and like to complain about our pets: 1. They live here ... you don’t. 2. If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. 3. I like my pet better than I like most people. 4. To you it’s an animal.

To me he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and is speech challenged. Dogs and cats are better than kids. They eat less, don’t ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don’t hang out with drug-using friends, don’t drink or smoke, don’t worry about buying the latest fashions, don’t wear your clothes, don’t need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant, you can sell the results. 5. They love you unconditionally when it seems like everyone else has turned their back on your and no matter how horrible your day has been.

The IRS decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to the IRS office. The IRS auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his attorney. The auditor said, ‘Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no fulltime employment, which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I’m not sure the IRS finds that believable.’

I’m a great gambler, and I can prove it,’ says Grandpa.

‘How about a demonstration?’ The auditor thinks for a moment and said, ‘Okay. Go ahead.’ Grandpa says, ‘I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that I can bite my own eye.’

The auditor thinks a moment and says, ‘It’s a bet.’

Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it. The auditor’s jaw drops. Grandpa says, ‘Now, I’ll bet you two thousand dollars that I can bite my other eye.’ Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn’t blind, so he takes the bet.

Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye.

The stunned auditor now realizes he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa’s attorney as a witness. He starts to get nervous.

‘Want to go double or nothing?’ Grandpa asks ‘I’ll bet you six thousand dollars that I can stand on one side of your desk, and pee into that wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.’ The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there’s no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again.

Grandpa stands beside the desk and unzips his pants, but although he strains mightily, he can’t make the stream reach the wastebasket on the other side, so he pretty much urinates all over the auditor’s desk.

The auditor leaps with joy, realising that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win. But Grandpa’s own attorney moans and puts his head in his hands.

‘Are you okay?’ the auditor asks. ‘Not really,’ says the attorney. ‘This morning, when Grandpa told me he’d been summoned for an audit, he bet me twenty-five thousand dollars that he could come in here and pee all over your desk and that you’d be happy about it!’

Don’t Mess with Old People!!

Trying to prove a point

A man drinks a shot of whiskey every night before bed. After years of this, the wife wants him to quit; she gets two shot glasses, filling one with water and the other with whiskey. After getting him to the table that had the glasses, she brings his bait box. She says “I want you to see this.” She puts a worm in the water, and it swims around. She puts a worm in the whiskey, and the worm dies immediately. She then says, feeling that she has made her point clear, “what do you have to say about this experiment?”

He responds by saying: “If I drink whiskey, I won’t get worms!”

The Hangover from Hell!

A man wakes up one morning with the filthiest hangover and no recollection of the night before. Slowly opening his eyes, he sees a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water on the bedside table. He looks around the room to find his clothes are on the dresser, neatly folded, with a clean shirt on top. The bedroom is immaculate. On the bedside table is a note, which says, ‘Darling, your breakfast is in the kitchen. I love you.’

Downstairs, he finds his favourite cereal, croissants, fresh OJ and freshly brewed coffee laid out waiting for him, along with the morning paper - and his 15-year-old son, who is finishing his own breakfast.

‘Tell me, son,’ he asks, ‘what happened last night?’

‘Well, says the boy, ‘you came home so blind drunk you didn’t even know your own name. You nearly broke the door down, then you were sick in the hallway, then you knocked the furniture over and when Mum tried to calm you down, you thought she was the police, so you gave her a black eye.’

‘Christ!’ says the man. ‘Then how come my clothes are all folded, the house is tidy and my breakfast is ready?’

‘When Mum dragged you into the bedroom and tried to get your trousers off to put you into bed, you shouted at her, ‘Get your filthy hands off me, you whore, I’m married!’’

PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 9/31 Pattaya Today 31

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

More in hope than expectation

by Mr Pobaan

For the last few days we’ve had a cicada trapped somewhere in the kitchen.

I think it’s behind one of the cabinets. It can’t be very commodious back there, and access to water and sources of cicada food must be strictly limited.

‘There’s a jakgajan singing in the kitchen,’ reports Mrs Pobaan, the woman of my dreams and custodian of my loving heart.

From dusk till bedtime the lusty insect fills the room with its throbbing chirrup, a piercing, insistent song redolent of a night out in the deepest jungle or an evening in some Mediterranean pine wood. The music reverberates in the tiled space.

‘It’s singing for a mate,’ I suggest, calling to mind distant biology lessons in which I was taught that nothing really ever happens without a purpose.

‘I don’t think he’s going to find one behind the fridge,’ my wife retorts

and I am reminded of how strong the force of hope can be, even in the face of minimal expectation.

This week is a time of transition in Khao Talo, the locality of our humble residence. Previously, we locals hereabouts considered our surroundings a rural idyll.

We are some distance to the south-east of, and some metres of altitude higher than, the sprawling city of Pattaya (noted uncontroversially as an ‘Extreme City’ on the archway at the seaward end of Thepprasit Road) and because of this have always thought ourselves to be somewhat detached from the cares and worries of mere urban folk.

But this week that all changed. The other morning, as I coast down Soi Khao Talo towards the teeming artery of the Sukhumvit Road on some important mission, I notice that, during the night, not one but two zebra crossings have been painted across the road.

We thought we were in the country, but it’s only

town roads that have black and white stripes. Stripes are a sign of civilisation.

They indicate that people regularly wish to cross from one side to the other without being squashed and that car drivers, not to mention motorcyclists, are obliged to give special priority to pedestrians at these points.

But it’s more than that.

Black and white stripes for a road are like marks of military rank. No stripes and you’re a rustic, rural squaddie. A row of black and white ones and you’re promoted through the ranks to refined officer material - a city street, a thoroughfare, a boulevard, an avenue where shoppers stroll languidly along your sidewalks, choosing to cross the trickle of motorised traffic at a whim as some trinket catches their eye from an emporium on the opposite side.

Of course, painting zebras on roads is one thing, but making drivers recognise them is altogether another kettle of fish. The

people that made our crossings were surely driven more by hope than by any realistic expectation that pedestrians, by merely touching the first stripe of the crossing with their toe, or indicating by a friendly smile their intention to cross, would cause pickups to screech to a halt, fourby-fours to brake precipitately or scooters to give way in order to allow them to traverse the street.

It’s just not going to happen. No-one is going to take any notice of our new pedestrian crossings. Regretfully, I have to tell the chaps who laboured all night to create our new zebras: you should’ve done yourselves a favour and got a good night’s sleep instead.

Our traffic regulations abound with examples of the victory of hope over expectation. Take crash helmets. In the south it is a rarity to find a motorcyclist not relishing the rush of wind in his hair as he speeds along, children to the front, wife and a sack of rice to

Moving to Pattaya-Jomtien Are you contemplating joining the expat community in the Pattaya - Jomtien area? You will meet some great people here and making new friends is effortless. Pattaya - Jomtien has many quality clubs you can join ranging from expat clubs, a wine tasting group, a Rotary Club and veterans organisations to mention a few. It doesn’t matter what country you are from, what gender you are or where your interests lie, you will find many activities as well as groups or organisations that will compliment your new tropical lifestyle.

Now that you feel ready to inexpensively live here year around, there are several things to consider before packing your bags.

1. An easy place to start is to read every issue of Pattaya Today front to back. You’ll find a wealth of information about living in Pattaya - Jomtien and Thailand.

2. Research what kind of visa you qualify for. I suggest obtaining a ‘One Year Non-Immigrant Multi-entry Visa’ at a Thai Consulate

or Embassy in your country before you move here.

Later you can easily convert it to an in-county ‘One Year Retirement Visa’.

3. Research necessary immunisations. Depending on what country you are from, or what countries you have recently visited, different immunisations are either required or recommended.

4. Whether you are single or bringing family members with you, be sure to compile birth certificates, immunisation records, Social Security cards, drivers licenses, passports, naturalisation papers, adoption papers, child ID/fingerprint records, school records and all other important legal documents, personal or required, and hand carry them with you. Always have copies stored safely and separately in case of loss or damage.

5. Don’t bring everything you own (example: you won’t need your heavy overcoat.) Most things can be replaced in Thailand at a reasonable cost.

Determine whether elec-

trical appliances and equipment from your country will work on Thai 220 volt electricity.

Items needing current converters are generally better off sold and new ones purchased in Thailand. It may be possible to bring your Harley or other vehicle through customs, but that doesn’t make it viable. Customs charges can be prohibitively expensive. Some items, like guns, are either prohibited or restricted. Do not attempt to import any large or expensive item without first checking Thai custom regulations.

6. If you have pets, do you bring them or leave them? If you leave them, be humane and find them good homes. If you bring them, research the health and entry requirements as well as shipping costs.

7. You’ve seen how people drive in Thailand, so whether or not to drive is worth serious deliberation. Thankfully there is plenty of convenient public transportation, but if you decide to risk the liability of driving in Thailand you

will need to obtain a Thai Driver’s License (TDL).

An International Driver’s License (IDL) is for temporary driving while on vacation or business and is only valid for 30 days in any foreign country regardless of its expiration date.

However, purchase an IDL in your home country before moving to Thailand and you can easily obtain a TDL without taking written and driving tests. You cannot obtain a TDL from your country’s driver’s license without taking the tests and you cannot obtain a TDL with only a tourist visa.

8. Finances. (a) Unless you have a job waiting for you, work permits are difficult to acquire in Thailand. (b) Find out what is the best way to transfer money from your country to Thailand. (c) Understand currency exchange rates and keep in mind that your country’s currency may exchange for less Thai baht in the future. (d) Create a realistic budget using Thai currency, not in terms of what things cost you back home. (e) If retired, be honest with

the rear. On the jungle roads, where Mrs Pobaan and myself have been touring over the last few days, and where people take to motorbikes shortly after they are weaned, wearing a crash helmet is a fashion mis-statement which no self-respecting villager would wish to make.

Then there all those other nannyish instructions which confront us in our daily lives: don’t drop litter, drink responsibly and, seen today in a service station on the road north from Petchaburi, don’t stick chewing gum to this tree.

These are all well-meaning pieces of advice and, in Sweden or Singapore, would undoubtedly be observed to the letter. Can you imagine a Nordic motorcyclist without his blond locks tucked into a crash helmet? Of course not.

Have you ever seen a bit of chewing gum stuck to a Singaporean tree? No, it’s impossible.

Yet we have the same bits of official advice, encouragement and direction, which we choose to ignore.

What does that make us?

Individualists? Anarchists?

Are we saying, ‘Hey, things work pretty well around here so why do we need more rules telling us to amend mi-

nor details of our lives? OK, they are just minor and they are well-intentioned and, hell, wearing a crash helmet could actually save my life, but it’s the principle of the thing. I’m cool with what you’re doing and I respect your right to paint things on the road and put up signs telling me not to stick chewing gum to trees, but if you don’t mind I’m busy with my life right now, so please excuse me if I completely ignore your signs, notices and road-stripes.’

‘Yes, that’s what we’re saying,’ Mrs Pobaan has overheard me reading through my draft of this week’s View from the Hill.

‘Then why do people go on telling us to drink responsibly and painting zebra crossings on the road which they know will wear out before anyone actually uses them?’

‘They’re good things to do.’

‘But nobody’s going to do them.’

‘Like the jakgajan, we can hope.’

yourself about your ability to afford to live long-term in Thailand. It is better to visit a few more years if you need to get financially sound rather than move here on a romantic whim and find yourself broke in a couple of years with nothing to fall back on. (f) If you own a home, before you sell ask your banker about a reverse mortgage loan.

9. Check with PattayaJomtien real estate companies concerning housing. Learn what new and existing apartments, shop houses, townhouses, condos or single family homes are available in the area of town you feel comfortable living in that fit your lifestyle. Rent or own, find out what you can do legally and how much it will cost.

10. If you have children, look into schools they can attend. International schools cost more and the expense needs to be factored into your budget.

Also, find out what school and health records are required to get your children enrolled.

11. Will your current health insurance cover you in Thailand? If you drop

your policy and then while living in Thailand become ill and want to go back to your country for health care, you may not be able to reinstate your insurance policy. Become familiar with what is available medically, especially if you have an existing health problem that requires maintenance, and determine whether you find Thai health care acceptable.

Now that you have yourself ready for a smooth, trouble free move, remember that your status will change from a native citizen in your country to a guest resident of a foreign country. On a daily basis you will be interacting with a different culture, different attitudes, a different language and many other differences that will require you to adjust and adapt. This is a lot different than just visiting for a few weeks. Over time it can become tedious for some people. Be honest with yourself and determine if you have the character and personality for this major change. If you do, living in Thailand may be the most wonderful time of your life.

Kuhn Pobaan’s by-the-way Next time you dine at MK, smuggle a stock cube into the restaurant and pop it into your cooking pot.

Mai mee Knorr, mai aroy.

An improved experience?

32 Pattaya Today PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 10/32

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

P. & N. Poolshop was formed in 2005 by Phillip & Nittaya. Philip worked as a competent building contractor for 20 years, mostly building private propert-ies including swimming pools. Now, he’s the company’s director, sales, swimming pool design, pool construction supervisor, quantity surveyor and pool structural engineer. While Nittaya used to be a photographer before she became the company’s director, administration, purchasing officer and pool maintenance supervisor.

Many residents and property developers in and around Pattaya are benefiting from Phillip’s many years of experience, expertise and knowledge in swimming pool design, build and maintenance.

Enquiry from James Bangsaray, Dear Phil, Could you please inform me more regarding the use of Zeolite filtration medium?

Dear James, Zeolite is manufactured in Australia to exacting standards from natural zeolitic material. This natural material was formed over 300 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity.

Over the passage of geological time, this material was overlain by hundreds meters of other material giving rise to a zeolitic material of exceptional hard-

ness and durability. In fact, a material exceptionally suited to filtration applications. The active ingredient of Zeolite is clinoptilolite, a mineral with very special properties. These include an exceptionally high surface area, an infinitely extending three- dimensional cage-like structure with large internal pore spaces, and the ability to chemically capture pollutants by a mechanism called cationexchange.

Exceptional Filtration Capability These properties enable three mechanisms to interact to produce superior filtration.

First there is physical capture between particles as occurs in conventional sand filtration. Secondly there is Capture of pollutants onto the very extensive surface area of Zeolite by adsorption. Chemical pollutants such as ammonia are captured by the third mechanism of cation exchange. The result these three mechanisms working together is superior water quality not matched by traditional methods of water & pool filtration.

Benefits to the user Health/ Aesthetic: Dramatically reduce pool odor and eye and skin irri-

tation form marked reduction of chloramines formation superior water quality resulting from additional surface capture of contaminants and chemical capture by cation-exchange. Supe-

Environmental: Greater dirt holding capacity results in less frequent backwashing with savings in power and less discharge of backwash to the environment. The buff-

rior water quality enhances the effectiveness of disinfection to eradicate microorganisms (bugs)

ering capacity and cationexchange capabilities result in more efficient use of chlorine and reduction

of chemicals used for pH control.

Economic: Savings from significant reduction in chemical addition, Savings in power due to less backwashing and lower pump head due to lighter filtration material.

Zeolite is a new and exciting product which offers significant advances in the art water, pool and spa filtration. The Zeolite advanced media offers the performance of diatomaceous earth, or better, with the convenience of a sand filter. The ultimate benefit for the user; superior water for house and pool/spa environments which is both safer and more pleasant to use and swim in.

Pattaya Today 33 PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 11/33

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Ask Andy

Looking for a solution to problems in or around your house?

Email questions to: andypattayatoday@gmail.com Dirty Hoe Any gardener knows that weeding and planting is dirty work. But you can make your work a little cleaner by coating your hoe with cooking spray before you dig in. You can also spray your shovel and other gardening tools before you begin the yard work. The coating will help prevent soil from sticking to your tools, making your gardening and cleanup much easier.  Fixer Upper Greetings, Andy. Can you tell me your views on buying a fixer-upper in Pattaya? Is it a good idea or not? I’m not exactly a do-it yourself wiz, but I don’t have any extra cash to throw into a big, fancy home. Any insight would be appreciated.

Ivan You didn’t provide much information for me to go on, Ivan, so I will answer this way: If you have very little money, perhaps a small condo in Jomtien or somewhere away from Pattaya Beach would be a more intelligent buy and within your budget.

If you must have a house, a fixer can offer a great opportunity if the price has been discounted enough to reflect the home’s deteriorated condition and if you have the patience and additional funds to make needed repairs and upgrades. No need to be a do-it-yourself wiz; one of the benefits of restoring a home here is that labor and materials are relatively inexpensive. There are some diamonds in the rough for sale here—from older houses in quiet areas to not-so-old condos and townhouses on busy streets and run-down sois. No problem if the walls are painted mauve, the floors are bare concrete, and the bathrooms have only squattype commodes. If you can look beyond the surface, you may see a house with incredible potential that could be transformed with a little “elbow grease”, paint, new tile floors, and modern plumbing fixtures. It’s more important that the home is structurally sound and that all operating systems are in good working condition. If so, it may be only a few cosmetic repairs away from being fantastic.  Air Fair The hot season seems to have hit Sri Racha early this year, Andy, and we’ve need-

ed to use our air conditioners for a few weeks already.

But the unit in our bedroom is putting out only a fair amount of cool air, and it doesn’t get the room nearly cold enough for us. We’ve only lived in our condo six months and haven’t really put the air conditioners to any test until now. I don’t know how old the filters are, but when running the bedroom A/C I did notice that the pipes iced up. Is there anything I can do?

Once-Cool Cal There are two things that commonly cause pipes to ice up, Cal—the lack of airflow through the air conditioner’s evaporator coil, and low levels of refrigerant. Change the filter and leave the unit off for several hours to allow the ice to thaw completely.

After you turn it on, run it for a few hours and check for ice. If the pipes have again iced up, check the level of coolant, then determine if you have a leak. To check for a leak, mix a little dish soap with water and put it on the coolant pipes while the air con is running. Then examine the pipes for bubbles. Check where there are fittings first and make sure they’re tight.

If low on coolant and/or if you find a leak, call someone in to refill the system and/or repair the leak.  Pet Peeve We have a cat and a dog, Andy, and our back door is always open to allow them access to our enclosed yard when they need to go. It also allows flies, mosquitoes and fleas access to our home. Is there any natural indooroutdoor repellent we could use?

Mai Sure, Mai, this is as natural as it gets: Hang clusters of cloves to repel flies and mosquitoes. Go a step further and plant varieties of pungent mint around your yard or in pots at your door and windowsills. Basil is particularly effective in repelling fleas. Keep basil well-watered from the bottom so that it produces a stronger scent. Dried ground leaves left in small bowls or hung in muslin bags also are effective.  Reverse Order After years of having drinking water delivered to our house, Andy, we’ve

decided to buy some kind of water filtration system.

We’re thinking about ordering a reverse osmosis unit, but we don’t know if there are any shortcomings. Sales people just promote the benefits. Do you know of any disadvantages?

Jerry Reverse osmosis is very effective at removing particulate matter and somewhat effective at filtering out some biological contaminants, Jerry. That said, RO systems generally are more expensive and take up more space than faucet-mounted units, and they typically waste about 75 percent of the water put into them. Also, the tap on the storage tank flows more slowly than standard faucets. The membranes are subject to decay and failure and must be replaced periodically. Should you decide to buy an RO systems, it’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about proper maintenance and use.  Follow Up May I ask you to explain a couple of things you said in your answer to Kevin’s question about using jumper cables on dead car batteries [Andy April 16]? Why should one of the cables be attached to the car engine?

And why turn on headlights after starting the engine with the dead battery?

Geet

Of course you may ask, Geet. Cars use the engine and the metal frame to complete the electric circuit back to the battery. The negative terminal is wired directly to the engine. (By the way, this is why you don’t want any part of the car bodies to touch one another, lest the current to pass from one car directly to the other; you want the current to

pass through the cable.) So you can connect the negative cable to the engine--the bolt holding the battery is a good place. When batteries charge, especially when they are charging quickly, they split some of the water in the battery into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is explosive; a stray spark while connecting or disconnecting a cable can ignite it. (Un-

likely, but why risk it?) That is why the last cable is not attached to the battery. As to headlights, turning them on before disconnecting the cables allows any voltage spikes to have a circuit to expend themselves in, lessening such spikes and helping to protect other electronic components in the car.

--Handy Andy

34 Pattaya Today PATTAYA TODAY PROPERTY 12/34

PROPERTY MISCELLANY

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Pattaya Today 35

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

Golf from Tropical Bert’s Latest golf from The Bunker

by Thomas Cotton

by Mick Ramshaw

On Tuesday morning those really serious golfers who hadn’t bailed-out of Pattaya for Songkran week assembled at Bert’s for an attack at Crystal Bay. We were glad that the Songkran mayhem (in this case aprilhem) had died down and the traffic out to the course was thin. The sun was glaring down on us and it promised to be a scorcher.

Our captain was in remarkably good trim as he ambled about barking out orders and directions. Walter was in attendance with a deep crimson red shirt and matching kneesocks. The remainder of the field was sartorially dull.

The day was rather uneventful, except that our captain had a blistering round and was only held in check by the wide gap in strokes enjoyed by our correspondent whose own game improved as the day progressed. In spite of his glittering plumage, Walter’s play was merely pedestrian.

Our ride back to Pattaya was tediously slow as we got caught up in the traffic lights along Sukhumvit Road but our captain was in

Greenwood With a lot of golfer’s away for the Songkran festivities and having had no game on the Wednesday the players were keen to get back on the golf course. It was nice and quiet on the Greenwood course and the nice, leisurely (slow) pace of the game suited Kevin Dunne as he won by two strokes ahead of Mashi who came runner up by beating Colin Stokes into third place on a count back.

Results: 1st Kevin Dunne (hcp 14) nett 74 2nd Mashi Kaneta (hcp 10) nett 76 3rd Colin Stokes (hcp 23) nett 76 Near pin winners - Kevin and Mashi were the only two to hit a par three green

TC, Kevin, DB a good mood, rejoicing in to Jerusalem. Saint George is his accomplishment, having famous for slaying dragons, had one of his best rounds in although the fossil record is many a moon, marred only remarkably bare with regards by his withering swing on the to dragons in fourth century last few holes.

Anatolia (now Turkey). In In the photo of the winners, fact, Saint George is so popuour captain may be viewed lar that a country is named wearing the commemorative after him, together with half shirt from last year’s “Saint the males of Greece, several George’s Day”. April 23rd, British monarchs and the inwe will be celebrating Saint famous Duchess of DevonGeorge’s with a tournament shire. at Burapha Golf Course.

Winners; Derek Brook 40 pts For those incognizant, Saint TC 35 pts, winning on George is the patron saint of the Ethiopians and the Eng- count-back from Kevin Dunne 35 pts lish, with whom they became Near Pins: DB, TC, Kevin acquainted while crusading through Anatolia on their way Dunne (2)

Kevin Dunne celebrating so shared the spoils between further back. them.

Results: 1st Don McPherson (hcp Pattana 21) 38 points Don McPherson signed off 2nd Tony Robbins (hcp 13) in style today winning what 35 points was his last game of his holi3rd David Day (hcp 13) 33 day, Playing Stableford Don points won by three points ahead of Near pin winners: Dave Tony Robbins and David Day Keats, Kevin Dunne, Tony came third a couple of points Robbins and Gordon Melia.

Golf from the Travellers Rest

by Barry Hooper Soi Dao visit a Success Over Songkran weekend 18th and 19th over twenty of our members and friends escaped the madness of Pattaya and went to Soi Dao for a golfing weekend break.

I have it reported that the visit was a great success.

In the main all the comments I received were positive. Excellent Golf Course.

Hotel OK. etc.

I had a couple of negative comments but as they say you cannot please all the people all of the time. There was a little rain on the first day but this as usual was no deterrent for our hardened players.

Two comps were held on the Saturday and the Sunday see the full results below.

On Monday the 20th there was no play as the players were still returning from Soi Dao On Tuesday the 21st it was off to Treasure Hill somewhere we have not been for some time. There was only a small group in attendance.

I think most were still recovering from the weekend trip. Our dedicated organiser Fergus came out on top with thirty points just taking it on the count back from Larry Bland. Leaving Ito Akitoshi to pick up third with twenty nine. No 2’s recorded.

On Thursday 23rd of April another of our regular outings to Phoenix (Ocean & Mountain) As ever the course was in excellent condition. A fair turnout and one division.

Mike Rushant found his form and came in with a quality forty pointer for first place. Mike Sanders found himself three back at thirtyseven for second and Tristan Gilbert a further one back in third at thirty-six for third after his count back over Patrick Brown fourth. No 2’s so a bell ring back at the Travellers Rest was the order of the day.

Unfortunately we had to impose a disqualification on the day for a player failing to sign his card and a wrong score returned.

Saturday Winners – Tony and Kay Molloy, Jimmy Wolfe and Lars Strom

We at the TRGG operate to the general rules of golf so when are players ever going to learn?

Saturday the 25th was another of our weekend visits to Green Valley.

We had a good turnout one division and places to fifth.

But the tee off was on the late side so a late finish and a long day for all. Course as usual excellent but the scores seemed to have been held back a little. So it must have played tough.

Tony Molloy decided to go out with a bang (he was returning to the Emerald Isle this week) and make it two wins on Saturdays in a row (he had a win at Soi Dao).

He came home with thirtysix and took it on count back over Jimmy Wolfe. Patrick Browne was third with thirty-four. Lars Strom’s thirtythree won the count back over Kay’s for fourth. Kay Molloy decided to keep it in the family and took fifth.

Again no two’s so a bell ring for the few that returned for the presentation of awards.

Detailed Results for the week – Songkran Weekend visit to Soi Dao Saturday 18th Tony Malloy 32 hc 12 Fergus Brennan 30 hc 10 c/b 15 back nine Frank Kelly 30 hc 13 c/b 13 back nine Sunday 19th Brendan Moore 36 hc 12 Tony Malloy 35 hc 12 Roger Wilkinson 34 hc 14 Larry Simpson 30 hc 09 No 2’s on either day so a big bell ring for all in attendance.

Followed by a further bell ring by Brendan Moore Tuesday 21st at Treasure Hill Fergus Brennan 30 hc 10 c/b Larry Bland 30 hc 17 c/b Ito Akitoshi 29 hc 09 John Dean 26 hc 10 Thursday 23rd at Phoenix (Ocean and Mountain) Mike Rushant 40 hc 13 Mike Sanders 37 hc 09 Tristan Gilbert 36 hc 16 Saturday 25th at Green Valley Tony Molloy 36 hc 12 c/b Jimmy Wolfe 36 hc 13 c/b Patrick Browne 34 hc 24 Lars Strom 33 hc 19 c/b Kay Molloy 33 hc 28 c/b

LOCAL SPORTS

36 Pattaya Today

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Songkranian Invasion fails to Stop Sunday Softball

by Perry McNeely

Despite the constant onslaught of water and powder pelted at them, a dozen brave farangs, fought their way to the field on Songkran Sunday to continue the softball tradition. Pattaya Softball president John C.F. was the

first to arrive, and was skeptical on whether a game would ensue. Next up, was yours truly, with full face shield motorcycle helmet and wet suit, looking like a martian in a low budget 80’s sci-fi flick.

The brave lads continued to trickle in, all showing battle scars of powder and coloured

The Songkran surviving Softballers

liquid stains from the locals.

But like it or not, Songkran could not stop the boys desire to swing a bat, and snag a few balls, and so Pattaya Softball pushed on. For details of the day, and box scores of the game, please read below.

Game 1 : The sides were evenly drawn up, with our fly boys Terry and Beck given the role of captains due to their triumphant return from the friendly skies. Beck’s team batted first, and proceeded to score two runs on hits from Rhys, Scotty, Steve and John Stockton. Terry’s team countered with 1 run in the bottom of the inning off of hits from Terry, Rick and Diego and Mark. Beck’s team continued its hitting onslaught scoring another 2 in

Three Sisters Golf

by Paul Donahue

Not a threatening cloud in the sky and the sun was already shining at 6:15 am as the first group teed off at the Pattaya Country Club this 21st of April. The flies and gnats were out in force but usually waited until you were in your back swing or putt stroke before they flew into your nose or ear. Despite the occasional pesky bug some nice scores came in at the finish. Familiar names were at the top of the leader board.

Sus Ige, recently returned from a short trip to his native Hawaii, finished with a 38. Bob Benda and Bill Thompson came in tied with 34 but Bob took 2nd place on the count back. Close behind

the second, with back to back doubles from Beck, John S. and Rhys. They also turned up their defence and held Terry’s boys to just 1 run. After a few scoreless innings, the game was broken open in the 6th, when with 2 outs, Beck’s team went wild. They blasted the ball to left field, found gaps between the bases, and nearly tore the cover off of the softball. Consecutive hits by the entire team, including Odvar who is happily back from captaining the not so

steady seas, earned Beck’s team 5 runs. Team Beck held tight in the last inning, and allowed only one more run, to come out victorious by the final score of 9-4.

After the tight match in the scorching sun, the boys made a wise choice. Instead of risking insult and injury by playing another six a side match, the boys decided to sit down and share some suds.

It proved to be the most prudent decision as all had a fabulous time spinning yarns

and much laughter and merriment was made. The Pattaya Softball boys wish to extend an invitation to all battered and bruised former athletes, who enjoy being on a ball diamond on a Sunday afternoon. Next week we will return to our regular double header action, with brews and barbeque being served on the sidelines, as the boys continue to live the dream of Softball , Pattaya style. Hope to see you all out there soon, Sincerely, Diego Wells

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League Results Table

Sus Ige & Bob Benda were Paul Kinmund with a about your convection oven 33, then Paul Donahue and Herbie?). Everyone enjoyed Russell Finch with 31. Her- the sandwiches as well as bie Ishiniga provided some the available liquid refreshtender roast beef cooked in ment and tales of woe conhis new convection oven. cerning lipped cups and hard (now can we stop hearing bunkers.

Wednesday Quiz League

R2Q1 Q: The High Peak trail is in which upland area in central and northern England? A: The Peak District.

Bowling Green appealed for ‘Derbyshire’, and Boxing Roo for ‘Pennines’. From Wikipedia: The Peak District is an upland area in central and northern England, lying mainly in northern Derbyshire, but also covering parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, and South and West Yorkshire. Wikipedia goes on to say: The Peak District forms the southern end of the Pennines. I cannot accept Derbyshire, as The Peak District is only partly in Derbyshire, and if the county was needed the question would have said “...lies mostly in which county...”. Likewise I cannot accept Pennines, as the Peak District covers only part of the Pennines, and anyway the answer is pretty obvious from the question.

R3Q4 Q: Which English professional snooker player won the final of the 2009 Welsh Open? A: Allister Carter. Bowling Green objected, saying Carter is Scottish, and Boxing Roo misheard and thought the question was about the British Open. From Wikipedia: Allister (Ali) Carter (born 25 July 1979, Colchester, Essex, England) is an English professional snooker player. And Carter did indeed win the 2009 Welsh open. Appeals denied.

Next week’s matches May 6th: Bowling Green vs. Stag’s Head, Derbyshire vs. Boxing Roo, OK Corral vs. Londoner, Palmers vs. Nervous Wreck, Rising Sun vs. Cheers, Shagwell vs. Bunker.

A week of Songkran saw many darters drenched to the skin, a week later and some players are still wet behind the ears! ThE Sunshine Boys hosted the OK Corral. The Posse, short a few gunslingers, borrowed from the Rising Sun. Tony(RS) played for the Posse and was drawn against Lance. Hmmm, even after hitting a 180 Lance still managed to lose his match. Perhaps Tony can give Lance a few ‘dart tips’ before next week’s game! The Pattaya Land derby saw the Palmers crew make the dangerous journey across the Soi to Cheers. Stan’s Boys & Girls awaited them with grins like Cheshire Cats at the expectant game win and free beer. Palmers however had their own game plan which saw them take the game and swagger back across the Soi full of Stan’s free beer. Cheers Deputy Captain Pon, said after the match; “Why is it Stan that we always lose the game whenever you win your match?” Rumor has it that Stan is in the ‘dog house’ again, he spends that much time in there that it has been re-carpeted and had True Visions installed! Blue Mountain awaited the arrival of Team Lucky Time. Fon had turned the central heating up to its highest level in the hope of putting Lucky Time off their game. However a LT player stated that the team trains for arduous conditions, even to the extent of practicing in a frozen meat locker in case the bar -5 was to enter the league. TLT taking both honors before departing in a sloshing sweating mess! Melly’s Crew were hosted by the Bunker Boys where Capt’ Mick led his team to a game victory. Melly’s Crew then stopped the Bunker Boys having a free beer (for a 2nd week running). On leaving r someone let the air out of the customized golf buggy tyres. Could this mean the return leg will be a grudge match, assuming the tyres are re-inflated in time of course! And finely, Commander in Chief Home Forces, Brigadier-General Lek, keeps asking me why Mickey Mouse darts goes on until 4am, so if she asks you please confirm that most Friday’s we can not play darts for toffee. Lance, maybe I can get you to explain that one! DARTS.

The Bunker Golf Schedule

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

LOCAL SPORTS

Pattaya Today 37

The 4th St Georges Day Golf from the Cafe Kronborg Invitational Scramble from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar

by Derek Brook

by Derek Brook

Days like this do not just happen, they require planning and vision. The Vision was given early in 2006 when Bert and Middy mulled the idea over, called in Gez to get his opinion and then finally they put the idea to me to see if it was feasible to put together and run.

The rest is history, and big ‘Sponsors’ like Alan Bolton were brought on board and the first one was held in 2006.

It was an immediate success, not only as a Golf Competition but as a day out that raised a large amount each year for Charity. There really are no down turns. It is one of the best and friendliest days of the Year and The Blind School benefit.

This day started some time earlier when we tried to formulate the teams. It is most important we know who is playing some time earlier as Bert has to place the order for the shirts and if you will pardon the expressions, we do not have too much fat to play with. We usually buy fairly closely the number we need, as the shirts are ‘Sponsored’

by Alan Bolton with a top up

by Bert. It usually works and no one is allowed to put on weight once we know their size.

The Course is also booked and we usually book the A & B Nines at Burapha, although this year when we turned up we were informed we were to play the A & D Nines. This is really tough with a strong wind around, but I suppose it is the same for all. Well not quite as some groups with shorter hitters were going to struggle a little bit. Well a lot actually.

This morning at Bert’s tends to be a little exciting, with all the groups milling around, shirts being collected and vast amounts of ‘Bert’s Golfers Breakfasts’ being consumed. In time all calms down and people start to leave for the Course, all timing their arrival to cause the most confusion, or so it seems. And all thinking we

Presentation to Bert and Gez were to play A & B Nines crushed in the stampede, and So that, it is that when soon queues formed. we finally teed off, it was a The food was excellent, nice surprise for all to be ideal for a Golfer after a ‘hard told of the change and feel ?’ day on the Course. Our the strength of the wind. One Thanks must go here to Asia good thing was on the first West Fine Foods Co for prowe had the ‘Near The Case’ viding the tasty treats. Like for a case of Heineken. It burgers and chops and potato was supposed to be later but salad and so on. We had one the only box I could find that big group of full to the limit was really visible was so big players and guests. it only just fitted in the cart, Back inside it was time so unloading it quickly and to go, and our Emcee, Derek letting someone else carry it Brook got the presentation most of the way seemed quite underway by welcoming all attractive. and then introducing TropiThe Course was, as said, cal Bert himself, Bert Elson, very windy and playing the to say a few words.

Scramble from the Blue Tees Bert started his words with made it a long tiring day into some sad news that our ‘Mathe wind. The wind seems to jor Sponsor’ Alan Bolton swirl here and you always was not there because one of seem to play into the breeze. our very good friends, Steve The fairways were not in bad Carelton, had passed away a condition, but when we went few days earlier. Bert on beonto the B Nine we found half of all friends at Tropical the greens cored and the day Bert’s offered condolences got difficult. It seemed to and assure all that Steve will me as we went around that be not forgotten by the people the scores would not be very at Tropical Bert’s. He will be low. missed.

Sitting in the Restaurant Bert also thanked all the after the nice hot shower, it Sponsors, Alan Bolton Propwas interesting to see that erty Consultants, Asia West the result cards came in at Fine Food Company, Gez a steady dribble, and soon and The P.I.G.S., Middy, Colin, of my ‘Volunteer’ Bob and Tony, P.S.C., Reg, last group, came in with the Dot, Tom and Bobby, Apple last card and the Technical Honey Cider and Bert himwinners. That was when I self. Those not mentioned looked around and found thanks also.

I was on my own. How to Bert then informed all make friends and influence how the money raised in past people!!!. years had been raised, and to On arriving back at Bert’s raise the roof introduced his it was nice to see the place ‘Pipe Band’ that proceded was packed, with all the old to blow out some good old faces showing. So it was that English tune in their ‘Kilts’ Bert uttered the famous word, until at last we could re‘ food ready’ and we were group and start to hear again.

But seriously thanks for the thoughts.

So onto the results and we first had the ‘Technical’ prizes that can be seen below, but we must mention the most important when Homer got closest to ‘ the Cool Box ‘ on the first and won a crate of Heineken.

We introduced another team prize this Year as there is always one team that are favourite not to do well. So the ‘Strongest Team’ this year was the team of Stan Dare, Winners

The Pattana Sports Club A & B Layouts were the Host to a Stableford Competition in one Flight.The overall condition of the Course was fine but the greens have been undergoing some heavy maintenance lately. The weather was fine but with a full gale blowing most of the day.

Per Olaf Baarli was the winner with 35 points, Ted Morris was in second with 34 points, Bill Plath was in third with 31 points and Jan Slooten was in fourth with 30 points.

We have two weeks to the

Monthly Mug Jan Ray Rogers Memorial Four fee is 500 Baht with prizes Persons Texas Scramble at and food and beverages about Plutaluang Navy Golf Course 1630 hrs back at Ray’s house South and North Nines. Entry near the Reservoir. T.T.F.N.

Keith Phillips, Chris Youngman and Steve Compton with a Net score somewhat higher than the rest, and not unexpected as these, less Steve, are The Cuddliest. Thanks for playing gents and having a good time.

So to the Winners and in Fourth Place was the Team of Dick Warberg, Steve Hamstad, Mashi Kenata and Bill ( Could be a Cuddly) Knight with a nice Net 61.3.

In third place and putting in a good showing on their first invitation was the Team Outback, with Bob Philp, Ian Heddle, Sugar Ray Handford and Steve Plant with a well played net 61.0.

In Second place was the Lakeside Thuggies, alias the Oman Team, who with their ‘Leader’ Graham Houston and John McMullen, Ian Hutchinson and Alan Clark had a Net 60.1.

So to the winners and

Gez presents Trophy to winners sweeping the board was the The closing act of the night fine team from The Caddy was the presentation of The Shack, Bruce Tollit, Peter St Georges Scramble Trophy Henderson, Jeff North and to the winning Team, The Derek Wilkins. Well played.

Caddy Shack, by Geg Tracy Between the presentation on behalf of all the organizand The Lucky Draw, Bert ers. T.T.F.N. introduced the Blind School Near Pin Mark Cooper Children, who serenaded us Kevin Dunne Bob Philp for a while, and then made Derek Brook Tom Cotton a presentation to both Bert (2) Greg Ritchie and Gez for the help we have Long Put Bill Knight given them over the last few Bill Marsden Dave RichYear. ardson

38 Pattaya Today

A

new meaning to a tight end: Which of Fun Town’s 70-plus dens of the chrome pole can lay claim to having, per capita, the largest collection of smallest backsides cavorting under the UV lights?

For me, and others I know, the Heaven Above ogling den (Soi Diamond) has the number one position as far as sheer number of smallbodied, tight-butt dancing damsels is concerned. The den has also introduced a theme-style night as far as clothing goes, with wallet emptiers in schoolgirl-style uniforms one evening and then cowgirl tops, shorts and hats the next, and so on.

The cowgirl look is terrific: almost understated, but enough to make me appreciate the synergy between a straw hat and concomitant increase in bar fines. I can just imagine many customers quietly suggesting to the damsel of their carnal desire that she “leave your hat on”.

How to pick an upstairs winner: A complete contrast to the above-mentioned Heaven Above is the long-established Hot & Cold ogling den (Soi Post Office). Among the truly old, extremely well-fed, and just plain average collection of dancing damsels, there are maybe two or three who might be regarded as physically attractive by most visitors to Fun Town.

No matter what their physical attributes, they are all keen devotees of the arcane art of knob-fondling, some with clearly many years of experience, as evidenced by their strong wrists. The average libation in the den is reasonable, starting at

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

60 baht for lolly water and 90 baht for a standard lady drink. The latter is where a customer, who might be rising to the challenge of deciding whether to accept his fate and succumb to a desire to go upstairs for a good lie down, can pick a winner. A damsel for whom a punter has purchased a drink and who orders the standard 90-baht libation is probably going to prove a more willing and acceptable companion than one who decides to go for the 130-baht Bacardi Breezer.

With low season now well and truly biting, the official Sierra Tango rate in the den is now a negotiable grey note, for everything, down by 300 baht.

A generic piece: Astute readers will notice most of this edition of the column contains no information regarding bar openings, closings, dance contests, birthdays, anniversaries and the like. This is because I am currently back Down Under for a few weeks renewing all sorts of official type forms required of the modern individual. So, what follows, are a series of observations and personal thoughts on the nightlife scene.

What’s your name, what’s your number? Exchanging bodily fluids may be the number one pastime for most damsels who earn their living during the hours nocturnal, but handing out their phone numbers to prospective sperm donors must surely rate a close second. Years ago, before the mobile phone became the fashion electronic device of each and every bargirl -and almost everyone else on the planet- punters

who wanted to meet up with a willing damsel, but avoid paying the bar fine, would arrange to meet the object of their carnal desire at Marine disco about 3:00AM. Those days are long gone, and now it is a simple matter of obtaining a mobile phone number.

Some bar owners get really angry with ladies who hand out their personal numbers while at work.

They know full well the damsel is organising a little freelance activity either for after-hours or for a daylight rendezvous. Any bar owner who thinks he can somehow keep the lid on this Pandora’s box of freelancing activity is living in Cloud Cuckoo Land (located somewhere off the east coast of New Zealand).

Dancing damsels, and other members of the League of Wealth Redistributors, are to all intents and purposes self-employed contractors. They front up at a place of employment seeking work shuffling around a chrome pole in an ogling den or honing their 4-in-a-line skills at an outdoor beer boozer, but it’s only because they have friends or relatives hawking the fork in the same joint, or they think it is a place with plenty of customers. These mattress mercenaries will stay if they like the boss and have friends. They will sometimes even stay on when customers become thin on the bar stools.

To digress slightly, this freedom makes the bar scene in Fun Town defensible against the spurious charges of entrapment, coercion, and debt/sex slavery levelled against this city by ill-informed media outlets from overseas and purblind travellers writing in their blogs.

I have heard some normally quite sensible bar owners make statements along the lines of sacking any damsel in their employ caught handing out her phone number to patrons, or trying to arrange an assignation for a time after the bar has closed or for the following afternoon. I understand why a bar owner would be miffed, but the reality is he cannot stop the practice, not if he wants to keep good quality ladies of relaxed morals working for him.

The reality is quite simple. The best-looking girls usually don’t last long in the bar scene. Sometime between mastering that first ‘handsome man, sexy man’ phrase and the ‘I not like work bar, I look for good man’ statement, a goodlooker will have scored a brace of potential suitors, some looking to add her to the notch on the moneybelt while others may even be looking for a future wife and mother of their children. In the gap between these two are a plethora of phone numbers and email addresses from a United Nations of visitors. These will have been garnered by way of being bar-fined from her place, or places, of employment, from her friends who have foreign customers who have their own friends, from days spent wandering around the markets and shopping centres and being approached by intrigued foreigners; basically, any time she has walked out her front door.

To come back to my original line of thought, it is impossible for any bar owner, no matter how savvy, to stop this. Threatening a girl with loss of employment is almost a joke: you have now restricted her choice of employers to a mere 800 or so. If she is a good-looker you can bet she could walk out of your place and straight into the very next one she sets her eyes on.

No bar owner can afford to reject what he knows will be a drawcard, at least in the physical stakes.

What price a drink?

If you are in any kind of bar where the ladies employed to distract you ask for a personal libation, it is advisable to at least ask the impost of said thirstquencher. Years ago, lady drinks were a standard price and style in most places. Nowadays, there are standard lady drinks, which might be a champagne glass of lolly water filled with not much more than two sips of coloured water, or they might be a proper glass filled with the damsels choice of poison.

Then there are tequila shots doubling as lady drinks, cocktails also in the same line-up, and the prices for these can vary wildly from place to place.

I mention this because there are a number of beer boozers make a point of ramping up the price of a lady drink, knowing the average two-week millionaire doesn’t look at what he is spending and almost without fail will buy a lady drink for the first female he lays eyes on at a bar.

So, while the punter may sip away on a bottle of Singha for 75 baht, his new-found potential horizontal folk dancing partner may be slurping to her hearts’ (and purses’) content on a glass of coloured juice being charged out at anything up to 150 baht and more. Mind you, from my point of view, an eagle-eyed and aware punter will be forewarned

about the real overall intentions of his prospective foot-warmer by what kind of drink and the price thereof she orders. If it’s a glass of cola for 80-90 baht then she might be someone worth spending a little more time and money on. If she comes back with half a rainforest in a champagne glass for 160 baht then you are going to be in serious financial trouble the more time you spend with her. Cut your losses and look elsewhere.

Piece of (Aging) Pith: Once you’re over 50: People call at 9 pm and ask, “Did I wake you?” Except in Pattaya, where if someone calls before 9 in the morning the question will be, “Did I wake you?”

games

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

Pattaya Today’ s Brainy Fortnightly Crossword

by Mr Mick

1

Pattaya Today 39 2

4

3

1. APPEAL EARNESTLY

(5) 1. FORMAL PROMISE

(6)

4. XTRA – MARITAL RELATIONSHIP

(6) 2. EXTOL

(5)

9. AVOIDANCE

(7) 3. RAISED PLATFORM

(4)

10. GARRET

(5) 5. A SMALL PIECE

(8)

11. ENTRANCE

(4) 6. THESPIAN

(7)

12. BEING APPROPRIATE

(7) 7. TEMPORARY CESSATION

(6)

13. FISH EGGS

(3) 8. CUTTING INSTRUMENT

(5)

14. CERTAIN

(4) 13. PREPARE TO PERFORM

(8)

16. HOP – DRYING KILN

(4) 15. PARID RISE

(7)

18. TRANSGRESS

(3) 17. LIGHT MEALS

(6)

20. BEING BORN

(7) 18. MOTIONLESS

(5)

21. EGG SHAPED

(4) 19. MAKES SIGHTLESS

(6)

24. PERSON LOOKING AFTERANOTHER (5) 22. RELATING TO SPEECH 25. DICTIONARY

(7) 23. WAY OUT09

26. ARRANGED THE DRAW

(6)

27. RELATES

(5)

9

10

11

12 13 14

15

16

17

18 21

5

1

2

4 6

7

3

5

3

4 2

7

2

7 6

9

4

1

6 9

You would imagine that with such a name this puzzle originated in Japan, but it has been around for many years in the UK. However, the Japanese found an example under the title ‘Number Place’ in an American magazine and translated it as something quite different: su meaning number; doku which translates as single or bachelor. It immediately caught an in Japan, where number puzzles are much more prevalent than word puzzles.

Crosswords don’t work well in the Japanese language:

Clubs the order of the day It’s usually harder to bid with a modest hand than with a good one. In today’s deal your partner opens one club and you have to find a reply with ♠ J 6, ♥ A 8 4, ♦ K 8 2,

1

6 The sudoku puzzle reached craze status in Japan in 2004 and the craze spread to the UK through the puzzle pages of national newspapers. The Daily Tetegraph uses the name Sudoku, but you may see it called su doku elsewhere. However, there is no doubt that the word has been adopted into modern parlance, much like’ erossword’.

Sudoku is not a mathematical or arithmetical puzzle. It works just as well if the numbers are substituted with letters or some other symbols, but numbers work best.

♣ 7 6 5 4 3. In most systems your natural bid is two clubs, showing undeer 10 points and five cards in clubs. After all, your partner might be using the “artificial” one clubs, denying a five card major amongst other things.

However, your partner does not halt but now bids two diamonds. So what’s

1. Hogs 2. Knee 3. Lease 4. Paper 5. Hum 6. Drop 7. Cross 8. Ear 9. Grease 10.Low

22

23 24

25

(5) (4) 26

to 9. Solution on page 47.

6

19

20

27

Find the word which, when placed after the first word & before the second To solve the puzzle, each row, column and word, will form two more words. box must contain each of the numbers 1 Example Field....Trap Answer Mouse

4

7

8

Sudoku Puzzle

5

6

Down

Across

1

5

Scarf Able All Force Beat Law Place Ling Brush Like

...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ......................

Form a word from the Jumbled Letters

1. MAD DONI 2. MAD REEL 3. SUN DOUN 4. VET CONN 5. TALC DIE 6. MAR A DIG 7. SET FIVE 8. MET FERN 9. I GO CALL 10.GUN BINT your next bid, if any?

Clearly your partner is trying for game and must have points in the high teens. You have a sound raise, so now bid two hearts to show your stopper there.

Partner won’t think you have a viable heart suit since you did not bid the suit in you first reply. It you had held four cards in hearts, you would have been duty bound to show

Answers ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... them as soon as possible.

If partner now tries two no trumps, you can raise to three no trump. The combined hands must have around 20 points.

But if your partner says three clubs, best to pass.

You don’t have a stopper in spades and maybe he doesn’t either. In this deal, you have to be guided by your partner’s sequence of bids. Your job is just to tell the truth.

Solution Issue 15 F

R

R O

B

L I

O W

N

N

e

S

C

e O

T

S

C H

O

A

A

R

R

O M

O

e

N

A

U

D

O

A

I

C

e

A

N

N e

e

D

N

R A e

S

R

N U

D

T

R

I

D

A

D

N

G A

R

T

e

A M

A

Where Seed Size Line Away Tee Finder March Weight House

e I

L

A

L B

A

G

M e

A

N T e R

N

Some Bird Cap Date Fold Set View Frog Over Power

ANSWERS 1. SACK LEN 2. LEST ROB 3. BOTTY CO 4. CLUE DEX 5. NEAR FIR 6. SON LEEC 7. FAIL PUN 8. RAZE RIB 9. LED WIND 10.E LIVERS

L e

ANSWERS 1. Fear 2. Song 3. Fools 4. Man 5. Two 6. Twin 7. Over 8. Leap 9. Stop 10.Horse

e D

e O

N e

U

C

D

T

e

S

e

S

T

e

R I

R

S

F

C

A T

S

N

D

C

H

e

A

SLACKEN BOLSTER BOYCOTT EXCLUDE REFRAIN ENCLOSE PAINFUL BIZARRE DWINDLE SERVILE

S

g o u r m e t cor n e r

40 Pattaya Today

Manneken Pis

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Enjoy Mussels from Brussels!

by Mick and Di The Food Lovers Manneken Pis is a very famous Brussels landmark. It is the small bronze sculpture depicting a naked little boy urinating into the fountain basin. This is a much loved monument for the Belgians.

On occasion the statue is dressed in a special costume and sometimes even hooked up to a keg of beer and the flowing amber liquid is given out to the grateful passers by!

Pattaya has it’s own Manneken Pis. To see a model of this famed little boy, drive out to Maprachan Lake, look outside this eponymously named restaurant and you’ll spot the small white statue of this beloved national treasure.

When two of our friends suggested we visit this restaurant we were more than happy to comply, especially as we had read that Belgian cuisine is served with the quantity of Germany and

the quality of France! It has also been contended that the Belgians, not the French, invented the ubiquitous French fries! (in Flemish “frieten” and in French “frites”), but we’re definitely not getting involved in that explosive controversy!

This neighbourhood Belgian restaurant is extremely popular with the local community around this East Pattaya area. For over 6 years Philippe and his wife June, have been making and serving their acclaimed food.

Philippe is an inveterate chef and spent so many years in the hospitality industry that he possesses an easy, laid-

back manner which envelopes this most friendly bar/ restaurant. He will cook to order, arrange barbeques and parties and generally be of service to please all his customers The menu runs the gamut of breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner with the emphasis on international favourites and Belgian specialties, although Thai dishes are definitely not forgotten.

Belgian cuisine often draws on the use of their excellent black beer and typical dishes are Flemish beef stew and also rabbit steeped in this flavoursome beverage. Best sellers here are also the beef tenderloin with a choice of gourmet sauces (B.225), New Zealand lamb chops with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes, beef lasagna and meat balls in hunter sauce (B.215). We tried the cheese croquettes and were most impressed.

These crisp, breadcumbed

beauties are filled with molten cheese and potato, melting deliciously in the mouth and illustrating to perfection the demanding procedure for producing these delicious savouries. Croque messieur (fried ham and cheese sandwich) and croque madam (the same but with with the addition of fried eggs) are other popular snacks.

Another classic Belgian dish is stoemp (a mashed potato mixture with vegetables and can also include cream, bacon, herbs and spices) and ox tongue in Madeira which often appears on their special menus. Mussels Frites is probably the most well known national dish of Belgium and Philippe is more than happy to cook these tasty crustaceans for you but does require two days notice. Fish lovers will enjoy the salmon steaks and Rubby fish served here with the restaurants delicious sauces. Who can resist a freshly cooked crepe and

here they are lovingly made in the kitchen and come accompanied by bananas, pineapple, ice cream or the grande dame of crepes, crepe suzette.

This small rustic restaurant is a gem. There is so much to choose from on this eclectic menu at prices to suit all pockets. It is only 6 kms or 15 minutes on the Siam Country Club turn off from Sukhumvit Road; so why not come

out to a little piece of Belgian soon and savour the delights of their dearly loved dish – mussels from Brussels.

Open daily 12.00 noon to 12 midnight. Last orders 11.00 pm. Tel: 0861332158.

To get there: take the Siam Country Club Road from Sukumvit Road. Follow the road towards Maprachan Lake for 6 ks and the restaurant is situated on the righthand side.

RSVP

Dear Food Lovers,

My friends and I were discussing British comfort or nursery food the other day and were carried away with the nostalgia of it all! Of course, top of all our lists was the food of childhood – rice pudding! A delicious combination but perhaps you could find us a luxury grown up version which I could introduce to my family this weekend? Many thanks and regards, Sylvia.

Dear Sylvia, mmmmmmm rice pudding – you’re right what could be more comforting than a creamy rice pudding.

We’ve found the perfect recipe – simple but delectable. Enjoy!

THE PERFECT RICE PUDDING Ingredients: 120g pudding rice 750ml milk 60g sugar 2tsp vanilla essence 1 large can evaporated milk 15g butter Method 1 Place the rice and sugar in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Stir frequently until the sugar has dissolved and the rice is slightly swollen.

2 Add the evaporated milk and vanilla essence and give it a good stir. Then pour into a buttered baking dish. Dot with more butter on the top.

3 Cook in a 150C/Gas 2 oven for about an hour and a half until golden but still slightly wobbly.

If you would like to request a recipe, please email thefoodloverspattayatoday@msn.com.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

dining out

Ocean Marina Dining at the Captain’s Table

Ocean Marina is not only a 5-star hotel and luxury resort, it is the largest world-class marina in Asia and is also the host for the 2009 Top of the Gulf International Regatta from 30th April to 4th May. This is an extremely popular weeklong programme of races and activities which each year attracts keen mariners from all over the sailing world. There are events for keelboats, beach cats, dinghies and others in this fun and hotly contested event.

and is gradually receiving a full face lift and makeover. The essence and core decor however will always be maintained as it is the most charming example of period sailing ship interior design which invokes the spirit of the turn of the century decor. Think the first class dining room of The Titanic and you’re there. Scott’s mission is to familarise and to a certain extent “de-priviledge” this dramatic venue so that everyone, landlubbers as well as sailors, can enjoy the special facilities. The resort nestles in natural surroundings of the upper section of the Gulf of Thailand encompassing mountains, beach and ocean where the marina frontage is home to hundreds of yachts at an-

In anticipation of this prestigious event Mick and I visited Ocean Marina to meet the new enthusiastic Food and Beverage Director, Scott Tanner. This stunning destination is now under new management

chor which make for impressive and picturesque views.

The circular windows of the dining room are remarkable affording a 180 degree vista of the Gulf and marina. Scott had prepared us

by Mick and Di The Food Lovers

a tasting menu so without any ado we were immediately served our appetiser salad. Here crispy iceberg, Japanese cucumber, cherry tomatoes, shredded crab roll were presented in a Japanese dressing resulting in a fresh, vibrant start to our meal. Lobster bisque followed and to give us a taste of the lunchtime offers, the signature Captain’s burger (B.250) was served. A tower of bun-wrapped-beef, smothered with cheddar cheese, bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomatoes, with onions and pickles and even pineapple for a satisfying meal for any sailor. Thai dishes followed demonstrating the deftness and expertise of the experienced kitchen.

My favourite was the three layer grilled red snapper (B.280) served with mixed vegetables and accompanied by shooter glasses of tomato and white wine sauce.

Mick preferred the meatier option in the form of pork tenderloin in a spicy green curry (B.150) and escorted by a pungent salted egg which sent the taste buds zinging.

Huge succulent fried river prawns with a tamarind sauce followed which more than pleased us both and flawlessly brought the curtain down on this eclectic but delicious selection of dishes served at The Captain’s Table.

The restaurant is literally open from dawn till evening

(06.00 to 11.00 pm) providing hungry navigators with breakfast, snacks, dinner and supper. The menu, although not large, more than satisfies these requirements and the wine list is competent and reasonably priced. Salads, sandwiches, soups, burgers, pasta, meaty steaks and lamb chops are all represented and at prices certainly in the “middle range”. As it is a hotel “plus/plus” taxes and service are added.

The upcoming Regatta is open to all and would make the perfect opportunity to take a walk around Ocean Marina’s spectacular location and visit The Captain’s Table. Also a small, atmospheric daytime Thai restaurant called “Mother’s Kitchen” is part of the Ocean Marina tenure offering authentic Thai cuisine at exceedingly keen prices. So lots of reasons to visit this venue. Come here to enjoy the food, the views, the boats, the beach and to catch the cooling breezes from The Gulf of Thailand.

Location of The Captain’s Table is at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club (1 km. past Ambassador City, heading south, on Sukhumit Highway). Open from 06.00 to 23.00. Mothers Kitchen is open from 09.00 to 17.00 hrs. Tel of resort is: (038) 237 310 or you can email Scott Tanner on scott@oceanmarinayachtclub.com.

Pattaya Today 41

42 Pattaya Today E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

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5+5 years reasonable rent.

English: 086 148 7705 Thai: 084 926 4627 (ptm-s1808)Coffee Shop/Bar for Sale. Jomtien New Plaza.

160,000 baht. Value of assets over 300,000. Rent 6,800/ month. Very neg., as leaving and will auction fridge, cake display, kebab machine on wheels, motorbike etc. if no takers. Phone 083 636 9213 Shop for Sale. Busy Road East Pattaya. 1 bedroom, bath, kitchen, A/C, hot water, shower. Rent only 3,000 baht per month. 089 993 0317 Leading English Magazine Publication FOR SALE in Pattaya. Leading English Magazine in Pattaya for 7 years now is up For Sale! Staff in place and very low cost production makes this an ideal business for the right person.

Health conditions forces the owner to sell this profitable publication. Particulars of purchase price and details will be given to serious inquiries.

Contact James at 081 000 8192 or Email : jordygwaping@yahoo.com (ptm-d1608)Warehouse for Lease. 480 sqm. Showroom/ warehouse for lease on Soi Chaiyapruk 2. 500 Meters from Sukhumvit. Finished to showroom standard with aircon office. 25,000 baht per month / min. 6 month lease.

(Eng) David : 087 013 5770, (Thai) Khun Nuch: 038 252 201

Classified (ptm-1608)Na Jomtien New Shophouse Opposite the Beach. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, aircons, internet, electric lock up garage, 4 levels plus rooftop, terrace with spectacular sea views, fully furnished. 18,000 baht per month. Call 089 646 7391 (ptm-k0008)Shop House for Sale. New 2 storey shophouse units for sale. Located in Soi Khaotalo 9 (corner with Soi Kao Noi). 2bed/2bath/kitchen/large balcony, land size 24sqwa, 100sqm living space ideal for home and any kind of business. last unit available, quick sale 2.5million ONO. Call 038 413 551 mob.087 132 5600. (ptm-s1508)Company for Sale. Just upgraded, 3 years old. 30,000 THB. shaban@ freemail.hu, 083 597 5892 A serious ‘hands on’ investor requires a 50% share in a running, successful, well renovated and maintained 15 - 25 room guesthouse/hotel in a good location. Up to date accounts must be available. All replies treated with complete confidence. Email to – kevinh@jomtien-property.com Two office spaces for rent located on the 4th floor of a low rise building along Sukhumvit Road, in between South and Central Pattaya, 20 meters after Spanish Condo.

Both spaces have toilet, unfurnished. The first one is 36 sqm., price is only 7,200 baht per month and the other one is 64 sqm. and the price is only 12,800 baht per month (FOR LONG TERM LEASE ONLY). Accessible to public transportation. For viewing please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Office Space for Rent in Pattaya Today Building, along Sukhumvit Road in between South and Central Pattaya, 20 meters after Spanish Condominium. 152 sqm. on the front side of the building, unfurnished. Perfect location for business, accessible to public transportation. Available to move in on the 1st of May 2009. Price is only 30,000 baht per month (FOR LONG TERM LEASE ONLY). For viewing and more information please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Two Shops are Available for Rent. Good business opportunity at the excellent locations, nearby hotel lobby area

at Ocean Tower & Garden Wing in Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, North Pattaya. Please call for more information at 038 418 418 ext. 701 (Ms. Supanee, Executive office) or email: orchid@amari.com We Sell Going Concerns! If You Want Expert Professional Advice on Buying or Selling a Business in Pattaya TSBA Have a large selection of businesses available. Call Craig 087 077 0475 www.tsba.info Bar /Guest House – Located just off the busy Soi Buakhao .There are five rental rooms and a busy bar with pool table . Call Craig 087 077 0475. email: craig@ tsba.info Pizza – An opportunity to purchase Pattaya most successful pizza delivery business. This business has been running many years and has always shown great profits.

Call Craig 087 077 0475. email: craig@tsba.info Beer Bar- Very busy bar located right in the heart of Pattaya this bar makes good profits all year round and has plenty of foot traffic. Call Craig 087 077 0475. email: craig@tsba.info Bar/Restaurant -This business is for sale for less than the purchase price of the fittings, this is a genuine bargain as owner has to return home urgently. Call Craig 087 077 0475. email: craig@tsba.info Beer Bar. Great Location of Soi Buakao. Many regulars easy operation, Pool table, 2 TV, UBC&Cable, 4 Rooms upstairs for rent plus 2 rooms for own use. All licences current 3 years lease. Rent : 20,000 Baht/Month Bargain 1.4 MB. Please Contact : 038 374 623, 0811 580 065.

Thai Living: Restaurant at Hotel venue Inn, in Jomtien.

An opportunity too good to miss out on. The restaurant already have a large existing customer base from, mainly from Scandinavia and has a high turnover. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Finance Available on our Condominium and Pool Villa Projects, 10% deposit only.

Call Barry 089 933 3583 Hotel Units and Villas for Sale and Rent Back. Fantastic investment for speculators requiring security. Call Barry 089 933 3583

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fax: (038) 374535

Businesses For Sale or Lease

- Guest Houses, Hotels, Resorts - Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops - Massage Parlor, Spa, Beauty Salon - Apartment Building, Retail Shops - prices start from 370.000 Baht wwwwwwww HOUSES FOR SALE

We as Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. have a lot of emergency sales.

This is a buyers market and we have dozens of fire sales!!!!!! Millions under the price of the developers!!! Act quick.

We have a re-sale in a new 5-star housing project in Jomtien! Stunning two level designed house on 120TLW with 4 Bedrooms and 5 Bathrooms. Asking price 18 Million Baht, 4 Million under the developer price.

We have for sale a stunning house in View Talay Villas! Asking price 12 Million Baht for this stunning 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms house! This house is just an example, we have over 3000 homes for sale and rent.

Stunning House For only 10.5 Million Baht! Four extra large bedrooms, four Bathrooms with separate Guest bungalow and a huge swimming pool. The house is built on a 1200 m2 plot in the very prestigious area of Phoenix Golf Course.

The most exiting Estate on the entire Eastern Seaboard for Sale for 150 Million Thai Baht. This 7 Bedroom, 11 Bathroom on 35 Rai of land is one of the most impressive homes you will ever see. Its grounds, water features and landscaping are second to none. If you have the finances to secure a home such as this.....you must do yourself the favor of making an appointment for a private viewing.

Investment opportunity in a 5-star Village between 9-14 Million Baht! 25% Down-payment! Six year Mortgage!

Quick Sale Opportunity! A Truly Exotic and Incredible Home. Selling price lowered again from 15.9 Million Baht to 12.8 Million Baht! This is a masterpiece in home design and comfort, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

The house has a lap-pool, big balcony with ocean-view and stunning furniture.

Also a nice investment as the house is rented for 80,000 BHT/Month for the next two years.

We have a re-sale in Phu Tara! Stunning two level designed house on a Rai of land for 29 Million Baht.

Most incredible sea views from a designer 4 bedroom home for 19.9 Million Baht! Situated high in the Bangsarey Hills, this gorgeous four bedroom four bathroom home was completely decorated by one of the areas most noted interior designers, which makes it both beautifully appointed as well as being a very comfortable family home.

Want a Thabali House? We can’t be matched for selection and prices at this exclusive development! Very tastefully designed and decorated modern Balinese style homes right in the heart of Jomtien.

We Have Several View Talay Villas for Sale from 7.9 Million to 50 Million Baht! Live in one of these highly sought after villas in this exclusive development!

Immaculate Beach House next to the Dusit Hotel for sale at 27.5 Million Baht! Each room in this extremely well laid out home has been designed and decorated to a very high standard. The location and sea views are to die for….. this is luxury!

An Absolutely Stunning Home For 60 Million Baht! With over 3,000 square meters of living space all done in the finest hardwoods, marble and granite this is a grand and very impressive estate home. The estate has seven master suites and four separate lounge areas with a cinema room, games room and three kitchens all built around an outdoor lounging area and swimming pool. To put it simply, this is luxury!

wwwwwwww CONDOS FOR SALE Offer of the Month, The Park Condominium, Developers Price 55,000 Baht/sqm, Selling Price 45,000 Baht/sqm, 117 sqm, Type A, Building B, Foreign Ownership. We also have a 167 sqm unit on a high floor in building A. Act Quick, foreign ownership not available anymore from the developer.

NORTHSHORE 112sqm FOR 11.5 Million Baht………..Very high floor ‘05’ unit in NORTSHORE for the LOWEST PRICE POSSIBLE! Investment opportunity! I have two units for sale in the new spectacular building ‘Jomtien Residence’ with a guaranteed rental return for one year.

Buy a steady monthly income! 53sqm for 2.9 Million Baht with 16,000 Baht/ Month guaranteed two year income and 83sqm for 4.3 Million Baht with 25,000 Baht/Month guaranteed income! Together for 7 Million Baht with 41,000 Baht/Month two year guaranteed rental return. The rent is paid every three months in advance.

EMERGENCY SALE!!!!! Royal Cliff ‘D’ Building High Floor, Three Bedroom, Three Bathroom Apartment for 20 Million Baht! One of the most sought after places to live with fantastic sunsets and sea views.

Special Promotion in La Royale Condominium! We have several units far under the developers price, starting from 8 Million Baht 106 sqm, 145 and 268 sqm units. Take this opportunity to purchase a high-end unit in a five-star beach front condominium. We not only have everything far under the developers price but we even have an owner who gives a car for free.

Northshore Unit for sale! 80 sqm front unit for only 8.9 Million Baht! Buy this beautifully furnished unit with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, at a great ‘downtown’ location. Northshore is the only 5-star Condominium on the Pattaya beach Road. High Floor! This is not the only unit we have for sale……..we have almost all the different Northshore units available on all the high floors….. prices range from 7.5-30 Million THB. Splendid investment opportunity! For sale Tip-Condo for 1 Million Baht.

Steady rental-income of 13,000 Baht/Month. The best quality renovation money can buy is only one of the many features in this condo.

Act quick we have the Top-Corner View Talay 5 facing Jomtien. 226 sqm for 18 million Baht. Spectacular views, 50 meters from the ocean and the best beach of town. This must be the best corner unit in town. Also available a 239 sqm View Talay 6 corner on the 22nd floor facing Walking Street for 16 Million Baht.

We have a stunning Home in Jomtien Park Villas! Supurb Design and Construction! Three Bedrooms / Two Bathrooms. Selling Price 9.9 Million Baht. (PR3875) Investment Opportunity, Jomtien Beach! 200 sqm design condo in Grand Condotel! Price Lowered from 14.5 to 9.9 Million Baht! Three Bedrooms / Three Bathrooms. Call Now. Central Pattaya Living in View Talay 6!!! Cheapest front corner available with us! One Bedroom / One Bathroom Selling Price 6.5 Million Baht, 105 sqm.

We Have Several Very Nice Jomtien Condos for Sale Starting just under 1 million Baht! One of the most popular developments in the city has several units for sale, many of which feature beautiful furniture and finishing and priced to sell!

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Classified Business Opportunities

0276/SLN - Lease for Sale – 3 storey single shop house located in East Pattaya. Ground floor ideal for any small business. On the upper floors are 3 rental rooms. Many extras including kitchen facilities, air – conditioning etc. Rent only 12,000 baht per month. Sale Price: 300,000 baht 0268/SLN – Coffee Shop & Restaurant – Single storey shop house, located in East Pattaya, earning profit. Rent only 4,000 baht per month and Key Money has been pre-paid till May 2010. Sale Price: 850,000 baht.

0296/SLN – Bakery & Shop – Located in East Pattaya with low rent on the premises. The business specializes in the baking of meat and fruit pies and has built up an excellent reputation with the local bars and restaurants around Pattaya. Sale Price: 1.1 million baht.

0199/SLN – Laundry with Rooms above – Busy laundry business located in Central Pattaya. 4 storey single shop house with 3 large studio apartments on the upper floors for rental. Rent only 15,000 per month with Key Money of 60,000 baht per year. Sale Price: 1.5 million baht 0271/V – Pet Shop – Single storey retail shop, located in North Pattaya. Specialising in the sale of Dogs, Cats, pet foods and accessories. Very profitable.

Sale price includes a Limited Company. Sale Price: 2 million baht 0297/SLN – Bar & Guesthouse – Single, three storey shop house located in Central Pattaya. On the ground floor is a busy bar with pool table. On the upper floors are 5 rental rooms. Rent only 30,000 baht per month with long lease & No Key Money. Sale Price: 2 million baht.

0298/SLN – Bar with Rooms – Single, four storey shop house, located in a busy ‘foot traffic’ area, just of Beach Road. On the ground floor is a bar with 5 rental rooms on the upper floors. The current rent is 20,000 baht permonth. Sale Price: 2 million baht.

0263/SLN – Hotel & Bar – 15 room hotel with ground floor bar and kitchen. Located in high ‘foot traffic’ area just off Beach Road, South Pattaya. On the upper floors are 15 rental rooms all with en suite bathroom, air-con and personal safety box. Rent only 60,000 per month and NO KEY MONEY. Sale Price: 2.3 million baht.

0286/SLN – Pool Lounge – Profitable business located in Central Pattaya with bar facilities. Currently playing in 3 local leagues. Sale Price: 2.5 million baht.

0284/SLN – Hostess Bar with Rooms - 3 storey, double shop house located in a busy Soi in the heart of the ‘nightlife‘ action. Ground floor bar recently refurbished. Rent 30,000 baht per month. Sale Price: 2.75 million baht 0291/SLN – Pub/Restaurant with Rooms – Located in East Pattaya.

On the ground floor is a Pub and Restaurant with a large kitchen and seating capacity for 100 customers. On the upper floor there are 3 large rental rooms with separate entrance. Long lease and NO KEY MONEY. Sale Price: 2.9 million baht.

0304/SLN – Restaurant, Guesthouse & Motorcycle Rental Business – Located in a single three storey unit in a busy ‘foot traffic’ area of Central Pattaya.

Long lease & No Key Money. On the ground floor is restaurant and kitchen with 6 rental rooms on the upper floors. Included in the sale is 25 motorcycles for rental. Sale Price: 3.5 million baht 0269/SLN - Bar & Guesthouse - 3 storey double shop house, located in busy ‘nightlife’ area of North Pattaya. Large ground floor bar with external seating area and 7 rental rooms above. The business generates good turnover & profits.

Low rent and no Key Money. Sale Price: 4.9 million baht.

0270/SLN - Furniture & Interior Decor shop - Incorporating a retail shop, which also offers interior decor project design for clients. The sale price includes all the stock and a Limited Company which would enable any prospective buyer to obtain 2 foreign work permits. ‘Walk into’ a well established, extremely profitable business. There is also a seperate entrance with 12 rental rooms above the retail shop. Sale Price: 5 million baht.

0154/SLN - Restaurant - Well established Restaurant located in North Pattaya - seating capacity for nearly 100 customers. Have enjoyed good profits over the last two years. Key Money has been paid till February 2010 and is transferable. Sale Price: 6.5 million baht.

0300/SLN – Bar – Restaurant & Guesthouse – Double, four storey shop house located in busy ‘nightlife’ area of Central Pattaya. On the ground floor is a bar and dining area with modern kitchen facilities. On the upper floors are 16 rental rooms. Included in the sale is a motor cycle rental business. No Key Money and rent is paid annually in advance. Sale Price 7.5 million.

0301/SLN – Bar & Guesthouse – Double,, three storey shop house located in busy ‘nightlife’ area of Central Pattaya. The bar on the ground floor is unique in appearance & décor. Viewing is highly essential. On the upper floors are 7 rental rooms. Rent 55,000 baht per month payable one year in advance and No Key Money. Sale Price: 7.5 million baht.

0293/SLN – Pub & Restaurant - Profitable Pub & Restaurant located on busy main road in East Pattaya with dining facilities for over 50 people..

On the upper floor is the kitchen and 3 bedrooms for employees or the new owner. Included in the sale price is the land and buildings held in a Company name. Sale Price: 12.75 million baht.

0274/SLN – Restaurant & Bar – Single storey double shop house located in South Pattaya. The lease has been fully paid up till 2023, the next 15 years. There is seating for in excess of 100 diners. Included in the sale is a sound & lighting system for live music. The business is profitable.

Sale Price: 14 million baht.

0294/SLN – Go Go Bar – Extremely profitable business located in the centre of ‘Walking Street’. Good staff and excellent long lease in place with a fixed rental for the period of the lease. Sale Price: 16.5 million baht.

0247/SLN - Bar/Restaurant and Guesthouse - Located in South Pattaya.

Extremely profitable business which the current owner can verify. On the ground floor is a large bar and restaurant. Included in the sale price is the land and buildings. Sale Price: 25 million baht.

0273/SLN – Lawn Bowling Club – Located in East Pattaya on 3 rai of land. 2 International bowling greens, separate bar & restaurant, 5 en suite bedrooms & swimming pool. Foreign ownership in Company name.

Viewing highly essential. Sale Price 30 million.

To list your business free or further information on the Services TBAC Offer.

Contact us today on: Tel: 038 489 074-5, 087 283 5349 (English) Fax: 038 489 076 E-mail TBAC: info@t-b-a-c.com

Bali-Style Shops on Sia on Siam Country Club Road.

Surrounded by 1,000 Homes.

For Rent or Sale by owner.

Perfect for Mini mart, Pizza Delivery, cafe, coffee shop/ bakery, bar, deli, restaurant or retail sales business. Large outside seating and sales area.

Front unit rents for 42,000 Baht per month. Back unit rents for 18,000 Baht per month. Entire building rent is 50,000 Baht. Will sell on 83 square wah, corner plot directly on main road for 8 million baht. Financing available. Includes air cons, refrigeration, cooking extractor hood, counters, displays. Call 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English) Email pappa@csloxinfo.com.

Agents welcome. No time wasters, please.

ATTENTION, ATTENTION !!!!.........We have for sale the most famous hotel/guesthouse in Central Pattaya!

A live time opportunity to become the owner of this 3 ½ star guesthouse near Carfour. 78 Rooms, 3 buildings, prime land, bars, etc. All the accounting is available. 165 Million Baht. Call today.

Making your Business our Business- Premier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th “Freehold” Ocean view luxury Hotel- Great Buy at 65 million. 5 floors of beautiful newly refurnished rooms.

Also a top floor penthouse that is amazing. Call today.

Making your Business our Business- Premier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Shophouse in busiest retail location of South Pattaya only 20,000 baht per month on flexible lease terms. Four floors each 16 sq. wah. This space is directly across from the most frequently visited mall in Pattaya. Also in nightlife area. Could be excellent location for any business. You want traffic check this place out. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Beautiful Spa-17 million invested, must sell for 7 million – Averages 1000 customers per month. Excellent location, Owner will consult or consider partnership. First Class Design and Décor. Must see to believe. You can own this business now with existing staff of 40 and steady customer flow, creating over 1 million in monthly revenue from the very beginning. An investors dream. Making your Business our Business- Premier Land and Development.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

Office Space in a very central location for all the coastal activities of Pattaya and Jomtien. Space sizes vary from small “one man operation” up to 240 sq. m. There is extremely high traffic to this business location and the visitors here are the ex-pats who have some discretionary funds to spend. As well this space is on and clearly visible from the heaviest travelled road by the tourist on holiday.

Making your Business our Business- Premier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Guesthouse and Restaurant central location, priced to sell 6.5 million. This is a very good price for a double shophouse business and has several ground-floor areas that are sub-lease ready. 16 furnished rooms on 4 floors. Very close to the main shopping areas, the night life areas and schools, as you can imagine these rooms stay rented. The furniture and fixtures valued at over 7.5 million. Owner wants to move to Northern Thailand. Making your Business our BusinessPremier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Guesthouse in an extremely busy location next to very popular market and priced to sell at 8 million. This successful business has 5 floors and 11 furnished rooms in a very high demand location.

You could have the number one business of any kind with this location. Restaurant, bar, beauty salon, or retail this can be an immediate good volume business for you, call today.

Making your Business our Business- Premier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th “Freehold” Ocean view luxury Hotel- Great Buy at 65 million. 5 floors of beautiful newly refurnished rooms.

Also a top floor penthouse that is amazing. Impressive reservation records. The Hotel has excellent profit margins and the price is a great value on existing furnishings and fixtures. This is an excellent property make sure not to miss this opportunity, call today. Making your Business our Business- Premier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231931 or E-mail to premier@ loxinfo.co.th RESTAURANT-Fantastic opportunityestablished very successful Italian Restaurant, also has large 2 Bedroom Residence above.

All for only 2.5 million baht.

Owner is relocating wants fast sale. Instant profits, has stable staff regular customers, 5 years remaining on excellent lease, perfect location great parking. If you want to walk in to an immediate turnkey winning operation, do not miss this one. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

Pattaya Today 43

Fax: (038) 374535

Want a Fabulous Luxury Hotel, restaurant for only 20 million, act quickly. Great location large restaurant and spa facilities as well as one of the best locations in all Pattaya. Rooms are exceptionally equipped and furnished in a very impressive style. Call soon this will not last. Making your Business our BusinessPremier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Pattaya Apartment “Freehold” only 19 million baht.

44 units on 58 sq wah. Rooms are furnished and rented and stay rented. Several sub-lease spaces on property ready for mini-mart and small restaurant. This is an excellent location Making your Business our Business– Premier Land and Development. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231931 or E-mail to premier@ loxinfo.co.th Beachfront Hotel – Owner wants fast sale will finance.

Baht 70 million. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Resort Hotel all inclusive property, Baht 90 million.

New construction-Your own private Eden. Owner will finance. 35 luxury rooms, complete restaurant and sports bar, incredible pool, complete gym, theatre, spa, sauna, vehicle fleet, staff quarters, extremely well conceived property and business design.

Seller can receive purchase monies in any country. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Beachfront Hotel – Owner wants fast sale. Baht 6 million. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Dongtan Beachfront Boutique Hotel Baht 20 million.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

#1 Pattaya Publication for Sale Baht 12 million, will pay for itself in one year. Owner ready to retire. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Restaurant well known Brand directly on Thappraya Road in front of large Condominium Project, ready for new owner. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th New Hotel on Thappraya already has 500,000 Baht in subleases. Owner wants fast sale. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Hotel 142 rooms well established reputation one minute from Mike’s Shopping Mall. Owner wants to retire.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th New walking street many new retail locations. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Hotel Lobby retail spaces Brand New Hotel. Excellent for Beauty Salon, Clothing Boutique, etc. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Boutique Hotel Prime Location B 150 million with long term contracts guaranteeing over B 30 million in annual revenue. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or Email to premier@loxinfo.co.th New Condominium Project, ground floor commercial space available now. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Antique Furniture Store for sale, very profitable, owner wants to retire and will consider financing, and will train new owner. Very exciting business opportunity. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

44 Pattaya Today E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Classified (Start Deutsch 1-A1 Test)French-Italian-Spanish-Russian-Chinese-Japanese-Korean-Computer: Free Trial Thai and English Lessons 1 hourTranslation & Certification of all documents: North Pattaya Road (Soi almost opposite bus station to Bangkok) (Next to Lukdod shop) Tel. 081 577 2967, 038 370 263 E-mail: progress.2001@gmail.com

House for Sale

Business Opportunities

5 Shophouse in a row for sale in Jomtien. 150 Meters from the beach. 3.5 Million baht for one shophouse. Great discount if you buy all of them. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

Education & Training

(pta-tk0008)Do you Want to Study Thai Language or Thai Culture in Fun & Easy Way? Come to Thankful Knowledge Learning Center.

Learn with the native professional teachers. Affordable price & friendly environment call 038 724 239 or 038 723 324. We speak Thai, English, German & Duetsch. (ptm-j1508)Spanish Translations and Interpretation.

Spanish native speaker offers translation and interpretation services. Websites, contracts, official letters, manuals etc.

Both for private companies and official institutions. Thai translations also offered. Call 087 047 0590 or email: Spanish_Consultant@yahoo.es Learn to Speak, Write and Read Thai ?!! Learn to understand what people are saying around you !! With a professional and experienced Thai teacher. Contact 081 466 7478, 080 635 1769 (pta-0406)TEFL Intercontinental, we are specialist in teacher training, a full 120

hours TEFL certificate course, we offer Guaranteed job & Work permit, Earn 36,000 Baht while you practice teaching for 2 Months. Please contact us at: 086 841 5976 or 038 406 640 (pta-0406)Foreign Ladies: Speak and write ‘Beautiful English’ in the comfort of your own home or office, at your own speed, learning the social or business English you need. Training from English professor now retiring to Pattaya. Tel: 081 838 8163 for first discussion Pro Language we offer a variety of effective and enjoyable language courses. English, Japanese, German, Russian, French, Spanish and Thai course. For foreigner from beginner to advance including a preparation for the Grade 6 examination by ministry of education. 3 year ED Visa for full time students. Please call for Free Trial Lesson. Opposite Carrefour, Central Pattaya Rd. Tel. 038-489-225-7 Fax. 038-489-228 www.prolanguage.co.th PROGRESS Language & Computer School: (Licensed by the Ministry of Education) Thai (1-5 Year ED (Student) Visa AvailableSpeak Thai confidently in 60 hours)-English (General and Business ConversationGrammar-IELTS Test)-Dutch (Inburgerings Examen)-German

(ptm-h1608)Pattaya Park Hill 4, road no. 36, single storey, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, air condition in every room, furnished. 130 sq.wah. Only 4.5 million. Tel. 081 340 6092 (ptm-d1508) Brand New Single House in Ponthep Garden Villa 5. Soi Crocodile farm (ready to move in) 2 bedroom 2 bathroom .56 Sqw of land (224 Sqm) 127 sqm living area .unfurnished without air cons. It has a nice garden with swiming pool view. price below the official price almost 300,000 baht .Sales price for 1,690,000 baht. Please call Khun Dao 085 286 4488 (ptm-e1508)This Truly is a Lovely, Extremely Well Finished Modern Tropical Bali Style Home. Nagawari development just minutes away from main Sukhumvit Road also area close to Jomtien Beach. This executive home features two spacious bedrooms, all ensuite, EuroepanKitchen,a private pool,sala, garden and much more... nagawari is one of the most luxurious estates in Pataya with very tastefully designed and built homes with private pools, close proximity to the beach. Nagawari (house 140 Sq.m - land 77 Sq.Wa) Single storey house.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, dining area, European kitchen, tiled floors, private pool, garden and sala. furnished and decorated, 4

airconditioners,hot water, UBC TV, Phoneline and ADSL Hi-speed internet. not far from Jomtien beach and sukumvit RD, 24hr security. For rent long term 1 year. 50,000 Bath per month. Sale 7.5 M. Contact English: 085 120 1414, Thai : 081 899 1910, for more pictures please click link http://www.flickr.com/ photos/35057008@N03/ (ptm-k0008)Shop House for Sale. New 2 storey shophouse units for sale. Located in Soi Khaotalo 9 (corner with Soi Kao Noi). 2bed/2bath/kitchen/large balcony, land size 24sqwa, 100sqm living space ideal for home and any kind of business. last unit available, quick sale 2.5million ONO. Call 038 413 551 mob.087 132 5600. (ptm-1608)New Bungalow 48 TW, Good Location Close

by Tesco South, Just 2.1M Baht. Euro build quality, superblock, granite tiles, stainless faucets, granite counter tops, very nice must see. Pictures at www.thisthaihouse. com. Maew 081 942 8680 (Thai) or Keith 084 352 2594 (English) Soi Siam Country Club House for Sale. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished with European kitchen, UBC, cable TV. Includes double oven gas cooker and imported furniture from England. 50 sq. wah. 2.5 mil. baht including transfer fee. Payment Negotiable. Call 086 323 3523, 087 134 9669 Great Value “Quick Sale” Stunning Family Bungalow Next To New Golf Course.

9.8 mil negotiable.

Very spacious with private swimming pool in large well kept garden. 3 beds, 3 baths and large lounge. Soi Siam Country Club (only 10 mins from Central Pattaya). Quality furnished throughout, European kitchen, high security alarm and electric gate. Don’t miss this one!!! 215 TLW. Call 089 607 9850

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fax: (038) 374535

THAIHUS: New 2 storeys house with sea view, 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, close to Hua Hin city, ready to move in, Price start from 6.5 Million THB. Call us NOW at Eng: 0 852 777 900 Or Thai: 0 879 739 704. We Speak Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, English and Thai.

THAIHUS : New 1 storey house In Hua Hin 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, Ready to move in, Price start from 4.2 Million THB. Call us NOW at Eng: 0 852 777 900 Or Thai: 0 879 739 704. We Speak Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, English and Thai.

Stunning Townhouse for Sale in a Famous Village in Soi Tan-Non. Only 4.8 Million Baht, 25 sq. wah under Thai Name. Have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 w/ jacuzzi) have heater, fully furnished, a very nice living room, dining room, have Euro Kitchen, 4 aircons, 2 balconies, swimming pool, small garden, 2 parking space, playground, maid room, underwater tank, ADSL, Cable, Direct telephone line, 24 hr security, w/ alarm system, maintenance paid already. For viewing and more information please call us: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

For Quick Sale! Only 11 Million Baht. A spacious and well furnished 90 sq. wah house. Have 3 bedrooms, living room. European kitchen, private pool. Located in Soi Kao Talo, only 10 minutes drive from Lotus South Pattaya. For viewing, please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

A Captivating Townhouse is now for Sale for only 5 Million Baht. Located at 378/69 Moo12 Nongprue, Banglamung Chonburi 20260, 20 meters from Royal Cliff Hotel and opposite of Royal Cliff Sports Club. 82 sqm land size, 200 sqm living area w/ garage and balconies. Have 2 big bedrooms, 3 luxury bathrooms (master w/ jacuzzi), quality fitted Euro Kitchen, amazing wardrobes and other built-in furniture. Furnished including T.V, expensive sofa, dining table and equipped with alarm system. For viewing and more details please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Truly 25% discount OFF the original price. Magnificent and Fabulous Beach Side Living at a very low price.

You can design and build your own house on the remaining plots. Hurry there are only 10 remaining plots left. Plots range from 520 sqm to 680 sqm. Price starts at 7 Million Baht. Call now at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Gorgeous Houses for Sale and Investment. Absolutely all brand new houses, in a modern high quality and extremely nice tropical villa project. With underground cables, private pool, furnished.

Located in Naklua Area. Only a few minutes away from Pattaya, very convenient, no hassle on driving around the city.

Accessible to public transportations. Ready to move in.

Price starts from 13 Million Baht. To view, please call: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

House for Sale

Fascinating House for Sal at Chateau Dale Village, Thappraya Rd. 496 sq. m, have 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, garden, car park and a private swimming pool. A haven that is so peaceful. Price is only 17.5 Million Baht. For viewing and more information, please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

For Quick Sale!!! A 2-storey Brand New House at Banglamung in Soi Water Office.

Only 1.5 Km. from Sukhumvit Rd. 250 Talang Wah. Have 5 rooms, kitchen, living room, 3 bathrooms, (1 w/ jacuzzi), with built-in thick wooden furniture, garden, parking space. Now price is only 9.5 Million Baht. For details and viewing please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

The Best Low Price Ever.

A 3-storey Spectacular Designer Townhouse located near the Royal Cliff Hotel.

Have 2 big bedrooms, 3 luxury bathrooms (master with jacuzzi). Top of the line European Kitchen. Fitted with amazing wardrobes and other built-in furniture. Furnished including T.V, expensive sofa, dining table. Equipped with alarm system. Only 5 Million Baht. Great Offer! This townhouse + a nicely decorated studio unit in Khieng Talay, both for only 6.5 Million Baht. Call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

HS0826: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms bungalow available in east Pattaya inclusive of tenant. Ideal for the investor!! 2.1 million Only!! Call us 08-47808457 or by Email: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com

HS1208:4 bedrooms, 3 bathroom detached house located in east Pattaya.

Inclusive of European kitchen and furniture! Dramatic price drop from 4 million to 3 million!! Call for more info 08-49442541 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HS1239: Just come available 3 bedroom villa located close to Siam country club inclusive of full furniture & company, price dropped from 4.2 to 3 million!! This property has to move fast.

Call us 08-47808457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HS1244: Another bargain to be had, 3 bedroom 220sqm villa located in SP3 Village in east Pattaya. Very nice tropical garden and tastefully decorated interior. The owner has had the property from new and only stays 2 months of the year!! Call us 08-47808457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com Thai Living: Pattaya Hill 2, Soi Khoa Noi. Prime location residence, 1 storey with 63 sq.wah of land, fully furnished, 2 bed / 2 bath. 3 M Baht. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net Thai Living: House for sale at Ruen Pisa, Beautiful Village .1 storey house, 55.70 sq.wah. 2bed / 2bath. 2.95 M THB. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net In Central Pattaya. 10 room house and three room house in small compound. Behind Carrefour. Near Third Road.

Perfect for Bed & Breakfast or private home. Only nine million baht. Financing Available. Call 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English) E-mail pappa@csloxinfo. com. Agents welcome. No time wasters, please.

Classified

Gorgeous and Very Large Estate Home For Sale at 25 Million Baht! This is luxury on a large scale, with five bedrooms five bathrooms and a lovely swimming pool with Jacuzzi. The interior design work is very tasteful. There is not a better address, as this is in the areas best Expat development. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Beautifully Designed Bali Style home for 15.5 Million Baht! This very nice three bedroom home is in one of the finest villages in Pattaya for foreigners wishing to have a familiar and safe environment, make sure to see this fine home. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Act Quick…..we have the last remaining house in a 5-star development for 14 Million Baht. This stunning house is located 200 meters from the beach and needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 280 m2 living space on 400m2 land. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We have several Owner Finance opportunities! We have houses available with Owner Finance. For more information about the finance call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Want a Fabulous Home in Paradise Villa? We can’t be matched for selection and prices at this exclusive development! Great home layouts and designs in these spectacular and modern homes at Pattaya’s ‘Number One’ development. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Beautiful Regent Village four Bedroom, five bathroom Home For Sale at 14 Million Baht! Absolutely stunning interior design. This five bedroom plus home is a must see. Fantastic fully equipped European kitchen and you will love the wonderful landscaping and finishing work, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We have houses for sale in the range of 3-130 Million Baht!! We have by far the most listings……examples are houses in Siam Royal View, Paradise Villa 1 and 2, Nagawari, Thabali, Park Villas, View Talay Villas, Little Hill, Phu Tara, etc, etc. We are known for the best listings and the best prices. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

House for Rent

(ptm-n1608)A Beautiful House for Rent at Pratumnak Hill Soi 5. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Fully furnished, European kitchen, private pool, UBC + ADSL 38,000 baht/month. Phone 081 782 0206, 084 362 5920 (ptm-n1608)A Beautiful New Townhouse for Rent: On Pratumnak Rd. Soi 5. 2 & 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully furnished, Euro kitchen, communal pool. Starts from 25,000 baht/month. Call 081 782 0206, 084 362 5920 (ptm-no1908)Occasion! New, Beautiful Townhouse (South Pattaya), 2 minutes to city or beach, peaceful and green environment, superbly fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, 3 televisions, garage. Must have seen! Contact 081 862 9710 (ptm-j1708)New 2 Bed Airconditioned Euro Style Terraced Houses with carports, gated compound. Siam Country Club Rd. 8 km. from Carrefour. 8,000 bt/month. 082 204 2831 (ptm-1608)Na Jomtien New Shophouse Opposite the Beach. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, aircons, internet, electric lock up garage, 4 levels plus rooftop, terrace with spectacular sea views, fully furnished. 18,000 baht per month. Call 089 646 7391

Pattaya Today 45

Fax: (038) 374535

(ptm-g1608)Brand New 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom House to Rent in Jomtien. 800 Metres to beach. Close to communal swimming pool. New quality furniture, UBC, Internet, Euro Kitchen. 25,000 Bath/month including free automatic motorcycle. Phone 081 866 7049 Khun Tongsa (ptm-c1608)3 Bedroomed Detached Bungalow. Third bedroom currently office: Near junction Naklua 14/16.

Wongamat Beach.

Fully furnished. Long lease THB 15,000 per month. To view: 086 168 5792 (ptm-d1508)Na Jomtien New Shophouse Opposite the Beach. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, aircons, internet, electric lock-up garage, 4 levels plus roof top terrace with spectacular seaviews.

Fully furnished 18,000 baht per month. Call 089 646 7391 (ptfhr-ta0008)Furnished Townhouse for Rent. Located at Soi Khao Noi. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Only 5,000 baht per ,omth. Call 080 646 5322 (pta-silk0508)Two Houses Available are Plot 30 Blackpepper. 134sq wah, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, with swimming pool for 90,000 baht per month. Long term rental only(minimum 1 year). The other house is plot 34 chilli, 103 sq wah, 3 bed, 3bath, no pool for 65,000 baht. Long term rental only. Both houses are fully furnished. If you need any more information please contact 081 612 7222, e-mail:adam@tara.co.th Beautiful Detached Villa Quiet Area, South Pattaya.

4/5 bed, maids quarters. Hi speed internet. Fully furnished garden & 2 Car park.

35,000 Baht P.M. Office: 038 374 623. Eng: 081 158 0065 www.pattayaoceanproperty. com E-mail : info@pattayaoceanproperty.com

2 Bed room House East Pattaya- Air conditioned, Furnished, Car park, Garden , Quiet Location off soi. Khaonoi 17,000 baht PM. Office: 038 374 623, Eng: 0811 580 065 www.pattayaoceanproperty.com, E-mail: info@pattayaoceanproperty.com Luxury House- Pratumnuk 2 bed, 2 bath, Fully Furnished.

Beautiful Swimming pool.

Internet, Car park, A/C washing M/C. security 60,000 P.M. Office: 038 374 623 Eng: 0811 580 065 www. pattayaoceanproperty.com, E-mail:info@pattayaoceanproperty.com Pratamnuk Town-House 2 bedroom, 2 mins. to Dongtan Beach Modern Furniture and Fittings . Internet Connection, 40,000 baht P.M. Office: 038 374 623 Eng: 081 158 0065 www.Pattayaoceanproperty.com, E-mail:info@pattayaoceanproperty.com Thai Living: Jomtien Condotel & Village, Jomtien beach. Single storey house with 85 sq.wah. Fully furnished, taxi route, 3b/4b.

35,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/info@thailiving. net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: View Talay Villas, Jomtien Beach. Well maintained village, fully furnished, nice residence, fully facility, 3b /4b, a few minutes to Beach and Central of pattaya. 50,000 THB/M. (Short term available) For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Silk Road Pattaya, Prime location residence, 3b /2b, living area 173, land area 70 sq.wah.

Partly furniture, Euro kitchen, 45,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net

46 Pattaya Today E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

House for Rent

Thai Living: Pratamnak Hill, 2-3 bedrooms, 3 storey house. fully furnished, Euro Kitchen, Rent start from 25,000 - 35,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@ thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net HRAD1: 3 bed house with private pool in Jomtien, close to beach, all modern furniture included, internet and satellite 35,000 P/M. Call for more info 08-47808457 or

by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HR1117: East Pattaya 2 storey villa, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, fully furnished and ready to move in with the reduced price of 20,000 per mth. A very big house for a little bit of money!! Call for more info 08-49442541 or

by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HR0525: Just come available once again at a reduced price!! 2 storey, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished and ready to go with internet available. 30,000P/M Call for more info 038-373966or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HR1141: Just come available this 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom bungalow located in Greenfield villas 1, modern furniture, ADSL and private swimming pool!! Priced at 65,000 p/m Call for more info 08-49442541 or by Email: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HR1138: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom bungalow located in SP5 Village Comes fully furnished with euro kitchen and a/c and inclusive of ADSL! New house just 35,000 p/m Call for more info 08-49442541 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HR1072: Spacious house for rent (250 Sqm) on SP Village, tastefully decorated, 3 beds, ADSL connected and private swimming pool only 35,000 P/M. Call for more info 0847808457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com

HRPN: Several small 2 bedroom townhouses located in Pratamnak. Inclusive of furniture, ADSL, UBC, Communal swimming pool and very close to the beach of Pratamnak. Call for more info 0849442541 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com HR1144: 2 bedroom villa with a interior size of 120sqm has just come vacant and is located in east Pattaya not to far from the local supermarkets. A bargain price at only 18,000Bht Call for more info 08-49442541 or

by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com Spectacular Family Home at 80,000 Baht per month!

A luxurious four bedroom, six bathroom home with a lovely swimming pool. The house is built on a 2400 m2 plot with an enormous landscaped garden. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Five Bedroom, Four Bathroom Family Home for 95,000 Baht per month located in Jomtien. This house has a large and gorgeous guest bungalow and a huge swimming pool! This house is just an example, we have over 3000 homes for sale and rent. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Great Family Three Bedroom Home for 85,000 Baht per month in Chateau Dale Villas! Located in one of Pattaya’s quietest and most beautiful villages with large and gorgeous swimming pool.

This house is just an example, we have over 3000 homes for sale and rent. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Classified

Three Bedroom, Three Bathroom Family Home for 100,000 Baht per month!

Located in one of South East Pattaya quietest and most beautiful villages with a large and gorgeous swimming pool! Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Luxurious Homes for Rent at Phoenix Golf Course Ranging from 40,000 – 130,000 Baht per month! Only fifteen minutes from the city, live in luxury at one of the area’s best golf courses. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Great Mediterranean style villa for rent at 60,000 Baht per month! This superbly finished four bedroom four bathroom home with swimming pool is a must see for those wishing to rent a great home. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Executive Class Rentals In and Around Pattaya from 15,000 – 150,000 Baht per month! A very rare opportunity awaits those discerning home hunters looking for both a luxurious quality home and with it a lifestyle most all would love to have. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Magnificent House in Grange Park Village. Three Bedrooms, Three Bathrooms for 80,000 Baht per Month! The decoration and design are from a high standard! This house you really need to see to appreciate its beauty. For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com A Truly Exotic and Incredible Home. Renting price 200,000 Baht/month! This is a masterpiece in home design and comfort, with five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

The house has an enormouspool and stunning furniture.

For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Apartment/Rooms for Rent

(ptm-2407)Carina Mansion.

Large fully furnished apartment. 48 sq.m., swimming pool, cable TV, aircon, fridge, sofa, king size bed, wardrobe, kitchen and large bathroom with hot shower. All rooms high speed internet enabled.

500 baht daily and 6,000 baht per month. Best value in town!! www.carinaapartment.com. Contact 081 829 2285(English), 081 311 7856 (Thai) (ptm-0309)Royal Park Luxury Serviced Apartments, Jomtien 56-70sqm luxury furnished, one bedroom, large living area with balcony and kitchen, Free wireless internet, Cable TV in every apartment. Enjoy our rooftop swimming pool from 16,000 per month, call 086 111 7414 or check out our website : www.royalparkjomtien.com (ptm-w1408)Aromdee Apartments has availability for rent. Fully furnished apartments with balcony, cable, telephone and also private internet lines available. It is quiet and clean with in house laundry and supermarket

by European management.

Only 5 minutes walk to the Big C and Lotus Supercenter in North Pattaya. Furnished standard apartments 3,000 baht/month. Furnished air conditioned apartments 3,700 baht/month. Call 089 938 6022 (ptm-s1408)Apartment for Rent: Fully furnished at Sukhumvit Soi 87, only 600m from Sukhumvit Rd Free cable+wi-fi Rent: 3,000/ month Call 081 244 6970 (ptm-h1508)Jomtien Beautiful 3 room, 2 bathroom apartment (76 sq m). Air con + fully furnished. 14,000 p/m long term. 087 100 5726

Condo for Sale

Sombat 2 Condominium (Pratumnak) 32 sq.m. Corner Studio with Big Balcony, original room in need of renovation. 200 metres from beach, very good price.

Only 790,000 baht (in Foreigner Name). Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya. com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Angket Condominium Jomtien Beach. We have several sea view studios for sale.

Starting at only 1 mil. baht. In need of renovation, these are selling fast. Be Quick! Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@ pacpattaya.com

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fax: (038) 374535

2 Big Balconies, Sea Views, 46 Sq. M. Corner Condo, High Floor, Just Been Refurbished to Very High Standards. Euro kitchen, marble floors, fully furnished, big screen LCD TV, fridge freezer, etc. Just 500 meters to Jomtien Beach. Fantastic Bargain, Only 1.5 million baht. (In Foreign Name).

Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@ pacpattaya.com Khiang Talay, 15th Floor, 42 Sq. M. Studio, Fantastic Sea Views and Koh Larn Island. Fully furnished, retiled floor, etc. A very popular condominium in a very nice area. Close to the beach.

Only 1.8 million baht. (In Foreign Name). Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya. com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Cozy Beach Pratumnak Jomtien, 200 Meters from Beach, Two 38 sq.m. Studios, side by side. 6th and 8th floor with sea views in need of renovation. Make 76 sq.m. or sell separate. Excellent opportunity investment in one of the best areas. Only 990,000 baht each. Freehold.

Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www.pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Rare Opportunity 1 of Only a Few, 6th Floor (Top Floor) in Majestic Jomtien, 61 sq.m. 1 bedroom with large balcony and en-suite, 1 living room with very large picture windows for excellent Jomtien views. Euro kitchen with breakfast bar. 2 TVs, fully furnished, A/C. This is an original room from new (not converted). Good price, only 1.8 mil. baht (in Foreign name) or for rent 12,000/ month. Freehold. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www. pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com

The Residence Jomtien New 52 sq.m. 5th Floor Studio, 800 meters from beach. Euro kitchen, quality furniture, big balcony, huge swimming pool, fitness centre, brand new building.

Well under developer’s price, only 2.8 mil. baht. In foreign name. Freehold. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www. pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Majestic Jomtien 30 sq.m.

1st and 4th floor Studios, empty rooms over looking swimming pool. 800 meters from beach. In foreign names.

Good price only 690,000 baht. Freehold. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www. pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com 500 Meters from Beach, 39 sq.m Studio, 8th Floor, Big Balcony with Nice Breeze and Lovely Sea Views of Jomtien Beach. Beautifully refurbished and furnished to a very high standard, stoned pictured walls, marble shower room and new European kitchen, fridge freezer, microwave, new air conditioning, safety box, LCD TV, DVD. Now only 1.5 mil. baht. Freehold or rent 15,000 baht per month. This condominium will be repainted and refurbished this year with new swimming pool and lobby, therefore prices will rise.

Good investment. (In foreigner’s name). Part exchanges considered and stage payments available. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya. com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Condo for Sale

Angket Jomtien, 8th Floor Studio, 38 sq. m with lovely sea view, just been renovated to high standard, with marble floors, quality kitchen, matching furniture. Everything new.

Really must be viewed. Real Bargain of the month. Only 1.3 mil. In Foreign Name.

Freehold or rent 12,000 baht per month. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www. pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Majestic Jomtien 600 meters from Beach. 60 sqm, 4th floor, 1 bedroom, 1 living room, 2 bathroom, kitchen, 2 balcony, fully furnished and renovated. Overlooking swimming pool. Very good price. Only 1.6 mil.

Baht. Freehold. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www. pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Lovely 11th Floor 39 sqm Jomtien Sea View Condo, just been renovated with big balcony, new A/C, furniture, kitchen, fridge, microwave, washing machine, LCD TV, DVD, pictures and plants…

Fantastic bargain.

Only 1,350,000 mil. baht. Freehold or rent 12,000 baht per month.

In Foreign name. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www. pacpattaya.com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com Jomtien Beach, 18th Floor (Top Floor), 39 sq.m. Spectacular scenic views from big balcony, refurbished and furnished with new A/C. Only 1.5 mil. baht (in Foreigner’s name). Freehold. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya. com, e-mail: info@pacpattaya.com (ptm-e1708)Under the Real Price. Full ocean view, totally renovated about year. Fully furnished. 24 hour security, pool 180 sqm 13,000,000 from owner, www.pattayaingatlanok.hu. Tel: 087 067 0239

(ptm-g1808)Baan Suan Lalana, 42 sq mtr Condo, 5th (Top) floor, nice views.

975,000 Baht. Tel.: 084 105 4533, 087 901 5229 (ptm-1708)For Sale 3 Top Floor Penthouse Beach Front Corner and Adjoining Units Walking St. side in View Talay 6 next to Central Shopping Plaza, 105 sqm corner unit shell 9.6m baht, 48 sqm 2nd unit shell 3.6m baht, 86 sqm 3rd unit fully furnished and fitted 7.3m baht, 3 best in the building, call the owners 083 404 5395 Eng, 085 225 6465 Thai. (ptm-j1508)Finance Available. I am selling 3 nice condos in View Talays. From only 850,000 baht down & the rest over 5 years. Call 087 803 3329 (ptm-g1208) Sale View Talay Condo Project 5. Located on Jomtien Dongtan beach on fl. 21(top), very wonderful sea view and greenery view.

55 sqm. luxury fully fitting furnished.

100% perfect condition. Elegant design & very nice decoration, Beautiful guarantee! Luxury Cozy breezy & newly. 3.19 mil. by owner (foreigner name) 081 933 2240, pitipity@hotmail. com. See pictures as vedio virtual tour www.chosenmarketing.com/viewtalay (ptm-L2108)Northshore Beachfront Condominium, 1 Bedroom , 1 Bath, #2101, 21st Floor, Overlooking Pool and Beach, Facing Walking St., 64 Sq. Mtrs, Fully Luxury Furnished, New Washing Machine,100% Equipped, Soi 5 and Beach Rd., 7.9 million baht FOREIGN NAME. (Will consider term payments up to 8 months) Realtors Welcome! Gary 089 544 0634. (ptm-L2108)View Talay 6 Condominiums – Beachfront on Beach Rd and Soi 9, Pattaya directly next to the new and largest shopping mall in Asia. 10 condos to choose from, 48 sq meter studio units, high floors, FRONT SIDE of building facing Walking Street (Units are unfinished shells with electric outlets; bathroom completely

Pattaya Today 47

Classified

finished with tile floor, tile walls, shower, sink, toilet, granite counter tops, lights, etc.). Units available 1804, 1805 and 1806 (18th floor; all 3 side by side); 1906 (19th floor), 2005 (20th floor), 2104 (21st floor), 2205 and 2206 (22nd floor; both side by side). Purchase Option One: Cash 3.0 Million to 3.2 Million Baht Each. Purchase Option Two: 1,000,000 to seller upon contract signing; 1,000,000 to seller at 60 days from contract date; final payment of 600,000 to seller at 120 days from contract date; 600,000 to seller at 180 days from contract date. Gary 089 544 0634. Keys at View Talay Office. Realtors Welcome! (ptcs-0008)Sale 1,500,000 Baht, Rent 1,000 per night, 5000 per week, 15,000 per month high season. 10,000 baht per month on 1 year contract. Marble Condo with stunning sea view, on 5th floor, fully furnished, in foreign name. 350 meters from sea in quiet, safe coastal village, Baan Amphur, south of Pattaya off Sukhumvit road on the way to Sattahip. Wonderful weekend hideaway next to Ocean Marina harbor, near Phoenix Golf course and Pattaya airpark. Welcome to come see. Free rent for up to two weeks if you decide to buy. This is our residence as well, and we would be pleased to show you the neighborhood. Call me, Lela, at 66 (0) 86-984-9700, or e-mail : lelaaukes@gmail.com Private Sale Near Jomtien Beach, 2 Balcony, 8th Floor, Corner 45 sq.m. Sea View Studio. Just been completely renovated to very high standard, new furniture, kitchen, fridge freezer, microwave, LCD TV, pictures, plants, everything you need. I need a quick sale as I’m going back to UK, hence only 1.5 mil. baht. In Foreign Name. Call Alan 087 139 1570 (Eng.)

(pta-dec0008) Penthouse 720 sqm with a Spectacular Front Sea View. 300 meters from the beach, 5 minutes away from Walking Street. In the best location of Pratamnak Hill. This residence is a 360° unblocked sea view, with a golf and Buddha Hill.

Large terrace (240 sqm) with huge Jacuzzi. New modern design concept, 4 beds/baths + maid room. Any room have terrace. Euro style kitchen, living 118 sqm. Fully furnished at high standard. Price exceptional at 50,000 baht/ sqm. Tel. for information or a visit 081 863 1076.

Stylish Condo for Sale at Keang Talay (near Cozy Beach) 40 sqm on 5th flr (have mountain view). Good size kitchen and bathroom.

Totally renovated with all brand new equipment and furniture. Now for only 1.25 Million Baht. Tel: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

A Very Nice Condo for Sale.

Located at the 3rd flr. of Bangsaray Condominium.

Totally renovated and has 2 bedrooms. Price is only 4.2 Million Baht. For more viewing and more information please call us : 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

For Quick Sale! Condo for only 3 Million Baht. Located at Wong Amart Beach.

Luxurious Studio, 53 sqm at high floor, fully furnished with built-in furniture. For viewing please call at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

An Amazing Panoramic view in Baan-Am-Pur, only 10 minutes drive and 8 kilometers from Big C in South Pattaya. Located on the 14th flr, 105 sqm, 1 bedroom, living room, furnished with European designs, 2 balaconies, 24hr security, big swimming pool. Price for quick sale, only 7 Million Baht. Tel: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398. FOR SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY. Fascinating Penthouse at Wong Amart Beach in a Low Rise Condominium for Quick Sale!!! For only 20 Million Baht, 260 sqm, two levels, with great interior designs, a spacious living area, executively decorated, breath taking sea view, just 1 minute walk to Wong Amart Beach and accessible to everywhere, good facilities are available.

For viewing please call at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Fax: (038) 374535 Top Quality Beachfront Condominium! In Foreign Name for only 7.9 Million Baht. Have 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, high floor, with superb overlooking view at the ocean and at the pool, 64 sqm, fully furnished, downtown location, Owner financing can arrange (will consider payment terms of up to 8 months). To view, please call at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

The Perfect Destination.

Absolutely brand new project with high standard quality. Feel the cool breeze in the modern tropical villas with only 49 units. There are 3 lovely designs of family home to choose from, with 3 bedrooms, 3 restrooms, underground cabling and with private pool. Being located off Sukhumvit Road, driving to and from Bangkok is so convenient and also without the hassle of driving through the city of Pattaya which is only few minutes away, getting in and out Pattaya is easy with several kinds of public transportation available. Price starts from 12 Million Baht.

For viewing please call: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Great Opportunity for Low Season! Only 5 Units Left!!!

For Quick Sale only 3.8 Million Baht. New 5 Star Condominium at Jomtien Area, 96 sqm. Have 1 bedroom, 1 living room, 2 aircons, kitchen, 1 bathroom and 1 toilet. Slightly furnished, accessible to everywhere. To view, please call us at : 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Majestic Sea View and Private beach in North Pattaya, Laem-Chabang view, 137 sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, unfurnished, big living room, with a large balcony, 24hr security, swimming pool, unfurnished. Only 12 Million Baht. Please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Finance Available on our Condominium and Pool Villa Projects, 10% Deposit only.

Call Barry 089 933 3583 First to View Will Buy - New Completed Unit. Pattaya “Down Town” location. 1 Bed - 57.20 sqm, fully furnished 2.8 Million. 2 Bed- 99 sqm, fully furnished 4.8 Million.

Call Barry 089 933 3583

“Trade Up To a Better Lifestyle”. We will “trade in “your property, as part payment on any of our luxury pool villa and condominium projects. Call: Peter 081 982 6145.

“Penthouse Style” over looking Pattaya Bay, 180 SQ.M. Fully finished and furnished, best value in town 10,340,000- Call: Peter at 081 982 6145.

Jomtien “Foreign Ownership” Pre-Construction discounts and easy payment plans, 150 metres to Jomtien Beach from 3,500,000- Call: Peter at 081 982 6145.

Foreign Ownership, 2 Bedroom Corner Unit. Fully furnished and fitted by a quality developer. Central Pattaya. Special deal for 60 days completion. Call: Peter at 081 982 6145.

CS1285: Another bargain to be had! View talay 6 studio apartment on the 13th floor.

Needs to be finished with A/C & furniture, kitchen if desired. Only 2.8mill O.N.O Call for more info 038-373 966or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com CSNM: just come available at discount prices starting from 1 million Baht!! Studio and 1 bedroom available, some empty shell and some fully finished inclusive of furniture. An investment not to miss! Call for more info 08-4780 8457or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com

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48 Pattaya Today E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Condo for Sale

CS1248: studio apartment located in a low rise in Jomtien. 42sqm, fully furnished in which case everything is new and been lived in for 3 months by the owner. Owner needs to reside back in UK. Only 1.250million O.N.O Call for more info 08-494 42541 or

by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com CS1241: This apartment has just been lowered, the price from 3.9 to 3.3million!! It is located in the new Hyde Park buiding! 1 bedroom, 50sqm and modernly furnished to a high standard. A must to view!

Call for more info 08-1761 3238 or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com CS1230: Brand new A.D condo studio apartment on the top floor, 32sqm and with sea views! Available at only 1.5m Offers considered! Call for more info 08-47808457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com Thai Living: Hot Sale 1 Unit, View Talay 1A- Foreigner name, 5th floor, For 950,000 M THB, For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Hot Sale- Penthouse- Chateau Dale Thabali (120 sq.m). Easy access to taxi and short walking to beach, tropical living, 1bed / 2bath, 5th floor, For 6,300,000 M THB, For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Metro Jomtien, Corner unit, Fully furnished and great sea view, 9 M THB. 165 sqm, duplex unit. 40th floor. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net Thai Living: Grand Condo.

Great View and good location, sea View and large balcony, 3b/3b, need renovated, 186 sqm, 11th floor. 9.5 M THB. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net/ www. thailiving.net

Thai Living: Hot Sale Studio 2 Units , Jomtien Beach Condo (Rim Haad). BLDG 3A, Pattaya, 3rd floor, For 850,000 M THB per Unit, For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Jomtien Complex. nice sea view and good location, 68 sqm, high floor, fully furnished. For 2.9 M. THB / unit, For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net Thai Living: Hot Sale Studio, Jomtien Beach Condo (Foreigner name) BLDG S2, (Pattaya Side),16th floor, For 1,400,000 M THB, For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving. net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Metro Jomtien, Fully furnished and great sea view, 110 sq.m, 5th floor, 4.5 M THB. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net Thai Living: Hot Sale - Metro Jomtien, 54 sqm, great sea view, 34th floor, 2.75 M THB. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@ thailiving.net/ www.thailiving.net Thai Living: View Talay 5D, Jomtien side and nice sea view, fully furnished. 48 sq.m, high floor, 2.9 M THB. , For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving. net / www.thailiving.net The Best Location in Town Near Royal Garden & Behind the Avenue Mall. Luxury Studio & 1 Bedroom from 1.6 Million Baht. Phone: 038 -711 017 Mobile: 084 866 9644, E-mail: theavenueresidence@hotmail. com, www.avenue-residence.com Sale or Rent Luxury Condo.

In Centre Pattaya Luxury fully furnished 1+2 Bedrooms, Rent from 25,000 Baht / Month. Sale 50,000 Baht / m2. Call Khun Ann 085 090 0051 , 081 921 4508, E-mail: novaatrium@hotmail.com, www.novagroupthailand.com Wong Amat Nova Mirage.

Luxury Studio & 1 Bedroom for Sale or Rent. Phone: 038 225 723, www.novagroupthailand. com, E-mail: novamiragecondo@yahoo.com

Classified

(ptm-L2108)View Talay 6 Condominiums – Beachfront on Beach Rd and Soi 9, Pattaya directly next to the new and largest shopping mall in Asia.

2 condos to choose from, 48 sq meter studio units, high floors, FRONT SIDE of building facing Walking Street. Units available 2506 and 2507 (25th floor; side by side) and COMPETELY NEW INSIDE AND TURN KEY FURNISHED. Purchase Option One: Cash 3.6 Million Baht Each, Purchase Option Two: 1,000,000 to seller upon contract signing; 1,000,000 to seller at 60 days from contract date; final payment of 800,000 to seller at 120 days from contract date; 800,000 to seller at 180 days from contract date.

Gary 089 544 0634. Keys at View Talay Office. Realtors Welcome!

View Talay 1B. 42 square meters 10th floor. One million two hundred thousand baht. Call 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime ,Thai & English) E-mail pappa@csloxinfo.com. Agents welcome.

No time wasters, please.

For sale by owner. Where the largest Night Market in Pattaya is located. Near Sukhumvit Hwy. Panoramic ocean views.

Older building. Top floors. 60 square meters (600 square feet).

Large swimming pool, tennis courts, near Tesco-Lotus and Big C. Great security. Only two million baht. Fifty percent financing available. Call 084.

111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime , Thai & English). E-mail pappa@csloxinfo.com. Agents welcome.

No time wasters, please.

View Talay 6 46 sqm beautifully renovated Studio apartment for only 2.1 Million Baht. Just a 50 meter walk to the beach.

Panoramic views over the ocean and the Boulevard. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We have the best selection of Ananya Condos Available on the Market Today! We have the last two units available on the penthouse floor of Ananya (5th floor, Phase 3) two bedroom, 155 sqm. Ananya the best location on the best beach of Pattaya, Wongamat Beach.

Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Two Bedroom Condo at Jomtien Beach’s Best location for 7.9 Million Baht! This has been very nicely renovated and has two bedrooms two bathrooms all within 126 square meters of comfort and security. Priced to sell, make sure that you see this apartment soon. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Na-Jomtien 3 Bedroom Sea View Apartment for 11.8! A beautifully renovated 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom luxury condo.

Thai Bali Style interior design, 178 sqm, high floor and huge balcony with Fantastic Sea view.

Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Act quick we have a front corner unit, A building, View Talay 3 facing Pattaya (cool side). 137 sqm for 7.4 million Baht on a high floor!! Spectacular views, 50 meters from the ocean and the best beach of town. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Spectacular Sea View unit in the new project La royale!

Only with us is this rare opportunity to purchase something special for only 8 Million Baht!

Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We Have Several Studio units in Popular Seafront Jomtien Condo with Amazing Seaviews Available from only 900,000 Million Baht! Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Northshore Condominium for 8 Million Baht! This is a great opportunity to purchase in a great ‘downtown’ location.

If you are looking to live in a dream, be sure to take a look at this popular building. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com INVESTORS: For the latest and most Exclusive Condominium Developments…..

Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Beautiful Condo in the Low Rise condominium of Grand Condotel for 12,25 Million Baht! LOWERED FROM 14.5 MILLION BAHT FOR A QUICK SALE!!! Just 1 minute walk to Jomtien Beach with a really spacious living area and an enormous balcony. The condo is completely renovated, ready to move in. A lot of facilities are available, two swimming pools, a gym and a tennis court are just examples. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fax: (038) 374535

Pattaya’s Hottest New Five Star Condo Still Has Units left! Yes Nirvana Place Condo does have a few one and two bedroom apartments available. The very best in security, construction and location between Pattaya and Jomtien Beach. You will love the interior design motifs available and will love the fine dining and socializing at the Matahari Restaurant downstairs.

Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Gorgeous Sea View Condominium Apartments on Wongamat Beach! Starting as low as 1.8 Million Baht, you may want to take a look at these brand new units that are being completed with beautiful interior designs and will be ready for occupancy very soon. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We Have Several Very Nice View Talay Condos for Sale Starting at under 2 million Baht! One of the most popular developments in the city has several units for sale, many of which feature beautiful furniture and finishing and priced to sell! Call Jan for more information. 087-021-7014.

We Have a lot of units in the new Popular Seafront View Talay 6 with Amazing Seaviews. We have all the units available on all the floors for the best prices in town. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Pattaya’s New Five Star Condominium, NORTH POINT, is sold out! We have a few re-sales on very high floors for 110,000 THB/ SQM. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Condo for Rent

(ptm-n1608)Condo for Rent at Pratamnak Hill Near Cosy Beach & Soi 4. 1 bedroom, 1 living room, 2 aircons, fully furnished 15,000 baht per month. Phone 081 782 0206, 084 362 5920

(ptm-gl0008)Privately Owned Suite Room at the Hotel in Jomtien for Rent, newly, elegantly and brilliantly renovated, sea view, 24 hours service, safe and convenient. 1 bedroom 2 toilets, living room, kitchen. Normally 2000 Baht per day but will be negotiable for monthly or yearly rent. Interested call 087 141 2783 or email: glenzsky@yahoo.com Rare Opportunity 1 of Only a Few, 6th Floor (Top Floor) in Majestic Jomtien, 61 sq.m.

1 bedroom with large balcony and en-suite, 1 living room with very large picture windows for excellent Jomtien views. Euro kitchen with breakfast bar. 2 TVs, fully furnished, A/C. This is an original room from new (not converted). Good price, only 12,000/month.

Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www.pacpattaya.com, email: info@pacpattaya.com Majestic Jomtien, 800 Meters from Beach, 32 sqm, 1st floor, big balcony, fully furnished, TV, fridge. Just been renovated. Lovely room. Only 6,500 baht per month. Call Pin 087 150 4845.

500 Meters from Beach, 39 sq.m Studio, 8th Floor, Big Balcony with Nice Breeze and Lovely Sea Views of Jomtien Beach. Beautifully refurbished and furnished to a very high standard, stoned pictured walls, marble shower room and new European kitchen, fridge freezer, microwave, new air conditioning, safety box, LCD TV, DVD. Rent 15,000 baht per month. Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai). For more details and pictures, visit our website www.pacpattaya.com, email: info@pacpattaya.com Angket Jomtien, 8th Floor Studio, 38 sq. m with lovely sea view, just been renovated to high standard, with marble floors, quality kitchen, matching furniture. Everything new.

Really must be viewed. For rent 12,000 baht per month.

Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www.pacpattaya.com, email: info@pacpattaya.com Lovely 11th Floor 39 sqm Jomtien Sea View Condo, just been renovated with big balcony, new A/C, furniture, kitchen, fridge, microwave, washing machine, LCD TV, DVD, pictures and plants. For rent 12,000 baht per month.

Call P.A.C. Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539/087 139 1570(English), 087 150 4845(Thai) for details www.pacpattaya.com, email: info@pacpattaya.com

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Condo for Rent

(ptcr-0008)Sale 1,500,000 Baht, Rent 1,000 per night, 5000 per week, 15,000 per month high season. 10,000 baht per month on 1 year contract. Marble Condo with stunning sea view, on 5th floor, fully furnished, in foreign name. 350 meters from sea in quiet, safe coastal village, Baan Amphur, south of Pattaya off Sukhumvit road on the way to Sattahip. Wonderful weekend hideaway next to Ocean Marina harbor, near Phoenix Golf course and Pattaya airpark. Welcome to come see. Free rent for up to two weeks if you decide to buy. This is our residence as well, and we would be pleased to show you the neighborhood. Call me, Lela, at 66 (0) 86-984-9700, or e-mail: lelaaukes@gmail.com Two Captivating Condos for Rent. Private Beach on North Pattaya, 64 sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 living room, with balcony, 24 hr security, swimming pool, furnished. For only 25,000 Baht per month.

For viewing, please call us at : 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Stylish Condo for Rent at Keang Talay (near Cozy Beach) 40 sqm on 5th flr (have mountain view). Good size kitchen and bathroom.

Totally renovated with all brand new equipment and furniture. Price is 10,000 Baht per month. Tel: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Best Quality Beachfront Condo for Rent. Stunning sea view and private beach in North Pattaya, 105 sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, with large balcony, 24hr security, swimming pool, furnished. Price at 35,000 Baht per month. For viewing, please call: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

A 105 sqm. Superb Condo which has captivating sea view is now for Rent. Furnished, has 2 relaxing bedrooms, 2 cool bathrooms and direct telephone lines. Price is only 28,000 Baht per month.

Call now at: : 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Nova Park Executive Sevice Apartment. For rent Luxury Studios 1or 2 bedrooms fully furnished from 16,000 Baht / Month, Free Internet, Pool & Gym. Tel: 038 415 304-8, Email: novapark@loxinfo.co.th, www.novaparkpattaya.com Sale or Rent Luxury Condo.

In Centre Pattaya Luxury fully furnished 1+2 Bedrooms, Rent from 25,000 Baht / Month. Sale 50,000 Baht / m2. Call Khun Ann 085 090 0051 , 081 921 4508, E-mail: novaatrium@hotmail.com, www.novagroupthailand.com

Wong Amat Nova Mirage.

Luxury Studio & 1 Bedroom for Sale or Rent. Phone: 038 225 723, www.novagroupthailand.com, E-mail: novamiragecondo@yahoo.com CR0388: GREAT VALUE, 82 Sq m 1 bedroom unit, 6th floor in View Talay 2B, Only 20,000 P/M Modern furniture, Call for more info 08-47808457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com CRNA: 2 1 Bedroom apartments located in the center of Pattaya, fully furnished with free wifi internet and fitness center at only 28,000 p/m Call for more info 08-4780 8457 or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com CR1149: just recently come available studio 48sqm in view talay 6, 24th floor beach front apartment with fantastic view of Pattaya bay by day & night! Only 20,000 P/M Call for more info 08-49442541 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com CR1112: Outstanding 3 bed penthouse, POSSIBLE SHORT TERM LET, Wongamat beach, great sea views, High speed internet connected, modernly furnished from 75,000 P/M view http://www. pattaya-property.biz/index. asp to view pictures or call 08-49442541 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com CR1111: Studio apartments for rent, both long & short term lets, Wongamat beach area,44 Sq m, modern furniture LCD TV, from 15,000 P/M Call for more info 08-478 08457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com CR0846: 2 bedrooms apartments located in Pratumnak close to the beach, many rooms available, short & long term, fully furnished, Wi-Fi internet, big TV Prices start at 45,000 P/M call 08-4944 2541 or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com CR1122: 1 bedroom apartment, brand new, 51 Sq m, fully equipped, superb location 5 minutes to Walking Street, only 25,000 B Per month, Call for more info 08-49442541 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com CR1148: studio apartment in the very popular view talay 2 building in Jomtien.

48sqm a rare unit to get. Fully furnished and only 14,000 p/m Call for more info 08-4944 2541 or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com CR1135: Newly renovated 20th Floor beach front apartment, great sea views, central location, 20,000 per month Call for more info 08-4780 8457 or by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com

Classified

CR1136: Newly renovated 11th Floor 1 bedroom apartment, in Center condo, South Pattaya, 15,000 per month Call for more info 08-1761 3238 or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com Thai Living : Ananya Beachfront Condo Naklua soi 4, Building C, 4th floor.

Beautiful beachfront unit with fantastic Sea View, huge balcony, 143 sq.m, 2b/2b, fully furnished. 60,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net Thai Living: View Talay 6, Pattaya Beach Road, 48 sq.m, 27th floor Walking street side, fully furnished.

20,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Penthouse Chateau Dale Thabali. Easy access to taxi and short walking to beach, tropical living, fully furnished 1bed / 2bath, 35,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Metro Jomtien, Duplex unit. Fully furnished and great sea view on 29th floor, 226 sq.m. 3b/3b, Big Balcony, 65,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@ thailiving.net/ www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Jomtien Complex, Sea View-high floor, Fully furnished. 68 sq.m. 17,000 THB/M. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515 / info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net THAIHUS : Condo for rent in Wongamat Beach 1 Bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 27 floor, 96 Sqm. Sea view and full facilities. Call us NOW at Eng: 0 852 777 900 Or Thai: 0 879 739 704.

THAIHUS :Condo for rent 19,000/month, 1 bedroom / 2 bathrooms Full facilities newly renovated condo, tastefully furnished unit at a reasonable price with full European kitchen. Call us NOW at Eng: 0 852 777 900 Or Thai: 0 879 739 704.

THAIHUS :Condo for rent in Wongamat Beach 2 beds 2 baths 38,000/month, 143 Sqm. uses of the facilities of the 5 star beachfront hotel located next door. Call us NOW at Eng: 0 852 777 900 Or Thai: 0 879 739 704.

Where the largest Night Market in Pattaya is located. Near Sukhumvit Hwy. Panoramic ocean views.

Older building. Top floors.

60 square meters (600 square feet). Large swimming pool, tennis courts, near Tesco-

Lotus and Big C. Great security. Only 14,000 Baht per month with one year lease.

Call 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English). Email pappa@csloxinfo.com.

Agents welcome. No time wasters, please.

View Talay 1B. 42 square meters 10th floor. Only 10,000 Baht per month with one year lease. Call 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English) E-mail pappa@csloxinfo. com. Agents welcome. No time wasters, please.

Royal Cliff ‘A Building’ Double View Four Bedroom Apartment for 90,000 Baht per month! One of the most sought after places to live with fantastic sunsets and sea views. Also we have other magnificent rentals in Royal Cliff starting from 50,000 Baht per Month! For appointment and private viewing, call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com View Talay 2 Sea View Condominium for 45,000 Baht per month! This is a masterpiece in condo design and comfort, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The condo has a big balcony with ocean-view and stunning furniture. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Pratamnak 3 Bedroom for Sale and Rent 7.35 Million Baht, 45,000 Baht/Month! A beautifully 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom luxury condo. 128 sqm, beautifully furnished and decorated. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Pattaya Today 49

Fax: (038) 374535

We Have Many Studio, 1, 2, 3 or 4 Bedroom Condos for Rent in Every Major Condo Building in the Area at the very best possible prices!

From Sri Racha to Naklua and Pattaya to Jomtien and beyond. Examples are, Northshore, Baan Rimpa, Saranchol, Grand Condotel, View Talay, and a lot more, we simply can’t be matched! Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Northshore Sea View Condominium for 65,000 Baht per month! Rent this beautifully furnished 112 square meter unit with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, at a great ‘downtown’ location. Our Northshore rentals are starting from 42,000 Baht/Month. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Beautifully Renovated Three Bedroom Condo in Jomtien For Rent at 55,000 Baht per month! Great three bedroom, three bathroom furnished apartment. Ready to move in, this is a great way to live! Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231931 or by Email: premier@ loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Great Two Bedroom Condos for rent from 20,000 to 45,000 Baht per month!

We have a number of very nice condominium apartments available for rent in this price range. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Very nice Royal Cliff Two Bedroom Plus Apartment for 55,000 Baht per month!

Those that know the ‘Cliff’, know that it is one of the most sought after places to live. Enjoy this two bedroom plus office apartment with fantastic sunsets and seaviews.

Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Ocean Marina Yacht Club Three Bedroom Suite For 50,000 Baht per month!

What more can you say? If you would like a ‘Five Star’ lifestyle with the yachts and all….this is your apartment.

There are no better building amenities anywhere.

Two swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, weight training gym, the list goes on and on…..and don’t forget their first class gourmet restaurant with Dim Sum on Sundays! This is just one of our listings in Ocean Marina.

For a total overview of our listings contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Incredible Sea View Three Bedroom Apartment for 65,000 Baht per month!

A very sharp building right on the beach with gorgeous beachfront swimming pool and roof top pool as well…. what a view from the top! This apartment has 198 square meters of comfort and style with sunset and Jomtien Beach views to die for. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

50 Pattaya Today E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Condo for Rent

Royal Cliff ‘C Building’ Double View Three Bedroom Apartment for 70,000 Baht per month or for sale for 19.9 Million Baht! One of the most sought after places to live with fantastic sunsets and sea views. Also we have other magnificent rentals in Royal Cliff starting from 50,000 Baht per Month!

Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com Northshore Sea View Condominium for 45,000 Baht per month or for sale for 7.5 Million Baht! Rent this beautifully furnished unit with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, at a great ‘downtown’ location. This is only one of our many Northshore rentals.

Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We Have Many Studio, 1, 2, 3 or 4 Bedroom Condos for Rent in Every Major Condo Building in the Area at the very best possible prices! From Sri Racha to Naklua and Pattaya to Jomtien and beyond. Examples are, Northshore, Baan Rimpa, Saranchol, Grand Condotel, View Talay, and a lot more, we simply can’t be matched!

Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

View Talay V Sea View Condominium for 20,000 Baht per month! Rent this beautifully furnished unit at a great ‘downtown’ location.

This is only one of our many rentals. Contact the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com We are the absolute leader in rental properties in Pattaya! We have over 1000 units for rent available in all the major condominiums.

Examples are units on high floors in Northshore, Royal Cliff, Chateau Dale, Saranchol, etc, etc. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or by Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit our website at www. premierinternational.com

Land for Sale

BANG SARAY THE MOST DESIRED AREA! U-Tapao planned for Pattaya’s International Airport. Unprecedented Mega Projects Starting. Land plots from 300,000 baht. Check our Exclusive Land, Villa & Condo’s. Tel: 081 576 0035, Email: countryproperty@loxinfo.co.th, www.countrypropertyservices.net (ptm-1408)18, one Rai plots for sale. All plots with own lake water front beside Phoenix Golf course. Cost 4 million/Rai. Call John 081 919 1120 (ptm-n1608)Land Plot for Sale. 200 to 400 sq wah land size on Eastern Star Golf Course: Phone 081 782 0206 or 089 249 1364

Classified

(ptm-c2308)Bang Saray Hills, Prime Real Estate for Sale by Owner, 2 to 3 rai, spectacular ocean and mountain views, walled, water, 3 phase electric, most exclusive farang area. 2.9 million per rai. 081 295 7236 LS1019: Land located in East pattaya great plot ideal for someone looking for that special land plot of that being 1 Rai, priced at 4 million baht O.N.O. Call for more info 08-47808457 or

by E-mail: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com PL 046: This land is located in the center of the city.

Ideal for house or apartment building filled and leveled already. Asking 12 million for 473sqw (1892SQM). Call for more info 08-478 08457 or by E-mail: pattaya@ paradisecityproperty.com Land for Sale. 11 Rai in Jomtien Area, only 10 Million per Rai. For viewing please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Land for Sale. 20 Rai in Soi Hua-Yai, only 8 Kilometers from Sukhumvit Road and 70 meters from the main road, perfect for small housing project. For quick sale, grab our cheapest offer, only 500,000 Baht per Rai. Nothing cheaper than this!

To view please call: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Land for Sale. 4 Rai in Soi Hua-Yai, 7.5 Kilometers from Sukhumvit Road, next to the main road in soi, perfect idea for a big house suitable not only for a big family, but for small family as well. For quick sale, we’re selling it for only 1.5 Million Baht per Rai. For viewing please call us at : 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Land for Sale. 50 Rai in Boput Area at Samui Island.

Best idea for business and investment. For quick sale, only 10.8 Million Baht per Rai. Please call us at : 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398.

Land for Sale 7 Rai. 43 Sq. Wah located at Najomtien Soi 8-12, Soi Pinnacle Resort, Opposite of Thai Alangkarn Show, only 350 m. from seaside. Price is only 20,000 per sq. wah (56,800,000 Million Baht). Please call us at: 081 334 5291, 081 357 7491 or 038 422 398 for details and viewing.

For sale by owner. Almost one rai (368 square wah) in Central Pattaya between Third Road and Motorway 7 entrance on Sukhumvit Road. Perfect for shophouses, condo building or small housing estate. 15 million baht.

Call 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English) E-mail pappa@csloxinfo. com. Agents welcome. No time wasters, please.

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fax: (038) 374535 Thai Living: Behind Diamond Beach Condo, land for sale with 3 Rai-200 sq.wah for 5.5 M THB. / Rai. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@ thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: land and house/private pool for sale 200 meters from Beach - Haad Tawanron, Bang Sare, 1 Rai 96 sq.wah for 12 M THB. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Quick Sale Land near Bang sare market, 164 sq.wah sale at 1.79 M THB. 3 km from beach and Sukhumvit Rd. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Pratamnak Hill Soi 4 (Opposite Star Beach) 207 sq.wah Sale 55,000 THB per sq.wah (N/A) For more information contact us today: 038 364515/ info@thailiving.net / www.thailiving.net Thai Living: Chaiyapruk soi 3, 2 Rai - 68 sq.wah of land for sale at 7.2 M THB. For more information contact us today: 038 364-515/ info@thailiving.net / www. thailiving.net 48 Rai for 5.5 Million Baht/ Rai 500 meters from La Royale condominium! Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th 2 Rai for 27.5 Million Baht/ Rai Beach Front near La Royale condominium! Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

32 Rai on a hill near Phoenix Golf Course with nice sea views, ideal for a housing development. 550,000 per Rai. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or Email to premier@loxinfo.co.th Land for sale next to Siam Country Club Golf Course!

36 Rai perfect for a housing project for 2.1 Million Baht/ Rai. The land is located in a beautiful landscaped area with stunning mountain views. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Two land plots for 1.1 Million Baht/Rai near Mabrachan Lake. 19 and 31 Rai ideal for housing developments as the whole area is already developed with other housing developments.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Beachfront Land Jomtien 16 Rai at 18 million per rai. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Beautiful located plots of Land! A few examples are stunning plots on the Prathamnak Hill (1 Rai up), 21 Rai of beachfront near the Ambassador Hotel and 7 Rai of Land on the beach in Bangsaray.

Our database contains over a 100 exclusive plots of land in and around Pattaya. Call the Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd. at (038) 231-931 or

by Email: premier@loxinfo. co.th or visit our website at www.premierinternational.com

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Classified

Pattaya Today 51

Fax: (038) 374535

Land for Sale

Looking for Beach front land? We have prime beach front land parcels available.

For appointments and private tours contact Premier Land and Development (038) 231931 or (01) 634-2915 Email: premier@loxinfo.co.th or visit us online at www.premierinternational.com Land next to the Polo Club in the Mabrachan area! 8 Rai at 1.2 million Baht/Rai, 23 Rai at 920,000 Baht/Rai, the whole plot (31 Rai) at 850,000 Baht/Rai. Owner motivated to sell quickly.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Beachfront Land Jomtien 23 Rai at 16 million per rai. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Beachfront Land Jomtien, 5 Rai at 27 million per rai.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Incredible 35 Rai of Land perfect for Development includes designs for 160 Unit Condo project 2 Rai lake and area for 20 homes.

Priced to sell. Property is in a fast growing area only 10 minutes to the beach and covered in mature coconut trees - absolutely beautiful.

Good flat ready to build condition with three road frontages. Smart money buy- call to take a look. Making your Business our Business – Premier Land and Development.

Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th Land Parcels all locations Starting Baht 300,000 per Rai. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th

274.4 Rai Prime Master Plan Development LandBaht 570 million. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231931 or E-mail to premier@ loxinfo.coth 20 Rai- Bang Saray 4 mil per Rai, sea view, ready to build. Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th 2 Rai Beachfront land in Jomtien for 25 Million Baht /Rai. If you are looking for land to build a beach front condominium or a small scaled up class housing project this is it! Call Premier Land and Development Business Brokers- 038-231-931 or E-mail to premier@loxinfo.co.th FOR INVESTORS……1.5 Rai plot of land for sale on Pratamnak Hill including Building designs, Brochures, Building License, etc, etc. for 32.5 Million Baht including everything you need to start your development. Call Jan at 087-021-3170

Property Wanted

(ptfjw-d1708)I am Looking for Inexpensive House in Central or South Pattaya for long term rental or possible purchase. Contact don. coppock@yahoo.net or phone 082 257 9431 in Jomtien.

THAIHUS : Properties urgently wanted for rent in Pattaya and Jomtien areas: Call us today at (Eng) 085 277 7900, (Thai) 087 973 9704 or send email to mikael@thaihus.com

Trade Property

(ptm-m1608)“Let’s Trade”.

My home in Bend, Oregon USA, for your condo in Pattaya. For more info 086 145 3625. Email: michael@ globalfarrier.com

Services Provided

(ptm-b1608)Paradise Home Cleaning Services – 1,500 B for 2 staff / day – 2,000 B for 3 staff / day including chemicals – Optional steam vapor cleaner for aircon/carpet cleaning. Dynamic team and foreigner follow–up. Call now: 089 886 5445 (ptm-1608)90 Days Notification Service. No more wasting days at the Immigration Office. We do it all for you.

For more info, call: Eng: 087 054 0126, Thai: 085 393 1898 (ptm-e0008)www.pattayaingatlanok.hu Properties in Pattaya and more. Tel: 087 067 0239 We Have Built Over 50 Houses and Also Specialize in Landscaping, Swimming pool Installations, New kitchens and Bathrooms etc.

Free quotations and professional service. Australian and Thai owners. WM Renovations - Design and Construction. Office: 038 374 623 Eng: 0811 580 065 www. pattayaoceanpropperty. com , E-mail info@pattayaoceanproperty.com (ptm-j2108)Storage Lockers for Rent. From 300 baht/ mo. Jomtien Plaza. PH 085 275 0987 (pta-no0008)No 1 Visa behind Carrefour, Central Pattaya.

Visa service for Thais to visit abroad, UK, Europe, USA and Australian Visa Specialist. The best affordable professional visa service in Thailand. Over 7 years experience. Taxi to the embassies, cheap airline tickets, travel medical insurance.

Tel: 038 360 204, Mobile: 089 246 5980 (ptmsp-1309)Architect Services Plans, houses, shops, apartments, etc. Contact 081 295 8038 (ptm-p0409)Pool Tables and Touch Screen Game Machines Coin Operated. You provide the location we provide the pool table or Touch screen game machine for free of all maintenance cost.

Make good money from profit sharing. Call: 081 762 8379 (ptm-p0409)Eden Massage.

Enjoy a relaxing massage in the privacy of your own place. Thai massage, Oil massage, foot massage, Aromatherapy massage, Sports massage. Call : 081 781 3861 (no sex)

(ptm-p0409)Need a Sports Massage. Call : 081 781 3861 (no sex) Do You Have Back Pains, Body Pains, Kidney Problem, High Cholesterol or High Blood? We have cure that are proven by our many cured and satisfied client.

Simple, safe & secure treatments come to our health spa for free trial and consultation; pre booking will be highly appreciated. Interested call 038 416 493 or 087 141 2783 Do You Want to Study Thai Language or Thai Culture in Fun, Easy and Effective Way? Come to Thankful Knowledge Learning Center.

Learn with the native eligible, professional teachers.

Affordable price & friendly environment. Call 038 724 239 or 038 723 324. *Email: thankful.knowledge@gmail. com**.* We speak English, Thai, German & Deustch We Have Built Over 50 Houses and Also Specialize in Landscaping, swimming pool installations, new kitchens and bathrooms etc. Free quotations and professional serviceAustralian and Thai owners WM Renovations – Design and Construction.

Office: 038 374 623 M: 0811 580 065 (Mal) Freelance I.T. Specialist.

Services Offered: Data Recovery (accidental format and deletion), Website design and devolopment, Hardware/ Software setup and installation, PC cleaning and maintenance, Free online tech support for minor issues, LAN Configuration, etc. Contact: 087 481 2163, E-mail: emvals4@gmail.com Dan One Call Service.

Property Services includes general household repairs, air conditioning repairs, swimming pool maintenance, gardening new and maintenance, electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, cleaning. General Services includes translation, assistance for Thai driving license, immigration matters, real estate matter, driver for your own car.

Call 085 163 5037 or email p.krittaphon@yahoo.com VDO Present Studio. We can make a presentation as VDO Presentation, Recording, Music VDO, Slide Show or special photograph in expertise skill in photographer.

Please contact: Tiwa 086 787 8001 E-mail: pepz11@yahoo.com

Made to Order Cakes and Brownies, characters such as Sponge Bob, Barbie doll, Power Puff Girls, Spiderman, Christmas Bears and etc.

Call 089 607 9850. Also, available Chocolate, Banana and Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese.

Ski Blind. For blinds, sunshade, retractable awning, canopy, folding doors. PVC strip doors, wallpapers, canvas, umbrellas, curtains, partitions, window shutter, and tents. Call Mr. Kiat at 081 307 7732 or e-mail skiblind@ hotmail.com. Visit their website www.skiblind.com Renovation Services Carried Out on Condos or Houses.

All types of work carried out at a very high standard with very reasonable prices. For quotations call PAC Co., Ltd. 087 139 1539 (Eng), 087 150 4845 (Thai) If You are Having a Problem with Your Computer either software and hardware, please phone 086 820 2577 or 081 157 4561 (Thai & Eng). I will go to service at your place.

If you are Looking for a Computer Graphic Designer, Web designer or would like to make some printed matters in reasonable price, please phone 086 820 2577 (Thai) or 081 157 4561 (Thai & Eng) or e-mail: info@ssallinone.com

(ptfsp-0108)Pattaya Secretarial Services. One Stop Service for your office needs, www.pattaya-secretarial-services.com. Client service 081 550 0885 Legal and Visa services provided by American expert living in Thailand more than 10 years and English-speaking Thai lawyer.see ads in PattayaToday. Call PAPPA Co., Ltd. at 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English) for a free consultation. Email pappa@csloxinfo.com

Job Wanted

(ptfjw-w1708)Pretty Thai Girl, good personality, welleducated, trustworthy, honesty, speak English, driving with license looking for part time job as driver, taxi-driver from Pattaya-airport or tour guide around Pattaya ,the East of Thailand, pay cheap price per day for more any questions please feel free contact any time at weaw.wewa@ hotmail.com (ptfjw-e1408)Two European / Hungarian/Ladies/35. Looking for a part time job in the day. We have car, we speak English Italian Russian. We are open for every job. Tel 087 067 0239

52 Pattaya Today E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Job Wanted

(ptfjw-e1408)Retired 57 Year Old American with TEFL Certificate would like to volunteer services teaching English and/or basketball. I can be reached in Jomtien at don.coppock@yahoo.com or phone 082 257 9431 (ptfjw-0008)Italian Man, 40 y.o. is looking for a job as manager for go-go bar, etc.

Previous experiences in the nightlife – industry of Pattaya.

Michael 085 212 0788

Job Vacancies

(ptfjv-1708)Computer Tutor Wanted. 3 days weekly, one and a half hour sessions in Naklua, pays 350 baht per session. 086 596 0966. Please call, don’t text. (ptfjv-ex1708)Male Driver Require…. 6 days/week working with Top Car Rental in Jomtien. Must have driving license and know some

English. High Salary. Call for Interview. Tel. 038 364 461, 038 364 238 (ptfjv-ex1708)New Supermarket Opening Soon. Needs a Thai lady with experience about Supermarkets and can speak English. Call 038 364 238, 081 865 1011 (ptfjv-l708)Timeshare Wanted: Preferably Alive! Timeshare \”Dogs of War\” Thailand Experienced sales Liners for Jomtien office-\”Probably The Best Pay Package in Thailand!

Contact Vacation By Design 082 216 7352 (ptfjv-l608)Traditional Thai Puppet Theater (Joelouis) is looking for staff very position for a new restaurant, Male or Female. Now- May 30, 2009 and application at the Traditional Thai Puppet Theater office(Thai Wat City Walk, South Pattaya). Tel: 081 935 4937, 081 376 8596 , 02 252 9683-4 , 02 252 5227-8. Time for contact:10.00-04.00 pm.

Classified (ptfjv-l608)Traditional Thai Puppet Theater (Joelouis) is looking for staff very position for a new restaurant, Male or Female. Now- May 30, 2009 and application at the Traditional Thai Puppet Theater office(Thai Wat City Walk, South Pattaya). Tel: 081 935 4937, 081 376 8596 , 02 252 9683-4 , 02 252 5227-8. Time for contact:10.00-04.00 pm. (ptfjv-l608)New Legal Office in Pattaya Requires Administration Staff, with experience in Company formation, Work permits, Visa, Immigration procedures, Income Tax, Licensing, interested call Nani at 087 782 3890 or send resume to 779grover@ gmail.com (ptm-a1608)Caretaker/Gardener/Cleaner Wanted. 6 days monthly 1,800 baht. 084 958 6569. Must have good references. (ptfjv-l608)Required for Marketing Office in Pattaya, Editor for Tourist & Travel Magazine & Guide, candidate must have experience in English writing, interested call Nani at 087 782 3890 or send CV to 779grover@gmail.com (ptfjv-l608)IT Solutions Have Vacancies for the Following Staff:- 1. Freelance Sales (Most Provinces), 2.

Computer / Network Technicians / Support Engineers, 3.

Web Designer / Programmer / Graphic Designer, 4. Con-

trol Room Staff (Shift work).

All positions require a good command of written and spoken English. Attractive salary and working conditions. Immediate start available to suitable applicants. For further information and to arrange an interview call: 083 540 5220 E-mail: hr@itsthailand.org Website: www.itsthailand.org (ptfjv-s1708)Free, Free, Frre, Room and Board, share a beautiful, large, 2 bedroom condo at Jomtien Plaza over looking Jomtien Beach, in exchange, cook Thai dinner and do light housekeeping, must speak good English. 038 231 999, before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m., apt. 406/282 #2601, building A, 406 M.12 Thappraya Rd. (ptfjv-l508)We are Growing Company, looking for more team work. 1. Marketing & Sales, Thai or native speaker .

Call 089 748 9536 or 087 133 8282 (ptm-te1408)Wanted Secretary.

Required: Thai female, good in English, basic computer skill. Please apply at info@ teflintercon.com or call 086 841 5976 (ptfjv-j1308)Free Private Accommodation Available, T/V etc in return for light garden and pool duties. Would suit couple 50/60 and be able to speak some English a small salary will be paid, and motorbike supplied. Huay-Yai area.

Tel 087 905 5889

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Fax: (038) 374535 (ptfjv-p1308)Profil Construction Co., Ltd. is looking for an Interior Decorator. Call 082 202 7626 or email profil.architecture@yahoo.de (ptm-srv1108)Are You a Special Needs Teacher Who is Looking for an Interesting Job? A Special Needs School on the Eastern Seaboard is looking for a new member of staff who is: A certified teacher.

Experienced in working with children with Special Needs, Creative, independent and disciplined, Fluent in English.

What we are offering: A pleasant working environment at a young school in development, prospect of a management position, a good monthly salary, a challenging job with a lot of autonomy, attractive and free housing in the vicinity of a large city, free transportation by car. Interested? Call 081 940 4246 for more information (ptm-tl0808)Thai Living Ferry: Coworkers wanted for our ferry between Pattaya and Hua Hin. A Captain with three years experience and a captain’s license. For more information contact Sara today sara@thailiving or call, 081 925 5982, 038 364 515. English is mandatory. (ptm-tl0808)Thai Living Ferry: We are looking for coworkers for our ferry between Pattaya and Hua Hin. Crew with two years experience please send your CW and letter of application now.

For more information contact Sara today sara@thailiving or call, 081 925 5982, 038 364 515. English is mandatory.

(ptm-tl0808)Thai Living Ferry: We are looking for coworkers for our ferry between Pattaya and Hua Hin. Hostess with two years experience please send your CW and letter of application now. For more information contact Sara today sara@thailiving or call, 081 925 5982, 038 364 515.

English is mandatory. (ptm-tl0808)Just Us 2: Room Rental Service at Bang Sare.

Thai Staffs: 4 positions for Cooker, Diver & Bar, Maid & Serve and Mechanic Man. Cooker can cook for Inter & Thai food, must be active, hard working. English speaking for all position required. Good salary & bonus. Contact: Nu 089 143 9787 E-mail: saengduen_s@yahoo.com (ptm-tl0808)Thaihus Samui: Real Estate Agency in Samui.

Thai Staffs: 5 positions for Sales Representative , Assistance Sale, Marketing, Listing Agent and Admin & Book Keeping. Foreigner Sale Manager: Top ability & dynamic are required and sale experience in housing business, active, good relationship.

High salary + commission.

All prefer 2 years experience up in this business filed and must be able to speak English and have computer skill.

Good salary and commission.

Call: Wanjira 086 113 0667 E-mail:wanjira_uttha@hotmail.com

Vol. 8 No. 16  1- 15 May 2009

E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net

Job Vacancies

(ptm-tl0808)SarSaz: Iranian Restaurant in South Pattaya.

Thai Staffs for Cooker, Waiter & Waitress, Female Cleaner and Female Reception. Cooker must be able to cooking for Iranian & Thai food with 2-3 years experience of international restaurant. All must able to speak English and good relationship, active and hard working. High salary + bonus.

Call: Kim 086 336 5690 Email:kim@thailiving.net LC International languages and Computer School is looking for German, Dutch, Italian, French, Russian, Chinese and English speaking teacher. Interested person please call: 038 361 948 - 9 or contact us by lc_pattaya@ hotmail.com (ptfjv-0108)Needed immediately secretary, receptionist, ad sales people and graphic artists for publishing company. Top pay for experienced professionals. Call PAPPA Co., Ltd. at 084.111.799 (anytime, English) or 038.301.048 (daytime, Thai & English).

Send resume, CV or inquiries to pappa@csloxinfo.com.

Pro Language is language training institute based in Bangkok. Now we are opening a new office in Pattaya and seek Part-time and Full-time Teachers to join our team in Pattaya Branch.

English Teachers and other Language Teacher, English-Dutch-German-ItalianFrench-Japanese-ChineseRussian-Korean-Spanish,

Thai Teachers to teach Thai and English for Foreigners, Marketing. Please call K. Jerry and K. Nutcharee to arrange an appointment. Tel. 02-2500072 www.Prolanguage.co.th

Travel

Mc Flight Travel & Visa.

Cheapest Air Fares. Promotion BKK-LON, FRA,PAR, ROM, GVA Start from 10,000 O/W 20,100 R/T. Special Promotion on September AMS-BKK-AMS. Start from 570 Euro’s. All the price not include tax. Visa to Europe, Vietnam, Laos, China, India, Myanmar, Indonesia; Ext Hotel Reservation, Scuba Diving, Taxi, Minibus. Tel 038 413 530, 038 724 023, Fax 038 413 540 Email.... Mcflightpattaya@hotmail.com

Vehicles for Rent

(ptm-y0008) Pattaya Global 2000 Car Rentals. Taxi & car for rent, cheap price. Taxi to airport only 1,200 baht inc. toll fees. Call Yai on 086 323 3523 or email pakkamoncull@hotmail.com. Visit our website at www.pattayacarrentals-yai.com for more info. (ptm-s1408)Motorbikes for Rent: Automatic Daily=200 Weekly=1,000 Monthly=3,000 PANDIA Shop, Soi Buakhaow Call 081 244 6970

Vehicles for Sale

(ptfas-j1708)Cycling to Angkor Wat from Pattaya in August. Interested? Also, Madone frame/fork 2008, 3000kms, 59 cm as new, cost 56,000 baht, sell 15,000 bt.

089 253 2983 poolcomp01@ yahoo.com

Classified (ptm-ro1608)2006 Toyota Hi-Lux Vigo, 3 L diesel, 60 k, 2 x 4 pre runner ,Manual, just serviced, leather interior, 4 door, 550,000 THB or sensible offers! Call 084 780 8457 (ptm-e1608)2005 Mitsubishi G Wagon 2.8 TD. 27.000 km, 530.000. From European owner. Tel: 087 067 0239 (ptm-1608)Honda CRV 2001. Exc. condition, LPG, auto, leather seats, 2 air bags, ABS, 89,000 kms with full service history, insurance.

440,000 Baht ONO. Call Michael 081 343 4851 (ptm-ex1408)Expat Used Cars; (MP. Service Station) Thepprasit Rd. 3 X Toyota Fortuner, 4x4, A/T 20052007 (Diesel & Petrol) Models. TAKE YOUR PICK!!! 1 x Honda City VTEC ’07. 1 x Honda Jazz ’06. Plus Many More: View at MP. Service Station (Thepprasit Road).

All of above vehicles are accident free, one owner and with low kms!!! Tel K. Na 089 091 0714 or K. Nat 087 486 4848 for test drive. (ptfcs-1508)Toyota Fortuner 4x4 2.7 Petrol 2006 Silver. Excellent condition.

1 Foreigner owner. BHT 820,000. Tel 081 8087213, 085 3945932, 038 429 124-5. (ptfcs-1508)Toyota Fortuner 4x4 2.7 Petrol 2005 Black. Excellent condition.

1 Foreigner owner. BHT 799,000. Tel 081 8087213, 085 3945932, 038 429 124-5. (ptfcs-v1508)Mazda 3 Top Model Full Option, Black Colour. 8 Airbag ABS. Leather seats. MAX 17 Auto, sunroof, MP3, CD. 70,000 km. 081 862 8846, 038 433 255. Alarm system. For Sale 650,0000 Baht.

Pattaya Today 53

Fax: (038) 374535

(ptfvs-je1508)Suzuki Caribean 4 Wheel Drive Jeep.

Customized, new Vitara big engine, auto, air, power brakes/steering. Very low mileage on engine and drive train. Asking 140,000 OBO. See write up at: http://www. thaivisa.com/forum/Customized-Suzuki-Caribian-Pattaya-t231013.html&hl=suzuki or call: Lek/Jeep 086 072 9843 glenp@loxinfo.co.th (ptfvs-c1508)For Sale 2007 Mitsubishi Triton Plus 2.5 diesel turbo black, 4 door, automatic, only 13,000kms. showroom condition! First to pay me 550,000 baht takes it away! For more information call 081 187 8633(English) (ptfvs-j1508)Honda Click 2007, 2600 Km. Only 26000 Bath. Tel. 087 142 2237 (ptm-c0007)Toyota Tiger 3.0 Turbo Diesel 4x4 2 Door. Big Cab 1999, 5 speed, power steering. Heavy duty front and rear bumpers.

Raised suspension, air bag, ABS, C.D. Big alloys, loads of extras, 130,000 kms. Full history. Falang owned. Immaculate condition. 390,000 baht. Call 087 139 1539 (ptfvs-k0708)Toyota 2003 Sport Rider 4X4 Auto DSL. Only 140,000 ks Only 475,000 offer. 08 600 68 390 (ptfvs-k0708)A Solid Gold Longines Watch and Band, valuation $14,000 – new $20,000. Sell for only $6,000 or swap for jet ski or car or 4 wheel drive. 08 600 68 390 (ptfvs-r0408)2003 Nissan NV Truck with Carryboy.

Top-automatic 69,000 km.

Excellent condition. 229,000 baht or best offer, tax and insured. 086 109 0721

Deadline

Issue May 16 - 31 Please Forward Your Classifieds by 5:00 PM May 7

54 Pattaya Today

high society

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

Business & Charity Club Combine

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) and the Lighthouse Club (LHC) held a joint meeting at the latter’s usual venue of Shenanigans Irish Pub in the Jomtien Complex Condo. This well attended event was sponsored by long established swimming pool manufacturers Splash Pools, Pattya Paradise Property Co. Ltd. and Dream Cones, who are ice cream manufactures. Their superior gelatos & sorbets are not aerated, are all natural with real fruit, and were given away free on the night.

Time to ‘Trip the light Fandango’ Boonthavorn ‘Grand Giveaway’ at Property Exhibition

A brand new dance studio, ‘Step by Step’, recently held their official Grand Opening Party at Soi Yume, South Pattaya. Dance instructor, Sonny Alfonso from the Philippines, was on hand to give advice and demonstrations on all aspects and type of dance, from Latin and Ballroom Classes to Hip-Hop Aerobic and Keep Fit Dance. The dance school offers lessons for individuals or couple’s, or you can join one of the sure to be very popular group classes. ‘Step by Step’ have designed their studios to be comfortable and welcoming for all students, visitors or friends.

Whether a complete beginner or more advanced, you will find a level of dance to suit your individual talents. The new school is open each day from 10am to 9pm and is situated on Soi Yume, Pom Court 194/73 Moo 9, Central Pattaya, next to Carrefour parking entrance. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Sonny on 083 120 5110 or Frankie on 089 095 2172 or email them at stepbystepdancestudio@gmail.com.

Café New Orleans’ double celebration

Boonthavorn Pattaya recently participated in the ‘Luxury Property Show 2009’ exhibition held at the newly opened Central Festival Pattaya Beach. Thousands of visitors attended the show and took part in the many big prize giveaways. The Boonthavorn exhibition stand created a game for visitors which allowed them to win such prizes as LCD TV, DVD, Microwave, etc. The exhibition was held on the ground floor and attracted other big name sponsors including the Kasikorn Bank, TheVillage, Modernform, The Cove and Ocean Portofino. The exhibition was a huge success for both sponsors and visitors.

The owner of the Café New Orleans Restaurant, Mr. Steve Burke, recently joined forces with Mr. Allan Riddell, Consultant to the Board of S.A. Trade Promotion Anura Wine, in a double celebration. The restaurant was well supported with friends, guests and customers to celebrate the restaurant’s birthday and the presentation of a new wine, ‘Anura Wine’, which has made a big impact with lovers of South African wines. By maintaining the old-style process of wine making, the company has produced a very good quality wine with a marvelous taste. The companies first ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ took double gold at the South African Veritas Awards. The restaurant, Café New Orleans, can be found in Soi Pattayaland 2, South Pattaya

Vol. 8 No. 16  1 - 15 May 2009

high society

5th Diana Bartender Contest

A marvellous evening of entertainment was enjoyed by all recently when the Diana Group hosted the 5th Diana Bartender Contest 2009 at the poolside of the Diana Inn Hotel. Mr. Saming Suebsakoon, Public Relations and Activities Manager of Diana Group took great pleasure in welcoming Mr. Niti Kongkroot, from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and other local guests and dignitaries along with the contestants. The object of this yearly contest is to encourage their bartending staff to improve their skills and create a fun working environment. Everyone agreed this year was the highest level of skill and entertainment.

100 on the Rock at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya

In conjunction with ‘Pattaya Wan Lai Day’ celebration, Pernod Ricard Thailand and Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya organised the biggest water festival in front of the Hard Rock Cafe on the Beach Road. This year’s celebration was aptly named “100 on the Rock” and hundreds of party-goers were seen enjoying themselves and dancing on the streets to the upbeat music provided by a live band performance and DJ while waiting for the main event, releasing of water to mark the celebration of ‘Wan Lai Day in Pattaya’…. of course!

This auspicious event was graced by Mayor of Pattaya City, Khun Ittipol Khunpluem (Center), and together with Khun Sompong Sungruangsamrit (Left), Regional Manager of Pernod Ricard Thailand and Mr. George Hazard (Right), General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe Pattaya started the splashing fun by releasing the water to the crowds!

PILC Coffee Morning at Pan Pan

Pan Pan opened their doors to 85 PILC members this month. Once more, Khun Whanpen and her staff put on a wonderful variety of Italian refreshments with assorted appetizers, cakes and plenty of tea and coffee.

Three new members joined the PILC and sadly, they had to say ‘good bye’ to Jacinta Farragher, who has been an active member of the PILC since coming to Pattaya 2 years ago.

Announcements were presented by the President, Gillian Thom. Kathleen Petras, Welfare, reminded the ladies of the many projects that the PILC are involved in; Wednesdays 1-2pm at the Fountain of Life Centre, Friday Food Drops 11am (1st Friday of every month) and the Garunyawet Handicapped Ladies Home visit 9.30-11am on the last Friday of every month.

As usual, they all enjoyed catching up with friends, new and old.

Pattaya Today 55

56 Pattaya Today

Vol. 8 No. 16 ď ´ 1 - 15 May 2009

Pattaya Today is published & edited by Visa Chimdee for Siamese Vision Media Co., Ltd. Printed at Print 87 Co., Ltd. Naklua, Pattaya City.

Office : 42/91-93 Sukhumvit Rd. T. Nongprue, Banglamung Pattaya City 20150. Tel: (038) 410-077, (038) 427-391 Fax: (038) 374-535 E-mail : info@pattayatoday.net