Andy Lau
International Artiste
February 2012
Contents Club
Competitions
20
H.E. Nakasone Trophy Ace Golfer Vichai Wins Breathtaking Tie, Thanks to Lower Handicap
30
RBSC vs. RTN Intraport Match Hosts Manage Impressive Win at Friendly Match that Ended on Cliffhanger!
36
H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni Trophy Defending Champs Duangphorn and Phandhida Do It Again!
42
Club Championship, RBSC Cup & Platinum Cup Ladies’ Golf Triple Event sees a New Champion!
Elite 48
Talk
Elite 50 52 53 54 56 57
Profile
Golf 58 In 60
Tips
40 20
FROM GOLF CAPTAIN TO CLUB CHAIRMAN… …A Memorable Journey of Life called ‘Bhumindr’
GEN. SUEBSAN Dardarananda SUMANA Na Ranong TARATHIP Panja
30
VANIDA Hemstapat SUPASITH Sima-Aree VICHAI Srisakulyanon What is a ‘Bowed’ or ‘Cupped’ Wrist?
The News RBSC ELITE Online Edition Helps... ...Lost Friends to Reunite after 25 Years!
61
Newly-wed Socialite Couple Appointed Brand Ambassadors of The Naka Island, A Luxur y Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
62
RBSC Golfers Unleash Maximum Fun at Putting Contest on 49th Family Day
63
Construction Going on at a Brisk Pace at MODUS Beachfront Condominium, Pattaya
64
Setpoint Group Display Imported Luxury Cars at Road Show in Udon Thani
65
Grande Asset Pushes Forward With Hotel and Property Projects
66
Panasonic Showcases World-Class Professional Display Solutions to Grab Lion’s Share of Market in 2012
67
New Christian Sanctuary Opens Its Sacred Doors Church of the Assumption, Pattaya
42 Elite 80
36
Promotion RBSC ELITE Promotion Lucky Draw Held
February 2012
Contents
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Elite 74
EQUIPMENT
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Gadgets
Elite 51
Health
Elite
Wellness
Wine 72
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS Deborah Myskow (Los Angeles) Nat Yogachandra (New York)
2012 Awaits the Entry of SSC Tuatara, the Fastest Car in the World!
Elite 76
81
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Golf Committee 2011 -2012
Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin (Vice Captain)
Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana (Vice Captain)
Mr. Garrick Law
Khun Lerdpol Bhakdibhumi
Khun Palit Mahadumrongkul
Khun Sudhisak Bamrungtrakun
Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon
Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod (Captain)
Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon
Khun Sathirut Tandanand
Khun Chawalit Chanarat (Advisor)
Ladies’ Golf Sub-Committee
2011 -2012
Mrs. Fuyumi Watanabe (Vice Captain)
Khun Supitr Jivamongkol (Vice Captain)
Khun Boonsiri Foorungsriroj
Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana
Khun Onchittra Veerasaksri
Khun Narumol Mulligan (Captain)
Khun Nitayada Purananda
Captain’s Address
Dear Members, It has been a busy month for us. We had H.E. Nakasone Cup, which won by Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon. Congratulations to him. We also had interport matches with Royal Thai Navy and Singapore Island Country Club, which our team did extremely well and won both the matches. I would like to thank all members who put effort and time to participate in the two events. The new scorecard with caddy evaluation is available for use. Please take your time to evaluate your caddy before you sign your scorecard. With your help, we hope we can improve the quality of our caddies. The golf hut at the tee box of Hole #7 is not in a good shape and needs a major repair. The area is too small to accommodate the increasing number of golfers. There is no proper seating for caddies. With these problems in mind, the Golf Committee has decided to undertake a major renovation for this golf hut. While redesigning this golf hut, we have taken into consideration both budget and amount of time taken to finish the work and with minimum inconvenience to golfers. We have decided to rearrange the existing layout so we can accommodate more golfers without increasing the area. New restrooms for both men and lady golfers and a separate proper area for caddies will be built. We decided to rearrange the existing layout so we can accommodate more golfers with minimum increasing of the area. New restrooms for both men and lady golfers and a separate proper caddy area will be built. For more information about this work, we will have the layout and design of the renovated golf hut in the next edition of RBSC ELITE and at the same time we will have it posted at our Clubhouse. Please take a good look at the plans and as always do not be afraid to come forward with any suggestions or ideas for future improvements to our course and club. Happy Golfing!!
Sincerely,
Surin Banyatpiyaphod RBSC Golf Captain
Golf Committee 2011 -2012
Captain Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod
Publicity & Interports/Intraports Mr. Garrick Law
Greens/Fairways Khun Sathirut Tandanand
Vice Captain & Handicaps/Rules Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin
Competitions Khun Lerdpol Bhakdibhumi
Jr. Program/Teaching Staff Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon
Finance Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon
Vice Captain & Caddies Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana
Golf Driving Range/Storage Khun Palit Mahadumrongkul
Entertainment Khun Sudhisak Bamrungtrakun
Advisor Khun Chawalit Chanarat
14 February 2012
Captain’s Corner Dear Members, The Ladies’ Golf Section opened the year with the first major tournament; the Club Championship, RBSC Cup and Platinum Cup. Most ladies just returned from the long New Year holiday celebration and tried their best to tune up their golf game for this major battle. It was the test of Charles Darwin’s theory “survival of the fittest”. Congratulations to the winners of the respective cups - Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj, Khun Ratana Homsilpakul and Khun Jetsuda Sitachitt. I was lucky enough to be in the final group of the Club Championship and witnessed one of the best battles at our Sports Club. Khun Jittakarn and the defending champion Khun Duangphorn Tangchitnob played like professional golfers and left me in the amateur ranks! Both of them lifted their games to an amazing level. Either one deserved to be the champion. I’ve mentioned about slow play before and I will have to stress again that it is important that we keep the playing time within 110 minutes for 9 holes. As the golfing population keeps growing, we have to keep in mind that we are not the only ones on the golf course. Here are some suggestions to help you speed up: 1. Don’t wait around the green after you have holed out. Proceed to the next tee ground. 2. Walk faster between shots. 3. If you need to practice 5-6 times before a shot, please do so quietly before it is your turn to hit the shot. 4. If you need to take off your gloves, please put them on long before it’s your turn to tee off. Together we can improve the ladies golf section speed of play. Thank you and keep moving.
Narumol Mulligan Ladies’ Golf Captain
Ladies’ Golf Sub-Committee
2011 -2012
Captain Khun Narumol Mulligan
Hon. Treasurer Khun Supitr Jivamongkol
Public Relations Khun Boonsiri Foorungsriroj
Vice Captain & Handicapper Mrs. Fuyumi Watanabe
Hon. Secretary Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana
Competitions & Activities Khun Onchittra Veerasaksri
16 February 2012
Activities Khun Nitayada Purananda
Golf Fixtures in
2012
JANUARY Sun 8
H.E. Pote Sarasin Trophy/Super & Great Senior
Sat 14
Home Interport Match - RBSC vs HKGC (at RBSC) (afternoon)
Wed 18, Thu 19, Fri 20
Club Championship/ RBSC Cup/ RBSC Platinum Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 28
FAMILY DAY (Course closed afternoon)
FEBRUARY Thu 2, Tue 7, Thu 9, Tue 14, Thu 16
HM Queen Rambhai Barni Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 4
HE Nakasone Trophy
Sat 18
Home Intraport Match – RBSC vs RTN (at RBSC) (morning)
Sat 25, Sun 26
Home Interport Match - RBSC vs SICC (at RBSC) (afternoon)
MARCH 10, 11, 17, 31
Team Championship
14 Prince Chula Chakrabongse Cup
25-26 RBSC vs RSGC
MARCH Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17, Sat 31
Club Championship
Wed 14
Prince Chula Chakrabongse Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 24, Sun 25
Home Interport Match - RBSC vs RSGC (at RBSC)
APRIL Sat 7, Sun 8
Club Championship/Senior Club Championship & RBSC Chairman’s Cup
Fri 20
Mom Kobkaew Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 21, Sun 22
Team Championship (Qualifying Round & Final Round)
MAY Sat 5, Sun 6
Mixed Team Competition (Qualifying Round & Final Round)
Fri 18
Away Interport Match - RBSC vs RSC (at RSC) (afternoon)
Sat 19 ,20
Away Interport Match - RBSC vs RSGC (at RSGC)
Wed 23
Phya Srivikorn Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 26
Rama VII Trophy
JUNE Sat 2, Sun 3, Sat 9, Sat 16, Sun 17
Hongladarom Cup
Fri 22
Chairman’s Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
JULY Wed 11
Gerson Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 14, Sun 15
St. Amory Cup (Qualifying Round & Final Round)
Sat 21, Sun 22
Away Interport Match - RBSC vs SICC (at SICC)
Sat 28
Home Intraport Match - RBSC vs EGAT (at RBSC) (morning)
AUGUST Sat 4
Away Intraport Match - RBSC vs RTAF (at RTAF) (afternoon)
Tue 7
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 11, Sun 12, Sat18, Sat 25, Sun 26
Asavapati Trophy (Mixed Teams)
APRIL
25-26
Club Championship/Senior Club Championship & RBSC Chairman’s Cup
20
Mom Kobkaew Cup (Ladies’ Golf)
21-22
Team Championship
SEPTEMBER Sat 8, 9
Captain’s Prize
Wed 12
Pol Gen Chamras cup (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 15
Away Intraport Match – RBSC vs RTN (at RTN) (morning)
Sat 22
Pibulsonggram Cup
OCTOBER Sat 13
Sweet Sixty Tournament
Wed 15
Captain’s Prizes (Qualifying Round & Final Round) (Ladies’ Golf)
Sat 27
Away Interport Match - RBSC vs HKGC (at HKGC)(afternoon)
NOVEMBER Sat 3, 4
Annual Golf Round-up
Fri 9
Ladies’ Foursome & AGM (Ladies’ Golf)
Fri 16
Annual General Meeting & Annual Golf Night
Sat 24
Home Interport Match - RBSC vs JGCC (at RBSC) (afternoon)
DECEMBER Sat 1, Sun 2
H.M. The King’s Birthday Cup & RBSC Cup (Qualifying Round & Final Round)
Sat 15
Home Interport Match - RBSC vs RSC (at RBSC) (afternoon)
18 February 2012
Competitions
Competition
Club Competition
H.E. Nakasone Trophy Ace Golfer Vichai Wins Breathtaking Tie, Thanks to Lower Handicap 20 February 2012
Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s ace golfer Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon (5) lifted H.E. Nakasone Trophy in a breathtaking tie by virtue of his lower handicap on Saturday, 4 February. H.E. Nakasone Trophy was instituted in 1989 in the name of Japan’s former premier H.E. Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone with a view to fostering friendly relations between Japan and Thailand as well as Thai and Japanese members of the Sports Club.
Dr. Ketchayong Skowratananont, Khun Krisda Leeaphorn and Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin
Dr. Sira Bunyaratavej, Mr. Travis White, Mr. Kenneth White and Mr. Kasuhide Kuno February 2012 21
Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon, Khun Chawalit Chanarat, Khun Saeng Meenijacin and Khun Vudhi Lenbury
Played in Stableford format with handicap (maximum 18), the competition has been attracting significant number of leading golfers ever since it was reinstituted last year after a gap of 13 years. Past Winners of H.E. Nakasone Trophy Year 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2011
Name of the Winner Khun Pathom Suthathikulchai Khun Tamchai Kambhato Khun Anond Dabanand Khun Pricha Vasudhara Khun Siriwat Taifayongvichit Khun Siriwat Taifayongvichit Mr. Ian McLean Khun Jitapan Chalit-Aporn Khun Nitt Vikitsreth Khun Sathirut Tandanand
The golfers teed off from the championship (back) tees. The competition was so intense that more than 25 golfers carded in
Khun Attakarn Kitjaharn, Khun Panu Chudabuddhi, Khun Piyatat Chudabuddhi and Khun Wiroj Sowanna 22 February 2012
Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana, Khun Attapong Thammapala, Khun Sompiti Rattanasudjai and Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon
Mr. Donald Mickelwait, Khun Pongprom Brahmabhatti, Mr. Dale Lawrence and Khun Manaphan Vogpivat
Mr. John Davidson, Mr. Dominique Mallaret, Mr. Roy Barrett and Mr. Brian Brook
Mr. Akio Hayashi, Dr. Pruthigrai Kraipipadh, Mr. Derek Pott and Mr. Peter Egli
24 February 2012
scores of 30 and above. The exciting tournament ended up in a tie-breaker with Khun Vichai and Khun Manaphan Vongpivat (11) scoring 40 points each. Significant contributions came from Khun Krisda Leeaphorn (10) 37, Khun Chatchawin Tangjaitrong (8) 36, Khun Phasu Tanitnon (9) 36, Gen. Somchai Hiranyasthiti (10) 35 and Khun Jayin Sunthornsingkarn (13) 35.
Gen. Somchai Hiranyasthiti, Khun Phasu Tantitnon, Khun Pichai Chaichanavichakit and Khun Kasem Arayanimitskul
Khun Udomsak Asavamanee, Khun Ply Samudavanija, Khun Chatchawin Tangjaitrong and Khun Tanon Tantisunthorn
Khun Norarit Komalarajun, Khun Chakrin Thamavit, Khun Somsak Kitiparaporn and Khun Khamrob Thirakaosal
26 February 2012
Khun Jayin Sunthornsingkarn, M.R. Ophas Kanchanavijaya and Khun Teerawat Hamninraruth
RESULTS Winner :
Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon (5)
Runner-Up :
Khun Manaphan Vongpivat (11) 40 Pts
Khun Tna Dharmajiva, Khun Kovit Vudthithamrong and Dr. Thanisorn Dejthamrong
28 February 2012
40 Pts
Club Competition
RBSC vs. RTN Intraport Match Hosts Manage Impressive Win at Friendly Match that Ended on Cliffhanger! 30 February 2012
Khun Palit Mahadumrongkul (RBSC), RADM Suppapong Sirisonti (RTN) andKhun Vichai Srisakulyanon (RBSC)
Mr. Ravi Sehgal (RBSC), RADM Sutheepong Kaewtab (RTN) and Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin (RBSC)
Hosts Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) managed an impressive win by securing 663 points against 670 by their golfing friends from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in an Intraport Match played on Saturday, 18 February. The RTN golfers were led by the Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief ADM Surasak Runroengrom. The Navy Chief was welcomed by RBSC Chairman Khun Bhumindr Harinsuit and Golf Committee Convenor Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon.
Khun Kittipong Decha-Amphai (RBSC), RBSC Chairman Khun Bhumindr Harinsuit, Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief ADM Surasak Rounroengrom and ADM Polawat Sirodom (RTN)
RADM Pongthep Nhuthep (RTN), Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon (RBSC), RADM Graivut Vattanatham (RTN) and Khun Supasith Sima-Aree (RBSC)
February 2012 31
Khun Sathirut Tandanand (RBSC), VADM Kraisorn Chansuvanich (RTN), RADM Chumpol Tsiamchai (RTN), and Khun Sudhisak Bumrungtrakun (RBSC)
CAPT Narate Wongtrakoon (RTN), Khun Kampone Nantakasem (RBSC), CAPT Yuttana Aksornsee (RTN) and Dr. Chokchai Kasempaibulsuk (RBSC)
VADM Suthee Tampradist (RTN) Khun Akarat Na Ranong (RBSC), Dr. Thanisorn Dejthamrong (RBSC) and RADM Poolsak Uboltepchai (RTN)
Mr. Brian Brook (RBSC), RADM Tawee Kankanavisut (RTN) and Mr. John Davidson (RBSC) 32 February 2012
The friendly tie ended up on a cliffhanger as golfers from both teams staged an intense battle right from the shotgun start at 1 pm. The neck and neck fight continued all through the end and it looked like anyone’s game. The suspense-filled drama drew to a close in favour of the hosts when the last few groups returned to the Club House. In accordance with the competition rules, the scores of leading 10 golfers from each team were considered for calculating points. In addition, the scorecards of five golfers from each team were picked by draw of lots and the points secured by them too were added to decide the winners. With the first 10 golfers, RBSC mustered a total of 663 points, while the RTN team managed 670. The overall totals with 15 golfers from each side summed up to 1048 (RBSC) and 1120 (RTN).
Dr. Vichit Kiartisrichart (RBSC), Khun Dusadi Chulajata (RBSC) and CAPT Rawat Ubolrattana (RTN)
Khun Dilokpol Sundaravej (RBSC), RADM Surapol Thaipeerakul (RTN) and Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana (RBSC)
Khun Atirat Chongcharoenrat (RBSC), RADM Nophdol Sudhamasapa (RTN) and Khun Subhakorn Balakula (RBSC)
Khun Sukit Pachimsawat (RBSC), RADM Sethasit Chantarasena (RTN) and Khun Prayote Sudchainark (RBSC)
VADM Anuthai Rattarangsi (RTN), VADM Chainarong Charoenrak (RTN), Mr. Roy Barrett (RBSC) and Khun Saeng Meenijacin (RBSC)
February 2012 33
Prizes were also presented to golfers of both the teams who carded in overall low gross scores – Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon (RBSC) 71 and RADM Supapong Sirisanti (RTN) 74 - and the golfers who turned in low net scores – Khun Suwatchai Lorkitiyakul (12) 63, Khun Prayote Sudchainark (14) 63 and Khun Tarin Thanakitamnuay (7) 65 of RBSC and RADM Karnchai Somboonsuk (18) 57, RADM Sretsith Chansena (24) 64 and RADM Surasith Sawangchan (19) 66. Special prizes such as Nearest to the Pin and Closest to the Line were also presented to the respective winners. Dr. Somphob Intaraprasong (RBSC), RADM Somsak Payakkong (RTN) and and Dr. Suriya Chakkaphak (RBSC)
Khun Pongprom Brahmabatti (RBSC), RADM Wittaya Wongtirdtam (RTN) and Khun Manaphan Vongphiwat (RBSC)
Khun Suwatchai Lorkittiyakul (RBSC) Capt Kuakoonpong Lamthong (RTN) and Khun Pichet Laokasem (RBSC)
Mr. Dale Lawrence (RBSC), RADM Wilers Smabut (RTN) and Mr. Ian Stewart (RBSC) 34 February 2012
Khun Thapakorn Saowana (RBSC), VADM Rerngrit Boonsongprasert (RTN) and Khun Tarin Thanakitamnuay (RBSC)
RESULTS Royal Bangkok Sports Club :
663 Points
Royal Thai Navy :
670 Points Special Prizes
Overall Low Gross :
RADM Supapong Sirisanti (RTN) 74 Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon (RBSC) 71
Low Net (RTN) :
RADM Karnchai Somboonsuk (18) 57 RADM Sretsith Chansena (24) 64 RADM Surasith Sawangchan (19) 66
Low Net (RBSC) :
Khun Suwatchai Lorkitiyakul (12) 63 Khun Prayote Sudchainark (14) 63 Khun Tarin Thanakitamnuay (7) 65
Nearest to the Pin (Hole #1) :
ADM Surasak Rungroengrom (RTN) Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon (RBSC)
Nearest to the Pin (Hole #8) :
RADM Chumpol Tiemchai (RTN) Khun Pichet Laokasem (RBSC)
Nearest to the Pin (Hole #10) : VADM Kraisorn Chansuvanich (RTN) Khun Dusadi Chulajata (RBSC) Nearest to the Pin (Hole #13) : RADM Chumpol Tiemchai (RTN) Khun Sukit Pachimsawat (RBSC) Nearest to the Pin (Hole #9) :
RADM Supapong Sirisanti (RTN) Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin (RBSC)
February 2012 35
Club Competition
H.M. Queen
Rambhai Barni Trophy Defending Champs Duangphorn and Phandhida Do It Again! Qualifying Round (2 Feb) First Round (7 Feb) Second Round (9 Feb) Semi-Final Round (14 Feb) Final Round (16 Feb)
36 February 2012
: : : : :
Four-Ball Stroke Play | Handicap ¾ (18) Four-Ball Match Play | Handicap ¾ (18) Four-Ball Match Play | Handicap ¾ (18) Four-Ball Match Play | Handicap ¾ (18) Four-Ball Match Play | Handicap ¾ (18)
Reigning champions Khun Duangphorn Tangchitnob (4) and Khun Phandhida Sucharittanonta (7) succeeded in defending their title at this year’s month-long tournament for the prestigious H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni Trophy. One of the most sought after but highly challenging competitions, H. M. Queen Rambhai Barni Trophy demands only the best effort from every one of the lady golfers taking part in the event. This majestic tournament was first played in 1970 in honour H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni, the founder of ladies golf in the Kingdom. Ever since, the tourney is played every year as a traditional mark of respect to her.
Khun Sumana Na Ranong, Khun Supaporn Phornprapha, Khun Narumol Mulligan and Khun Charavee Margherita
Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana, Khun Busara Tanphiphat, Khun Yuvarin Bongsadadt and Khun Chindarat Kruavanichkit
February 2012 37
Khun Rommanee Wacharasindhu, Khun Rujiraporn Lamsam, Khun Ratana Homsilpakul and Khun Onchittra Veerasaksri The enduring event which is considered the toughest of all club competitions took off with a qualifying round on 2 February. The format was four-ball, stroke play for the qualifying round and four-ball, match play in the subsequent rounds through to the final on 16 February.
Khun Phandhida Sucharittanonta, Khun Duangphorn Tangchitnob, Khun Molrudee Mahattanakul and Khun Sudachan Euarchukiatti
38 February 2012
Spread throughout the month of February, this knock-out round robin aims to find the best golfing pair among the ladies who could overcome the challenges displaying unrivalled personal commitment and team spirit. Many times in the recent past, ladies displaying exceptional personal talent have suffered defeat at the hands of less capable golfers with extraordinary teamwork.
Khun Siriwan Dusitnanond, Khun Thippa Praneeprachachon, Mrs. Regina Maeder and Khun Nualchan Pew-On
Khun Montira Wongtrakun, Khun Montatip Chandra-Chamnong, Dr. Nadaprapai Sucharitkul and Khun Indira Divari
February 2012 39
Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj, Khun Bee Hemstapat, Khun Vevika Chotiros and Khun Vanida Hemstapat
Khun Rungravee Mapaisansin, Khun Tuptim Srisakulyanon, Khun Malinee Srutanond and Nithiwatana Settin 40 February 2012
In the final match that turned out to be an intense battle, defending champions Khun Duangphorn and Khun Phandhida overpowered Khun Thippa Praneeprachachon (8) and Khun Nualchan Pew-On (14) and emerged as the victorious duo with a 1-Up against the challengers.
February 2012 41
Club Competition
Club Championship, RBSC Cup & Platinum Cup Ladies’ Golf Triple Event sees a New Champion! Club Championship RBSC Cup Platinum Cup 42 February 2012
: Handicap N/A| Stroke Play | Gross Score : Handicap 10 and over | Stroke Play | Gross Score : Any Handicap; Age Over 60 | Stroke Play | Gross Score
The Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s most popular Ladies’ Club Championship has seen a new champion Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj who held the victory flag aloft with an unmatchable 67 in the third and final round played Friday, 20 January. The first ‘major’ of the year organised by the Ladies Golf Sub-Committee took off on 18 Januar y. Several enthusiastic ladies of the Sports Club took part in the triple event and displayed their golfing skills. The tournament, which is played in stroke play format with gross scores, is considered as truly special event since three major trophies – Club Championship, RBSC Cup and RBSC Platinum Cup - are up for grabs for the three most competitive ladies among the contenders.
Khun Vevika Chotiros, Khun Montira Wongtrakun and Khun Narumol Mulligan
Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana, Khun Malinee Srutanond and Khun Sida Schmidt
Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj, Khun Onchittra Veerasaksri and Khun Duangphorn Tangchitnob February 2012 43
As the readers of RBSC ELITE may know, the Platinum Cup was instituted in 2009 for avid lady golfers with an undying competitive spirit at the age of 60 years and above. The Club Championship, which is considered as the pinnacle of achievements, is played over three days while the RBSC Cup and Platinum Cup involve two days of intense fight.
Mrs. Fuyumi Watanabe, Khun Phensri Wanchai and Khun Jetsuda Sitachitt
Khun Vipa Patanavanichkul, Khun Sudachan Euarchukiatti and Khun Tuptim Srisakulyanon
Khun Montatip Chandra-Chamnong, Khun Chindarat Kruavanichkit and Khun Ekdarun Srisanit
Khun Ratana Homsilpakul, Khun Netrnapis Tangtrongvattana and Khun Porn-Apha Taworntawat 44 February 2012
Golfers with a handicap of less than 10 are allowed to compete for the Club Championship. Players with a handicap of 10 or above play for the RBSC Cup, while the Platinum Cup is open for the ladies aged 60 years and over with any handicap. The handicaps of the players are taken into account only to divide them into the respective flights but in no way considered for deciding the winners effective from 2010. At the end of the first day, reigning Club Champion Khun Duangphorn Tangchitnob cemented her position on the top of the leaderboard, thanks to a peerless 68. Her nearest competitor was Khun Jittakarn who carded in 70 or two strokes behind. The second day’s play saw Khun Duangphorn’s confidence shaking who ended up the round with a 72, while Khun Jittakarn reduced the margin to one stroke by carding in a 71. In the final round, Khun Jittakarn pepped up her valiant fight and managed a superb 67 to finish 209 (70 71 67) and secure an outright lead of two strokes against Khun Duangphorn.
Khun Riam Namsap-Anan and Mrs. Regina Maeder
Similar was the ambience in respect of the competitions for the RBSC Cup and Platinum Cup. Khun Ratana Homsilpakul won the RBSC Cup by carding a two day total of 156 (72 84), while Khun Ausanee Sosothikul managed to secure the runner-up position with 159 (78 81). Khun Jetsuda Sitachitt won the Platinum Cup with a score of 161 (82 79) and the runner-up was Khun Chittima Kikuchi with 164 (82 82).
Khun Chittima Kikuchi, Khun Busara Tanphiphat and Khun Yuvarin Bongsadadt
Khun Usa Leungthaviboon, Khun Praneet Tinawong, Khun Nitayada Purananda and Khun Phornphan Padmasankha February 2012 45
Khun Supaporn Phornprapha, Khun Suvimol Varoonthepruksa and Khun Sunun Mahasandana
Khun Luckvilai Seemarat, Khun Tuenjai Asavisanu, Khun Rommanee Wacharasindhu and Khun Natinee Paurohitya
RESULTS Club Championship
Winner:
Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj
Runner-up: Khun Duangphorn Tangchitnob
208 (70 71 67) 210 (68 72 70)
RBSC Cup
Winner:
Khun Ratana Homsilpakul
Runner-up: Khun Ausanee Sosothikul
156 (72 84) 159 (78 81)
RBSC Platinum Cup
Winner:
Khun Jetsuda Sitachitt
161 (82 79)
Runner-up: Khun Chittima Kikuchi
164 (82 82)
46 February 2012
Khun Bee Hemstapat, Khun Ausanee Sosothikul and Khun Indira Divari
Khun Prapaisri Sudhinaraseth, Khun Molrudee Mahattanakul and Khun Sumana Na Ranong
February 2012 47
Elite Talk
FROM GOLF CAPTAIN TO CLUB CHAIRMAN… …A Memorable Journey of Life called ‘Bhumindr’
H
e literally grew up at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, which, like for many other members, has been his home away from home! Fifty years back when he was 11 years old, he used to walk the course along with his father every time his father played golf with friends. An active golfer since 1977, he has been participating in almost every interport and intraport matches played at the Sports Club. His unfettered love for golf and his service-mindedness have apparently influenced him to sit in the Golf Committee and to serve in various capacities, eventually taking up the reign as RBSC Golf Captain in 1992. He continued to lead the golf panel for two more years, during which time the golf course saw quite a few improvements undertaken. Meet Khun Bhumindr Harinsuit, the new Chairman of Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious Royal Bangkok Sports Club whose 111-years history has been studded with several landmark events that not only shaped and enhanced Thailand’s interest and participation in various sports and games but produced several professional sportspersons who brought name and fame to the Kingdom. Khun Bhumindr’s charismatic personality, affable attitude, his long association with the members and staff of the Sports Club, and the unwavering support of many friends saw him join the General Committee (GC) in 2005 and became the 1st Vice Chairman in 2009. In the elections held on 26 October 2011, he was elected to the GC along with 11 other members who later gave him their unanimous support to become their new leader to succeed the outgoing Chairman PMG Viraj Vanijaka. In an exclusive tête-à-tête with RBSC ELITE, Khun Bhumindr, who is fondly called by his friends as ‘Khun Pun’, shares his thoughts and ideas about the prominence of teamwork for effective management of one of the largest clubs in Thailand with 20,000-odd membership and his plans aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term challenges for a better future of the 48 February 2012
Sports Club and the well-being of its members. Excerpts from the talk: What convinced you to accept the General Committee members’ invitation to lead the Sports Club as its new Chairman although you initially preferred not to sit in the hot seat? I have been in the General Committee as the 1st Vice Chairman since 2009. As you know, occasionally when GC members work well together the GC would invite the 1st Vice Chairman to be the next Chairman. When the new GC members endorsed me for the Chairmanship, I initially told them that I would decline their invitation. But upon further serious contemplations and consultations with some senior RBSC members that I respect, I thought I could contribute to this Club with the support of a good team. I sat with my colleagues and discussed this in details. After they promised me their full support, I felt convinced and changed my mind. What were the immediate challenges that you faced after being elected Chairman? Well...Within a week after the election to the General Committee, our General Manager (Mr. Geoffrey Everett) resigned. His resignation was to be effective end of February. So we began the process of hiring his replacement. We have decided to headhunt for an experienced professional, preferably of Thai nationality. A selection team was formed with consisting of RBSC members for the purpose. The team will shortlist 5 or 6 suitable candidates for further consideration and we will select the one that we think will be the best fit for the role. What do you think are needed for effective management of the Sports Club? The first and foremost is teamwork, which is the master key that can open every door! Sans concerted effort, it is impossible to manage a club of this size. We should take advantage of resources available ‘in-house’. We have a wealth of talented professionals among our members. Many of them are willing to help by offering their expert advices. On the financial front, the GC and various sports committees should feel the responsibility and accountability in every single baht they spend. We also should ensure safety and security of members and their children.
As the new Chairman how do you see the future of the Sports Club? If you don’t have a solid foundation and concrete planning, it can go in any direction – more likely on the wrong track. To address the challenges, we need to have short-term, medium-term and long-term plans. That’s a big job because ours is a big club. The plans should envisage what we are going to do in the coming two years such as minor repairs and improvements, in the next five years such as major renovations and new constructions, and after 20 years such as renewal of lease agreement/s. I don’t want my successors to face problems without a proper back-up plan on hand, for instance, when the RBSC Polo Club contract expires in 20 years from now. How do you plan to address the problem of membership growth? We should have a definite plan to control the membership growth. Our Club’s facilities obviously have their physical limits and it should be clear to all that we cannot keep growing forever. A few years down the road, our very ‘survival’ may face a challenge if we continue to take in 200-300 new members per year like what we are doing now. To address this problem, we should make a comprehensive study and fix a cut-off number for membership based on our physical and financial capabilities as well as potential future expansion plans, if any. For instance, Fitness Section needs expansion but you cannot plan and execute the task if you don’t have facts and figures of the growth rate as well as the opinions of the users. Considering the short and compact nature of the golf course, do you think it may get crowded in the near future? When it comes to rising growth figures, golf is no exception. However, we can still manage 200 golfers on our course in about 10 years’ time. But after that what are we going to do should the number increase to 350? We need to carry out a professional survey to figure out the real growth rate and the number of golfers using the course. If we can complete the survey in two years, we can start developing our Club’s master plan for the future. There are many options that we can consider including potentially securing an additional site with sports facilities, which may or may not have a golf course. In 20 years from now, the Polo Club lease renewal will likely cost us billions of Baht that we may not be able to afford. Wouldn’t it be wise to act now instead of breaking our heads when it is too late? We, of course, have to make an in-depth study engage our members during this very important process that will help shape our future. Given the calibre of our members, however, I have no doubt that we will succeed in finding the most optimal options together. February 2012 49
Profile
GEN. SUEBSAN Dardarananda (HCP 7)
Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use? Driver:
Sword Kantana
Woods / Hybrids:
Honma Beres/Yamaha Inpres
Member Since:
1974
Irons / Wedges:
Ping G5
Occupation:
Army Officer, Royal Thai Army
Putter:
Titleist Scotty Cameron
Organisation:
Ministry of Defence
Golf Ball:
Titleist Pro V1
Position:
Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister
Hobbies other than golf:
Walking, Jogging, Swimming
Who inspired you to take up golf? My father, General Bulrit who at that time was the Thai Military Attache in Washington, D.C. He persuaded me and my sister to take golf lessons during summer at the Army Navy Country Club golf course in Arlington, Virginia. I didn’t like it very much at the time but now when I look back, I am very thankful to my father for introducing me to this wonderful game of golf! What did you learn from playing golf? Controlling your emotions…because if you don’t conquer your mental demons, you will not perform well. Like in life, if emotions get the better of you it will impair your decisions. When you make a bad shot don’t dwell on it move on to the next shot. Like in life, don’t dwell in the past move on and enjoy the present and future. Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? It would have to be winning the RBSC Club Championship in March 1994, the Chivas Royal Citation Cup in May 1994 and H.M. the King’s Birthday Cup in 1997. Have you got a hole-in-one? Three or four times Who is your favorite professional golfer? Jack Nicklaus. Golf is a gentlemen’s game that is played with honor. You see many golf professionals declaring penalty on themselves which is something you don’t see in other sports. Etiquette in golf is very important. Jack Nicklaus has all of these traits. He is a good model to follow. Thongchai Jaidee is also a favorite. I admire his determination to succeed and his charitable programs of giving back to our motherland. Have you played golf abroad? Although I have played at many beautiful courses around the world, my most memorable experience was playing the Old Course at St. Andrews in ’94 because it was the first golf course ever to be built. Playing there you can’t help but feel the tradition in the atmosphere. Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? It has to be the Augusta National because of the history, tradition and the difficult greens. Course management is a must to win here. 50 February 2012
Health
When it comes to Aches and Pains of Golf… ...the Power to Heal is in Your Hands!
A
long with being a delightfully social pastime, everyone who appreciates the sublime pleasures of golf can also attest to the health benefits of the game’s requisite walkabouts and frequent ball-tapping. But the hours of backswings and downswings can bring about some of the same golf-related injuries that afflict the pros, throwing you off your game both on and off the course. The good news: with some expert advice and a little physical effort, it is possible to safely recover from— or avoid entirely these painful and debilitating injuries. Strained muscles tend to mend themselves in most cases and cartilage injuries only occur when severe twisting or a high-impact fall is involved, so it ’s the tendons and ligaments about which golfers should be most concerned. Tendons are what fasten the muscles to bone, and are prone to over-stressing or tearing under excessively high tension, a condition known as tendonitis. In golfers, it is most commonly found in the shoulder tendon, or rotator cuff, used in executing one’s golf swing. Tendonitis also frequently afflicts the inside forearm just below the elbow and the thumb-side of the wrist through repeated club / ball impacts. Mild cases can be easily treated with the use Glaucoma vision of a support brace or anti-inflammatory tablets or gel, but for more severe cases, the key treatment recommended by doctors is specific exercise and systematic stretching of the affected muscles and tendons. Because the tendons and muscles work together as a unit, tendons rely upon muscles to absorb most of the exerted tension, in much the same way as larger and stronger members at the rear of a tug-o’-war side will reduce the tension load on the hands of smaller, weaker team members at the front. This is why building and maintaining sufficient muscle strength is essential to good tendon performance and health. Conventional medical wisdom calls for a mild at-home exercise program to promote healing of injured tendons, as well to condition the muscles so they may more efficiently absorb their share of the tension load. Shoulder / rotor cuff and elbow strengthening may be achieved with a simple rope-and-pulley device that uses a bottle of water as a counter-weight and plastic grip handle at rope’s end while a light dumbbell grasped palm-up and curl-raised across a bent knee will help keep the wrist in good form. Another important characteristic to consider is the length of the tendon. When tendons are not used regularly they shorten, creating higher susceptibility to injury because of the higher level of tension generated when exerted. This is where stretching exercises come in, referred to by medical professionals as “positioning”. Stretching the rotor cuff is as simple as reaching around one’s back and lifting the hand, while the same is done for the wrist by grasping the fingers of an upturned palm and pulling downward.
Dr. Winyou Ratanachai, Orthorpaedic Surgeon and Chairperson of the Department of Orthopaedics at Bumrungrad International Hospital, advises golfing enthusiasts to make stretching and strengthening exercises a normal part of their routine in order to optimise performance and maintain the lowest possible susceptibility to injury. In a recent interview with RBSC ELITE, Dr. Winyou stressed that this highly effective method of treatment empowers individuals to take responsibility for maintaining good tendons and muscles: “I want people to know that they can do these exercises on their own, there is no need to see a doctor.” He also warned against a do-nothing attitude: “If you have pain in these areas, do not ignore it, work them as described until freedom of movement is restored…” further cautioning: “…If your pain does not subside within a week or two, it’s time to seek the guidance of a medical professional.” Dr. Winyou recommends “Regular stretching a few times a day at home fits better into daily life. Exercise, on the other hand, can be done at fitness club or gym.” So for those who are truly passionate about their game, the message is clear: to heal or avoid common golf-related injuries, keep your limbs moving and invest some time and energy in keeping them fit. Following these proven tendon and muscle fitness procedures will improve not only your game, but the overall quality of your life as well. For enquiries or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Winyou Ratanachai, please call +662 667 1555 or visit www.bumrungrad.com. February 2012 51
Profile
SUMANA
Na Ranong (HCP 14.9) Member Since:
1945
Hobbies other than golf:
Badminton (former champion at RBSC)
Who inspired you to take up golf? My father (Khun Thitinant Na Ranong) was my inspiration. When he was the Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia during 1959-64, he used to play golf often with the first prime minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rehman. Whenever he plays with the Tunku, my father used to take me along to golf course. What did you learn from playing golf? Important things I learnt from playing golf are self-control and honesty. Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? Well there were quite a few. But worth mentioning are my victories at RBSC Ladies Senior Club Championship in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Also, I was the joint winner of the Rambhai Barni Trophy in 1989 and 1991. Similarly, I won the Asavapati Trophy in 1979 pairing with Khun Nitt Vikitsreth. Outside RBSC, I have won Thailand Ladies Amateur Open and received the winner’s trophy from none other than H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni. Have you got a hole-in-one? Yes...but only once. I aced the Hole #8 when I was playing with friends about five years back. Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why do you like him/her? I like both Yani Tseng and Ji-Yai Shin. No matter whether she is winning or losing, she always keeps smiling on the course. She is also a bit short like me (laughs). Currently the world No. 1, Yani is an excellent golfer. I got her autograph when I visited Siam Country Club to watch her playing the Honda LPGA 2011. Have you played golf abroad? Many golf courses in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? Nothing in particular, I like all the golf courses that I played.
Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use? Driver:
Honma / S-Yard
Woods / Hybrids:
Honma
Irons / Wedges:
Honma
Putter:
Titleist
Golf Ball:
Titleist Pro V1
52 February 2012
Profile
Tarathip
Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use?
Panja (HCP 9)
Driver:
TaylorMade R11
Woods / Hybrids:
TaylorMade 3 Woods and Ping Hybrid
Irons / Wedges:
Mizuno/Black Hole 56 degree and 54 degree
Member Since:
1995
Occupation:
Architect/Entrepreneur
Putter:
Yes
Organisation:
Panja Architecture and I nterior Design Co., Ltd.
Golf Ball:
Pro V1
Position:
Architectr
Hobbies other than golf:
Fitness, Circute racing
Who inspired you to take up golf? My uncle inspired me to take up golf about 20 years ago when we were living in Boston. What did you learn from playing golf? Patience, discipline, focus, honesty, creativity, skill... Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? A few years back, I was playing the Annual Round-Up. I started off at the 5th hole with a double bogey! But when I reached the 14th hole, I was 2 under!! I think I finished either even or one over and managed 2nd place behind Khun Torpong (Pongsivapai). Have you got a hole-in-one? Yes, twice. Both were at RBSC. One was on the 8th hole and the other was on the 10th hole. Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why do you like him/her? Tiger (Woods) is my favorite. The way he plays golf and his numerous achievements absolutely amaze me. Have you played golf abroad? All around Boston, China (Spring City), Singapore and Malaysia Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? I like RBSC, because it’s conveniently located and you can play 18 holes in 3 hours. What is your big dream in golf? My big dream was to shoot under par and I already achieved that. What is your dream car and why do you like it? F1…I like the sound, the smell of the engine, the speed…
February 2012 53
Profile
VANIDA
Hemstapat (HCP 23)
Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use? Driver:
Callaway
Woods / Hybrids:
Callaway
Member Since:
1982
Irons / Wedges:
Daiwa
Occupation:
Freelance English Lecturer
Putter:
Lynx, Jerry Barber and S-Yard
Organisation
Employers’ Confederation of Thailand
Golf Ball:
Nike
Hobbies other than golf:
Applied Art (occasional card, drawing, painting, scrapbook, etc)
Who inspired you to take up golf? Basically, it is my family. I have been watching them love and enjoy golf very much since 1990. My mom’s (Khun Bee Hemstapat) achievements on several tournaments also have given me the inspiration. What did you learn from playing golf? Playing golf has helped me to be more patient and concentrate better on any given subject. It also has increased my self-confidence and tolerance levels, especially when under pressure. Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? Yes, every moment on the golf course is memorable to me as it enhances my experience. The most was the recent one was at H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni Cup. My mom did win this cup in 1998 and I just wish to make another memorable one for her with me, unfortunately it didn’t happen this time. Nevertheless, I learnt a lot and must put more hard work in to my short game. Have you got a hole-in-one? No, not yet. But I hope to get one soon. I am so way behind in family. My brother got an ace when he was just 13 years. My mom already had it twice and a triple to my dad! Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why do you like him/her? Male Golfer: Fred Couples…Have seen him playing since a kiddo with his easy swing. Female Golfer: Choi Na Yeon…She seems very cool, pleasant and smiles most of the time during a tournament. Have you played golf abroad? Yes, Hawaii; 1992, with my family. Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? The Augusta National…One of the most famous, unique and challenging golf courses on the planet! What is your big dream in golf? A day that sees me and my kids playing golf with my parents. What is your dream car and why do you like it? It should be a Red Jaguar XK-SS. It’s beautiful and sexy, petite but powerful, smart and sportive, classic but in-style! It is totally compelling and desirable, thanks to its artistically sculptured body.
54 February 2012
Profile
SUPASITH
Sima-Aree (HCP 7) Member Since:
2012
Occupation:
Engineer/Entrepreneur
Company/Organisation:
Sima-Aree Engineering Co., Ltd.
Position:
Managing Director
Hobbies other than golf:
Tennis, Swimming, Badminton
Who inspired you to take up golf? I have 2 persons who inspired me - my wife Mrs. Alisa SimaAree and my father-in-law PMG Sakha Sarathulsingh. What did you learn from playing golf? Patience and concentration Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? In 1994 I played golf with Todd Hamilton in Thailand in the Johnnie Walker Classic Pro-Am Invitational at Blue Canyon Country Club. Incidentally several years later, Hamilton won The Open Championship in a playoff over Els in 2004. Have you got a hole-in-one? Yes...on 5 June 2010 at Royal Thai Army Golf Course. I aced the 181-yd, par 3 hole with a 5 iron. Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why do you like him/her? Ai Miyazato. She has a smooth swing, tough in game, patient and very, very good in putting. Have you played golf abroad? Yes...I played Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, USA. Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? I like Blue Canyon Country Club because it is challenging. What is your big dream in golf? To win a major tournament at RBSC if Possible. What is your dream car and why do you like it? Rolls Royce Phantom Coupé. Because I have seen it in the movie “Johnny English” and I like its shape and design. Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use?
56 February 2012
Driver:
Callaway Diablo Octane Tour
Woods / Hybrids:
Callaway Diablo Octane Tour
Irons / Wedges:
Maruman Conductor
Putter:
Odyssey White Hot
Golf Ball:
Srixon Z-Star XV
Profile
VICHAI
Srisakulyanon (HCP 7) Member Since:
1989
Occupation:
Real Estate Business
Hobbies other than golf:
Tennis, Swimming, Badminton
Who inspired you to take up golf? It all began in 1985 when I and my friends switched from tennis to golf. We decided to take a lesson from pro and challenged each other (on the course). What did you learn from playing golf? Mentally control. Every time I swing, if I hit a bad shot it means I lose my concentration or focus. On the other hand, if I play well it is because I concentrate and focus on my swing. Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? I won the Chairman Cup in 1993 at RBSC. It was an exciting tournament, 2 days qualifying and 4 rounds of match play. I have tried hard for many years. I thought anything could happen in this tournament. You could get a 2nd place in the qualifying round but lose in the 1st round (match play). You have recently won H.E. Nakasone Trophy. How do you feel about the victory? Very surprised, I didn’t expect at all! On that day, I stayed very calm and kept focus on my swing. I think that has helped me to win. Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why do you like him/her? Johnny Miller and Nick Faldo. Both are very talented and very good at teaching. They are funny guys as well. Have you played golf abroad? Yes, in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, China, USA and the UK. Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? Amana Colonies golf course in Iowa, USA. It is an unforgettable and amazing hilly course. It’s like playing in a forest surrounded by mountains. Most of the shots are blind and there are several doglegs to manoeuvre - very challenging! What is your big dream in golf? To play all top 10 golf courses in the world! What is your dream car and why do you like it? I like Mercedes Benz because of its competency - safe and easy to drive.
Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use? Driver:
Honma
Woods / Hybrids:
Yamaha
Irons / Wedges:
Mizuno
Putter:
Pinelon
Golf Ball:
Titleist Pro V1 February 2012 57
F BETTER GOL
WITH BILL
What is a ‘Bowed’ or ‘Cupped’ Wrist? As we move the club back from the address position up to the top of the backswing, the left wrist will assume a position that we identify as either: 1. Cupped 2. Flat 3. Bowed The position of the left wrist is largely dependent on the way you gripped at the address position (weak, neutral or strong). A weak grip leads to ‘bowed’ left wrist at the top of the backswing. What does this mean?
1
2
Pay close attention to where the line (formed by my thumb and forefinger) is pointing. My thumb is on top of the grip and the line ‘V’ is also pointing up. This is a weak grip.
My thumb has moved slightly to the right. The line ‘V’ is pointing to my right shoulder. This is a neutral grip.
Bill Hutton, who turned professional in 1983, is a ‘Class A’ member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of USA. He has been the Director of Junior Golf at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club for the last 10 years. Formerly, he was the Head Pro at the Winsan Golf Club (now known as Legacy Golf Club). Bill appeared on Kong Fak Nak Golf, a programme telecast every midnight on TV Channel 3 for over eight years. He gave more than 1,500 golf tips through the programme during 1997-2005.
3 My thumb is way on the right side of the grip. The line ‘V’ is pointing at my right hip. This is a very strong grip.
It usually means the clubface will be in the closed position which of course will lead to a hook (ball going to the left). A neutral grip will lead to a flat wrist which, in turn, leads to more square clubface at the top (straighter hits). A stronger grip leads to ‘cupped’ left wrist. This leads to a more open clubface at the top which could lead to a high slice. Now, on the downswing, you can change your wrist position at impact to make the ball fly differently than what the clubface was saying. Take for example, you have a strong left hand grip at address which puts the clubface in an open position at the top (toe of clubface pointing slightly downwards) with left wrist ‘cupped’. 58 February 2012
7
4
5
6
Because of the weak grip, the left wrist has become ‘bowed’ making the clubface closed (pointing flat to the sky).
Because of the neutral grip, the left wrist is flat keeping the clubface ‘square’ (pointing in a 45° angle).
Because of the strong grip, the left wrist is ‘cupped’; so the clubface is ‘open’ (pointing down to the ground).
Because of the strong grip, you can rotate the left forearm a lot more (increases clubhead speed) and ‘bow’ the left wrist at impact. This de-lofts the clubface and hits the ball with a lower trajectory/ball flight (easier to control into the wind). If you had a weaker left hand grip at address, this leads to a more closed clubface at the top, which has a more ‘bowed’ left wrist. You can’t rotate the left forearm very much on the downswing. So instead, you emphasise rotating your hips and body and the clubface comes into the ball more square but with a slower clubhead speed. Be careful to never let your left wrist become too ‘cupped’ at impact. This leads to an early release which means hitting the ground before the ball...or topping…or hitting the ball high and short. NOTE: A slightly ‘stronger’ left hand grip is usually the best!
8 If you have a slightly strong grip, rotate forearms on the downswing and get your left wrist to be slightly ‘cupped’ at impact... Very powerful!
9 A weak grip usually leads to a scooping type swing which is a ‘cupped’ left wrist at impact. The ball goes nowhere!
February 2012 59
In The News
RBSC ELITE Online Edition Helps...
...Lost Friends to Reunite after 25 Years!
T
heirs is a kind of story based on which hearttugging movies are made of. Once upon a time, there were two friends. While working for Pan Am as cabin crew in the mid 70s, they boarded the same flight and travelled together... They shared the same flat..... Often times, shared the same meal or snack... Wherever they went, they walked and in hand. The two bosom buddies, who had spent a lot of time together in their prime years, eventually lost touch with each other. And it was only after 25 years that they have reunited again! Courtesy: RBSC ELITE Online Edition!!
and Ms. Irene Thye stapat m He e Be un Kh
One of the friends, Ms. Irene Thye sent an e-mail to the Editorial Desk at RBSC ELITE on 9 February saying: “Hi, I was googling trying to find out how to contact my old girl friends from way back in the ‘70’s and I came across your publication that has the name of one of my closest friends. I am pretty sure she was my ex-flat mate in Honolulu as I remember she was married to a Thai. Would you be so kind to let her know that I have been trying to locate her all these years and would like to keep in touch with her? She probably remembers me as Poh or Irene.” Irene’s friend whom she was desperately searching for years together is none other than RBSC lady golfer Khun Bee Hemstapat! Their long story of camaraderie began when 23-year-old Ms. Irene and Khun Bee, who was 21 years then, joined Pan American World Airways in 1973. At that time, Khun Bee was residing in Penang, Malaysia. Ms. Irene was a Malaysian from the city of Ipoh. Tells Khun Bee about how it all began: “We both were hired by Pan Am in 1973 during which time there were only 3 bases - Miami, Boston and London. She picked London same as I and that is how we met, so we used to bid the flight together and soon became very close friends. But London base only has flights to Europe, Middle East and the east coast of USA. As her boyfriend was studying in Sydney, Australia, and my boyfriend was from Bangkok, Thailand, so naturally we asked for transfer to Honolulu, and finally we got approved and we moved to Honolulu.” Adds Khun Bee: “Eventually we end up marrying our boyfriends. Irene has a son and a daughter and so do I. We both love cooking, eating and travelling. 60 February 2012
She stays in Sydney and must have been Ms. Irene Khun Bee and an Australian citizen by now just like me, a Thai citizen now after all these years. My last encounter with Irene and family was 25 years ago and I believe it was in Sydney. After that we lost contact. Thanks a lot with your thoughtful call about Irene. It was really a great surprise for me and I appreciate it very much.” Asked how Irene reacted after receiving her e-mail and phone call, Khun Bee said: “She was very happy to find me in your magazine. What a coincidence that I am a member of RBSC and have regularly been playing golf at the Sports Club. If not, she probably could never find me. We have so much to share and talk ever since. Irene and I are very happy that we found each other at last at our present age which means real good friendship will last. I and Irene both appreciate your help very much. Our sincere thanks to RBSC ELITE. May your magazine help a few others to find their friends too!”
In The News
Newly-wed Socialite Couple Appointed Brand Ambassadors of The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
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ewly opened The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket has announced Thailand’s socialite couple Mr. Jay and Mrs. Jareyadee Spencer as the resort’s brandvambassadors. Trendsetters amongst their peers and Thailand’s elite, the couple is well known for their love of travel and adventure, most recently their passion took them on a trip to explore the wilds of South Africa and its varied wildlife and landscapes. The beautiful couple has recently tied the knot in one of Bangkok’s most anticipated unions as their wedding became one of the most talked about events of the year. As brand ambassadors for The Naka Island, they have chosen this idyllic private resort as the location for their upcoming honeymoon. “We are absolutely delighted to have Mr. Jay and Mrs. Jareyadee Spencer as our brand ambassadors, I think they epitomize the typical Luxury Collection traveler with their keen sense of adventure in an exceptional setting,” said Mr. Erich Friedl, General Manager of the resort. “They have already visited the resort and even circumnavigated the island in a kayak which the team and I were extremely delighted with. They are extremely down to earth and we are so pleased that they our brand ambassadors.”
To mark its grand opening, The Naka Island has come up with an exclusive offer that starts from THB 9,000+++ per villa per night at The Tropical Pool Villa and includes daily breakfast and arrival and departure by speed boat transfer. The opening offer is valid until 31 March 2012. Away from Everything..... Nestled among stunning beaches, lush coconut groves, with never-ending views of the emerald green Phang Nga Bay and idyllic landscapes of the Phuket coastline, The Naka Island is an exclusive boutique resort on Naka Yai Island, located just off Phuket. Accessible only by private speedboat, The Naka Island is a hidden Thai treasure of relaxation and privacy with just 67 luxury villas along with three signature restaurants and lounges, one of the largest spa facilities in the region, access to countless outdoor recreation opportunities and uncompromising service. Inspired by the rich local culture and gorgeous setting, The Naka Island seamlessly integrates these elements into all aspects of the guest experience – the thoughtful décor; the epicurean experiences; the world-class spa; and a menu of customized adventures that take advantage of the area’s abundant recreation opportunities.
For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com/naka.
February 2012 61
In The News
RBSC Golfers Unleash Maximum Fun at Putting Contest on 49 th Family Day
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olf lovers of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, serious golfers and weekend players alike, unleashed maximum fun by taking part in a putting contest organised by the Ladies’ Golf Sub-Committee as part of the 49th Family Day at the Sports Club on 28 January. The contestants participated in the competition under Adult and Junior flights, which was held on the practice putting green. The Adult flight was won by ace golfer Khun Montira Wongtrakun, while the Sports Club’s rising star Naphat Jantaranukul emerged victorious under the Junior flight. 62 February 2012
In The News
Construction Going on at a Brisk Pace at
MODUS Beachfront Condominium, Pattaya
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onstruction at Modus Beachfront Condominium and Modus Alfresco Resort Hotel on the most beautiful Wong Amat beach in Pattaya is going on at a brisk pace, with the condominium slated for completion first by the end of 2012.
The Modus Beachfront Condominium, which comprises two 7 storey modern-design buildings being built in a ‘Y’ shape on a total area of 5.5 rai, was launched on 30 January 2010. The main proposition of this project is ‘real beachfront living’! Every unit faces the ocean offering panoramic views of the pristine waters off Wong Amat. The sizes of the units range from 46 to 104 sqm and with one and two bedrooms. Located in close proximity to the famous Sanctuary of Truth, the project has a 5 star hotel making it very convenient for the residents to enjoy world class hotel services, including limousine, wireless internet access, fitness, sauna and steam rooms, 25-meter outdoor lap pool, luxury spa, business center, executive meeting and function rooms and international restaurants. According to a statement released by the Modus Group, the condominium is expected to finish by December 2012 and the hotel by April 2013.
February 2012 63
In The News
Setpoint Group Showcases
Imported Luxury Cars at Road Show in Udon Thani Setpoint Group Co., Ltd, one of Thailand’s leading dealers in imported luxury cars, showcased some of the latest models of luxury cars, including Mercedes Benz SLK 250 Sport, Mercedes Benz CLS 250 CDI, Porsche Cayenne, Peugeot RCZ, MINI Countryman and Lexus RX 270, in a road show organised at UD Town in Udon Thani province from 3 to14 February. The company also offered loans at attractive interest rates to those who have booked their choicest cars at the event. For more information about special promotions currently offered by Setpoint Group, please call the company ’s 24-hour hotline 083-252-7777 or visit www.setpointcar.com.
Setpoint Road Show
1 - 7 March The Mall Bangkhae 27 March - 8 April Central Khonkaen 64 February 2012
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In The News
Grande Asset Pushes Forward With Hotel and Property Projects Grande Asset Hotels and Property, a publicly listed Thai company, has restructured its organization and has new investment plans for 2012. The company, which has properties in Bangkok and Hua Hin, has enlisted a new board of directors and attracted new investors to ensure current projects will be completed imminently and new projects pursued. The company, which is behind the success of the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, The Trendy Condominium, the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa Hotel and the Hua Hin Blue Lagoon, focuses its business and long term investment in prime hotel and selected real estate developments. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit is a Bangkok landmark and is a key performer in the company’s portfolio. The hotel is managed by Starwoods Hotels and Resorts and features stylish contemporary guestrooms and meeting facilities. Inside the hotel features two award-wining restaurants which are Taste and Kisso. The company also has property projects in Hua Hin. The Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa is a star performer in the company. It’s also an award-winning hotel which has 240 guestrooms and a 560 metre lagoon-style swimming pool. Adjacent is The Hua Hin Blue Lagoon, which has 108 condominiums and 37 villas, and has only a few units left for sale. Currently, the company has two premium projects on prime real estate in the pipeline. The first being a four to five-star hotel/ residential project at the front of Sukhumvit Soi 27 while the second is also a four to five-star hotel/ residential project on Sukhumvit Soi 13. Both of these projects are set to continue the construction this year in order to complete as planned. With the new board of directors in place the company aims to quickly complete its hotel and residential projects in
Sukhumvit Road and then look for new potential investments that align with the focused objectives of the company. Spearheading the new board is Mr. Wichai Thongtang, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, who has a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry, and he believes the Grande Asset has a bright future. “We have a new management structure and we have a team that has top-level experience in key industry segments that will promote the company to even greater heights.” “It is clear that we have assets with huge potential and we have every confidence that the company will go from strength to strength,” said Khun Wichai. The new board features experts in the fields of property development, economics, finance and tourism. One new member is Dr. Kanit Sangsubhan who is on the board of the Bank of Thailand and a Director at the Ministry of Finance. Alongside him is Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn, a former Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. These strong credentials run throughout the board and a new approach has been developed as Chief Executive Officer, Dr Noppadol Mingchinda explains: “We have had to restructure the company both financially and with a new board of directors. This has put us back into a position of strength and we intend to move forward with our plans this year,” said Dr Noppadol. “We have expertise in hotel and residential development, economics and tourism which can help drive our initiatives and move Grande Asset up to the next level. With the new financing we aim to complete all existing projects this year and then set our sights on new developments. For more information, please contact Customer Service Manager Khun Kanok Sriruttanachanchai at 02 204 – 9900 or email to info@grandeasset.com
Mr.Praveen Benjasmithyodhon (Director), Mr.Asawin Rakmanusa (Director / Executive Director), Mr.Vitavas Vibhagool (Director / Vice Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors), Ms.Phornsiri Manoharn –(Independent Director), Mr.Wichai Thongtang (Director / Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors), Mr.Suradej Narula (Director / Executive Director), Mr.Amarin Narula (Director / Executive Director), Mr. Amarit Pansiri (Independent Director / Audit Committee), Dr.Noppadol Mingchinda (Chief Executive Officer)
February 2012 65
In The News
Panasonic Showcases World-Class Professional Display Solutions to Grab Lion’s Share of Market in 2012
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Matsumoto, AVC Networks Projector Business Unit Asst. Sales Manager Mr. Hirotatsu Asai and AVC Networks Professional Display Business Unit Asst. Sales Manager Mr. Toru Mokunaka unveiled the state-of-the-art projectors and display products to the media.
At Panasonic Professional Display Open House 2012 organised at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani on 21 February, the Japanese electronics giant showcased its latest 20,000-lm projector – PT-DZ21K – for the first time in Asia, as well as other display products, including 3D projectors Full HD 3D home theatre displays and the world’s largest 152-inch plasma display.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Majima said Pro Display Solutions is the flagship product line for Panasonic to market in 2012. The products in this line have been developed with creativity and innovation. They combine the most advanced technology and highest professional quality to meet the differing needs of users and to respond to the rising demand for display solutions in an increasingly competitive market.
Panasonic Siew Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd Managing Director Mr. Toshihiro Majima, Panasonic System Communications Asia Pacific Director of AVC Networks Division Mr. Hideo Yonenaga, Panasonic Siew Sales System Solutions Division Deputy Director Mr. Yasunobu
As a top-notch brand, Panasonic leads the Pro Display Solutions market with a full-fledged range of products including projectors, plasma displays and HD video conference system. For 2012, Panasonic has prepared more than 70 models in the Pro
anasonic has made an aggressive move into the professional display solutions market, creating strong potential to lead the sector with products for everyone from professionals and large-scale industrial users to consumers seeking home entertainment.
66 February 2012
Display Solutions line for the Thai market to serve industrial-grade quality, large-scale businesses, SMEs, and home-entertainment customers. Ms. Anurat Jeephet, Panasonic’s Product Manager of Display Solutions said Thailand sees demand growing for display products as they offer more diverse solutions that can serve different consumer groups. Compared to previous years, the trend this year is that more consumers looking for more products designed and built for professionals. Panasonic’s line of Pro Display Solutions to be introduced in 2012 has been segmented by feature functions to cater to the differing needs of users. The products highlighted for 2012 are in the Pro Largest Display category. Panasonic’s PT-DZ21K is the latest release, unveiled for the first time in Asia. The series comes with sophisticated technology capable of featuring full HD WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200 resolution), a powerful 20,000 lumens of brightness, and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio capable of being projected in 3D. The model is designed to position its lens in the center, so it can be adjusted vertically and horizontally with 360-degree installation. It also comes equipped with a function to link each picture frame in edge-toedge format. Other features include a 3D 152-inchPlasma TV, the largest size in the world, capable of displaying 4K2K resolution (four times equivalent of full HD quality) with support for 3D presentation. Frame sequential, side-by-side, and top-bottom formats are also supported. An automatic mode capable of supporting 3D full HD signals from an HDMI port is included. This model’s advanced technology truly makes the home cinema experience accessible to consumers.
conferencing sets with 47-inch LCD displays resistant to weather conditions – good for outdoor activities, factories, railways stations, resorts, and golf courses – with excellent dust- and water-proofing. A winter mode is equipped to help the devices withstand temperatures as low as -20C. Panasonic’s PT-VX400NT is a new product offering XGA-quality resolution, a lamp replacement cycle of up to 5,000 hours when choosing Eco Mode, a portable wireless system that enables wireless devices and iOS connectivity, and Screen Fitting technology to ensure images are projected proportionally onto the screen. Projectors in the Pro Panorama Display line can be connected and produce frame-to-frame results. The line’s highlight is the PT-DZ110XE, which is capable of producing multi-screen results enabled by EdgeBlending and Color Matching functionality without relying on external devices. The line also includes products for gigantic displays in both vertical and horizontal formats such as a 103-inch plasma display and a 47-inch LCD monitor. Products in the Pro Monitoring and Controlling Display lines offer projector control and PDP control & monitoring software capable of controlling up to 2,048 displays via a LAN system. Image and sound can be adjusted. Users can switch to Input mode to monitor a device’s status via a web browser and instruct the device to turn on and off. Interested persons can experience Panasonic’s products with its sales representatives. For more information, contact the Panasonic Customer Relations Center: 02-729-9000 or http://panasonic.co.th
Products in the Pro 3D Entertainment Display line bring Panasonic’s top-notch 3D technology to the market. In home theatre, for example, the 3D Short Throw Projector is equipped with interactive functions. One of the highlights in this line is the PT-AE700E: 2,000 LM of brightness, a 300,000:1 contrast ratio that projects details even in dark situations, a conversion capacity from 2D to 3D, and a standby mode to help save energy (Low Standby). Products in the Pro Smart Solution Display line are designed especially for intelligent offices and modern factories, consisting of HD video
February 2012 67
In The News
New Christian Sanctuary Opens Its Sacred Doors Church of the Assumption, Pattaya
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aturday, 19th November, 2011, has been marked in golden letters in the history of the Diocese of Chanthaburi as a new Christian sanctuary opened its sacred doors in Pattaya to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ among thousands of Thai and foreign Christians in and around Chonburi and the resort city, sanctify the faithful and help them enjoy the redemptive graces of the Son of God.
Christened as the Church of the Assumption, Pattaya’s newest place of worship was formally inaugurated by the Diocesan Bishop Most Rev. Silvio Siripong Charatsri, Bishop Emeritus of Chanthaburi Most Rev. Lawrence Thienchai Samanchit and the founders of the church – Siam Motors President Dr. Phornthep (Peter) Phornprapha together with the Phornprapha family and Bangkok Bank Chairman Mr. Chatri (Andrew) Sophonpanich. Built with a budget of 60 million baht contributed by Siam Motors Group and Bangkok Bank, the Church of the Assumption incorporates innovative architectural concepts under the concept of a ‘modern building with a touch of Thai characteristics blended harmoniously with nature’. Featuring charming and contemporary design building, a residential complex and park, the church is situated on 21 (33,600 sq m) rai of land donated by the Thaworn-Usa Phornprapha Foundation. A total of 3,000 sq m of land has been allocated for the church building (1,500 sq m), stores (180 sq m), restrooms (100 sq m), pastors’ accommodation (700 sq m), workers’ accommodation (240 sq m) and the rest for parking space. Siam Motors has been carrying out a number of activities for the benefit of the Thai society inspired by the dedication of Dr. Phornthep and in the spirit of its visionary founder late Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha who had donated over 565 rai (904,000 sq m) to Thammasat University in Pattaya for the purposes of supporting education and religion and conservation of art and culture. As part of its efforts to improve the society, Siam Motors has dedicated a portion of its business profits through contributions to public charities as well as to fund its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, including creation of jobs and improvement of human resources. 68 February 2012
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In January 2010, Siam Motors and Phornprapha Family initiated the church project to improve the quality of spiritual life of Thai and foreign Christians living in Pattaya. Construction of the church was completed in August 2011. The church complex boasts of meticulous planning in relation to usage. Workers’ accommodation has been located next to the entrance for convenience in receiving visitors. The accommodation for pastors comprises of a t w o s to re y building that includes a religious office for accommodating visitors, drawing room, dining room, kitchen and four bedrooms. The church building can accommodate a congregation of over 200 people for ceremonial purposes and the surrounding area is also available as an additional space. Other features include the pastors’ sacristy and confession box. The interiors of the church have been designed in a unique way to blend with the surrounding nature so that people can view and enjoy beautiful scenery while seated inside. Floor-to-ceiling glass panes behind the altar showcase a giant cross and tall trees in the background forming a pleasant backdrop. High side walls of the church were designed so to dissipate heat from sunlight and create a sense of harmony. Outside the church building is an area for stores selling religious books, articles, souvenirs and refreshments with 20-30 seats to accommodate visitors. The restrooms, which have been designed to be showered with natural light, are situated away from the main building. In line with the concept, the area is well ventilated and surrounded by plants so that visitors can always enjoy a breath of fresh air. The first and only dedicated centre for Christians in Pattaya, the Church of the Assumption is not only beautiful but outstandingly modern unlike other places of worship. This sacred space to worship God is also a place where the children of God of all denominations can gather to conduct spiritual rites and worship Him in accordance with the Christian faith and pay respects to their Maker with love and joy. The Holy Eucharist was held soon after the solemn blessing of the church. Executive Music Director Dr. Kazuo Inoue, Music Director and Conductor Acharn Sarin Chintanaseri and the Choir Division members of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Thailand performed church songs. Noted singer and pianist Saksit (Tor) Vejsupaporn led a mini concert organised after the Mass.
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February 2012 69
Travel
‘10 Must Do Things in this Fascinating City That is constantly on the Move! Fly to Kuala Lumpur with Bangkok Airways – Asia’s Boutique Airline
Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital of Malaysia, is a fascinating city that is constantly on the move. It offers stunning architecture, an amazing array of cuisines, a broad variety of shopping and an exciting and varied nightlife. Anyone planning to spend some time in Southeast Asia should have KL on their itinerary. And the 10 must do things in KL are: 1. Shop till you drop. From swanky high-end malls along Bukit Bintang Street to roadside stalls in Chinatown, KL is a shoppers’ paradise!
Petronas Twin Towers. Go before sunset and watch as the city lights up and the skyscrapers turn to gold.
2. Explore Petaling Street in Chinatown and the nearby Central Market (a popular place for local handicraft). Petaling Street is an atmospheric outdoor market with hundreds of stalls selling a myriad of merchandise and food. Don’t forget to bargain!
7. Visit the historic Hindu temples in Batu Caves. Located 13 km north of KL, the Batu Caves are an intriguing place. A massive limestone outcrop houses a series of caves and cave temples. Get ready to climb the 272 steps to the main cave temple.
3. Stand at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. You can opt to walk across the Skybridge on the 47th floor (entrance is free and is on a first-come-first-serve basis; get there before 8am for the best chance of getting tickets).
8. Visit the Aquaria next to the Petronas Twin Towers for a preview of what to expect in the Malaysian seas.
4. Visit the KL Bird Park in the Lake Gardens. It’s one of the largest aviaries in the world. The Rhinoceros Hornbills are pretty impressive birds! 5. Take a walk along some of KL’s historic landmarks. Walk from the Moorish-inspired Old Railway Station, past the electric blue dome of the National Mosque to the Merdeka Square (Independence Square. The huge flag mast is the tallest in the world) and end at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers (the birthplace of KL). Don’t forget to visit one of my favourite mosques, the Masjid Jamek, that sits proudly at the edge of where the two rivers meet, and the nearby little India neighbourhood. 6. Go to the observation deck of the 421 m high KL Tower (Menara KL) for unbeatable views of the city. From here, you’ll have unparalleled views of the spires of the
9. Have an exotic meal at the food stalls along Jalan Alor (‘Jalan’ means street in Malay). Located parallel to Bukit Bintang street, Jalan Alor is often regarded as the heart of KL’s local cuisine. The hundreds of food stalls serve a mind-boggling variety of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Indonesian specialities. The atmosphere is electric and the many types of food available will leave the first-time visitor in a daze. Try the satay (lamb or chicken skewers served with a spicy peanut sauce) or the grilled stingray. 10. Take a ride on the KL Monorail for a different view of the city from above the trees. Bangkok Airways will operate a flight from Samui to Kuala Lumpur starting from 31 March 2012. For reser vation or more information, please visit www.bangkokair.com or contact the airline call center at 1771 or 02 270 6699. It’s time to get ready for endless hours of fun and action in KL! February 2012 71
Wine
& Dine
Best VUE in Town
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eave the workaday world behind, if just for an evening, and immerse your senses in the many delights that define this classy-cool nightspot. Primo tippling, superb dining and Skytrain-close — VUE Bar at Hansar Hotel Bangkok has it all. When your well-deserved party-time is at stake, picking out a place to spend that sacred night out is a critical factor in the evening’s goal of letting the good times roll. Luckily for those who can appreciate perfection in the art of chill, Hansar Hotel Bangkok has created VUE Bar, the relative newcomer hip-hangout at the heart of the Rajdamri area’s fast-growing hotel strip. VUE Bar’s designers have conjured up an invitingly modern, understated aesthetic that welcomes guests with abundant woods and sparingly elegant décor. A wrap-around bar looks out onto the comfortably-furnished outdoor deck, while tables in the lounge proper afford guests a welcome measure of privacy. The overall feel is one of casually elegant, earthy sophistication— a vibe that says good times happen here. …And happen they do, with nightly live musical entertainment providing an easy-listening backdrop to the muted din of mingling and conversation that enwraps the softly lit lounge and bar areas like a warm cashmere sweater. Monday evenings see guitar duo and former Grammy recording artists Seksun ‘Oh’ Panprateep and Chaichat ‘Chat’ Srisupwattana take to the stage for a set that includes their well-known hits, plus classic western favorites of just about every music genre. 72 February 2012
When it comes to liquid reasons for clinking glasses, VUE Bar does not disappoint, with full range of premium spirits, vintage wines and cocktails, including the signature must-try ‘Mekjito’. This taste-tingling take on the popular ‘Mojito’ (pronounced mo-HEE-to, for those unfamiliar) is a delicious, not to mention eye-catching, mint / herb-infused libation with a twist: it’s fortified with a splash of Thailand’s own Mekhong rum, giving the drink a finish that packs an unmistakably Thai-style kick. Pleasantly potent and delightfully refreshing, the ‘Mekjito’ goes down smooth and makes for one heckuva conversation starter. Chaiyo (...Indeed)! Everyone knows food and drink go together like— well, Tom & Jerry, Rest & Relaxation or Harley & Davidson. Not to imply that there’s anything wrong with a night out bereft of a bite to eat, but once you take a peek at the menu from any of Hansar Hotel’s eateries, chances are you’ll quickly surrender to the tantalizing gastronomic temptations therein. Eve Restaurant offers meticulously prepared French Provençal cuisine, including signature dishes Pacific Ocean Snow Fish and Wagyu Beef Short Rib. At Café Boca you’ll find an alluring selection of Thai favorites like recommended dishes Northern-style Khao Soy noodles and Massaman Curry, along with an impressive selection of gourmet sandwiches, which you can tailor to your personal tastes from a wide choice of bread / spread / filling options. Or if you’re not quite in the mood for a full-on repast, VUE Bar offers a selection of snacks that perfectly
complement your preferred refreshment. Chicken Satay, Shrimp Spring Rolls and golden-fried potato curls are just some of the modishly presented sip-andnibble dishes on the menu at VUE. What’s more — as Assistant Manager Nicolas Gygi tells RBSC ELITE — you don’t even have to leave your table or barstool to enjoy this epicurean adventure. “Our guests at VUE Bar can order anything from these outlets, and we’ll serve you right where you sit.” And speaking of service, the casually but smartly attired staff are affable, professional and attentive in a confident, easygoing way that gives the lobby-side venue a warm and friendly ambience. And as if the convenience, great food and top-notch service weren’t enough, Hansar provides ample incentive to further explore their menus with a host of enticing promotions and specials, read on… Early-bird VUE Bar patrons enjoy Buy 1, Get 1 Free on all drinks during Happy Hour from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, while Singha Draught Beer is just 100++ Baht per glass from 8:00 pm till closing time. Or ask the barman to shake up one of their celebrated ‘Mekjito’ cocktails for the regular price of just 250++ Baht. And on Monday VUE Nights, from 5:30 pm onward enjoy Buy 1, Get 1 Free on selected drinks.
Meanwhile, Thursday is Ladies’ Night at EVE Restaurant, where every group of 4 gals gets their choice of a free bottle of Prosecco sparkling wine or complimentary dessert. And to add a touch of chance to the evening’s festivities, the winner of our Ladies’ Night Lucky Draw gets a 30% discount, good for her next visit. For those very early-birds, Café Boca offers ½-off on all take-away beverages a n d 2 5 % o f f a l l t a ke - a w a y f o o d between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., plus ½-off on all pastr y items from 6:30 p.m. onwards. Exquisitely located, VUE Bar is nestled down a quiet soi just a stone’s throw from the BTS Rajadamri station and the city’s venerable Royal Bangkok Sports Club. With its stimulating atmosphere, unforgettable food, exemplary service and way cool chill-out character, this gem-of-a hangout is simply too good to miss. So pay a visit to the VUE, have a drink, tuck into a memorable dining experience and by all means — enjoy the VUE! February 2012 73
nt
Equipme
February 2012 75
Wheels
2012 Awaits the Entry of SSC Tuatara, the Fastest Car in the World! 2012 awaits the entry of the newest offering from Shelby Super Cars (SSC), the 2012 SSC Tuatara. This car is aimed to unseating the Bugatti Veyron SS as the fastest car in the world. Jerod Shelby, founder and CEO of SSC, unveiled the Tuatara in the presence of a few people from the industry. Jerod Shelby is not related to Carroll Shelby, the legend behind all those muscle cars. The name of this supercar is derived from the Maori language that describes a resident reptile from New Zealand, Tuatara, means “peaks at the back.” Shelby and his team of 16 engineers have put their skills together to produce a high performance production vehicle in the SSC Tuatara by highlighting this rear wheel drive, 1,350 horsepower speedster. SSC produced the Ultimate Aero that was able to topple the record established by the Bugatti Veyron. In 2007, the Ultimate Aero TT had a run of 256 mph on a four mile stretch of a Texas carriageway. The Volkswagen owned Bugatti, not to be denied, came back with the Veyron SS (Super Sport) and clocked a record 267 mph. With the Tuatara, Shelby SuperCars intends to reclaim that distinction of being the fastest car in the world, by aiming for a record setting 275 mph. 78 February 2012
Performance As for the engine, Jerod Shelby’s team of engineers has come up with a rear wheel drive, quad cam (four valves per cylinder OHC), twin turbo V8 engine. This 7 Liter engine produces 1350 HP and revs up to 9000 rpm. Braking is aided by traction control, ABS with servo assistance, and the use of carbon ceramic brakes by Brembo. It comes in at 2646 lbs (1200 kgs) curb weight, which puts it at 1407 lbs (638 kgs) lighter than the Veyron. Little, if any, change has been done on the suspension in which SSC keeps the coil over setup intact along with the triple plate carbon clutch mechanism. Expectations are high on this new SSC Tuatara, with all those horses; zero to sixty mph should come in under 2.8 seconds. It has been claimed that its top speed will be at 275 mph, hang on to your seats for the final results. Exterior The body design of the Tuatara was rendered by Jason Castriota, an Italian-American designer who has been instrumental in creating some of the best looking
cars in the world. Among his creations include the best in the industry, Bertone, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Pininfarina. Castriota was unsure whether he wanted to take on the challenge presented to him by Jerod Shelby in designing this latest from SSC. When he did take up the challenge, the result has become the ideal in combining form and function. The black teardrop shaped canopy splashed amid the white body provides a contrast in style and power. The classic shape allows it for a minimum of drag. Dihedral stabilizers (wings) add to the Tuatara’s performance and look. The winglets located in the rear not only improve aerodynamics, but also keeps the car together as it speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Body and chassis are made of carbon fiber, except for those impact areas in the front and rear of the Tuatara. It also has oval cut outs in varying sizes that help release heat produced by the engine through the body. The Tuatara features an F-1 looking exhaust that functions as a diffuser in the rear. When looking down at this low slung supercar, the Tuatara can seem intimidating.
not been completed. It will have the necessary features in driving a two seater, such as the seatbelts and auto air-conditioner. Speculation has it that the inside of the Tuatara will live up to its reputation in addition to providing easy viewing and access LCD central displays. The Competition There is little competition in this area of supercars. The SSC Tuatara is expected to be priced at $970,000, while the Bugatti Veyron SS rings the bell at $2.4 million. If you have extra to spend, the other potential alternative is the Koenigsegg Agera, $1.5 million. Whichever way you go, you have an international choice at your disposal; the SSC Tuatara from the USA, Bugatti Veyron SS from Germany, and the Swedish Koenigsegg Agera. Whether you’re looking for a showroom vehicle or one for the racetrack, chances are the Tuatara will push its competitors once again to the limits, watch for this fastest evolving DNA creation from SSC.
Interior No one really knows what to expect what the interior of the Tuatara will look like. The total interior design has
Specifications Vehicle Type:
SuperCar
Base Price:
$970,000.00
Engine:
7-liter quad cam, twin turbo V8
Horsepower:
1350 hp
Max RPM:
9000 rpm
Curb Weight:
2646 lbs (1200 kg)
Displacement:
7-liter
Aspiration:
Turbo
0-60 mph:
2.8 seconds
Projected Maximum Speed:
275 mph (442 kmh) (Not yet tested!)
February 2012 79
Promotion
RBSC ELITE Promotion Lucky Draw Held Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s young golfer Phattadon ‘Ink’ Sucharittanonta has won a fabulous gift from Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd. – Daikin Photocatalytic Air Purifier – in a lucky draw held as part of the RBSC ELITE Promotion. It may be recalled that RBSC ELITE announced the grand prize, which is worth more than 16,000 baht, under the promotion for the months of January and February 2012. The air purifier (Model MC707BFVM) is designed to removes dust, eliminate pollen, purify air of smoke and unpleasant odours, deactivate germs and bacteria, capture pet hair and other particles and break down harmful pollutants.
To win this fabulous gift, the magazine’s readers were asked to answer the question: Name the room air-conditioner models currently offered by Siam Daikin? The correct answer is: There are 7 room airconditioner models - Daikin Inverter R-410a, Daikin Inverter R-22, Wide Cool, FTE series, Super Multi Inverter, Siesta and Compax Cool. RBSC Golf Committee Convenor Mr. Garrick Law picked Nong Ink as the winner in a draw of lots organised at the Club House, while Golf Captain Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod presented the Daikin Air Purifier to the lucky winner on 25 February. 60 February 2012
Wellness
How to Enjoy Restful Sleep And Make Sleepless Nights a Thing of the Past
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leeping is considered as a time for recharging both mind and body after a long day. If you feel excessively sleepy during the day (EDS), fatigued, or are snoring, feel less alert or depressed though you have slept for a long period of time, you may be exhibiting the signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a sleep disorder characterised by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep. This may occur many times a night and for many hours. The disorder will cause the oxygen saturation to be lower than normal. Research shows that OSA can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart attack and heart failure if left untreated. According to Dr. Ranee Siravisidporn, Ear Nose Throat Specialist at BNH Hospital, a sleep test or polysomnography (PSG) should be done to monitor pulse oximetry (O2), brain waves (EEG), heartbeat (EKG), chest movements and eye movements. The test is usually done at a hospital. Unfortunately what usually happens is that a patient finds it uncomfortable to sleep in the hospital’s sleep laboratory and as a result the PSG equipment is not able to detect the proper signals. Fortunately, today’s medical technology allows you to have the test in your own bed in the comfort of your own home where you can feel truly relaxed. The test is done with a watch-like device called Watch-PAT 200. This FDA-approved diagnostic device can be set at your fingertips or on your arm to monitor the position of your sleep patterns and your eye movements. The device uses innovative technology to ensure the accurate detection of sleep apnea. Its ease of use is unparalleled and it is greatly complemented by the fact that testing is done in the comfort of your own bedroom - an environment that best reflects the pattern of your sleep habits. The device monitors changes in peripheral arterial tone (PAT) and activity, as well as in blood oxygen saturation levels. It also identifies sleep apnea problems just like the equipment used in polysomnography (PSG) sleep studies performed
in hospital sleep laboratories. Once the device is returned, the physician is then able to obtain an immediate detailed sleep report. This instantaneous report permits the initiation of sleep apnea treatment without delay!
Dr. Ranee Siravisidporn
February 2012 81
Money Matters
Minimise Your Tax Liability for the Current Year - By Suthipong Sucharittanonta, CFPTM In Thailand, the personal income tax has to be paid by the end of March of every year. However, this year, 31 March is Saturday. Therefore, the last day that you can pay tax is Monday 2 April. For working people, they need to prepare the tax planning exercise and be aware of the various benefits that they can avail of. The following tax planning tips can help salaried people minimise their tax liability: 1. Take full advantage of Tax Credits. After calculated your taxable income, focus on various tax credits that can help reduce your tax. 2. For married working couple, his and her income tax should be calculated and filed separately to lower the tax base. 3. Invest in financial instruments designed to help you save tax such as a provident fund, retirement mutual fund (RMF), long term equity fund(LTF). RMF and LTF can reduce tax up 15 % of income or 500,000 baht for each fund. In additions, capital gains from selling mutual fund and securities in the Stock Exchange of Thailand are not subject to tax. An interest paid for housing loan can also be dutucted. 4. Eligible contributions for charity, educational institution and donation for helping flood victims can be deducted. All receipts can be attached when filing the tax form.
5. Life insurance premium can be deducted up to 100,000 baht and 200,000 baht for the life insurance retirement saving plan. Special Tax Benefits for 2011 1. Every first-time home buyer is eligible for a tax deduction of up to 10 percent of property price, but not exceeding 500,000 baht. To be eligible for this deduction, the house must have been bought and the title deed transferred between 1 September 2011 and 31 December 2012. 2. Similarly, first-time car buyer who purchases vehicles between 1 October 2011 and 31 December 2012 are eligible. The vehicle engine must not be more than 1,500cc or a double-cab pick-up truck with an unlimited engine capacity but not exceeding one million baht and must be manufactured in Thailand. A buyer must be at least 21 years old. A refund of the excise tax deduction can be received up to one year after the purchase, but must not exceed 100,000 baht. The tax refund payment will start on 1 October 2012. The ownership of the new vehicle has to be retained under the buyer’s name for at least five years. 3. Those who were affected by the recent flood are eligible for a deduction of tax up to 100,000 baht for repairing their homes that damaged by the flooding during 25 July-31 December 2011. The property must be located in disaster zones declared by the Government. Moreover, the owner of a car that has been damaged by the flood waters can avail of a deduction of up to 30,000 baht for repairs. The car must have been damaged by flooding during 25 July-31 December 2011. The owners must be a resident in the declared disaster area. Finally, calculate your tax carefully and see how much you can save for 2011. Then, prepare ahead for this year on what to do to save more tax such as invest more in a mutual fund designed to help you save tax, buy a life insurance scheme, or make more contribution.
82 February 2012